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'^^\ The Brethren ^r ^ * j
EvciHgelist
^. January 1979
/ -'-
The Brethren Encyclopedia
A joint project of five Brethren bodies:
The Church of the Brethren, The Brethren Church,
The National Fellowship of (Grace) Brethren Churches,
The Dunkard Brethren, and The German Baptist Brethren.
The encyclopedia will include:
— A list of congregations and mission stations of all
Brethren bodies
— Statistical tables
— Maps and charts
— A chronology of Brethren-related events
— An annotated bibliography
— A statement and history of doctrine and faith
— Other useful data of our general heritage
— Plus much more; 6,000 items already scheduled!
3 volumes, to be completed by 1983
Donald F. Durnbaugh, Editor
Brethren representatives on the Editorial Board:
Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff, Rev. Brad Weidenhamer
Cost: $150,000
($50,000 already in the bank)
The Brethren Church has a financial obligation
(The 1978 General Conference approved a recommendation that
the Brethren Church become a part of the publication
of this Brethren Encyclopedia.)
Send gifts to:
The Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc.
6611 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19119
The Brethren Evangelist
y ^ The Breihren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
One year subscription rates: $6.00 for
100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists
of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual
subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents
Change of address: Please notify us at
least three weeks in advance, using the
form provided in each issue.
Authors' views are not necessarily those
of the Brethren Church or the Brethren
Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
dressed to the editor. A writer's packet
with query tips is available upon written
request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome.
However, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for return of unsolicited
material not accompanied by a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Second class postage paid at Ashland,
Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to
the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Co
ver
"He giveth snow like wool"
Psalm 147:16. As God covers
the earth with snow, so His love
covers His people. Read of
God's unlimited love on page
27.
Vol. 101. No. 1
January 1979
4 The Brethren Evangelist:
Beginning Its Second Century
As the Brethren Evangelist begins its 101st year, a new feature
is being introduced in the magazine.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
5 The Signs of Our Times
According to Smith Rose, to be prepared for the eighties we
must see and understand the signs of our times.
7 Four Priceless Gifts You Can Give Your Church
Dr. Win Am asks us to consider what we can do for Christ
and His church.
10 New Call to Peacemaking:
Statement of the Findings Committee
A distillation of the resolutions and recommendations developed
at the New Call to Peacemaking conference.
Ashland Theological Seminary
12 The Seminary and the Church
Dr. Joseph Shultz considers the mutual benefits and respon-
sibilities of the seminary /church relationship.
14 Why I Am a Student at
Ashland Theological Seminary
Three seminary students tell how God led them to Ashland.
16 Two New Classrooms Planned
Because of the significant growth of the seminary, two new
classrooms are needed.
Departments
18 The Salt Shaker
19 Update
26 Books
27 Finally, Brethren
January 1979
The Brethren Evangelist:
Beginning Its Second Century
As the Brethren Evangelist begins its lOlst year, a new
feature is being introduced in the magazine.
WITH this month's issue of the Brethren
EvangeUst, the magazine enters its
101st year. As the motto at the top of page
3 states, the Brethren Evangelist is ''Be-
ginning its second century of ministry to
Christ and the Brethren Church."
As the Brethren Evangelist begins its
second century, we want to remind our-
selves and you of the purpose of our
denominational magazine. That purpose is
stated in the editorial policy accepted by
the Board of Trustees of the Brethren
Publishing Company in September of 1978.
The purpose of the Brethren Evangelist is
to help our readers become effective disciples
of Jesus Christ and responsible, active par-
ticipants in the life, thought, and ministry
of the Brethren Church.
To fulfill this purpose, the magazine will:
1) present a biblically-based content that
motivates readers to make application to their
daily lives; 2) give updated information on
the ministries of the Brethren Church; and
3) provide a forum for the interchange of
varying viewpoints for the upbuilding of the
church as a whole and of its members as
individuals.
In the year that is before us, we will
attempt to carry out this policy to the best
of our ability.
As the Evangelist begins its 101st year,
we are also beginning a new feature in the
magazine. This new feature is a series of
articles under the series title Prospectives
for the Eighties. This series will continue
throughout 1979.
The idea for this series of articles came
from the former Managing Editor of the
Evangelist, Ronald W. Waters. The purpose
of the series is to stimulate us to think
about what faces us as Christians and as
a Brethren Church in the decade ahead.
What are the problems and possibilities
before us in the 1980s? What changes do
we need to make as individuals and as a
church in order to serve Christ more
effectively in the next ten years?
Each month's Perspectives for the
Eighties will be written by a different per-
son in the Brethren Church. The first
article in the series, which begins on the
following page, was written by Rev. Smith
Rose, Executive Secretary for the Brethren
Church.
In order for this series of articles to be
of greatest benefit, we encourage you to
respond to them. If your thoughts are
stimulated by one of these articles — if you
have something to add or a different point
of view to offer — we want to hear from
you. Or if you have a suggestion for an
area of church life that you think should
be explored in one of the articles, we want
you to tell us.
If you simply want to comment on what
someone else has written, then send us a
letter to the editor. If, however, you wish
to express your opinions more fully on a
subject raised by one of the articles, the
''As I See It" column provides a forum for
the sharing of opinions. Of course, the
editors of the Evangelist reserve the right
to edit all contributions and to determine
those which will be printed.
According to the editorial policy of the
Brethren Evangelist, in order to fulfill its
purpose the magazine will "provide a forum
for the interchange of varying viewpoints
for the upbuilding of the church as a whole
and of its members as individuals." It is
our hope that Prospectives for the Eighties
will stimulate an interchange of thinking
which will indeed contribute to the upbuild-
ing of the Brethren Church and its mem-
bers in the 1980s. R.C.W.
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
The Signs of Our Times
According to Smith Rose, to be prepared for the eighties
we must see and understand the signs of our times.
WE ARE CALLED to live in cata-
strophic but challenging times. The
eighties will require of each of us a vital,
personal faith. We might well ask ourselves,
How prepared are we to meet the challenges
before us?
But you may say, **We don't even know
what's ahead or what's expected of us. How
can we be prepared?"
Is there no way we can anticipate the
future? Are there no signs of the times?
In Jesus' day the Jewish leaders were
asking for a special sign from heaven. Is
our attitude similar? Jesus said to the Jew-
ish leaders, ''O you hypocrites, you can dis-
cern the face of the sky; but can you not
discern the signs of the times?" (Matthew
16:1-4). By observing the sky they could
foretell the next day's weather, but they
were unable to see the signs of their times.
And yet, the Scriptures, the ministry of
Jesus, and the events of their day were
the only signs they were going to be given ;
they were the only signs they needed.
We have the same kinds of signs today.
We will deserve a similar rebuke if we do
not see these signs and seek to understand
them. On the other hand, if we observe
these signs, we will gain an understanding
of our times and will be challenged to find
ways to minister for Christ in the changing
conditions we anticipate.
The Scriptures alert us to some of the
signs and trends that may be expected in
any age. Paul's warning to Timothy
(II Timothy 3:13) that evil men would be-
come worse and worse still applies. We see
this happening today. It is very evident in
the political realm — in such things as
Rev. Smith Rose is Executive Secretary for the
Brethren Church.
assassinations, invasions, and governmental
overthrows, which are occurring with in-
creasing frequency. The growing degen-
eracy of man is statistically verified by the
increased numbers of crimes, abortions,
and cases of abuse of children and mates.
In America, where we have been trained
to support the idea of freedom to worship,
we had not thought of that worship being
to anyone but God. But instead it has been
turned to the worship of almost everything
but God! One of the most significant signs
of our times is the amazing growth of false
religions — the cults, Eastern religions, the
"isms" (including atheism and demonism),
astrology, witchcraft, etc.
A tendency which seems to be common
to all of us is that of putting unpleasant
things out of our minds as quickly as pos-
sible. This makes it impossible for us to
properly evaluate or even recognize the
signs we have and what they may mean.
It is one of God's blessings to man that the
human spirit is able to face all kinds of
difficulties and quickly recover from them.
This is certainly much more effective when
it is based upon a complete trust in God.
But on the other hand, there is the danger
that unless something affects us personally,
we will forget it too soon. Take the tragic
mass suicide in Guyana, for example. When
this article is read, that tragedy will be but
a fading memory. Yet that episode had a
multiple significance, if we are alert to
grasp its lessons.
We should have noted, for example, the
depth of this group's commitment. It was
a commitment to the death. Even though
they were deceived, these people were
seeking something to commit themselves
to. How tragic that this commitment was
to a man and not to God.
(continued on next page)
January 1979
''The eighties will be a time when Satan accelerates his
attacks upon the church and upon Christian people/'
We should also have noted the need these
people expressed to have someone con-
cerned for them — someone to care for
them. It mattered not that they were some-
times misused and abused. Then there is the
lesson here that these people not only died,
they were lost eternally. This was the
greatest price they paid. Yet think — they
could have had commitment, love, concern,
and salvation in the church.
Much
IS wrong in our wor
Id
In no area of our lives do we escape the
awareness that much is terribly wrong in
our world. We are constantly informed of
the ills in our world by television and radio
broadcasts, newspapers, magazines, bill-
boards, and other means of mass commun-
ication. We might say, "We don't know
what's coming." But if we read the signs
of our times, we can know! Let's look at
some other signs.
Economically the church can expect to
get along on far less financal support in
the years ahead. This will be due in part
to the fact that congregations will be re-
duced to those members for whom the
church has first priority. Inflation will also
be a factor. In fact, inflation has already
begun to make this condition evident in
many congregations. The church and its
members will also be forced into a simpler
lifestyle in order to conserve natural
resources. This simpler lifestyle will be the
result of personal conviction as well as
general necessity.
Politically, governments have never been
more unstable. In the eighties increasing
unrest will demand strong, dictatorial type
governments, resulting in a loss of personal
and religious freedom.
Church influence will decrease in our
nation as ''separation" movements erode
and attack the church's privileges and tax
exemptions. The very visibility of the evan-
gelical church with the consequent influ-
ence it now enjoys will but serve to accen-
tuate more clearly its vulnerability to
attacks from every quarter.
Socially, the apathetic tolerance the
church has received is changing to skepti-
cism and growing opposition. The general
moral heritage of America has all but
leached out of public life. Every contradic-
tory religious incident will be blown out of
proportion and laid at the door of the
church. The Guyana incident, for example,
was the most reported newsstory of 1978.
I hope it is obvious to each of us that
some specific trends are developing for the
eighties. Certainly we cannot predict the
time, the exact form, the frequency, or the
severity of the temptations and trials that
will come to God's children in the next
decade. But come they will, and at an accel-
erating tempo. Satan's avowed purpose is to
take over all the people in this world. People
are his means of getting his aims accom-
plished. He even tried to get Jesus to follow
and to worship him. How then can any of us
feel that he is not out to get us?
We must be personally prepared
With the evidence we have of Satan's
desire to control and use us, we must be
on our guard and be personally preparing
for the continuing conflict. In John 17,
Jesus speaks of His disciples as being '*in
the world" but ''not of the world." He did
not pray that His disciples be removed
from the world, but that they be kept from
evil. His petition would likewise apply to
Christians today. It is imperative that we
know what resources God has provided for
us in our struggle with Satan and the world,
and that we put these resources to use with
the perception and wisdom He has given us.
These are challenging times because they
demand that we call upon resources greater
than our own in order to help those around
us. These are challenging times, also, when
we remember that God has placed us here
in order to fulfill His plans for our world.
It is a difficult time, but it is also a well-
known fact that people are most reachable
and most capable of making life-changing
decisions during a time of crisis.
We can be most effective when we give
careful consideration to the signs we see
around us and when we interpret these
signs in the light of God's Word. This
creates within us a sense of calmness and
an awareness of God's movement in even
the minute affairs of daily life. This puts
continued on page 9
The Brethren Evangelist
/?,
our
IPricel
ess
gifts
f i^<^
tjimiiiijiiinfliiiyiti ■
Tom e.
an >^ive lour
Tc
mrch
by Dr. Win Arn
A GROWING number of people are
finding their church to be a spiritual
reservoir of renewal and strength, a refer-
ence that gives their lives focus, balance,
direction, and hope. They look to their
church as a place that provides spiritual
and moral training for their children, a
caring group of Christian friends, corporate
worship experience, plus an opportunity
for meaningful service.
It is also a widely held, and generally
accurate, belief that practicing Christians
are better able to cope with personal prob-
lems of life through a strong faith, nur-
tured through their church. Ask any in-
volved and ''alive" Christian what his
church means to him and he will easily
recite the benefits of being an active mem-
ber in his congregation.
During his 1960 inaugural address, John
Kennedy struck a responsive chord in the
nation's conscience when he declared, '*Ask
not what your country can do for you, but
ask what you can do for your country."
However, few Christians involved in their
local church have seriously considered the
religious paraphrase to that statement . . .
''Ask not what your church can do for
you, but ask what you can do for Christ
and your church." Here are four important
gifts you can give your church in apprecia-
Dr. Win Arn is President of The Institute for
American Church Growth.
tion for what Christ and your church have
given to you.
1. Discover and use your Spiritual Gifts.
The New Testament is clear in its teach-
ing that "... each of us has been given
his gift, his due portion of Christ's bounty
. . . 'He gave gifts to men' ... to equip God's
people for work in His service, to build up
the Body of Christ" (Eph. 4:7-13, NEB).
Paul also says, "I would not have you ig-
norant of spiritual gifts" (I Cor. 12:1).
And Peter reiterates that every Christian
has received a gift (I Peter 4:10). To take
seriously this biblical concept of each Chris-
tian as a unique, contributing member of
the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:5) could set
in motion a "spiritual revolution" in your
church that would bring an outpouring of
God's blessing through new growth and
vitality.
As one who has served as a "midwife"
in seeing scores of churches come alive in
new growth and outreach, I know that
when those in a congregation identify and
apply their gifts, the whole body grows.
But the opposite is also true, that a con-
gregation which allows its members to be
"unemployed" in using their gifts will
decline and eventually perish.
What is true of the congregation is also
true of the individual. A person who has
found and is using his unique gift is pro-
ductive, fulfilled, and contributing to body
growth and development. The individual
(continued on next page)
January 1979
7
''It is of little value for a church to reach out to others
if those who are won are not integrated into the
congregation/'
not using his gift will be spiritually frus-
trated and will seldom experience real per-
sonal growth and development.
As more and more individuals identify
their gifts, have them confirmed by others
in the congregation, and apply their unique-
ness in service, the church is immeasurably
enriched and strengthened.
2. Influence your *'web'' of friends and
relatives.
Imagine your church being a large water
tank, from the bottom of which a one-inch
pipe is always flowing. People leave through
this "pipe" in your church by death, by
transferring out, and by reversion (falling
away through indifference.) In some de-
nominations the policy used to be to move
ministers every year. Now the ministers
stay . . . the people are moving! In the
average American congregation 40% to
60% of the members have changed resi-
dence, and therefore churches, in the last
3 years. To replace and add to our water
tank we must have a 2-inch pipe flowing
in the top.
How do people come into a relationship
with Christ and the church?
I have asked that question to over 8,000
people throughout America in the last 2
years. The results have been strikingly
consistent :
4-6% of those surveyed indicated that
they were 'Valk-ins." One Sunday
they visited, stayed, and are now a
part of that congregation. (Usually
in their background there is some
identification with the denomination
of the church they walked into.)
6-8% listed the ''minister" as the rea-
son they are now in Christ and that
church.
2-4% listed the church program as the
major factor . . . perhaps a young
single group, a recreation program,
or a special interest group.
1-2% listed ''visitation." Someone
:. called and because of that they are
now part of that fellowship.
3-6% indicated the Sunday school as
the major reason.
.0001% listed some evangelistic cru-
sade or television program.
70-90% listed the reason they came
to Christ and their church as being
friends or relatives.
The fact is clear . . . church growth is
related to present members influencing
their friends and relatives. Since biblical
days the church has grown most effectively
through natural "webs" . . . people with
some social or family ties to each other.
Within this group of friends and relatives,
a person's ability to influence is far greater
than outside the "web."
But why influence one's friends and
relatives for Christ and the church? We
do it in obedience to Christ's command to
"go and make disciples," and because of a
loving concern that those close to us know
the joy and fullness of life in Christ and
the Body. Influencing your friends and
relatives for Christ is the second precious
gift you can give your church.
3. Keep your circle open.
In every church — regardless of size —
visitors and new members must be assim-
ilated into the congregation if they are to
become an active and contributing part of
that congregation. This is most effectively
done by incorporating them into a small
group (a fellowship circle, task group,
Bible study, etc.) where they are known
personally, know others personally, and
feel a sense of belonging.
While most Christians would agree in
theory to this principle, there is a marked
tendency in practice for such groups to
close themselves off to others, especially
"newcomers." Churches may consider
themselves to be quite friendly, but many
times this friendliness is shown more to
one another than to the "stranger."
In my own experience, I vividly recall
being an "X" in a congregation. An "X" is
one who is a member of the church, but not
integrated into any small group. I first
tried one group and then another. While
I was told I was welcome, I didn't feel that
I "fit." In this particular congregation of
people with Swedish backgrounds, the
Johnsons, the Svensons, the Larsons, the
Olsons, all seemed to fit; but the Schmidts,
the DiGiulios, the Garcias, and the Arns
were unable to "integrate." Following the
8
The Brethren Evangelist
worship service the Swedes hugged each
other, greeted each other ... in Swedish
. . . and went out to eat smorgasbord to-
gether. But no one hugged me or spoke
Swedish to me or invited me to the smor-
gasbord. Soon, like any **X" in a congre-
gation, I drifted out the back door.
It is of httle value for a church to reach
out to others if those who are won are not
integrated into the congregation. Give a
third priceless gift to your church by keep-
ing your circles open and encouraging
other circles to be open to these new
people.
4. Keep before you a vision of the
possibilities.
In a survey of pastors the question was
asked, ''What is your greatest desire for
your church?" The answer that appeared
more than any other was: *'For the lay
people to have a vision for growth and to
be involved in the process."
Perhaps the greatest discouragement a
pastor faces is a congregation without
vision: self-centered, self-satisfied, self-
occupied. In board and committee decision
making, a church group has a natural ten-
dency to take the ''safe way," which
usually translates into little risk, little ven-
ture, and little vision.
Many congregations have inadvertently
organized themselves on a "problem base."
"Where will we find enough Sunday school
teachers?" "How will we pay the bills?"
"Can we keep the doors open another
year?" The problems are endless, the solu-
tions tedious, and the service often joyless.
A far stronger and more effective base
is to organize the church and its com-
ponents around vision and possibilities. In
the ministry area of every congregation
there are numerous opportunities for effec-
tive ministry. These opportunities can be
seen and seized. One denomination encour-
ages all of its churches to have a "needs
committee" — a group of people actively
looking for needs to be met in their com-
munity, opportunities to be seized, and
ministries to be extended.
Seeing possibilities usually begins with
one person, then spreads to others. Being
that person in a congregation is the fourth
priceless gift you can give your church.
Jesus said, "I will build my church." Wc
become builders with Him by giving our
gifts. Not just our material gifts, for there
are gifts more precious than these. We
can give Christ and His church four price-
less gifts by discovering and using our
spiritual gifts, by influencing our web of
friends and relatives for the church, by
keeping our circles open, and by keeping
before us the possibilities of our church.
.!,.!-.;^4.^^.4,^4,4..j,^4.^4.4.4.^4.^.j,^^4.4.^^^4.4.^4.4.^^^4.4.^^^^^^^^4,^^4.^^^.^^^^^^.j,4.4,.j,^4,4..!.^^
The Signs of our Times
(continued from page 6)
US in a position to witness out of our own
experience of the love and trustworthiness
of God. But for these things to come to
pass and for God to be able to use us
effectively, we must begin to live out more
practically than ever before our own per-
sonal life of faith.
What is really involved is a complete
commitment of ourselves to the life that
God wants us to live each day. This means
that our faith must be personal. One of
the great weaknesses of the modern-day
church is that our faith is institutionally
oriented rather than personally oriented.
We depend on the Sunday school and the
church to teach us and our children, and
we accept little responsibility ourselves.
But institutional religion is not sufficient.
Our faith must be personal.
God wants to talk with you. He will not
do it through dreams or visions, but
through His Word. He can do this only as
you make it possible by reading and study-
ing the Bible regularly. God also wants you
to talk with Him. You can do this through
times of meditation and prayer. We need
to realize that anything (literally anythmg)
that concerns us concerns our Heavenly
Father as well. God wants to use you and
has prepared you by giving you gifts and
talents for His service. Allow Him to gain
glory through their use. As you use these
gifts, you will find that the gifts of other
Christians complement your own.
The eighties will be a time when Satan ac-
celerates his attacks upon the church and
upon Christian people. Knowing this, we
must choose whether or not we will prepare
ourselves, under God's guidance, to fulfill
all that He had in mind for us when He put
us into the world at this time.
We are the only ones who can set our
priorities straight. We cannot depend on
anyone else making our decision for us. God
has given us the wisdom and intelligence
to know what personal changes we need
to make. Only by making these decisions
can we see change and progress. To obey
God and to serve Him during the eighties
should be the solemn and complete commit-
ment of each one of us. □
January 1979
9
New Call to Peacemaking
tatement of the Findings Committee
Printed below is the first part of a Statement adopted by
consensus at the New Call to Peacemaking conference held
October 5-8, 1978, at Green Lake, Wisconsin. The Statement
represents a distillation of the resolutions and recommendations
developed by 27 small groups, each of which met four times
during the conference.
Rev. Doc Shank, Peace Coordinator of the Brethren Church,
was invited to attend this historic peace conference. He says,
"I accepted and am grateful for the opportunity to share in
such an assembly."
Rev. Shank submitted a copy of this Statement to the Brethren
Evangelist for publication. The printing of this Statement does
not mean that either the Peace Coordinator or the Brethren Pub-
lishing Company endorses it in its entirety. It is our hope that
it will be read carefully and with an open mind. Rev. Shank
notes, "My correspondence indicates a growing concern on the
part of Brethren on the issues herewith presented."
Your responses to this "Peacemaking Statement" are welcome.
You may direct them either to Rev. Shank or to the Brethren
Evangelist.
The remaining sections of the "Peacemaking Statement" will
be printed in upcoming issues of the Brethren Evangelist.
Introduction
FOR nearly 300 years, our churches,
Friends, Mennonites, Brethren, have
worked together for peace. Though we
differ in circumstances of historical and
ethnic origin and have varied doctrinal
emphases, we are united in our conviction
that peace is the will of God. This shared
conviction has led us to a principled resis-
tance to military service and to those insti-
tutions and influences which make for
violence. The same conviction drives us
continually to seek better ways of peace-
making.
In past periods of war and civil conflict
our churches have drawn together, both
emotionally and organizationally. We have
created agencies such as the National Ser-
vice Board for Religious Objectors (now
National Interreligious Service Board for
Conscientious Objectors) to aid young men
and women caught in the conscription
network. Our service agencies, American
Friends Service Committee, Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee, Brethren Service Commis-
sion, have often shared resources to meet
common problems.
We are now confronted by a new era of
danger, underscored by the increasing
divergence of wealth and poverty and the
threat of nuclear destruction. We have
come to a fuller understanding that peace-
making includes personal repentance and
participation in God's shalom — salvation,
wholeness, righteousness, and justice. Since
10
The Brethren Evangelist
'This conference has reaffirmed for us . . . our convic-
tion that love is the Christian response to violence in
the world/'
1977 we have been cooperating in New Call
to Peacemaking to try to do more ade-
quately together what none of our churches
can do alone. We have discovered a new
sense of community and oneness as more
than 1,500 of us have met in 26 regional
meetings across the USA. This phase of
our common activity has culminated in this
Green Lake conference. We see this not as
the end of our journey but as the beginning
stage of a continuing pilgrimage.
More than 300 of us have worked inten-
sively here to determine what we **can
affirm, proclaim, and do together." We have
met repeatedly in 27 working groups and
have experienced there unity, joy, and the
excitement and frustration of new ideas.
The presence of 22 fraternal delegates and
observers has enriched our meeting as they
have brought their testimonies and con-
cerns to us. Major addresses by Dale
Brown, Ron Sider, and Duncan Wood have
challenged, enlightened, and enhanced our
days together.
As a Findings Committee we have been
asked to seek those areas of greatest con-
vergence. For this reason many excellent
initiatives and statements by the small
groups are not reflected in this statement.
Findings
Strengthening the Local Base
''Blessed are the peacemakers, for they
shall be called the children of God" (Mat-
thew 5:9). This teaching of Jesus still
defines our task. Biblical imperatives and
the Spirit's presence are still our guide in
human relationships. This conference has
reaffirmed for us, through worship, lec-
tures, and discussion our conviction that
love is the Christian response to violence
in the world. Participation in and support
of war totally contradict our understanding
of the Gospel of Christ.
We have rediscovered that this under-
standing of peace must first of all be ex-
pressed in our congregations and meetings.
We need actions that are directed inward
to enhance the integrity of the peace wit-
ness and outward to enlarge the visibility
of the peace witness.
A. Peace Education
We urge a comprehensive program of
peace education in our congregations and
meetings. This will require:
1. A renewed openness to the Holy
Spirit.
2. Instruction in biblical foundations
for commitment to peace and
justice.
3. A reaffirmation of our peacemaking
heritage.
4. New worship and study aids for
all ages.
5. A new emphasis on peace and
justice concerns in denominational
publications.
B. Proclamation of the Peace Witness
We live in a nation which declares that
"In God We Trust." We beheve this affir-
mation is contradicted by all who claim
Christian faith while supporting war-
making. Believing that changed interna-
tional relations will grow out of commun-
ities of faith consisting of changed individ-
uals, we urge:
1. Local groups to engage in ecumen-
ical and public dialogue on peace
issues and to promote the peace
witness among community and
church groups through distribution
of New Call to Peacemaking ma-
terials, audiovisuals, mass media,
and other methods of interaction
and proclamation.
2. All evangelism efforts should in-
clude peacemaking as an integral
component of the Gospel.
C. Support Groups
We urge the development of support
groups within congregations and meetings
for those individuals who are working at
peace issues such as war tax resistance,
simple lifestyles, and nonviolent action.
D. Mediation Teams
We recommend the development of
mediation/reconciliation teams who can
assist in conflict resolution in families,
churches, the community and beyond. □
January 1979
11
ashland theological seminary
The Seminary and the Church
Joseph Shultz considers the mutual benefits and responsi-
bilities of the senninary/church relationship.
THROUGHOUT history the only success-
ful seminaries have been those related
to a church — and the only successful
churches have been those associated with
a successful seminary. The relationship of
a church and a center of training is a nat-
ural one. Christianity is a religion with
a written document containing not only
doctrine but historical facts. Therefore, it
requires a teaching/learning context for
its members.
The contemporary existential society
ultimately results in cults which are
suicidal. The tragedy in Guyana is an illus-
tration of this. These people had a ''sincere
faith," but one which was not grounded in
historical, documented, objective faith.
Genuine subjective faith must have a gen-
uine object. The seminary's role is to teach
this real, objective, historical faith — the
Bible — to the leaders of the church.
Ashland Theological Seminary has been
successful over the years because of its
relationship to the church. Particularly in
recent years the seminary has developed
successfully because the church and its
members have shared in the responsibilities
with their resources. These resources fit
primarily into three categories:
1) Students. This category is placed
first because it is the most important and
most needful. Local churches, pastors,
teachers. Laymen's organizations, and
homes are the ''grass roots" where qual-
ified men and women are encouraged to
consider the ministry. It is at the grass-
roots level that young persons get an image
of ministry — good or bad. It is also at the
grass roots level that they must be chal-
Dr. Joseph R. Shultz is Vice President of
Ashland College for the Seminary.
lenged to consider giving their lives to the
ministry.
2) Estate Plaiiiimg. Because of infla-
tion in the value of farm lands, homes,
stocks, etc., and because of the structure
of federal and estate taxes, it is critical
to the life of the church that its members
make careful plans concerning their estates.
Farms which were once purchased for
$20,000 to $25,000 are now worth hundreds
of thousands of dollars. Houses have also
increased significantly in value. Inflation
has caused a strain on incomes and cash
flows. Therefore, gifts now and in the
future will need to come through careful
estate planning — life estates, trusts, and
wills.
The seminary is thankful for the signifi-
cant gifts through wills, annuities, and
trusts that have endowed scholarships and
Kenn Goss (above) is student association presi-
dent at Ashland Theological Seminary. The
seminary now has an enrollment of 272 full-time
equivalent students.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
developed the campus. We hope to continue
the whole program of estate planning and
deferred giving.
3) Annual Fair Share Giving. The tui-
tion paid by any student in higher educa-
tion covers only one-third of the actual
costs of his education. All higher educa-
tional institutions need the annual finan-
cial support of constituencies like the
church. The church has been very generous
and faithful in making it possible for the
seminary to have a balanced budget for the
past number of years. The Fair Share Gift
of $5 per member is essential to a balanced
budget. Ashland Seminary is responsible
for its own balanced budget. Because of
the heavy indebtedness of the college, the
seminary must be totally responsible for
its financing.
A $5 Fair Share is ''fair"! We believe
this is a ''good bargain." Please continue
your Fair Share Giving and check your
church's budget concerning this year's gift.
Thank you for your generosity and your
continued support. Q
Jim Ray (foreground) gave up a career in pro-
fessional baseball to come to Ashland Theological
Seminary and prepare for Christian service.
Men and women of various ages and
backgrounds are studying at the seminary.
His family raised, Venus Arnold (far left)
came to Ashland from a pastorate near
Elkhart, Ind., to take theological training at
the seminary. Daniel Dieudonne' (center)
is from Haiti and is preparing for Christian
service in his country. David Vandenburg
(at right of photo) taught classics at Houghton
College, Houghton, N.Y., before becoming
a student at ATS. Mr. Vandenburg also
serves as a student assistant in Greek.
I, i
li 'i
The seminary student body includes 48 full- and
part-time women students. Sue White (above), a
member of the Park Street Brethren Church, will
receive her master of divinity degree tliis year. She
plans further training in preparation for a teacJiing
ministry.
January 1979
Why I am a Student at
Joe Kposowa
MY name is Joe Konia Kposowa, aged
twenty-five. I am originally from
Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Sierra Leone is a small country on the
west coast of Africa with a population of
three and one-half million people. The
country has a democratic form of govern-
ment with a president as head of state.
When I was in Sierra Leone, I attended
the United Brethren in Christ Mission
School from the first to the twelfth grade.
This school was located in my village,
where my father served as a tribal or para-
mount chief from 1942-1973, when he died
at the age of 83.
I came to the United States on July 14,
1974. I attended Salem College in Salem,
West Virginia, and graduated in the sum-
mer of 1978 with a bachelor of arts degree
in psychology, religion, and philosophy.
From May to August 1978, I also served as
an intern pastor at Iron Springs Brethren
in Christ Church in Pennsylvania as a part
of my degree requirement.
It has always been my aim to help in the
mission schools in my country, so I decided
to come to Ashland Theological Seminary
to earn a master of arts degree in religious
studies. I am planning to return home after
my seminary training and to work with
the United Brethren Mission.
I like Ashland Theological Seminary.
Ashland Seminary is not only concerned
with classroom education, but also with
the spiritual well-being of the students.
Even though there is no place like home,
I have always felt at home since I came
to the seminary. People have been so good
to me.
— Joe Kposowa
DECEMBER 30, 1977, on a cold, stormy
night, Pat and I took our eternal vows
and were pronounced man and wife. The
same night we left the western borders
of North Dakota to seek out a place called
Ashland, Ohio.
Before this time Pat and I had been
active in ministry — Pat had worked in a
Teen Challenge center and I had been a
youth pastor for two years in Michigan.
Our lives came together in Minneapolis,
Minn., where we were finishing our under-
graduate study.
Both of us felt a desire to attend sem-
inary, so we decided that we would try to
do it together. We found it difficult to find
a school to meet both our needs. Hearing
a good report of Ashland Theological Sem-
inary, we came to see for ourselves. We cer-
tainly weren't disappointed.
We found at Ashland Theological Sem-
inary a good, practical counseling program
for Pat and an impressive biblical studies
program for me. The spirit of love and
friendliness with which we were greeted
impressed us too. We felt this was the
school for us.
At times we have struggled because we
are both working and carry a full load of
classes. But we do enjoy being in school
as a couple and are happy to be at Ashland
Theological Seminary. We feel the Lord
has guided us here.
— Jim Sorum
Pat and Jim Sorum
14
The Brethren Evangelist
hland Theological Seminary
James Koontz
MY first thoughts about entering the
ministry began during my senior year
in high school. But as time passed, I
thought I could serve the Lord in other
ways rather than as a minister. During the
course of about six years this desire re-
curred several times, but I continued to
ignore it. Finally, during my senior year
in college the desire returned with even
greater intensity. I knew at that point I
was going to enter the ministry, but was
uncertain when and where.
In that uncertainty, I accepted a teach-
ing position in Waynesboro, Pa., and began
searching for a seminary. Having been
raised in the United Church of Christ, I
considered entering one of their seminaries.
As I was completing the application, I
asked God if this was where He wanted
me to go. If it wasn't, I wanted some indi-
cation of that fact. He gave me that
answer by having me stop filling out the
application.
During the spring of 1977 I joined the
Wayne Heights Brethren Church. It was
here that God really helped me grow
spiritually. That summer I had the oppor-
tunity to come to Ashland as a delegate
to the General Conference. During that
Conference I took a tour of the seminary.
I was very much impressed with what I
saw and heard.
Last winter I received application forms
from three different seminaries. After look-
ing over the catalogues of these seminaries
with much prayer, I felt led to fill out just
two of the application forms. I didn't feel
that I wanted to send in both applications
at the same time. I decided that I would
send in the applications one at a time until
I got a yes, praying that if the response to
the first were negative, I would receive it
in time to send out the other. With com-
plete confidence in God's help, I mailed in
my application to Ashland.
Soon after mailing my application, I re-
ceived a letter from the superintendent of
schools. This letter indicated that my teach-
ing position was being eliminated due to
lack of student enrollment. I felt God speak-
ing to me and saying, *'Just trust Me."
Shortly thereafter I received a letter of
acceptance from Ashland. Now I am part
of the student body here and am enjoying
it very much.
— James Koontz
What's your choice?
— To stay where you are now being successful?
— To choose a career which has a potential for making
you a success?
The church needs you
to tell the truth about Jesus.
The choice is yours. Talk it over with your pastor, or contact:
National Ministerial Recruitment Committee, c/o Charles Munson
910 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805
presented as a public service
January 1979
15
ashland theological seminary
Two New Classrooms Planned
WEST ELEl/Af [O M
Fifteen Years of Growth
Enrollment at Ashland Theological Seminary has
increased from 22 full-time students in 1963 to 272 full-time
equivalent students in 1978. Students from 130 colleges
and universities and six foreign countries are attending
Ashland. Students come to Ashland because:
"^Ashland is biblically conservative
^Ashland is evangelical in spirit
^Ashland is accredited.
Fifteen Years of Campus Development
The seminary campus has grown from one old mansion
to six beautifully landscaped acres from the Miller and
Myers estates. The campus includes the main seminary
building which houses the library, administrative offices,
classrooms, and the Brethren Archives; Ronk Chapel; and
apartment buildings for student housing. All of this was
acquired and built without debt.
16
The Brethren Evangelist
Fifteen Years of Graduates Around the World
Pastors, professors, church leaders, and missionaries
around the world are graduates of Ashland Theological
Senninary. The ultinnate goal of it all is effective Christian
leadership.
Providing Hope for the Future
Because of the significant growth of the senninary, the
original three classroonns are totally insufficient for the
expanded ministries of the schooL The proposed plan
shows two additional classrooms. The Board approved this
addition on a "cash basis" only. HELP!
FLOOi^ P L A Kl QR^PMiC SC^LE
^ \o
10
January 1979
17
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
r^'y ,-:
^ • • .
Use your imagination to enjoy a better life.
The Gift of Imagination
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE said, 'The
human race is governed by its imagina-
tion." There is tremendous power in
imagination. Most people who have enjoyed
some measure of success in Hfe have a
vibrant imagination. They beheve that
''What the mind can conceive and believe,
the mind can achieve."
To achieve a goal the mind must first
visualize that goal. A person must have a
mental picture of his goal before he ener-
getically pursues it. I happen to believe
that one of the greatest gifts given to man
is the gift of imagination. An imaginative
person will go a long way in this world.
In the older days the radio was the center
of attraction. In the evening the family
would sit around a radio and listen while
the program stimulated the imagination.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was
a master at using the radio. He stimulated
the imagination of Americans with his radio
"fireside chats." Television doesn't do as
much for you. In fact, television tends to
make the mind dull and stagnant.
Do you recall how as a child you played
for hours with one or two toys and a bushel
of imagination? Children allow their imagi-
nations to run riot, and it's good for them!
But as we grow older most of us cease
using our imaginations. Something terrible
happens when this occurs. When hope dies
nothing is left ! Imagination is the heartbeat
of hope.
The wonderful thing about imagination
is that you aren't confined to any time zone.
You can go into the past and walk the
streets of old Philadelphia with Benjamin
Franklin, or watch the battle of Waterloo
with the Duke of Wellington. You can even
zoom into the future, to the year 2000, and
use gadgets reserved for Flash Gordon!
No one can contain the imagination.
But the imagination is not only for the
world of fantasy. Children don't have a
corner on it. Anyone can use his imagina-
tion to become successful in life. Marcus
Aurelius said, "A man's life is dyed by the
color of his imagination." Albert Einstein
declared, "Imagination is more important
than knowledge." Charles Dickens always
"saw his stories before he wrote them
down." The artist Raphael said, "I simply
dream dreams and see visions, and then I
paint around those dreams and visions."
Be careful that you don't try to make a
carbon copy. Carbon copies always fail. I
grew up in the James Dean era. Dean was
a great actor who was killed in a traffic
accident.
I had a friend who looked like James
Dean. He was told this by several people
until he proceeded to act like James Dean.
He became a carbon copy of James Dean.
He read everything he could about this
actor, watched every movie he was in
dozens of times, and studied his every
move. No one had James Dean down better
than this friend — his hair style, his stance,
his looks, everything!
My friend wanted to be an actor. He
never made it. Today he's an orderly. He
failed in his goal because he chose to be
someone else and not himself. He allowed
his imagination to completely obliterate His
own personality. That always brings failure
in obtaining a goal.
God never made carbon copies. Look at
the success of others. Use them as models
if you wish, but be yourself. And strive to
become better than the model. □
18
The Brethren Evangelist
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
By the time you read this report, 1978
will be just a memory, leaving us with
failures and victories. I wonder how God
would evaluate our performance during
the past year? Some of the things we
thought were great successes he may
consider to be futile efforts in egocentric
satisfaction, and some of our least
esteemed efforts he may consider great
successes.
I do know that some of our churches
will again show losses in attendance and
some will show increases. This makes us
wonder why some fail and others succeed,
and it is here that we begin to determine
our effectiveness in proclaiming the mes-
sage of salvation through Jesus Christ. I
will hasten to say that somewhere there
may be a church with no opportunity for
growth — somewhere where everyone in
the church community is already a Chris-
tian! The possibilities for growth obvi-
ously do vary from community to com-
munity, but this does not relieve us of the
responsibility to harvest the area God has
assigned to us.
It seems to me that the basic formula
for church growth is contained in two
related statements, "I can," and "I will."
I realize that these statements would be
a good success formula in any aspect of
life, but I would like to think particularly
how they relate to the church.
"I can" envisions the desired result and
the possibility of reaching that goal. "I
can" is accepting the promise of Jesus
that He will go with us when we go into
the harvest fields and that He will give us
the necessary wisdom to effectively work
for Him. "I can" is the knowledge that
Jesus wants the lost saved, and the knowl-
edge that He has chosen us to fulfill that
task.
"I will" is the motivating force that
makes all our dreams reality. "I will" is
the reason behind careful planning. "I
will" drives us personally into the harvest
field of the world with the good news of
Jesus Christ. "I will" always finds a way
to complete what "I can" has envisioned.
(n Chronicles 7:14)
Brethren attend
discipleship consultation
Ashland, Ohio — Thirteen Brethren were among
180 people who attended an NAE sponsored
"Consultation on Discipleship" November 27-28 at
Chicago, Illinois. The program, planned by The
Evangelical Home Mission Association, an affiliate
of NAE, brought together top-notch speakers on
the topic of discipleship.
Dr. Robert Munger, a successful pastor now
teaching at Fuller Theological Seminary, spoke
on "Pastoral Leadership for Discipleship" and
"Enabling and Equipping the Laity for Disciple-
ship." Dr. Richard Halverson, long-term, nation-
ally-known pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church
in Washington, D.C., presented two excellent
lectures on "Modeling Discipleship — ^How the
Pastor Prepares to Model Discipleship" and "Eval-
uating Discipleship."
"Moving a Congregation into Discipleship: The
Holy Spirit, Motivation, and Goals in Discipleship"
was the concern of Dr. Thomas McDill, Minne-
apolis pastor and current president of the Evan-
gelical Free Church. His presentation contained
many practical ideas regarding the implementa-
tion of discipleship in the local church. Others
spoke on the biblical basis of discipleship and the
definition of discipleship. All presentations were
taped and are available through the NAE office
in Wheaton, 111.
Brethren attending the consultation were Brian
Moore, Eugene Beekley, Ralph Gibson, Marlin
McCann, Spencer Gentle, Jim Black, Jim Sluss,
Steve Swihart, Woodrow Immel, Steve Cole, Larry
and Candi Baker, and Arden Gilmer. Brethren
churches could profit by providing finances for
their pastors to attend similar types of "in service
training" opportunities.
— Arden E. Gilmer
Hope seen for China Christians
Richmond, Va. (EP News) — At least one China
observer predicts that Communist China soon will
recognize the presence of Christians in that
country.
Paul Kaufman, head of Asian Outreach, thinks
that pressures from within and without will make
it mandatory for mainland China officials to
recognize that there are Christians within their
borders. In some places in China, Christians meet
openly, Kaufman says, and some who had been
caught up in Communism are coming back to
Christianity.
January 1979
19
update
Receipt of a $20,000 bequest will enable the
Sarasota Brethren Church to pay off the indebted-
ness on its new sanctuary in 1979.
Sarasota First Brethren receives
$20,000 bequest
Sarasota, Fla. — The Sarasota First Brethren
Church has received a $20,000 bequest from the
estate of Lewis and Mildred Wilson of Peru, Ind.
The Wilsons faithfully attended the Sarasota
church during the winter months.
Upon the recommendation of the finance com-
mittee, the official board of the Sarasota church
designated that $10,000 of the bequest should go
for general expenses, including the church van
obligation, the radio ministry, and the General
Conference "fair share" apportionment.
The remaining $10,000 has been paid on the
principle of the church's indebtedness. Because of
this bequest and the faithful giving of the congre-
gation, the Sarasota church will be able to pay
off its remaining debt and burn its mortgage in
this new year.
Evangelical relief agencies
form association
Chicago, 111. (EP News) — Representatives of ten
evangelical relief and development agencies have
announced the formation of the Association of
Evangelical Relief and Development Organiza-
tions (AERDO). The organization brings together
these agencies for the purpose of addressing
common concerns and needs.
Organizations involved in forming AERDO were
World Relief of NAE, World Vision International,
Compassion International, Compassion/Canada,
Development Assistance Services, Food for the
Plans continue for new church
in Kansas City, Kans.
steps continue to be taken toward the establish-
ment of a Brethren church in Kansas City, Kans.
Plans are to locate a church on a twenty acre
tract of land west of Kansas City that has been
used by the Midwest District as the site for its
Camp Wyandotte.
Last October the Midwest District Mission
Board asked Arden E. Gilmer, national Director
of Home Missions, to make a general survey of
the area and report his findings to their
conference.
Gilmer discovered that population growth in
Kansas City is moving steadily toward the camp.
In addition a proposed interstate beltway (1-485)
around the greater Kansas City area will have a
major cloverleaf within one and one-half miles
of the camp, making the road past the camp an
access road to the beltway. City planners antici-
pate a population, industrial, and commercial
acceleration in the area when the beltway is com-
pleted, possibly by 1983.
In response to these findings the Midwest Dis-
trict Mission Board asked Gilmer to make a pre-
sentation regarding the Kansas City possibilities
in each of the Midwest churches. This was done
from December 1-6, 1978. The district also voted
to initiate a faith promise program for raising
finances for the project and to enter into a dili-
gent prayer effort for personnel.
The immediate concern is to begin a Brethren
witness in the area. A Brethren couple is being
sought who win respond to this vision, locate in
the house at the camp, secure employment, and
begin visitation and Bible studies in the western
part of Kansas City. The purpose of this approach
is to bring together a core group of 20-30 people
in anticipation of a full-time pastor coming to
the area. A bi-vocational pastor motivated to start
a Brethren church could respond to this
opportunity.
The ministry will proceed under the supervision
of Arden Gilmer and the Midwest District Mission
Board in cooperation with the national Missionary
Board. People interested in this opportunity should
contact Arden E. Gilmer, 530 College Avenue,
Ashland, Ohio 44805 for specific details.
Hungry, Food for the Hungry/Canada, Institute
for International Development, Inc., MAP Inter-
national, and World Concern.
Arthur Beals of World Concern was chosen as
AERDO's first president.
The World Relief Board of the Brethren Church
channels Brethren relief funds to needy areas
through World Relief of NAE, one of the ten
groups which formed AERDO.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
New Growth Partners call announced
Ashland, Ohio — ^The new Growth Partners Club
call is designated for the recently formed Brethren
Church in Sarver, Pennsylvania. Funds from the
response of club members will aid the new
church in meeting the cost of land and construc-
tion. The "call" will be open from January 1
through June 30, 1979.
The Sarver work began in February of 1976
when evening Bible studies were started. Two
transplanted Brethren families, the Chester
McAfoose family of the Brush Valley, Pa., Breth-
ren Church and the Kenneth Knabb family from
the Pleasant View (Vandergrift, Pa.,) Brethren
Church, formed the core group. Sunday school
and worship services were begun in April of 1977
in the basement of the Knabb home.
The group is now averaging 24 in worship
attendance, and Rev. Ed Wingard is serving as
their by-vocational pastor. Three acres of land
have been purchased and the congregation is
investigating possibilities for constructing its first
unit.
In order to meet the needs of new Brethren
churches, the Growth Partners Club needs to grow
Marijuana found nnore harmful
than cigarettes or alcohol
Oakland, Calif. (EP News) — Prolonged use of
marijuana causes more physical harm than the
use of cigarettes or alcohol. This is the conclu-
sion of two researchers studying the effects of
marijuana.
Marijuana can lead to emphysema and bron-
chitis and cause damage to the brain, lungs, liver,
reproductive system and chromosomes, according
to Dr. David Harvey Powelson, a psychiatrist and
former professor at the University of California
at Berkeley, and Dr. Ethel Sassenrath of the
University of California at Davis.
Dr. Powelson, who has observed marijuana
smoking students since 1964, noted that they grad-
ually lost their ability to think. He found that in
some cases students were not even able to under-
stand simple proverbs like "Don't count your
chickens before they are hatched."
Another ill effect is that, unlike alcohol which
is flushed out of the body in a day, THC, the drug
in marijuana, is trapped in the body's system for
four to six weeks. Dr. Powelson explained. Thus
marijuana has an accumulating effect upon
frequent pot-smokers. "So people who use mari-
juana even socially are stoned all the time al-
though they are not aware of it," said Dr.
Powelson.
According to the psychiatrist, "Marijuana also
ages you about twenty times as fast as alcohol."
from its current 1,248 members to a membership
of 2,000 by the end of 1979. Brethren joining this
club participate in a group which has made sig-
nificant contributions to starting new congrega-
tions down through the years. New members who
join now will be able to assist the Sarver Brethren
Church in its growth and development.
Information about obtaining club membership
is available from the Missionary Board, 530 Col-
lege Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
— Arden E. Gilmer
World
__ day of
Prayer
' March 2, * 1979
The Substance of Prayer
A Bible-centered worship
guide in booklet form
provided by NAE at
no charge for group
participation in church
and community services.
Please send materials Booklets
in quantity indicated: Posters
D Booklet sample only
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE _
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS
BOX 28, WHEATON, IL 60187
Weddings
Cindy Hoimimel to Mark Dravenstott, November
25, at Smithville, Ohio, Brethren Church; Rev.
Donald Rinehart officiating. Members of Smith-
ville Brethren Church.
Membership Growth
Burlington: 7 by baptism, 1 by transfer
Loree: 6 by baptism, 1 by transfer
Corinth: 2 by baptism
January 1979
21
ypdate
Warnings Issued on Guyana tragedy
Evangelist Billy Graham has warned against
identifying the Peoples Temple cult of Jim Jones
with traditional, historic Christianity.
In an Op Ed article in The New York Times,
the famed preacher said of Jones, the Peoples
Temple leader, "It is true that he came from a
religious background but what he did and how he
thought have no relationship to the views and
teachings of any legitimate form of historic
Christianity."
Mr. Graham asserted that in Jim Jones "we
have witnessed a false messiah who used the
cloak of religion to cover a confused mind filled
with a mixture of pseudo-religion, political ambi-
tion, sensual lust, financial dishonesty and, appar-
ently, even murder. None of this has anything to
do with true faith in God."
Speaking on the same subject, a California
Episcopal priest has cautioned that religious move-
ments which overemphasize emotional experience
could become dangerous like the Peoples Temple.
Father Richard I. S. Parker of St. Cross Episcopal
Church in Hermosa Beach, Calif., made his com-
ments in an interview with Linda Emanuelson of
the Daily Breeze newspaper.
Father Parker said that Christianity is based on
intellectual knowledge, faith, and emotionalism,
and that when these elements become separated
from one another, the religion "loses its sound-
ness." He commented that charismatic leaders can
lead people "down the primrose path to what
happened in Guyana or they can lead people to
God."
William R. Bright, president of Campus Cru-
sade for Christ, one of the nation's largest inter-
denominational Christian organizations, is con-
cerned about possible adverse side effects of the
Guyana tragedy on legitimate Christian groups.
He urged commentators and news media organ-
izations to make every effort to avoid harming
legitimate religious groups by mistake in the
aftermath of the recent mass suicide in Guyana.
Bright called the shocking deaths of more than
900 members of the cult "a tragedy that has jolted
and appalled the world, perhaps the Christian
community most of all.
"Unfortunately," he added, "there seems bound
to be some spillover from that tragic event onto
legitimate Christian organizations, but it is urgent
that the news media do all in their power to avoid
damaging valid ministries which have nothing of
substance in common with the Jones group or
cults in general.
"Otherwise," he concluded, "fine reputations
earned by years or decades of creditable Christian
work can be unjustly shattered with as little as
one thoughtless or inaccurate phrase."
Dr. Bright urged that news analysts and others
examining various ministries in the wake of the
Guyana events look carefully at groups to see if
they are characterized by "dedication to the deity
and lordship of Jesus Christ, to the Bible as the
revealed word of God, and to a spirit of Christian
love.
"Not all groups are what they seem to be," he
added, "and it is proper that especially pastors and
Christian laymen be interested in the doctrines
and practices of organizations which represent
themselves as coming in Christ's name. There
could be no more striking example of this problem
than the Peoples Temple situation.
"If, however, God alone is honored as the object
of worship, the Holy Scriptures are used as the
guide to behaviour, and Christian love is prac-
ticed as the basis of relationships," Dr. Bright
said, "an organization can in no fair way be con-
sidered a 'cult.' "
Selected from Evangelical Press and Campus
Crusade for Christ news releases.
American arms buildup compared
to Peoples Temple tragedy
New York, N.Y. (EP News) — Two peace activists
have compared the buildup of armaments by the
United States to the activities of the Peoples
Temple. The comparison was made at a disarm-
ament convocation held at the Riverside Church
December 4-5.
Dr. William Sloane Coffin, Jr., pastor of the
interdenominational Riverside Church, compared
the Pentagon to Jim Jones and described its con-
tingency planning for nuclear war and prepara-
tions for civil defense as "the Kool-Aid drill with-
out the cyanide."
"Who should refuse to drink from the vats of
the Pentagon," he asked, "if not those who feast
on the Body and Blood of Christ."
Dr. Richard Barnet, co-founder of the Institute
for Policy Studies, asserted that the newest phase
of the arms race is "involving us in a continuing
drill for Dad (the name Jim Jones' followers used
for Jones)." He charged that "like the people of
Jonestown, we have lost control over our leaders."
Reporting that weapons now in the development
stage will contain far more warheads which can
reach targets with far greater accuracy than pres-
ent systems. Dr. Barnet expressed concern that a
nuclear war is once again becoming all too think-
able to military leaders. He added that there had
been many narrow escapes in the last two
decades: President Eisenhower threatened North
Korea with atomic weapons; John Foster Dulles
offered the French atomic aid in defense of Dien
Bien Phu; the Cuban crisis nearly precipitated
disaster.
99
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Dea+h Cults— How Can It Happen?
This question is on the lips of people every-
where, even on the lips of dedicated Christians.
Why? How?
My first reaction is to say, "Well, what can we
expect of people who get a touch of 'Christianity'
(or any other religion) but who don't give it all
Christ asks?" When you become disillusioned
with anything, you become depressed, and the
answer — so it seems — is to quit. In this case, quit
forever. The Peoples iChuroh (Temple) was neither
for people nor was it a church. Temple, perhaps.
There are temples to every god imaginable.
Let us do some analysis:
1) People all over the world are discouraged
and disheartened. Every institution they have
been taught to believe in has failed — politics, edu-
cation, religion, etc. They want to "quit." But into
what do they go when they quit?
2) People don't hear from God. They want
someone to tell them where God is and what He
is saying. Any source will do.
3) People want signs. Any sign will do. Mark
it! Every "successful" religion has some outward
sign that is attractive. Especially the "sign of
success." Even many "successful" Christian evan-
gelists get that way because they offer outward
signs of success and preach a gospel of success,
denouncing any other group that disagrees with
them. Some people relish this.
4) People want a leader. Any leader who has
charisma, who can say, "Here I am, I am your
leader (savior?), I will give you what you are
looking for." (This is exactly what the antichrist
will use to assume power!) Jesus said, "Many
will come saying I am Christ (savior), deceiving
all but the very elect."
5) People want physical comfort. Anyone who
can offer food, shelter, community, you name it,
v/ill get a following.
6) People want to "get away." Whether it is
to a jungle in Guyana, a separatist movement in
the midst of society, some sort of withdrawal will
get a following and a good hearing.
The problem is — all but Jesus Christ will end
in some form of death. Social death; sacrifice of
the personality; sacrifice of family, home, and
loved ones. The sacrifice will lead to some form
of death. The deaths in Guyana are merely more
visible than others all around us.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the
life." His offer is to get us into society, into per-
sonal contentment and fulfillment, among our
Rev. Clarence Stogsdill is pastor of the Tucson,
Ariz., First Brethren Church. This article M'as
orii^inally sent as a mailing to the members of his
congregation. It is reprinted here by permission.
by Clarence Stogsdill
loved ones, friends, and even our enemies. But
most of us don't have the faith for it. We would
rather take the easy way out. Quit. Withdraw. It
is a milder form of the same thing we saw happen
in Guyana, but it is the same thing. Suicide. Social,
personal, spiritual suicide. Paul said, "To be car-
nally minded is death. To be spiritually minded is
life." Get into it! Jesus offered it. Take it! The
alternative is — death!
Books for further reading
Four Christian books now on the market glwe
further insights into how people can get caught
up in powerful religious movements like the
Peoples Temple. Three of these deal with religious
movements and cults in general, while the fourth
deals specifically with the Peoples Temple.
In The Youthnappers (Victor, 1977), author
James Hefley gives several reasons why young
people join religious movements. Family prob-
lems, disenchantment with parental values, a de-
humanizing educational system — these coupled
with the deadness of the institutional church
cause young people to look for someone who
seems to care for them personally and for some-
one to show them how to live.
Kenneth Boa, author of Cults, World Religions,
and You (Victor, 1977), says the bankruptcy of
our materialistic values have promoted the up-
surge in new religions. "Materialism and empty
humanism do not satisfy . . . spiritual needs."
"Spiritual naivete" is given as the chief single
cause for the success of cults, according to Dave
Breese, author of Know the Marks of Cults (Vic-
tor, 1975). "Too many Christians are content with
a superficial knowledge of the Word of God."
In The Broken God (David C. Cook, 1979)
Bonnie Thielmann tells about her experiences as
a teenager with the Jones family. Thielmann is
the only person to defect from the Peoples Temple
and yet maintain a close relationship with the
Jones family.
According to Thielmann, one of her main pur-
poses in writing this book is to help answer the
questions of relatives and friends of Peoples
Temple members asking "Why?" She believes that
some of that answer is found in the failure of the
Christian church to take action to try to right
some of the wrongs of society.
"Most of all," said Thielmann, "I want to prove
that God can get through to anybody — even some-
one like me who had been alienated from Him
for so many years."
The Broken Crod is full of anecdotes of the
Jones family from both the Brazil and California
years, illustrating the progression of Jones' beliefs
and practices from brave to bizarre.
January 1979
53
update
IRS ruling on private schools challenged
Washington, D.€. (NAE News) — A proposed IRS
regulation that would remove the tax exemption
of private schools (including Christian schools)
not meeting an IRS-imposed racial quota system
would have a chilling effect on all tax-exempt
organizations, Robert P. Dugan told a public hear-
ing on the measure, December 8th.
Testifying in the nation's capital, Dugan, direc-
tor of the National Association of Evangelical's
Washington Office of Public Affairs, said that
while NAE supports all proper efforts to elim-
inate deliberate racial segregation in education, the
new proposal threatens the existence of many
private schools that are totally innocent of dis-
criminatory activities or of violating public policy,
public law, or the intent oi Congress. As such,
Dugan said, the measure represents an abuse of
power to the extent that it: 1) establishes man-
datory affirmative action without statutory auth-
ority or judicial sanction, 2) infringes First
Amendment rights, due process, and equal pro-
tection under the law, and 3) assumes schools
are guilty until proven innocent. Dugan empha-
sized that the IRS-proposed procedure for deter-
mining possible cases of discrimination is without
statutory authority. (According to the procedure,
a reviewable school is one "formed or substan-
tially expanded at or about the time of public
school desegregation in the community served by
the school, and having a student body whose per-
centage of minority students is less than 20 per-
cent of the percentage of the minority school age
population in the community served by the
school.")
"Consider," he said, "a private school with a
publicly-announced non-discriminatory racial poli-
cy, minorities attending the school, a black prin-
cipal and minorities on the school board. Under
the proposed procedure, that school could lose its
tax-exemption for no reason at all except that an
insufficient number of minority students chose
to attend.
"Beyond any shadow of a doubt," Dugan con-
cluded, "such a situation would exceed any record-
ed Congressional intent." Dugan urged that if
persistent in his desire to enact such a proposal,
the Commissioner should wait until Congress has
opportunity to express its will in the matter. He
noted that at least 70 members of the House and
several senators had already written the Commis-
sioner regarding the tax proposal.
"We believe," Dugan said, "that such an issue
belongs in the legislative arena."
Herman E. Van Schuyver, director of the Na-
tional Association of Christian Schools, also gave
testimony during the public hearings on the pro-
posed revenue procedure. In his testimony on
December 6th, Van Schuyver placed the shoe of
discrimination briefly on the IRS foot.
Cautioning the IRS not to assume that segrega-
tion exists on the basis of circumstantial evidence,
Van Schuyver directed his attention to the make-
up of the IRS panel (six white males, one white
female).
"If we were to decide to evaluate whether or
not your panel is discriminating," he said, "cir-
cumstantial evidence would have us believe that
the panel is almost entirely composed of male
chauvinist racists."
Van Schuyver used the illustration to under-
score his contention that many private schools are
integrated even when they appear not to be. He
warned that quick assumption of guilt by the IRS
would force these same schools to expend time,
energy and money in proving their innocence — a
procedure contrary to the American credo of
innocent until proven guilty.
Help Wanted
Couples desired as houseparents (couples
with children accepted) for a home for
troubled boys.
No experience necessary as training and
support staff are provided.
For salary, fringe benefits, and job
specifics, please call 219-956-3125.
Christian Haven Homes, Rt. 1, Box 17,
Wheatfield, Ind. 46392
Outstanding high school students
support religious & moral values
Northbrook, 111. (EP News) — The nation's out-
standing teenagers "are keen on religion and main-
tain traditional moral values," according to re-
sults of the Ninth National Opinion Survey of
Who's Who Among American High School
Students.
The survey showed that 92 percent of student
leaders believe there is a personal God or "vital
force" in the world, 90 percent said religion plays
a significant role in their own moral standards
and actions, 81 percent belong to an organized
religion, and 62 percent attend services weekly.
These findings were based on opinion question-
naires returned by 21,500 of the students whose
names appear in the 1978 edition of Who's Who.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Grefna defeats Derby
in attendance contest
Derby, Kans. — After a slow start, the Gretna
Brethren Church (near Belief ontaine, Ohio)
surged ahead to defeat the Derby, Kans., First
Brethren Church in their attendance contest.
The contest between the two churches began
on September 3 and concluded on December 24.
At the halfway point Gretna was behind by 39
points. But an outstanding effort in the second
half of the contest gave them an overwhelming
victory of 556 points to 249 points for Derby.
Points were based on percentage of increase in
attendance over one year ago.
Both churches made advances in Sunday school
and worship attendances during the contest.
Gretna had an increase of 17% in Sunday school
attendance (from 69 a year ago to 83 this year)
and a 14% increase in morning worship attend-
ance (from 81 to 92).
Derby had an increase of 6%) in Sunday school
(from 81 to 86) and a 9% increase in morning
worship attendance (from 104 to 113).
This is the first attendance contest the Derby
Brethren Church has lost during the ministry
of its present pastor. Rev. George Solomon. But
according to Rev. Solomon, there is no one he
would rather get beaten by than his son, Rev.
Leroy Solomon, who is pastor of the Gretna Breth-
ren Church. Rev. George Solomon adds, "It was
fun — and worth the effort if the church makes
an advance for the work of the Lord!"
Catholics most numerous
in 96th Congress
Wheaton, 111. (EP News) — The Ninety-Sixth
Congress includes 128 members from the Roman
Catholic Church, with 115 of these in the House
of Representatives and 13 in the Senate. This
makes the Roman Catholic Church the religious
group with the highest representation in Congress.
United Methodists are the next highest group,
with 57 Representatives and 18 Senators.
These are among the findings of Ohristianlty
Today magazine in its latest religious census of
Congress, published in its December 1 issue.
Totals of other religious groups are as follows:
Episcopal, 70; Presbyterian, 60; Baptist, 57; Jew-
ish, 30; Lutheran, 19; United Church of Christ,
16; Unitarian, 12; Mormon, 10; Disciples of Christ,
6; Greek Orthodox, 5. Fifteen denominations were
represented by fewer than five members in
Congress, and 19 Congressmen listed themselves
as Protestants without specifying a denomination.
Catholics also lead the list of religious affilia-
tions of governors with 12. Presbyterians with
nine are second-highest, followed by Episcopalians
with eight.
In Memory
Anna Brown, 79, December 11. Brethren Church
membership at Nappanee and South Bend for 62
years. Services by Larry R. Baker, pastor.
Grace Smeltzer, 87, December 6. Member of the
South Bend, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services
by Larry R. Baker, pastor.
Wayne J. Crytzer, 41, November 27. Member and
deacon of the Pleasant View Brethren Church,
Vandergrift, Pa. Services by William D. Walk,
pastor. Mr. Crytzer was also a member of the
national Missionary Board of the Brethren Church.
Edith Marie Steele, 77, November 19. Member of
the North Liberty, Ind., First Brethren Church.
Services by Philip Hershberger, pastor, and Rev.
Stephen Cole.
Harold Wing-er, 82, November 10. Member of the
Smithville, Ohio, Brethren Church. Services by
Larry L. Bolinger, pastor.
Donald H. Riggle, Sr., 52, November 1. Member of
the Pleasant View Brethren Church, Vandergrift,
Pa. Services by William D. Walk, pastor.
Irvin Klzer, 66, October 17. Member and deacon
of the Burlington, Ind., First Brethren Church.
Services by Rev. Alvin Grumbling and Rev. G.
Bright Hanna.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. . . please let us know.
1. Give old address:
Name
Address
City State
2. Fill in new address below:
Zip
Name
Address
City State
Zip
Date new address in effect
3. Mail this form to:
Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
January 1979
25
hooks
Finding Tinne to be Quiet
A Handful of Quietness by Harold Rogers (Word
Books, 1977, 140 pp. $5.95 hardback).
How can we find time for quietness and medita-
tion in the overscheduled, hurried routine of our
contemporary hves?
A handful of quietness is only a little, but it
can benefit our lives greatly. Turning silently in-
ward can become a natural part of our daily ex-
perience. It means living on two levels. The inner,
hidden level prepares us for the outer life of
service.
Harold Rogers, who has written several books
and over one hundred articles, has, in this book,
interspersed personal experience with practical
suggestions. His many Scripture quotations and
references add biblical authority to his call for
quietness. I also appreciated his quotations from
outstanding Christian writers such as Paul
Tournier, Thomas Kepler, Evelyn Underhill,
Hannah Whitall Smith, and Thomas Merton.
Where do we begin? Here. When do we start?
Now. "A moment of quietness," says Rogers, "no
matter how brief, can bring a new perspective
that can be felt and that can serve as an influence
throughout the hours ahead. Quietness, calmness,
trust, and union with God are not only for the
crisis situation but for any time, all the time, any-
where, and for everyone."
In my estimation this gentle book is one of the
best of the recent devotional works.
— Julie Flora
Julie Flora is an Ashland > Ohio, homemaker and
a frequent contributor to the Brethren Evangelist.
Book of the Year
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken (Harper
and Row) has been voted the religious "Book of
the Year" by the 180 book reviewers, writers, and
observers surveyed in the 20th annual poll taken
by Eternity magazine.
The book describes the author's courtship and
marriage in the 1940s and the influence the late
C. S. Lewis had in bring the Vanaukens to a per-
sonal commitment to Jesus Christ. The wife's sub-
sequent illness and death prompted Mr. Lewis to
describe the experience as "a mercy, but a severe
mercy."
Books ranking from second to tenth place in
the Eternity poll were Eerdmans' Handbook to the
History of Christianity, edited by Tim Dewley;
Finding Freedom
The Law That Sets You Free by David H. Roper
(Word Books, 1977, 123 pp., $3.95 paperback).
Have you ever wished for a way to be free —
free from worry, anxiety, trials, sorrows, and
other daily frustrations? Have you ever been told
to pray about your problems, and when you did
you felt your prayer never reached beyond the
ceiling? Have you ever wondered, "What did I
ever do to deserve this?" Or "Why me. Lord?"
If you answered "yes" to any of these ques-
tions or even thought a slight maybe, then per-
haps you'd enjoy a very helpful book. Try settling
down in your favorite chair with your Bible and
The Law That Sets You Free.
This book, a verse by verse study of the Book
of James, will encourage you to see yourself,
your life, and your problems from God's perspec-
tive. It will also help you understand how to
respond to problems and even how to help others
with similar problems.
You will discover exactly what you, as one of
God's children, ought to be! You will be encour-
aged to try to live one day at a time and to become
what Jesus would have you be.
Everyone should read this book. Christians
should use it in study groups in order to strength-
en one another in the faith. If every Christian
would start living today praising the Lord for
difficulties and temptations, the world would be
a changed place overnight!
This book is a very helpful guide for every
believer's life.
— ^Joanne Brelsford
Joanne Brelsford is an Ashland, Ohio, home-
maker and an active worker in the Ashland Park
Street Brethren Church.
The Worldly Evangelicals by Richard Quebedeaux
(Harper and Row) ; Fundamentalism by James
Barr (Westminister); Essentials of Evangelical
Theology by Donald Bloesch (Harper and Row);
Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F. F.
Bruce (Eerdmans) ; Christian Counter Culture by
John R. W. Stott (InterVarsity Press); Christ and
the Media by Malcolm Muggeridge (Eerdmans) ;
Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey
(Zondervan) ; and New International Commen-
tary: Revelation by Robert Mounce (Eerdmans).
Eerdmans was considered "publisher of the
year," with four books placing in the top ten.
— EP News
26
The Brethren Evangelist
finally^ hrethren
. . . some thoughts to take with you!
Love Unlimited
by Jane E. Hendricks
The Lord God Almighty has an unlimited supply of
love for each one of us. This love is total and complete
and reserved especially for each person. It is every
person's exclusive possession and belongs to no one else.
We can live out our lives resting secure in His love,
knowing that each in his own way is special to Him. God
doesn't play favorites, but each one of us is His ''pet.''
We praise God for His unlimited love. In that love
there is no room for jealousy. We need not be jealous
of God's love for another child of God, for in His
tremendous capacity to love we rest safely, knowing
He never neglects us nor forgets us. He is always
thinking of us and our needs.
Just as God loves us, so should we strive to love
others in our human relationships — husband and wife,
parent and child, brother and sister, friend to friend.
The love we have for another in whatever relationship
flows from God, through us, to the other, leaving no
room for jealousy. The love we receive from another
flows also from God, and there still should be no room
for jealousy.
Praise God for His unlimited love available through
us for His glory and honor.
Miss Hendricks is a member of the
Sarasota, Fla., First Brethren Church.
January 1979 27
ASHLAND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
it's not only our seminary,
it's our only seminary!
for training
ministers, missionaries, Christian education
directors, teachers, chaplains, pastoral
counselors, church leaders, youth
leadership . . .
I ofc t
100% enrollment increase in four years
I mtm *
Fair Share Giving/
Local Church Budgets
$5.00 per member
The seminary has a balanced budget with no
debt. A "Fair Share" from each local
church is necessary to continue a
balanced budget.
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D- 3" rr
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^f^ The Brethren "^ • j
Evangelist
February 1979
Communicating the Faith
through CHRISTIAN DRAMA
World Relief Report
Advertisement
Licking - Ticking - Sticking
I sit at my desk to write another World Relief report for Brethren
readers. The temptation is to begin, "World Relief is at work again." But
that's really not accurate. The truth is, World Relief effort never stopped.
So, more accurately, I must say to you, ''World Relief continues work-
ing!" or "World Relief is still at work!" because that's the way it is.
(Sounds like Howard Cosell, doesn't it?)
I'm writing this report in December — two weeks before Christmas.
Following are snatches of the SITUATION REPORTS I receive regularly
from the World Relief Commission. They inform us . . . and remind
us again of where and how our World Relief money was helping to make
a difference in crucial situations during the fall months in many parts of
the world.
Zaire — Cholera Epidemic:
The presence of cholera in epidemic propor-
tions was reported in June and July by Free
Methodist and Conservative Baptist missionaries.
In one case nearly a whole village was wiped
out and in another over 30 cases were reported.
WRC worked on details to supply cholera vac-
cine, i.v. fluids, antibiotics, sulfa preparations,
and Fanasil (a preventative medication) for
immediate use and a stockpile against future
emergency needs. TWA provided free air freight
for the first shipment of 500 pounds of 50%
dextrose. Another 1,000 pounds was sent later
by ocean freight. WRC committed about $40,000
to the joint operation with other agencies.
Sudan — Famine:
Early in 1978 a serious drought produced an
acute famine. Starvation resulted. Then major
rains during July created flooding, preventing
transportation of emergency food into affected
areas. WRC forwarded $26,000 through Sudan
Interior Mission and Jungle Aviation and Radio
Service for emergency food and transportation
costs. Airplanes were used to transport much of
the grain.
West Bengal, India — Flood:
'■ Incessant torrential rains hit Calcutta for four
days in September. For three days most people
were indoors and Calcutta was cut off from the
rest of the country. Low-lying areas were sub-
merged. Early estimates were that the deluge
affected 14 to 15 million people in 12 districts of
West Bengal. Several towns were under water
several days.
Jerry Ballard, executive director of WRC, was
in Calcutta soon afterwards and designated
$10,000 from an emergency fund for blankets,
dhotis (men's clothing), and saris (women's
clothing). Later $7,000 was dispatched for the
purchase of 300,000 doses of cholera vaccine to
avert an epidemic. And $3,000 was granted for
feeding and clothing flood victims. Total assis-
tance was $20,000, channeled through local
evangelical relief organizations.
Costa Rica — Nicaraguan Refugees:
Honduras — Nicaraguan Refugees:
Civil disturbances in Nicaragua caused thou-
sands to leave their homes. Although WRC tried
to enter, the borders were closed to outsiders. But
refugees did flee to Costa Rica and Honduras —
primarily Honduras. WRC responded with over
$15,000.
Philippines — Typhoon:
In October a typhoon hit the East Manila
area, affecting about 2,000 families or about
14,000 people. Upon confirmation of the intensity
of the damage, an emergency grant of $5,000 was
made for food, clothing, and medicine to be used
in disaster relief. It was estimated that it might
possibly be three months before the flood waters
would recede enough to allow families to return
to their homes. WRC's representative was there.
About the Title
Whereas it is announced (via a TV commercial), ''Timex watches take
a licking and keep on ticking," we can proclaim just as widely, "When
people take a licking, World Relief is sticking right with them to bring
whatever aid it can."
Phil Lersch, Chairman
Brethren World Relief Board
V ^ The Brethren 1 * A
Evangelist
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
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v^over
The Lamb's Players use
drama and pantomime to com-
municate the Christian faith.
Martha Deardurff tells more
about this Christian performing
arts company on pages 4 and 5.
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
Vol. 101,
February 1979
4 Theatre for the Lord
Martha Deardurff is realizing the desires of her heart as she
serves the Lord through Christian theatre.
6 A Time to Share
Senator Mark Hatfield calls on American Christians to face
and respond to the ominous reality of world hunger.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
10 Problems and Possibilities
Arden Gilmer looks at basic problems facing the Brethren
Church and shares his vision for our denomination in the
eighties.
20 AC Campus Ministry: A Time of Reflection
Fred Burkey evaluates the first semester's ministry and shares
plans for the second semester and beyond.
The Benevolent Board
13 The Benevolent Board . . .
Dedicated to Human Service
A brief historical overview of the service given by the Benevo-
lent Board of the Brethren Church.
14 The Nursing Home Image
Nursing homes have gotten a bad image. How good are ours?
To answer this question, the remainder of this section looks at
the retirement facilities of the Brethren Church.
14 Brethren Care, Ashland, Ohio
16 The Brethren's Home, Flora, Indiana
18 Topsfield Terrace,
Brethren Care of South Bend, Inc.
Departments
19 The Salt Shaker
22 Update
27 Books
February 1979
Theatre
for the Lord
Lamb's Players Mime Troup.
Martha Deardurff Is realizing the desires of her heart as she
serves the Lord through Christian theatre.
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall
give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4
BUT LORD, my ''desires" are dreams,
fantasies. Impossible!
These thoughts flooded my mind as I
approached my last semester at Ashland
College. I would have a B.S. in education;
I could teach high school speech and Eng-
lish. So what? I want to serve the Lord.
Long before college, when I was only
eight, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I had
met and read about missionaries around
the world serving the Lord. One summer,
at camp, I had even said, 'I'll go, Lord,
wherever you want me." But now what?
That last semester was getting too close.
I wrote Intercristo, a Christian placement
service, which responded with several job
possibilities. Prompted by my high school
and college theatre experience, I wrote to
Lamb's Players, a Christian performing
arts company listed by Intercristo.
Lamb's Players, National City, Califor-
nia! Me, an Ohio farmer's daughter, in
California? Encouraging letters, phone
calls, a zealous roommate, and wise advice
from friends led to my selling my car, buy-
ing a one-way ticket, and flying west
September 1, 1978.
A sleepy-eyed guy wearing the name
tag "Martha Deardurff" met my 2 a.m.
flight. Three suitcases and my sewing
machine were loaded into a topless M.G.,
and we sped down Interstate 5. So this is
California ?
After getting settled with a Lamb's
Players couple, I began attending the Sem-
inar on the Performing Arts. This two
weeks of intense study was intense: three
hours of class each morning in either act-
ing, mime, or dance; afternoon seminars
on numerous theatre topics, followed by
lectures and discussions. Several evenings
we attended shows which we discussed the
following morning before class. All these
activities were aimed at developing a Chris-
tian perspective of the arts.
Meanwhile, two other interns — Cathy and
Heidi — and I decided to find an apartment.
After hours of searching, we found a two-
bedroom apartment only nine blocks from
the theatre — good walking distance since
Martha Deardurff is
the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. John
Deardurff of
Bellfontaine, Ohio,
and a member of
the Gretna Brethren
Church. She served
as a Brethren Youth
Crusader for two
years and as a
counselor at Ohio
Camp Bethany. While
attending Ashland College, Martha participated in
several plays as an actress and costumer. She was
also a member of the Ashland College Choir. She
received her bachelor of science in education
degree from the college last May.
Anyone interested in knowing more about
Lamb's Players and Martha's ministry may write
to her at Lamb's Players, 500 E. Plaza Blvd., Box
26, National City, CA 92050. Her slide show is
also available for interested groups.
The Brethren Evangelist
Lamb's Players Street Theatre^
Lamb's Players is a Christian
performing arts company that
uses drama, pantomime, and
dance to share the message
of God's love in Jesus Christ,
we had no car. What about furniture?
Cathy's sister and brother-in-law were
moving to Germany and needed a place to
store their furniture for two years. So, with
a few additions from other relatives and
the Salvation Army store, the Lord sup-
plied all our needs.
After the seminar and a free weekend
spent visiting the beach and resting, I,
along with the ten other interns, began
** orientation." This consisted of classes in
evangelism, the history and purpose of
Lamb's Players, and support raising. Pro-
spective performers also prepared auditions.
And each of us began working in our sup-
port department. I was introduced to the
costume department and shown where to
find pins, fabric, old shoes, and a small
beaded purse of wash money for my first
responsibility — washing the shirts after the
week's shows.
During orientation I planned my flight
home. "Lord, I have enough money for the
airplane ticket but not for my share of the
month's rent, $66." A few days later I
found in my mailbox a check for $500 from
a church I had never attended, the Notting-
ham United Presbyterian Church. 'Thanks
again, Lord."
With orientation complete, I headed
home for six weeks of support raising.
Armed with a slide show, a public relations
notebook, and numerous newsletters and
support cards, I visited several churches
presenting the Lamb's Players' story.
Our story began in St. Paul, Minnesota, in
1970, with the vision of teacher and former
professional actor, Steve Terrell. Knowing
that God had used drama and pantomine to
speak through some of the Old Testament
prophets, he, using the same methods, decided
to share the message of God's love and forgive-
ness found in Jesus Christ. In 1973, an
original cast of seven moved to the warmer
climate of Southern California, Since then,
Lamb's Players has grown into an organization
of over 50 full-time members, each working
in his respective performance, office, and
other support staff position.
Lamb's Players brochure
Lamb's Players' street theatre, panto-
mime, and dance troupes travel the coun-
try the year around presenting Christ's
message at college and high school cam-
puses, fairs, churches, public parks, mil-
itary bases, and penal institutions. These
troupes are backed by a support staff
of artists, photographers, costume design-
ers, construction personnel, administrative
staff, and others, all working to carry out
Christ's Great Commission.
Each member is responsible for raising
his own income by pledges, from interested
friends, relatives and churches. So, for six
weeks, I presented Lamb's Players to every-
one I met, praying that God would supply
the needed $450 per month.
With half of this support raised, I re-
turned to California on December 29, to
begin two years with Lamb's Players. This
year I will work in the costuming depart-
ment and audition for parts in the Lamb's
Players theatre. This 138 seat, theatre-in-
the-round is another Lamb's Players min-
istry drawing on the acting talent in the
San Diego area to present family enter-
tainment at a modest price.
The Lord is granting to me the desires
of my heart. Theatre for my Lord is the
best of both worlds. □
February 1979
Time to Share
Senator Mark Hatfield calls on Annerican Christians to face
and respond to the ominous reality of world hunger.
MARTIN NIEMOLLER was a German
pastor imprisoned by the Nazis during
World War II. While in prison he experi-
enced what he called his ''second conver-
sion." Niemoller had so despised the
atrocities of the Hitler regime that he came
to hate the prison guard who brought him
his food each day.
Seeing the Nazi insignia on his uniform,
all the indignation and outrage Niemoller
felt toward that evil system was directed
against that guard.
Then one day Niemoller tells how he
suddenly realized that Jesus Christ died
on the cross for that guard; that Christ
loved him that much. And in the same fash-
ion, Niemoller was bound to love that
guard, and love every man. The atonement
of Christ took on a whole new meaning for
the prisoner. Its implications were revolu-
Photo by Clifford Bjorkland
For many of the world's children, hunger is a
daily reality.
6
tionary, for every person was to be loved
with the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
One of the tragedies of the church today,
which surely grieves the Holy Spirit, is the
unbiblical separation we have made between
verbal witnessing to the Good News of
Christ and acting with His love to meet
the needs of our fellow man. This is basic-
ally the schism between those who stress
evangelism as opposed to "social gospel."
You do not find such a division in the
Scriptures; you do not see such distinctions
in the life of Christ. This is a false dichot-
omy which we have created, and which we
must allow God to destroy.
When asked, 'Who is our neighbor," you
will remember our Lord's response. He re-
lated the story of the Good Samaritan. Our
neighbor was not simply the person next
door, or our circle of close friends. He was
anyone downtrodden, distraught and vic-
timized by the world's pain and inhumanity.
Today, my brothers and sisters, we as
Christians living in America must face one
basic, startling reality about our world and
its suffering. That is simply this: most
of humanity is hungry.
The most basic physical need of any of
us is enough food to simply keep life going.
Yet, that is a daily struggle for millions of
people — people not only living in other na-
tions, but also right here in America. Each
day literally thousands of fellow human
beings lose that struggle, and die of
starvation.
Today our world stands on the brink of
famine. Yet, all the world knows that there
are harvests of plenty in America. But
Mark O. Hatfield is United States Senator from
Oregon,
The Brethren Evangelist
This article by Mark Hatfield
reminds us that "My Brother's
Keeper" is not just a
Conference theme to be
forgotten, but a continuing
responsibility .
^t The Brethren Church
during the last seven years, we have not
been as prudent as Joseph in the land of
Egypt long ago. Rather, farmers were paid
not to grow crops on as much as one-
seventh of our cropland, and grain was
left to rot in silos.
We have made real attempts to increase
the harvests of other countries. But the
bodies to feed have expanded more rapidly
than food. Further, other forces that seem
beyond our mortal control make current
prophecies about seven lean years ahead
grimly believable.
Let me be candid. There is no problem
faced by this world more likely to breed
instability and conflict, and increase the
magnitude of mankind's suffering in the
years directly ahead of us, than the short-
age of food.
Before World War II, most all countries
of the world had all the grain they needed,
and frequently some to spare. Only Western
Europe was dependent upon buying grain
from other nations. Today, much of the
world needs grain, but only North America
and Australia have substantial surpluses
to export.
The United States produces half of the
world's corn and two-thirds of the world's
soybeans. Out of 1.2 billion tons of grain
produced by the world, 90 million tons are
traded between countries, and the United
States provides 70 million tons of that
amount.
Yet, what is our situation? Two-thirds
of the world's population fights for one-
third of the world's total protein.
The shortage of energy worsens the
shortage of food. With the increasing mech-
anization of farming, both here and abroad,
it takes about 80 gallons of gas to raise an
acre of corn. Far more is required to pro-
duce fertilizer, which is essential to the
hoped for ''Green Revolution." Thus, while
Americans waited in line a few hours for
gas for their cars, Indian farmers waited
in line for five days for gas for their irri-
gation pumps or other machines for grow-
ing and harvesting their crops.
More troubling is the report of some
scientists who study the climate. They have
ascertained that the world's temperature
has dropped 2.7 degrees since 1945, and
that this apparent cooling trend will cause
desert areas to advance toward the equator,
expanding the region of drought.
We have already seen the effects of this
in the Sahel region of Africa, where the
Sahara Desert has expanded southward 30
miles each year of the current drought. For
the first time in memory, the Niger River
can be crossed by foot. And at least 250,000
people have died from starvation. Continu-
ing changes in climate such as this would
affect India, South Asia, China and Central
America.
Faced with this picture, our hearts as
believers in Christ and instruments of His
compassion must be pierced with the
monopoly on the world's food and protein
enjoyed by us as Americans.
Each of us living in America consumes
nearly a ton of cereal grains, the most basic
food and form of protein, each year. But
only about 150 pounds of this is consumed
directly in the form of bread, pastry or
breakfast cereals. The remaining 1,850
pounds is consumed indirectly in the form
of meats, and then milk and eggs.
By contrast, an average person living in
a poor country has only about 400 pounds
of cereal grains to consume each year for
his protein. This he must take directly in
the form of grains, such as rice and wheat,
for little or none can be spared for con-
version into more costly and inefficient
means of protein production such as meat.
It takes about seven times as much grain
to put protein on the table in the form of
meat as it does to consume such cereal
grains with an equivalent amount of pro-
tein in direct forms.
We can no longer suppose that our extra
abundance can feed the hungry of the
world. Rather, the world will be fed only
by the sharing of resources which the rich
of the world have assumed to be their un-
questioned possession, and through the
February 1979
Photo by Clifford Bjorkland
"There is no problem faced by this world more
likely to breed instability and conflict, and increase
the magnitude of mankind's suffering in the years
directly ahead of us, than the shortage of food."
changing of values and patterns of life
which the affluent have barely even
questioned.
Famine cannot be averted by simply
thinking we can increase the ''size of the
pie" so those who have little may have a
little more. What we are discovering is that
the pie itself has limits. Most all arable land
around the globe is in use.
Increased protein production once hoped
for from the sea has not materialized, and
now most scientists fear the seas are being
''over- fished," which would deplete this
resource. The simple truth, then, is that the
"pie" must be shared more equitably.
Ghandi put it cogently and well: "The
earth provides enough for everyman's need,
but not for everyman's greed."
Faced with these realities, and filled
with the compassion of Christ, what is our
response? Above all, we must allow our
hearts to be made sensitive to the suffering
of our fellowman. The facts and statistics
must be translated into human realities
which we can feel from deep within, and
which quicken our conscience.
We should allow ourselves to feel uncom-
fortable about our wealth, our lifestyle, our
diet and all our subtle worship of affluence.
We must let God's Spirit move within
us, even to convict us anew of sin, and to
show us the ways of repentance and
renewal.
Most of all, let us cast aside all those
rationalizations that would somehow pre-
vent us from understanding and reaching
out to those who suffer.
There are some who say that perhaps all
the worst about famine, disaster and war
will indeed come true and that this only
indicates and prepares us for the Second
Coming of Christ.
I do not want to get into a discussion
about eschatology, and all the various doc-
trines about the last days which have been
such a source of division among us. But
let us be agreed about one central biblical
truth. We are never told to sit by and watch
the world destroy itself in its inhumanity
and sin, and console ourselves with the
prediction that the end of all things must
be just around the corner.
To turn our back on the suffering of the
world is to turn away from Christ himself.
This is exactly what he has told us.
Thomas Merton has written: "It is easy
enough to tell the poor to accept their pov-
erty as God's will when you yourself have
warm clothes and plenty of food and medi-
cal care and a roof over your head and no
worry about the rent. But if you want them
to believe you — try to share some of their
poverty and see if you can accept it as
God's will yourself!"
The command and compassion of Christ
compel us to respond to the physical and
spiritual needs of a hungry world.
What can we do?
What concretely can we do? Let me
offer some specific suggestions:
— Every congregation could establish a
specific budget amount directed to meeting
the needs of starving people in some par-
ticular point of the world.
— Christians can be asked to give a
specific tithe just for the purpose of re-
lieving hunger; further, we should consider
a graduated tithe, which increases in its
percentage according to the amount of
one's income. "From those to whom much
has been given, much will be expected."
— We should renew the Christian disci-
pline of fasting as a means for teaching us
how to identify with those who hunger,
and to deepen our life of prayer for those
who suffer.
8
The Brethren Evangelist
— We must all analyze, in prayer before
God, our own habits of food consumption.
Specifically, we can drastically alter our
consumption of meat, and the money we
save we can give to alleviate hunger. Some
Christians may decide that part of their
witness means being a vegetarian. Families
can decide how to limit their consumption
of beef, perhaps to only certain days, or
as times of special celebration, or just on
certain days of the week.
— Thanksgiving can be a time when
Christians throughout the land join to ex-
press their thanksgiving for our plenty,
not by a feast, but by a sacrificial outpour-
ing and sharing of our plenty with the
needy, just as the Pilgrims shared with the
Indians.
— As Christians, we can, by our word and
our living example, call the nation to the
task of sharing from its plenty with those
who are in need.
These are only suggestions. But the point
is that Christ's love beckons us to far more
than simply charitable giving.
Our word to the nation
Finally, what is our word to the nation?
How can we aid in mobilizing our wealth
and resources with urgency and compassion
to avert the threat of famine, and give hope
to mankind?
First, we must turn back to our history,
and realize that we have responded with a
generous heart and sacrificial spirit in the
past to meet the needs of a hungry and
starving world. . . . All our (past) efforts
to feed the starving, innocent millions of
the world were motivated by a profound
humanitarian and spiritually based commit-
ment, which attempted to transcend po-
litical and ideological barriers.
When relief first was proposed for the
starving millions occupied in Belgium, for
instance, many objected; there was an eco-
nomic blockade against the German occu-
pied territories and other political and
military factors of World War I. But
President Hoover's view was simple, and
should be our own today. He wrote:
''Above all, I did not believe that stunted
bodies and deformed minds in the next
generation were the foundation upon which
to rebuild civilization."
We must examine candidly the way our
nation is presently committed to the
stewardship of its resources. This year*
in our national budget, the Congress has
been asked to approve the largest peace-
time military budget in our history. Over
90 billion dollars will be spent for weapons
'. . . our hearts as believers in
Christ and instruments of His conn-
passion nnust be pierced with the
monopoly on the world's food
and protein enjoyed by us as
Americans."
of war and destruction, and for the support
of our axmies, includnig over half a million
men stationed permanently outside our
bordsrs. This total of military expenditures
amounts to 63 per cent of the funds
Congress can actually control, and is being
asked to spend this year. That is the money
that comes from you and me, as citizens.
By contrast, all the funds proposed in
this year's budget for the purpose of pro-
viding humanitarian and economic assis-
tance to other nations, and to disadvan-
taged people comes to $1.9 billion. Even
much of this money, in my opinion, is
utilized more to gain political influence than
to relieve the suffering of people. But this
should give us some idea of how we as a
nation are exercising the stewardship of
our resources.
It comes down to this simple fact. For
$1 that is spent in our nation's attempts to
aUeviate suffering and enhance human life
throughout the world, we spend $50 for the
weapons and forces geared for the destruc-
tion of life.
Let us consider these facts for a moment
in light of our own nation's security, and
to the building of peace throughout the
world. From where do the threats to peace
come? What will be most likely to throw
the world into turmoil and instability? It
is the one central reality of world hunger.
For us, stewardship means molding our
own lives to the shape of the Man crucified.
It means being conformed not to the world,
but to Christ. Our action, individually and
corporately, must be the witness and the
light to our nation and the world.
In the words of the Old Testament, we
have set before us life and death. So let us
choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). D
*The figures given are not for the current year.
In the budget President Carter sent to Congress
in January, he requested that $124.8 billion be
approved for defense for 1980 — an increase of
10% over the 1979 defense apportionment.
For more thoughts on the subject of world
hunger and world need, see pages 2 and 27.
February 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Problems
and
Possibilities
Arden Gilmer looks at basic problems facing the Brethren
Church and shares his vision for our denomination in
the eighties.
ATTEMPTING to predict the future is
a hazardous task. For example, in 1839
the famous surgeon Alfred Velpeau wrote,
"The abolishment of pain in surgery is a
chimera. It is absurd to go on seeking it
today." In 1902 Harper's Weekly com-
mented, 'The actual building of roads de-
voted to motor cars is not for the near
future, in spite of many rumors to that
effect."
Still we must address ourselves to the
question, **What will become of the Breth-
ren in the decade of the eighties?"
As we move into the future, we can be
confident that God's promises are trust-
worthy and constant. They are eternal be-
cause God's word will never pass away.
God's promises provide a stable footing for
our journey into the future. The variable
is the degree of our faithfulness and obe-
dience to the Lord's commands. Faithful-
ness will provide a much brighter future
than unfaithfulness.
The trends of the past may also throw
light on what to expect in the future. What
are some of the trends? Between 1965 and
1978 membership in the Brethren Church
decreased 14%. If the decrease continues
at the same rate, the entire Brethren
Church will have a membership of 13,226
in 1990. During the same period (from 1965
to 1978) Sunday morning worship attend-
ance decreased 20% and Sunday school
attendance decreased 31%. If these trends
continue, by 1990 the ''average" Brethren
Rev. Arden Gilmer is Director of Home Mis-
sions for the Missionary Board of the Brethren
Church. In this position he works diligently over-
seeing the planting of new Brethren churches and
promoting church growth.
church will have 110 members with an
average morning worship attendance of 68
and an average Sunday school attendance
of 48.
When writing about the future, my earn-
est desire is to be positive and affirmative.
But the above figures force me to a stark
and bleak realism. I do not believe that God
desires the demise of the Brethren Church,
but the church will die if nothing is done.
I believe that with some radical changes,
the Brethren Church can begin to grow
again. If we grow at a rate of 25% per
decade (fair growth for a turn-around sit-
uation) our membership in 1990 would be
20,655! At this rate the "average" Brethren
church in 1990 would have 172 members
with 115 in worship and 93 in Sunday
school!
Problems we must attack
I see several problems we must attack.
One of these is a nearly complete loss of
evangelistic fervor and zeal. I know there
are exceptions to this, but they do not
negate the truth of the generality.
Despite all our talk about evangelism and
the sinful condition of our world, very few
Brethren are spending time taking the gos-
pel to those who are sick and need a physi-
cian. We have become dangerously ingrown.
We are more concerned with nurture than
with missions; with edification than with
evangelism; with fellowship than with
outreach ; with providing for ourselves than
with ministering to the needs and hurts of
our communities. Our actions indicate that
we take the gospel for granted and that we
really do not believe that people outside of
Jesus Christ are lost and doomed to an
eternal hell.
10
The Brethren Evangelist
''Local churches spend more time deciding how to spend
$100 than they do in asking and answering the ques-
tion, 'What does God want us to do for Him in our
community?' ''
We must intentionally and deliberately
change our perspective, vigorously share
the gospel, and warmly welcome into our
churches those who respond to the mar-
velous grace of God. The problem here is
not size, but growth. And growth is a mat-
ter of faithfulness to God.
Ou
r size a pro!
lem
But our size is also a problem. If all of
our 120 congregations were located in one
state, we would have a district big enough
to do some very positive things. Under
those conditions one camping program
could serve all the churches with little more
expense than it takes to provide a camping
program for thirty churches. Mission funds
would be available for planting new church-
Perspectives? Prospectives?
// you are an observant reader, you probably
noticed that both words were used in the intro-
duction to our new feature in last month's
Evangelist. I would like to say this was intentional
— but it wasnt!
Which should it be? Actually, it takes both
words to define the purpose of the series.
''Perspective' speaks of looking into the distance
or the future and of evaluating and giving pro-
portional importance to the various parts. Putting
the future into perspective.
''Prospective," on the other hand, means looking
to the future, to the hoped for or probable out-
come, and to the chances for success.
In this series, then, we are taking a view of the
1980s, and we are trying to evaluate the various
influences, trends, etc., that will affect the Brethren
Church. We are trying to get perspectives on
the eighties.
At the same time, we are considering the
Brethren Church's chances for success in the next
ten years, its prospects. We are trying to evaluate
our PROSPECTivES for the eighties.
Obviously we cant use both words in our title.
So we will call the series "Perspectives for the
Eighties." But keep in mind that it takes both
words to fully define what we are seeking to
accomplish in this series of articles. R.C.W.
es. The district could employ a full-time
administrator who would see that district
level tasks were done and done well.
But geography hinders us. We are scat-
tered all over the country. District level
ministries are conducted by volunteers who
often have district work as a low item on
their list of priorities. So the excellence
with which district functions are completed
is often unsatisfactory. Some districts have
talked of employing a full-time adminis-
trator, but none of our districts are big
enough to justify the large expenditure of
funds needed for such a person.
One solution to this would be to strength-
en the essentials of denominational struc-
ture and program. But though many desire
the outreach and services of denominational
ministries, it appears they would like to
have them for free. As far as I know nearly
every cooperating board of General Confer-
ence is suffering from inadequate finances.
Some local churches and individuals are
complaining about receiving promotional
materials from the cooperating boards.
Should the present lack of support for
denominational ministries be interpreted to
mean that the Brethren want them to
cease? All of them? Some of them? If
some, which ones?
A spiritual problem
Maybe the root of the problem is not
with denominational ministries. Perhaps
the problem is a spiritual one — failure to
trust the Lord enough to tithe. If all
Brethren were tithers, neither the local
church nor the denominational ministries
would be hurting financially. Have we
Brethren become so materialistic that we
cannot manage our money well enough to
tithe? Will Brethren in the eighties willing-
ly simplify their lifestyle in order to provide
the personnel and funds to do the primary
work of the church?
Another problem is the location of our
churches. We are a predominantly rural
church in an increasingly urban society.
Only 22 (18%) of our congregations are
located in population centers of 50,000 or
February 1979
11
''Our problems can be converted into stepping stones
leading- into a new era of frnitfulness for the Lord/'
more. And of these only six have an
average worship attendance of 100 or more.
The population flow is to the south and we
are mainly northerners. To minister where
the people are we must plant churches in
southern urban and suburban areas. But
the cost will be high. In the eighties we
must diligently and deliberately work at
this.
Do we have the conviction and the will
to pay the price to see new churches
planted? Will Brethren people who move to
a community that has no Brethren church
deliberately trust God, start a Bible study
in their home, and do what is needed to
bring together a core group to plant a new
church? Will a northern district mission
board provide the funds to plant a church
in a southern city?
As you can tell, I really am thinking out
loud. I want to stimulate your thinking,
your praying, and your concern.
It seems to me that we Brethren have a
knack for majoring on minors. We have
trouble grasping the essence of an issue.
General Conference will spend years debat-
ing a fairly minor point. Local churches
spend more time deciding how to spend
5100 than they do in asking and answering
the question, ''What does God want us to
do for Him in our community?"
We need a sense of purpose
Aren't these symptoms of an organiza-
tion that has lost its sense of purpose, that
has no vision, that has lost its will to ad-
vance? Do we need to make some efforts
to answer the questions, ''What is the rea-
son for the existence of the Brethren
Church? Are the reasons of a hundred
years ago valid for today?"
If we do not have a strong sense of pur-
pose, we will continually find ourselves re-
acting to what's happening around us
rather than initiating action which boldly
says, "We are the people of God, we are
the church of the living Lord, there-
fore. ..." Many of our local churches are
just plodding along, doing the same old
things, not really knowing why. For us to
have impact on the eighties, we must know
who we are, why we exist, and what we are
to do. Then, of course, we must channel
our energies into fulfilling our mission.
I praise the Lord for the Brethren
Church, and I long with tears to see the
Brethren Church become a dynamic, con-
secrated, and willing instrument used
mightily of God to bring men and women
into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ
and into a positive relationship with a
Brethren Church.
A vision for +he elah+ies
As we look to the eighties, I have many
hopes and dreams for our church. I dream
of local Brethren churches being power-
houses for God. Effective evangelism be-
gins and ends with the local church. I wish
that each one of our local churches would
pray, work, and witness as though the
eternal welfare of every individual in their
community depended upon them.
I long for the day when a renewal will
sweep through our church so that men and
women will give themselves unreservedly
to the Lord's service and every pastorate
will be filled. I dream of the time when we
will start twenty new churches every year
instead of two. I dream of a growing num-
ber of pastors who have a Holy Spirit gen-
erated fire and vision to reach people for
Jesus Christ, to plant churches, to lead
churches, and to faithfully do those things
which result in the lost being found, fed,
and folded.
I envision a hoard of Brethren lay people
eagerly bearing positive witness for Christ
and joyfully using their gifts in fulfilling
the ministry of the risen Lord. I dream of
Brethren joining hearts and minds to dis-
cover possibilities and opportunities and to
work together to accomplish them.
I dream of the day when our wanderings
will cease. I hope for a turn around begin-
ning in 1979, with the eighties being a
decade of growing momentum. The prob-
lems have solutions. We can claim the vic-
tory of our Lord. Our problems can be
converted into stepping stones leading into
a new era of fruitfulness for our Lord. We
must not back or meander into our future
— we must march into it! Will you
enlist? D
12
The Brethren Evangelist
The Benevolent Board
to
9 »
\'' ^:V^
(('''
ervice
Service is the rent we pay for our room on earth, and the mennbers
of The Benevolent Board would like to be good tenants.
Arficle I — Ncsme
The name of this organization is: The Benevo-
lent Board of The Brethren Church.
Article II — Purpose
The purpose of this organization is to minister
to the needs of the elderly by identifying and
giving priority to those programs and services
which are better implemented through the church.
THE BRETHREN CHURCH has long
been concerned with caring for the
elderly. As early as 1892 there was a feel-
ing that steps should be taken to meet
their needs. Funds given by Lydia Fox and
her brother, John Early, started an effort
that has continued to this day. These early
funds were invested, and by 1922 The
Brethren's Home was constructed at Flora,
Indiana.
At that time The Benevolent Board and
The Brethren's Home were one and the
same.
In the 1960's new health care regulations
and building code requirements caused The
Benevolent Board to seriously study the
advisability of continuing this ministry. A
survey was made of health care and retire-
ment facilities in the surrounding states.
Not-for-profit homes were visited as well
as proprietary homes. From this research
it was determined that the church-
sponsored homes were, for the same dollar,
giving far more care and service to the eld-
erly than the proprietary homes. Hence,
the recommendation was made by the
Board that The Brethren Church should be
ministering to this area of special need.
In 1966 plans were made to build a new
facility at Flora, and a new 46-bed nursing
home was opened on May 5, 1968.
A need was felt for the development of
retirement facilities in other areas. So in
August 1970 Dorman Ronk, past president
of The Benevolent Board, was hired as full-
time Executive Secretary to continue the
development of retirement facilities and to
administer the work of The Benevolent
Board. Also, at this time, The Brethren's
Home and The Benevolent Board became
separate entities. The Brethren's Home be-
came a not-for-profit corporation in the
State of Indiana and The Benevolent Board
became a not-for-profit corporation with
headquarters in Ashland, Ohio.
The Articles of Incorporation for The
Brethren's Home were drawn so that any
member of The Benevolent Board was a
member of The Brethren's Home Corpora-
tion and so that the members of The Breth-
ren's Home Corporation would elect the
Board of Trustees. This same procedure
has been followed in establishing Brethren
Care, Inc., at Ashland, Ohio, and Brethren
Care, Inc., at South Bend, Indiana.
Through the efforts and leadership of
Dorman Ronk as Executive Secretary, a
100-bed nursing home known as Brethren
Care, with seven connected apartments, has
been constructed and occupied in Ashland,
Ohio. Also through his efforts nine apart-
ments were constructed on College Avenue
in Ashland. These apartments are adjacent
to the Park Street Brethren Church and are
under the management of Brethren Care.
Dorman was also instrumental in getting
an 88-unit apartment building known as
Martin House built in Ashland, Ohio. The
Benevolent Board has no investment in this
project other than Dorman's time, which
was given from the planning and construc-
tion stage through a successful start-up.
Dorman also worked with and guided
further expansion at Flora. At present. The
Brethren's Home at Flora can accommodate
86 nursing home residents and has 26 apart-
ments available for retirement residents.
As these projects were completed and
the administrative management of each
facility assumed responsibility for its
operation, it became apparent to The Bene-
volent Board that the financial resources
of the board were not sufficient to retain
a full-time Executive Secretary. It also
became apparent that future expansion of
present facilities would need to be accom-
plished through the efforts of each home's
administration and Board of Trustees.
Therefore Dorman relinquished his respon-
sibilities as Executive Secretary and has
resumed his teaching career. D
February 1979
o
77?^ Nursing Home Image
Nursing homes are among our most stigmatized and investigated
institutions. Stories in the media tell tales of neglect and abuse, and
the public shudders.
A common reaction to the neglect of older people is, "There
ought to be a law against that sort of treatment."
Thinking people everywhere are demanding personal dignity and
high standards of care for the older person. But can morality be leg-
islated? Brethren people believe there is a better way.
Are We
Benevolent* People?
To answer this question we must determine
just what benevolence is. This quality that should
characterize all of us means . . .
Doing some kind and loving deed
or giving a gift to one in need.
How Qualified
Are Our Present Facilities?
In case you are unfamiliar with the ministries
at our homes, look at Brethren Care, Ashland,
Ohio; The Brethren's Home, Flora^ Indiana; and
Brethren Care, South Bend, Indiana, as presented
on this and the following pages.
BRETHREN CARE
AshlaBi
OMo'
by Ida Lindower
THIS RESIDENCE for our elderly citi-
zens is well named, for Brethren do
care for our mature people. This concern
can be seen in the comfort and content-
ment of many who work or live here.
First, let's look at those who work here.
A competent, understanding administration
figures largely in the smooth operation;
nurses, aides, kitchen staff, housekeepers,
maintenance workers — all manifest a com-
mendable esprit de corps, so essential to
conducting such a residence successfully.
Listen to some of their comments:
Says Kris GentEe (L.P.N.) : '1 enjoy the
work; and Brethren Care has treated me
very well."
(continued on next page)
Mrs. Lindower is a retired Ashland College
professor of English. She presently spends one
day each week in volunteer work at Brethren Care.
Mrs. Glenn with some of her beautiful hand-
craft work which is on the wall of her room at
Brethren Care.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
The concern which Brethren people show for the elderly
can be seen in the comfort and contentment of the many
who live and work at Brethren Care in Ashland,
Eileen Hahn (dietitian for 5 years, who
plans and prepares delicious meals) : *1
like my work here."
Miriam Esbenshade (nurse's aide for 5
years) : ''I've worked in other nursing and
retirement homes, but this one is best. It
is so clean and friendly."
Jo Long, (another aide for 5 years) : "I
love my work here. These people are so
interesting."
Many more comments might be listed,
but let's look at some of the residents.
Meet Mrs. Glenn, 95 years old and a de-
lightfully pleasant, alert lady. She is a
stimulating presence at the Wednesday
evening Bible Class which she attends faith-
fully, asking intelligent questions and con-
tributing to discussion. She has done much
lovely embroidery work, some of which
adorns the walls up and down the halls as
well as in her room. Asked how she likes
living here, she replied, ''I wouldn't want
to be anywhere else."
Another resident, Mrs. Estella Budd, has
lived at Brethren Care since 1973. This
energetic person might be designated "the
flower lady," for she has — by actual count
Mrs. Estella Budd and some of her lovely plants.
Mrs. Budd has lived at Brethren Care since 1973.
at this time — nineteen African Violets in
her room, besides other miscellaneous
plants. She must exercise some magic over
them, for they are magnificent. During
growing season outside, she likes to water
plants around the building.
Estella, a youthful eighty-eight, is the
soul of generosity, often having friends buy
goodies for her — melons, apples, cakes, etc.
— which she shares with those at her table.
She has no children, but numerous nieces
and nephews with whom she might live;
however, she enjoys her independence. She
too attends Bible study faithfully.
L. U. Todd is one of our scholars in resi-
dence. This 95-year-old for many years
taught math — geometry, trig., and calculus
— at Ashland High School. So much loved
was he that former students and fellow
teachers continue to visit with him. The
writer of this little sketch owes him much
for his influence on her children when they
attended his classes. Asked how he is treat-
ed at Brethren Care, he replied enthusias-
tically, "They couldn't treat me better."
To be sure many other fascinating per-
sonalities might be listed here: Mildred
McElroy, former librarian at the State
House in Columbus as well as at Ohio
Wesleyan University. Adelaide Scott, age
91, who until 85 years old had her own
advertising agency in Cleveland. Esther
Gibson, high school English teacher for
many years. Ruth Sheets, wife of a former
Church of the Brethren minister and long-
time foster mother to about 25 children.
Gladys Redd, wife of a former United
Brethren pastor.
If space permitted, all 78-80 residents
might be sketched. These are just a few,
but their tranquil, fulfilled lives show forth
the crowning brush strokes God makes on
some of His masterpieces.
Come in and visit. If you are supporting
Brethren Care through your Benevolence
offerings, you will be glad to see what your
gifts are doing. If you are not presently
supporting with your giving, you may want
to become a part of it. n
February 1979
15
TTJF
BRET
EN'S
Flora, Indiana
THE BRETHREN'S HOME in Flora is
the oldest ministry to the aged and in-
firm operating under the auspices of The
Benevolent Board of The Brethren Church.
The Brethren's Home opened its doors on
May 29, 1923, and has been providing care
to those in need of long-term health care
ever since.
Over its 55 years of existence, the Home
has provided more than $400,000.00 in
benevolent care to those who could not
sustain themselves financially. This year
alone, the Home has made available more
than $30,000.00 in benevolent care by sup-
porting those whose funds are exhausted
or through subsidizing care to those under
Title 19 of the Medicaid program. This gen-
erous maintenance care depends on gifts
from individuals, estates, gifts to the Home,
and denominational offerings for its
continuance.
Just one example of the way we use the
gifts and funds raised during the year is
the new hydraulic lift for our van. In Aug-
ust the Home sponsored a fish fry which
was made possible through the untiring
efforts of Stan Gentle (Assistant Adminis-
trator), Stan's wife, Judi, and many vol-
unteers and friends of the Home. Almost
$1,000.00 was raised towards the purchase
of the $1,300.00 lift. The remainder of the
funds came through contributions from the
Flora First Brethren Church Bible School,
other Brethren churches, and individual
gifts.
Presently our needs include a gift for
Gene Geaslen, Brethren's Home Administrator (left), and Stan Gentle, Assistant Administrator
(right), demonstrate the hydraulic lift, which gives new life to the Home's van.
16
The Brethren Evangelist
Stan Gentle (left), Gene Geaslen
(2nd from left), and Jim
Gerard (right) honor Mrs. Neva
Handley as ''Volunteer of the
Year" for District III in Indiana.
Mrs. Handley contributed 150
hours in volunteer service in 1978.
our bus, a tilting fry pan for the kitchen,
a new roof for the south wing of the health
facility, two blow dryers, and a multi-
purpose building where we can hold church
services and other gatherings.
Contributions of time are also needed in
order to continue the individual care at the
Home. Last year more than 3700 hours
were given by some QQ volunteers, function-
ing under the direction of Mary Blue, our
Activities Director. These volunteers do all
kinds of things from visiting with our bed-
fast residents to helping with parties and
activities for our active residents. If we
had had to pay for those hours, it would
have cost us from $10,000 to $14,000. Time
is a money donation!
We were fortunate to have one of our
volunteers receive recognition as '* Volun-
teer of the Year" for District III in Indiana.
Mrs. Neva Handley contributed 150 hours
in volunteer service in 1978 and was hon-
ored along with seven other volunteers by
TV celebrity Jim Gerard at a State Nursing
Home Association dinner.
The Brethren's Home provides basically
two kinds of accommodations: 26 inde-
pendent living apartments and an 86-bed
intermediate care health facility. The
Health Care unit is licensed by the State
of Indiana and certified by Medicaid. We
are also active in both the Indiana Health
Care Association and the Indiana Associa-
tion of the Homes for the Aging and Aged.
The entire operation employs more than
85 people and has a payroll in excess of
$400,000.00 per year. Presently the facility
has an approximate value of three million
dollars. This has been made possible be-
cause the Brethren have a burden and
vision for caring for other people.
Presently there are no immediate plans
for expansion, although our needs would
indicate that we should we considering
facilities for a chapel and a multi-purpose
building. Since such a building would not
generate any income, capital monies will
have to be saved or received as gifts before
we can begin such a project.
Right now our immediate goal is to main-
tain a financially sound facility while pro-
viding the best quality health care for a
modest price. We need the Brethren to help
us accomplish this goal by their continual
support. Start by praying for us regularly,
and then share of your time and money to
assist us in continuing to provide benevo-
lent care for those who gave ug life.
We certainly want to thank the friends
who faithfully support the ministry in
Flora. This includes those who send birth-
day cards and Christmas gifts to the
residents, those who provide programs
throughout the year, those who invest in
notes and bonds, and those who give finan-
cial gifts — either to the home directly or
through the Benevolent Board.
For further information on how you and
your church might share in the work r.t
Flora, or for information on independent
living apartments or our long-term health
care, please feel free to contact either Gene
A. Geaslen, Administrator, or Stan E.
Gentle, Assistant Administrator, at R.R. 2,
Box 97, Flora, Indiana 46929 (phone 219-
967-4571). n
February 1979
17
TOPSFIE
Brethren Care of South Bend. Inc.
TOPSFIELD TERRACE will be owned by
Brethren Care of South Bend, Inc., an
ecumenical, not-for-profit corporation affili-
ated with the Brethren Church under the
administration of the National Benevolent
Board of The Brethren Church.
The facility will make it possible for
retirees to remain in the community of their
choosing — South Bend. The Terrace will
offer a gracious and secure lifestyle to
qualified persons over the age of 62 without
regard to religious preference, race, or
national origin.
Construction has commenced, and in
order that you may fully appreciate the
excellent accommodations to be available at
Topsfield Terrace, a model apartment has
been constructed on the building site. The
model is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., and on weekends from 1:00 to 5:00
p.m. Terrace representatives will be avail-
able to show you through and explain the
program in detail. Feel free to visit any
time, no appointment necessary. For infor-
mation, contact: Topsfield Terrace, 17881
Inwood Road, South Bend, Indiana 46614
(phone: 219-291-8205).
Although we should be benevolent the
year round, in the month of February we
have a special opportunity to express this
virtue. There are numerous outlets for us,
to be sure, but caring for our aging is fun-
damental to Christian benevolence. Remem-
ber what the poet Browning said: ''Grow
old along with me! The best is yet to be,
the last of life for which the first was
made. . . ." If we would make such a state-
ment a reality, we would insure the com-
fort and well-being of numerous of God's
noble men and women. □
Topsfield
Terrace
Site
Plan
18
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
If the Brethren Church is to have a future, it
must buck the trends of the past.
Futuristics
HISTORIANS often say that the past
can help us understand the future.
Futurists emphatically agree. In fact, some
have even suggested that the study of the
future be called ''applied history."
Futurists are not content to simply
understand what happened in the past;
they want to use that knowledge to im-
prove the future. They would do so by
applying two basic principles — the Principle
of Continuity and the Principle of Analogy.
According to the Principle of Continuity,
the future will be a repeat of the past or
something like it (give or take a few
differences).
The Principle of Analogy is based on
observation of sequential events. When the
barometer falls, a storm follows. If the
light changes to red, the traffic comes to
a halt (or is supposed to).
So far so good. Much of our everyday
forecasting is routine. In fact, it's so rou-
tine that we don't realize we are practicing
what is called futuristics.
One method we all use is Trend Extra-
polation. For example, if the population of
a city is increasing at the rate of two per-
cent per year, we can predict what the city's
population will be ten years from now. This
is Trend Extrapolation and simple mathe-
matics. Of course, there are risks involved.
Some catastrophe (plague, earthquake)
may occur, which would change the entire
trend and ruin our prediction. But barring
these unforeseen events, our Trend Extra-
polation should follow the basic Principle
of Continuity. If we take into consideration
other things affecting the city's growth,
then we have shifted to the Principle of
Analogy.
Recently I applied these principles to
Brethren statistics. From 1974 (memb3r-
ship of 16,235) to 1977 (membership of
15,344), we had an average drop of 256
members per year in the Brethren Church.
This trend has been continuous for as many
years as I can remember. If this trend con-
tinues, by the year 2000 the Brethren
Church will have somewhere in the vicinity
of 9,968 members — according to the Prin-
ciple of Continuity.
When I apply the Principle of Analogy,
the outlook becomes worse. But I won't
get into that because it sounds so pessimis-
tic, and I'm not a pessimist.
In addition to using Trend Extrapolation,
futurists also explore the future by means
of scenarios. So what is a scenario?
According to futurists, a scenario is
exactly what the Brethren Church needs
in the face of present trends. A scenario
begins when we start wondering, ''What
would happen if such and such occurred?"
For example, if it takes 17 people spending
$3500 to bring about one conversion in the
Brethren Church, what vv^ould happen if
ten were able to do the job spending only
$2500? It would be much more effective,
wouldn't it?
And if we've averaged 458 conversions
per year the last few years, what would
happen if we got more evangelistic and
started averaging 500 or 600? It wouldn't
take long for a scenario to change the
trends of the church, would it?
What it boils down to is the need for a
continuous scenario in the Brethren Church.
That is, Brethren people who've finally
decided to buck the trend and do the job.
What happens if we don't do it? That's
easy to predict using a form of Trend
Extrapolation. But you answer the ques-
tion. I'm going out to begin a scenario, n
February 1979
19
Some of the 43 Brethren students who are attending Ashland College.
AC Campus Ministry:
A Time of Reflection
by Fred Burkey
SEMESTER BREAK . . . four weeks until
the students return to campus ... a
breather . . . thank goodness! Now for a
time of reflection and evaluation of our
first semester's ministry on the Ashland
College campus.
My initial reaction is a feeling of grat-
itude. I am grateful to the many Brethren
churches and individuals who care enough
to support our evangelical witness on
campus. Budgets are tight — every college
department is facing a cut of one-third in
controllable expenses. Our budget is no
exception. Yet I am thankful that church
contributions will make it possible for us
to continue.
I am thankful as well for the many ex-
pressions of apprec'ation and support we
have had for the semester's work. We have
counseled many troubled people — students
and others. We have seen people's lives
changed in Bible studies, discussion groups,
counseling sessions, and worship services.
Dr. Frederick T. Burkey is Director of Religious
Affairs and Campus Ministry for Ashland College.
Our beginning has been modest. We have
not jumped headlong into things, choosing
instead to move slowly, identifying needs
and priorities.
We are grateful as well for the fine
people we have to work with. Our new
Office of Religious Affairs has been cor-
dially received by faculty, staff, and ad-
ministration. President Schultz has been
wonderfully supportive of our program and
has offered invaluable guidance. He has
taken the time to discuss our ideas and
concerns even when the pressures of his
own job were almost overwhelming. He has
given spiritual matters a clear priority in
the life of Ashland College. Pray for him
regularly.
My assistants, Judy Gifford and Jim
Miller, are doing a fine job. Both are dedi-
cated Christians and both are working
effectively among the students. This task
would be impossible without them. Both
are taking seminary courses (Jim is a full-
time student), yet they give freely of their
time in counseling, teaching, and doing the
necessary office work.
In addition, we have three adjunct staff
20
The Brethren Evangelist
members, Neil and Mary Sue Smith and
Tom Hawks, who work with CoaUtion for
Christian Outreach and Ashland College.
The Coalition people serve as residence hall
directors and work in the Office of the
Dean of Students. We welcome their contri-
bution to our objective.
We are pleased as well with the role our
forty-three Brethren students are playing
on campus. They are active in nearly every
facet of academic life and in most extra-
curricular activities. In many cases, they
form the core group around which pro-
grams are built. Based on our first semes-
ter experience, we estimate that there are
about 150 Protestant Christian students
who are actively involved in religious pro-
grams. (There are many more Christian
students, but most tend to be less active
than this 150.)
Much more could be said, but I want to
share some of our plans for the second
semester and beyond.
First, Bible studies will be continued in
every dormitory. The Sunday evening
worship service (9:00-10:00 p.m.) will be
continued, featuring a variety of competent
speakers and lots of good music. Our
counseling service will be expanded.
Second, some new programs will be
offered. At least five non-credit courses
are being considered. These include: How
to Be a People Helper (a peer counseling
course), Evidence That Demands a Verdict
(a study of the intellectual basis of the
Christian faith). How to Give Away Your
Faith, The Measure of a Man, and The
Measure of a Woman. These will be taught
by our staff at convenient times during the
semester.
Other planned activities include a sub-
stance-abuse seminar, a couple of concerts,
and presentations by Acts II (our Christian
drama group) and HISong. These will be
scheduled to supplement the programs of
campus Christian organizations.
We are exploring the possibility of con-
verting the basement of Memorial Chapel
into a ''campus Christian center." The
chapel is not being used regularly, but we
hope to change that next academic year.
We have several pressing needs which
ought to be shared with the brotherhood.
First, we need Brethren students ... at
least thirty new ones next fall.
Related to this is our second need:
scholarship money. It now costs over
$5,000,00 per year for a full-time student
to attend Ashland College. If individuals,
classes, groups, districts, or churches are
interested in helping the Brethren students
financially, I would be glad to meet and
explore the matter with them. I think we
should also consider helping more than just
pre-seminary and seminary students. There
are a lot of potential tentmakers who also
need encouragement and assistance.
Third, Ashland College needs the Breth-
ren church's support through the Educa-
tional Day Offering. Every dollar helps in
this day of exploding costs, high interest
rates, and inflation.
Finally, do pray for us! This is as diffi-
cult a mission field as anyone can imagine.
Your prayerful participation in our work
will be deeply appreciated. □
AC Trustees propose $11.2 million budget,
approve addition to seminary library
Ashland, Ohio — The Ashland College Board of
Trustees, during meetings held January 23-25,
proposed a budget of more than $11.2 million for
the 1979-80 academic year and urged a feasibility
study prior to planning a capital fund campaign
for the 1980s.
Dr. Arthur L. Schultz, president of AC, said
that official approval of the new budget will be
given in the annual August meeting of the board.
The budget during the current year is more than
$10 million, which is the record high for the 100-
year-old college.
President Schultz said that the capital fund
campaign will be necessary in order to increase
the college's endowment and to provide money
for renovations and working capital.
The Ashland Theological Seminary's proposal
for an addition to its library was approved by
the board, pending the raising of funds for the
construction. The added library space is required
to meet accreditation standards. The seminary is
currently raising funds for an addition of one
floor to its main building for extra classrooms
and offices.
During the meeting, the board also re-elected its
officers. Elton Whitted of Ashland will continue
to serve as chairman. Other officers are Thomas
L. Stoffer of Canton, vice chairman; Stephen P.
Gilbert of Toledo, secretary; and Rev. Doc Shank
of Herndon, Va., assistant secretary.
February 1979
21
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
One question I have heard in the past year —
in fact, in the past several years — is, "Do we
as a church know who we are?" I'm not going
to even hint that I will answer that question
in this short space.
Our church's identity crisis is a reflection of
our society. Man today is questioning his
identity and life purpose — and, as a result, his
personal worth. We carry our personal prob-
lems into the church. Therefore the church
reflects our uncertainty.
To be successful in life, we must have a
feeling of personal worth, know where we are
going, and know how we can get there. We
need goals so that we can see our accomplish-
ments. Seeing our accomplishments, we begin
to understand our reason for being.
Now let's look at the larger group — the
denomination. We are congregationally gov-
erned, which makes the decision-making
process a little slower. This is not necessarily
bad. Congregational government (democracy)
is still the fairest form available.
We hold the Bible as our only creed, which
is as it should we. Our history indicates, how-
ever, that we have tended to become very
legalistic about some things that are not
scriptural mandates. Through the process of
our government, things have been corrected.
There have been times when we have lost
sight of our primary goal, which is to proclaim
the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. If
there is anything wrong with our system, it is
here. My main desire is to see the Brethren
Church renew its faith in the purpose of the
church, which is evangelism, and act aggres-
sively on it.
I believe the Brethren Church has the cap-
ability to proclaim the message of Christ
effectively. Our structure can effectively sup-
port an active evangelism program. The main
problem is the lack of proper vision at all levels.
At the local, district, and national levels
some people are utilizing all their time to im-
plement change, while others are spending their
time resisting change. My intent here is to
state that our time could be used to greater
advantage. More urgent matters need our atten-
tion— namely lost souls.
Let's find our purpose, decide where we are
going, how we are going to get there, and we
will know who we are!
Ai Shiffleff's views included
in Christianity Today article
Rev. Alvin Shifflett, a regular contributor to
the Brethren Evangelist ("The Salt Shaker") and
pastor of the First Brethren Church of Nappanee,
Ind., was one of 36 contributors to an opinion
survey which appeared in the January 5th issue
of Christianity Today magazine.
The article, entitled "Church Priorities For '79,"
gave a cross section of opinion on how the church
stands in 1979. Contributors to the survey were
asked two questions: "What is your greatest con-
cern for the church today, and how might the
church begin to deal with that concern in the
coming year?"
In his response. Rev. Shifflett said that he
wants to see more people involved in church
ministry. "You can take people into the church,
but unless they get involved and become com-
mitted disciples, you haven't accomplished much,"
he said.
Shifflett believes that small group Bible study
is the best tool for getting people involved in
discipleship and ministry. "When people really
begin studying God's Word, it affects them. They
become better disciples and often end up minis-
tering in the church."
Among the others whose views were printed in
the survey were Robert Schuller, pastor of the
Garden Grove Community Church, Los Angeles,
Calif.; George Gallup, Jr., president of the Gallup
Poll; Billy Melvin, executive director of the Na-
tional Association of Evangelicals; Karen Mains,
author of Open Heart, Open Honie and the W.M.S.
inspirational speaker at the 1978 General Confer-
ence; and Ronald J. Sider, president of Evan-
gelicals for Social Action and the 1978 General
Conference inspirational speaker.
Membership Growth
South Bend: 3 by baptism
Burlington: 2 by transfer
Flora: 2 by baptism, 1 by transfer
North Manchester: 2 by transfer
Bits
Elkhart, Ind.— On Sunday, December 24, 1978, the
First Brethren Church of Elkhart received a
special "Jesus Offering." A total of over $3200
was collected.
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Photo courtesy of Mr. Paul Clapper and the Louisville Herald
Part of the congregation present for Founder's Day at the Brethren Bible Church of Louisville, Ohio.
Brethren Bible Church of Louisville
Observes Founder's Day
Louisville, Ohio — On January 7, 1979, the Brethren
Bible Church of Louisville became the newest
Brethren church. On that date this new congre-
gation observed Founder's Day and received its
first official members.
The Brethren Bible Church had its beginning in
September of 1978 when a group of 35 people met
to seek the Lord's will in fellowship and evan-
gelism. They set up a simple organization and
asked Rev. Charles Lowmaster to be their pastor.
Meetings for worship and fellowship began the
second Sunday in September in the Community
Room of the Citizen's Saving's Association of
Louisville. Approximately 35 people attended that
service.
By October a Sunday school was organized and
staffed. The church continued to grow so that by
the new year more than 75 people were affiliated
with it. A very active youth group was formed
which meets each week in the homes of its
members. Midweek Bible studies are also held and
are well attended.
The invitation to become "founding-charter
BCE planning Crusader-Intern program
Ashland, Ohio — The final applications for 1979
Crusader and Intern service were received by the
Board of Christian Education office at the end of
January. The staff is now reviewing the applica-
tions and attempting to form tentative team
alignments.
You can help the BCE in its planning by send-
ing word immediately if your church is thinking
of requesting a Crusader team or Intern this
summer. All pastors and moderators have been
sent request forms on which to list the dates and
types of service desired. Please return these
forms as soon as possible to enable the BCE to
plan realistically for the needs of all our churches.
members" of the Brethren Bible Church was open
until December 31, 1978. As of that date, 52 people
had responded. These were received into member-
ship on Founder's Day, January 7th.
Dr. Charles Munson, chairman of the Ohio Dis-
trict Board of Evangelists, was present to bring
the Founder's Day message and to assist with and
witness the reception of the first official mem-
bers into the new church.
The church is praying for direction for its
ministry and for location of its worship facility.
It presently meets at the Fairhope Elementary
School each Sunday for Sunday school (at 9 a.m.)
and worship (at 10 a.m.).
— Rev. Charles Lowmaster
NAE olans annual conven+ion
Wheaton, 111. — "Jesus Christ: Now More Than
Ever" will be the theme of the 37th annual NAE
Convention, to be held March 6-8 at the Sheraton
Twin Towers in Orlando, Fla.
This year's convention theme will address itself
specifically to the lostness of man, the power of
the gospel to transform lives, and the ongoing
challenge to make disciples.
Special evening speakers for the convention will
be Dr. Adrian Rogers, pastor of Bellevue Baptist
Church, Memphis, Tenn.; Dr. Warren Webster,
general director of the Conservative Baptist
Foreign Mission Society; and Dr. Paul Smith,
pastor of the world famous People's Church,
Toronto. The morning Bible studies will be led
by Dr. Bruce Dunn, pastor of Grace Presbyterian
Church, Peoria, 111., and speaker on the "Grace
Worship Hour" broadcasts.
In addition to the special speakers, the conven-
tion will include numerous workshops and over
60 displays of evangelical materials and services.
February 1979
23
update
New Call +o Peacemaking
Statement of the Findings Committee
The following is the second part of a Statement
adopted at the New Call to Peacemaking conference
held October 5-8, 1978, at Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Rev. Doc Shank, Peace Coordinator of the Brethren
Church, attended this conference.
Part one of this Statement appeared on pages 10
and 11 of the January 1979 Evangelist. The final
section of the Statement will be printed in an upcom-
ing issue.
The printing of this Statement does not mean
that either the Peace Coordinator or the Brethren
Publishing Company endorses it in its entirety.
II. A Peacemaking Lifestyle
We are called to a peacemaking lifestyle that
follows Jesus' way in personal relationships and
in economic decisions.
A. Personal Relationships
A peacemaking lifestyle requires creative love
and respect for the integrity of each person,
starting with the members of our families. It
requires us to speak the truth in love, and to
confront personal and structural evil. It requires
us to take the way of the cross — to absorb suffer-
ing rather than to inflict it, and to demonstrate
the power of forgiving love.
Because we are called to be a community of
faith and mutual helpfulness, we must act in
cooperation rather than in competition.
B. Economic Decisions
An affluent lifestyle contributes to violence
because it is based on waste, on competition, and
on demanding more than a fair share of the
world's resources. We need to hear John Wool-
man's admonition: "May we look upon our treas-
ures, the furniture of our houses, and our gar-
ments and try whether the seeds of war have
nourishment in these our possessions."
We urge these specific responses:
1. Examine our personal and corporate ste-
wardship of money.
2. Conserve natural resources.
3. Reduce our level of consumption and seek
the courage of the Spirit where we must
make fundamental changes in our way of
living.
4. Become more discerning in financial deci-
sions, withdrawing investments from
banks and corporations which serve mili-
tarism, economic exploitation or unjust
governments, and investing rather in life-
enhancing enterprises.
III. Confronting Militarism
and the Arms Race
Because our security is in Jesus Christ, we
reject reliance on "national security." We reaf-
firm our membership in Christ's kingdom and in
the global community by denouncing national
and military idolatry. Because the earth is the
Lord's we declare that the resources presently
wasted on national military systems in all coun-
tries should be transferred to meet the genuine
needs of the world's people.
A. Disarmament
We are committed to the goals of worldwide
abolition of nuclear weapons, an end to the arms
race, and general disarmament.
1. We support the United Nations initiatives
for disarmament and also the US-Soviet
Strategic Arms Limitations Talks. We urge
use of the national debate on these talks
to stress the urgent need for disarmament.
2. We call upon our government to make
these initial steps toward disarmament,
thus challenging other governments to do
the same:
a. Reduce military spending by 10% in
the coming year.
b. Stop further testing, development, and
production of nuclear weapons.
c. Halt arms transfers to other countries.
B. Conversion to a Peace Economy
With awareness of the destructive, wasteful,
and inflationary effects of military-related expend-
itures, we support:
1. Research and action toward economic con-
version to non-military production, with
assistance for those who are temporarily
unemployed during the process.
2. Transfer of tax monies from the military
budget to programs meeting human needs.
C. War Tax Resistance
1. We call upon members of the Historic
Peace Churches to seriously consider re-
fusal to pay the military portion of their
federal taxes, as a response to Christ's call
to radical discipleship.
2. We challenge ourselves and also our con-
gregations and meetings to uphold war
continued on next page
24
The Brethren Evangelist
Marion Pastor G. Bright Hanna
(center) and Mr. Donald Ruse
burn the promissory note
while (left to right) Rev. Ralph
Gibson, Rev. Alvin Grumbling,
and Mr. Gary Taska of the
Indiana District Mission Board,
and Mr. Joe Nice (right side)
of the Marion First Brethren
Church look on.
update
Marion, Ind. — The First Brethren Church of
Marion held a note-burning service on Sunday
afternoon, December 3, 1978.
The congregation had completed payment of its
loan from the national Missionary Board's Re-
volving Loan Fund on October 13, 1978. They
were aided in paying this loan by the Indiana
District Mission Board, which paid two dollars for
each one dollar paid by the church.
Rev. St. Clair Benshoff, pastor of the College
Corner Brethren Church, delivered the message
at the special service. Scripture was read by Rev.
Alvin Grumbling, representing the Indiana Dis-
(continued from previous page)
tax resisters with spiritual, emotional,
legal, and material support.
3. We call on our church and conference
agencies to enter into dialogue with em-
ployees who ask, for reasons of moral
conviction, that their taxes not be withheld.
4. We suggest that alternative "tax" pay-
ments be channeled into a peace fund
initiated by the New Call to Peacemaking
or into existing peace funds of constituent
groups.
5. We call on our denominations, congrega-
tions and meetings to give high priority
to the study of war tax resistance in our
own circles and beyond.
D. World Peace Tax Fund
In keeping with our past support of alternative
service provisions for conscientious objectors to
the draft, we urge support for congressional enact-
ment of a World Peace Tax Fund as an alternative
to compulsory financial support of war and
preparation for war.
E. Conscription and Military Recruitment
In view of possible reinstatement of military
trict Mission Board, and prayer was offered by
Rev. Fred Snyder, the first pastor of the Marion
church.
Music for the service was presented by Mr.
Don Ruse of Marion, who played the organ pre-
lude, and by Mr. Paul Lemaster of the Loree
Brethren Church, who sang two vocal solos.
The note-burning service was preceded by a
carry-in noon meal.
iBible smuggling into USSR
Helsinki, Finland (EP News) — Finland's new
customs laws now state that "all carriage and
dispatching of the Bible and other religious mat-
ter" from Finland to the Soviet Union will be
treated as "smuggling."
Transport of Bibles and other religious matter
from Finland to the USSR has caused much fric-
tion between the two countries.
conscription and in light of expanding ROTC
programs, we call upon members and churches
to:
1. Oppose renewal of draft registration and
induction.
2. Provide educational and counseling oppor-
tunities for draft-eligible youth in our
communities.
3. Provide for and encourage peace registra-
tion of our members.
4. Plan counter recruitment programs to the
military-sponsored "career" preparation
programs.
5. Urge action to eliminate ROTC programs
in high schools and colleges.
February 1979
25
update
ABCT Seminar schedule
announced
Ashland, Ohio — The Board of Christian Education
has announced the schedule for the spring 1979
ABCT Seminars. The dates and locations are as
follows :
March 10: Ohio — Asbury U.M. Church,
Delaware
March 17: N. Indiana — Jefferson Brethren
Church, Goshen
March 31: S. Indiana — North Manchester
Brethren Church
April 7: Southeast — Maurertown Brethren
Church, Virginia
April 21: Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh
Brethren Church
April 28: Central — Lanark Brethren Church,
Illinois
This year's seminar leaders will be Elma
Delagrande, Ken Van Duyne, Alberta Holsinger,
Brad Weidenhamer, and Fred Burkey. Ten differ-
ent topics will be offered: Planning a Family
Life Program, Preparing to Teach the Bible,
Children's Summer Ministry, Children's Weekday
Ministry, Camping and Retreats, Sisterhood and
Brotherhood, Effective Planning for Your Church,
Using Audio-Visuals, Church Recreation, and BYC
Advisor's Advice. Each seminar participant will
be able to choose two of these topics.
Pastors and ABCT members have been sent
brochures giving more details about the seminars
and containing registration blanks. Be sure to ask
your pastor for a brochure so that you can pre-
register for the seminar of your choice. Don't
miss this excellent training opportunity.
In Memory
Mrs. Kimberly Aim (Cox) Bell, 17, December 28.
Member of the North Manchester, Ind., First
Brethren Church. Services by Woodrow Immel,
pastor.
Mrs. Martha Frye, 74, December 28. Member of
the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services
by Alvin Grumbling, pastor.
Phyllis W. Deck, 82, December 26. Member of the
Roann, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
William H. Kerner, pastor.
Mae Ambrose, 84, December 26. Member of the
Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Services
by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Mrs. Hazel Cripe, 80, December 24. Member of the
Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
Alvin Grumbling, pastor, assisted by Rev. Bert
Hodge of South Bend, Ind.
Bertha M. Gochnour, 75, December 16. Member of
the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Carl
H. Phillips, pastor.
Lester Cavender, 65, December 10. Member of the
Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Carl H.
Phillips, pastor.
Article abouf Brethren couple
appears in Hagersfown paper
Hag-erstown, Md. — Few couples ever see their
66th wedding anniversary. So the fact that Mr.
and Mrs. Greorge W. Spielman of Hagerstown
celebrated theirs on January 8th was duly noted
by the Hagerstown Daily Mail.
The newspaper article mentioned some of the
high points of the Spielmans' lives, including the
fact that Mrs. Spielman (Nora) has been a mem-
ber of the Brethren denomination for 70 years.
She first joined the St. James, Md., Brethren
Church, but now holds membership with her
husband in the First Brethren Church of
Hagerstown. George was originally a Lutheran,
but later joined the Brethren Church.
The article noted that "The couple made
some sort of record when they attended the
Brethren Church's General Conference at Ashland,
Ohio, for 32 successive years" (boldface added).
Mr. Spielman is a retired railroader. He left the
Western Maryland Railway in 1958, after 42 years
of employment as a brakeman and conductor.
In spite of the fact that Nora is 86 (one year
younger than her husband), the article mentioned
that she still does all her own housework and
cooking, including doing all her washing and iron-
ing in one day.
The Spielman's have two children, five living
grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
V/0iddliii^s
Kavena Renee Anderson to Gary W. Loveless,
December 30, at the North Christian Church, Ft.
Wayne, Ind. Bride member of the North Man-
chester, Ind., First Brethren Church.
Catherine S. Hoover to Alan I. Pritchard, Decem-
ber 23, at the North Manchester, Ind., First
Brethren Church; Rev. Woodrow Immel, pastor,
officiating. Bride member of the North Man-
chester First Brethren Church.
Carolyn Kay Landes to Nell James Van Boening:,
December 2, at the Morrill, Kansas, First Breth-
ren Church; David Manning, pastor, officiating.
Bride member of the Morrill First Brethren
Church.
Marjorie Berkshire dies
Shortly before the Evangelist went to press,
the editors learned of the tragic death Feb. 3rd of
Mrs. Marjorie Berkshire, wife of Clayton Berk-
shire, pastor of the Papago Park Brethren Church,
Tempe, Ariz. Mrs. Berkshire died from injuries
received in an automobile accident.
A memorial service was held for Mrs. Berkshire
Feb. 5th in Tempe, and the funeral Feb. 7th at
the Hillcrest Brethren Church in Dayton, Ohio.
26
The Brethren Evangelist
hooks
More About Hunger
Hniijger Awareness Dinners by Aileen Van Beilen
(Herald Press, 1978, 48 pp., $.95 paperback).
The record of the Brethren Church in giving to
world relief projects has improved nearly every
year for the past thirteen (from $1,546 in 1966
to $31,650 in 1978). Brethren do care about people
who live in crises.
Herald Press (Scottdale, Pennsylvania) has just
published a book to help concerned Christians
continue to grow in their understanding and
empathy for the hungry. In 48 pages. Hunger
Awaren€»ss Dinneaps by Aileen Van Beilen equips
church committees with not only facts about the
problem but plans to dramatize hunger. Detailed
instructions are given for sponsoring three
church-wide hunger-awareness dinners to enable
people to "feel with those who lack food."
The cover of this paperback book boldly an-
nounces the hunger problem. In shades of black
and pink, the countries of the world are depicted
according to the adequacy of their calorie intake.
A further value of the cover map is the two shapes
given each country — one according to actual size
and another showing the same countries sized
according to population.
Three all-church dinners are described in the
book. For each there are specific menus and
recipes, descriptions of physical room arrange-
ments, suggested Bible passages to use with
accompanying programs, and helpful advice in
dealing with different reactions of the partici-
pants. The dinners approach the hunger problem
as follows:
Dinner 1, The World Comes to Dinner, "shows
the average amounts of calories and proteins
which peoples of different continents receive in
their daily food."
Dinner 2, Energy and Your Dinner, "creates an
awareness of how much energy goes into grow-
ing, processing and serving different foods and
relates these facts to world hunger."
Dinner 3, Dinner for Tomorrow, "demonstrates
that more responsible eating habits are possible
with good-tasting food." Menus include some from
Doris Longacre's More-With-Less Coolc Book.
A particularly helpful part of the book is the
section of charts and tables. These show energy
consumption by continents, energy content of
various foods, livestock consumption of grain, and
the complementary protein relationships of
grains, seeds, milk products, and legumes.
Lists of additional resources — books, cookbooks,
films, filmstrips, charts, brochures, and organiza-
tions— are also included.
But even with all of this information, the
author does not conclude without suggesting pos-
sibilities for motivating different levels of com-
mitment by participants. To involve Christians
in attacking the problem of world hunger, she
offers options for personal commitment, develop-
ment commitment, and organizational commit-
ment.
My only point of difference with Ms. Beilen is
with her directive to send the children to a differ-
ent room for after-dinner reflections. Children
would gain from this discussion and might them-
selves offer valuable insights.
This book offers Brethren churches another way
to understand and become involved with world
need.
— Jean Lersch
Jean Lersch is a Christian Education Consuhant
with Brethren House Ministries^ St. Petersburg, Fla.,
and a free-lance writer.
More About the Cults
The Mind Benders by Jack Sparks (Thomas Nel-
son, 1977, 280 pp., $3.95).
Many modern religious cults, says the author,
preach heresy, while they capture converts by
bending their minds. This book deals with seven
of the most popular cults today.
Three of these mind benders are related to
"Eastern" or Hindu ideas. They are Transcendental
Meditation, Divine Light Mission, and Hare
Krishna. The other four cults have emerged from
"Western" or "Christian" thought. These include
The Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon, The
Children of God, The Way-International, and The
Local Church of Witness Lee.
After looking at these seven cults, the author
concludes the book with a defense, although a little
weak, of Christianity, or how the church takes
on the cults.
It is good for us all to be knowledgeable of the
cults because we may be parents, friends, or rela-
tives of people who are dragged into one of these
groups. This book provides us with this
knowledge.
Jack Sparks is a former professor of behavioral
psychology with a doctoral degree from the Uni-
versity of Iowa. He has worked much with youth
in Berkeley, California, and has written two other
books. He is now a minister overseeing several
churches.
— Julie Flora
Julie Flora is an Ashland, Ohio, homemaker and
a frequent contributor to the Brethren Evangelist.
February 1979
27
WHAT?
What do Ashland Garber, Bethlehem, Bryan, Corinth, Morrill,
New Lebanon, Northwest Chapel, Park Street, White Dale, and
20 other Brethren churches (including the new congregations at
Brandon, Fla., and Medina, Ohio) have in common? They sub-
scribe to the Brethren Evangelist for 100% of the families in
their church.
WHY?
Because they think it is important for every family to receive
Christian inspiration, biblical based articles, information about
ministries of the Brethren Church, and news about other
congregations. And they can do so at a savings of $1.00 per sub-
scription over the individual rate.
HOW?
How about you? Don't you think every family in your church
should receive our denominational magazine?
Who do you contact if you want more information? Write or
call Dick Winfield at The Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio (phone: 419-289-2611).
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"^r*^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
March 1979
Ann DeVeny tells how
Craft projects took a great amount
of my time before I became a Chris-
tian. After accepting Christ as Lord
and Savior nearly five years ago, I
experienced a real conflict between
my desire to spend time doing crafts
and my commitment to spend time
learning more about Jesus.
Therefore, I quit knitting, embroid-
ering, sketching, and doing any other
handwork that competed for the time
I could spend reading Christian books
and becoming familiar with God's
Word. But gradually God gave me a
new perspective on my talents.
Ohio District Conference
March 24, 1979, 9 a.m.— 3:30 p.m.
Asbury United Mefhodist Church
Delaware, Ohio
Program: Bible Study and Business
Theme: Who Cares? Brethren Do!
Leaders: Dr. Charles Munson, Rev. Leroy Solomon
Responsibility for Caring Ronnans 12:9-10
— ^to one another
Possibilities for Caring Romans 12:11-21
— with one another
Study the Scripture. Come prepared.
Follow-up Conference fo be held September 15
Theme: Brethren Do Care— Here's Proof
See page 21 for more details.
Board of Christian Education
seelcing new Director
The Board of Christian Education is now accepting applications
for the position of Director of Christian Education.
Qualifications
1. Education: The Board is flexible in this area.
2. Administrative abilities: Experience in marketing, management,
and supervision would be helpful.
3. Personal characteristics: Open commitment to Christ, active
member of the Brethren Church, rapport with laity and pastors,
ability to communicate well with congregations, enthusiastic with
youth.
4. Time requirements: A part-time director may be considered.
Applicants should send a r^sum^ of experience and a letter of
application to:
Rev. Brian H. Moore
23370 Ardmore Trail
South Bend, IN 46628
Applications must be received no later than April 25, 1979.
"Jp^ The Brethren ^j • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
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Cover
Ann DeVeny is a person of
many talents. On pages 4 and
5 she tells how God gave her
a new perspective on the use
of these talents.
Vol. 101, No. 3
March 1979
4 The Place of Talents
in a Christian's Commitment'
Ann DeVeny tells how God gave her a new perspective on the
use of her talents.
6 Speaking Out: A Christian Duty
Joan Martin says Christians must speak out against the distorted
values of our day.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
8
es
Fred Burkey proposes five steps the Brethren Church must take
to meet the challenges and opportunities of the eighties.
World Missions
12 Are Missionaries Still Needed Today?
Virgil Ingraham answers "Yes,'' and demonstrates this need in
India and among the Chinese.
14 Go Ye Into ALL the World
For Chantal Logan, going into all the world includes going
into the largest federal penitentiary in Colombia, South
America.
15 Medical Ministry in India
Prasanth Kumar reports on the successful outreach of the
medical ministry of the Brethren Church in India.
17 Colombian Brethren Church Inventory
Kenneth Solomon takes inventory of the leaders and oppor-
tunities God has given the Brethren Church in Colombia.
Departments
11 The Salt Shaker
25 Books
26 Letters
March 1979
The Place of Talents
in a Christian's Commitment
Ann DeVeny tells how God gave her a new perspective on
the use of her talents.
T AM REALIZING that for many people,
giving up things" is something they go
through when they become Christians. This
may include their talents and abilities.
They look upon these talents as part
of the old life that was to die when they
came to Christ. Therefore any desire to
hang on to these talents seems to indicate
a lack of spirituality!
In the face of this, it's tremendously
liberating to discover that Christ makes
the judgments on our lives. He decides
what portions must be discarded as no
longer useful and what portions can be
used to serve Him and His kingdom. This
was something I experienced in my own
life.
Mrs. DeVeny is an Ashland, Ohio, homemaker
and church school superintendent at Park Street
Brethren Church. Her husband is manager of
The Carpenter s Shop {the Brethren bookstore).
A
Craft projects took a great amount of
my time before I became a Christian. After
accepting Christ as Lord and Savior nearly
five years ago, I experienced a real conflict
between my desire to spend time doing
crafts and my commitment to spend time
learning more about Jesus.
Not only was time a problem, but the
finished product was the cause of more
struggle. I wanted to make certain the
craft project was given for God's glory,
not mine — and I couldn't be certain about
my motives. Therefore, I quit knitting, em-
broidering, sketching, and doing any other
handwork that competed for the time I
could spend reading Christian books and
becoming familiar with God's Word.
But gradually God gave me a new per-
spective on my talents. When we moved
to Ashland, and the new bookstore — The
Carpenter's Shop — began to take form, my
husband Dan asked if I'd macrame a couple
of plant hangers for the store. I agreed,
since it was a Christ-related service.
Then I saw a need for some new bulletin
board ideas at our church. I waited a rea-
sonable length of time to see if anyone
else would change the boards. When no one
did, I justified my desire to accept the
challenge. After decorating the bulletin
boards, I pulled back for awhile. Then I
eased in again and did some more bulletin
boards. Banners for the Medina Bible
Fellowship were my next project. This new
Brethren church meets in the YM-YWCA,
and the banners were needed to provide
an atmosphere of worship for the services.
My first breakthrough came after a sem-
inary retreat, when Dan and I wanted to
express to a special couple how they had
touched our lives. Funds were limited, yet
we had a pressing desire to show our thank-
fulness. The result was a paraphrase of a
psalm worked into a picture. The couple's
The Brethren Evangelist
kind acceptance of our
gift was a new begin-
ning for me. I felt a
change in my attitude
towards using my
hands. I now reahzed
that I could relate
Christian love through
my handwork.
I also think it made
a difference to me
that the end result
was a working togeth-
er of both Dan's and
my gifts. Dan has al-
ways given me incen-
tive and direction and
has laid the founda-
tion for the majority
of my work. This falls
in line with scriptural
teaching that we are
one and that I am to
be submissive to his
headship. This reali-
zation added that in-
gredient of boldness I
needed in order to
step out further.
Since this experience months ago, both
Dan and I have experienced an explosion of
ideas. We have used writings and sketches
to convey to others messages of Christ's
love that otherwise wouldn't have been ex-
pressed. I have found that when situations
call for a bulletin board or a banner, ideas
come together more readily. For example,
I saw banners with Christian symbols and
a child's name on them as a way of per-
sonalizing God's love for children in my
Sunday school department at Park Street
Church. And I drew pictures with specific
people in mind as a way of communicating
their uniqueness to God in their particular
ministry.
And what is just as important, I've been
released from the guilt feeling that I'm
wasting time when I work on these proj-
ects. I now see my ability to use my hands
as a gift from God and as a means of
communicating how much He loves each
one of us.
We're such inhibited people! Words fre-
quently fail us when we try to relate our
Christian experiences or when we want to
For Ann, making
plant hangers for The
Carpenter s Shop was
Christian service.
convey love to special people. But these
inhibitions can be overcome when we use
our God-given talents to communicate our
faith and love. We should not be afraid to
try new avenues of expressing praise and
thanksgiving, using the natural abilities
God has given us.
I rejoice that God has freed me. Many
other people stiffle their talents just as I
did. But if each of us can see his or her
abilities as tools God has given, then we
can use these abilities as a means of ex-
pressing that which is bottled up within us.
At one point in my life I felt that com-
mitment to God meant giving up the use
of my talents. Now I understand that com-
mitment means dedicating these talents to
God so that they may be used to His glory
and as a means of sharing my faith and life
with others. Q
To personalize God's love for the children in
her S. S. department, Ann made every child a
banner. Each 2- by 3-foot banner has a Christian
symbol, the child's name, and a personal message
for that child.
March 1979
Speaking
Out:
A
Christian
Duty
Joan Martin says Christians
nnust speak out against
the distorted values
of our day.
L..
DO YOU ever get the feeling that black is
really white and pro actually con? I
sometimes wonder if I don't belong on the
* 'funny farm" after all and if the moral
and biblical principles I have lived by aren't
outdated and no longer true.
A woman from India was telling us about
life in her country. Her mother and father
had found Christ in India through the wit-
ness of missionaries who had come to their
village. After she had enlightened us about
the worship of snakes and cows and about
child marriage in her country, Chandra
said, ''Who can say what is truth? Can
anyone? If we do not have a guideline
which never changes as we do in our Bible,
we will wander, not knowing which way to
go. Ephesians 4:14 tells us that if we have
Christ, 'we will no longer be tossed here and
there by waves and carried by every wind
of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by
craftiness in d3ceitful scheming.' "
Several v/eeks ago I read in our news-
paper of a woman who is founder and
president of an organization representing
"the other woman" — the mistress. This
woman was seeking to justify mistresses.
She stated that the wife must have done
something wrong or there would be no
need for a mistress. She further claimed
that the "other woman" knows more about
the man than does his wife and children.
She is his best friend. It isn't his fault, she
said, that he left his wife.
The end of the article told how she really
feels. "As for myself, I'm done being a
mistress," she said. "I succeeded. My mar-
ried man is getting a divorce and marrying
me." How heartbreaking it is when we
realize that many mixed up individuals will
read this article and pattern their lives by
it!
Several months ago the toy industry
came out with two male dolls, one homo-
sexual and the other straight. With the
help of newspaper and TV coverage, sales
have skyrocketed. In the name of news the
media, unwittingly perhaps, helped to pro-
mote this sick toy that will harm innocent
children. And when the child who has such
a toy does something shameful and disgust-
ing, the parent who bought it for him will
say, "Where did I go wrong? I gave him
everything."
The couple living together is encouraged
to "come out of the closet." Living togeth-
er, some say, is just another way to decide
if two people will be compatible when
Mrs. Martin is a free-lance writer from Liberty-
ville, III.
The Brethren Evangelist
married. Whatever happened to the com-
mandment which states, ''Thou shalt not
commit adultery"?
Perhaps the rapist and the murderer will
be the next to protest, ''I'm just doing what
comes naturally. Let me alone."
Yes, the devil does come like "an angel
of light" (II Cor. 11:14). He shows us all
that is beautiful, until we fall for his lies.
A young woman who had become in-
volved with astrology said, "He made
'We must care that the world is
seeking to make evil look like good.
We must speak out and tell it like
• I • III
it is!
everything come true for me. The horo-
scope was so correct that I found myself
even choosing my friends by what it said.
I made myself a pest trying to persuade
everyone that the stars truly do guide our
lives. Then when the devil had me hooked,
everything fell apart. It was then I decided
to take my life."
Yet everyday people by the millions read
their horoscope and live by what it says.
Books written by self-called prophets try to
tell us that Christianity, science, and
astrology are compatible. We have only to
read these books and compare them with
the Bible to see that they are filled with
error.
With all of Satan's deception, is there
anything the Christian can do? Yes, there
is! When some of our states legalize mari-
juana, we can still pray and warn our chil-
dren to leave it alone. When one of our
large church denominations states in
assembly that it will not denounce
homosexuality as sin, we can still speak
out.
As Christians, we are still "the salt of
the earth," and we can stand firm even if
we stand alone. More often than not, some-
one will come and stand beside us and say,
"I wanted to speak out, but I thought I
might be the only one."
Voices are crying everwhere, "Let us do
our own thing." Christians also stand
everywhere listening and weighing what
they hear against what they read in the
Bible. Some people say the Bible is passe'.
Others twist its teaching and say, "My
interpretation is as good as yours." But if
we read the Bible in the light we receive
from the Holy Spirit, and if we read what
great men of God have taught, we will find
the truth. I have never found error or been
misled when I truly understood the passage
in the Bible I was reading. Proverbs says,
"There is a way which seems right to a
man, but its end is the way of death"
(Prov. 14:12).
When a course in astrology was being
offered at a local YWCA, I wrote a letter
protesting that a Christian organization
would offer such a course. I heard nothing
from them, but several weeks later I
attended a neighborhood coffee party.
"When does that course in astrology begin
at the Y?" someone asked. "It doesn't," a
woman replied. Someone wrote a letter of
protest, and they canceled it." There may
"As Christians, we are still 'the salt
of the earth,' and we can stand
firm even if we stand alone."
have been many letters, but I knew mine
had made some impact on the decision of
the board.
If we see a person following the foolish-
ness of the world and we say nothing, we
are not the salt the Bible speaks of. And
we are aiding the person in his walk away
from Jesus.
Neither salt nor truth can change and
become anything else. We are the salt of
the earth. We must care that the world is
seeking to make evil look like good. We
must speak out and tell it like it is! It's
often difficult to be salt. But it's worth
the suffering to see another soul brought
out of his confusion and misery by our
love. n
March 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Challenges
and
Opportunities
Fred Burkey proposes five steps the Brethren Church must
take to meet the challenges and opportunities of the
eighties.
THE BRETHREN CHURCH at the
threshold of the eighties . . . forty
years after the traumatic Grace contro-
versy. What is the current status of the
''Ashland Brethren movement"? How will
it respond to the challenges and opportun-
ities that are bound to present themselves
in the decade just ahead?
These are important questions . . . im-
portant because they deal with our future.
I have no crystal ball ... no special insights
... no axe to grind. As part of this ''Breth-
ren movement," I will attempt to evaluate
the present status and the future of my
church from the perspective of one
privileged to have been close to the center
of denominational activity for a number
of years.
In this article the term "movement" is
used because, by definition, a movement
involves "... a series of organized activities
by people working concertedly toward some
goal." A denomination, by contrast, is
defined as "... a class or kind of thing
having a specific name or value ; a religious
sect." In view of these definitions, I prefer
to think of the church as a movement;
hence I use this term.
In some respects it can be said that the
Ashland Brethren movement has run
aground in the very midst of the evan-
gelical stream. During a period of un-
paralleled effectiveness for many evan-
gelical churches, membership in the Breth-
Dr. Frederick T. Burkey is Director of Religious
Affairs and Campus Ministry for Ashland College.
Before assuming this position in September, he
served IIV2 years as Director of Christian Educa-
tion for the Brethren Church.
ren Church has declined — from 17,282 in
1940 to 15,344 in 1977! Whether or not
these figures fully reflect the vitality of
the movement, it is nevertheless evident
that people are being won and discipled by
Brethren churches at an unacceptable rate.
Positive signs
On the other hand, there are signs that
our segment of the Brethren movement
may be overcoming its inertia. For one
thing, the Brethren seem to be slowly
awakening to their need for one another.
For a long time many congregations con-
ceived of themselves as self-contained
entities. They were dependent upon no one
and owed allegiance only to themselves
(and God). District and national activities
were of little interest and ranked very low
on the congregation's priority list. Both
district and general conferences met annu-
ally to transact "business" that was gen-
erally ignored by the churches and by sub-
sequent conferences.* Congregations exist-
ed a few miles apart for decades without
ever worshiping or fellowshipping together.
We were "Brethren," but we had never
become brothers in Christ. The feeling of
"usness" so vital to any kind of movement
— political, social, or religious — began to
diminish, and the larger movement stalled.
*/i classic example of how Conference action
is ignored is noted by A. T. Ronk in his History
OF THE Brethren Church, pages 454-458. Ronk
quotes extensively from the 1955 moderator s
address of Woodrow Brant who traced a decade
of Brethren inactivity.
s
The Brethren Evangelist
''As we stand at the threshold of a new decade, the first
item of business . . . should be a massive effort to artic-
ulate and unify the Brethren behind a specific state-
ment of mission/'
Happily, these attitudes seem to be
receding into the past. In recent years
Brethren have been drawn into a number
of cooperative programs which encourage
a sense of camaraderie. Both the summer
Crusader/Internship program and the area
seminars sponsored by the Association of
Brethren Church Teachers (ABCT) have
helped. A spirit of optimism has grown
among Brethren Youth resulting in the
largest number of potential recruits for
missions and ministry in many years. These
are quality young people who see the possi-
bilities and yearn for worthy challenges.
What's more, they love and respect one
another and their church.
Operation Impact — the planting of new
Brethren congregations following a Spirit-
led, research-based strategy — is an exciting
venture of faith. Church planting, a labor-
ious and inexact science, seems to hold the
key to the future of the Brethren move-
ment. Brethren everywhere are praying
daily and contributing faithfully to this
outreach effort.
A new Hispanic ministry
God is also leading in the new Brethren
mission to Hispanic peoples. Juan Carlos
Miranda is strategically placed to open
doors to ministry beyond our wildest
dreams. As Director of Hispanic Ministries
for Fuller Evangelistic Association, Juan
Carlos oversees the new Brethren mission
to Mexico and is working to establish
Spanish-speaking Brethren congregations
in the greater Los Angeles area. He is a
man of vision and great ability.
Recently, I caught his vision of an
aggressive ministry to Latin Americans in
Southern California, which could provide
a base of operations and a training center
for missionaries preparing for service in
Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and the USA.
This is important! Spanish is now the
second most spoken language in the United
states. Los Angeles has the third largest
Spanish-speaking population of any city in
the world (3.7 million). Talk about oppor-
tunity . . . WOW!
Many other good things are happening.
A number of churches are having a pow-
erful impact in their communities. A new
cordiality exists between Ashland College
and the Brethren Church. General Confer-
ence seems interested in getting its organ-
izational house in order. And we are doing
more positive thinking about the church
than ever in my memory. I could go on.
How will Brethren respond?
So we have both positive and negative
factors to consider as we look to the 1980s.
How will the Brethren movement respond
to the challenges and opportunities just
ahead? I don't know. It is my hope, how-
ever, that the following will characterize
our behavior and attitudes during the
coming years.
First, let us strive to capture the vision
of what God wants us to be and do. If we
let it, that vision can unite us in a sense
of mission so powerful that we can achieve
fraternal cohesiveness and doctrinal con-
sensus. If our mission is clearly articulated,
and if we mutually commit ourselves to it,
our differences will be kept in perspective.
We will be free to move decisively in
establishing priorities, setting goals, mak-
ing plans, allocating resources, and accom-
plishing God's will for our time.
As we stand at the threshold of a new
decade, the first item of business in "get-
ting our act together" should be a massive
effort to articulate and unify the Brethren
behind a specific, biblical statement of
mission. Then preach it, pray it, do it!
Second, simultaneously with the above,
the Brethren need to publish a "Statement
of Faith" (or theology). For too long we
have asserted that our creed is the New
Testament. On the surface, this statement is
impressive, and we can rejoice in it. Yet,
when carefully examined, the statement is
March 1979
9
a
. . . a small movement such as ours needs a statement
of faith which declares to all men : This is who we are
and what we believe.' ''
hardly distinctive. Many other denomina-
tions say the same thing. It will not be
enough simply to affirm the Bible as our
creed in the eighties. I believe we must open
the book and state clearly and concisely
what we believe it teaches.
Reasons for a statement of faith
There are several reasons why Brethren
should write down their beliefs:
(1) It is a distinctive interpretation of
Scripture which makes people Brethren.
Our movement needs this as its source of
identity.
(2) A statement of faith is needed for
the instruction of our own people. Many of
our adult members would have a difficult
time stating what they believe and why
they believe it. Few could really explain
what it means to be Brethren (in contrast
to being Baptist). In view of this uncer-
tainty, is it any wonder that Brethren are
slow to reach out to the unchurched?
(3) In an era of rapidly proliferating
cults, a small movement such as ours needs
a statement of faith which declares to all
men: ''This is who we are and what we
believe." That statement should go well
beyond the outline format of 'The Message
of the Brethren Ministry." Useful as this
"Message" is, a fuller presentation is badly
needed.
(4) Scripture seems to endorse doctrinal
statements. For instance, we read in I Peter
3:15 (NIV) : "Always be prepared to give
an answer to anyone who asks you to give
the reason for the hope that you have."
I believe we can state our beliefs without
doing violence to the traditional Brethren
idea of openness to new light. We can't
begin too soon!
Third, we should consciously work to
build espirit de corps — group spirit, a sense
of pride in our common mission. We must
continually encourage one another — cele-
brating our successes and consoling one
another in failure. A spirit of graciousness
and charity should be cultivated in all our
relationships.
Fourth, we must foster a boldness of
spirit to move into new and promising
areas such as Operation Impact and His-
panic ministries. Our boldness must be
rooted in confidence that we are following
the will of God and moving toward His
purpose for our church. With our eyes fixed
upon Christ and His will for us, we can
move boldly while avoiding foolhardy
mistakes.
Finally, we need to adopt more pragmatic
approaches to leadership, decision-making,
and some distinctive practices. Anything
that hinders the achievement of our God-
given mission should be critically examined
and, if necessary, discarded. To become a
viable movement in the eighties, we Breth-
ren must do far more than preserve our
traditions. We must aggressively pursue
our mission in the midst of a radically
changing world. The alternative is to accept
the defense of our historic practices as our
primary mission, while others carry out
God's harvest.
The Pronnise of the eighties
In conclusion, I assert that the 1980s
hold promise proportionate to the magni-
tude of our vision. No more; no less. The
Scriptures pointedly outline the timeless
mission of the church. Decisions relating
to methods, materials, motivation, and
manpower are in our hands. Whatever
changes occur in the 1980s — social, eco-
nomic, biological, technological, or theolog-
ical — they can be dealt with constructively
if we make God's mission our mission. The
ball is in our court. □
a
. . . I assert that the 1980s hold promise proportionate
to the ma.^nitude of our vision/'
10
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
r
^ • ' .
by Alvin Shifflett
For some people, life is a constant connplaint.
Living With the Discontented
IT'S STRANGE that in such an agreeable
world there should be so many disagree-
able people. They seem to be everywhere,
no matter where you go.
Of all the ills that flesh is heir to, a cross,
crabby, ill-contented person is the most
unbearable. Nothing passes without a
growl. Nothing, I say nothing, pleases the
discontended. They live a lifetime of dissat-
isfaction, and are forever crabby.
"Of ai! the ills that flesh is heir to.
a cross, crabby, ill-contented per-
son is the nnost unbearable,"
When these most unusual people go out,
they make others miserable. If they go to
the symphony, they complain that the
music is terrible. If they go to the finest
restaurant, they complain about the food
or the smell or the service.
In church, they put up a constant
squawk. The sermon is either too didactic
or too evangelistic. The preacher is either
too smart for his pants or not smart
enough. They yawn, gape, and twist in the
pew, and pretend to be asleep, then com-
plain: "I could not keep awake. Did you
ever hear anything so dead? Can these dry
bones live?"
This kind of person wishes the choir
could sing differently, or that the preacher
would preach differently, and that the
elders (mostly hypocrites by this person's
measure) would pray differently. In the
morning the church is too cold — "Why do
we pay a janitor?" In the evening it's too
hot — 'It's hot as blazes in here!"
According to these people, the church
was painted the wrong color. The isles were
carpeted much too extravagantly. Nothing
suits them!
A disagreeable person is exactly like a
crab. Have you ever seen a crab and tried
to catch one? A crab, you know, always
goes the other way. It moves backward in
order to go forward and turns in four direc-
tions all at once. You try to catch the crab,
and the crab, before you know it, catches
you! Disagreeable people are like that.
It requires the grace of God, the patience
of Job, and a sense of humor to stand
them. The only conclusion one can make
about the perpetual grumbler is this: '*Let
us leave it to the owl to hoot, the pig to
snort, the frog to croak, the beast to growl,
and the grumbler to find fault!"
And let us pray that we are not arrested
for assault. Q
"Do everything without complaining
or arguing, so that you nnay be
innocent and pure as God's per-
fect children, who live in a world
of corrupt and sinful people."
Philippians 2:14-15 TEV*
*From the Today's English Version of the Bible. Copyright American
Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976.
March 1979
11
World Missions
Are Missionaries
Still Needed Today?
Virgil Ingraham answers "Yes," and demonstrates this need in India
and among the Chinese.
SOMEONE has said that sim-
plicity is often the difference
between communication and
confusion. Clarity of expression
leads to understanding. We can
be thankful that many of God's
truths are stated clearly and
concisely.
Consider the words of Jesus.
Simply stated, His last com-
mand to His followers was to
go and make disciples of all
nations. This is our missionary
mandate. It never has been
withdrawn or set aside. We can
Above, Rev. Ingraham distrib-
utes blankets during his October
1978 visit to India. Below, babies
and children receive a nutri-
tional drink at the clinic in
Visakhapatnam.
conclude, therefore, that mis-
sionaries are still needed today.
And in view of world population
growth to nearly four billion
people, missionaries are needed
more now than ever before in
man's history.
We Americans have the Gos-
pel readily available. The abun-
dance of Christian television
and radio programs, Bibles,
books, and periodicals and the
numerous churches in every
city, town, and hamlet offer
ample opportunity for the earn-
est, seeking person to know the
Lord. All that is needed is for
the church to penetrate into
new or neglected areas and for
individual Christians to give a
winsome witness for Christ to
needy, unsaved persons wher-
ever they may be located.
The rest of the world is not
so fortunate. Large concentra-
tions of people are still un-
reached with the Good News.
Even within countries where
missionary work has been going
on for many years, there are
areas where people have never
heard about the love of Jesus
Christ and His salvation.
Th
e nee<
m
lndi<
Great need for the Gospel
exists among the people of
India. With a population of
more than six hundred million
people, less than three percent
profess to be Christians.
Our Brethren Mission in India
is experiencing a growing re-
ceptivity to the Gospel, especial-
ly among the villagers in rural
and remote areas that are dif-
ficult to reach. Our mission-
aries, the Prasanth Kumars and
the Vijay Kumars, along with
the pastors and evangelists, are
starting new Bible classes,
prayer groups, and congrega-
tions each year in hitherto un-
reached villages.
More than sixty villages have
weekly services, in addition to
the services held in the city
churches at Rajahmundry and
Visakhapatnam. Nearly fifty
villages, many in remote areas,
have resident pastors or evan-
gelists to minister in evangel-
ism and provide Christian nur-
ture.
Since its beginning in 1970,
the Brethren Church in India
has grown to more than 1300
members. Growth in churches
and prayer groups has in-
creased each year, along with
added numbers of baptized
believers.
Brethren Missions in India
ministers to both spiritual and
physical needs. The clinics in
the two cities give medical care
to hundreds of the poorest peo-
ple and take their medical ser-
vices out into villages along
with the message of salvation.
Literacy classes are also con-
ducted, teaching young and old
alike to read in Telugu and
thus enabling them to read the
Bible for the first time. Exten-
sive Christian literature distri-
bution also contributes to evan-
gelism and development in
discipleship.
Many thousands of these
people barely exist, often eating
only one meal a day. A fire,
flood, strong wind, or some
other catastrophe in their vil-
lage leaves these stricken people
utterly destitute. In these times
Rev. M. Virgil Ingraham is General Secretary of the Missionary
Board of the Brethren Church. His 16 years experience in this position
enable him to write knowledgeably about missions.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
of desperate need, Brethren
Mission personnel become a
channel for providing food,
clothing, blankets, and other
basic necessities.
Other assistance in the name
of Christ is given through self-
help programs such as the
Typewriting Institute in Visak-
hapatnam. Needy young people
are taught typing, helping them
to escape from the mass of un-
skilled laborers into useful em-
ployment. The medical clinics
in both locations also train
selected people for semi-skilled
dispensary work.
Scholarship aid is given to
promising students for educa-
tion in Bible college or for
training as para-medics or for
some other kind of service. The
orphanage provides a home for
neglected boys, fostering their
spiritual development as well as
providing their food, clothing,
medical care, education, and
other needs.
The need among Chinese
Turning to the Chinese, we
find a population block of near-
ly a billion people. Almost two
hundred million of these live
outside mainland China — ^dis-
persed throughout the world.
Chinese people represent close
to one-fourth of the world's
population, yet only a tiny frac-
tion of them are Christians.
Our Malaysia-born Chinese
missionaries, David and Jenny
Loi, are finding their work
among the Chinese to be more
effective among children and
youth on the island of Penang.
The adults, mostly Buddhists by
; ^STSifprvsjsjijaiP^T Tg:
profession if not in practice, are
more resistant to the appeal of
the Gospel message. Like the
Hindu of India, they are reluc-
tant to leave their traditional
family religion, handed down
from generation to generation.
Our missionaries continue
their witness to adults, ever-
conscious of their need to know
Christ, the living Way. This wit-
ness goes on regularly in
Sunday school, Bible classes,
and special activities. A kinder-
garten for pre-school children
gives opportunity to teach the
pupils about Jesus and also pro-
vides a means of getting into
the children's homes for con-
tact with the parents. It is only
through a consistent witness
over an extended period that
resistance to Christianity will
be overcome.
Miss Sow-Lin attended ser-
vices at the Tanjong Bungah
area since its beginning. After
a time she accepted Christ as
Savior and Lord. Later she
decided that she wanted to
serve the Lord. Last August
and September, when the Lois
were in the United States, Sow-
Lin assisted Dennis Lau with
services in the three locations
of the Brethren Mission in
Malaysia. She experienced joy
in the Lord and in His service.
Now word has come that this
promising high school junior is
no longer able to meet with the
other Christians because of her
mother's objections. The mis-
sionary has requested prayer
for Sow-Lin and for her mother,
that the mother's heart might
be touched and the situation
reversed.
Above, newly constructed
prayer house in the village of
Kanuru, with Prasanth and Nir-
mala Kumar. Below, baptismal
service for 51 people of Kanuru.
Kindergarten graduation shows some of the many children David
and Jenny Loi work with on the island of Penang in Malaysia.
Occasionally we hear it said
that people should be allowed
to continue in their own religion
without "interference" by Chris-
tians. This might be comfort-
able human reasoning, but it is
unacceptable from God's point
of view. Scripture emphasizes
the need for people of every
nation to trust in Jesus Christ,
God's Son, for salvation and
eternal life.
Salvation is God's gift to peo-
ple of all nations through faith
in Jesus Christ. He is the only
way into life eternal with the
living God. Consider how God
loved the world so much that
He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have ever-
lasting life. Had there been any
other way of salvation, this gift
of God which is beyond under-
standing would not have been
necessary.
Unsaved humanity stands des-
perately in need of the Good
News of Christ and His salva-
tion. As Christians, we need to
go with the Gospel wherever
there is opportunity. Every
(continued on page IS)
March 1979
13
World Missions
Go Ye Inio ALL the World
For Chantal Logan, going into all the world includes going into the
largest federal penitentiary in Colonnbia, South America.
THE RIDE on the bus is taking me to the out-
skirts of the city. The trip is uneventful as we
travel on a four-lane highway, with only a few
stops to load or unload passengers. Then we
take a left turn and the road gets suddenly
worse.
As we cross a bridge, I see big piles of gar-
bage on the banks of the river. Two men are
shoveling it into the river while some women or
children rummage through it in search of some-
thing to eat or sell. The scene is familiar enough.
Finally, I see the high gray walls and start
praying silently. I get off the bus. I must be a
familiar face now, for they do not question me
when I step over the chain stretched across the
road. As I walk to the entrance door, I meet a
few men pushing wheelbarrows of smelly gar-
bage and others sweeping the dirt along the road.
I am now at the door; this time I have to
show my credentials to get in. Inside I report
to the desk and leave my identity card. I go
through another door and open my pocketbook
for somebody to look through it. The one in
authority nods his approval; I can go on. At
the end of the hall the next door is opened and
nobody stops me.
.^-*#<?'^r
Mrs. Chantal Logan is a Brethren missionary in
Medellin, Colombia. She is shown here with
"Pajaro" ("the Bird"), an ex-guerrilla fighter and
prisoner of 18 years who is now a Christian and
a trustee at the prison.
At last I have reached my destination. I have
crossed the border into a new country — a new
world whose laws are not written on any books
but which you must know if you want to sur-
vive. I am in a jail — not just any jail, but the
largest federal penitentiary in Colombia, with a
population of 3,800 male inmates and a capacity
for only 2,500!
I finally find the guard who is to let my class
of juveniles out of their cell block. While he
goes to bring them, I wait in the classroom.
Some of the adult inmates look in, wondering
who I am. Then one of them comes in and sits
at one of the desks.
"Aren't you afraid to be here alone?" he asks.
And just to make certain that nobody comes in
to annoy me, he stays with me until the guard
comes back with the group of students.
We sit in a circle. While we talk, I look at
their faces, familiar to me by now, and at their
appearance — ragged clothes, bare feet. . . . Each
one has a name; each one has a tale to tell, a
story to be listened to. Each one is a human
being like you and me who has been led astray
and needs to be brought back into the sheepfold.
While I am teaching this class on human re-
lationships, I easily forget that I am in jail and
that the students are prisoners. They always
treat me with respect and thank me when the
class is over. But when they go back to their cell
blocks, they will not be the "nice students" I
taught. They will again be prisoners — criminals
who will react according to their environment of
violence and corruption which is theirs both
inside and outside the jail.
Before leaving I walk to the evangelical
chapel, the first of its kind in a penitentiary in
Colombia. A family of Baptist missionaries from
Canada started the work a few years ago. Now
the overall jail ministry is under the sponsor-
ship of South American Crusades. Our Canadian
friends got us interested in this ministry before
they left. The Colombian chaplain kept in touch
with us and introduced us to the officials of the
jail. Finally I was given a special permit to teach
the juveniles. My teaching is done under "official
premises," but I am still a part of the evan-
gelical team and its effort to reach out. Mark
does not have a regular permit, but comes
14
The Brethren Evangelist
occasionally to show Christian movies and set
up the public address system.
I chat with some of the prisoners who are now
believers. They share with me their newly found
joy in Christ, which they have experienced in
spite of the oppressive atmosphere in which
they are confined.
I am on my way out now. Outside the entrance
door a prisoner of eighteen years is waiting for
me. He was converted a couple of years ago and
the change in his life is so radical that he is
allowed to live outside the walls and carry the
responsibility of watching the jail property at
night. He often tells me that he is more free
than the people "out there," for he has been
liberated from all his vices since he gave his
life to Christ. He talked to my class one day and
told a group of dumfounded boys the kind of
man he had been and how radically he had been
changed since Christ came into his life. Their
eyes were bright with excitement because he
gave them what they needed most: hope — real
hope for change, a hope as tangible as the
reality of his life. Hope is such a comfort to
men who have lost all their dreams about others
and themselves.
Today he asks how I got along with my
"kids," and as I get on the bus and wave good-
bye to him this is the very question I am asking
myself. How did I get along? What do you think.
Lord? Did my words, my attitude show them
my faith in You? Could they see some reflection
of You in me? How much will they remember
of what I told them? Will it make a difference
in their lives? O Lord, I need to get closer to
You! I need Your Holy Spirit! Empower me,
Lord!
.V^ref^.: ''*«&e,.--, , -• 4 i '■■■''•J
Bellavista — the largest federal prison in Colom-
bia, South America.
I look out the window of the bus; I cannot
see the walls any more; they are gone. No,
that's not it! They are not gone! I am the one
who is going, and if I leave or forget about these
walls, they still won't disappear. So often we do
just that — we think that if we close our eyes or
our minds to the needs of others and to the
reality of evil at work in our world and that if
we do it long enough these things will finally
vanish. How foolish can we be?
The only thing that will bring these walls
down (and any others that man has built) is the
transforming power of Jesus Christ in the lives
of people inside and outside the walls. Humanity
in distress needs hope^ — the blessed hope of the
Gospel. We can't keep it from them. And besides,
we don't have any choice: to take this hope to
them is the commandment of our Lord Jesus
Christ. □
Medical Ministry in India
by Rev. K. Pransanth Kumar
IN INDIA there is a dire need for medical
assistance and care. Many people living in vil-
lages lack the basic necessities of life such as
health care and nutrition. For this reason
Reverend and Mrs. Prasanth Kumar felt the
immediate need to attend the poor and sick peo-
ple and to enlighten them about the Master
Healer, Jesus Christ, who has the power to heal.
In 1971 Rev. and Mrs. Prasanth Kumar gave
first aid training to Mr. Christian Das, preacher
for the Brethren Mission, and entrusted him
with the free village dispensary in the agency
village of B. Velamalakota. Many sick people
were able to get first aid treatment and medi-
cines for their simple diseases.
Finding considerable need for medical atten-
tion and care in other villages, the missionaries
started two more medical centers. One of these
was in Madhurapudi, where they appointed
Pastor Daniel, who had a good knowledge of
Ayurvedic medicine (Indian herbal medicine), to
serve. He proved to be very useful working
among the sick and poor people of that village.
When Mr. Daniel became too old for the work,
Pastor S. Chantibabu, who was trained in the
same type of medicine, was appointed to take
his place. In Bobber Lanka, an island village,
a similar type of dispensary is being operated
for the poor people.
Some of the other pastors have also been
trained to give first aid and medicines for simple
diseases. They are helping the sick in other
villages. Thus the villagers are receiving medical
service.
On September 16, 1972, the Brethren Health
Center was inaugurated in Rajahmundry. A
qualified physician was appointed for part-time
service with the assistance of a leading physician
of Rajahmundry, who serves as the honorary
medical superintendent of the Brethren Health
March 1979
15
Center. This center was started to serve the
poor, needy, sick people without regard for their
caste or religion in order to relieve them of their
chronic, neglected diseases. Because of the large
number of women who came for medical aid,
the missionaries appointed a qualified lady
medical officer to serve part time (twice a
week).
In 1973 the Brethren Health Center became
known as the Brethren Mission Hospital. This
change was made to fit into the pattern of
Indian medical establishments. At that time
there was one full-time residential medical
officer, a part-time woman doctor, and a full-
time evangelist, with minimum staff assistance.
Although it is called a hospital, for all practical
purposes it is actually an out-patient clinic, with
two beds for emergency use.
The mobile clinic in service, bringing medicine
and the Gospel to a remote village in India.
The hospital is opened each day with prayer
and meditation and is closed each day in like
manner. Each patient is given a Gospel tract
along with the registration card, and the pa-
tients are encouraged to believe in the Lord and
in His power to heal their bodies. When the
people are healed, they are drawn to the Lord
Jesus and join the worship services of the
Brethren Church with thankful hearts.
The woman doctor attends the children's
needs and also gives prenatal and postnatal care
to the women. By the abundant grace of God,
she is able to heal a great number of women
and children of chronic and neglected diseases.
Surgical and hospitalized cases are cared for
by the medical superintendent.
Another highlight of the medical ministry of
the Brethren Church in India is the mobile
clinic. This clinic enables the mission to extend
its services to those previously neglected. Occa-
sionally the missionaries make a trip to the
interior villages with the doctor, the staff, and
a load of medicines. The day's stay provides
time to preach the Gospel in these remote vil-
lages. Thus the mobile clinic has paved the
way for sharing the Word of God in areas we
might not otherwise get into.
The devastating cyclone of November 1977 laid
ruin to many villages. Many people were injured
and disease spread. The major role of the Breth-
ren Mission at that time was to expand its med-
"When the people are healed, they
are drawn to the Lord Jesus and
join the worship services of the
Brethren Church with thankful
hearts."
ical services. This was made possible through
the financial assistance provided by the World
Relief Commission. The missionaries and the
mobile clinic visited the cyclone affected areas
many times. They gave out preventive medicines,
multi-vitamins, milk food, B-complex tablets, and
glucose packets, as well as fulfilling other needs.
Prasanth and Nirmala were also able to give
spiritual assistance at this time when it was
vitally necessary to get body and soul together.
Every year thousands oi people are served
through the mobile clinic, the village dispen-
saries, and the Brethren Mission Hospital in
Rajahmundry. A wide variety of illnesses are
treated, ranging from the common cold to
tuberculosis and hepatitis, and including various
tropical diseases. Since its opening in September
of 1972 to the end of December 1978, the
Brethren Mission Hospital has treated a total
of 93,775 patients. A total of 28,598 patients were
treated in 1978 alone!
Reverend and Mrs. K. Vijaya Kumar are also
deeply involved in a medical ministry. They are
conducting this ministry in the Visakhapatnam
area. In September of 1976 a free clinic was
opened there in which Sujata renders free med-
ical service. A maternity center with two beds
was added in 1977. Dr. Sujata delivers babies
and provides prenatal and postnatal care. Polio
vaccine and triple-antigen are given to the
babies.
Rev. and Mrs. Vijay Kumar also go into the
villages with the mobile clinic and assist the
ill and those suffering with malnutrition. This
is a dual outreach ministry since both medicine
and the Gospel are shared with patients in
Visakhapatnam and the remote villages.
The Brethren Mission plans to significantly
extend its services to the medical needs of chil-
dren in India during this International Year of
the Child. There are 92 million children in India
v/ho live below the poverty standard. They exist
under conditions difficult for survival, thus
accounting for 49 percent of the total annual
deaths in India.
Children make up 42 percent of India's popu-
lation. This means that there are 230,245,000
Indian children — more than the total population
of the United States! Jesus said, "Suffer the
little children to come unto me, and forbid them
not: for of such is the kingdom of God." We
pray that the Lord will give us all the means to
show love and concern to children in India.
The missionaries serving Brethren Missions
in India are thankful for the assistance the
Brethren in the States give to our medical
ministry. Q
16
The Brethren Evangelist
World Missions
Colombian Brethren Church Inventory
by Rev. Kenneth L. Solonnon
History
OUR REQUEST before leaving the United States
in November of 1973 was that of the Apostle
Paul found in Colossians 4:2-3: "Continue in
prayer, and wateh in the same with thanksgiv-
ing; withal praying also for us, tliat God would
open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the
mystery of Christ. . . ."
Now that we have completed five years of
missionary effort here in Medellin, Colombia,
we can gratefully report that God has opened
many doors of opportunity and that He has also
provided the necessary Colombian leadership to
aid us in taking advantage of these "open doors."
To date, in the area of leadership, we have
two missionary couples (the Solomons and the
Logans), one ordained elder, and two deacons
and a deaconess active as lay evangelists.
As to results, the Lord has added to the church
151 members in these past five years and has
made possible the organization of two Brethren
congregations. These are located on opposite
sides of this large, modern city of more than
one and one-half million inhabitants. The pres-
ent activities of these two congregations include
an average of 40 weekly Bible studies held in
30 different homes located in four different
cities in this long valley called the "Aburra."
The Present
The present ministry is principally involved
in two major areas: personal evangelism and
church planting.
In the area of personal evangelism, our only
ordained Latin elder. Reverend Luis Chacaiza
of Eicuador, is our most experienced and our
only full-time evangelist. The Holy Spirit has
opened doors of opportunity to him in the cities
of Itagui, Envigado, Medellin, and Girardota.
Rev. Chacaiza is a firm believer in the promise
of God's Word as stated in H Corinthians 9:6:
"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also
sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall
reap also bountifully." And he believes Isaiah
55:11, where God promises: "So shall my word
be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall
Kenneth L. Solomon is a Brethren missionary
serving in Medellin, Colombia.
Hat *
>' %
Kev. Luis Chaciaza (at back in white shirt and
tie), an ordained pastor from Ecuador, is shown
with a group of Quechua Indians prepared for
baptism.
not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish
that which I please, and it shall prosper in the
thing whereto I sent it." Tlierefore Rev.
Chacaiza is a great "sower" of the Gospel
"seed." He sows the seed through literature dis-
tribution as well as through verbal testimony
and personal sharing of the Word.
But this is not all. He has also been blessed
of the Lord in the area of church planting in
the nine months he has worked with our
mission. He has been instrumental in beginning
a new congregation among the Ecuadorian
Quechua Indians who live and carry on business
in Medellin. To date, eight adult members have
been baptized. These new Christians are already
being trained in stewardship to share their
tithes and offerings to help support the national
church's united evangelistic effort.
Deacon and acting pastor of the Campo Valdes
congregation, Dario Tobon, a 33-year-old father
of two boys, is also very gifted in personal evan-
gelism. He is now serving in his own "Jeru-
salem"— among his boyhood friends in the com-
munity where he grew up. For some years, now,
he has been successfully involved in this, his
favorite ministry.
But Dario has also shown himself capable of
pastoring a local congregation. Under his lead-
ership this congregation has grown from an
March 1979
17
Rev. Kenneth Solomon (left) prays for Dario
Tobon upon Dario' s ordination as a deacon in
1976. :
attendance of 70 to a Sunday morning attendance
of 90. He has also succeeded in beginning 11
home Bible studies. These meet each week in
different homes and are taught either by Dario
or by one of his lay helpers. Many fine young
couples have been won to the Lord and are
being trained for leadership by the example and
teaching of this lay evangelist.
Even though Dario has very little academic
training, he has been gifted of God for the min-
istry to which God has called him. We have
endeavored to provide him with additional train-
ing during the past four years without taking
him from his weekly ministry of soul-winning
and pastoring.
In the first National Conference of the Colom-
bian Brethren Church held in August 1978, the
Brethren revealed their support for Dario by
electing him for a third term on the National
Directing Commission. This commission then
named him president of the national church.
Deacon Jaime Gonzales, a 25-year-old univer-
sity student and father of two girls, has been a
part-time lay worker for the mission for the
past three years. God has given him organiza-
tional gifts and gifts for teaching believers.
Therefore he has been quite helpful to the
church. His gifts are especially important in the
Colombian church, for the church is still in its
infancy and most of the members had no knowl-
edge of the Word of God before their conversion.
In evangelism, Jaime has teamed up with
Mark Logan in showing Gospel films in private
schools, businesses, and clubs. He also gives a
bold testimony to his professors and fellow
students at the university. He is presently in-
volved as moderator and teacher in the Campo
Valdes congregation and was also re-elected to
serve his third term on the National Directing
Commission.
In the area of literature evangelism and Bible
course by correspondence. Deacon Jaime has
been given the full responsibility as "promotional
director" of the monthly Christian periodical
La Voz. He is responsible for answering all the
students and for sending them correspondence
Bible lessons geared to their age and academic
background.
Mrs. Etelvina Gonzales, widow of a former
lay pastor of the Colombian Brethren Church,
is a very valuable asset to the Campo Valdes
congregation as deaconess and teacher. The Lord
is also using her as a personal evangelist to
children, youth, and adult women. She has also
made, and is continuing to make, a valuable
contribution as a member of the National Direct-
ing Commission and the National Women's Mis-
sionary Society. She is now a member of the
newly formed "Elders Commission" that will
have as its principal responsibility overseeing
all that pertains to the spiritual state of the
churches and their missionary outreach.
Jeannette, my wife, has been led of the Lord
to enter another open door of service in addition
to being a housewife, mother, and missionary
helpmate. She has returned to the classroom as
fourth and fifth grade teacher in the school for
missionary children. God has given her improved
health, thus making this added daily responsi-
bility possible. She testifies that it is quite re-
warding to be once again in this ministry for
which she was prepared by five years of training
at Ashland College and by several years of
teaching experience in the Ashland city schools.
As for my own responsibilities, I continue to
concentrate in the areas of leadership training,
personal evangelism, and church planting
organization.
v^onciusion
God answered that prayer of 1973 to "open
doors." He has given a steady growth to this
infant church of 150%, 300%, 50%, 32%, and
Z2% in the years from 1974-1978. Therefore we
look forward with faith and optimism, believing
that He will continue blessing His church until
He comes.
Thank you, Brethren, for your part in making
it possible to respond to these "OPEN DOORS"
of opportunity and ministry here in Medellin,
Colombia. D
Are Missionaries Still Needed Today?
continued from page 13
Christian is needed for this task, and there is
a place for everyone in the work.
Hear the Word of the Lord: "There is no
difference between Jew and Gentile — the same
Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call
on Him, for 'Everyone who calls on the name of
the Lord will be saved.' How, then can they call
on the one they have not believed in? And how
can they believe in the one of whom they have
not heard? And how shall they hear without
someone preaching to them? And how can they
preach unless they are sent? As it is written,
'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring
good news!' "
This, then, is our missionary task. We must
keep pressing on with sharing the Gospel,
making disciples of all the nations. And this
work must continue unabated until the Lord
Jesus Christ comes again. Q
18
The Brethren Evangelist
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
Does the Brethren Church have a
future? I have heard that question asked
many times in the past few months. In
view of our statistical trends, the ques-
tion is a valid one.
Yet, I find that this question disturbs
me very much. The Brethren Church is
part of an even greater body — the Body
of Christ. It is in my understanding of
the true meaning of the church that I
have difficulty with the above question.
The church does have a future, and the
Brethren Church has a future because we
are of Christ. Whether or not we fulfill
the plan ordained of God (which is to
win people to Christ) is going to depend
on how we utilize our facilities toward
that purpose.
For some reason unknown to us, God
has given us the choice of serving Him
fully or of refusing to serve Him. It is
here that a new question begins to form
in my mind. Am I (are you) going to
take the life that God has given me and
use it to His glory, or am I (are you)
going to use my life for my own personal
convenience.
Our time is too precious, our egos are
too great, our possessions are too im-
portant for us to sacrifice them for the
sake of the proclamation of the Gospel
of Christ. We should be ashamed! Do you
remember the rich young man who
walked sorrowfully away from Jesus
because he had many possessions?
Let's take a serious look at our reasons
for not growing. Let's purge ourselves of
the jealousies that are causing divisions.
Let's learn to love and trust one another.
Let's make a special effort to accelerate
our spiritual growth. Let's become so con-
cerned about the unsaved around us that
we are driven with a compulsion to lead
them to Christ.
God has a future for us! But we are
afraid to open our eyes to see what it is
for fear He may be asking us to person-
ally get involved. How about it?
Doran Hlostetler named
Citizen ©f the Year.
Lost Creek, Ky. — Doran Hostetler, administrator
of Riverside Christian Training School at Lost
Creek, was named Breathitt County Citizen of
the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Jackson, Ky. The
announcement was made at the Kiwanis Club's
awards dinner in October of last year.
In addition to his responsibilities as adminis-
trator, Mr. Hostetler is also a teacher and coach
at Riverside School. He and his wife Nancy have
served at the school since 1959.
When it was announced that he had been select-
ed Citizen of the Year, Hostetler received a stand-
ing ovation from those in attendance at the
awards dinner.
Former Brethren missionary
Marguerite Kraft authors book
Dr. Marguerite Kraft, former Brethren mission-
ary to Nigeria, has authored a book entitled
Worldview and the Communication of the Gospel,
and subtitled A Nig^erian case study (William
Carey Library, 1978, 220 pp., $7.95 paperback).
The book is a case study of the communication
of the Gospel to the Kamwe (Higi) people of
northeastern Nigeria. It shows three decades of
church growth among the Kamwe, including 2,600
baptisms during 1977.
The book illustrates how much missiology can
learn from anthropology and vice versa. It deals
v/ith such questions as: How does the hearer's
perception affect his understanding of the Gospel?
How can Christian strategy be effectively related
to the hearer's value system? Are there untapped
resources for more effective communication of
the Gospel? How does worldview relate to pre-
senting the Gospel, training leaders, nurturing
Christians, and explaining the Scriptures?
Mrs. Kraft first came into contact with the
Kamwe (Higi) people when she and her husband
Charles served as Brethren missionaries in Ni-
geria from 1957 to 1960. The Krafts worked
among the Kamwe people. Mrs. Kraft has visited
Nigeria several times since 1960, and in 1974 she
spent time among the Kamwe people doing field
research for this book, Mrs. Kraft also spent many
hours in interviews and discussions with John
Guli in preparing this case study. John Guli is
one of the Kamwe people.
Mrs. Kraft is presently serving as Associate
Professor of Anthropology and Linguistics at
Biola College in California.
March 1979
19
update
Nappanee has "Stewart Roast"
Nappanee, Ind. — Rev. Clarence Stewart celebrated
his 94th birthday on Valentine's Day, 1979. In
recognition of Rev. Stewart's birthday, the First
Brethren Church of Nappanee held a "Stewart
Roast."
The celebration was a total surprise to Stewart,
who was given the "hot seat" of honor at the
affair. Rev. Alvin Shifilett, pastor of Nappanee
First Brethren, led in the "roast."
As a part of the celebration, Stewart was given
a calendar of 28 pre-arranged meal engagements
with Brethren people. Stewart, who believes he
has eaten more Brethren meals than anyone else
his age, is apparently going to eat a few more!
Following the "roast" the ladies of the Nappanee
church served birthday cake and homemade ice
cream.
Rev. Stewart, who began his ministry in the
days of the horse and buggy and pot-bellied stoves,
is now Pastor Emeritus of both the Sarasota First
Brethren Church and the Nappanee First Breth-
ren Church. He is still quite active in the church,
never missing a Sunday morning or evening
service.
He is loved by all in the Nappanee community,
where his favorite pastime is spinning yarns or
telling jokes. After 94 years, he has bushels of
them.
According to Pastor Shifflett, at the end of the
"roast" Rev. Stewart was heard to comment, "I
feel well done!"
ABCT Training Senninars
now underway
Ashland, Ohio — The Board of Christian Education
reports that another successful series of ABCT
Training Seminars is now underway. The 1979
schedule includes:
Delaware, Ohio March 10
Jefferson (Goshen), Indiana March 17
North Manchester, Indiana March 31
Maurertown, Virginia April 7
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania April 21
Lanark, Illinois April 28
If there is still time to attend a seminar session
near you, ask your pastor for a promotional bro-
chure or contact the BCE office (524 College
Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805, 419-289-2748). Pre-
registration with the BCE office before the sem-
inar date is advisable, but registrations will be
accepted at the door the day of the session.
ABCT Seminars are excellent learning oppor-
tunities for people in all areas of Christian educa-
tion ministry.
Even though he is 94 years old, Rev. Clarence
Stewart is still popular with the children. There's no
generation gap here.
* ^*t» »
Ashland College announces
cost* increase
Ashland, Ohio — Ashland College President Arthur
L. Schultz has announced an 8.4 percent increase
in tuition and room and board for the 1979-80
academic year.
Yearly tuition will increase from $3,490 to
$3,782 and room and board from $1,500 to $1,630. A
semester at Ashland College will cost $2,706 as
compared to $2,495 this year. The president said
that the higher cost is due to inflation and to
increased services.
In spite of the increase, AC's costs continue to
rank below the median cost of private, independ-
ent colleges in Ohio. Many other state and private
institutions have also announced tuition and fees
hikes.
Dr. Schultz said that the college is most con-
cerned about the rising costs, and pointed out that
the board of trustees has urged that a feasibility
study be made prior to planning a capital fund
campaign for the 1980's.
"We must meet the challenge of rising costs
through student recruitment and fund-raiising,"
said the president. "All private colleges are facing
the same problems."
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Ohio District to consider "Who Cares?"
Ashland, Ohio — "Who Cares? Brethren Do!" will
be the theme of the Ohio District Conference
meeting on March 24th. The meeting will be held
at the Asbury United Methodist Church in
Delaware, Ohio, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bible study and business will make up most
of the day's program, with time also allotted for
meetings by conference auxiliaries.
Dr. Charles Munson and Rev. Leroy Solomon
will be leading the Bible study, which will focus
on Romans 12:9-21. The study will be divided into
two parts: "Responsibility for Caring," from Ro-
mans 12:9-10; and "Possibilities for Caring," from
Romans 12:11-21. All those planning to attend the
conference are asked to study the Scripture
passage and come prepared. Worksheets will be
passed out and used during the Bible study.
The conference meeting on March 24th will be
Churches to advocate
U.S. aid reform study
New York, N.Y. — U.S. aid programs which provide
aid to developing nations are riddled with conflict-
ing aims which often result in increased depend-
ency rather than self-reliance, according to Arthur
Simon, Executive Director of Bread for the World.
"The long, hard way out of hunger and poverty
is self-reliant development," Simon maintains.
In order to focus attention on the need for re-
form in U.S. food and development assistance
programs. Bread for the World (a Christian
citizen's movement on hunger), in cooperation
with the churches, is initiating and coordinating
a network of public events to be held across the
nation in April.
The theme for the events will be "Hunger and
Self -Reliance: The Role of Aid." The aim is to
enlist new public policy advocates for the hungry
who will work to bring about changes in foreign
aid legislation more oriented toward self-reliant
development of poor countries and their peoples.
"Christian citizens have demonstrated that,
working together, they can have a significant
impact on shaping legislation that benefits hungry
people at home and abroad," says Simon.
"Though other policy initiatives can be more
important in the long run, aid will continue to
be one of the main ways the United States
responds to hunger and poverty abroad, and it
can and should be made more productive and
more focused on encouraging self-reliance in the
poor countries. It is crucial that concerned citizens
work to help bring that about."
Part I of a two part emphasis on the theme "Who
Cares? Brethren Do!" The District Conference
"Harvest Festival" planned for September 15 will
be Part II of the emphasis on this theme.
The particular thrust of the September meeting
will be on "What happened with 'who cares?' "
Delegates will be asked to give proof that Breth-
ren care by sharing what has happened since the
spring meeting. They will be reporting on
"Responsibility Assumed" and "Possibilities
Fuliilled."
Bible study, music, singing groups, praise, and
celebration are also planned for the fall program.
Life story of C. S« Lewis filmed
The life story of C. S. Lewis has been made into
a full-length motion picture. This "documemory"
of Lewis, entitled "Through Joy and Beyond,"
was filmed by Lord & King Associates, Inc., of
Chicago.
C. S. Lewis is one of the Christian world's best-
known authors and champions of the faith. His
wide fame rest on his books, which have sold over
50 million copies. They include: The Screwtape
Letters, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, The Great
Divorce, Mere Christianity, Till We Have Faces,
The Chronicles of Narnia, The Space Trilogy, and
many more.
"Through Joy and Beyond" was produced and
directed by Bob O'Donnell of Lord & King Asso-
ciates, Inc. It was filmed entirely on location in
Great Britain and Ireland. Lewis's childhood
home, located on the outskirts of Belfast, was
filmed, as well as other important locations which
illustrate Lewis's early years in Ireland and
England.
Rev. Walter Hooper, private secretary and
friend of the late Lewis, wrote the script and is
the narrator of the film. Featured as the "voice"
of Lewis is Peter Ustinov, the renowned British
playwright, orator, actor, director, and TV star.
Premiere showings of "Through Joy and Be-
yond" began in the U.S. on February 27 and will
continue throughout March and early April. Be-
ginning in April the film will be available for
rental through Gospel Films, Inc.
Lord & King Associates and the trustees of the
Lewis estate also plan to produce several other
major motion pictures based on the works of
C. S. Lewis — in particular, The Great Divorce and
eventually a film version of The Screwtape
Letters.
March 1979
21
update
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Rev. Keith Bennett, pastor
of the new Brandon Brethren Church, Brandon,
Fla., was a participant in the Evangelism Explo-
sion III International Leadership Clinic, held
February 2-7, 1979, at the Coral Ridge Presby-
terian Church in Fort Lauderdale. The Brandon
Brethren Church, of which Bennett is pastor, is
one of the two Operation Impact churches being
started in Florida.
Bennett was one of a total of 150 ministers,
wives, and lay people who attended the clinic and
investigated this ministry of evangelism, disciple-
ship, and church nurture.
The clinic was led by Dr. D. James Kennedy,
Senior Minister at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian
Church and founder and president of Evangelism
Explosion III International (EE III). Kennedy
was assisted by Rev. Archie B. Parrish, executive
director of EE III.
The Evangelism Explosion ministry has made
Coral Ridge one of the fastest growing Presby-
terian Churches in the United States for several
years. The church has grown from 17 members
to more than four thousand.
It was this phenomenal growth at Coral Ridge
Rev.
Keith
Bennett
which led to the founding of EE III, the focus of
which is to help pastors disciple and train lay
people to effectively share their faith.
Bezaleel! Ahollab! Are you there?
When God gave Moses the blueprint for the
Tabernacle, He told Moses that He had endowed
two men with special skills. These men would
use these skills in constructing some of the intri-
cate artwork for the Tabernacle.
Bezaleel was given unusual ability to work in
gold, silver, and brass. Aholiab was granted skill
to work with wood. (Exodus 31:1-11.) Thus God
assured that the workmanship on the Tabernacle
would be of the kind worthy of such a special
project.
There are "Bezaleels" and "Aholiabs" among the
members of the Brethren Church — people who
have specialized skills in the building trades. If
you are such a person, you might not think of
yourself as a missionary. But you can share in
an important missionary ministry.
The Brethren Church has a number of mission-
ary properties which are under the supervisory
care of the Missionary Board of the Brethren
Church. Some of these properties are located in
Ashland, Ohio, and in Krypton and Lost Creek,
Kentucky. These properties urgently require some
repairs and alterations.
Someone is needed who can install a conversion
burner and controls in the present coal furnace
which heats the church building at Krypton
(where Margaret Lowery is ministering). The
church is also badly in need of scraping and paint-
ing. Windows should be glazed and some of the
masonry around the windows needs repaired.
In the mission cottage some replumbing is re-
quired. A new electrical service box is awaiting
installation. There is need for new floor covering,
some wall paneling, and painting. The missionary
home in Ashland also requires some painting and
repairs.
If you have been given skills in any of these
areas and would be willing to lend in missionary
service to your church, the Missionary Board
would like to hear from you. Maybe you could
even organize a work project with some of the
men and women in your church.
If you can help, please write or phone Rev.
Charles Lowmaster, Special Ministries Commis-
sion Chairman, Missionary Board of the Brethren
Church, 2851 Ravenna Ave. N.E., Louisville, Ohio
44641 (phone 1-216-875-2723).
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
New Call to Peacemaking
Statement of the Findings Committee
The following is the final section of a Statement
adopted at the New Call to Peacemaking conference
held October 5-8, 1978, at Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Rev. Doc Shank, Peace Coordinator of the Brethren
Church, attended this conference.
The first section of this Statement appeared on
pages 10 and 11 of the January 1979 Evangelist,
and the second part on pages 24 and 25 of the
February issue.
The printing of this Statement does not mean that
either the Peace Coordinator or the Brethren
Publishing Company endorses it in its entirety.
IV. Witness to Peace
We have affirmed that the sustaining base for
peace witness is the local Christian community
committed to Christ's way of peace and justice.
Such a base will provide the initiative and support
±or confronting the oppression of militarism and
creating alternatives to a society plagued with
violence. In addition to the actions already noted,
we urge the following as examples of action
needed to cooperate to strengthen that base, to
witness to other Christians and all our fellow
citizens, and to speak truth to governmental
authorities.
A. Contiiniatlofi of the New Call to Peaceinaklng:
We urge the continuation of the New Call to
Peacemaking as a means for Friends, Brethren,
and Mennonites to extend and consolidate the
momentum of the two year effort culminating in
this conference and to incorporate this new vitality
into the ongoing structures of our churches. We
suggest the Steering Committee continue as a
coordinating body with staff provided by constit-
uent groups and with whatever organization is
needed to further local, regional, and national
Interests. Activities may include periodic confer-
ences, facilitating the publication of New Call
materials, promotion and coordination of peace
caravans, and the establishment of a peace
Institute. We recommend the establishment of a
peacemaking fund to provide support for these
efforts.
B. Sharing the New Call
We urge new efforts to share with Christians
of all denominations and ecumenical bodies the
biblical and theological interpretations and chal-
lenges to action which have emerged in this
conference.
C. Delegation to President Carter
We urge the leadership of the Friends, Men-
nonites, and Brethren to send a delegation to meet
with President Carter as soon as possible. In
connection with the Camp David peace initiative,
the President has quoted peace scriptures from
the Old and New Testaments. This week he indi-
cated that nonviolence is at the heart of his con-
cept of Christianity.
The purpose of the delegation will be to:
1. Commend and support the President in
his concern for peace and human rights.
2. Dialogue with President Carter as a fellow
Christian about the implications of the
Christian faith for issues of peace and
justice.
3. Lay before the President our concerns
about military spending, nuclear weapons,
arms sales, and related matters.
D. Southern Africa
Apartheid is sin; the injustice and violence it
creates are contrary to the will of God. We urge
a joint committee of Friends, Mennonites, and
Brethren to coordinate and extend their efforts to
promote justice and reconciliation in Southern
Africa. We ask them to consider implementation
of the careful proposals from the Southern Africa
interest group meeting at this conference and
from the New Call to Peacemaking Task Force
on "Building the Institutions of Peace."
E. World Friendship Center
We encourage continued support for the
World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan,
by the constituent groups of the New Call to
Peacemaking. [^
WRC launches resettlement operation
for Southeast Asian refugees
Wheaton, III. — In response to the buildup of a
quarter of a million refugees in Southeast Asia,
World Relief Corporation has launched a massive
refugee resettlement operation in cooperation
with WRC's parent organization, the National
Association of Evangelicals.
Churches, families, businesses, or individuals
are being sought to sponsor resettlement of
refugee families from Vietnam, Cambodia, and
Laos. Forty sponsors a month will be needed.
Those interested in considering sponsorship may
secure details from World Relief Refugee Ser-
vices, Box WRC, Nyack, N.Y. 10960 (phone 914-
353-0640).
March 1979
23
update
Mother of Jenny Loi
in accident
Ashland, Ohio — The sad news has come from
Rev. David Loi that Jenny's mother was killed
November 18 at Sibu, East Malaysia. She was
knocked down by an oncoming auto while riding
her bicycle home from the city.
The Lois returned to Sibu, their former home
on the island of Borneo, for the funeral. Our
sympathies are extended to our missionaries to
the Chinese in Malaysia.
— Rev. M. Virgil Ingraham
In Memory
Williain Y. Pottenger, 85, February 14. Member of
the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren
Church. Services by Woodrow Immel, pastor.
Ira Cox, 86, January 22. Member of the North
Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services
by Rev. Bert Hodge.
Aubrey R. Black, 80, November 16. Charter mem-
ber of the Firestone Park Brethren Church, Akron,
Ohio, and charter member of the Bradenton, Fla.,
Brethren Church. Services by Rev. W. E. Thomas.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. . . please let us know.
1. Give old address:
Name
Address
City State
2. Fill in new address below:
Zip
Name
Address
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Zip
Date new address in effect
3. Mail this form to:
Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
Goldenaires
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Kingery, 62nd, March 16. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church, Flora, Ind.
Bryon & Margaret Nixon, 55th, February 16.
Members of the Brethren Church, Oakville, Ind.
Frances & Cletus Ulbricht, 50th, February 16.
Members of the First Brethren Church of South
Bend, Ind.
Mina & Lucian Green, 51st, February 12. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church of South Bend,
Ind.
Catherine & William Yoder, 54th February 5.
Members of the First Brethren Church of South
Bend, Ind. __
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Douglass, 54th, January 25.
Mrs. Douglass a member of the First Brethren
Church, Flora, Ind. Mr. Douglass a member of the
Church of the Brethren.
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Warren, iSr., 60th, January 18.
Members of the First Brethren Church, North
Manchester, Ind. , .. , i
Ethel & Virgil Demike, 56th, January 16. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church of South Bend,
Ind.
Mervin & Gladys Hinseh, 56th, January 16. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church of South Bend,
Ind.
Bert & Anna Nordblad, 58th, January 15. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church of South Bend,
Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Harry A. Leidy, 56th, January 3. Mem-
bers of the Brethren Church, Vinco, Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. Garl Wiley, 50th, December 25. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church, North Man-
chester, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Roy Zellers, 63rd, December 24. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church, North Man-
chester, Ind.
Weddings
Lisa D. Cummings to Leslie L. Shrock, February
3, at the Bradenton, Fla., Brethren Church; Russell
C. Gordon, pastor, officiating. Groom member of
the Bradenton Brethren Church.
Bible ownership and Bible reading are at high
levels in the United States according to an exten-
sive survey released recently by the Christian
Bible Society. More than a third of the families
in the study indicated Bible reading to be a part
of their life patterns, and nearly a fourth of all
church members are involved in some kind of
group Bible study.
— Ronn Kerr associates release
24
The Brethren Evangelist
Christian Response to Hunnan Need
A Quiet Revolution by John Perkins (Word
Books, 1976, 226 pp., $4.50 paperback).
John Perkins, author of A Quiet Revolution, is
founder and director of the Voice of Calvary in
Mendenhall and Jackson, Mississippi.
In the preface to this book, Perkins makes two
significant statements that explain why the book
is subtitled The Christian Response to Human
Need ... a Strategy for Today. In the first of
these he says:
"The story of the Voice of Calvary Ministries
is not the story of one man's personal
struggles but of how a group of people have
struggled together to know God and make
him known, right down to the very basic
needs with which they wrestle every day."
In the second statement he says:
'T hope that this book will serve as a testi-
mony of hope for black people who see the
massive problems in their communities and
wonder, 'Can anything really be done?'; a
testimony of encouragement to white people,
that 'yes, you can do something; yes there
can be racial reconciliation'; and a testimony
of power to all people of the grace of the
Lord Jesus Christ."
The book contains the following topics: I. The
Call (to ministry); II. Evangelism; III. Social
Stories for Children
Ethel Barrett Tells Bible Stories to Children,
Volume 2 by Ethel Barrett (Regal, 1977, 143 pp.,
$2.95 paperback).
This book of Bible stories by Ethel Barrett is
another of her excellently written books. This one
is comprised of short stories about the lives of
Moses and Jesus.
Perhaps the best feature of the book is its
many helps for the parent or teacher. Included
are tips on how to read to a child and on how
to use each story as a teaching tool for family
devotions or story time. Fun-to-do activities are
also suggested with each story.
Any person working with children would find
Ethel Barrett Tells Bible Stories to Children,
Volume 2 an excellent and worthwhile investment.
—Ellen Clough
Mrs. Clough is a mother, homemaker, and wife
of the pastor of the Bethlehem Brethren Church,
Harrisonburg, Va.
Action; IV. Economic Development; V. Justice;
VI. The Church. As Perkins works through these
topics, he successfully applies the power of Christ
to the whole of man's needs.
This book is a well-written biblical challenge
to the church to deal with every aspect of human
need. It should be read by at least every pastor
in the Brethren Church, and by the leaders of
each local church as well.
There is a lot in the book. It is probably
necessary to read it at least twice with an
open mind to begin to get its full benefit. But if
the reader will do this, his concept of the min-
istry of the Body of Christ will surely be expanded
and enriched.
—Robert B. Clough
Rev. Clough is pastor of the Bethlehem Brethren
Church, Harrisonburg, Va.
Facing Grief
But For Our Grief by June Filkin Taylor (Holman,
1977, 126 pp., $3.95 paperback).
Most people have to face grief sometime in
their lives. This well-written book will surely help
anyone who is going through the grief of the
death of a loved one. It will also benefit someone
who just wants to understand the feelings of
grief.
Mrs. Taylor writes from her own experience
of losing her daughter. She presents some advice
that helps the reader get through this trying time.
While there aren't any easy answers, Mrs. Taylor
does reveal that the experience of grief can bring
stronger faith and belief in Jesus Christ.
Reading this book and looking back on my own
experience, I realized that grief is not always
expressed in the same ways. But the goal is al-
ways the same — accepting death and living on.
— Val Rowsey
Val Rowsey is a junior at Ashland High School,
Ashland, Ohio. Val lost her mother in 1975.
Nearly 12 million copies of Scripture have been
openly and legally circulated in Eastern Europe
since the end of World War II. This figure in-
cludes 339,000 copies in the Soviet Union and over
four million copies in Poland. This accomplish-
ment is almost entirely due to the efforts of the
United Bible Societies.
— American Bible Society News
March 1979
25
Likes the Evangelist
I have been a subscriber of the Evangelist for
many, many years. Can't imagine a Brethren
being without it. I like everything about it.
Especially news from other churches. Wish there
was more of this. I also realize you can't print it
if it is not sent in.
Keep up the good work. I don't always get it
all read but I really like and enjoy it.
— ^Mrs. Clarence Coleman
Mulvane, Kans.
January issue
To all that had anything to do with the writing,
editing, publishing, etc., of our most recent
Evangelist (Jan. '79), may I express my thanks
for the best Evangelist in many years. I again
read it through from front to back, the first time
I have done that in several years.
The articles were real good, especially the one
by Smith Rose and the one by Win Arn and the
short one by Jane E. Hendricks. Keep up the good
work.
— Wilbur L. Thomas
Plymouth, Ind.
The "New Call to Peacennaking"
I would like to direct some comments to you
concerning the Peacemaking article appearing on
page 10 of the January issue.
I am aware of the historical stand of the
Brethren Church as it pertains to refusing to
fight in the Revolutionary war, and its "principled
resistance to military service." I was not aware
that we were part of an organization "to aid
young men and women caught in the conscription
network."
I am unable to reconcile this stand with the
biblical command of I Peter 2:13 and Romans 13:1
and Titus 3:1. In addition I find it hard to con-
ceive of an organization which desires and takes
advantage of the laws, particularly the guaranteed
freedom of religion, as well as the tax laws, but
is unwilling to support, and organizes against,
the very government which guarantees them the
right to be.
The notion that mankind will bring peace seems
to contradict the teaching of Scripture, i.e.,
Matthew 24:6-7. And what of that final war when
Christ Himself will wage war (Rev. 19:11), along
with the armies of heaven (Rev. 19:14)? The idea
that man is able to bring about a better world by
refusing to fight against the evil for right seems
to be twisted logic.
Please don't misunderstand. I am not saying
we should wage war just because we cannot bring
peace. I believe and support the notion that we
should be striving for peace. But in the event that
those efforts fail and we are faced with a choice
of "Red or Dead," I for one will fight to ths death
for the right not to be enslaved, for the right to
worship God, for the right to be what God desires
me to be, and for the right to pass on to my fam-
ily what has been given to me.
I have no quarrel with those who see differently
than I. That is a God-given right which I will not
violate. But, please, do not violate my right to
my opinion by imposing upon me the need to see
it as others do. We do a great disservice to Chris-
tianity when we attempt to impose our beliefs
and prohibitions upon others.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
— David Scheurer
Louisville, Ohio
(The Brethren Church is not a MEMBER of the
New Call to Peacemaking Coalition. Member groups
are the Friends, the Mennonites, and the Church of
the Brethren.
Rev. Doc Shank, Peace Coordinator of the Breth-
ren Church, was invited to attend the conference and
went as an observer.
Rev. Shank reports that even within the member
groups there were some representatives who voiced
strong opposition to certain points in the Peace-
making Statement. — Ed.)
26
The Brethren Evangelist
^BK-^j
More on the "New Call"
I am writing in response to the article in the
January issue of the Brethren Evangelist con-
cerning "New Call to Peacemaking." I am glad
that you have asked for comments on it. I would
like to comment also on an article in the Septem-
ber issue of the Evanglist concerning one of the
speakers at National Conference, Dr. Ronald Sider,
and his addresses to the Conference.
I read the September article and was very upset
by it — that the Brethren Church would invite a
speaker with the views he projects. This ties in
with the "New Call to Peacemaking" statement.
I clipped a newspaper report on the conference,
where this statement was drawn up, at the time
it was being held.
Quoting from the report on the conference,
written by David E. Anderson, UPI religion
writer: "The 400,000 members of the nations
historic peace churches — Mennonites, Friends
(Quakers) and Brethren— have been challenged to
renew their peace witness with radical acts, in-
cluding civil disobedience and tax resistance."
Ronald J. Sider was one of the principal
speakers at the "Peace" conference. I do not
agree with anything he advocates. They (the
"Peace" conference) are pushing for a cause, and
we, as a church, are commissioned to preach
Christ, and Him crucified.
I believe it is high time we. The Brethren
Church, withdraw our association with those who
would follow this cause, and pursue peace as God's
Word dictates. You will find that the Church of
the Brethren has been so taken up with social
action and political affairs that they are forsaking
scriptural truth, and I'm sure that is the last thing
we want to do.
The world is in turmoil, but it needs Christ, not
social action. The poor, especially in the U.S., have
been made an elite group. Everything is geared
in their direction, to the point that they are being
exploited for someone else's gain.
Jesus said, "For ye have the poor always with
you; but me ye have not always" (Matt. 26:11).
Isn't it about time we look at spiritual values
(the unseen) instead of the material (the seen)
in men's lives?
Let us put our time, energy, and money to
work in giving the world something money can't
buy, nor can anyone take it away, which is the
Gospel which offers man peace with God and
salvation from sin through the shed blood of the
Lord Jesus Christ.
My prayer is that the Brethren Church, from
the smallest church to the national leadership
level, will rededicate itself to getting out the Gos-
pel message, at any cost, while it is still day. In
John 9:4 Jesus said: "I must work the works of
him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh when no man can work." Surely we can
see that night is fast approaching.
Romans 13:11: "And that, knowing the time,
that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:
for now is our salvation nearer than when we
believed."
I am very interested in hearing other comments
on this "New Call to Peacemaking" issue. Per-
sonally, I do not wish to be associated with, or
contribute anything whatsoever, directly or in-
directly, to the "New Call," and I would like to
see the Brethren Church take a stand, for or
against, so we as individual members can know
the church's position.
—Mrs. Robert D. Miller
Vandalia, Mich.
clip and save
When Writing Your Congressman
If you are called upon to support or oppose a
legislative bill in your state capital or a federal
bill in Washington, D.C., permit me to suggest a
few pointers in communicating with legislative
people:
1) Be brief. A one page letter is best.
2) Do not use wording from a form letter.
Compose your own thoughts and use your own
words.
3) In the top right hand corner of your letter
write RE:, then the number of the bill and its
title.
4) Briefly state your position on the bill and
logically explain why you urge a vote in a par-
ticular way.
5) Be positive — if possible, even complimentary.
If you know some good the legislator has done,
let it be known that you appreciate his or her
service as a law maker.
6) Ask others to write. As my friend Ralph
Yarnel says, "If we do not write and get others to
write, and the bill fails, it was our fault. If we and
others do write and the bill fails, we did all we
could. Our God will provide some other way."
From Christian School Comment, published by the Western Association
of Christian Schools, Whittier, Calif. 90607. Used by permission.
March 1979
27
Reaching Out With The
To Thj^
Heard
Sending
Solomons
Aspinalls olkM^^Winte
Kumars — Pros
Vijay
David and Jenny Cpf
Three lay workers
Colombia
Argentina
India
Malaysia
Mexico (New Field)
Providing Fund}
To meet the ^i^?00b goal foFWorld Mission 1979 a
20% increase over last year is needed
Needed: Increased local church budgets
Faith promise principle applied
Sinnplified lifestyle sharing
*: ES CI5t
O » •%
n 3 <fe
Cf o <♦
tr sr ZF
^ (A (»
ci 1 s:
IS- M«
O O M
0 O r«>
<T »— O
t& •— 1
n o ►-•
Missionary Board of the Brethren Church
530 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805
,i fa
April 1979
The
treet
D
D
celebrating 100 years of
Serving Believing
1879 1979
(see page 6)
i
'^..^1
Brethren World Relief Giving
Last year (on page 16 of the April Evangelist)
I concluded the financial report by saying: "Well,
what will 1978 hold? €an we surpass $30,000? Not
anyone alone . . . but together! If we do, it will
mean FOOD FOR THE BODY AND FOOD FOR
THE SOUL for more unfortunate people in de-
pressing need. Let's extend the hand of Christ
a little further in 1978."
The graph tells the story! We did respond to
Christ's leading and "extended His hand further"
than ever before through our giving. Ohupoh
offeringrs and individual gifts totalled $31,050 in
1978.
$36
,000
$34
,000
$32
,000
$30
,000
$28.
,000
$26
,000
$24.
,000
$22
,000
$20,
000
$18,
000
$16.
000
$14,
000
$12,
000
$10,
000
$ 8,
000
$ 6,
000
$ 4,
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$ 2,
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i
1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
We had 6 churches giving over $1,000 last year:
Ashland (Park Street), Ohio .... $2,267
Maurertown, Virginia $1,825
Goshen, Indiana $1,672
Pleasant Hill, Ohio $1,351
Vinco, Pennsylvania $1,231
New Lebanon, Ohio $1,099
These 9 churches gave between $900 and $500:
Teegarden, Indiana $876
Elkhart, Indiana $769
Bryan, Ohio $740
North Liberty, Indiana $628
Louisville, Ohio $583
St. James, Maryland $541
Mt. Olive, Virginia $535
Bethlehem, Virginia $510
West Alexandria, Ohio $500
Actually, fewer churches gave over $500 last
year than in previous years, but those who did,
gave quite well. And gifts from individuals rose
from $1,805 in 1977 to $2,769 in 1978. The Confer-
ence Fasting Banquet remained about the same
at $606 profit.
Again we must ask, "What will our response be
in this new year?" Our "track record" is good.
But each new year is like a new race . . . and we
start all over competing against the material
"opponents" that would take our attention and
money away from doing the work Christ has
called us to — that of helping to provide the basic
physical and spiritual necessities for those who
have so little of what we take for granted.
God has certainly blessed us, Brethren! Let's
continue demonstrating our willingness to be a
blessing to others through our support of World
Relief.
Phil Lersch (for the
Brethren World Relief Board)
Send your Worid Relief offering to:
BRETHREN WORLD RELIEF
George Kerlin, Treasurer
1318 E. Douglas
Goshen, Indiana 46526
Advertisement
^^^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
One year subscription rates: $6.00 for
100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists
of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual
subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents
Change of address: Please notify us at
least three weeks in advance, using the
form provided in each issue.
Authors' views are not necessarily those
of the Brethren Church or the Brethren
Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
dressed to the editor. A writer's packet
with query tips is available upon written
request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome.
However, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for return of unsolicited
material not accompanied by a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Second class postage paid at Ashland,
Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to
the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
Ashland Park Street Brethren
Church is celebrating its 100th
anniversary in May. See story
on page 6 and announcement
on back cover.
Drawing of church by Steve Huber
Cover design by Howard Mack
. 101, No. 4
April 1979
4 The Grave in the Garden
An Easter meditation by Dr. Peter Marshall
6 Paric Street Brethren Church
A review of 100 years of praying, serving, and believing at
Ashland First Brethren Church.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
8 A Positive Look at Brethren Potential
Dr. Charles Munson assesses the pov.'cr in the Brethren Church
and raises questions about possible weaknesses.
11 Realizing a Vision in Sarver, Pennsylvania
A look at the progress of a new Brethren Church in the
Pennsylvania District.
World Relief
12 He Conquers His Mountains
Lillian H. Graffam tells how Dr. Jean-Claude Noel of Haiti
has spent his life conquering one obstacle after another.
15 World Relief Resources
Information about books and films to educate us about world
need and to motivate us to action.
16 "Jesus Road" in Africa
A report of how Christian love in action has caused many
Africans to turn to the ''Jesus Road."
Departmen+s
18 The Salt Shaker
19 Update
26 Books
27 Letters
!•/
April 1979
The
Grave
in the
Garden
>*n
by Peter Marshall
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure,
sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Matthew 27:66
AS [the enemies of Christ] made their
way down the hill and back to the city,
such thoughts as these ran through their
minds :
'*He is finished.
We shall hear no more of Him.
Now His fishermen can get back
to their nets and their boats ...
We shall hear no more talk
about His kingdom.
As for this Jesus, He is dead enough.
There is no doubt about that.
''Even though He had a breath of life
left in the bloodless body, it is now being
suffocated by the hundredweight of spice
with which He was embalmed.
''He, who said He could summon twelve
legions of angels to His assistance, died
crying that He was forsaken.
He will trouble us no more.*'
Thus they left Him on Friday evening —
just before the Sabbath began, His dead
body hastily embalmed,
wrapped in bandages on which a hundred
pounds of myrrh had been hastily
spread . . .
From MR JONES, MEET THE MASTER: Sermons and Prayers of
Peter Marshall. Edited by Catherine Marshall. Copyright 1949, 1950
by Fleming H. Revell Company. Used by permission. Illustrations
of the microscope, measuring tape, litmus paper, etc., are credited
to Beverley Nichols.
Artwork and photo by Howard Mack
the tomb closed with a huge stone and
soldiers standing guard around it.
Then came Sunday morning.
The first rays of the early morning sun
cast a great light that caused the dew drops
on the flowers to sparkle like diamonds.
The atmosphere of the garden
was changed ...
It was the same garden . . .
yet strangely different.
The heaviness of despair was gone,
and there was a new note in the singing
of the birds
Suddenly, at a certain hour between
sunset and dawn, in that new tomb which
had belonged to Joseph of Arimathea, there
was a strange stirring, a fluttering of
unseen forces ...
a whirring of angel wings
the rustle as of the breath of God moving
through the garden.
Strong, immeasurable forces poured life
back into the dead body they had laid upon
the cold stone slab;
and the dead man rose up
came out of the grave clothes
walked to the threshold of the tomb,
stood swaying for a moment
on His wounded feet,
and walked out into the moonlit garden.
We can almost hear in our hearts the
faint sigh, as the life spirit fluttered back
into the tortured body, and smell in our
The Brethren Evangelist
own nostrils the medley of strange scents
that floated back to Him
of linen and bandages . . .
and spices
and close air and blood.
Then came a group of women as soon
as they could, bringing spices and materials
with which to complete the hasty anointing
of their Lord.
They came with all the materials with
which to anoint a dead body,
and when they came to the grave in the
garden, they found that the stone had been
rolled away from the door of it, and the
grave was empty.
* * *
Is it true?
Is Christ really risen from the dead?
As that question begins to knock —
gently — on your heart's door, you realize
that you have gone back through the
centuries to when the world was nmeteen
hundred years younger,
back to the country of the camel,
and sandaled footprints in the sands
of Palestine . . .
back to the time of the Roman eagle flut-
tering over bronze breastplates
shining in the Syrian sun
back to the days of the Caesars.
And you feel quite funny — almost ridic-
ulous— for you have your
microscope in your hand
your measuring tape
your litmus paper
your biology textbook
your test tube
and your college diploma.
In the half -shadow in the womb of time
your microscope glitters like a diamond.
You tape measure gleams like a line of gold.
Your litmus paper is a purple ribbon from
a royal standard.
IB'
r^rtPT
Your test tube, a silver bugle to sound a
note of triumph.
And the noise and confusion of unbelief
has died away.
And in the quiet Easter morning you
are standing in front of a grave in a garden,
and you see a stone in the doorway, but
the stone is moving ... is moving!
And before you are aware of it, you will
realize suddenly that Someone is standing
beside you, and your eyes are fixed on His
hand, and you see a mark in the palm of
it, like the print of a nail.
And as a great realization dawns over
you, you hear His voice:
'*Lo, I am with you always, even unto
the end of the world."
''Whosoever believeth in Me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live,
and whosoever liveth and believeth in
me, shall never die . . ."
''Because I live, ye shall live also."
Because we can't stand it any longer —
in the secret places of our hearts, we cry
out to God for help — and then it comes,
the supreme miracle for which we have
been seeking.
It is so tremendous a thing that we can't
describe it.
It is so delicate a thing that we can't even
bring it into view for anybody else to
look at.
We can never explain it to anybody else.
We only know that it is true.
The Voice has said: "Because I live, ye
shall live also."
Our hearts knew all along it must be so.
It was what we wanted to hear, and now
that we have heard it, we feel that we
have solved the mystery of life.
"If a man die, shall he live again?"
Yes, because the Resurrection is a fact.
Aye, and I, too, shall live, because I know
it's true.
We pray to Thee, 0 Christ, to keep us
under the spell of immortality.
May we never again think and act as if
Thou wert dead. Let us more and more
come to knoiu Thee as a living Lord ivho
hath promised to them that believe: "Be-
cause I live, ye shall live also.''
Help us to remember that ive are pray-
ing to the Conquerer of Death, that we may
no longer be afraid nor dismayed by the
ivorld's problems and threats, since Thou
hast overco'me the world.
In Thy strong name, we ask for Thy
living presence and Thy victorious power.
AMEN.
Peter Marshall
cC.^
■So
j^^^u^j^iLcyjojyj
7
1
■ /J
'i
sm
'i-t
A>*^i^Ki^
April 1979
Park Street Brethren Church
100 Years of
Praying - Serving - Believing
ASHLAND TIMES, Thursday, May 15,
1879 — The Reverend S. H. Bashor, editor
of the Gospel Preacher, preached on the
authenticity of the Bible to a large congre-
gation in the chapel of the new Brethren
College, in South Ashland, on Sabbath
morning last. The occasion was an impor-
tant one, being the initial service in the
netv college, as well as the first Dunkard
service ever held in the town. Heretofore,
the denomination has conducted its meet-
ings entirely in the country, and the begin-
ning of a series of meetings in the college
marks a new era in the brotherhood. The
sermon was an excellent one, and was
attentively listened to by the congregation.
Hereafter, in order to accommodate the
general audience, the services will be held
at three o'clock p.m.
The above report is the newspaper
account of the first worship service of
what later became the First Brethren
Church of Ashland, Ohio.
The First Brethren Church of Ashland
was formally incorporated in the State of
Ohio on October 30, 1917. It is a descendant
congregation of the German Baptist Breth-
ren Church begun in Schwarzenau, Ger-
many, by Alexander Mack in 1708 and the
successor of the congregation organized
in Ashland by Elder S. Z. Sharp in 1879.
Progress in those early days after 1879
was difficult. In fact, it was necessary to
reorganize the congregation in 1883 after
several setbacks.
For more than forty years the First
Brethren congregation worshiped in the
chapel of old Founders Hall on the Ashland
College campus. During this period no par-
ticular minister was designated as pastor,
but those ministers who were members of
the congregation preached. Usually they
were men serving Ashland College as presi-
dent or on the faculty or as the editor of
the Brethren Evangelist.
Before the church structure was built,
two other locations were considered — one
on Main Street in 1912 and one on West
Washington Street in 1919 — but both were
abandoned.
The first building committee, of which
Joe Stookey is the only member still living,
began work in 1924. In March 1925 Brother
E. L. Kilhefner purchased a tract of land
on Park Street with a frontage of 151 feet
and a depth of 210 feet. He offered the lot
to the church as a gift, if the congregation
would build a house of worship on it. With
this gift was an additional offer to match
the giving of the congregation dollar for
dollar. The members accepted the challenge,
drew plans, and agreed to build when total
cash gifts reached $20,000.
In September 1925 construction began.
The building was completed at a total cost
of $65,000. When the church was dedicated
on May 23, 1926 (with an indebtedness of
$42,000), Dr. Charles A. Bame was pastor.
In May 1929 a booklet was printed request-
ing members to renew their pledges. But the
indebtedness was not completely retired
until about 1947.
In November 1946 the congregation
voted to assume the responsibility for the
E.L.
Kilhefner
donated the
land on
which the
Park Street
Brethren
Church was
built, and
matched the
giving of the
congregation
for the
church
building
dollar for
dollar.
'S
in.:-'
[5 ' .
vr ^^,^
The Brethren Evangelist
Thos© Vvho H
Eaiiy Preachers (1879—1894)
Isaac Kilhefner
A. L Garber
William C. Perry
J. M. Tombaugh
Part-Time Pastors
1894 — S. J. Harrison
1894 — A. D. Gnagey
1894— J. Allen Miller
1902— Charles F. Yoder
1905— J. L Gillin
191 |_W. D. Furry
I9I9_J. A. Garber
ave Served
Full-Time Pastors
1923 — Charles A. Bame
1929— Dyoll Belote
l935_Willis E. Ronk
l939_Charles F. Yoder
I94I_L V. King
I946_W. C. Benshoff
1947— H. H. Rowsey
1953 — Clarence Fairbanks
I960— Phil Lersch
1967 — George W. Solomon
1973 — Eugene J. Beekley
Garber Brethren Church on Sherman Ave-
nue. The Garber Church was chartered and
the deed signed over to that congregation
in 1959.
In the summer of 1953 the old parsonage
just south of the church was torn down and
replaced by a spacious brick house, which
was dedicated on June 26, 1955. Adjoining
properties behind the parsonage and church
were purchased in 1958, 1960, and 1975 for
parking space.
Plans for a new educational unit were
begun as early as 1959 with the appoint-
ment of a Sunday School Evaluation Com-
mittee. Following complete surveys, recom-
mendations, and a fund-raising campaign,
ground was broken on September 15, 1963.
Construction began immediately, and on
March 21, 1965, dedication services were
held for the new educational unit and the
remodeled church. Dr. Charles L. Anspach
was the speaker.
In this centennial year, the congregation
averages 220 in worship, with a total mem-
bership of 525. Eleven part-time ministers
and eleven full-time pastors have led this
congregation into many avenues of service
during its first century. Members have gone
into many professions and occupations.
Full-time Christian service has been
stressed, and both elders and laymen from
this church have carried the name of Christ
around the world.
Due to the location of the church, the
congregation has been referred to frequent-
ly as the Park Street Brethren Church.
Emphasizing the *TSB," the verbs — pray-
ing, serving, and believing — were inscribed
on printed materials and practiced in daily
living.
Prayer and study groups are organized
for individual spiritual growth. At least
one meets each day of the week.
Serving opportunities are countless for
individuals and for the corporate body:
the Care Line (a 24-hour telephone min-
istry), a clothing room, the Wednesday
After-School Special (for elementary-age
children), sewing for World Relief, the
Over-Fifty Club, and three prayer chains
provide meaningful opportunities for reach-
ing out.
Believing is the reason why we are
Brethren. The Word of God and the doc-
trines of the church were the foundation
of the Ashland congregation 100 years ago.
These are the same truths which we carry
into the second century of service.
To God be the glory for the great things
He has done in and through the First Breth-
ren Church of Ashland, Ohio! n
1979
Church Staff
astor
Eugene J. Beekley
Assistant
Kenneth D. Hunn
vioderator
Char es Bee' '
Church Schoo
1 S
upt.
Miin. of Music
Brad '
Organist
Mrs. Uorman 1
Office Sec'y.
Mrs. Howard Mack
Custodians
. Dick Keffer
Marvin Shonkwiler
April 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
A Positive Look
at Brethren Potential
Charles Munson assesses the power in the Brethren Church
and raises questions about possible weaknesses.
DR. PETER WAGNER said of the
Brethren Church, "It will grow because
it has the Gospel." These may not be his
exact words, but they reflect accurately
the thought he expressed at a recent con-
ference at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Dr. Arthur Schultz, president of Ashland
College, said of the Brethren Church, ''It is
searching and seeking God's will for itself."
Again this may not be an exact quote, but
the sense of what he said is there. Dr.
Schultz, speaking at a chapel service at the
seminary, went on to express concern for
the Christian church in general and to indi-
cate that he shared the concern of Brethren
for their church. Quoting Roy L. Smith,
Schultz said, ''Is there any late word from
God?" Any church with late news from
God is bound to succeed.
Power in Christ's presence
Well, friend, that's what we have, late
news from God. It's the same news He had
for the early church. That church believed
and practiced that Jesus Christ was present
with them. Everything about the worship of
the early church was geared to the belief
that Jesus was present. They offered
prayer in His name; they declared His
Word; they sought His will. His invisible
presence held them together and formed
Dr. Charles Munson is Professor of Practical
Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Dr. Munson has a deep interest in the Brethren
Church, and he is currently making an in-depth
study of the denomination. He has called twelve
people with an interest in helping the church move
forward to assist him in this study. This "Committee
of Thirteen" is attempting to take a positive look
at the Brethren Church.
them into a working unit. They ate a meal
in His name and were baptized into His
name.
We have Christ's presence, also. But we
aren't growing, that's true. Nevertheless,
our secret of power is in His presence; our
hope for growth is in His being with us.
Let's look at our power. If we genuinely
want that power to work — the power of
the presence of Jesus — can we expect other-
wise? Surely it will work!
The Bible is true. We Brethren believe
that earnestly. Then let's take it at its
word. The Bible says the church can be the
church to the extent that its members take
one another into account. When there is a
genuine concern for one another within the
body (the church), then God will get His
work done. Why? Because everything that
is supposed to happen will happen.
Read the Bible ! You will find that it calls
for maturity more than it calls for anything
else — including evangelism — because evan-
gelism will take place directly out of what
is happening in the body. It doesn't matter
whether we are looking to the eighties or
the nineties, the same truth will hold.
To quote another Shultz, "The Brethren
function, or ought to, out of the body and
the Book." Don't hold me to the actual
wording, but you get the point. If the body
is being the body and is grounded in the
Book, then God will get His work done.
Is the "one another principle" at work?
One wonders! God's Word says build one
another up, find ways to tell people their
good and bad points. "Teaching and ad-
monishing one another," Paul tells the
Colossians. And he tells the Thessalonians
8
The Brethren Evangelist
"Our secret of power is in Christ's
presence; our hope for growth is
in His being with us."
cent are consumers. Have you looked
lately at what is happening in your church ?
The eighties for the Brethren Church
will be determined by how many of our
congregations are in the first category —
with less than 40 percent of the congrega-
tion as consumers and with 20 percent of
the congregation facing outward. Our
power is in our friendships and our exten-
sions outward.
to ''exhort one another, and build each
other up. . . ." Now you can't get rows of
people sitting in pews out of that, nor can
you get one man doing ministry and the
others resting. You get people working
with people. That's the point of our name
— Brethren. That's what we are supposed
to be all about — a brotherhood.
Power in friendships and kinships
But our power is not only in the presence
of the Lord and in our brotherhood, but it
is in our friendships and kinships beyond
our circle in the body. Dr. Wagner says that
70 to 80 percent of church growth comes
as a result of friends and relatives. Other
statistics put that as high as 90 percent.
But the point is this: people come into the
body of believers mainly through friend-
ships and relationships.
Other estimates say that walk-ins pro-
vide 3 to 8 percent of church growth, pro-
grams 4 to 10 percent, visitation evangelism
10 to 25 percent, Sunday school 3 to 6
percent, and the pastor 10 to 25 percent.
However you add them up, church growth
in the eighties will come not from a running
pastor but from a leading pastor, and not
from persons being attracted on their own
by the program, but because time has been
spent in developing friendships.
When a church is growing, Wagner says,
it is friendships which are doing it. When
it is declining or remaining stationary, it
is kinships. Our power is in our friendship
connections, plus something vital in the
body to keep people coming. Read on.
In a growing, reproducing church, says
Wagner, about 40 percent of the members
will be leaders focused inward, approxi-
mately 20 percent will be focused outward,
and less than 40 percent will be consumers.
In a surviving church, about 33 percent of
the members are leaders working inward,
2 percent are working outward, and 60 per-
cent are consumers. And in a nominal or
inactive church, about 20 percent of the
members are leaders working inward, 1
percent are working outward, and 75 per-
Pn
\A/^r in
fi
Pi m A <: Pi I rp ^
v
h,
rrninn
Our power is also in the flames that are
burning in the denomination. A number of
our churches are growing, and others want
to. Where there are such fires, we must fan
the flames. We might have to ask questions
of these and other congregations to find
out why the fires are burning. Many of
these fires were started out of the emphasis
on church growth sponsored in the main
by the Missionary Board. Things did
happen! God can move us — we know that
now! But we dare not slip back. New
churches are beginning to take shape, slow-
ly but surely.
There are fires burning. Brethren, and
there is power in that. It's just a sample of
what God can do. I'm not ignorant of our
decline, but I'm not ignorant of God's wish
to bring people to Himself through the
Brethren Church either.
I've said thus far that our power is in
the fact that we have the Lord's presence;
in the fact that we have one another; in
the fact that we have the power of friend-
ships and kinships; and in the fact that
there are fires burning among the Brethren
leading us to believe that others can be
started.
exclu<
1 -^
Now as we look to the eighties, we are
going to have to ask ourselves about our
exclusions. Who are we keeping out of our
churches and for what reasons? Who can't
get in for one reason or another? Who
doesn't want in for whatever reason ? What
physical or spiritual or mental limitations
are we putting on what people for what
reasons? Who hasn't been able to break
into the fellowship circle but has gotten
only as far as the membership circle? "How
high are the walls of the fellowship circle?"
asks Lyle Schaller in his book, Assimilating
New Members. How ingrown is your con-
gregation, or the Brethren Church?
Our name demands that we pay attention
to whether we are a brotherhood or an
(continued on next page)
April 1979
exclusive club. That will determine in large
measure whether we have anything left of
the church after the eighties. McGavran
says, ''Congregations that grow to 50 or
75 persons and remain one fellowship unit
will not grow larger unless they create other
substructures of belonging" (small groups
of 7 to 10 persons).
What is our attitude
toward inactives?
Then ask yourself what is the policy of
our church regarding inactives? These atti-
tudes can largely determine whether we
can hope for any growth there in the
eighties. Schaller says that if people aren't
moved from the membership circle into the
fellowship circle within about one year,
they will probably be on the way to either
partial or complete inactivity. To repeat —
can people break into your fellowship
circle? You probably say, ''Yes," but ask
serious questions about yourselves. Are
there enough circles of fellowship to allow
people in?
What assumptions do you make about
inactives? The tendency has been to be
negative. Schaller, again, says we probably
assume that they weren't sincere in the
first place. Or we say, "They can hear the
bells," or "They know we are here." That
gets us nowhere. Rather assume that their
inactive. Listen, not just once, but many
times, if necessary. You say you don't have
that kind of time? Or they are not worth
it? I know some people want to be left
alone, but we can't assume that about
every inactive member. I ask you to look
positively at your inactives. It's crucial for
the eighties.
Are
we c
loset
universa
lists?
Finally, how many of us are closet uni-
versalists? How many of us are saying,
"All roads lead to God"? Or "God will get
everyone eventually because love is persis-
tent and doesn't wear out"? Do we believe
that people without Christ are without God
and that's final? If the eighties are to see
us as Brethren growing, it will be because
we believe that our church needs evan-
gelized from within so that we can evan-
gelize outside.
We must face the fact that 2,400,000,000
— that's two billion four hundred million
people — are outside the circle of effective
gospel witness. Is God going to save every-
body— do you believe that? If so, that goes
against everything Jesus said. We need to
see that people will end up where God is
not if they turn Jesus down.
People need to have handles to help them
say a good word for Jesus. Evangelization
within means that pastors teach people to
''We will never get to the inactive adequately unless we
assume that some of the fault may have been within
the church/'
reasons for not coming are honest ones
for them. Take time with them; ask
questions; and don't be satisfied with first
answers. Please don't assume that their
departure is all their fault, which is where
most of us begin. Don't say, "It couldn't
be anything we've done. It must be them."
Families, good ones, work with their chil-
dren to find out why they are acting in an
antisocial way toward the family or toward
others. God says the church is His family,
so why shouldn't we have a positive con-
cern about children who have departed
from us?
I'll say it again: we will never get to the
inactive adequately unless we assume that
some of the fault may have been within the
church. Don't speculate! Ask why they are
be ministers. In addition to being shepherds,
that is the only other job a pastor is called
to carry out. The eighties will have to see
pastors doing what they are called to do —
shepherd the ministers. That's a step
toward evangelism and a step away from
consumerism. It's a must for the eighties.
I have said:
We have power
In the Presence of Christ
In one another
In friendship and kinship
In the flames already burning.
I have asked:
Who is excluded?
What is our attitude toward inactives ?
Are we closet universalists ?
What do you say?
n
10
The Brethren Evangelist
Realizing a Vision in Sarver, Pennsylvania
8t'*^;4g^l^- ^/!>:,-~Jt>'^.*^k"^!^m Mi/jdliimA\
THE SIGN on the three-acre tract of
land announces "Future Site of Sarver
Brethren Church." It proclaims that a
congregation of Brethren people in western
Pennsylvania is one step closer to the
realization of a vision.
The vision began in 1976 with the
Pennsylvania District Mission Board and
two transplanted Brethren families. The
two families — the Chester McAfoose family
of the Brush Valley, Pa., Brethren Church
and the Kenneth Knabb family from the
Pleasant View (Vandergrift, Pa.) Brethren
Church — were now living in the area of
Sarver, a small community approximately
25 miles northeast of Pittsburg. Pennsyl-
vania Brethren looked at these families
and saw a vision — a vision of a flourishing
Brethren Church, housed in its own build-
ing, faithfully serving the Lord.
The first step in realizing this vision was
taken on February 7, 1976, when an evening
Bible study was begun. These studies con-
tinued to meet every Thursday in the
homes of the participants. In November of
that year three area Brethren ministers —
Rev. William Walk of Vandergrift, Rev.
Norman Long of Pittsburgh, and Rev.
Thomas Kidder of Brush Valley — began
providing Bible study leadership on a
rotating basis.
While the Sarver work was developing
under the Holy Spirit's leadership, God
was at work arranging pastoral leadership
for the young congregation. Rev. Ed
Wingard resigned as pastor of a church
in Danville, Ohio, and accepted a transfer
by his secular employer to the Sarver, Pa.,
area. He and his family made the move
praying that the Lord would provide them
an opportunity for ministry.
Even before he and his family were
settled in the area. Rev. Wingard learned
of the Brethren congregation. And the very
first Sunday after he and his family moved
into their new home, he was asked to meet
with the Sarver group and to prayerfully
consider assisting in the establishment of
this new Brethren Church. As a result,
in March of 1977 Rev. Wingard was chosen
to pastor this congregation.
The next step in realizing the vision of
a Brethren Church in Sarver, Pa., was
taken on Sunday, April 10, 1977. On that
date Sunday school and morning worship
services were begun. These services were
held in the basement of the Knabb home,
with 33 people attending the first service.
Other significant steps in the realization
of the vision include the following: On
May 15, 1977, Rev. Arden Gilmer and
representatives from three area Brethren
churches shared with the local group in a
door-to-door canvass of the area. In October
1977 the Sarver congregation, with assis-
tance from the Pennsylvania District
Mission Board, purchased the three-acre
building site. On November 16, 1977, the
congregation held its first official election
of officers. And on July 9, 1978, thirteen
people were taken into the charter member-
ship of the congregation.
The Sarver congregation is now prepar-
ing to take a giant step in the realization
of its vision. That step is the construction
of a church building. The congregation is
investigating various possible plans for its
first building unit.
Brethren people throughout the denom-
ination have the opportunity to share in
the realization of the vision of the Sarver
Brethren. The current Growth Partners
Club call, sponsored by the national Mis-
sionary Board, is for the Sarver congrega-
tion. The money will be used to assist this
congregation in building a house of worship
and study.
The Brethren at Sarver are prayerfully
looking to the future, desiring first and
foremost to be found faithful in serving
and sharing the Lord Jesus Christ. They
have a vision. Furthermore, they are well
on their way to making this vision a
reality. □
The Sarver Brethren Church has been designated as the
recipient of the current Growth Partners Club call.
April 1979
11
world relief
He Conquers His Mountains
Lillian H. Graffam tells how Dr. Jean-Claude Noel of Haiti
has spent his life conquering one obstacle after another.
This is a story about a man — Dr. Jean-Claude
Noel. But it is also a report about a program —
a program that we Brethren have supported
through the World Relief Commission. It helps
us understand some specific ways our World
Relief efforts are aiding people in need.
The author, Lillian H. Graffam, staff writer
for WRC for several years, now writes for World
Evangelical Fellowship (where her husband, Everett
S. Graffam, now serves as Director of Develop-
ment).
The article is reprinted by permission from the
November issue of Moody Monthly. Copyright
1978, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.
— Phil Lersch, Chairman
Brethren World Relief Board
BEHIND MOUNTAINS are more moun-
tains is a saying in Haiti, a little
Caribbean country with 8,000 miles of tier
upon tier of towering highlands. The
mountains are symbolic of the uphill life
of the people, descendants of slaves im-
ported by the French, as they struggle
against lifelong poverty and illiteracy.
''My whole life has been that — when one
mountain is conquered there stands
another," says Dr. Jean-Claude Noel, a
Haitian evangelical still climbing his
mountains.
His first obstacle was malnutrition.
''For the first three years my body had
to fight just to stay alive. At that time 70
percent of the babies were dying. (Now it's
50 percent.) It was survival of the fittest.
As I look back, I believe God had a plan
and a purpose."
God's plan for Claude, as he is known
to his friends, included attending the Un-
evangelized Fields Mission primary school
where his heart and mind were prepared
to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, which
he did in his teens.
Then the Holy Spirit implanted a deep
desire to preach. But how? He didn't have
enough education.
Should he take the hazardous, unknown
road to becoming a preacher or the more
secure one of the saddle-maker, his father's
trade? Showing unusual spiritual maturity,
seventeen-year-old Claude spent a whole
day fasting and praying.
"I took it seriously," he says, "and I
know God led me. I realized it takes
preparation to fulfill a vision."
He enrolled at UFM's Evangelical School
of the Bible in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's cap-
ital. Problems started immediately.
"There's no future in preaching!" his
father said. When he saw Claude's mind
was made up, he cut off financial and emo-
tional support.
Claude caught a missionary vision and
yearned to share Christ with the mountain
people. Most were voodoo worshipers.
After graduation, without a vehicle or
donkey, he walked barefoot along well-worn
mountain footpaths to the remotest places.
He had no guaranteed support. He knew
that hardship, and perhaps rejection, lay
before him, but he did not shrink from it.
In four years of mountain ministry he
suffered malaria without anyone to care
for him. The sun and altitude took their
toll. But worst of all were the continuous
cramping hunger pangs. His diet on the
trail was bread softened with a little
sugar-water. He would think longingly of
the last good meal of rice and brown beans,
perhaps two weeks previous. This memory
of hunger would later direct one segment
of his work.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
i V
V^'^i^.i
■.. *t
%v
Dr. Jean-Claude Noel
The Lord blessed Claude's missionary en-
deavors. He says: 'Those places I pio-
neered, alone and without food, now have
big churches. The buildings are too small
to receive all the people coming to Christ."
In spite of successes, he felt the need for
further education. ''Educational standards
in my country were rising. Evangelical na-
tions needed to prepare for leadership."
So Claude Noel tackled another mountain
— getting an education in the USA. He
chose Harrington College.
His first job was as helper at the Bar-
rington Summer Bible Conference. Dr.
Everett S. Graff am, then the director,
remembers Claude as a slender, soft-spoken
(with French accent), shy but determined
young man who had to learn how things
were done in the U.S., including to wield
a broom. In Haiti the women do the sweep-
ing with twig brooms.
Honors
He graduated in 1957 with a B.A. in
Bible-Philosophy. In 1976 his alma mater
acknowledged his leadership and diligence
by conferring a Doctor of Divinity degree.
Later his own country recognized his
humanitarian concern and knighted him in
the National Order of Work.
While at Barrington he met and married
Lydie Lariviere, an equally dedicated
Haitian. Their home is open to those in
need. Lydle encourages her husband, and
he appreciates it.
Dr. David Madeira, pastor of Barrington
Baptist Church, tells of a New Year's Eve
visit to the Bolosse Baptist Church which
Dr. Noel pastored in Port-au-Prince. The
church was jammed. Dr. Noel performed a
wedding, baptized fifty people, quizzed new
members, administered communion, and
preached. With tears trickling down his
cheeks he paid his wife a public tribute,
rarely done in their culture.
Though he loves his own people, Claude
is not provincial. Recently he was elected
first President of the newly-formed Carib-
bean Evangelical Association. He is on the
board of the World Evangelical Fellowship,
and has traveled around the world as a
mission conference speaker.
Meal program
Through the years, Dr. NoePs heart's
desire has broadened from preaching to
ministering to the whole person — spirit,
mind, and body. Remembering his own
thirst for knowledge, and the hunger and
illness that often hindered him, he inspired
the Bolosse Church to provide meals to
malnourished youngsters who attended
their Bethany Primary School. For many
this would be the only meal of the day.*
''I have a feeling in my heart for the
children," he says. "They wanted to learn
but were sick and apathetic from malnu-
trition. I found 90 percent had no break-
fast. When I asked: 'What will you eat
when you go home?' 70 percent didn't
know if there would be anything to eat."
The Bolosse Church's success encour-
aged him to enlist other churches to reach
their communities with schools and feeding
stations. Now, about 6,000 children are
educated and fed daily, and are taught
about Jesus. He would like to expand the
feedings to all 44,000 children in the evan-
gelical churches.
!ed«c^
^ I « I, «<
'ac
ties
Dr. Noel was distressed by the poor
dying without medical aid because govern-
ment hospitals were too crowded and pri-
vate ones too expensive. He and his wife
started the Bolosse Health Center in their
living room, attended once a week by a
government student doctor. Later a church
medical committee was formed. Twelve
years later the church now runs a full-
fledged medical and dental facility.
Dr. Noel also motivated pastors of moun-
tain churches to work together in providing
two simple clinics. The one at Bauger out-
grew its space. Now, using local labor, a
(continued on next page)
*Our Brethren gifts, through WRC, have helped
provide funds for this meal program for several
vears. P.L.
April 1979
13
complete health center providing both pre-
ventive and curative medicine is being built,
financed by WORLD RELIEF COMMIS-
SION. The three clinics care for about
24,000 out-patients annually.
CEEH
All projects come under the umbrella of
the Council of Evangelical Churches of
Haiti (CEEH) which Claude Noel helped
found in 1965. He is now full-time Secre-
tary General. CEEH was organized to pre-
sent a united front in proclaiming the
gospel, to coordinate evangelical relief, and
to nurture church growth and spiritual
fellowship. With thirteen member missions
and church councils, it is recognized by the
Government as the official evangelical
voice of Haiti.
''We are building a solid Haitian inter-
church structure," says Dr. Noel. ''This
will hold the churches together and help
them stay strong even when no foreign
mission personnel would be here."
He struggles to improve the self-image
of the people, assuring them they are
capable of running and maintaining proj-
ects without external authority. "It is a
question of getting Haitians to believe in
themselves and their own power to improve
their lives."
Though the people are encouraged to be
self-sufficient wherever they can, the Chris-
tians are generally too poor to support the
broad spectrum of CEEH programs. (Haiti
is the poorest country in the Western
Hemisphere with an average rural annual
wage of $70.) So CEEH has to depend on
out-of-country churches, denominations,
missions, and relief organizations.
CEEH's outreach covers many avenues
of economic development. Education is
undoubtedly the most important. Seminars
are held for Christian teachers in both
academic and vocational subjects. Craft
teachers receive guidance in making and
selling new items on both the local and
foreign market. This helps combat the 80
percent unemployment rate.
In addition to physical aid CEEH carries
on a broad spiritual ministry through its
member churches via TV, films, books, and
radio. Dr. Noel is one of the speakers on a
daily radio program which combines evan-
gelism, Bible study, and practical family-
life helps.
CEEH conducts a Bible extension school
for pastors in their own areas. And other
nationals are studying in the States and
one in England. Two are potential MD's.
Dr. Noel says: "We need administrative
Cuba
North Atlantic
Ocean
Caribbean
50
Mii4s
Haiti lies between Cuba and Puerto Rico in the
Carribean Sea. It is about as big as Maryland, but
has a population of nearly 5 million (a million more
than Maryland). Most of Haiti is covered with
rugged mountains.
advisors and technical aides on a short-
term or semi-permanent basis, people who
are dedicated to the cause of the indigenous
church rather than representing foreign
organizations."
riTics
As is true of all leaders in the Lord*s
work, Dr. Noel has his critics. Some feel he
is not intellectual enough and others that
he lacks administrative ability. He doesn't
let this discourage him from working right
along with these people.
"The only way not to be criticized is to
hide oneself in a hole and do nothing," he
says. "The choice for me becomes simple.
Every day I face my limitations, my lack of
ability to sell my ideas."
Dr. Noel is proof that God can do extra-
ordinary things through ordinary people
who are willing to be used and will pay the
price.
He admits that sometimes he gets tired
in the struggle and wishes for easier paths.
He tells of once when he and his family
were in the States where life is so much
easier.
"I wished I could make a resting place
and stay there for life. But the Lord said:
'I have more mountains for you to climb
in Haiti. Stay here for a few days, but you
must return home.' "
Like the Apostle Paul who could say,
"I was not disobedient to the heavenly
vision," Dr. Jean-Claude Noel returned
home to Haiti to accept the further chal-
lenges of his mountains. Q
14
The Brethren Evangelist
World Relief Resources
Hunger Awareness Dinners by Aileen Van
Beilen (Herald Press, 95t).
This book outlines how to plan three
all-church dinners that will help those
who attend grow in their understanding
of and empathy for the hungry. It also
gives many nutritional facts.
Order from The Carpenter's Shop
709 Claremont Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805
Beaching Out ... to Lend a Helping Hand
from Heifer Project.
Although designed as a collection of
fund-raising projects for Heifer Project, the
hunger facts and unique prayers, reflec-
tions, litanies, dramas, and other resources
in the 27-page appendix are both creative
and sound. There may be a slight charge,
but the appendix makes it worth it.
Order from Heifer Project
P.O. Box 808, Little Rock, Ark. 72203
Hunger Activities for Children by Phil and
Jean Lersch and Bonnie Munson ($5.75
postpaid).
This 124-page book is full of activities
whereby children and adults can become
involved in hearing, seeing, feeling, and
doing hunger-awareness experiences. Illus-
trated with 49 photographs, it also con-
tains words and music for two original
songs. One song is ''How Much Is Enough,"
used on Monday night of the 1978 General
Conference.
Order from Brethren House
6301 56th Avenue, N.
St. Petersburg, Fla. 33709
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by
Ron Sider (Intervarsity Press, $4.95).
The messages in this book prod readers
to look for ways to live more simply, thus
less consumptively, so that more resources
are available to share around the world.
''The Bible teaches that God is on the side
of the poor. And we must be too if we claim
to be his people," the author says. These
and other key thoughts throughout the
book challenge the reader.
Order from The Carpenter's Shop
World Relief Films from the World Relief
Commission.
Write to order these films or just to
request a listing of the titles available.
There is no charge for their use, and they
are excellent messages of information and
inspiration for church services, church
suppers, class meetings, youth meetings or
retreats, etc. Use this valuable source
frequently.
Order from World Relief Commission
Box WRC, Wheaton, 111. 60187
.j.^4..j.4.^.j,.j,^^.|..t,^4,^.j,4,.|,.j.^^.j.4.^^.j,^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
WORLD RELIEF
and
BRETHREN MISSIONS
in India
The Board of Directors of the
World Relief Commission has
again budgeted funds for relief
work in India, to be administered
by our Brethren missionaries
there.
These funds (increased to $2,700
in 1979), which are channeled
through our Missionary Board, are
used for medicines, clothes, build-
ing supplies, food, etc.
In this respect, money given to
World Relief is returned to assist
Mrs. Prasanth (Nirmala) Kumar distributes clothing to some our relief and evangelistic efforts
needy villagers in India. in India.
April 1979
15
ft!™*jo«{ Jii
"Jesus Road"
in Africa
Christian love in action has caused many
Africans to turn to the "Jesus Road."
' I 'HIS year's harvest in the Upper Volta region
1 of West Africa is in. The farmers have finished
putting their harvested corn, sorghum, and millet
into small mud graineries. The verdict? Grain was
expected to run out by February.
Samuel Key, national pastor in the village of
Dounkou, tells why. * 'Ordinarily the rainy season
lasts into October, but this year we received only
two major rains since the middle of August. Our
corn harvest was almost totally ruined because the
rains quit just before the corn was to mature. Only
in a few low spots where the moisture remained in
the ground did the grain fully mature. All the other
fields dried up completely."
Pastor Samuel goes on to report, ''In a regular
year the road would have been covered with water,
but since the rains were lacking, we walked on solid
ground. The wells are already low and will dry up
very quickly this year."
Herb Nehlson evaluates the quality of this year's sorghum
harvest in Upper Volta. For the 6th year in a row, most grain
did not mature because of a lack of rain.
Growing up in a West African village
is often a day-to-day existence characterized
by uncertainty and waste of human re-
sources. World Relief not only helps pro-
vide basic needs of food, water, clothing,
and medicine, but also opportunity to hear
the message of Christ's love through local
Christian churches and missions.
Th0 Response
The World Relief Conunission has
been distributing grain, working
through national Christians and vil-
lage leaders, and digging wells in this
area since the first drought began
in 1972-73. They have also provided
for the necessary storage facilities
and transportation to outlying vil-
lages. Herb Nehlson, WRC's IJpper
Volta representative, has been re-
sponsible for this work since it
started. When asked about the pro-
gram he replied, "Last year the
famine was very bad. It was all over
our district which is about 10,000
square miles. With the help of our
local Christians working with the
village chiefs, we distributed over
500 tons of grain. I asked the chiefs
what they thought of the distribu-
tion, and they said we were really
helping the people that needed it.
I'm sure we were getting grain to
90% of the desperate, needy people
in our area."
16
The Brethren Evangelist
WRC has already begun to buy grain at
the current low price and is storing it for
distribution next spring and summer. As a
result the farmers will be able to stay and
work their fields instead of being forced
to go to the cities to look for work and
food, causing a worse shortage next year.
New wells are also being dug and older
dried up ones are being deepened. The
drought has not ended and neither has
World Relief's commitment to these people.
All indications point to another bad year.
Much work will be needed to make sure
that all the people in need, especially the
ones in outlying areas, are given help.
Word about the * 'Jesus Road" is spread-
ing in the Upper Volta region of Africa's
Sahel drought. As World Relief Commis-
sion grain is distributed to those in need
Grain is distributed to villages of drought
striken West Africa. National church leaders make
certain that it gets to those who need it most. As
a result many people have become Christians. One
man commented, "We see that the JESUS ROAD
is a road of love."
(to Muslims, animists. Catholics, and Prot-
estant Christians alike), the Christian
church is receiving favorable attention.
People see Jesus' love demonstrated and
come asking about the "Jesus Road." Herb
Nehlson gives the following account:
''Reports coming in from many areas
within Upper Volta indicate a very positive
response to our grain distribution program.
We're known as the people who show love.
Because of that, our reputation has spread
far and wide to villages that have never
before shown any interest in Christianity.
This has also been an encouragement to
our Christians.
"It's been fantastic the way the Lord
has brought people in for grain. They come
back and say, *We'd like to hear about
Jesus.' We give grain to everyone in need,
In the Sahel area of Africa, cattle look for water
in this recently dried-up water hole. Short rainy
seasons for several years now have caused the
water table to drop significantly and wells to
dry up.
without any questioning or pressure about
their religion. Because of this, within the
last several months seven villages now have
Christians in them for the first time, with
churches beginning to form. This happened
during the rainy season too, which is
usually a poor time to have church growth
due to the poor transportation and every-
one out working in the fields.
"Our established churches are also grow-
ing. The local church here in Tougon has
had converts almost every Sunday since the
beginning of the year . . . somewhere
around 130 people in this church alone. It's
becoming quite crowded, but that's a prob-
lem we're glad to have. And we're seeing
the same thing happen in our other
churches. We're glad to have a part in pro-
viding *food for the body and food for the
soul.' "
(Compiled from WRC news releases and
photographs.)
Many people are turning to the "Jesus Road,"
as shown by the crowded conditions of this Sunday
morning service in Tougon, Upper Volta.
April 1979
17
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
Should we end spanking or spank the end?
Cruel and Unusi'
|--:i
«hment?
THE U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that
beatings administered by school authori-
ties are not prohibited by the eighth
amendment's ban against cruel and unusual
punishment. The rendering was a close five
to four decision.
The Court was actually considering a
1970 Dade County, Florida, (of gay orange
juice fame) case. A high school student
by the name of James Ingraham, age 14,
had been beaten by a school principal. (I
don't believe James is any relation to the
Virgil that most of us know!)
According to Ingraham's story, two
mean old school officials jumped him while
he was lingering in the auditorium after
an assembly. These guys held him down
while the principal whacked him more than
20 times with a two-foot-long board (or
paddle). Ingraham claimed that the result-
ing blood clots on his buttocks kept him in
bed for a whole week! The boy's mother
filed suit against the school officials.
There has been considerable discussion
as to the psychological damage done to a
child by spanking. Many sociologists claim
that spanking is harmful to the child, and
largely ineffective. Others swear (Brethren
affirm) by Proverbs 23:14: ''Thou shalt
beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver
his soul from hell."
Some local laws still prohibit spanking
in the public schools. If your child comes
home with his derriere hurting, it may be
that your locale still allows spankings.
I think I can speak of the psychological
damage that occurs during or as a result
of spankings. I was often spanked by my
mother (but never by a school official).
Mother used lilac bushes, so it should be
referred to as a whipping rather than a
spanking — just to set the record straight.
In retrospect, I can clearly assess the
psychological damage I suffered from re-
ceiving this form of punishment. I share
this assessment with you for what it's
worth:
(1) My pride was hurt and my body felt
intense pain (especially the derriere).
I vowed never to be caught doing the same
thing twice. I never was.
(2) There has been long-term psycho-
logical damage. Sometimes I wake up in
the middle of the night and wonder where
I am. It may take me up to three minutes
to clear my mind on such occasions!
(3) On other occasions I have detected
a strong propensity to smash a badminton
birdie with full force toward my opponent's
face. I even have the urge to write an
enemy's name on my golf ball. So far
Providence has restrained me from doing
it! Recently, I ran a stop sign. Not delib-
erately. But it worries me. There's a pat-
tern here. I suspect my subconscious evil
propensity caused me to do it; the old
Jekyll and Hyde complex. So you see, I
have never recovered.
(4) Finally, the worst possible thing
happened to me. I became a low-down
preacher! I can imagine all the other good
things I might be doing today if this spank-
ing bit hadn't happened.
Now don't get me wrong. I don't hate my
mother, or anyone for that matter. But I
detest lilac bushes! I have an urge to rip
them from the ground and burn them. I
love making weiner forks out of them. I've
contemplated going to a psychiatrist, but
the cost is prohibitive.
I guess I'll have to live with it, until the
end . . . since it all began on my end. D
18
The Brethren Evangelist
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
Sometimes the logic of the Brethren mind
confuses me. We say that we want the church
to grow, but we refuse to become personally
involved in the outreach program. I'm sure our
excuses sound good to us, but anyone with an
elementary knowledge of the Bible knows that
we are commanded to be directly involved in
building the church.
We want bigger and better churches with
bigger and better programs, but we are unwill-
ing to spend the time and money to build these
churches or programs. It seems easier to move
to a large church where we can hide in the
crowd and have no obligation beyond appearing
at worship services. We are willing to send
large amounts of money to radio and TV min-
istry empires, while our own missionary
efforts and denominational work are seriously
hindered by lack of funds. This seems very
inconsistent.
Do we want our missionaries brought home?
Do we want the ministry of Christian education
discontinued? Do we want to continue receiving
our church publications? Do we want to be
involved in world relief? Do we want to train
qualified men and women for service in the
church? Only you can answer these questions
and many other related ones.
I would strongly urge you and your pastor
to look at all the denominational needs with
the idea of supporting the work of your church
totally. While you are doing this, it would be
good for you to examine your commitment to
the lost of your community and to implement
plans to assure a complete ministry.
The executive committee is committed to
search for ways to encourage you (local
churches and individual members) to reach out
in personal growth programs and to reach be-
yond yourselves into other areas of ministry
through your financial support. Without you
we do not have need of any programs. As we
meet, we are constantly aware of the growth
needs of the church. Therefore we are search-
ing for ways to assist you in this important task
of proclaiming the message of Christ. We meet
regularly with the executives or representatives
of all the denominational boards. We also
urgently desire pertinent information from
individuals and churches. We need your help.
Christ wants the church to grow!
Do You?
N. Califarnia District plans
to plant new church
Manteca, Calif. — ^The Northern California District
of Brethren Churches held its district conference
March 1-4 at the First Brethren Church of
Manteca.
At this meeting the conference voted to begin
investigations and preparations toward the plant-
ing of another Brethren church. The church would
be planted somewhere in the area of the present
three Northern California Brethren churches.
Other business at the conference included elec-
tions, district board reports, a report of national
work, and caring for other district matters.
Dr. Richard Allison, Assistant Professor of
Christian Education at Ashland Theological Sem-
inary, was the inspirational speaker for the
conference.
Deacons and Deaconesses
oTdaioed af Saraso+a -
Sarasota, Fla. — Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Stump and Mr.
and Mrs. Wayne Moneyheffer were ordained as
deacons and deaconesses in the Sarasota First
Brethren Church on Sunday, January 14.
The pastor, Dr. J. D. Hamel, officiated during
the service of ordination. He was assisted by
area Brethren ministers and by Mr. Walter Davis,
chairman of the board of deacons of the Sarasota
Brethren Church.
Rev. Robert Dillard, assistant pastor of Sara-
sota First Brethren, presented a message entitled
"Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit" for the ordina-
tion service.
Board &f Christian Education
seeking new Director
Ashland, Ohio — As previously announced, the
denominational Board of Christian Education is
now accepting applications for the position of
Director of Christian Education. Dr. Frederick
Burkey, Director for eleven years, is now the
Director of Religious Affairs at Ashland College.
He is serving this year as Interim Director for
the BCE, until a new Director is obtained.
If you are interested in applying for this posi-
tion, please check inside the front cover of the
March Evangelist for qualifications and procedure.
Applications must be submitted to Rev. Brian
Moore, president of the Board of Christian Educa-
tion, by April 25, 1979.
April 1979
19
update
During the ground-breaking service
at Northwest Brethren Chapel, Rev.
Arden Gihner (center) presents a
Growth Partners Club check to
Northwest moderator Jack Edgerton,
while Northwest pastor Bill Curtis
looks on and applauds.
photos by David Curtis
Northwest Chapel Breaks Ground
Tucson, Ariz. — Using a three-handled shovel pre-
pared for the occasion by church trustee Wesley
George, the congregation of the Northwest Breth-
Conway Craft, Ray Marks, and Francis Ellis (left
to right) take a turn breaking the desert sand using
the special shovel prepared for the Northwest Chapel
ground breaking by Wesley George.
ren Chapel in Tucson broke ground for its first
church building on Sunday afternoon, February 18.
More than 100 people attended the ground-
breaking service, including most of the 63 mem-
bers of the Northwest congregation. Also attend-
ing were a number of members from the Tucson
First Brethren Church (the mother congregation
of Northwest Chapel), and also representatives
from the Papago Park Brethren Church in Tempe,
Ariz.
Rev. Arden Gilmer, Director of Home Missions
for the national Missionary Board, was also
present for the ceremony. During the service he
presented a check to Northwest Chapel moderator
Jack Edgerton. The check was for money collected
in response to the Growth Partners Club call for
this new mission church in Tucson.
The ground-breaking service began with a time
of devotions. Then Rev. Clarence Stogsdill, pastor
of the Tucson First Brethren Church, and Rev.
William Curtis, pastor of Northwest Chapel, gave
the historical background leading up to this
ground-breaking service. Following additional
comments by various dignitaries present, several
groups of three persons took turns breaking the
desert sand with the three-handled shovel.
Construction on the new building began in the
days immediately following the ground-breaking
service.
Rev. William Curtis, pastor of Northwest Breth-
ren Chapel, gives this report of the progress of
the church there:
"The congregation (of Northwest Brethren
Chapel) has grown steadily since the first meeting
on January 18, 1976, in Thornydale Elementary
School. It is felt that the rate of increase will
accelerate once we are in our own facilities.
"The building is now under construction and
progressing rapidly. The roof should be complete
and inside work under way by the time you read
this article. The expected completion date for the
building is July 1. When completed, the structure
(continued on next page)
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Board of Christian Education Announces
1979 Summer Crusaders and Missionary Interns
The Board of Christian Education is proud to announce the Summer Crusaders
and Missionary Interns for 1979. This year's program will include one musical unit
of six members, two educational units of four members each, and one unit of six
young people who will be working as missionary interns with Rev. Juan Carlos
Miranda in California and Mexico.
Education North
Dean Showalter, Captain — Sarasota
Chip Keplinger — Washington
Shirley Swihart — Roann
Kathy Wilson — ^Masontown
Music Unit
Mark Britton, Captain — Derby
Mike McCann — Bryan
Dave Stone — Sarasota
Jenny Walters — North Manchester
Jill Slee — Roann
Margaret Ronk — Park Street
Education Soutli
John Crowe, Captain — Nappanee
John C. Mills— St. James
LeAnne Icenhour — Ashland Park Street
Missionary Interns
Scot Millhouse, Captain — Milledgeville
Dave Kerner — Meadow Crest
John Black — Milledgeville
Becky Grumbling — Mt. Olivet
Barb French — Eldorado
Judy Gifford — Derby
In addition to the teams listed above, there are six young people who are being
placed in pastoral, church staff, or camping internships.
These 26 young people were selected from the total number of worthy applicants
because they are mature, talented, and capable of leadership. We hope you will join
us in wholehearted support of them as they prepare for their individual summer
ministries. Please keep the entire summer program in your prayers. And watch
future issues of the Evangelist for further announcements and progress reports.
Norfhwesf Chapel breaks ground
continued from previous page
will seat 160 persons and have a nursery and
kitchen. These two rooms will also be used for
Sunday school.
"Our district churches, First Brethren of Tucson
and Papago Park of Tempe, are joining with us
in raising the necessary funds. The slogan for the
fund-raising project is ^Southwest is building
churches . . . starting with Northwest . . . $5,000
by East(er).' The Papago Park Brethren have
printed paper wrappers which can be taped to an
empty pop can and used as a bank. There have
been many sizable gifts, for which we praise the
Lord.
"Naturally we are all excited as we work and
build for our Lord in this beautiful, sun-bathed
desert. The chapel Itself sits near the base of the
towering Catalina mountains affording a breath-
taking landscape.
"Our people enjoy working in this community
where God has placed us to minister in the short
time before our Lord returns for His own. It is
a blessing to welcome new families into our
fellowship. The atmosphere at Northwest is like
one closely knit family in the Lord. As we grow,
we are working hard to keep that friendly feeling.
We extend an invitation to you to visit Tucson
and worship with us. Better yet, come and be a
tentmaker as you move to Tucson to work or
retire.
"We of Northwest Brethren Chapel do wish to
express our sincere thanks to the brotherhood for
helping us build 'the house of God' in Northwest
Tucson. The response from the Growth Partners
Club call was beyond our expectation, totaling
$11,455 for the second call. Your prayers are deeply
felt and appreciated. May God continue to bless
us as we work together building His church."
In Memory
Bay Pottenger, 82, February 8. Member of the
Roann, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
William Kerner, pastor.
Richard O'Cromian, 70, February 2. Member of the
Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Services
by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Mary Jane Ettkig-er, 68, January 28. Member of
the Mt. Olive Brethren Church, Pineville, Va.
Services by Rev. W. F. Garber and Rev. W. H.
Rodeffer.
Charles Powell, 72, January 3. Member of the Mt.
Olive Brethren Church, Pineville, Va. Services by
Rev. W. F. Garber.
April 1979
21
update
China wide open for evangelism
former missionary believes
Sarasota, Fla. — "God has prepared the way in
China," said Rev. Harry Liu at a recent meeting
of the Sarasota First Brethren Church.
The arguments presented by this native of
China and former missionary to that country are
impressive.
First, he says, the Communists in China
succeeded in creating one nation with one
language and in which there is nearly universal
literacy.
Second, in order to carry out government direc-
tives and to unite the people, the Communists
provided more than 85 percent of the Chinese
households with radios. They also built a network
of good roads that have made almost all parts of
the nation accessible.
Then they destroyed or suppressed all forms
of religious expression, including most of the
centuries-old ancestor worship that in the past
made it difficult to lead Chinese to Christianity.
Now, Liu says, the Chinese family patterns
have become fragmented. The young no longer
feel bound to old customs and to their families.
Those who accept Christianity today may not
be ostracized by their families — the penalty many
earlier Christian converts had to pay.
Finally, Liu says, by bcmning religion, the
Communists have created a serious vacuum in
the hves of the people — a hunger for some link
to God and for something more than the "Little
Red Book" (of Mao Tse-tung's sayings) to give
meaning to their existence.
Rev. Liu is convinced that Christianity will
offer the Chinese the answers that they seek. "All
of China is now virgin territory," he stated. Given
this premise, he believes that the recent opening
of relations between the United States and China
has set the stage for an evangelistic assault that
could be more successful than anything possible
in the old days.
In fact, this evangelistic assault has already
begun, according to Liu. Powerful Christian radio
stations surrounding China are now beaming
Christian programs across the borders. These
stations are also teaching English to their listen-
ers, using Bible stories. Bibles and pocket-size
New Testaments are being printed in the new
simplified Chinese that has become the national
written language. These Bibles and Testaments
will soon be flooding into China one way or
another.
In addition, about 10,000 Chinese students are
expected to arrive in the U.S. for technical train-
ing and will be exposed to Christianity for the
first time. Add to that the thousands of American
technicians and teachers who will be going to
China on exchange and trade missions — most of
Rev. and Mrs. Harry Liu
Rev. Liu is a native of China, where he was
converted to Christianity 4! years ago. Following
his conversion, he came to the United States as an
employee of the Bank of China, but while in the
U.S. he received a call to mission service. After
graduation from Moody Bible Institute, he returned
to his homeland as a missionary .
When the Communists came to power, Rev. Liu
was forced to flee China. Since then he has worked
as a missionary around the world, most recently as
a member of the Pocket Testament League, Inc.
Now semi-retired, he lives with his wife in Sara-
sota, where he has assisted the Sarasota First
Brethren Church as a speaker and in planning its
missionary conferences. He is also an American
correspondent for "Sharing," a Chinese-language
Christian magazine published in Hong Kong.
them presumably of Christian background — and
the die is cast.
The prospects make Rev. Liu glow with delight
— especially since he recently had the opportunity
to try out a little evangelism of his own on
Chinese newsmen and television technicians
attending the Washington welcome for People's
Republic Vice Prime Minister Teng Hsiao-ping.
Rev. Liu said that as an American correspond-
ent for a Chinese-language Christian magazine,
he obtained press credentials to attend a White
House reception for Teng. Although he was not
able to interview Teng, he did get an opportunity
to talk with several Chinese technicians.
He gave them copies of two pocket-size book-
lets— one, "The Gospel According to John," pub-
lished by the Pocket Testament League as an
American Bicentennial souvenir edition; and the
other, "Mark's Good News," a Chinese-language
version of the Gospel of Mark.
continued on next page
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Here's Life begins billion dollar
fund-raising effort
San Bernardino, Calif. — This month has been
selected as kickoff month for a billion dollar
fund-raising effort to support Here's Life Inter-
national, a discipleship and evangelism program
sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ
International.
The purpose of the Here's Life program is to
help share the gospel with every person in every
nation, tribe, and culture on earth.
Oilman and investor N. Bunker Hunt, chairman
of the International Executive Committee of
Here's Life, has said that the Here's Life program
represents the most massive program of Christian
discipleship and evangelism in history. According
to Hunt, "The Here's life budget was not picked
out of the air because a billion dollars is a nice
round number. Every penny is allocated to specific
programs for communicating the gospel in 210
nations and protectorates.
"As we have learned ... a billion dollars is
less than half the cost of a nuclear aircraft
carrier. Yet the success of the Here's Life cam-
paign could obviate the need for the world ever
to employ the billions of dollars in armaments
that it amasses every year. Further, a billion
dollars is only a tiny fraction of the 35 billion
dollars that will be contributed to charitable
causes this year — 80 percent by religious
organizations.
"Since our goal is to tap new sources of funds,
Here's Life should not deprive any church or
organization of its present needed funding. Rather
it will stimulate new funding for churches around
the world. At the same time, as an interdenom-
inational Christian movement, Here's Life is
based on a cooperative effort of churches and
organizations worldwide."
China wide open for evangelism
continued from previous page
The Chinese booklet has no identifying title on
the cover or any information inside to reveal its
source. The cover is solid red and it is similar in
size to Mao's "Little Red Book." The words on
its title page are also slightly deceiving, since
the Chinese symbols for Mark's are the same as
those for Marx.
With a gleam in his eye, Liu recalled that his
own conversion to Christianity at the age of 25
came after he asked an American missionary to
teach him English and was given the Gospel of
Mark as his textbook.
—Dr. J. D. Hamel
Pastor, Sarasota First Brethren Church
Wallace E. Johnson, co-founder and a member of
the executive committee of Holiday Inns, Inc., is
international chairman of Here's Life. Roy Rogers,
entertainer and businessman, is vice-chairman.
1
11 S_J ( I, V^
m
Aishland, Ohio— Ashland College has signed a
letter of intent with The Art Institute of Pitts-
burgh to develop mutual career and liberal arts
programming between the two institutions.
Ashland College students interested in careers
in the arts will have the opportunity to spend
their junior year at The Art Institute in programs
leading to careers in advertising, art, fashion
illustration, interior design, and photography/
multi-media.
The cooperative program will also give Art
Institute graduates the chance for continued edu-
cation at Ashland in the liberal arts and comple-
mentary career programs, notably business, home
economics, and radio and television. The joint
endeavor is expected to begin this coming fall.
According to Albert Goad, chairman of
Ashland's art department, "The Art Institute of
Pittsburgh has long been recognized as one of
the top schools of its kind in the country. We are
very fortunate to be associated with its program."
Professor Goad is a member of the Park Street
Brethren Church in Ashland.
s 'n Pieces
Dr. J. D. Hamel, pastor of the Sarasota, Fla.,
First Brethren Church, was a regional director
for the Billy Graham Crusade which was held in
the Tampa, Fla., stadium March 21-25.
Rev. Robert Dillard, assistant pastor at Sara-
sota First Brethren, was a district leader.
Rev. Dale RuLon, Rev. Keith Bennett, and Rev.
Russell Gordon also participated in the crusade.
The deacon board of the Third Brethren Church
of Johnstown, Pa., sponsored a Valentine's day
fellowship on February 14. The fellowship includ-
ed an evening meal followed by an entertaining
program and devotions led by the pastor, Rev.
C. R. Kindley.
The First Brethren Church of Waterloo, Iowa,
is helping one of its members, Neil Hoppenworth,
attend Ashland Theological Seminary. Neil is
entering the seminary this spring to begin work
toward a degree in religious education.
April 1979
23
update
NAE posifJon paper proclaims
Jesus Christ the only answer
Orlando, Fla. — The 1979 National Association of
Evangelicals (NAE) Convention theme, "Jesus
Christ: Now More Than Ever," was explained in
a position paper adopted by voting members of
NAE attending the convention, held March 5-8 in
Orlando.
Attending this convention from the Brethren
Church were Eugene Beekley, Keith Bennett,
Duane Dicl^son, Robert and Juanita Dillard,
Spencer and Eleanor Gentle, Arden Gilmer, Russell
Gordon, Bud and Jean Hamel, Virgil Ingraham,
Phil and Jean Lersch, Smith Rose, and Dale
RuLon.
The position paper declares that while Chris-
tians in 20th century America face grave spiritual,
social, political, and economic problems, still the
answer to these problems remains changeless —
Jesus Christ.
"Now more than ever," the paper states, evan-
gelical Christians must follow the changeless
Christ to speak the truth, show compassion ?nd
seek the lost if we will save our generation."
The position paper assesses the world condition
as "dangerous, marked by ecological pollution, the
possibility of nuclear war, food shortages and the
population explosion.
"World events occur with startling rapidity and
increasing intensity. Our attention shuttles from
the Near East to Africa, from Iran to Red China
without letup.
"Ethical and moral standards continue to erode.
Corruption, sexual license, greed, violence, injus-
tice, the shattering of the institution of marriage
and the home — all these convey a brutal fact —
the deep-seated and seemingly irreversible decline
of western culture."
The answer, stated in the position paper, is not
to build more extravagant church buildings or to
simply provide a pleasant sanctuary for worship
by prayerless people living undisciplined lives.
"We affirm that the Christ of the Scriptures —
and He alone — is the answer to the world's need
today."
"Now more than ever, the message of the
changeless Christ must be proclaimed to a world
searching for reality and certainty.
"Now, more than ever, the motive of the change-
less Christ speaks to our lifestyle, to our steward-
ship in a world of poverty and riches, of inequi-
ties, of cries for compassion and justice.
"Now, more than ever, the method of the
changeless Christ must be our method. 'There is
salvation in no one else; for there is no other
name under heaven that has been given among
men, by which we must be saved' (Acts 4:12)."
In addition to accepting this position paper,
voting members of NAE also passed resolutions
on Taiwan, arms restraint, religious freedom,
abortion, and equality of the sexes.
Concern over Taiwan growing out of U.S.
recognition of Communist China prompted NAE
to pass a four-point resolution calling for: (1) The
conscience of world opinion to respect the right
of the people of Taiwan to exercise human liber-
ties; (2) The Congress and the President of the
U.S. to support the preservation of the human
rights of the people of Taiwan; (3) The Congress
and the President to protect American citizens in
Taiwan; and (4) The church in America to pray
for and identify with our fellow Christians in
Taiwan that religious freedom and spiritual oppor-
tunity be preserved. _^
In its resolution on arms, NAE urged the U.S.
government to exercise reasonable restraint in the
production and use of its military capability and
to encourage other nations to do the same. "We
also urge Christians everywhere to acknowledge
that their trust is in a sovereign God rather than
in any human agency and to invoke His overruling
providence in the affairs of nations so that His
people may live in accordance with His
commandments."
Alarmed by developments which jeopardize
religious freedom — such as the proposed Chari-
table Contribution Disclosure Act, the proposed
Lobby Disclosure Act, and recent decisions made
by the Commissioner of the IRS against tax-
exempt groups — NAE called upon members of
Congress to carefully consider the adverse effect
that the two proposed Acts would have on all
philanthropic organizations and churches in
particular. At the same time the resolution urged
evangelical organizations to adopt principles and
practices of self-regulation as assurances against
the abuses prompting such legislation.
The resolution further requested Congress to
enact legislation that would clearly stipulate the
limits of power which the Commissioner of the
Internal Revenue Service could use against tax-
exempt groups in the enforcement of social policy
as distinct from the collection of taxes.
On the subject of abortion, NAE reaffirmed its
resolution of 1971 attesting to the sacredness of
life, opposing abortion on demand, and recog-
nizing the possible need for therapeutic abortion
to preserve the health or life of the mother.
Concerning the equality of the sexes, NAE
resolved to adhere to marriage and family as the
divinely ordained institution for love and pro-
creation; oppose all attempts to obliterate sexual
distinctions between men and women in order to
promulgate unisexual or homosexual preferences
and practices; oppose those interpretations of
equal rights which would force women and men
into roles which are contrary to those specific and
complementary functions based upon sex differ-
ences in the biblical order.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
-""~1S
update
Mt. Olive Church burns parsonage note
Pineville, Va. — The Mt. Olive Brethren Church had
a note-burning ceremony during a special congre-
gational meeting on Sunday, January 21. During
the ceremony trustees Winston Hensley and
Harvey Davis burned the note on the church's
parsonage.
The note-burning was a celebration of the com-
pletion of a concerted effort begun in July of
last year. At that time the congregation began a
project to finalize payment of the long-standing
debt on the parsonage.
A target date was set of October 31, but this
was later changed to December 31. A poster was
made to remind the congregation of the project
and to show the progress being made in paying
off the debt.
The note-burning ceremony was originally
scheduled for January 7. The event was delayed,
however, when winter weather forced cancellation
of services on the 7th.
Weddings
Candy Nifong to Timothy Van Duyne, January 7,
at the United Methodist Church, Argos, Ind. Rev.
John C. Shultz, Tiosa Brethren pastor, and Rev.
Richard Lewke, Argos United Methodist pastor,
officiating. Groom member of the Tiosa, Ind.,
Brethren Church.
Stephanie Dawn Heatwole to Stephen Lynn Line-
weaver, December 29, at the Mt. Olive Brethren
Church, Pineville, Va. Rev. W. F. Garber offici-
ating. Groom member of the Mt. Olive Brethren
Church.
Scientist says solar drying
could hpJn f^nA v^nrlA hiinnpr
Provo, Utah (EP news) — The virtually untapped
process of solar food drying could help eliminate
the hunger crisis in many developing nations,
according to Dr. Clayton Huber of Brigham
Young University, who has developed food for
U.S. space flights.
In the solar drying process, raw fruit and
vegetables are dried by using the direct or indirect
rays of the sun. The food is placed in specially
constructed solar dryers.
"The implications of solar drying for under-
developed countries and for food storage in the
U.S. and abroad are tremendous," said Dr. Huber.
"Using the sun's energy for food drying is ideal
for countries where electricity is not readily avail-
able, and where home canning facilities are non-
existent."
Dr. Huber, who developed the foods used for
NASA's Apollo and Skylab space flights, recently
completed a study of solar drying and its feasibil-
ity in South and Central America.
', ^.^
"^^^
**
■»
^ v
%
if <!
'^^^
Winston Hensley and Harvey Davis burn the
note on the Mt. OUve Church parsonage.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. • • pilose l^t US know.
1. Give old address:
Name
Address
City State
2. Fill in new address below:
Zip
Name
Address
City State
Zip
Date new address in effect
3. Mail this form to:
Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
April 1979
25
hooks
Christ in All the Scriptures
Christ in All the Scriptures by A. M. Hodgkin
(Baker Book House, 1976, 249 pp., $2.45 paper-
back).
Christ in AH the Scriptures is not the kind of
book you curl up with in a comfortable chair in
front of a roaring fire for an evening of reading
pleasure. Rather, it is a very valuable resource
tool. It should not only belong on the shelf of
any serious Bible student, but it should be well
used.
As the title suggests, Christ in AH the Scriptures
is a presentation of Christ as found in each book
of the Bible. Throughout the book, the images of
Christ from Genesis to Revelation are dealt with,
and Christ is clearly seen as the focal point of all
Scripture.
For those who are interested in the person and
work 01 Christ and who are willing to do some
study to discover Christ in depth, the money paid
for this book will be money well spent. Remember,
though, this is not and does not pretend to be a
simple book to read.
(Christ in AM the Scriptures was originally pub-
lished in 1S07. This is a paperback reprint of the
earlier book.)
—Robert B. dough
Rev. Clough is pastor of the Bethlehem Brethren
Church, Harrisonburg, Va.
Christian Lifestyle
Learn to Live with Style by Eileen Guder (Word
Books, 1978, 144 pp., $4.95 paperback).
What is the Christian hfestyle? Does it have
to be goody-goody, repressed, or dull?
Eileen Guder says, "No, living the Christian
lifestlye is not a matter of following a list of rules
or giving up your individuality. Consider Jesus
and Paul, for example; they were anything but
dull and they had dynamic qualities that people
noticed and responded to."
The author uses many Scripture passages to
bolster her position. Among these she includes
Paul's Letter to the Galatians, which describes
an authentic Christian style of life including self-
control, love, tolerance, joy, faithfulness, peace,
generosity, patience, and kindness.
Eileen Guder is a popular author, speaker, and
churchwoman. She has written eight other books,
including Deliver Us From Fear, We're Never
Alone, and The Many Faces of Friendship. She
Memories of China
The White Pagoda by Fay Angus (Tyndale House,
1978, 192 pp., $3.95 paperback).
This book held my interest and gave me enjoy-
ment from beginning to end. Its fascination
stemmed from the fact that Fay Angus lived in
China much of her life. She now resides with her
husband and two children in Sierra Madre,
California.
In this book the author expresses in detail her
impressions and experiences in China, peaceful
China as well as wartime China. Her father was a
businessman, so as a child she lived in a sophis-
ticated community in Shanghai. After her parents
were divorced, she entered the Convent of the
Sacred Heart School.
The climax of the book comes when she tells
about the war years — ^during which she was put
in a Japanese internment (prison) camp. There
she had a stirring personal encounter with God.
She recalls: "The faith . . so carefully planted in
my life, now gnawed at me, hungering and thirst-
ing to be fed. I yearned to be filled with all the
fullness of God." The fullness was to come through
a lifetime of circumstances.
Finally, after the war, when many were trying
to get out of China, she and her mother were
fortunate enough to get passage on a freighter,
sharing a small cabin with two other ladies bound
for the New World.
This book demonstrates the endurance Christ
gives us when He is the center of our lives.
— Julie Flora
is married to Dr. William Triplett, a faculty mem-
ber of the School of Music at the University of
Southern California.
This would be a good book for groups to read
and discuss together.
— Julie Flora
Mrs. Flora is an Ashland, Ohio, homemaker and
a frequent contributor to the Brethren Evangelist.
26
The Brethren Evangelist
Plea for Brethren to cooperate
I appreciate subscribing for and reading the
Brethren Evangelist.
As I carefully read, I am iieartsick at the revela-
tion of the decline of our Brethren congregations
in the Ashland fellowship and the decrease of mem-
bership continually. I received Christ over 50 years
ago in the Eagle Creek Church of the Brethren
near Findlay, Ohio.
I have been active in opening new Brethren
congregations for over 27 years in Findlay,
Bowling Green, and Fremont, Ohio, and in Ander-
son, South Carolina, and now at Clearwater,
Florida. It is thrilling to see the Brethren multiply
in our Grace Brethren Churches all over the
nation. Our evangelism, missions, quality funda-
mental literature, and thriving Home Missions
program are reaping wonderful harvest. Many
new churches are growing wonderfully in towns
and cities as they are being established. Glory to
Jesus!
My love for all our born again Brethren people
and for our rich heritage makes me to desire to
write in to the Brethren Evangelist readers and
declare our love and fellowship and prayers and
devotion to the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ
together !
The February issue of the Evangelist listed
some sad facts and this should cause each one of
us to say, let us get together again and with sold
out devotion to Jesus cooperate in our Brethren
churches instead of any competition or ignoring
of each other, which is not worthy of the name
Brethren nor Christian. Brethren — brothers and
sisters in Christ — let us get back together and use
our hearts and let the Holy Spirit work in our
midst in vital fellowship. Then God can bring the
increase. Divided Brethren — how could such a
misnomer ever be?
Holy Spirit revival will come when we pray
and work and attend and evangelize together!
Try it and you will like it!
Our men of God are cooperating in Ashland
Seminary and growth came there and growth will
come when we get good spiritual sense and fully
work together in the Ashland and Grace Brethren
—not enemy— churches ! ! !
O Holy Spirit of God, melt and move us to-
gether; O Lord Jesus, melt us together; O great
God of Heaven, melt us together in Thy work!
Our Clearwater Grace Brethren Church is
really moving ahead with great rejoicing with
Church of the Brethren, Brethren, and Grace
Brethren all together in an active, spiritual, happy,
born again fellowship. I know it can be done for
I am in the midst of it!
— Pastor Marion Thomas
Dunedin, Fla.
Beguiling issues
I couldn't help but respond to the recent issue
(February 1979) of the Evangelist. I am a student
pastor of the Milford First Brethren Church,
currently completing my studies at Grace
Theological Seminary. I hope that that does not
make me a bad guy!
There seems to be a spirit of defeat and
pessimism pervading the churches of the Ashland
group. Many are asking, "What is our mission?"
"Why aren't we growing?" The problem as I see
it is that "the serpent has beguiled the denom-
ination through his subtilty, so that our minds
have become corrupted from the simplicity that
is in Christ" (II Cor. 11:3). This fact is evident
just by leafing through the Evangelist. Its pages
are clouded with such "beguiling" issues as world
hunger and peacemaking. It is almost laughable
that the church in its small, powerless state should
attempt to call upon the government and demand
anything. My Brethren, these issues are certainly
important. But they are secondary to the preach-
ing of Christ and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2). This
message changes lives. If we let it become clouded
by these issues of secondary importance, issues
that will only ultimately be dealt with upon the
return of the Lord Jesus Himself, then we will
follow the steady paths of decline which every
denomination in history has experienced. I trust
that the leadership at the helm of the church will
take serious and drastic measures to redirect her
course. Failure to do this may be fatal!
— Pastor Jeff Carroll
Milford, Ind.
April 1979
27
YOU ARE WELCOME!
YOU ARE INVITED!
Centennial Celebration
Park Street Brethren Church
Ashland, Ohio
Sunday, May 6, 1979
All former pastors, members, friends, and students are
invited to help us praise the Lord for our first 1 00 years
and the beginning of our second 1 00 years.
■'s \
>.< <«
*f
Coffee Fellowship 9:00
Church School 9:30 1
Worship 10:30
Dinner 12:00
Service of Celebration 2:00
xaijlnw-'^^f'"'''^'^^''^^ ^i-j— «LA^
The 1979 Pastors' Conference wil! also meef
at Park Street Brethren Church May T-2.
/«^l
Further Centennial Celebratioh at PSB will
be the CREATIVE MINISTRIES of Frank f ^ f
- ""J 3 <t>
3* 3- P-
D CD
Q O OJ
O O ci-
c-^ »— ♦ O
<T> P
Roughton, September 21-23, 1979, includ-
ing "Paul Speaks," "The Centurion," and
"The Sermon on the Mount." Also, a Cen-
tennial Directory with pictures of members,
friends, classes, etc., will be distributed.
it is the hope and prayer of all mem-
bers of PSB that many will come and
praise the Lord with us as we cele- ^
brate this occasion — beginning our ^ ^
second century of serving the Lord. o^ t
iO «<
YOU ARE WELCOME!
YOU ARE INVITED!
Letters
7<t t^ S^Utoft
Concerning a "Statement of Faith"
I truly appreciated Dr. Burkey's article in the
March Evangelist, "Challenges and Opportunities,"
except for the second characteristic he lists as
his hope for the brotherhood . . . the denomina-
tional adoption of a "statement of faith" .... His
fourth reason ... is that "Scripture seems to
endorse doctrinal statements," and he cites I Pet.
3:15. The Scripture that I read seems to claim
to be doctrine . . . itself (eg., II Tim. 3:16); and
all the creeds which I have ever read seem to be
attempts to radically abridge the Scriptures ....
However, their brevity limits them and excludes
the fullness and richness found in the whole
Scriptures; also, too often the composers of the
various . . . creeds have "picked-and-chosen," in
order to fit the statement of faith into their own
preconceived theological framework. I Peter 3:15
seems to me to be more of both a warning to the
church to admit believers who know what-and-why
they believe in their hope (which is their faith in
Jesus Christ, and not . . . the Brethren Church),
and also an admonition to believers to be
ready to witness whenever the opportunity
arises, rather than, as the article asserts, an
endorsement of doctrinal statements.
Dr. Burkey's third reason ... is to distinguish
us from the "rapidly proliferating cults." I per-
sonally feel that the Brethren neither need such
a defense, nor that this implication of confusion
with any cult is even worthy of consideration ....
Dr. Burkey addresses in his first and second
reasons . . . (and hints in his third reason) what
I infer to be his major concern . . . and that is
our increasing lack of "IDENTITY" .... A state-
ment of faith is neither needed as our source of
identity, nor as an instrument of instruction for
our people. In one of his summary paragraphs
Dr. Burkey says, "To become a viable movement
. . . we Brethren must do far more than preserve
our traditions." And yet I have seen little con-
certed effort ... of either the Brethren, or
Brethren churches, at promoting and preserving
Brethren traditions or history .... Therein lies
our identity ... an identity of brothers and sisters
in Christ communing together in a New Testa-
ment based covenant-community; accepting for
their rule of faith and practice the Bible (you
know the rest), and for their theology not a
creedal theology, but a theology of lifestyle — a
living out of their faith. If working properly this
lifestyle theology should identify us as brothers
and sisters in Christ, rather than ... a "statement
of faith" ....
In fact it is "statements of faith" which have
divided the Christian church throughout history
.... And it would be a "statement of faith" which
could tear the Brethren asunder. I am glad that
the Brethren do not require me to profess to
theological beliefs which make no difference to
my salvation, but which may . . . cause divisions,
and even may arouse historical denominational
hostility. I am happy that I can worship with
those of Calvinistic . . . and Armenian persuasion,
and pro-predestination and anti-predestination per-
suasions, and eternal security and non-eternal
security persuasions, and pre-millennialists and
post-millennialists . . . etc. I praise the Lord that
I can worship with brothers and sisters in this
denomination without the shackles of a "state-
ment of faith," but in the freedom and full rich-
ness of the Scriptures alone.
— John F. Edwards, Jr.
Burlington, Ind.
Response to "Beguiling Issues"
Allow me to say at the outset that there are
two ways of presenting criticism. The first seeks
to belittle another person's position by disparaging
his character or motivations, while the second
desires to present the truth in a spirit of love and
genuine brotherly concern (Eph. 4:15). Let us
not accuse our brothers and sisters in the faith of
following the "beguiling" influence of Satan; such
is not becoming of "Brethren."
It has been characteristic of the Brethren from
their inception to desire to obey the whole of the
Gospel as they find it in Scripture. The Brethren
Church, from the tim.e of its split from the Ger-
man Baptist Brethren in the 1880s until now, has
always seen its primary task as the sharing of
the Gospel with those outside of Christ. However,
they also realized that the Gospel is not only to
be shared, but it is also to be lived. It places
responsibilities on all who claim Christ as Savior
and Lord to portray Him visibly in the way they
relate (1) to their Father in heaven — by a love-
motivated obedience to His will; (2) to the Chris-
tian community — by giving of themselves in loving
commitment and sacrifice; and (3) to the outside
world — by going the "extra mile" in self-denying
service. Because they viewed Matt. 5:9, 43-47 and
Matt. 25:31-46 just as much Jesus' words as Matt.
28:19-20, they believed one's attitudes toward the
hungry and toward war in general were visible
means of manifesting His Spirit to a lost world.
I fully agree with Brother Carroll (April
"Letters") that these problems will not be resolved
fully except by Christ's return, and I also realize
that theologians quibble over the meaning of the
phrase "the least of these my brethren" (Matt.
25:40) and over the application of the Sermon
on the Mount to the present age. But will the One
who felt indiscriminate compassion for 5000
hungry men (besides women and children) be
impressed by the excuses American Christians
give when confronted by their general insensi-
bility to the needs of a spiritually lost and physi-
cally hungry world? Will the One who told us to
love our enemies and who blessed the peace-
makers be swayed by our reasons for not being
fully committed to the work of reconciliation
among our neighbors, whether they be local, na-
tional, or international? Let us preach, teach, and
live the whole Gospel!
—Dale R. Stoffer
Pasadena, Calif.
The Brethren Evangelist
^^^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
One year subscription rates: $6.00 for
100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists
of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual
subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents
Change of address: Please notify us at
least three weeks in advance, using the
form provided in each issue.
Authors' views are not necessarily those
of the Brethren Church or the Brethren
Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
dressed to the editor. A writer's packet
with query tips is available upon written
request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome.
However, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for return of unsolicited
material not accompanied by a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Second class postage paid at Ashland,
Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to
the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
"Sisters" of the Brethren:
Mary Sterling (top left), Laura
Grossnickle (top rt.), Sarah
Righter Major (hot. left), Mrs.
U. J. Shively (hot. rt.). See
article on pages 4-7.
Cover design by Howard Mack
Vol. 101, No. 5
May 1979
4 The Sisters of fhe Brethren
by Susan White
8 Words I Never Heard My Mother Say
by Jean Lersch
10 Appreciation for Faithful Service
by Virgil Ingraham
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
11 Challenges and Opportunities for Women
by Joan Ronk
Brethren Christian Education
14 Seeking and Serving
15 New in 1979: Cerro Gordo BYC
16 Demonstrating Potential: Walcrest BYC
17 Life Under the Son: Sarasota BYC
18 May: National Youth Month
27 Summer Crusader Program:
Off the Drawing Board
Departmen+s
2 Letters
19 The Salt Shaker
20 Update
26 As I See it
ABOUT THIS ISSUE
The feature section of this issue of The Brethren Evangelist
focuses on women. This is a particularly appropriate emphasis for
May, when the celebration of Mother's Day turns our attention to
mothers in particular and women in general.
In the lead article, The Sisters of the Brethren, Susan White looks
at the role women have played in the Brethren Church since its be-
ginning in 1708. The next two articles, Words / Never Heard My
Mother Say by Jean Lersch and Appreciation for Faithful Service by
Virgil Ingraham, provide present-day examples of the contributions
of Brethren women.
The monthly feature. Perspectives for the Eighties, is also written
by a woman. It is entitled Challenges and Opportunities for Women,
and in it Joan Ronk expresses her belief that the eighties will offer
women even greater opportunities to fulfill their God-given role as
helpmeets.
Drawings on pages 15, 16, 17, and 27 are by Chuck Bowers, a student at Ashland College.
May 1979
Sarah Righter Major
sketch by Susan White
•T^E YEAR is 1708. The place is Schwar-
1 zenau in Germany. On this memorable
day the Brethren Church, after years in
gestation, was born. Down into the waters
of believers' baptism went eight people,
declaring by this act their faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ, their obedience to Him, and
their separation from the organized church.
Who were these eight individuals who
stood boldly for their faith? Led by
Alexander Mack, there followed four other
men and three women. Here we see making
up almost half of the original ''Brethren
Church" the sisters of the Brethren.
The name Brethren is perhaps mislead-
ing, sounding very male oriented. But it
was, in fact, a name to suggest a family and
to indicate the love and unity among its
members. It in no way eliminated the sis-
ters or put them in inferior standing. In
fact, in some areas the church was later
referred to as the ''Community of Brethren
and Sisters."
Persecution followed. The Brethren found
themselves pushed from town to town,
territory to territory. It was a hard time
for them, especially for Brethren women
who were constantly pulling up their home
The
Sisters
of the
Brethren
by Susan White
roots and moving on to another temporary
dwelling.
Wherever the Brethren went they were
not silent about their faith. Although much
Susan White is a student at Ashland
Theological Seminary from which she will
receive a master of arts degree in biblical
studies this June. She is also a member of
the Park Street Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
^
of the response was unfavorable, many-
people did count the cost and enter into
the fellowship. Of the 255 recorded bap-
tisms in Europe, 88 of those joining the
Brethren were women.
There were also women in leadership
positions during this time. Brother Jacob
Schreder and his wife were both called and
invested with the office of elder. Sister
Schreder was invested by Alexander Mack,
himself, at Schwarzenau. She continued
serving the church in this office even seven
years following her husband's death.
By 1719, the Brethren were ready to
make a more drastic move. America ap-
peared to the Brethren as the fertile ground
on which their faith could grow. So in that
year, the first group of Brethren set sail
for the distant shores of the New Land. A
special strength from the Lord was surely
needed for the sisters to meet this new
challenge of cutting all old ties to establish
a home in a distant and foreign environ-
ment.
In America
The Brethren were able to live and to
continue the growth of their church with
relative peace in their new country until
the 1770's. Then conflicts with the ideas
of the revolutionaries and the fear of hav-
ing their religion come under subjection of
the new nation caused the Brethren to seek
out the freedom of the West. Communities
were begun primarily in Ohio, Indiana, and
ininois. This migration not only required
much bravery on the part of the Brethren
men who went out into the wild and un-
charted areas to establish new settlements,
but also on the part of their women who
remained at home.
As the Brethren moved west, individual
families became isolated from the rest of
the congregation. This put a whole new
emphasis on the importance of the family.
Each family was forced to develop an inde-
pendence and unity of its own. Although
the father was the head of the household,
the mother could certainly be character-
ized as the head of the home. The man's
responsibilities called him away from the
house. The woman's activities, on the other
hand, were centered in the home.
Besides keeping house in her small, often
inconvenient, cabin, the wife was also called
upon to serve as chief educator of the chil-
dren, giving them their religious as well as
their general education.
Women were regarded as equals within
the church, for the most part. As with the
men, they were expected to follow the or-
dinances of the Brethren. Their garments
were to be simple and modest, following the
guidelines given by the church.
One controversial issue did arise in the
church in regards to women — primarily due
to the activities of Sarah Righter Major.
That issue was, ''Does a sister have the
right to preach?"
Sarah Righter Major
Sarah Righter, the daughter of Brethren
minister John Righter of Philadelphia, was
born August 28, 1804. At the age of 18,
under the ministry of Harriet Livermore,
she made a definite commitment to Christ.
It seems that Sarah not only received the
Lord at this time, but also the seeds to her
particular calling in life. For it was not
long after this that she began to feel the
call to preach. This unsettled her greatly,
because this was not the acceptable role
for a young woman in the church. Her
father, however, did not scoff at her. On
the contrary, he encouraged her and helped
her to begin her public ministry right there
in Philadelphia. From there she was invited
to preach at the Amwell Church in New
Jersey, then by many different churches.
Her ministry was generally well-received,
and there was seldom a church that did
not eagerly invite her back. Many attended
her services out of curiosity at hearing a
''woman preacher," but it was not long
until it was the desire to hear God's Word
vibrantly presented that drew them.
All did not favor the right of a woman to
preach, though. The Annual Meeting of
1834 did not approve of a sister preaching,
"Considering such sister to be in danger,
not only exposing her own state of grace
to temptation, but also causing temptation.
"The desire of the women +o work
within the church came from hearts
intent on doing the will of God."
discords and disputes among other mem-
bers."* Then again in 1839, Annual Meeting
declared that a sister may prophesy but
may not preach or teach.
Concerned about Sister Sarah's welfare
and that of the denomination, a delegation
was sent to inform her that she was to
stop preaching. Their mission was never
quite accomplished, however, because upon
"^ Henry Kurtz, ed., The Brethren's Encyclo-
pedia (Columbiana, Ohio, 1867) p. 181.
May 1979
their arrival the men just could not tell her
to stop preaching. One of them, James
Tracy of Indiana, recorded, '1 could not
give my voice to silence one who can out-
preach me." They left her to continue her
ministry.
Sarah Major was not the only woman
preaching during the 1800's. Mrs. Clara
Flora was called to the ministry in the
Brethren Church in 1892 and continued for
many years afterwards. She was regularly
employed as a pastor and evangelist, some-
times preaching for three or four congre-
gations and holding her own revivals. All
of the rights and duties of the ministry
were hers, including conducting baptisms,
marriages, communions, and funerals.
In 1899, Mary Bauman, the wife of
Brethren minister Louis Bauman, was
ordained to the ministry in Indiana. In her
husband's absence she would take his place
in the pulpit, and his people were delighted
to have her do so.
Mary Sterling
was a strong
supporter of
the SSCE.
She was also
an ordained
minister
in the
Pennsylvania
District and
baptized 48
converts
between
1889 and
1900.
Ca+h
erine
Myers
Not all of the strong female personalities
left their mark on the Brethren Church by
way of preaching. An unpublished bio-
graphy by J. C. Myers tells of the influence
his sister Catherine had on those around
her.
Catherine's life (1833-1863) was charac-
terized by her service to others. She loved
to teach children, especially about the gos-
pel. Her correspondence with friends was
filled with encouragement. Her brother
wrote of her, 'In nothing was her fidelity
to Christ and her piety more strikingly
exhibited than in her fondness for her Bible
and her intense anxiety for the Salvation
of others."*
Catherine's short life manifested the
goals and ideals of many Brethren women
at the time. The fact that their names have
not been recorded makes them no less
important.
In 1882, a schism took place in the
church. From the more moderate group
split off in one direction the Brethren who
wanted to keep the old ways and traditions.
In the other direction split off those Breth-
ren who wanted to utilize all of the new
opportunities being presented around them.
It is this group of Progressive Brethren
that we will continue to view.
In the process of organizing the new
church body, it was apparent that th?
'^•Roger Sappington, The Brethren in the New
Nation (Elgin: The Brethren Press, 1976), pp.
236-237.
women's work needed a structured place
in the church. So in 1887, after having a
committee deal with the problem, a resolu-
tion was made at General Conference for
the establishment of an organization to
be known as the Sister's Society for Chris-
tian Endeavor (SSCE). Its primary pur-
pose was to raise money for the Brethren
Evangelist.
Although a women's organization was
officially recognized by the denomination,
few women eagerly supported it. It was
totally without precedent in their church
tradition, and they were unsure of its
scriptural basis. Mary Sterling and others
encouraged the solid establishment of SSCE
groups in local churches. Laura Grossnickle,
an ordained minister in the church, pre-
sented stirring addresses at General Con-
ferences emphasizing the need for women
to use their God-given talents for the work
of the church. She effectively used her own
talents to help organize many local SSCE
groups. By 1897, the church had a total of
88 working societies with about 2000 mem-
bers. The SSCE was no longer an experi-
ment but an integral part of the church.
The women's projects branched out from
the original purpose of supporting the
Evangelist. They were concerned about the
preparation of young men and women for
the ministry, so they helped to establish a
theological department at Ashland College.
Much of their finances also went toward
the individual support of those being edu-
cated for the ministry. This did much to
promote the growth of new leadership with-
in the church.
The Brethren Evangelist
Many literary contributions were made
by women during this time, with their arti-
cles appearing regularly in the Brethren
Evangehst. The April 22, 1908, issue of
the Evangelist was devoted primarily to
the women of the church.
As the need for communication among
the Brethren women increased, sections in
the Evangelist were seen as inadequate.
Therefore, in 1912 The Woman's Outlook
was first published, a magazine devoted
entirely to the work of women in the
church.
In 1911-1913, the issue of women preach-
ing in the church appeared again. As
women had so many other areas of service
now opening up to them, they could not
understand why preaching was a problem.
Well-written articles giving sound scrip-
tural arguments were presented by women
in the Brethren Evangelist.
Down through the years the sisters of
the church continued to heed the call to
service. As mission awareness grew within
the church, the women sought to do their
part in spreading the gospel. Many women,
both singly and with husbands, went boldly
to the foreign mission field to serve as
nurses, teachers, and helpmeets. Those
who remained at home supported them in
every way possible.
Woman's Missionary Society
As the outlook of the women became
more and more mission oriented, they
decided that the name Sister's Society of
Christian Endeavor no longer suited them,
so in 1919 it was changed to the Woman's
Missionary Society (WMS).
In addition to supporting mission work
abroad, WMS came up with some creative
home ''mission" projects. One of the first
of these was the development of the Sister-
hood of Mary and Martha (SMM). Its aim
was to train the young women of the
church for the deepening of their spiritual
lives.
Other important recipients of the sup-
port of WMS were Ashland College and
Seminary. Between 1913 and 1937, the
WMS donated over $50,000 to these insti-
tutions. Then in 1941, they took on the job
of raising money for a new chapel for
Ashland College. During the next ten years
they raised over $46,000, and in 1950 they
were ready to begin construction. The ded-
ication of the finished chapel was held at
the General Conference of 1952, standing
as a fitting monument to the dedicated
work of so many of the sisters in the
church.
V, A,
^ ^ •**
■ \-^]-7^, ;,;:-
Laying the cornerstone of the Ashland College
chapel. Mrs. U. J. Shively (at right), WMS presi-
dent from 1919 to 1952, initiated this project
among the women, who raised over $46,000 for the
chapel.
Much has transpired in the work of the
women in the church since 1952. Brethren
women have explored new areas of service
and have accepted the new challenges that
have come. But these areas, which make
up an entire subject of their own, are be-
yond the limits of this article.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it must be said that the
men and women of the Brethren have both
served indispensible roles in the building
of their church. Neither role has been su-
perior. The desire of the women to work
within the church came from hearts intent
on doing the will of God. Whether the job
was cooking, cleaning, raising children, or
sewing ; or whether it was teaching, preach-
ing, building churches, or praying, each
woman ministered in the area of her own
calling. Roles and areas of ministry were
ever changing even as the times in which
they lived were filled with change.
The ministry of women in the Brethren
Church today is probably the most efficient
and far-reaching it has ever been. That does
not mean that they may now stop striving
or setting new goals. Tomorrow is filled
with an abundance of new challenges and
opportunities. May women, who have been
characterized in the past by hearts of faith,
seek to use their abilities and talents even
more effectively for the work of the Lord
in the future. May the men of the church
be filled with faith as well, as they not only
allow, but encourage and support their
women in the endeavors which they
attempt. The strength of the church lies
in the freedom each member gives the other
to be and to do all which the Lord
directs. □
May 1979
Words I
Never Heard
My Mother Say
Ida Oliver Lindower
Jean Lersch pays tribute to her mother, Mrs. Ida Lindower.
MY MOTHER doesn't grope for words.
She has miUions of them stored in her
mind. Words hke prestidigitator, melliflu-
ous, ennui, modicum cascade from her hps
and typewriter as easily as children sled-
ding down the snow-covered hill at the
McKinley monument in Canton, Ohio,
where she was born. And like the peaks of
the Appalachian Mountains, where she
lived at one time, that mind is the source
for streams of quotations from the Psalms,
the prophets, the Gospels, and the epistles,
as well as Browning, Keats, Shakespeare,
Milton, and Wordsworth. All of these add
zest regularly to her conversations and
have in the past spiced lectures to college
composition classes. Why, there are few
words my mother doesn't know.
But there are some words my mother has
never spoken. And this avoidance has not
been predetermined. I don't believe she has
it in her mettle to utter these words I have
often heard elsewhere. She did study
Greek in college in 1926, but some phrases
are totally foreign to her.
One resounds in minor key from many
others her age and younger. Some of her
contemporaries self-righteously proclaim,
"IVe done my share!" Mother never said
that. And yet, she has more right than
most to make that claim.
How many times we entertained at our
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter table
a student far away from home. And, too,
Jean Lersch is a Christian Education Consuhant
with Brethren House Ministries, St. Petersburg, Fla.,
and a free-lance writer.
the occasions when Mother scrubbed
Grandma Shiveley's (no relation, just a
sweet old friend) kitchen and bathroom
floors remain clear in my mental scrapbook
of memories.
Yet today, in her ''retirement," Mother
still entertains the lonely as well as her own
children and grandchildren when they come
to town. And several older ladies at a con-
valescent center weekly receive her special
care. She'll drive them to a gift store to
select greeting cards, hem and alter their
dresses to fit age-stooped backs, read to
blind Savilla, and even calm those recalci-
trant from senility with a constant supply
of Life Savers. And when one of her ''old
people" is too weak or tired to attend the
house social event, Mother will trek back
to her room, tuck her in, and kiss her good
night. She wheels them back and forth
from bedroom to club room several days
each week.
For several years Mother also helped
exercise Cathy, a brain-damaged daughter
of a friend. This young girl in her early
twenties, whose skull was fractured in an
automobile accident, gave little sign of
recognition during all of those years. But
Mother, along with many other concerned
friends, spent hours patterning Cathy and
stimulating her with conversation.
My mother say, "I've done my share"?
Never !
Neither can I dream of Mother saying,
"I owe it to myself."
It's just not in her character. But why
shouldn't she claim that right? After all,
her father worked twelve hours a day seven
days a week for the Pennsylvania Railroad
8
The Brethren Evangelist
and had little for extras for his wife and
three daughters. And later, during those
depression years, pay checks sometimes
didn't appear at the parsonage in the small
Indiana town where Dad was pastor. And
then when he had moved to the Ohio col-
lege job during the war years. Mother
squeezed dozens of capsules of yellow color-
ing into white blocks of oleomargarine.
As the pay checks became steady and
even increased in amount during my dad's
years as college dean. Mother never enter-
tained the idea of hoarding. In fact, I know
of several college students she has finan-
cially assisted, anonymously. Her church
contributions increased as the salary did,
and my folks gave regularly to the college
fund-raising campaigns.
Still, today, Mother keeps on giving. In-
stead of stockpiling trinkets to dust and
fashionable clothing to wear and store,
Mother sews many of her own clothes and
some for her teenage granddaughter, and
also crochets sweaters and afghans for
friends. Her most recent creation is Hugo,
a rakish crocheted panda bear with rolling
eyes for her great-grandson Michael.
Mother say, '1 owe it to myself"? I'd
sooner expect to hear William Buckley talk
jive or Gomer Pyle converse in Elizabethan
English.
The other refrain I've heard repeatedly,
but never from my mom is, "We never did
it that way before," implying, ''You
shouldn't try it."
Even though her perspective is aligned
to knowledge of antiquities, her vision en-
compasses today's events and she has an
eye for the future. Whether she's learning
the fine points of wrestling from her
grandson in college or supporting educa-
tional innovaters, she shows interest in
people and their dreams.
In her
"retirement,"
Mrs.
Lindower
continues to
offer a
helping hand
or a gentle
push.
Rather than say, "I've done my share," Mrs.
Lindower spends one day a week doing volunteer
work at Brethren Care. Reading letters for resi-
dents is just one way she continues to serve.
To keep her own mental machinery oiled
these days that she is away from teaching
in the college classroom, she recently
helped organize and later attended a com-
munity course in humanities taught by
professors in music, literature, science, and
philosophy. One of the subjects of study
in the course was an electronic synthesizer.
Although Mother prefers Mendelssohn, her
evaluation of the contemporary music-
producer was, "Well, Mozart wasn't exactly
cheered in his day."
No, Mother wouldn't ever chide, 'We
never did it that way before." Instead, she
would say, "We'll never know until we try,"
My mother does disseminate words as
profusely and appropriately as she scatters
acts of service. But never have I heard her
utter these short-sighted declarations:
*'Fve done my share."
"I owe it to myself."
"We never did it that way before."
This poem I discovered that Mother
wrote years ago explains her philosophy
that precludes such statements.
Dear Lord, I long to honor Thee
With mighty deeds ivrought by
Thy grace;
But I cannot create a ivorld
Or fling bright stars out into space.
I have no power infinite
Whereby I bid the lame mari, ''Rise
And walk/' or yet the blind man, ''See" ;
But warmly in my heart there lies
Abundant love. Enable me
To spend it — 71 ot on friends I pHze
Alone — on all in need, I've found;
Then by my love Thou shaft be crowned!
by Ida Oliver Lindower
May 1979
Appreciation for Faitliful Service
by Virgil Ingraham
THE retirement of Mrs. Marion M.
Mellinger on February 28th marked the
conclusion of an unusually fine missionary
ministry. Mrs. Mellinger, better known to
her friends as "Mickey," served for more
than fifteen years as Administrative Assis-
tant of the Missionary Board of the
Brethren Church.
Mrs. Mellinger will be remembered by the
Brethren attending General Conference
over the years as the congenial secretary
who assisted them and answered their
varied inquiries about Brethren missions.
She will be remembered by board members,
missionaries, and staff as the person who
performed endless tasks in seeing to their
needs — whether it be during board meet-
ings, providing special information, or giv-
ing a helping hand to someone requiring
assistance.
A person of remarkable ability, Marion
not only carried out most capably her many
office functions, but also wrote missionary
articles, edited the board's publications,
supervised at missionary banquets, and
oversaw the Missionary Board displays at
At a luncheon on February 28th, friends and
associates honored Mrs. MeUinger and her husband
Delbert for their faithful service to the Lord and
the Brethren Church.
Mrs. Marion Mellinger at the desk where she
performed her missionary ministry so faithfully
and capably for more than 15 years.
General Conferences — just to mention a
few of the extra contributions she made.
Friends and associates met on February
28th for a luncheon held in her honor. A
portable television set was presented to
her as a token of appreciation and remem-
brance by Missionary Board members and
the Missionary Board staff. Her husband,
Delbert, was appropriately included in this
occasion, for few people have any knowl-
edge of the extent of the behind-the-scenes
assistance and support he gave his wife as
together they faithfully served the Lord
and the Brethren Church.
We join their host of friends in extending
our best wishes to Marion and Delbert
Mellinger as they continue their ministry
in the love of God, perhaps at a slower
pace, but with ever-present joy and
fulfillment.
Rev. Ingraham is General Secretary of the
Missionary Board of the Brethren Church.
10
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Challenges and Opportunities
for Women
Joan Ronk believes that the eighties will offer women even
greater opportunities to fulfill their God-given role as
helpmeets.
THE concept of women in leadership
roles in contrast with being **just
housewives" is not new. Incidentally, who
wants to be the wife of a house? A home-
maker is the term I prefer for that pro-
fession !
From biblical history we quickly think of
Sarah, the homemaker, who became a
mother at the old (according to our modern
standards) age of 91. We also remember
Deborah in politics, Lydia in business,
Esther in government, and Ruth, the widow
who labored. The list could continue.
My point is that women have always
been leaders in various professions. There
tends to be a cycle of independence, de-
pendence; equality, inequality; conserva-
tive, radical. Woman's suffrage, women's
lib — these movements have brought
changes, no doubt about it. Some changes
have been good.
Now, what will be the role of women in
the next decade? I believe the role women
Mrs. Ronk is a wife,
the mother of two
married and two high
school age children,
and secretary for the
Vice President for
Resource Develop-
ment of Ashland
College. She is also
active in the Brethren
Church at the local,
district, and national
level.
' \ jA m* • '' 1 \ I- • -' * 'is'^l
i^f,
will play in the eighties will be very similar
to that for which they were created — but
culture or society will affect the method
of performing this role.
Women to be helpmeets
We remember that the Lord God caused
a deep sleep to fall on Adam. Then, from
one of Adam's ribs. He made a woman to
be a helpmeet for him. (Gen. 2:18, 21-22).
As a helpmeet, what is expected of us?
Woman is to be a helper suitable for man —
a companion who will assist, encourage,
support, and love her husband. Behavioral
guidelines for wives (and husbands)
abound in the Bible. Proverbs 31, Ephesians
5, Philippians 4, Colossians 3, and I Peter 3
are my favorites.
Woman has the desire to love and to be
loved. It is my belief that love encompasses
all the other definitions of a helpmeet.
Because I love my husband, I will assist,
encourage, support, respect, honor, and
obey him. He and I are willing to accept
each other's weaknesses because I love him
and he loves me.
There are different kinds of love. Nothing
can compare with the supreme love — God's
love for me and mine for Him. This is the
first and great commandment, that I love
Him. Then I am commanded to love my
neighbor. Who is he? Neighbor/friend;
teacher/student ; pastor/parishioner ; em-
ployer/employee. Family love is special,
too: husband/wife; parent /child ; sister/
brother.
Christ instructs us how we should live
in His new commandment, sometimes re-
May 1979
11
a
It is my belief that love encompasses all the other
definitions of a helpmeet. Because I love my husband,
I will assist, encourage, support, respect, honor, and
obey him/'
f erred to as the 11th commandment: ''A
new commandment I give unto you, That
ye love one another; as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another" (John 13:
34). Christ loves each individual in a gen-
eral way and in a specific way. In general —
He died for all the sins of all of us.
Specifically — he loves us each according to
our need.
This is the pattern for our love : generally
— that we love one another; specifically —
as we can strengthen or complement needs.
And so we love, and the way we love in
each classification will vary. Remember to
love the right way at the right time, and
don't mix them up!
Woman also has the desire for self-
respect. After her love for God and her
love for her neighbor and family comes
love for herself. Because it is last, it need
not be least. A low self-esteem is harmful,
depressing, and against God's will. God
made us in His image and He does not make
mistakes! I have gone through some days
of self-pity but soon realized what a waste
of emotion and energy they were! Replace
self-pity with self-love ! A woman's attitude
can establish the tone of the home and set
the pace for the day. Think on Philippians
4:8.
God's plan for the unmarried
Up to this point I have written to women
who are married. I believe, however, that it
is in God's plan that not everyone be
married. Some ladies, as well as men, are
chosen to live their lives unmarried. Paul
gives instructions to the unmarried in
I Corinthians 7. Unique opportunities are
given to those without responsibility for
husband/wife/children. Accept this special
gift of celibacy (being able to remain un-
married), and be a helpmeet to your
fellowmen. Immediately we think of priests
and nuns, but also consider for a minute
the multitude of Marys and Marthas who
serve in all occupations around the world.
Their first responsibility is to someone in
need, not to a family.
Widows also serve in an outstanding
position. Much of I Corinthians 7 applies
to them. Sometimes the widows and wid-
owers are not able to leave their homes
and embark on a new vocation. But they
can serve as an important helpmeet to a
younger parent, to a child, or to a shut-in.
Some may identify with a program: Big
Brothers, Pal-Gal, Gray Lady, pen pal,
prayer partner, a listener. Others may do
their own thing as the Lord leads.
Oppor+uni+ies in the eighties
In the eighties there will be more oppor-
tunities and challenges for women who
want to be employed away from home.
Inventions and research will continue to
open up new occupations, many of which
have not even been thought of today. We
don't know how women will fit into these
opportunities; that will be the challenge.
For the employed woman there are new
requirements. Status is nothing compared
with demand, responsibility, competition,
and endurance.
Along with those new professions (those
yet to be discovered) are the current pro-
fessions (those which will never be re-
placed)— the helpmeet at home and the
mother.
Competition with men in public life is
sometimes tough, but being a mother is
designated for women only! The joy of
conception, feeling the wiggles inside, then
holding a new creation are indescribable.
Being a mother is a unique experience, but
being a Christian mother is particularly
blessed. Hannah's example of loaning
Samuel to the Lord established the prin-
ciple that we follow of dedicating our chil-
dren to the Lord (I Samuel 1:28). Paul
refers to Timothy's mother (Eunice) and
his grandmother (Lois) and the faith they
instilled in young Timothy. In the eighties,
will anyone refer to the sound Christian
teaching in our homes?
Mothers need to realize the impact of
their years at home with pre-schoolers.
During these formative years a child needs
12
The Brethren Evangelist
''Within the next decade, the Brethren Church will
continue to find needs and to meet those needs. . . .
Women will continue to play a major role ... no
matter where they serve or in what capacity.''
to learn self -worth, values, and security.
Soon enough the world will become the
teacher, providing some necessary and some
unnecessary knowledge. How fortunate is
the child who has learned the importance
of himself — respect, not conceit — and has
been taught good values by his mother. The
best opportunity for training on a one-to-
one basis comes before grade 1, with mother
as the teacher.
So far my thoughts have been on women
in general and Christian women in par-
ticular. First, I am a woman; second, a
Christian ; and then a Brethren. This is how
I categorize you. As a Christian woman,
I have presented the preceding thoughts,
applicable to Christian women of any de-
nomination. To Christian women who are
Brethren, I ask, ''Where do we fit in the
eighties?"
Opportunities for Brethren wonnen
There are opportunities to serve Christ
in more than Christian education and
music or as a missionary or minister's wife.
The denominational boards, Ashland
College, and Ashland Theological Seminary
will need women in administrative, teach-
ing, and secretarial positions. Consider, too,
professions coupled with world missionary
service. I fondly remember Dr. Florence
Gribble, the lady doctor-missionary in
French Equatorial Africa. More recently we
have had Beatrice Bischof, Jenny Loi, and
Dr. Sujata Kumar following in the medical
profession. The need for medical mission-
aries will increase as population and pov-
erty increase. Teachers at the Riverside
Christian Training School in Kentucky are
needed annually. Tentmakers have been
welcomed in Derby, Medina, Town and
Country, and Brandon. As the Brethren
denomination plants additional churches
(two per year), many additional tent-
makers will be needed.
Full-time Christian workers
Actually, Christ called us to be full-time
Christian workers in everything we do.
This does not apply to a few occupations
only. Where I am, I see obvious needs. In
your community, you look for the obvious
needs.
Within the next decade, the Brethren
Church will continue to find needs and to
meet those needs with its resources —
human and material. Women will continue
to play a major role in that ministry as
Christians, no matter where they serve or
in what capacity. The Brethren Church
will grow, but each congregation needs to
be organized to meet the needs of its
locality — knocking, inquiring, helping, and
nurturing. The rate of growth is in direct
proportion to the lay leadership — the
women being the helpmeets to the men.
What are women's challenges and oppor-
tunities in the eighties? Women will con-
tinue to be liberated so that they can be
individuals, not extremists. They will be
free to be helpmeets, not revolutionists.
The success of this freedom depends upon
our own attitudes. Where have we placed
God in our own lives?
Our prayer
Our prayer should be the couplet from
the hymn-writer, William Bradbury. It will
be effective in the 1980's, just as it has
been since the 1880's:
Savior, like a shepherd, lead us.
Much we need Thy tender care.
''Women will continue to be liberated so that they can
be individuals, not extremists . . . helpmeets, not
revolutionists/'
May 1979
13
tion
Seeking and Serving
CQ
T HAVE just finished reading the
official magazine of another Breth-
ren denomination, and I am amazed
at the number of new churches they
are planting. The pages were full of
pictures of new congregations that
are seeking and serving the Lord.
God is working with people who are
working with Him.
But what about our Brethren
denomination? What is the Brethren
Church doing about church planting?
Certainly we are doing something!
Yes, the churches are growing in
Tampa, Brandon, Medina, and Butler.
Two years ago there were no Breth-
ren churches in these communities;
today there are. God is working with
those who are willing to work with
Him. Plans are underway for more
churches to be planted in the near
future. Through church planting the
Brethren Church is reaching out.
But there is another kind of church
planting in which the Brethren
Church should be reaching in. For
many years we have heard that "our
Brethren young people are the church
of tomorrow." And this is true. Our
most valuable resource, besides the
Lord, is our youth. They will become
the church of tomorrow. And wheth-
er we realize it or not, we are plant-
ing the Brethren Church of tomorrow
with our Brethren Youth of today.
We have a responsibility to see
that our youth are nurtured to be-
come mature Christian adults who
are seeking God's will. We need to
"Our most valuable resource,
besides the Lord, Is our
youth. They will become the
church of tomorrow."
cultivate their interest in serving
Christ and the Brethren Church.
We are planting and growing a
new Brethren Church among our-
selves. We need to be aware of the
examples and teaching we are giving
our youth. We must lead and encour-
age them to grow into a strong
brotherhood — one which God will
bless because it is seeking and serv-
ing Him.
The following pages share what
some of our Brethren churches are
doing to encourage their youth and
to help them grow into a strong
church. They also share what the
youth are doing in serving Christ. We
should be excited by what we read
and what we see. New congregations
will grow because of these activities.
God is working with people who are
willing to work with Him. I pray that
the Brethren Church today is willing
to follow God's leading in ministry
to its youth in order to build a church
that will grow — both inwardly and
outwardly. Q
14
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren Christian Education
Klew in 1979:
Cerro Gordo BTC
A BRAND new addition to National
BYC this year is Cerro Gordo, Illinois.
Over forty youth from this church are
registered nationally for the first time!
The youth here are actively seeking
God's presence in their lives through a
weekly Bible study program. The senior
high group, led by Mike and Becky Dunn,
is studying ''Caution: Christians Under
Construction," and the junior highs, with
advisors Larry and Judy Shafer and Norma
Martin, are using the ''Son Power" series
from Scripture Press.
In addition to these two groups, Cerro
Gordo has two younger groups — "Jet
Cadets" (grades 4-6), led by Orville and
Nancy Ryder and Karen Livingston, and
"Whirlybirds," for children in grades 1-3.
Both of these groups use the materials from
Success with Youth. The attendance at
these four Bible study programs is very
good, and the youth are learning a great
deal.
Perhaps the most outstanding facet of
their program is the Learning Center on
Sunday mornings. The Learning Center
attracts approximately 20-30 children from
the church and community each Sunday.
Several children are members of other
churches, but come to Cerro Gordo Breth-
ren for the Learning Center. It is conducted
for children in grades 2-5, but the children
aren't the only ones benefitting from it.
The teachers realize their responsibility to
these children and strive to make it worth-
while for all. In the process, they learn as
much as the children do!
Cerro Gordo should be congratulated for
its active, growing youth program. Al-
though they have the smallest church
building in the community, they have the
largest attendance. And they will continue
to grow as they go on seeking God's will
and serving in the ministry He has planned
for them. □
May 1979
15
Brethren Christian Education
Demonstrating Potential:
Walcrest BTC
UNDER the direction of Ralph and Jan
Brown and Linda Zerbe, the Walcrest
BYC (Mansfield, Ohio) is seeking the Lord
in many ways. While the adults are having
their weekly Bible studies on Wednesday
evenings at the church, the youth are
having their own innovative studies on
subjects which are applicable to today's
way of life. The studies are led by Ralph
Brown, who digs into his own research and
uses a variety of materials on subjects he
feels will be interesting and useful to the
youth. The response is very positive.
One way Walcrest BYC'ers are serving
God is by volunteering to clean the church
building once a month. (This volunteer
service is shared by other members of the
church in the absence of a full-time jan-
itor.) Usually the cleaning is made into
an all-day event, with lunch and recreation
following the completion of the chores.
This group of approximately fifteen
youth worked hard on an Easter pageant
for the annual Easter sunrise service. They
had complete charge of the service and
were excited about serving the church in
this way. The play they gave required
props, costumes, and much coordination,
which the kids handled all on their own.
Another large project the group has
undertaken is raising money to rent
"Friendly House," a nearby recreational
center, for the fall district youth rally they
are hosting. Some of the methods they used
to raise money have been a rock-a-thon, a
bake sale, and a booth at a local school fair
to sell crafts they had made themselves.
The Walcrest church is undoubtedly
proud of its youth, who, though young, are
becoming active in the church's total pro-
gram. They occasionally have charge of an
evening service, and they enjoy singing
together as a group for special music on
Sunday mornings. This group certainly
possesses much potential and should be
commended for its efforts to seek the Lord
and serve the church. Q
16
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren Christian Education
Life Under the Son:
Sarasota BTC
LIFE under the Son in Sarasota, Florida,
is bringing growth to the Brethren
Youth there. The church is in full support
of its youth, and both church and youth
are growing in spiritual health and out-
reach for Jesus Christ.
Associate Pastor Robert Dillard, with
the help of his wife Juanita, Ken and Linda
Newsome, and Tom and Kathy Provenzano,
is leading the Sarasota BYC in many ser-
vice projects, fund-raising activities, Bible
studies, and community outreach programs.
A strong base for the Sarasota youth
program is provided by seeking God in Bible
study. The youth have used various ma-
terials, including the ''10-4 Good Buddy"
series from Serendipity. In open, honest
discussions, they have been able to express
their feelings and ideas about Jesus and
their faith.
Another form of expression is in service
to God in their community. Both the BYC
advisors and several of the youth were
involved in Christian Life and Witness
classes, which prepared them to be coun-
selors for the Billy Graham Crusade in
Tampa in March.
The youth have been involved in many
projects which support their local church,
like raising money to help buy a van for
the church. They have also been faithful in
giving to the national BYC project and have
this year challenged the Park Street youth
for highest total offering to the project
ingathering.
Finding youth advisors is sometimes a
problem for our churches, but Sarasota
would like to share its solution. The church
used a program called Nexus, which is a
group learning kit that helps those going
through the program to discover their
spiritual gifts. Using it, the Sarasota
church has been able to help members of
the body to find and use their talents for
God. They have acquired willing and cap-
able leaders for various ministries of the
church in this way.
The Sarasota people feel strongly that
their youth should have viable, mature
Christian models to imitate. These models
should not include only the pastor and
youth advisors, but all other members of
the church as well. Our Florida brethren
are working hard to glorify our Lord and
to build up His church. We are thankful for
the ways they are seeking and serving
Him. n
^^
^\nn^
\\
May 1979
17
Brethren Christian Education
May: National Youth Month
AS the previous three pages show,
Brethren youth are on the move.
They care about their church. They're
seeking to know their Lord better
and are raising money to give to His
work. They are finding worthwhile
ways to serve Him through their
home churches.
What part does the denominational
Board of Christian Education play
in all this? Let us share with you
an outline of the BCE's extensive
program with youth.
In the fall, at the beginning of the
new year, the BCE encourages every
local church to register its youth
members. In this way, we discover
where our youth are and some of
their possible needs. Each advisor
then receives a packet containing a
one-year planning calendar, national
project promotion, resource ideas,
and activity suggestions. Each youth
member receives a subscription to
the Brethren Youth magazine, the
Morning Star.
Throughout the year, the Morning
Star brings BYC members inspira-
tion, ideas, and news. Each group is
sent a poster to promote the national
project (this year's project is the
mission work in Mexico). All Breth-
ren college students whose names are
sent to us receive a 4-page inspira-
tional newsletter each month.
The BCE sponsors a monthly
prayer project in which local youth
"Through all these BCE-
sponsored youth activities,
we are continually striving
to develop our youth into
mature Christian adults."
18
groups are encouraged to pray for a
specific concern each month. In
addition, individuals are paired with
BYC members from other districts as
prayer partners. In these two pro-
grams the youth learn the importance
of prayer for others.
The BCE also coordinates the ac-
tivities of the National BYC Council.
This is a body of Brethren youth
leaders from across the nation who
meet at least twice annually to help
plan the annual youth convention and
make suggestions on other youth-
related activities.
Each August, the Board of Chris-
tian Education sponsors the National
Youth Convention — the grand finale
of the BYC year. Included in the
convention are times of Bible study,
inspirational speakers, inter-district
fellowship, business meetings, and
just plain fun. Some of the activities
tentatively planned by the BCE for
this year's convention are a film
festival, an outstanding inspirational
speaker, a sacred music concert, and
the Second Annual Anjrthing Goes
contest. The BYC project monies for
the Mexican mission work will be
turned in as the capstone to the year's
hard work. Youth communion will,
as usual, be a highlight of the week.
Through all these BCE-sponsored
youth activities, we are continually
striving to develop our youth into
mature Christian adults. We are en-
deavoring to discover their talents,
train them, and use them in service
and leadership.
Will you help us in this mission?
Aren't our youth worth the effort?
A gift to the Board of Christian Edu-
cation for the May Youth Offering
could help to influence the life of a
young person you know. Please give,
as the Lord leads, toward this vital
work. Thank you. D
63
5
5
S
^^ 9
5
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
The Christian is slowly, but surely, salting the earth
The Christian as Salf
TT takes courage to be salt. I am reminded
of the words of Pericles to the citizens
of Athens — ''The secret of hberty is
courage."
The Christian is often like a lone sentinel
holding forth an ethical standard that far
surpasses any other philosophical or hu-
manitarian system. He is the only true
revolutionist in society today, and not part
of the corrupt and depraved tyrannical
nature of man that is intent on replacing
one bad government with another bad
government. Christians are not seeking to
overthrow thrones and principalities. Their
weapons of revolution are not grenades,
guns, tanks, or missiles. Not even the fiery
darts of condemnation. Their weapon is
love.
The Christian is slowly, but surely, salt-
ing the earth. His ethic is, "Do unto others
as you would be done by." He is a peace-
maker— not a warmonger! Christians are
the diplomats and mediators of society, not
the agitators and saber rattlers. To voice
the philosophy of the latter is to sit in the
wrong pew in the wrong camp.
To be sure, the Christian's very presence
in society, if he is worth his salt, will have
a revolutionary effect upon that society.
The early Christians, by their leavening
effect, turned society upside down (or right
side up) . As far as I can discern, they never
marched in protest, did not lie down in the
streets halting the chariots, did not picket
the temple fertility rites, and never rioted
for religious freedom.
Yet their presence so permeated society
that it affected even the economy. Deme-
trius, a maker of silver shrines, called to-
gether the Guild of Shrine Makers (GSM)
and blasted Paul for messing up the idol
business. As a result, Paul and his com-
panions had a riot on their hands. Not be-
cause they had attempted to overthrow the
city government of Ephesus, but because of
the salty effects of the gospel they
preached. Paul didn't instigate the riot;
Demetrius did!
We know the gospel is right when the
world is opposed to it. A gospel of com-
promise and saltless flavor raises no
protest.
It is always the case that the true test
of a Christian comes, not in conflict with
the civil authorities (though that may come
too), but in his contacts with his neighbor,
his employer, his friends, even his own
family. It is precisely here that he must
begin to practice love. ''Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which
is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). It is here
that the Christian learns to go the second
mile, and sometimes beyond, if necessary.
The Christian, by the very nature of his
being a Christian, resists evil. If it does not
begin at home and with your neighbor, it
will never begin in the streets. For Jesus
said that our light is to give light to all that
are in the house. And that's where a lot
have burned out! □
'. . . the Christian's very presence
in society, if he is worth his salt,
will have a revolutionary effect
upon that society."
May 1979
19
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
Since writing the April Moderator's Report,
I liave attended the Northern California District
Conference, the NAE Convention, and a meet-
ing of the Executive Committee with repre-
sentatives from all the national boards, Ashland
College, and the seminary. With all the exciting,
positive programs in the denomination, I face
this report with some frustration because I
would like to share everything.
My attendance at the various district confer-
ences has been personally very rewarding. The
Brethren in every district have made a special
effort to make me feel a part of each confer-
ence. They have freely and openly discussed
their churches and district and national inter-
ests. I have sensed a feeling of urgency for
the unchurched and a real desire to be involved
in the greatest work ever assigned man —
reaching other men and women with the
message of Christ.
The Northern California District Conference
was no exception. The hospitality was warm
and generous, and an atmosphere of mutual
love and concern permeated the entire confer-
ence. We can expect great things in the name
of Christ in the California District in the near
future.
The plans for General Conference are essen-
tially complete. The main speakers have been
confirmed, workshops have been arranged, and
the program schedule is complete. We have
made an effort to shorten business sessions,
limit special programs to one each evening,
and give extra time for fellowship. Because of
the high quality of the speakers and the work-
shops, I would strongly urge you to send your
full quota of delegates and to persuade as many
non-delegates to attend as you can. Your church
will benefit greatly from a large representation.
More specific information will be coming in
the near future.
The executive committee met with the
denominational leaders March 30 and 31 at
Camp Bethany for an evaluation and planning
meeting. Our primary concerns were the out-
reach ministries of the Brethren Church and
how we can more effectively do what God has
asked us to do.
If my people will —
— humble themselves
— and pray
THEN will I heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14
William
W.
Brady
ordained
Washing^ton, DjC. — William W. Brady was or-
dained into the gospel ministry at the Washington
Brethren Church on December 24, 1978.
Rev. Jimmy Vaught, pastor of the Shenandoah
Farms Baptist Church of Boyce, Va., presented
the ordination sermon during the service. Rev.
Robert Keplinger, pastor of the Washington
Brethren Church, officiated during the laying on
of hands and the setting apart of Brady as an
elder.
William W. Brady, III, was born December 6,
1950, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. William W.
Brady of Washington, D.C. He was brought up
in the Washington Brethren Church where he
has been a member for more than fifteen years.
He attended William Carey College from which
he was graduated in 1972. In 1976 he completed
his studies for a master of arts in religious edu-
cation degree at Ashland Theological Seminary.
During his years at the seminary, Brady served
as pastor of the Walcrest Brethren Church in
Mansfield, Ohio. He is presently ministering at
Calvary Road Christian School in Alexandria, Va.
Rev. Brady's wife, Lynne, is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford E. Morton of Alexandria,
Va. She is also a graduate of William Carey
College and has taught in Christian schools for
two years. The Bradys have two children, William
W. IV and Bryan Mark.
Additional Crusader Announced
Ashland, Ohio — The Board of Christian Education
has announced the name of an additional 1979
Summer Crusader. Miss Tami Downs, from the
Lanark, 111., Brethren Church, will be the fourth
member of the Education South unit. Other
Summer Crusaders were announced on page 21
of the April Evangelist.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Attendance up 100% at Cheyenne;
many good things happening
Cheyenne, Wyo. — Many good things have been
happening in the Cheyenne Brethren Church in
1979. First, we would like you to know that we
are growing. Both our Sunday school and our
Sunday morning worship service attendance have
increased 100 percent over the first three months
of last year. Sunday school attendance has been
averaging 39 and worship service attendance 47.
Furthermore, we have added four new members
to the church by baptism.
Our youth group is very active and averages
about nine per Sunday. And praise the Lord, they
all stay for the Sunday evening service! With
their help, our Sunday evening service has been
averaging 26 per Sunday.
On March 25 a dedication service was held
during the morning worship service in honor and
memory of departed loved ones. Dedicated were
Growth Partners' support for Sarver
reaches $6,650 at halfway point
Ashland, Ohio — The current Growth Partners
Club call is for the new Brethren Church in
Sarver, Pennsylvania. (For more details see the
article on page 11 of last month's Evangrelist).
The call went out to club members in January
1979 and will continue through June 30, 1979.
At the halfway point in the call, club members
have given $6,650.00 towards helping this new
church build a place for worship, study, and
ministry. Plans are now being drawn for the
building.
Brethren interested in additional information
about the Growth Partners Club may request it
from Rev. Arden E. Gilmer, Director of Home
Missions, 530 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Youth class at the Sarver, Pa., Brethren Church,
with Chet McAfoose, teacher.
new drapes for the sanctuary, an altar cover,
and piano and organ bench covers. A beautiful
plaque given in memory of Rev. Frank Garber,
founder and long-time pastor of the church, was
also dedicated. Attendance for the service was 75.
A carry-in dinner was held after the morning
worship service, with 60 people present for the
meal. Following the dinner, a slave auction took
place, with the youth offering themselves for a
day of service to the highest bidder. The auction
brought in $103.50.
During the month of March the Cheyenne
church also conducted a "March to Sunday School
and Church in March" campaign. On Sunday,
March 4, 58 people gathered in front of the church
following the morning worship service and re-
leased balloons to launch the campaign. On the
i;ollowing Sunday, the young people's Sunday
school class marched around several blocks carry-
ing signs reading, "March to Sunday School and
Church in March." They marched to the accom-
paniment of accordion music.
Other recent activities of note at the Cheyenne
Brethren Church include the following: On Sun-
day evening, February 11, the young people of
the church entertained the adults at a Valentine
party. The youth prepared a meal and served it
to the adults. During the worship hour the youth
also presented a skit and several special numbers
in song.
On March 14 a new sidewalk was run from the
street to the porch of the church.
Before Easter Sunday a new rug for the aisle
and the front of the church was purchased and
installed in the church.
Yes, many good things have been happening
in the Cheyenne Brethren Church in 1979. Please
keep us in your prayers and rejoice with us as
the Lord leads His people to be faithful to His
calling.
(Prepared from a report filed by Rev. Albert O.
Curtright, pastor of the Cheyenne Brethren Church.)
A unique opportunity
for ministry
Each year. Summer Crusaders or their parents
donate the use of their cars for the Crusader pro-
gram. This year the program is one car short.
A vehicle for an Educational unit (four mem-
bers) to use in Indiana, Ohio, and Maryland is
needed. They would use it from June 10 to August
12. The BCE will pay for all gas, oil, and insurance.
If you have a car that you would allow to be
used in this special ministry, please contact the
Board of Christian Education, 524 College Ave.,
Ashland, OH 44805.
May 1979
21
update
Jefferson Brethren Church
celebrates ten years of ministry
The Jefferson Brethren Church near Goshen,
Ind., is celebrating ten years of ministry. As a
part of this celebration, the church had a 10th
anniversary banquet on Saturday evening, March
24th, and an anniversary worship service on
Sunday morning, March 25th.
The banquet featured, in addition to the meal,
a multimedia presentation by Dr. Jim Hollinger
and an address by Dr. Joseph Shultz. Special
music for the occasion included numbers by the
Jefferson Quartet, a solo by Mrs. Jan Huber, and
a vocal duet by Mrs. Bobbie Wogoman and Ms.
Margie Wogoman.
The multimedia presentation by Dr. Jim
Hollinger, a member of the Jefferson Brethren
Church, was entitled "Jefferson Ten Year
Review." Dr. Hollinger used two slide projectors
and a movie projector to present scenes from the
ten-year history of the Jefferson Brethren
Church.
Dr. Joseph Shultz, dean of Ashland Theological
Seminary, spoke on the subject "The Moving
Edge of Time." Basing his remarks on I Samuel
7:12, he said that an anniversary is a time to
remember that "Hitherto hath the Lord helped
us. . . . Henceforth will he help us."
As a reminder of this help, Dr. Shultz, like
Samuel in the passage from I Samuel 7, had
brought with him a stone. He suggested that the
stone be placed in the front yard of the church
so that in the future, when children would ask
why that stone is there, the parents might have
the opportunity to share how God had been with
the church in its first ten years.
Special music for the anniversary worship ser-
vice on Sunday morning was presented by past
and present members of Lightshine, a singing
group made up of young people from the Jefferson
church. Under the direction of Ms. Margie
Wogoman, the group presented a medley of songs.
The speaker for the service was Dr. Richard
Allison, founding pastor of the Jefferson church
(continued on next page)
Dr. Joseph Shultz (left photo) suggested a stone be placed in front of the church as a reminder of
the Lord's help during the church's first ten years. Center photo shows (left to right) Mr. Wayne Wogoman,
chairman of the celebration committee; Dr. Richard Allison, founding pastor of the church; Rev. Jack
Oxenrider, present pastor; and Mr. Ray Yoder, church moderator. Dr. Jim Hollinger (right photo) gave
a multimedia presentation at the anniversary banquet entitled "Jefferson Ten Year Review."
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Ohio Conference considers 16 ways
to be visibly Brethren
Delaware, Ohio — The spring meeting of the Ohio
Conference of the Brethren Church was held at the
Asbury United Methodist Church here on Satur-
day, March 24. Theme for the conference was
"Who Cares? Brethren Do!"
A total of £6 delegates attended, including 24
ministerial and 72 lay delgates.
The meeting began with a Bible study led by
Dr. Charles Munson and Rev. Leroy Solomon.
Basing the study on Romans 12:9-21, the two men
presented 16 ways to be visibly Brethren. The
study concentrated on the practical, with many
suggestions presented for applying Romans 12 to
everyday situations. Among the many practical
suggestions given were: Do not let the faults of
others be the subject of your conversation; have
daily devotions; count and record your answers
to prayers; look for others in your community who
are in need; pray immediately for those who cause
you problems; be a good listener.
Jefferson celebrates 10th anniversary
continued from previous page
and now assistant professor of Christian education
at Ashland Theological Seminary. Dr. Allison
spoke on the subject "The Maturing of a
Congregation."
Noting that a typical ending for a fairy tale
is "And they lived happily ever after," Dr. Allison
said that in real life this is not what happens.
Struggles continue as long as there is life. This
is true of churches just as it is of individuals. A
mark of maturity is being able to meet both
successes and failures in life.
Dr. Allison went on to say that a maturing
congregation must be maturing in its mission, in
its sense of selfhood, and in its relationships.
Following Dr. Allison's message. Rev. Jack
Oxenrider, pastor of the Jefferson church, pre-
sented the "Challenge of the Future" to the con-
gregation. He noted that the church is growing
and reminded the congregation that as it grows,
it must continue caring and sharing in the com-
munity. He also said that as growth continues,
the congregation will have to eventually face the
fact that it has outgrown its facilities.
The banquet and special worship service were
part of a continuing 10th anniversary celebration
by the Jefferson Brethren Church. On January
28th the congregation had a birthday celebration,
with balloons and the congregation singing happy
birthday to itself. In September the church hopes
to be able to have a mortgage-burning service, and
plans call for an anniversary church directory in
September as well.
The business sessions were led by Ohio Moder-
ator Larry Bolinger. Business included elections,
reports, changes in the district constitution, and
brief addresses by Dr. Arthur Schultz (president
of Ashland College) and Rev. Duane Dickson
(moderator of General Conference).
Newly elected officers for the Ohio District are
moderator-elect: Rev. Don Rowser; secretary:
Betty Deardurff; assistant secretary: Pauline
Winfield; treasurer: Tom Stoffer; assistant
treasurer: Rev. Leroy Solomon; statistician: Dick
Winfield. Rev. Don Rinehart, who served during
the past year as moderator-elect, is the new dis-
trict moderator.
The Ohio District Board of Evangelists gave a
report of its study which grew out of the request
by the Brethren Bible Church of Louisville for
recognition by the Ohio District. The members
01 this board reported that they had evaluated the
situation, having met with representatives from
both the Louisville First Brethren Church and the
Brethren Bible Church of Louisville. They recom-
mended that in accordance with the procedure
set down in the Ohio District Constitution, that
the new Brethren Bible Church be put under the
care of the Ohio District Mission Board.
In a later report by the District Mission Board,
this board said that it would assume the respon-
sibility of taking this church under its care and
would bring back a recommendation regarding
the church at the September meeting of the
conference.
The District Mission Board also presented Rev.
Terry Lodioo, who gave a report of the progress
of the Medina Bible Fellowship where he is pastor.
Rev. Lodico reported that eight families are now
involved in the new church, with attendance
averaging in the twenties.
Action on the Ohio District Constitution included
changes with regard to the time of conference
meeting, the conference year, and delegate fees. A
change in the manner of receiving members was
also incorporated into the constitution. The change
permits those who have been previously baptized
by believers' immersion to be accepted into church
membership without being rebaptized.
The Ohio Conference meeting on March 24th
was part one of a two-part emphasis on the theme
"Who Cares? Brethren Do!" The conference
meeting scheduled for September 15 will be part
two of this emphasis. This fall meeting will be a
"Harvest Festival," with each congregation report-
ing on where and how they were visibly Brethren
during the period between the two meetings.
Planned for the September program are music,
singing, praising, and reporting.
May 1979
23
update
Operation Impact churches show progress;
Brandon dedicates church site
The two new Brethren churches in Florida are
now one and one-half years old. Both started from
"scratch" with each having only the pastoral
family and one tentmaking family. What kind of
growth has taken place? Rev. Arden E. Gilmer,
the Director of Home Missions, recently visited
the new churches and preached at Brandon on
March 4th and at Town and Country (Tampa) on
March 11th. He files this report.
"The Brandon Brethren under the capable lead-
ership of Rev. Keith Bennett have had attendances
of 50 or more on several occasions. Two member-
ship classes have been conducted, and another one
is in progress. Land recently purchased by the
national Missionary Board as a church site was
dedicated on March 4th. Tentmakers now minister-
ing in Brandon are: Rev. and Mrs. John Turley,
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Van Leeuwen, Rob Grumbling,
and Rev. and Mrs. Steve Abe.
"The Lord has blessed the diligent efforts of
Rev. Dale RuLon so that the Town and Country
Church (Tampa) reached 52 in attendance on
February 18. Recent attendances are consistently
in the 40's. Their youth group is now officially
organized. On March 11th I joined members of
the church in going door-to-door in behalf of the
Billy Graham Crusade held in Tampa Stadium
March 21-25. During the visitation I was thrilled
to discover a prospect for the church. Tentmakers
now ministering in Tampa are Mr. and Mrs. Gene
McConahay (and new son David) and Cliff
Vandemark.
"Both churches were active in the Greater
Tampa Billy Graham Crusade with several people
from each serving as counselors. Dale reports
that some of the people with whom he had been
working made public decisions for Christ during
the crusade. Seven or eight baptisms are expected
as a result.
"In February both pastors attended the Evan-
gelism Explosion training taught by Dr. James
Kennedy at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The training was 'super'
and provided both knowledge and motivation for
intensified personal evangelism. Both pastors are
now beginning to train laymen from their church-
es in this method of personal witnessing. In the
first forty days following the training, as Keith
Bennett shared the gospel, he was privileged to
lead 19 people to pray to receive Christ as their
personal Savior and Lord!
"Brethren, thank you for your prayers and
support for Operation Impact! Continue to pray
boldly for the people involved in these exciting
church planting ministries!"
The Town and Country Church in Tampa reached
52 in attendance on February 18 and recent attend-
ances are consistently in the 40's.
The Brandon Brethren Church has had attendances
of 50 or more on several occasions.
Church World Service reports
clothing supplies exhausted
Elkhart, Ind. (CROP News)— Church World Ser-
vice (CWS), the cooperative relief and develop-
ment arm of some thirty U.S. denominations
(including the Brethren Church), reports its
stockpiles of clothing supplies are almost exhaust-
ed. Shipments of CWS clothing in 1979 have vir-
tually eliminated supplies carried over from 1978,
even though last year's giving to the CWS Cloth-
ing Appeal exceeded needs in almost all categories.
Total approved requests for CWS clothing to
be used in church-related programs overseas in
1979 is 4,250,000 pounds. This is more than a
million-pound increase over 1978 shipments. The
number of refugees fleeing civil strife in their
homelands continues to swell, causing the need for
clothing to rise sharply.
Priority items continue to be new layettes, in-
fants' clothing, kits for sewing, school and per-
sonal hygiene items, soap, household goods, and
hospital gowns.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Pleasant Hill youth program
makes the news
Pleasant Hill, Ohio — When a church with only
200 members has nearly 100 children and youth
attending its Wednesday evening youth program,
that's newsworthy. This is what the Miami Valley
Sunday News thought.
The church in this case is the First Brethren
€hureh of Pleasant Hill, Ohio. The Miami Valley
Sunday News devoted a full page of its March
4th edition to the church's youth program. The
coverage included an article written by Sharon
Dilworth, Community Editor for the paper, and
five pictures showing the youth program in action.
The article explained that the Pleasant Hill
church uses the AW ANA Youth Association pro-
gram, and includes youngsters from the first
grade to high school. The name AWANA comes
from Paul's second letter to Timothy and stands
for "Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed."
According to Ms. Dilworth's report, "This is
the third year the First Brethren Church . . . has
In Memory
Jay Corwin, 70, March 26. Member for 45 years
of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Ser-
vices by Marlin L. McCann, pastor.
Alice Keen, 60, March 16. Member of the Johns-
town, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Services by
Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Myrtle Binkley Laugrhlin, 94, February 27. Mem-
ber of the Hagerstown, Md., First Brethren
Church. Services by Rev. John Mills.
Otha Lemons, 74, November 22. Member for 58
years of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church.
Services by Rev. Marlin L. McCann, pastor.
Goldenaires
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Louthain, 58th, May 28. Mrs.
Louthain a member of the Corinth Brethren
Church, Twelve Mile, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Ora Greer, 50th, April 6. Members of
the Corinth Brethren Church, Twelve Mile, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Dillman, 53rd, April 4. Members
of the Corinth Brethren Church, Twelve Mile,
Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Coffman, 52nd, March 2. Mem-
bers of the Brethren Church, Maurertown, Va.
Weddings
Wendy Jo Krin^ to Donald E. Jensen, March 24,
at the Ardmore, Ind., Brethren Church; Brian H.
Moore, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the
Ardmore Brethren Church.
been sponsoring the program. The membership
has grown from 40 the first year to nearly 100
young people, four directors, and 35 leaders and
listeners today, and it is continuing to grow."
The AWANA Club meets every Wednesday
evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each meeting consists
of 30 minutes of handbook time, 30 minutes of
game time, and 30 minutes of Council time. Much
of the handbook time is spent in memory work,
while the game time is used for games unique
to AWANA clubs. During the Council time,
announcements are made, members sing and hear
an inspirational message, and awards are
presented.
The article included comments by Maxine
Delcamp and Eileen Falldorf, both of whom are
leaders in Pleasant Hill's AWANA Club program.
In her comments, Ms. Falldorf gave this evalua-
tion of the AWANA program: "The youngsters
really enjoy the meetings and they are expending
their energy in the right way. They can't wait
from one week to the next to come and that's what
makes this program so special," she said. "This
program shows that Christianity isn't all serious.
It shows Christianity can be fun."
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. . . please let us know.
1. Give old address:
Name
Address
City State
2. Fill in new address below:
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Name
Address
City State
Zip
Date new address in effect
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Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
May 1979
25
as i see it
Two For the Price of One
This is a catchy phrase we often see in adver-
tisements. Some congregations have this concept
in mind when they call a minister. They want to
get the minister and his wife for one salary.
Sometimes the call is influenced more by the
talents of the wafe than by the abilities of the
minister. In no other profession or occupation
that I know of does this happen.
The minister is called to be the shepherd of
the flock. His wife is, according to Scripture, an
"helpmate" for him, not another minister for the
congregation.
Every minister's wife is a distinct individual,
with few or many talents. She is a member of
the church body just like any other member and
is under no more obligation to use her talents than
anyone else. She needs to be accepted as such.
Naturally, she will commit her gifts and talents
to the Lord and to His church, but they remain
under her control.
Often the congregation demands that she serve
in "such and such a way" because the former
pastor's wife did "this and that." The congrega-
tion errs so often by forcing upon the newcomers
its expectations of what a pastor and his wife
should be. God has brought these new folk to the
church because He wants to do something new and
different, but the church wants to go along the
same old way.
The minister's wife must give first priority to
providing the kind of home for her husband that
will support and minister to him. If she and her
husband are blessed with a family, she must be
the best mother possible to her children. Beyond
this she should be permitted (not expected) to
share her gifts and talents as she chooses and is
able to do so.
Some wives feel a definite call to serve along-
side their husbands in active ministry and are
gifted with abilities to do so. However, this should
Rev. Smith Rose is Executive Secretary for the
Brethren Church.
by Smith Rose
never be taken for granted, but rather these
efforts should be acknowledged and rewarded.
Each wife should also be free to serve outside
the church in community activities if she so
desires. It is her right to work at home or away
from home in fulfilling her role as a person.
Church boards often object to this, forgetting
that they are only paying for the services of the
husband. Sometimes these boards are embarrassed
by the minister's wife working because it reveals
to the community that the pastor is underpaid.
Yet if some ministers' wives did not work, many
parsonage children would never have the oppor-
tunity for musical training, college, etc. These
things cannot be had on the average minister's
salary.
Church families in these times realize that in
order to make ends meet their wives often have
to work. And yet the congregation does not chide
them. The double standard is all too obvious here.
It is a matter of fact in these days that about
half of our congregations cannot afford to employ
a full-time pastor. A number of our ministers are
called to serve these churches, however, and their
working wives make up the difference to keep
the family from bankruptcy. Many of these wives
would be happier keeping house and supporting
their husbands in their ministry in other ways.
However, they do not expect praise for what they
are doing — only recognition that they, too, are
committed to ministry in that community.
Naturally, they have little or no time to do extra
work in the church, even though it is expected by
those who have far less to do.
So let us think of our ministers' wives as the
special people they are, doing what they see
necessary in the service of Christ, His church, and
His minister. Pray for ministers' wives, for the
load they carry is far greater than the congrega-
tion or even their husbands know. Express your
appreciation when they are able to share their
talents. Accept them and love them for what they
are, realizing that their commitment to Christ is
great.
<i><i><?<?<I><I><i><i><i><i><i><i>0<I>00000<I>0^
Membership Growth
Oak Hill: 8 by baptism
Corinth: 2 by baptism
In a nationwide survey, 52.5% of the women
and 27.4% of the men surveyed indicated Bible
reading is a part of their life pattern. However,
only 16.6% of the women and 8.3% of the men
said they read the Bible 21 or more times per
month. — Ron Keer associates
The Brethren Evangelist
SUMMER CRUSADER
PROGRAM
THE DRAWING
THIS summer's Crusader program is no
longer just an idea on the BCE's draw-
ing board — it is now a FACT! Four teams
are assigned, itineraries are set up, and
twenty-five young people are preparing
themselves for the beginning of service in
June.
As announced in the last issue of the
Evangelist, there will be two educational
units this year. "Ed North" will serve as
vacation Bible school teachers and assis-
tants and help with community surveys
in eight of our churches in the Southeast,
Ohio, and Indiana districts.
''Ed South" will be spending its first five
weeks with our Florida Brethren, working
in Bible schools, community surveys, and
Florida's first district camp. It will finish
up with three weeks of VBS back up north.
The six-member musical unit will be
presenting three different programs this
summer in 18 locations from Pennsylvania's
Camp Peniel to Waterloo, Iowa.
Six young people will be serving as Mis-
sionary Interns under the direction of Juan
Carlos Miranda. They will serve in his
Spanish-speaking church in Pasadena,
California, and at our newest mission site —
Tijuana, Mexico.
Two other young women and three young
men will be working in Christian education,
pastoral, or camping Internships. Watch
the June Evangelist for the announcement
of their names and assignments.
BOARD
These 25 dedicated young people are
going to make up an exciting and profit-
able program this summer.
What will they do for you?
They will inspire you with their commit-
ment to Jesus. They will help teach your
children in VBS and help reach your neigh-
bors in community surveys. They will make
you laugh with their puppets and stir you
with singing and spoken messages. They
will encourage your young people to grow
in spiritual maturity and service.
What can you do for them?
You can contribute toward the expenses
of the program. You can help them with
problems when they're in your church this
summer. You can pray for them daily.
Your pastor, WMS group, and Laymen's
organization have all been sent sign-up
sheets for people who want to be Prayer
Warriors and be assigned a specific young
person to pray for this summer. If you
haven't seen one of these sign-up sheets
yet, ask for it. Or use the form below to
enlist.
The Summer Crusader/Internship pro-
gram, supported by the faithful prayers of
the Brethren, will certainly be a great suc-
cess for our Lord's work in 1979. Thank
you for your support!
Please assign to me a Crusader or Intern to pray for daily this summer.
Name . . , , , . , .
Address . . .
Zip Code
Church
May 1979
27
Northwest Brethren Chapel
Progress Repor
Pastor Bill & Fran Curtis
Construction of the new church building at Northwest
Brethren Chapel in Tucson is progressing rapidly, as these
pictures taken in March show. Photos by Julie Flora.
^**^''
^ ' ' ^^i ^^''^rf
Going up
TEACHERS, MAKE THE PROPHETS COME ALIVE
Each Prophet dressed
according to time
and locality.
Border pictures all
the fruit and grain
that grows in
Palestine
Symbols
to readily
identify each
prophet's ministry
Time line keeps everything in
proper perspective
Prophets are shown in two groups,
literary and non-literary
Kings are divided into 3 groups
-United Kingdom, Judah, and Israel
CLASSROOM SIZE
The insignia of each of the 12 Tribes
50" X 26
99
Mr-
Dr. Owen's Panel of Prophets is a great tool for every Sunday School
teacher. It is helpful for ages from Jr. High through the Adults. Those who
will be studying the International Sunday School lessons will find this chart
very helpful with the lessons during the summers of 1979 and 1980.
Order your chart now. The price is $5.95 each. Special Offer: Buy 2 ■
get 1 free; Buy 3 - get 2 free; Buy 4 - get 3 free; Buy 5 - get 5 free.
ORDER FROM: The Christian Book Center, Box 790, Poplar Bluff,
Mo. 63901. Phone: 314-785-9451.
"^I^"^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
^— ^ /..->« 1070
June 1979
■>j#«. — .>'^-«. -"— «"*;£**•
i^am .^'«i6au2r5*3«s*e3i-^-*«^
The Marriage Gamble: Oneness Strengthens the^Ddds for Success
see page 4
Blessed by Brethren House
Ministries
I want to take time out to express my feelings
about something that has touched my life. The
team from Brethren House was in Ashland re-
cently for a workshop, and what a treat it was.
They had a tremendous wealth of ideas to share
concerning the most important asset a church or
country can have — its children. I was greatly
impressed, but that's not what I want to convey
in this letter because there are worldly events
that are impressive and rightly so. I would like
to convey the feeling of being blessed and the
richness that I was able to absorb. Their teaching
and work is a beacon of light on a foggy coastline.
My self-esteem as a member of the Brethren
Church rose several points as well. My thanks to
Phil and Jean Lersch and to Bonnie Munson for
their efforts, and my prayer is that God will con-
tinue to "open for you the windows of heaven,
and pour out for you a blessing until there is no
more need."
— Dan DeVeny
Ashland, Ohio
Eschew Obfuscation!
As I drove along the street and spotted the
above words on the back bumper of a car, I was
so taken with the expression I began to laugh
so hard I almost ran into another car in the lane
next to me.
But now that I have your attention, let me
develop the theme. The word "eschew" means
avoid, as in "eschew evil." "Obfuscation" means
confusion, as in politics, or the current philoso-
phies scattered abroad in the churches, philoso-
phies which pass for theology and superior teach-
ings and good doctrine. Excitement is mistaken
for second spiritual birth, and psychological ex-
periences are taken for biblical understanding.
Increase of adrenalin is made the same thing as
spiritual unction.
A few months ago Mrs. Miller, a member of the
Johnstown II Church, wrote an appeal which I
believe was "on target." It was entitled "HELP"
(Oct. 1978). I have seen no public recognition of
her cry yet. And I'm sorry about that, Mrs. Miller.
You had a legitimate complaint and appealed your
case in a way which should have touched the
hearts of us all.
I believe my Bible makes the Good News, the
Gospel, very clear. When Jesus died on the cross
He cried out, "It is finished!" And when He said
that. He meant what He said. At Pentecost every-
one made the message plain that God had given
His Spirit to every believer. There were signs that
accompanied the occasion, but the signs did not
obfuscate the Good News, they clarified it.
Now as a reaction to grasping that message,
you may want to shout or sing, or "shout it from
the housetop." But to deliberately confuse it is
to come into condemnation. You are to take it
door-to-door, across the ocean, on the air waves,
on TV, in the newspaper — anywhere you can. But
the method is to be one of clarity, not confusion.
Must we stick to the letter of our unwritten
law, "We have no CREED but the Bible," until
we are destroyed with subtle, subverting creeds,
allowing all comers ? St. Paul did say in I Corin-
thians 13, love "believeth all things." But he also
said in Galatians that if anyone preached any
other Gospel than Jesus Christ and him crucified,
"let him be accursed."
I made a resolution at General Conference in
1977 which called for a fresh study of SANCTIFI-
CATION, the work of the Holy Spirit in the
Christian's life. I would be interested to know
whether anyone took me up on the proposal, not-
Withstanding the overwhelming approval of the
motion. Are we any "holier" now than when that
motion was made? "Without holiness no man shall
see the Lord," so the Bible warns. I'm for making
a bumper sticker with that verse for one side of
the car along with another saying "ESCHEW
OBFUSCATION." They are both biblical! That
will drive people to their dictionaries — ^just as it
did me.
— ^Clarence A. Stogsdill
Tucson, Arizona
Corrections
In last month's Evangelist, the name Mark
Baker, Assistant to the Director of Christian
Education, was omitted as writer of the article
"Seeking and Serving" on page 14. The editor
wishes to apologize to Mr. Baker for this
omission.
In the news article, "Operation Impact churches
show progress" (page 24), the name of Mr. and
Mrs. Gene McConahay's son was incorrectly given
as David. Andrew Roger McConahay is the correct
name.
"^^^ The Brethren 1 * A
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
One year subscription rates: $6.00 for
100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists
of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual
subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents
Change of address: Please notify us at
least three weeks in advance, using the
form provided in each issue.
Authors' views are not necessarily those
of the Brethren Church or the Brethren
Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
dressed to the editor. A writer's packet
with query tips is available upon written
request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome.
However, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for return of unsolicited
material not accompanied by a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Second class postage paid at Ashland,
Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to
the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
With the divorce rate nearly
50%, marriage is a gamble. But
seeking oneness in marriage, as
God intended, increases the
chances for success. See page 4.
Cover photo by Harold M. Lambert
Cover design by Howard Mack
Vol. 101. No. 6
June 1979
4 Marriage: Two Becoming One
God's intent for marriage, says Jim Sluss, is that a man and
a woman achieve an enduring oneness.
6 World Hunger and SSiipshewana Senior Camp
Brian Moore tells how Indiana senior campers were introduced
to the realities of a hungry world.
Special Feafure: Perspecrives for the Eighties
to Minister
According to Fred Finks, if the Brethren Church is to move
forward with promise, it must do so y\^ith freedom.
A Church That Wouldn't Die
by James I. Naff
Ministerial Student Aid
12 The Dollar Squeeze
12 Student Aid at the College Level
13 Inflation and Student Aid
14 A Strategy For Reaching Unbelievers
Arden Gilmer interviews Dr. Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr.
Departments
2 Letters
11 The Salt Shaker
18 Update
2^ As I See It
NEXT MONTH
July 1979 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Alexander
Mack. In view of this fact, the July issue of The Brethren Evan-
gelist will look at the life and thought of this man who was the
guiding spirit of the Brethren movement.
June 1979
arnage:
I'wo IBecoming One
God's intent for nnarriage, says Jim Sluss, is that a man and
a woman achieve an enduring oneness.
HERE comes the bride. . . . Here comes
the groom. . . . Here comes the min-
ister." So sang my boy the other day. I
quickly remembered when I had sung the
same little ditty. I also was reminded that
in actuality, the sounds of marriage are not
as pronounced today. Rather, the alterna-
tive of simply becoming ''daytime friends
and nighttime lovers" is the perverted
option being taken by many in this day.
Simply living together supposedly pre-
serves individual freedom from responsibil-
ity, commitment, promise, legal entangle-
ment, and even social security reduction. It
also avoids the problem of divorce, to which
marriage is the chief contributor. The
popularity of this alternative would seem
to be making the institution of marriage
extinct — hke the English word ''marij"
from which the word marriage was derived.
The living-together relationship generally
smacks of the reverse of all that marriage
is supposed to be. Often the arrangement
is simply for the self-gratification of the
body needs of the persons involved and
progresses no further. This, sad to say, is
also true of many so-called marriages.
Marriage in the truest sense, aside from
cultural practices with regards to cere-
monies, rings, etc., is God's idea from
creation. God's idea is the oneness of man
and woman. A man and a woman never
find the fulfillment of their personalities
until they have committed themselves to
Rev. James Sluss is pastor of the Dutchtown
Brethren Church near Warsaw, Indiana.
each other. It is then that marriage, in its
growing love and development, fulfills the
intention of God. Marriage is an exclusive
God-amalgamation of enduring oneness
spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and
physically. Marriage oneness contrasts with
living-together aloneness.
"Marriage is an exclusive God-
amalgamation of enduring oneness
spiritually, intellectually, emotion-
ally, and physically."
God's idea of marriage was set forth
right at the beginning of things, as recorded
in Genesis 2 (compare Matthew 19:5-6,
Ephesians 5:31) :
— It is not good that the man should be
alone (aloneness).
— I will make him an help meet for him
(oneness).
— God took one of man's ribs and made a
woman ( aloneness ) .
— God brought her unto the man (oneness) .
— Man said. This is now bone of my bones,
and flesh of my flesh (oneness).
— Therefore shall a man leave his mother
and father (aloneness).
— And shall cleave unto his wife (oneness).
— And they shall be one flesh (oneness).
When God estabUshed the oneness of
man and woman, he took woman from
4
The Brethren Evangelist
''We have chosen to unite the
flames of our hearts into
one strong flame blessed by
the grace of God/'
man, brought woman to man, blessed
them, and called their name Adam (Genesis
5:2). Man and woman together make a
whole human being. Oneness implies fellow-
ship, with the body as the medium for the
deepest unity of man and woman.
God has indicated the process by which
the attainment of oneness is possible. For
achieving this oneness there must be a
leaving and a cleaving.
Marriage is the establishment of a new
man-woman relationship which supercedes
other relationships, particularly the parent-
child relationship. This new relationship is
realized as a oneness as each mate respon-
sibly devotes himself/herself to the other.
Marriage involves leaving other relation-
ships for a new relationship.
Experiencing oneness also involves the
process of the marriage partners cleaving
to one another. The word cleave, as used
in Scripture, carries the idea of a union that
is attained when two metals are welded
together. The suggestion is that of trust
and reliance on one another.
Recently, I had the opportunity to be a
part of a group of pastors considering the
possibilities of a pre-marital clinic for
couples planning for marriage. After look-
ing together at a model of a successful
pre-marital clinic, we pastors were given a
list of 30 questions most frequently asked
by couples attending the model clinic over
the years of its existence. It was interesting
to note that the two most frequently asked
questions were:
(1) To what extent should we discuss
our pasts?
(2) How can a couple keep in-laws in
drawing by Gayle Reuschling
their place, but still make them feel loved
and necessary?
It was revealing that these most fre-
quently asked questions centered on the
processes by which oneness becomes real
in marriage. Question one dealt with
cleaving, while question two dealt with
leaving. This reinforces again the thought
that marriage equals oneness which is
practically achieved when there is leaving
and cleaving in the relationship.
Persons marry for many reasons. Some
persons seek sexual fulfillment, parenthood,
a social relationship, acceptance, success,
escape, support, a career. Many of these
are valid reasons and are fulfilled by
marriage. However, the overriding reason
for marriage is that two can become one.
Oneness is the chief why of marriage.
Several years ago a couple whose
marriage ceremony I had the privilege of
conducting wrote these lines as a part of
their ceremony. They describe well the one-
ness of marriage.
In a single second the breath of God
brought life to man, just as a fleeting
spark brings the flame to a candle.
And as the flame of the candle bobs
and flickers, bestoiving both heat and
light, so it is with our lives as we
radiate to those around us.
Each of us has tvithin our hearts a
God-given flame, and within our souls
the ability to choose the path of our
lives that the flame ivill illuminate.
We have chosen to unite the flames
of our hearts into one strong fl4ime
blessed by the grace of God. □
June 1979
Shiosh
World Hunger
and
s
ipsnewana oenior v^amp
c
Brian Moore tells how Indiana senior cannpers were intro-
duced to the realities of a hungry world.
THE THEME for Indiana Senior Camp,
1978, was taken from the book Rich
Christians in an Age of Hunger, by Dr.
Ronald Sider (Inter- Varsity Press).
The objectives for the camp were as
follows: (1) Inform our young people of
the world's needs. (2) Involve our young
people in helping to meet those needs.
(3) Introduce people to Jesus Christ as
Savior and Lord. (4) Issue a call to Chris-
tian service.
Sensitizing the young people's con-
sciences to our materialistic philosophy in
the face of the crying needs of humanity
around the world was part of our goal.
Forewarning them to prepare for hard
times in the light of a possible future global
struggle was an additional aim.
We approached the theme from many
different avenues and used not merely
classes but various settings to teach the
subject. In an effort to emphasize the
necessity of sharing and pooling resources,
the camp leaders divided the young people
into '"communes."
Each "commune" had several assign-
ments: (1) Collect contributions in a World
Relief pop-can bank (2) Discuss the lecture
each morning. (3) Construct and meet
daily in a primitive hut. (4) Establish policy
and guidelines for their life together as a
''commune." (5) Present dramas particu-
larly suited to the theme.
All of the dramas, taken from the Bible,
Rev. Brian H. Moore is pastor of the Ardmore
Brethren Church, South Bend, Ind., and served
as director of the 1978 Indiana Senior Camp.
'"'■ . ■ • ■;.'•■■■ ' ." drawing by Gayle Reuschling
Some tables had plenty to eat; other tables had almost no food.
g
The Brethren Evangelist
were done exceptionally well. In addition,
the entire camp sang ''The TV Victim's
Lament" (page 48 in Sider's book), includ-
ing additional verses composed by the
young people. They really got the idea!
On three afternoons two simulation
games were utilized to elaborate the nature
of the problem of world hunger. We
played Baldicer, which dramatically por-
trays the rich getting richer and the poor
being oppressed and helpless. Starpower
was a similar simulation game. Through
their participation, the young people ex-
perienced some of the frustration, selfish-
ness, and threats inherent in today's
troubled world.
On Monday evening the entire camp
viewed the WRC film, "Haiti . . . Mountains
Beyond Mountains." Then, building on this
background, on Tuesday evening two
young men from northern Indiana who had
been to Haiti came to speak and present
some slides. Wednesday evening we viewed
another WRC film, "Africa: The Beat
Goes On." These three evening programs
both underscored the problem of world
hunger and helped explain its causes.
Thursday noon we surprised the young
people with a "trick meal" : some tables had
large bowls with plenty to eat ; other tables
had small bowls (dessert dishes) and al-
most no food. Campers with large bowls
were allowed to get up from their tables
to get more; those with small bowls were
not allowed to get up from their tables. We
almost had a riot on our hands!
Soon the campers got the message : those
who had food to spare could get up and
serve those who had nothing. But before
all were satisfied, we again could see the
world situation in miniature: those with
food fed themselves first; some did not
want to be bothered to serve anyone else;
some of those who did not have food were
ready to break the rules and steal from
the others.
Friday evening featured a "fasting" meal,
with only light soup. Teenage kids don't
appreciate that approach!
On Sunday morning the pop-can banks
were opened. A total of about $75 had been
collected from the "communes" to send to
World Relief. This amounted to approx-
imately $1.00 per camper. Also, the group
in charge of the camp newspaper sold their
issues for 5^ per copy and donated the
money to their pop-can bank.
The goal of the Indiana sununer camp
was that Christian young people see and
respond to the needs around us. We who
planned these experiences wanted the
campers to develop a philosophy of life
which minimizes material gain and incor-
porates Jesus' attitude and teachings about
wealth. We hope that Senior Camp, 1978,
in Indiana helped to mold and fashion some-
what that wholly Christian philosophy in
the lives of our teenagers. □
What do I choose
if I choose
the ministry?
A unique opportunity to:
— enter lives with truth and help
— seek the highest good
— serve "even the least of these"
— share in lives trying to make the hard decisions
The choice is yours. Talk it over with your pastor, or contact:
National Ministerial Recruitment Committee, cy^o Charles Munson
910 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805
presented as a public service
June 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Freedom to Minister
According to Fred Finks, if the Brethren Church is to nnove
forward with pronnise, it must do so with freedom.
T HAVE been requested to give my opinions
on the outlook for the Brethren Church
in the eighties. First, let me indicate the
viewpoint from which I am writing.
I have been the pastor of the Winding
Waters Brethren Church in Elkhart, Ind.,
for the past seven years. During that time,
the church has grown from a struggling
congregation of 70 to a vibrant, full of life
"family" of 250. We have just finished our
first year in our new sanctuary and look
forward to the future with promise.
Seven years in the pastorate have a way
of mellowing a person and of reforming
his previous misconceptions. When I grad-
uated from seminary, I was disillusioned
with the Brethren Church and wondered
what its future held. The church seemed
to me to be static and dry. The things that
were taking the most time and sapping the
most energy seemed to me to be petty,
trivial non-essentials. My most penetrating
question was, "What shape will the church
take in the years to come?"
As I stated above, seven years have
mellowed and matured my outlook. There is
a place for our church. It is important. And
most important, the structures of the
church vary. There are places where a
"body life" structure is the best form. But
there are also places for the house church
and for the traditional structure. Further-
more, as people and situations change, the
church must change to meet the needs of
those people. (Note, I did not say the church
must compromise its message. But it must
be willing to change its thrust in an effort
to win others for Christ.)
As an illustration, a prominent downtown
church caught in a neighborhood in tran-
sition may change from a traditional,
formal, high-church structure to an infor-
mal, totally non-traditional structure in
order to better meet the needs of its new
constituency. At the same time, what is
good for churches in California may not be
good for churches in Pennsylvania, and
vice versa.
The hope that I see for the Brethren
Church comes directly from the center of
this very truth. We must allow our churches
the freedom and Christian liberty they need
to minister in the name of Jesus Christ to
people who are hurting, beaten down, dis-
couraged and searching. What good is a
lighthouse with its light turned off? What
good is a rescue boat that has no sailors?
What good is a church that locks its doors
or turns its back on the very people who
need it the most?
Before I go any further, let me affirm
that I am no doomsday prophet, nor am I
pessimistic about the future. Quite the
opposite is true. I see a bright future for
our church as it comes of age. Last year,
for the first time in over ten years, the
national total church membership stopped
its decline and began heading upward!
For the past two years, I have been
working on a doctorate in Church Growth
Rev. Frederick
J. Finks is
pastor of the
Winding Waters
Brethren Church
in Elkhart, Ind.
8
The Brethren Evangelist
u
Our future will be great if we can just put all our petty
grievances behind and concentrate on the task of win-
ning men and women to Jesus Christ/'
at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena,
Calif. This new field of study is only the tip
of an iceberg. The rest of the iceberg is
only beginning to come into view. What
some of our people have termed a fad is
proving to be a vital area of concern for
the American church. The future of the
church is promising because people are
searching out the problems that have long
crippled its progress. Healing is taking
place and the church is moving.
In my studies, I have become highly
aware of a tremendous happening. Coming
together from all over America are pastors
of varying age, race, belief, and thought.
Many denominations are represented, either
by pastors or by denominational leaders.
We come together with differences in belief,
doctrine, view of Scripture, etc. But in
no time at all, we are jelled together into
a fellowship where trust and acceptance
abound freely. No one is challenged, no
debates or strong rhetoric fill the air. A
close observation reveals why — a common
belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
permeates our being, and belief and doc-
trine come a distant second.
A close observation of our own denom-
ination reveals that this kind of trust and
fellowship are a long way off. Why can we
cross denominational lines easier than we
can find the truth among our own ? I believe
the issue is one of permitting freedom to
abound.
I have been teaching I Corinthians in a
Bible study here at Winding Waters and
have been astounded by the similarities
between the modern church and the Corin-
thian Church of Paul's day.
Paul was adept at breaking down bar-
riers: 'There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither slave nor free, there is
neither male nor female; for you are all
one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28). He sought
to heal the divisions in the Corinthian
Church by upholding the unity they shared
in Christ. "For I decided to know nothing
among you except Jesus Christ and him
crucified" (I Cor. 2:2).
Divisions and disagreements exist in our
churches today. Instead of recognizing the
rights and freedoms of others, we have
sought to squeeze them into our own par-
ticular molds of belief. It is time for us to
recognize the freedoms of others, for under-
neath all is the common ground we share —
Jesus Christ as Lord.
The Brethren Church has a great future.
Dr. Peter Wagner stated during a recent
Church Growth Seminar at Ashland Theo-
logical Seminary that even though the
Brethren Church has faced an alarming
decrease in membership in the past ten
years, this trend can be turned around
"because the Brethren Church has the
gospel/^
Our future will be great if we can just
put all our petty grievances behind and con-
centrate on the task of winning men and
women to Jesus Christ. The energy that
was expended on the baptismal issue alone
for all those years could have and should
have been directed outward to the reaching
of others instead of inward upon ourselves.
Can we permit freedom to exist among
ourselves? I believe the answer is yes! We
can and we must. With freedom comes
responsibility — to God, to others, and to
ourselves. I honestly believe that we can
act responsibly with Christ leading us.
Furthermore, if we follow the footsteps and
leading of Christ, the reward will be great.
The Apostle Paul discussed spiritual gifts
with the Corinthians. In his discussion, he
used the analogy of the human body. Each
part of the body has a different shape and
function, but together the parts form a
living, breathing person. The same is true
of the body of Christ (His church). ''For
just as the body is one and has many mem-
bers, and all the members of the body,
though many, are one body, so it is with
Christ" (I Cor. 12:12).
As a pastor, I challenge each church to
respond to the needs of those who surround
it and to allow our brothers and sisters to
do the same. Let us recommit ourselves to
the call of Christ and strive to do His will
with vigor and enthusiasm. Let us recognize
the uniqueness of our creation, be freed to
express it, and minister responsibly to God,
to others, and to ourselves. □
June 1979
St. Luke
Brethren Church:
A Church That Wouldn't Die
by James I. Naff, pastor
THE rural church today has little to
celebrate. Any trip into the countryside
discloses numerous dead, closed, and decay-
ing country churches. They are not hard
to find.
But March 25, 1979, the Southeast
District celebrated with one that is alive,
well, and growing. Partaking of the back-
bone of the mountains under whose shadow
it nestles, the congregation of Brethren in
St. Luke Community, Virginia, refused to
die.
The celebration packed 200 district
people into an auditorium designed to seat
only 100. They heard former pastors Fels
Lam, Doc Shank, and Kent Bennett speak
of the spirit that produced a church that
would not die. Musical groups from
Maurertown, St. James, and St. Luke
thrilled their souls.
And there was cause to celebrate! In
March of 1976, the Southeast District
Mission Board promised financial aid so
that a tentmaker pastor could shepherd
this flock. When the mission board discon-
tinued all aid exactly three years later, the
congregation had grown considerably:
30% increase in worship attendance
(see graph) ;
20% increase in Sunday school
attendance (see graph) ;
90% increase in conversions (9 in
1977, 11 in 1978) ;
25% increase in membership (from
64 to 81) ;
150% increase in income.
Plus $16,000 in capital improvements, in-
cluding purchase of one acre for expansion,
and an increase from two services per
month to services every Sunday.
Why did this rural congregation grow
instead of die?
Like Nehemiah's volunteers, 'The people
had a mind to work." This mind to work
is expressed in:
VISION : we can grow if we want to.
DRIVE: we've never failed at
anything we've tried.
UNITY: people-pastor team effort.
FAITH: let's trust God and get busy.
WORK: all shoulders to the wheel.
So where from here? It's so easy to rest
on past glories. But no! To stand still is
to slide back. There are people to win.
There is work to be done. Future plans are
on the board — regular, planned visitation
outreach, facilities expansion, the pastor
fully supported by the congregation.
Let's try. We've never failed to finish
anything we've started. We can do it if we
trust the Lord. WE'LL DO IT! Praise the
Lord!
Attendance Graph
16 ■
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10
The Brethren Evangelist
r
I I
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
If someone were to rate your church's worship
service, would it be approved?
Approved Unto Plageni
THIS church approved by George R.
Plagenz."
That's what you may read in the future
as you pass a church in the Cleveland, Ohio,
area. The religion editor of the Cleveland
Press, Mr. George R. Plagenz, visits church-
es on Sunday and writes a review of the
service for Monday afternoon's paper.
Since last February this ambitious
columnist, a Harvard Divinity School grad-
uate, has been dropping in unannounced at
churches and synagogues around the
Cleveland area.
Plagenz rates a church in four categories :
worship service, music, sermon, and friend-
liness of the congregation. Up to three stars
are given in each category. This means a
church, if it's deserving, could obtain twelve
stars — for excellence. So far, only two
churches have received this twelve-star
rating.
Needless to say, Mr. George R. Plagenz
is not popular with the churches he has
visited — except the two receiving high
ratings, of course.
Plagenz has been called everything from
a spiritual detective to an atheist to a
downright carnal troublemaker. One pastor
wrote a letter to the editor criticizing
Plagenz (who had given his church a poor
rating) and said: *'He sneaks into our midst
unannounced, pulls out his double-barreled
typewriter and lets us have it."
Plagenz hasn't been easy on sermons.
Many of them are rated poor. Plagenz
claims that pastors make statements which
are not backed up and that their thoughts
ramble. Many sermons show a lack of
preparation and poor flow of thought.
He also attacks the organists, at least
some of them. No one is immune from this
man's typewriter. Plagenz claimed that one
man played the organ as if it were his own
private recital. The congregation couldn't
begin to sing with him, nor did the organist
seem to care. Of course, Plagenz was
messing around with the war department
of the church when he began to criticize
the music!
What really gets the wrath of Cleveland
worshipers is when he gives them a rating
of poor in friendliness. In one column he
said, ''I felt I had walked in uninvited to a
private club."
Maybe Plagenz is playing God. But he
does have a point. And he's certainly made
"Plagenz hasn't been easy on ser-
mons. . . . (He) claims that pastors
make statements which are not
backed up and that their thoughts
ramble."
his point in Cleveland. He says, '1 want to
find out why people don't go to church."
One thing for certain, pastors in the
Cleveland area are taking longer in sermon
preparation — making sure of their argu-
ments. And congregations are bending over
backwards to be friendly. After all, Mr.
Plagenz might be there — incognito — taking
notes.
The interesting thing is that the Lord
might be rating these churches all the time.
Thank goodness, he doesn't publish His
ratings! At least not yet.
Do you suppose Plagenz is a prophet?
Sorry, I merely asked. □
June 1979
11
ministerial student aid
THE DOLLAR SQUEEZE
THE 1978-79 school year has seen an
increase in both the number of Brethren
pre-seminary and seminary students and
in the scholarship funds paid to them by
the Ministerial Student Aid Fund. There-
fore, we exceeeded the 1977-78 year in our
giving to those who are in training for the
Brethren ministry.
During the past year fifteen different
pre-seminary students received grants
totaling $7,500.00. Seventeen seminary
students received a total of $8,260.00 in
grants. Thirteen of the pre-seminary stu-
dents are attending Ashland College and
two are attending other colleges.
In the calendar year 1978 we received
$9,596.95 from our Brethren congregations.
This is a decrease in giving from 1977! It
is becoming increasingly difficult for us to
help these students to any significant
degree because of the rising costs of edu-
cation and the lack of increase in our
funds.
We praise God for the two special gifts
which we received in 1978. They totaled
$12,678.98! We found it necessary to use
$2,778.98 for scholarships, and we have
put the remaining ten thousand dollars in
a money market certificate. We are hoping
that we can use the interest from this
investment to provide more aid. However,
if our offerings do not increase, we may
find it necessary to use this ten thousand
dollars.
I hope you are getting the message — the
number of students committing their lives
to the Brethren ministry is increasing; the
amount of giving for their educational
training is not increasing! We are aware
that some congregations are giving special
gifts of money to support those from their
own churches who are studying for the
Brethren ministry. However, we pray that
our congregations will also see God's will
leading them to increase their giving in
1979 to the Ministerial Student Aid Fund.
by Bradley Weidenhamer
Our young people whom God has called into
full-time Christian service in the Brethren
Church need our financial assistance!
Please make your contributions payable
to Ministerial Student Aid Fund and send
them to Rev. Brad Weidenhamer, 631
Buena Vista, Ashland, Ohio 44805. □
Student Aid
MINISTERIAL STUDENT AID is vital
to the training of Brethren pre-
seminary students. On an annual basis,
college tuition costs more than three times
as much as a year at seminary. Thus, it is
important that we do all we can to help
our potential church leaders at this crucial
stage of their educational life. Ministerial
Student Aid can ease the financial strain
and make it possible for students to move
directly into seminary instead of seeking
full-time employment before going on.
The Brethren Church is reaching out into
new areas — both in home and foreign fields.
We know the age-old story: the fields are
still ripe. Our goal must be to enable as
many workers as possible to get into the
harvesting act ... as quickly as possible.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
Inflation and Student Aid
INFLATION is not only a news item. It is
a practical reality in everyone's life.
Essential living costs, including rent, food,
clothing, and transportation, are primary
concerns of the student. Five years ago
inflation could be modified by select living
and purchasing. Today, however, inflation
is across the board.
The first question perspective students
at Ashland Theological Seminary ask is
''Where do I live?" They assume we are
teaching the best biblical courses and that
we will prepare their lives for the most
effective ministry. Their immediate concern
is where and how do they live while getting
this education.
The students' costs for renting an apart-
ment, for tuition, and for food and trans-
portation all are affected by inflation. There
is no escape.
The student's dilemma in an era of infla-
tion is that because he is a part-time
worker, he is always at a very minimum
wage. Full-time and skilled workers can
compensate somewhat for inflation. How-
ever, part-time student work is always at
the bottom of the ladder. The result is that
inflation has a decidedly negative impact
on students.
by Joseph R. Shultz
Ministerial Student Aid is the answer for
students preparing for the gospel ministry.
Ministerial Student Aid helps the student
''balance the budget."
Ministerial Student Aid is a means by
which the church can show its definite
interest and concern for future church
leaders. Students seeking to find their way
in life need this support — not only finan-
cially, but also for the love and concern
which it represents.
Gifts and offerings for Ministerial Stu-
dent Aid must reflect the reality of
inflation. Thank you for your loving
support in the past. □
at the College Level
The following Ashland College students
have received Ministerial Student Aid.
Your giving has provided $7,500.00 toward
their combined need of approximately
$75,000.00 this year.
Jon Barber, Senior, Herndon, Va.
James F. Black, Senior, Ashland, Ohio
John Black, Sophomore,
Milledgeville, 111.
Charles T. Bowers, Jr., Freshman,
Fairplay, Md.
Jerry L. Fike, Senior, Ashland, Ohio
Douglas Heestand, Junior,
Alliance, Ohio
David C. Kerner, Junior,
Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Danny L. Lawson, Junior,
Wabash, Ind.
Jeffrey M. Lentz, Senior,
Nappanee, Ind.
Steven R. McPherson, Sophomore,
Bellefontaine, Ohio
Scot D. Millhouse, Sophomore,
Sterling, 111.
Timothy J. Rowsey, Sophomore,
St. James, Md.
William R. Shafer, Junior,
Waterloo, Iowa.
Two other young men, Darrell Crissman,
a freshman at Geneva College, and Fred
Miller, a junior at Penn State University,
also received assistance.
The committee hopes it will be possible
to continue this important grant-in-aid
program. □
June 1979
13
A Strategy
For Reaching Unbelievers
Arden Gilmer interviews Dr. Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr.
The annual Brethren Pastors' Conference
ivas held at the Park Street Brethren
Church in Ashland, Ohio, May 1-3, 1979.
The program for the conference was a
TOUCH seminar. The ten sessions of this
seminar were led by Dr. Ralph W. Neigh-
bour, Jr., and Mr. Charles Aranyas.
Brethren pastors attended from as far
aivay as California, Arizona, and Florida,
in addition to those from the less distant
areas of the Brethren Church. Fifty-four
pastors and nine seminary students were
registered for the conference, tvith other
ministers visiting a few of the sessions.
Dr . Neighbour is pastor of the West
Memorial Baptist Church of Houston,
Texas, and the founder and developer of
TOUCH ministries. Mr. Aranyas is director
of Unlimited Strategy Evangelism and
director of TOUCH Productions.
TOUCH stands for Transforming Others
Under Christ's Hand and is a proven way
of reaching the unreached. Basic to the
TOUCH philosophy is the conviction that
ALL Christians are ministers and that the
church MUST equip the ministers to "min-
ister as they go!"
While Dr. Neighbour was in Ashland, he
was interviewed by Rev. Arden Gilmer,
Director of Home Missions for the Brethren
Church. That interview, which follows,
deals with some of the basic points Dr.
Neighbour and Mr. Aranyas presented to
the pastors during the conference.
Arden Gilmer: Ralph, I'd like to begin
by expressing to
you my personal
appreciation for
your ministry
among us Breth-
ren and in my
personal life in
the last couple
of days.
Would you
share with us
what your cur-
rent area of min-
istry is and some
of the major Rev. Arden Gilmer
things in your spiritual pilgrimage that
have brought you to where you are now?
Ralph Neighbour: At the present time
I am serving as the pastor of a "parable
church" in Houston, Texas. By ''parable
church" I mean one that is deliberately
experimenting with new concepts because
most traditional churches are unable to do
this. Our desire is to try to seek those ways
that God's Holy Spirit will penetrate the
exploding, urbanizing world in the next
twenty years.
AG: As you began this church ten
years ago, what were some of the basic
concepts you had in mind and sought to
implement in its ministry?
RN: I came from many years of de-
nominational positions with a deep frustra-
tion because I recognized that pastors and
congregations were communicating only to
those who were already sympathetic toward
the gospel. Yet 49 percent of the American
public, according to a Gallup Poll, do not
attend any church or synagogue, and we
ignore them be-
cause we don't
have a strategy
to reach them.
I did not know
what that strat-
egy was, but I
knew there had
to be one. The
only way to do it
was to become
a pastor and to
find out for my-
self how I could
Dr. Ralph Neighbour lead people into
becoming ministers of the gospel and pene-
14
The Brethren Evangelist
a
There are too many churches that pay their preacher
to be holy on their behalf, and the members of the
church never envision themselves as ministers of the
gospel of Jesus Christ."
trate the pagan world. So our target area
has been the unbehever who will not be
caught dead in his own coffin in a church
building.
AG: What are some of the mmistries
you have found effective in reaching that
group of people?
RN: Well, first of all, the effective
ministries did not happen inside the church
building. For many years we had no church
building. When we finally built one, because
of our experience with outsiders we erected
a building that does not look inside or out-
side like a church. It's neutral ground
where people can come.
Secondly, we discovered that everybody
has a hole in his heart and that you can
drive the gospel in a large moving van
through that hole into a lost man's heart.
So we began to determine the needs, in-
terests, and concerns of lost people, and
around these we developed what we call
TOUCH ministries — ministries that touch
the unbeliever with the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
AG : You spoke of every unbeliever hav-
ing a hole in his heart. Just exactly what
do you mean by that and how can we
Christians go about discerning what that
hole is?
RN: There are five different kinds of
heart holes; social, intellectual, spiritual,
physical, and emotional. Sometimes there
will be an overlapping between them. Many
people who feel socially inadequate will
respond to a course like personality develop-
ment. Those with a spiritual need in their
life will respond to a Bible study. Those
with an emotional need may respond to
something like a care group for divorcees.
Those with an intellectual need will respond
to something like my atheists' club, in
which we study C. S. Lewis's Mere Chris-
tianity. Those with physical needs will
respond to recreation, like basketball or
touch football or a running- jogging group
or anything of this sort.
AG: Say we have an established con-
gregation that is beginning to sense that it
needs to be reaching this outsider group.
How might it begin that process? Where
would it begin?
RN: The first step would be for the
people to ask their pastor to become a
coach rather than a hired holy man. There
are too many churches that pay their
preacher to be holy on their behalf, and the
members of the church never envision them-
selves as ministers of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. If the congregation would request
the pastor to become an equipper and the
members see themselves as the ministers,
that would be the first step.
The second step would be for the pillars
of the church, who for years have spent
all of their time keeping the church alive,
to deliberately get out of the church island
for a little bit and observe the unbelieving
world around them and get their hearts
broken over the needs of the world they're
ignoring. Then, after that, the steps will
begin to come automatically. It's getting
going that is the hard part.
AG: To broaden our scope a little, you
have done some study of the trends in
America today. What trends do you see
and how do they affect the future ministry
of the church?
RN: Four trends: The first one is the
population explosion. In the entire history
of man, from Adam until now, we have
finally accumulated about 4 billion people
on the face of the earth. In only 25 years,
by the turn of the century, that number
will have exploded to 7.2 billion. So the
population explosion is the first thing.
The second thing is the population
implosion. People are moving to cities; the
world is becoming urban. Those congrega-
tions that continue to think with a rural
mentality will be in serious trouble in the
next 20 years.
The third thing is pluralization. Our
country now has so many differing offer-
JUNE 1979
15
. . . if every member of every congregation would spend
two to four hours a week with three to five unbeHevers,
the rate of baptisms would be immediately, shockingly
increased/'
ings, whether it be breakfast cereals or
religions, that the more choices you have
to make the less value every individual
thing has to your choosing.
The fourth thing is privatization. The
church is trapped inside the world of the
private individual. A man does not receive
as much satisfaction from his work as he
feels he should, so he has his private world
and he does not mix his public world in his
private world. The church in America has
been captured in the private sector.
The crucial danger is the privatizing of
religion in general by what is called the
electric church. Martin Marty has indicated
that there are over 20 million ''born again"
Christians in America today who have
absolutely nothing to do with any congre-
gation. They get all their religion on the
television set. As a result, Marty sees a
sterile generation of Christians that is in-
capable of reproducing another generation
of Christians coming out of these private
people. It's one thing to have a deeply per-
sonal religion, but to have a privatized
religion is to be sterile and unable to bear
children.
I think the greatest danger is among the
most pietistic groups that have the most
solid belief in the Word of God and whose
doctrines have been least affected by lib-
eralism. In an attempt to remain pure, they
have withdrawn from the reality of the
needs of people. As a result, they could
easily dry up and blow away. If John were
alive today, I think he would write to them
and say, "You have left your first love.
Return!"
AG: Let's just say that I am a lay mem-
ber in my church. I've heard my pastor
say that I should be a witness and I think
I ought to be doing it, but I don't know how.
Where should I begin?
RN: You cannot do this until you have
a model to observe. It is not a matter of
being trained with knowledge ; it is a matter
of observing. Sharing your faith is much
like learning to ride a bicycle. You don't
learn it from a book. You learn it by doing.
The easiest way to learn it is to see some-
body else do it.
I would go to my pastor and ask him to
take me with him as he deals with the lost
— to be my partner as I attempt to pene-
trate a group. I would then — and this is
most important — set aside from two to four
hours in my week, every single week with-
out fail, that I will spend with non-
Christians in fellowship, ministry, witness,
and cultivation with them. And I will limit
my ''case load" at any point in time to no
more than five. I can't win the whole world
at once, but if every member of every
congregation would spend two to four
hours a week with three to five unbelievers,
the rate of baptisms would be immediately,
shockingly increased.
AG: If I have come from a Christian
home, have been raised by Christian par-
ents, and have had little relationship with
outsiders throughout my life, developing
relationships with unbelievers would be a
very threatening thing for me. How might
I go about it?
RN: We have a TOUCH basic training
course that is designed to help a person
move out of this religious culture into the
community of unbelievers. But it doesn't
happen quickly. It takes an hour and a half
a week for 11 weeks in training sessions,
plus daily study at home. Individual weekly
"If you are going to be strong in
the next generation, there nnust be
a wave of young nnen conning into
the pulpit."
assignments are also given of things to
observe or questions to ask of unbelievers.
What we try to do is transplant the person
who is imprisoned within the walls of the
church into a communicating Christian in
the unbelieving world. It takes time to do
this. If it is attempted too quickly, people
become terrified by the experience.
AG: Is it possible that churches have
so many what you call "come structures**
that they're keeping people so busy coming
to the church that they have little time left
to go and develop these kind of relation-
ships. That does take time, doesn't it?
RN : Precisely ! The pillars of the church
who ought to be most effective in reaching
16
The Brethren Evangelist
the lost are spending 3 to 5 nights a week
inside the building. It's obvious that some-
thing inside that building has to be slacked
off if those same solid, committed Chris-
tians are going to have time to spend with
unbelievers. Churches are going to have to
get honest in this exploding earth and
decide what is really good and cut out some
things inside the church building so people
are free to spend time with unbelievers.
AG: Through our pastors' conference
this week, you have had some brief ex-
posure to the Brethren, I am interested in
some of your impressions that you have
right now of being with the Brethren for
awhile.
"So if you want to grow as a
denomination, the greatest impact
must be placed upon church
planting."
RN: I frankly feel quite close to the
Brethren movement, because in your de-
nominational group you have a direct
access to a pastor and his people without
a great deal of machinery on top of them.
I commend you for your constant intention
not to be involved with great hierarchical
systems, and I think this will keep you a
liquid movement able to flow quickly in a
certain direction.
But I also see you bound by traditions
which lock you out of the emerging world.
I think that the danger for you is not
theological, but the fear of giving up
tradition. I think any tradition that is
precious and healthy, like the one you have
of sharing your lives together in the com-
mon meal, is something which must be
always preserved. But I think the fear of
losing your identity sometimes keeps you
from having a viable identity in the chang-
ing world.
AG: What would you say are some of
the priorities for the Brethren Church in
the next five or ten years?
RN: If you are going to be strong in
the next generation, there must be a wave
of young men coming into the pulpit. This
means that in order for this to happen, you
must also create new ministries, new church
fields so that there can be a place for a
widening clergy to begin to serve.
AG: How important do you believe it is
for a denomination our size to be actively
and intentionally involved in planting new
churches?
RN: I think it's the life blood. Many
church growth studies have indicated that
the younger a church is the faster it grows.
The older the church is the more slowly it
grows. I recall one survey taken of a church
which started seven churches in seven
years. The total growth of those seven
churches was a line that went almost
straight up on the chart. If that church
would have occupied itself only in growing
internally, the growth line, instead of going
straight up, would have been a slow slope
up the scale. So if you want to grow as a
denomination, the greatest impact must be
placed upon church planting.
AG: How do you feel about the church
in America? Are you optimistic or
pessimistic?
RN: I believe the church is the incarna-
tion of Jesus Christ, and I am always
excited about it. I believe that it belongs
to our blessed Lord, and He will not let it
fail. I see many signs that the church is
adjusting itself to the new culture of
secularism that surrounds it, and I am just
thrilled and excited to be alive in this day.
I can hardly keep from resenting the time
it takes me to sleep at night because things
are happening so fast. I have every exciting
feeling about what will happen to the
church in the next 20 years.
AG: Ralph, many of us in the Brethren
Church feel that way as well, and we believe
that Jesus* promise when He said, "I will
build my church," is a promise for all time.
RN: Amen and Amen.
AG: Thank you. Dr. Neighbour, for
sharing with us.
Dr. Neighbour is author of seven hooks:
Witness Take the Stand; The TOUCH of the
Spirit; The Seven Last Words of the Church;
This Gift Is Mine; Journey Into Discipleship;
Target-Group Evangelism; and A Survival Kit
FOR New Christians.
June 1979
17
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
I have stood on the top of a steep mountain
looking at the beautiful panorama before me.
The quiet atmosphere seems to radiate the
presence of the God of all creation.
The silence is suddenly shattered by the
movement of a small animal. As the animal
moves, a small stone is dislodged and begins
to tumble down the side of the mountain. Soon
the small stone becomes two, then four, and
the one small stone soon becomes an uncon-
trollable mass of rocks moving down the side
of the mountain. This, too, reminds me of the
presence of God in a most powerful way, for I
see here the principle of Christian growth.
We come face to face with God in a moun-
tain-top experience we call conversion, and as
we stand on this mountain, we gaze around
us in awe and amazement, for we are indeed in
the presence of God. It is an exhilarating
experience. Then we begin to realize that we
are not alone and that we cannot stay on the
mountain top forever. On the side of the moun-
tain are multitudes hidden in the shrubs and
crevices who have not had their mountain-top
experience.
From behind, we feel a gentle push — ^God is
moving us from our safe vantage point — and
we begin our journey down the side of the
mountain. On our way we make contact with
persons, first one, then two, and the force
multiplies. When we come to a stop, sometimes
battered and worn, we resdize that God has
protected us. We gather in our arms all we
have carried down the mountain and laboriously
carry them to the top, where they can also
enjoy the view. Then we wait patiently for the
gentle push that will send us and our multitude
down the side of the mountain to gain an even
greater harvest.
We tend to complicate God's plan for finding
the lost when, in reality, God's plan seems to
work best in a very uncomplicated way. We
allow God to have complete control over our
lives, and we find that every day God causes
us to make contact with multitudes of people.
We approach them in love, tell them about the
beautiful view from the mountain of God, and
carefully lead them up the mountain until they
can personally see Him. Then we make them
aware of the waiting multitudes and wait for
God's command to go again, and they will go
with us.
II Timothy 2:2
S. So contest gets results
at Oak Hill
Oak Hill, W. Va. — An increase in attendance of 30
this Easter over Easter a year ago was one result
of a Sunday school contest held at the First
Brethren Church of Oak HiU, W. Va. Lots of new
faces in the church was another.
The contest was called "Stepping Up to Easter"
and ran from March 11 through Easter Sunday.
Sunday school members were divided into two
teams — "Leapers," captained by S.S. Superin-
tendent Roger Boggs, and "Walkers," headed by
Fred Myers.
These team names, though a bit unusual, are
biblical, being based on the lame man in Acts
chapter 3, who, when healed by Peter and John,
went walking and leaping (and praising God) into
the Temple. The theme song for the contest,
appropriately enough, was "Silver and Gold Have
I None."
Points were given to each team for attendance,
bringing Bibles, and bringing visitors. In addition
to a winning team, there were also individual
winners. The five Sunday school members on each
team who accumulated the most points were given
prizes.
A visitation program was also conducted in
conjunction with the contest. This program is still
in progress.
The "Leapers" won the contest and were treated
to a carry-in dinner by the "Walkers." But with an
increase in attendance of 30, the big winner was
the Oak Hill Sunday school. And the members
there, like the lame man in Acts 3, are praising
the Lord.
— ^from information provided by
Mrs. Ollie Foy, Oak Hill, W. Va.
Former Brefhren missionary sfabbed
Brooklyn, N.Y. — Former Brethren missionary
Robert O. Byler was stabbed in the arm by a drug
addict on or around April 1.
The incident occurred in the entrance to a
Brooklyn police station where Byler had gone
with a young man of his congregation to report
an automobile accident. The assailant, known to
have little love for the police, apparently mistook
Byler for a police officer.
Byler was taken to an area hospital in serious
condition but is now fully recovered.
Rev. Byler and his wife Jane served as Brethren
missionaries in Argentina from 1948 to 1966. He
is now pastor of the Dean Street Baptist Church
in Brooklyn.
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Southwest Confer
contributes
update
ars Gilmer, Diclcson;
Northwest Chapel
The Southwest District Conference was held
April 20-22, 1979, at the Papago Park Brethren
Church, Tempe, Arizona.
The conference theme was "If My People Will,"
based on II Chronicles 7:14: "Then if my people
will humble themselves and pray, and seek me,
and turn from their wicked ways, I wiU hear them
from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their
land."
Rev. Arden Gilmer, Director of Home Missions,
brought messages on Friday evening and Saturday
morning. He stressed that God calls us His people
and that to pray and seek His face are our
privileges.
Rev. Duane Dickson, national Conference
Moderator, brought messages on Saturday eve-
ning and Sunday morning. He reminded us that
there is wickedness in the world and sin in the
lives of Christians because of the lack of genuine
love for man inside and outside the church. We
must each one have a total and complete commit-
ment to Jesus Christ and share Him with the
community around us. Our churches will be
changed when we listen, God answers, and we act.
II Timothy 2:2 is our challenge.
Geographically, we of the Southwest District
feel quite removed from operations at national
headquarters. It was good to be updated on
denominational happenings by representatives
Rev. Dickson, Rev. Gilmer, and Rev. Smith Rose.
We share in prayer and praise to God for work
being done by our fellow Brethren.
During business sessions, revisions in district
by-laws and appointments to committees and
boards were made. An election of officers for the
coming year was also conducted. Officers for the
new year are: moderator — Robert Rhoades, vice
moderator — Clarence Stogsdill, secretary — Betty
Price, assistant secretary — Fran Curtis, treasurer
— 'Jim Fisher, assistant treasurer — Jim Holsinger,
statistician — Doris Stogsdill, and assistant stat-
istician— Ruth Hill.
It was good to have the youth take an active
part in this conference. Special music was present-
ed on Friday evening by three young ladies from
Papago Park — Shelia Leedy, Michiko Kinsley, and
Sandra MacDonald. They gave their testimonies by
singing, with guitar accompaniment, their own
arrangements. God is working in young lives.
On Saturday evening we enjoyed music by the
Bell Choirs from First Brethren Church, Tucson.
The junior choir was directed by Mrs. Mary
Roberts and the senior choir was directed by Mrs.
Carmen Swingle. These young people have been
performing in the Tucson area, and we felt it a
great blessing to have them on our program.
During the conference two presentations were
made to Rev. William Curtis toward the construc-
tion of the new Northwest Brethren Chapel. The
Tucson First Brethren Church presented $2,000
and the Papago Park congregation presented
$1,035.
We are looking forward to a great year in ser-
vice to our Lord. It will be a pleasure to be able to
hold our conference next year in a new church in
the Southwest District — the Northwest Brethren
Church of Tucson. Rev. Curtis and the congrega-
tion expect to move into the new building in mid
summer.
— Betty Price, Secretary
Southwest District Conference
Membership Growth
Vinco: 5 by baptism
Roann: 4 by baptism
Wabash: 5 by baptism
Canton Trinity: 6 by baptism, 2 by transfer
Valley: 3 by baptism, 1 by transfer
3 by reaffirmation of faith
Derby: 9 by baptism, 6 by transfer
Meadow Crest: 4 by transfer
Ardmore: 2 by transfer
Oak Hill: 7 by baptism
Oakville: 8 by baptism
County Line: 7 by baptism, 3 by transfer
Left to right, Tanya Clowdis, Angela Covington,
Kristine House, Angela Smith, Sheri Covington,
Heidi House, and (not shown) Jay Clowdis and Robin
Clowdis were baptized at the Oakville, Ind., Brethren
Church on March 11.
The Jonestown, Guyana, tragedy was the most
widely-known event of 1978, according to a Gallup
poll. The poll showed that 98 percent of Americans
were aware of the event.
■ — EP News Service
June 1979
19
update
Missionary Board announces
new staff members
Stanley Gentle: Office Manager
The Missionary Board of the Brethren Church
is pleased to announce the appointment of Stanley
E. Gentle as the Board's Office Manager. He
assumes his duties June 18th, coming to Ashland
after serving for three years as Assistant Admin-
istrator of the Brethren's Home, Flora, Indiana.
Mr. Gentle graduated from Ashland College in
1970, then attended the University of Arizona at
Tucson for three years. Following this, he served
three years in Santa Cruz, California, as a com-
puter operator before beginning Christian service
at the Brethren's Home.
Stanley is married to the former Judy Johnson,
who also attended Ashland College. They have two
sons: Stephen age 8, and Paul age 5. Stanley is
the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Spencer Gentle,
pastor of the First Brethren Church, Goshen, Ind.
The Gentles have been active in the Brethren
Church for most of their lives. They were youth
advisors at Tucson's First Brethren Church and
have shared leadership in the First Brethren
Church of Flora. Mr. Gentle joins the staff of the
Missionary Board as he continues his lay ministry
in Christian service.
Jan Dahring: Secretary-Receptionist
The national Missionary Board is happy to
present Mrs. Richard (Jan) Dahring to members
and friends of the Brethren Church. Mrs. Dahring
became secretary and receptionist for the Mission-
ary Board on March 19th, assuming some of
the responsibilities of Mrs. Delbert (Marion)
Mellinger, who retired February 28th after more
than fifteen years of service.
Mrs. Richard
Dahring became
secretary and
receptionist for
the Missionary
Board on
March 19th.
The Dahrings served as missionaries to Sierra
Leone, West Africa, for three years under the
Board of Missions of the United Brethren Church,
Huntington, Indiana. Richard is now nearing com-
pletion of his training at Ashland Theological
Seminary, where he will be earning his Masters
of Arts in Missions degree. They have three chil-
dren: Andrew 10, Erika 7, and Corrie Elizabeth 5.
Jan brings to her work a first-hand knowledge
of foreign missionary service, together with an
earnest commitment to the Lord and a desire to
be of service through the offices of the Missionary
Board.
Stanley E. Gentle will become Office Manager
for the Missionary Board on June 18th.
Say it with flowers at General Conference
Do you remember the beautiful flowers on the
platform at General Conference last year? The
presence of a few plants did much to lift the
spirits of Conference delegates.
Flowering plants are also being planned for
this year's Conference platform. The Executive
Committee of General Conference is inviting
Brethren people to send a memorial donation for
these plants.
The need is for five potted plants, which will
cost $25.(X) each. If you are interested in making
a donation in memory of a friend or loved one,
you may send it to the General Conference Plant
Fund, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Gretna church sets attendance record;
begins addition to sanctuary
Bellefontaine, Ohio — ^^The Gretna Brethren Church
has set a goal of "29 in 79" — that is, of increasing
its average attendance in 1979 by 29 over the
1978 average.
Eariy indications are that this goal will be met!
On Easter Sunday a record 168 people attended
the worship service (in a sanctuary which nor-
mally seats only 120!). This was approximately 25
more than the previous record attendance.
Two approaches are being used to achieve this
goal of "29 in 79." One approach is to win new
people to Christ and to bring them into the fellow-
ship of the church. This has resulted in 12 first-
time decisions and four transfers of membership
in the past couple of months. In addition five new
families recently began attending the church and
have indicated an interest in becoming a part of
the fellowship.
The second approach to meeting the goal is an
attempt to reactivate inactive families. This has
resulted in at least two families again becoming
active, and others showing signs of doing the
same.
In order to accommodate the growth that is
taking place, the Gretna Brethren congregation
voted on April 2nd to build an addition to the
front of the church sanctuary. To provide suffi-
cient parking space, the congregation also decided
to nearly double the size of the parking lot.
The new addition wiU be lO-by-30 feet and will
include a new platform area, a new pastor's
office, and a small Sunday school room. At the
same time as this addition is being built, the entire
church building is being insulated and covered
with aluminum siding.
Perhaps the best part of the building project,
which began May 1, is that the cost estimate
given by the contractor was about half what the
congregation expected.
Watch future issues of the Evangelist for an
update on the Gretna building project and for a
report on the goal of "29 in 79."
Louisville First observes unique service
Louisville, Ohio — Palm Sunday at the Louisville
Brethren Church was the occasion of a unique and
truly wonderful Christian experience for all those
who attended the evening service. We, as Brethren,
have all participated in the three-fold communion
service, trine immersion baptism, and laying on
of hands. But to witness and participate in all
three on the same evening is a most unusual and
uplifting experience of God's love.
The evening service began with Darlene
McFarland, Peg McFarland, and Vickie Reynolds
giving witness to their first-time commitment by
submitting to God's will in baptism. Doug Shook
followed in baptism as he transferred his mem-
bership from another church.
Following the baptisms. Dr. Richard Allison
and Deacon Bill Williams laid hands on those
who had been baptized and extended the right
hand of fellowship to each. It was fitting and
moving that this laying on of hands took place
in the same room as the Love Feast (which
followed), thus recalling that the Holy Spirit
visited the Apostles in the Upper Room.
This was also a special occasion for Dr. Allison,
who shared that he had conducted his first
baptismal service at First Brethren in Louisville.
The blessings of the evening were not only
experienced by the members of First Brethren,
but were shared with friends from other churches
in the community. These visitors expressed the
feeling of warmth and love with which the Holy
Spirit filled all who were present.
We at First Brethren continue to see the will
of God working in our lives as we hear of
answered prayer, experience spiritual growth, and
watch our youth make their commitment to
Christ. Much credit must be given to our youth
leaders who, despite obstacles, have performed
out of love.
It is a joy to anticipate and experience the love
of God in our worship services and our Sunday
school. We are thankful that God has given us
many answers to prayer.
It is with grateful appreciation that we acknowl-
edge the dignified and loving manner in which
Rev. Virgil Meyer and Dr. Richard Allison have
ministered to us and led us through these past
months. God in His eternal wisdom saw fit to
bring these men to Louisville's First Brethren
Church at a time when He knew we needed them
most.
We are also looking forward to the ministry of
Rev. John Brownsberger, who will begin serving
our congregation in July. We are grateful that
God's Holy Spirit is leading us all to be coopera-
tive and loving.
— David L. Scheurer, Moderator
Louisville First Brethren Church
June 1979
21
update
Charles
Director
to become
f Chrisfian Educafion
The Board of Chris-
tian Education is very
happy to announce
that, at its May 5th
meeting, Mr. Charles
Beekley was hired to
fill the position of
Director of Christian
Education.
An Ashland, Ohio,
resident, Mr. Beekley
has been highly in-
volved in BCE work
on the local and dis-
trict levels. He has
served for two years
on the General Con-
ference executive corn-
Mr. Charles Beekley mittee and is present-
ly a student at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Mr. Beekley will be observing the BCE work this
Garber Company celebrates
1
Ashland, Ohio— This year The Garber Company
of Ashland — a commercial, folding carton, and
specialty packaging printing company — is cele-
brating its 100th anniversary.
What makes this of interest to Brethren people
is that this company was founded by Aaron Leedy
Garber, a minister in the Brethren Church. This
Brethren elder was also editor of the Brethren
Evangelist from 1886 to 1889 and a part owner
of the magazine from 1884 to 1889.
The Garber Company is important to the
Brethren Church for another reason: several of
the men who have worked in the Brethren
Publishing Company print shop got their start
in printing at Garber. This includes two men
currently employed by the Publishing Company —
Dale Gardner, who runs the presses, and Bill
Edmondson, who makes up the forms for the
presses.
A. L. Garber made his entry into printing in
Bellville, Ohio, when he bought a small press to
print religious tracts and pamphlets. When
Ashland College was founded in 1878, Garber de-
cided to move his press to Ashland.
In 1879 he began printing school and church
publications and then started the weekly news-
paper, the Ashland Sun. This was the beginning
of the A. L. Garber Company. From those humble
beginnings has grown a company which last year
had over $19 million in sales.
Garber began his business with a hand fed
22
summer and will help with the Crusader Program
and Youth Convention. He will assume full duties
as director on September 1.
Summer Crysaders and Interns
begin service
JUNE! This is the month that all the planning
and anticipation turns into reality for the BCE
and the Summer Crusaders and Interns. Two
interns start service as early as June 3. Crusader
teams come to Ashland June 10-16 for orientation
and begin their service on the 17th. Twenty-five
excited young people will find themselves very
busy, very soon.
In addition to the four teams listed in the April
Evangelist (page 21), the BCE is proud to
announce the assignment of the following team
and Interns:
1979 Caaup Crusaders
Nancy Wilson — Masontown, Pa.
Darrell Crissman — Brush Valley, Pa.
Intern to St. Petersburg, Fla.
Mary Ellen Bates — Waynesboro, Pa.
Intern to Pittsburgh, Pa.
Evan Bridenstine — Smithville, Ohio
"Summer Crusader Update" is a newsletter sent
during the summer to anyone who has contributed
financially or volunteered to be a Prayer Warrior
for 1979. The first issue is already printed and
mailed. If you have not received the "Update" and
would like to, just send your name and address
to the BCE, 524 CoUege Avenue, Ashland, Ohio
44805.
press capable of printing a sheet six inches by
eight inches. Among its many presses. The
Garber Company now has one which will print
up to six colors on a sheet 77 inches wide. The
company also has a one-of-its-kind, computer-
controlled "superpress" which can print, diecut,
coat, and stack paperboard cartons all in one con-
tinuous operation.
Nearly everyone has seen printing done by The
Garber Company. The company prints the packag-
ing for Puffs tissues, Pepperidge Farm products.
Cling Free sheets, Quaker 100% Natural Cereal,
GE light bulbs, and many other products.
A. L. Garber died in 1942, but the company he
founded lives on. It is now owned by five Ashland
residents.
As part of its 100th anniversary celebration.
The Garber Company held open house on May 20.
Area people were treated to a tour of the plant,
gifts, and refreshments.
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Campus Ministry Year-End Report
A Time For Reform
Year-end reports are almost always dull
recitations designed to play up minor successes
and conceal shortcomings. After all, who likes to
face the music? Nevertheless, I will try in the
next few paragraphs to bring you up to date on
the Brethren sponsored ministry to Ashland
College students. In order to do that, it is neces-
sary to provide a bit of background.
It is no secret to the Brethren Church that
Ashland College has experienced serious difficulty
in its campus life over the past several years.
Many of us have been saddened to see unwar-
ranted damage to residence halls and other
campus facilities. We have expressed reservations
(and objections) to some student life policies
introduced since the late sixties. These were years
of nationwide student unrest, and Ashland College,
like other institutions of higher education, was
deeply affected. Radical changes were made for a
variety of reasons. Some changes were healthy.
Others were not.
In this, my first year on campus, I have worked
with faculty, staff, administrators, and students
to address problems resulting from undesirable
change. There is a general consensus that current
student life policies threaten our traditional
academic standards, contribute to unsatisfactory
social conditions in some of the residence halls,
and place undue financial stress on an already
tight budget. The time has come for reform.
In an all-campus convocation held Tuesday, May
8, 1979, President Schultz, in a brief statement,
outlined the first steps to reform. He said in part:
You will be treated as mature individuals,
and as a part of that, you will be held account-
able for the choices you make . . . whether
they are good choices or poor. You will be
expected to use common sense and good judg-
ment, to conform to the policies and regulations
currently existing. You will be permitted the
freedom of choice, but we will actively pursue
our right to pass judgment on the appropriate-
ness of that choice.
It is no longer safe to think or say "I pay
$5,000 a year to go here, I can do as I want."
We are neither bound by your dollars, by your
numbers, nor by your behavioral norms. We
not only expect, but will demand that you
conduct yourselves appropriately in your daily
Dr. Burkey is Director of Religious Affairs and
Campus Ministry for Ashland College. .
by Frederick T. Burkey
activities, interactions with faculty, staff, and
with one another.
Let me proceed further. The behavior of
this entire year suggests to many of us that a
total re-examination of social and academic
rules of conduct is in order. This we also intend
to do. Let there be no question that this re-
assessment will be done or any misunderstand-
ing that the behavior of this entire year is ample
indication that it needs to be done.
I believe this is a hopeful sign for improved
church-college relations. Throughout this year my
staff has worked with responsive students and
faculty in the usual ways (Bible studies, campus
organizations, counseling, etc.) in the hope that
needed changes would come. Students who wished
to live on quiet floors were assisted in securing
appropriate housing. Christians have been trained
to assist their troubled friends. Worship and
entertainment activities have contributed to a
growing solidarity among Christians of all faiths.
Within the next few months, our work (and
the church's investment in us) will begin to pay
off. Policies will be reconsidered and many will
be revised. I expect that the revised policies will
be generally acceptable to the church and the
many Christians on campus.
In addition. President Schultz has given us the
"go-ahead" to remodel the basement of Memorial
Chapel for use as a "campus Christian center"
(as yet unnamed). Jim Miller has mobilized stu-
dent work groups to clean the area. When work
is completed, we hope to have an office for Alpha
Theta, a counseling room (to be manned by
seminary students enrolled in the EMERGE coun-
seling program), four seminar /study rooms, a
listening room, recreational area, canteen, and a
large assembly area which can be expanded by
using folding doors.
The Christian students are in full support of
this new center. If we can get the project moving
this summer, we can expect unprecedented results
next fall. But we need your help. We have willing
bodies to do the work, but we need money for
paint, materials, and equipment. Please join us in
prayer that God will lead us to the resources we
need in this crucial year. For with the combina-
tion of positive and attractive programs, a usable
facility, highly motivated students, and revised
social policies, the opportunity is unlimited.
Finally, I urge you all to remember us in your
prayers. Especially support President Schultz who
must lead in difficult times. Letters offering
support and/or suggestions will be greatly
appreciated! . ..
June 1979
23
update
Park Street Brethren Church
celebrates centennial
Ashland, Ohio — The First Brethren Church of
Ashland (Park Street) celebrated its 100th anni-
versary on Sunday, May 6.
During the morning Centennial Worship Ser-
vice, 325 worshipers joined together to praise God
for giving this church 100 years in which to serve
Him.
The speaker for the service was Rev. Duane
Dickson, the General Conference Moderator, who
spoke on "Reflection, Perception, and Projection"
— reflections on the past, perceptions of the
present, and projections for the future.
A special feature of the Centennial Worship
Service was the participation of two members of
the church who are descendants of former prom-
inent Brethren leaders. Mr. Howard Mack, who
led the prayer, is a descendant of Alexander Mack,
the founder of the Brethren denomination. Rev.
Robert Holsinger, who read the Scripture text, is
a descendant of Henry R. Holsinger, the founder
of our particular branch of the Brethren Church.
Following the worship service, a fellowship
dinner was served to 225 people.
Activities continued with a Centennial Cele-
bration at 2 p.m. Speaker for this service was
Dr. Charles Munson, professor at Ashland
Theological Seminary and a member of the Park
Street congregation. In his centennial message —
"God in Our Next 100"— Dr. Munson told the 190
people present that God wants this church to be
made up of people who ask, "God, what in the
world do you want us to do?" and then do it!
Special music for the Centennial Celebration
was provided by other Brethren churches in north-
central Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. John Rowsey of the
Ashland Garber Brethren Church sang a duet, as
did Tom McConahay and Jim Amstutz of the
Smithville Brethren Church. A trio — Regina
Steward, Linda Zerbe, and Suzanne Barr — repre-
sented the Walcrest Brethren Church of Mansfield.
Mrs. Victor Humm, a former choir director at
Park Street, presented a vocal solo.
Letters of greetings from two former pastors
were read, and Rev. L. V. King, pastor from 1941
to 1946f brought greetings in person. His com-
ments and recollections of his years at Park Street
were one of the highlights of the service.
During a time of recognition of members, Mrs.
Lee Fasig was commended for being the longest
baptized member present. Mrs. Fasig was bap-
tized in 1906. The youngest members present —
Angle DeVeny and Angle Weidenhamer, both first
graders — were also introduced. Angle Weiden-
hamer had been baptized in the morning worship
service.
A further centennial celebration is planned at
Park Street for September 21-23, with the Creative
Ministries of Frank Roughton.
Howard Mack (at lectern), a de-
scendant of Alexander Mack, led
the prayer for the Centennial Wor-
ship Service. Rev. Robert Holsinger
(behind Mr. Mack), a descendant
of Henry R. Holsinger, read the
Scripture.
Bits 'n Pieces
John and Adrienne Holsinger were honored by
the Oakville, Ind., Brethren Church with a special
service and a carry-in dinner on March 18th. Mr.
Holsinger had retired from his job as a mail
carrier and he and his wife were moving to
Phoenix, Ariz.
Bret Rinehart and Donald Voorhees were hon-
ored by the deacon board of the Flora, Ind., First
Brethren Church at the annual breakfast for high
school graduates, held April 29. The graduates
were presented Bibles by the Sunday school.
A service of commitment was held for Rev.
and Mrs. Claude Stogrsdill and the congregation
of the Warsaw First Brethren Church on Sunday
morning, April 22. The occasion was the accep-
tance by Rev. Stogsdill of a 3-year call to the
Warsaw pastorate. Rev. Stogsdill has pastored
the Warsaw church since June 1970.
Sixty-three residents of the Brethren's Home,
Flora, Ind., took communion on Wednesday after-
noon, April 18. The service was administered by
Rev. Alvin Grumbling, pastor of the Flora, Ind.,
First Brethren Church, assisted by deacons and
deaconesses of the Flora church.
Rev. Robert Keplinger is now a consultant for
Gospel Light Publications. Rev. Keplinger is also
pastor of the Washington, D.C., Brethren Church.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
John Gyli joined in U.S.
by wife and son
Pasadena, Calif.— Rev. John Guli's wife Elizabeth
and his youngest son Njameba (age 5) arrived in
Los Angeles from Nigeria, West Africa, on May
19. They will be staying with Rev. Guli in Pasa-
dena until his graduation from Fuller Theological
Seminary School of World Missions on June 9th.
Rev. Guli, a Nigerian pastor and church leader,
has been studying at the Fuller School of World
Missions during the past year under the sponsor-
ship of the Missionary Board of the Brethren
Church.
Following his graduation. Rev. Guli and his wife
and son will spend several weeks visiting friends,
former missionaries, and mission executives in
the U.S. They will be in Ashland, Ohio, June 23
to June 28.
Rev. and Mrs. Guli and their son will depart for
Nigeria on July 15 from Cleveland, Ohio.
Goldenaires
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Fisher, 55th, June 18. Mem-
bers of the Ardmore Brethren Church, South
Bend, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Yunker, 53rd, May 25. Friends of
the First Brethren Church, Flora, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Oarber Wrig^ht, 65th, April 15. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church, North Man-
chester, Ind.
Weddings
Clieryl Ann Straub to Barry Dean Dysert, May 5,
at the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church; Carl H.
Phillips, pastor, officiating. Members of the Vinco
Brethren Church.
Rebecca Sue Newell to Gary Wayne Brown, May
5, at the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church; Alvin
Grumbling, pastor, officiating.
Deborah Sue Curtis to Ronald Bruce Petterson,
April 28, at the Tucson, Ariz., First Brethren
Church; Rev. William Curtis, father of the bride,
officiating. Bride member of Northwest Brethren
Chapel, Tucson, Ariz.
Wilda Singer to Harold Bracken, April 20, at the
Chickoree Union Church; Rev. Carl H. Phillips
and Rev. Rhue officiating. Bride member of the
Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
Nona Jean Hesketh to Marshall Paul Sowers,
April 7, at Pleasant View Brethren Church, Van-
dergrift, Pa. William D. Walk, pastor, and Rev.
Carl Holm officiating. Bride member of the
Pleasant View Brethren Church.
Leigfh Vance to Anthony Hopkins, March 17, at the
Warsaw, Ind., First Brethren Church; Claude
Stogsdill, pastor, officiating. Bride member of the
Warsaw First Brethren Church.
Becky Sue Michel to Paul Thomas Hendrix, March
3, at the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren
Church; Rev. Paul Bowman, officiating. Bride
member of the North Manchester First Brethren
Church.
update
Rev. William Livingston dies
Rev. Livingston
Rev. William Liv-
ingston, 61, a former
Brethren pastor, died
of a heart attack on
May 7, 1979. Rev. Liv-
ingston retired from
the active ministry
last year and was
living with his wife
June in La Place, lU.
Rev. Livingston en-
tered the ministry in
1963 at the age of 45.
Following his training
at Ashland Theolog-
ical Seminary, he
served for l^^ years
as pastor of the Flora,
Ind., First Brethren Church. Then from 1965 to
1970, he was the administrator of the Brethren's
Home in Flora.
In 1970 Rev. Livingston became pastor of the
Cerro Gordo, 111., Brethren Church. He served
that congregation until his retirement in June of
last year.
In an interview for an article which appeared
in the June 1978 Evangelist, Rev. Livingston said,
*T entered the ministry later in life. But I haven't
dreaded a minute of it." He also added, "I've
appreciated every opportunity that's been pre-
sented to me by the Brethren Church. It's been
a special part of my life to have opportunity to
serve in a very particular way."
In Memory
Guy L. Baker, Jr., 52, May 6. Member of the
Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Carl H.
Phillips, pastor, and Rev. Marvin Lowery.
Cleo Lonffnecker, 72, April 22. Member of the
Warsaw, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
Claude Stogsdill, pastor.
Virg^il Williams, 66, April 20. Member for 52 years
and deacon of the Roanoke, Ind., Brethren Church.
Services by Ralph Gibson, pastor,
Gerald Layton, 62, April 18. Member of the Roann,
Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Rev.
William Kerner.
Joihn Stevens, 87, April 13. Lifelong member of
the Oak Hill, W. Va., First Brethren Church.
Services by William R. Skeldon, pastor, assisted
by Rev. Hainey of the Church of God.
Katharine Miller, 86, April 11. Member of the
Valley Brethren Church, Jones Mills, Pa. Services
by Jerald Radcliff, pastor.
Morton Huffer, 68, February 16. Member of the
Warsaw, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
Claude Stogsdill, pastor.
June 1979
25
as i see it
How to Put Meaning
into Your
Spring Housecleaning
by Dale R. Stoffer
How often has your annual spring cleaning
been drudgery because it lacked any significance
beyond simply the satisfaction of knowing that
another year's dust has been rearranged? This
year I would like to propose a novel approach to
that dreaded task, especially for those of you with
attics chock full of old odds and ends which
haven't been touched in years. Why not go on a
search for old Brethren periodicals, books, pamph-
lets, pictures, correspondence, etc?
For those of you not acquainted with me, I am
a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary
and am studying the development of thought in
the Brethren Church from 1708 to the present. In
my research visit at Ashland Theological Sem-
inary, I have at times been frustrated by the lack
of certain materials. Even though our archives
are comparable with those of the other Brethren
groups, there is always room for improvement.
Let me answer some questions which might
arise in your mind concerning old Brethren
materials. First, what should I look for? As a
rule, the seminary archives could use any items
older than 1920. Copies of the Brethreii Evangelist
prior to 1920 and especially before 1900 would be
greatly w^elcomed. Also other Brethren periodicals
of the period 1850-1880 are very important: The
Gospel Visitor, The Christian Family Companion,
The Primitive Christian, Brethren at Work,
The Deacon, and The Progressive Christian
particularly.
Any old Brethren books from the 1700s and
1800s would be excellent additions to the library.
Look for authors' names like Peter Nead, Peter
and Benjamin Bowman, and Henry Kurtz, and
works pubUshed by the Sauer and Ephrata
presses (1700s). The library especially needs old
pamphlets and tracts published between 1850 and
1900 by any of the Brethren groups (does anyone
have a copy of Laura Grossnickle's "Woman's
Divine Right to Preach the Gospel"?).
A valuable form of research materials often
overlooked are letters and sermons by the prom-
drawing by Gayle Reuschling
inent figures in the church which help to illum-
inate the life and thought of the church. Do any
of you possess letters from or to H. R. Holsinger,
the Wolfes of California, J. Allen Miller, the Ronk
brothers, J. L. Gillin, Louis S. Bauman, Alva J.
McClain and other church leaders? Old Brethren
almanacs, annuals, statistical reports (prior to
1965), and copies of local church minute books
(especially from our oldest and most influential
churches) are also desired. If you have some old
German books you can't read, don't discard them;
they may be of considerable importance.
Second, why should I give these things to the
seminary rather than some other worthy organ-
ization? Materials should be collected and held
at a central place that has a vested interest in
the topic. The Ashland Seminary library is the
logical place for such artifacts for it is here that
scholars both inside and outside the denomination
will look for Brethren-related materials.
Third, what should I do if I find some old
Brethren materials? Contact Bradley Weiden-
hamer at the Ashland Theological Seminary
library and see if they are items which are needed.
He will make arrangements for the shipment of
important artifacts.
Finally, remember that these "treasures" repre-
sent a legacy to future generations of Brethren
students and scholars and are invaluable for
maintaining a link to our Brethren heritage. I
must stress that this is an important service which
you can render the church and should not be over-
looked. Happy hunting!
26
The Brethren Evangelist
WORLD RELIEF NEWS
JJa Ma: Munson. "
A \hland fork St.
oi World R^IJx'l.., . .,
photo courtesy of Ashland Times-Gazette
by Phil Lersch, Chairman
Brethren World Relief Board
Sewing at Park Street Brethren
Since 1966 several women at the Ashland Park
Street Church, led by Mrs. Aida May Munson,
have been sewing every Thursday morning
(September through May) for World Relief and
local projects. The old coal bin at the church was
converted to a sewing room, complete with shelves
lining both sides and a carpeted floor.
Earlier this spring the Ashland Times -Gazette
reported and pictured the packing up of about
200 pounds of items, including 25 quilts, 85 crib
sheets, and numerous items of clothing — made
largely from donated materials. These will be
sent to New Windsor, Maryland, for distribution
overseas during a disaster.
Another project is knitting and crocheting baby
blankets. The women hope to have 100 completed
by August.
Soup Supper at Warsaw
Mrs. Jane Stogsdill, World Relief contact person
in Warsaw, Indiana, reports another successful
Annual Soup Supper at First Brethren in March.
It was sponsored by the WMS.
The program included showing the WRC film,
"Africa . . . And the Beat Goes On," and devotions
by Pastor Claude Stog-sdill. His theme was "Help-
ing Our Brother," stressing the importance of
keeping world needs in mind the whole year and
not just at "soup supper" time.
General Conference Features
A newly-designed set of color slides and taped
narration will be shown during General Confer-
ence in August. Produced by the World Relief
Corporation, it was first viewed as a multimedia
presentation at the NAE Convention in Orlando,
Florida, in March — where several Brethren were
in attendance. The impact will quicken our sen-
sitivity to our world neighbors in need.
Name Change
For legal and organizational reasons, the World
Relief Commission of the National Association of
Evangelicals has changed its name to World
Relief Corporation. The change allows retaining
the WRC initials, which is convenient.
WRC is the relief agency through which all
Brethren World Relief gifts are channeled. Noth-
ing has changed with regard to World Relief's
purpose, goals, or determination to provide "Food
for the Body, and Food for the Soul."
Paul Munshi Honored
Bangladesh Christian humanitarian leader Paul
Munshi was honored on March 7th in the presen-
tation of the first annual WORLD RELIEF HELP-
ING HAND AWARD. The award was given in
connection with the annual NAE Convention in
Orlando, Florida. (It was my privilege to meet
Paul at the WRC Dacope agricultural project in
Bangladesh in 1976, and to visit with him again in
Orlando.)
Munshi was cited for his "outstanding contribu-
tion through selfless service to the people of
Bangladesh" in recognition of his establishing
and maintaining self-help programs for poverty
stricken people of his homeland.
Since 1971 Munshi has headed the Christian
Service Society, World Relief's counterpart agency
in Bangladesh. At present CSS supervises 130
cooperatives in three major areas. The process of
over 9,000 families achieving a respectable living
is made possible through grants from World Re-
lief Corporation. The goal of the cooperatives is
complete self-sustenance for a growing number
of families.
Adverti.sement
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A Family Affair—
1979 General Conference
AUGUST 13-17
Theme
"// My People Will"
Including —
— A nursery for pre-schoolers, with adult supervision,
operated during business sessions , ..
— A special pre-BYC program for
elementary-age children
— BYC Convention:
speakers
— Adult Conference:
inspiration
— Workshops
— Fellowship
business and
business and
Rev. Peter LJnruh
featured speaker
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Watch for details in the
July Brethren Evangelist.
Housing pre-registration information
also in July Evangelist'.
P\an now to attend!
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Thei^e: "If My v^eople
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Highlights
iV?ce Maderafoi^s Address
t r» II ll«*'«"'
. ' Thursday, f It
/ > Mod^rcitor'^ ' Address
' \ Rvev. Clarfen<[e 'Kipdle//
\ 1^ friday. 9:Q0 a.m. / ^
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\Layfiien'<\ In! pirafipiial'
\^ ^Mr. Fra^k Bro^sfus ,-
. x^Fri^ay, v8: )0 p.m.
.'•... ii
l|ispiraf iond Hour . }
v'Gen. Conf./ Modera'+O'*' ' \
Rev. Duane ^Dickson 'I
Saturday/ 1 :3'0 »p.m. .
Mini-DeVotionals ^ /'^
Rfev. Ro^p^ferf vF^a/ne , '/
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/ Au^i iories / /^ /
Friday. J:30'p.rr^.^/.. V
^Saturday, I 1:15 4i.m.-
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fhflCi»nferenc^
W \ The Brefhren 1 * J
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor :
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
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Single-copy price: 70 cents
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Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
dressed to the editor. A writer's packet
with query tips is available upon written
request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome.
However, the publisher assumes no
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Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to
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Member, Evangelical Press Association
^over
This month marks the 300th
anniversary of Alexander Mack's
birth. Shown are Mack and the
Mack family crest. See article
about Mack's life on page 4.
Needlepoint crest by Carolyn Mack
Cover design by Howard Mack
. 101, No. 1
8
His Life, Oyr Brethren Heritage
A review of his life on the 300th anniversary of his birth, by
Dale R. Staffer and Jerry Flora
Snfrodycing the Conference Worship Committee
Peter Roussaki explains the purpose of the new Conference
Worship Committee and presents some of its members.
Special Featisre: Perspectives for the Eighties
10 Building on Bedrock
by Rev. Clarence A. Stogsdill
A Preview of the 1979 General Conference
14
15
and Opening Service
1 7 Board
and Seminary Service
dycation Service
Ashland College Night
21 Cotiference Auxiliary Sessions
Departments
13 The Salt Shaker
22 Update
NEXT MONTH
As a follow-up on this month's article on the life of Alexander
Mack, next month's issue of The Brethren Evangelist will carry
an article about the thought of this Brethren leader.
July 1979
ALEXANDER MACK:
A review of his life
Alexander Mack
ALEXANDER MACK, guiding spirit of
the early Brethren movement, was born
three hundred years ago this month.
It was under Mack's leadership that a
group of eight believers committed them-
selves to the founding of a ''New Testa-
ment church" by trine immersion. His
preaching-teaching-writing skills caused the
young church to expand to several locations
in Europe. His pastoral ability united the
scattered, sometimes disillusioned Brethren
who had come to America, giving them a
sense of community and mission in the new
world. His thinking fashioned the theolog-
ical framework that to this day charac-
terizes Brethren at their best.
The story of Alexander Mack's early life
centers in Schriesheim, a small town in
southern Germany, not far from Heidel-
berg. There, in 1664, John Philip Mack
married Christina Phillbrunn. To them were
born eight children. An influential and re-
spected man in the community, John Mack
served as a long-time member of the
Schriesheim town council. He was also
mayor in 1690 and again in 1696. He was
a devout Christian and reared his family
in the Reformed Church, where he served
as an elder.
Alexander, the youngest of John and
Christina Mack's four sons, was born on
July 27, 1679. From the age of ten his pro-
fessional career was decided: he began to
learn his father's milling trade.
On January 18, 1701, Alexander married
This article is an abridgment of an extensive
study of Alexander Mack researched and written
by Dale R. Stoffer, a doctoral student at Fuller
Theological Seminary.
The abridgment was prepared by Dr. Jerry Flora,
Associate Professor of Christian Theology at
Ashland Theological Seminary.
Anna Margaretha Khng. Her father, John
Valentine Kling, like Alexander's father,
was a respected Schriesheim townsman,
serving as a Reformed Church elder, town
councilor, and also at one point as major.
Alexander and Anna Margaretha Mack
had five children — two daughters who died
in Germany and three sons who later
accompanied their father to America.
The New Believer
Alexander Mack's life as a young Schries-
heim miller remained relatively stable
until he met the Radical Pietist, Ernst
Christoph Hochmann (1670-1721). Of noble
birth, Hochmann had studied at several
universities and seemed destined to a prom-
ising law career. But he became a commit-
ted Christian while attending the University
of Halle, then decided to dedicate his life
to God as an itinerant preacher of the
gospel.
He traveled throughout Germany, Switz-
erland, and the Netherlands proclaiming a
powerful, yet simple vision. He sought a
"new church filled with the spirit of love,
a real fellowship and brotherhood in Christ
Jesus without church boundaries and with-
out any kind of organization." This revival
message was reinforced by a life of sing-
ular, unselfish devotion to Christ, which
spoke almost as eloquently as his words.
Alexander Mack met Hochmann about
1705 in the course of a preaching tour.
Hochmann's personal charisma and per-
suasive teaching attracted Mack, who in-
vited the Radical Pietist leader to Schries-
heim the next year. Both the Reformed and
Catholic churches denounced the study
groups which formed around Hochmann ais
heretical and fanatical. Mack, Hochmann,
and other Pietists narrowly escaped arrest
4
The Brethren Evangelist
His Life, Our Bretliren Heritage
on fhe 300th anniversary of his birth.
for their activities in August, 1706. But the
next month Hochmann and nine others
were sentenced to hard pubUc labor.
These repressive measures caused Mack
to look for a different home, where his
new found religious convictions could be ex-
pressed freely. So in October of 1706 he
moved his family to Schwarzenau in County
Wittgenstein where Count Henry Albert had
extended religious toleration to all refugees
who sought asylum within his territory.
Though Henry Albert's policy of religious
freedom came under attack from all sides,
he maintained it until his death in 1723.
It is thought that Mack and Hochmann
traveled together as itinerant preachers
throughout much of 1707, apparently cen-
tering their main efforts in the Rhine
Valley. The two were in complete agree-
ment in most facets of their thought, and
the early Brethren cherished a confession
of faith written by Hochmann in 1702.
However, in their views on church organi-
zation and practice, the two friends
differed. The older man was an extreme
photo by Delbert Flora
Alexander Mack's mill in Schwarzenau as: it
appeared in 1958. At the age of ten, Mack began
to learn the milling trade from his father.
by Dale R. Stoffer and Jerry Flora
separatist. He did not accept the need for
religious organization, clergy, outward
sacraments, or anything else which remind-
ed him of the externalism of the established
churches. He was interested only in a
spiritual church, devoid of fixed meeting
times, places, and liturgy.
Mack, as well as some other Radical
Pietists, came to believe that the New Test-
ament commanded the institution of an
organized church along with the practice
of such rites as water baptism, the Lord's
Supper, anointing with oil, and community
discipline.
For more than a year (September 1707
to October 1708) Hochmann was impris-
oned in Nuremberg for his outspoken relig-
ious activity there. During this time Mack
settled down in Schwarzenau where he had
opportunity to continue his search of the
Scriptures with other believers who were
seeking full obedience to Christ.
The New Fellowship
Mack, his wife, and six others entered
into intensive, prolonged prayer and study
in order to find the will of God for their
future course. One of the group's deep con-
cerns was their unbaptized state, for all
had renounced the infant baptism admin-
istered to them, and some had been
excommunicated. The eight thus sought
Hochmann's opinion about the administra-
tion of baptism in the manner they consid-
ered apostolic — trine immersion. His re-
sponse was one of cautious encouragement,
warning them to ''count the cost" and to
avoid legalistic, outward, or sectarian
administration of the rite.
Motivated by a desire to be totally obe-
dient to Christ and convicted by the New
(continued on next page)
July 1979
ii
Mack . . . sought to serve the church with a sensitive,
humble spirit, winning the respect of those to whom
he ministered by his own hfe of devotion to Christ/'
Testament command for baptism, these
eight behevers covenanted together to be
baptized by trine immersion. It is important
to fix this decision in its proper context —
that is, obedience to Christ. It is conjec-
tured that the baptism of these five men
and three women took place in August or
September of 1708. The place was an un-
known spot in the Eder River near
Schwarzenau. Their leader, Alexander
Mack, was twenty-nine years old.
News of this baptism and those which
followed spread quickly through County
Wittgenstein. The novelty and radical na-
ture of this step of faith aroused suspicion
from both political and religious authori-
ties, for no baptisms were permitted out-
side the established Catholic, Lutheran,
and Reformed churches. But not all the
publicity was bad. As more people seriously
considered the beliefs of this new group,
more conversions occurred. Although mem-
bership figures are not available, careful
estimates place the growth in the new
fraternity at several hundred persons be-
tween 1708 and 1719.
During these years Alexander Mack
devoted himself to preaching and teaching
about the beliefs of the Brethren. Recog-
nizing the advantages of printing for the
spread of Brethren views. Mack also pub-
lished two works. Basic Questions, the first
publication presenting Brethren principles,
appeared in 1713. This pamphlet consisted
■''C~^.™
H^fv^'
si^iV*-
Bridge dating to the time of Alexander Mack
over the Eder River at Schwarzenau. Mack and
seven other believers were baptized at an unknown
spot in the Eder River in 1708. This bridge has
been replaced since this picture was taken in 1958.
of forty questions on baptism and church
fellowship submitted by the separatist
Eberhard Louis Gruber, together with
Mack's considered answers. Two years later
Mack published the first major theological
work of the Brethren, Brief and Simple
Exposition of the Outward but Yet Sacred
Kights and Ordinances of the House of God.
The literary format of this book was a
''conversation" between a father and his
son, a device which Mack employed to
present the unique beliefs of the new
fellowship.
The New World
Persecution and hardship continued to be
the lot of the Brethren in Germany,
especially outside Wittgenstein. These dif-
ficulties led one group under the leadership
of Peter Becker to emigrate to America in
1719. One year later Alexander Mack led
about two hundred of the Schwarzenau
Brethren in a move to Surhuisterveen in
the Netherlands. Surhuisterveen was lo-
cated in West Friesland, an area containing
many Mennonites as well as several other
groups whose beliefs were very similar to
those of the Brethren.
Encouraged by glowing reports from the
Brethren in Pennsylvania and faced with a
combination of economic hardship and a
lack of complete religious freedom in the
Netherlands, the Brethren eventually de-
cided to sail for the New World. Mack and
a group of around one hundred twenty
arrived in Philadelphia from Rotterdam on
September 15, 1729. They were given a
warm reception at nearby Germantown, the
center of Brethren activity in early 18th
century America.
The group that had arrived ten years
earlier with Peter Becker had been plagued
with many problems. But now Mack's
presence immediately served as a cohesive,
binding force for the loosely federated
Brethren congregations. With Becker's full
approval. Mack at once assumed the lead-
ership and direction of the Germantown
church, a position which he held with great
wisdom and skill until his death in 1735.
Mack's six-year ministry at German-
s'
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren activity in early 18th century America was centered at Genuantown, Pa. Mack
served the Germantown congregation for six years, stabilizing and strengthening the
Brethren during a difficult time. The congregation met in homes for many years until
it built the above pictured meeting house in 1770.
town was invaluable in stabilizing and
strengthening the Brethren during a very
difficult period. Not only were they adjust-
ing to life as German immigrants in the
English colonies, but also they were dealing
with the Beissel schism.
Conrad Beissel had been elected a Breth-
ren minister at Conestoga shortly after he
joined the Brethren Church in 1724. He
was a powerful, persuasive speaker with
tendencies toward mysticism, monasticism,
celibacy, and Sabbatarianism. He led a
portion of the Conestoga congregation in
separating from the rest of the Brethren
in 1728.
A year after Mack arrived in German-
town, he purposefully went to a meeting
conducted by Beissel in order to open a way
for reconciliation. But Beissel censured him
and the Brethren with him, refusing to
consider their differences. Mack visited him
on another occasion after Beissel had
moved his group to Ephrata in 1732, but
Beissel hid himself so that the meeting
could not occur.
Mack, however, persevered in his lead-
ership of the main body of Brethren. He
sought to serve the church with a sensitive,
humble spirit, winning the respect of those
to whom he ministered by his own life of
devotion to Christ. His example was capable
of providing guidelines for the church in
its future struggles to find meaning and
relevance.
He was a diligent student of the Word,
believing that Scripture rather than human
reason, church creeds, or individual inspira-
tion should be the ultimate guide for
Christian life. Once he came to a decision
based upon study, prayer, sensitivity to the
Spirit, and group consensus, he would live
by it, no matter what the consequences. He
tried to antagonize no one but strove only
for a loving, caring, sharing community of
believers who lived in obedience to Christ.
Alexander Mack died on January 31,
1735, at the age of fifty-five. His death
was a great loss to the church, and the
following years were precarious ones for his
flock. Before his death. Mack was asked
by Eberhard Louis Gruber to speculate
about the future of the fledgling Brethren
movement. Mack replied, "If we remain in
the teaching of the New Testament, we
expect this outcome, namely, that the ful-
fillment of our faith will be eternal life. . . .
We cannot testify for our descendants — as
their faith is, so shall be their outcome." □
July 1979
Introducing - -
The Conference Worship Committee
Peter Roussaki explains the purpose of the new Conference
Worship Committee and presents some of its members.
HOW MANY of us have ever sat through
a dull, lifeless worship service? The
service was probably characterized by most
or all of the following — a meaningless order
of worship, hymns picked at random,
mediocre special music, uninspired preach-
ing, and the whole thing done as if by rote
rather than with an heartfelt attempt to
worship the God of all creation.
I'm sure all of us have experienced this
kind of worship service on occasion. Tra-
gically, some of us may suffer through
them regularly.
The worship service should be central in
the life of the church. Unfortunately, wor-
ship services do not always receive the
careful planning and preparation they
deserve.
In order to promote the enrichment of
worship in the Brethren Church, last year's
General Conference established a new
standing committee — the Worship Com-
mittee. This new committee replaces the
former Music Committee and has a larger
area of concern than that committee.
The following paragraph from the Man-
ual of Procedure summarizes the ministry
to be performed by this new committee.
Rev. Peter
Roussaki is
chairman of
the Worship
Committee.
He is also
adjunct
professor of
music at
Ashland
Theological
Seminary.
Worship Committee: This committee shall
consist of nine members, elected for terms
of three years each, with three terms expir-
ing each year. The functions of this com-
mittee shall be: (a) provide music leadership
for the General Conference program; (b)
promote enrichment of worship in The
Brethren Church; (c) provide opportunities
for worship education on the national, dis-
trict and local levels; (d) provide local
church worship leaders with current re-
sources for worship.
The scope of possible activities of this
committee will be broad. Music and musi-
cians will not be the only concerns pro-
moted. Many aspects of the worship life
of the church will be considered. Pastors,
since they plan worship services, prepare
sermons, coordinate music in worship,
select hymns, and lead worship services,
are encouraged to serve on this committee
and to benefit from its activities — in order
that worship may be enriched in the
Brethren Church.
The Worship Committee has been at
work during the past year. The first fruits
of its efforts will be presented at this
year's General Conference. The Conference
theme, 'If My People Will," will be intro-
duced and interpreted through a Worship
Committee sponsored worship service on
Monday evening of Conference. During
Conference week the committee will also
sponsor a workshop, ''Music with Children
and Youth."
Term Committee members
EXPIRES:
1979 — Jeff Lentz, Charlene Rowser,
Bradley Weidenhamer
1980 — Jean Lersch, Doris Shultz,
Paula Deardurff (secretary)
1981 — Sherry Van Duyne, Julia
Flora, Peter Roussaki (chair-
man)
8
The Brethren Evangelist
In the future, enrichment experiences
deaUng with sermon preparation, drama,
service construction and coordination, the
role of greeters and acolytes, lay ministers,
children's church, and musical worship may
be dealt with. Your suggestions and re-
actions are welcomed.
As a part of this introduction to the
Worship Committee, I would like to share
some biographical information about three
of its members. All three of them possess
strong music credentials and are concerned
for the larger context in which preaching
and music function.
TULIE FLORA is a graduate of Ashland
^ College with the bachelor of music
degree. She received a piano scholarship
at Ashland and also studied organ, per-
formed in student recitals, and accompanied
gospel team groups.
Julie has served as pianist for many
churches, currently teaches private lessons,
and is a member of the Ashland Musical
Club. As a public school teacher she taught
in Ohio, Indiana, California, Maryland, and
Kentucky. She also served as choir director
for the First Brethren Church of New
Paris, Ind., and the Washington, D.C.,
Brethren Church.
Julie's larger interests include correlating
the fine arts as a means of worship expres-
sion. Her own continuing contribution to
the worship life of the church and her
personal life testimony provide us an
example of great worth.
Julie Flora
PAULA DEARDURFF earned the bach-
elor of music education degree from
Ashland College. She majored in piano and
was a member of the college choir. She
served as musical director of two college
summer theatre productions.
While ministering with her husband Paul
as a tentmaker in the Cheyenne, Wyo.,
Brethren Church, she served as pianist, a
position she now fills in the Ashland
Garber Brethren Church. She is also a
member of the Ashland Musical Club.
Paula's review of David C. Cook's new
''Music Is for Children" curriculum ap-
'4^f
-)*/.
Paula Deardurff
peared in the November 1978 issue of The
Brethren Evangelist.
Paula hopes that through the Worship
Committee the Brethren denomination will
become aware of the importance of coor-
dinating thoughtfully the music of local
church worship. Her desire is to see the
denomination open to the creative use of
drama and puppetry as well. Paula has
stated: "All of us need to learn more about
worship, especially practicing God's pres-
ence. Thoughtful use of music and other
arts can be valuable aids to this end."
SHERRY VAN DUYNE also has a rich
background of experiences. A graduate
of Ashland College, she contributed to the
denominational program of Christian edu-
cation, serving as music specialist and
music director for Crusader programs. She
has written and led worship services and
musical programs. She also served as
(continued on next page)
Sherry
Van Diivne
July 1979
9
children's choir and youth choir director
for Park Street Brethren Church and at
North Manchester. Presently she serves as
choir director at Brighton.
Sherry has made several significant
statements about music and about the
Worship Committee:
/ really enjoy challenging music. I miss
being in a quality group which can handle
the old masters, not just the new things.
I love being a soloist when I feel that God
can speak through the piece with me as
the instrument. I really miss kids choirs. I
wish more quality things were being done
with kids groups than just "herding" them
through an adult style hymn arrangement.
The church is missing a real opportunity
to teach good music principles and good
Christian music in many cases.
My hopes for the Worship Committee are
many. If we could educate the Brethren to
see the worship experience as a total experi-
ence with all components fulfilling pre-
established priorities, we will have done a
great deal. What are some worship prior-
ities? What are the components of a worship
service? How can we truly glorify God in
all aspects? Where does music fit in? What
about the kids? Do we meet their needs?
Should they worship differently? Separately?
I guess I see our purpose as a gradual educa-
tion or awakening process.
To assist this education and awakening
process, I personally would like to propose
an auxiliary. Let's call it the Fellowship
for Brethren Worship. It would be under
the sponsorship of the Worship Committee
of General Conference and serve to fulfill
many of the functions of the committee as
stated in the Manual of Procedure. It would
provide resources, fraternal support, and
a forum for dialogue in this most vital
aspect of the weekly life of the believers.
Persons desiring to be a part of this
currently unofficial fellowship are encour-
aged to write to me (Peter Roussaki, 44
North Gamble Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875),
expressing your ideas, enthusiasm, and
suggestions. At a time to be announced at
Conference, an initial meeting may be held
jointly with the Worship Committee. All
interested persons — pastors, choir directors,
song leaders, members of music and wor-
ship committees, choir members, writers,
drama enthusiasts, etc. — are urged to com-
municate with me.
Worship is a vital part of the life of the
church. It is the desire of the Worship
Committee of General Conference to pro-
vide a significant contribution toward the
enrichment of worship in the Brethren
Church. n
Building
THE BRETHREN CHURCH WAS
BUILT UPON THE ROCK— the BED-
ROCK. Jesus said, ''Upon this rock (petra)
I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18).
''Bedrock" is a good translation of petra.
It is nice to know that there is a good
foundation beneath any structure. Jesus
promised that the foundation is secure
when we build upon Him. Frequently I find
myself silently quoting that great phrase in
II Timothy 2:19, "the foundation of God
standeth sure." If that be true, then the
superstructure, if diligently constructed,
need not sag, sink, or crack.
This leads me to some considerations
about the future of the Brethren Church.
WE BRETHREN NEED OFTEN TO
REMIND OURSELVES OF THE BED-
ROCK OF OUR SALVATION AND SANC-
TIFICATION, THE PERSON OF JESUS
CHRIST.
When someone of my congregation asks
me what we Brethren believe, I almost
always say, "We believe that Jesus Christ
is Savior and Lord." While that statement
needs to be built upon in some detail with
carefully stated doctrine, it is, nevertheless,
the bedrock of our faith. It is the bedrock
of scriptural faith, period.
No superstructure of cultural back-
grounds, peculiar emphases, additional ex-
periences, or anything else can take the
place of this bedrock of our faith.
In our conversations we sometimes re-
veal that we are too much concerned with
keeping the outward appearance of our
faith, often without much reference to
Jesus as Savior, Lord, and Sanctifer (or
Enabler) . Our discussions about the church
frequently simply take Him for granted.
In Bible study groups and prayer sessions
it often appears that we would rather talk
about anything else than that which God
commands us in His Word. Many are em-
barrassed to pray. We make excuses for
10
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
on
by Rev. Clarence A. Stogsdill
not having enough faith to share our wit-
ness with the unsaved. What a pity! This
indicates that we have a personal spiritual
illness, a disease which can be contracted
all too easily. It also indicates a need for
real discipling as distinguished from mere
church membership.
Those who have achieved any measure of
success in sharing their faith with others
have always managed somehow to make
their relationship with the Founder of the
faith clear. That is, they have made plain
that ''it's not so much the church that we
are bringing to you as the Lord Himself."
When Christians begin to share this kind
of faith (with a little help from those who
know something about ''how to" proce-
dures), the church is built up.
WE NEED TO TOUCH AGAIN THE
CARDINAL DOCTRINES OF THE
BIBLE: the virgin birth, the atonement
secured at Calvary, the resurrection, the
ascension, the return of Christ. On the
other hand, we must not be among those
who "believe too much." By this I mean
we ought not to accept and support doc-
trines of questionable origin — those of a
human rather than a divine source. Among
these are doctrines which teach that Jesus'
work on the cross was not complete, that
something additional is required. The Holy
Spirit, whose work it is to magnify and
glorify the finished work of Jesus Christ,
is sometimes attributed a separate "gospel"
of His own, as if Jesus didn't complete the
work of salvation upon the cross as He
claimed.
Those doctrines of existential experience
which claim a revelation beyond the Scrip-
tures must also be challenged and put to the
test. One popular example teaches that a
Rev. Clarence Stogsdill is pastor of the First
Brethren Church of Tucson, Arizona.
true minister of Jesus not only will preach
material prosperity and perfect physical
health but will accomplish all sorts of
miracles. (We must note here that "John
did no miracle," John 10:41.) This doctrine
is a corruption of and/or an extension of
"As Brethren, we are built upon the
solid bedrock of Jesus Christ as
Savior, Lord, and Sanctifier."
the meaning of gifts as they are listed in
I Corinthians 12.
Faith is not seeing. When one "sees" he
does not need faith. The Bible teaches walk-
ing by faith, not by sight. Demanding from
God certain signs for everything is demand-
ing that God give full sight. He has not
promised to do this. Satan can take advan-
tage of this desire to "see" and give us
false signs and "gifts," thus diverting us
into channels which are not at all of the
Holy Spirit.
This does not mean that the believer
must walk without any help from the Holy
Spirit. To the contrary, the Bible commands
that we should "walk by the Spirit" (Rom.
8). But it is a quiet witness of the Spirit
within, rather than that somewhat sensa-
tional approach which is prevalent today.
The Scripture warns us that "in the last
days men shall heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears." They will listen to
what they want to hear. We Brethren must
analyze what is being taught in our day
and decide what we believe and what we
do not believe. Not to believe enough is
heresy of a lazy "faith" and leads to depres-
sion; to believe too much is heresy of
gullibility.
(continued on next page)
July 1979
11
''We Brethren must analyze what is being taught in our
day and decide what we beheve and what we do not
believe/'
WE BRETHKEN NEED TO PRACTICE
THE PRESENCE OF THE "NEW AND
LIVING WAY."
Having laid the foundation of good
scriptural doctrine, we reject the humanism
of a church without the Bible. We also per-
form surgery on the ''new" (but not really
new!) existential, supra-scriptural inclina-
tion to add to the Book things which were
not once for all delivered to the saints. We
now come to the point of touching the liv-
ing Brethren today.
Hebrews 10:20 speaks of the *'new and
living way." This ''living way" cannot pos-
sibly be institutional. It is personal. It
speaks of the vibrant, expectant hope that
ought to be within the breast of every man,
woman, and child who has claimed Jesus
as personal Savior. It speaks of the growth
and development of that believer, going on
to maturity and becoming profitable to the
Master according to the spiritual gifts
granted him or her by His Spirit. It speaks
of unmistakable fruit in the life of the be-
liever. (Note that we did not emphasize
gifts. Gifts are evidenced by the fruit.)
This new and living way assures the Body
of Christ the leadership and direction it
needs to guarantee a church of the future.
And the two-two-two (II Timothy 2:2)
approach to discipleship guarantees that
the faith will be handed down from one
person to another, from one generation to
the next. It is the biblical way.
WE BRETHREN OUGHT TO RUB
ELBOWS WITH GOD^S PEOPLE OF
OTHER PERSUASIONS. BUT WE HAVE
A DISTINCTIVENESS WHICH SUG-
GESTS THAT WE ARE IMPORTANT AS
WE ARE WITHOUT BECOMING A
HODGEPODGE OR CONGLOMERATION
OF EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING.
When I made the choice to remain in the
Brethren Church during my school days,
I did so because of what I understood the
Brethren to be. Sometimes now I sense that
those principles which I understood so
clearly then as "Brethren" are being
chipped away because we lack the courage
to make a clear statement of tenets. A
statement of doctrine is not a "creed" —
that dreaded word which we fear so much.
It is a clarification of our distinctive
stance, made necessary because some have
a tendency to run off on tangents. We made
such a statement in 1939. We can do it
again if we have the courage, and if we
understand what we believe. It is necessary
to prevent drifting.
Let me restate my thesis:
(1) As Brethren, we are built upon the
solid bedrock of Jesus Christ as Savior,
Lord, and Sanctifier. The last of these
(Sanctifier) we seem to be foggy about.
(2) As Brethren, we must reaffirm our
faith in basic scriptural doctrines.
(3) As Brethren, we must make it known
that we reject the heresy of the denial of
the cardinal doctrines, which leads to
humanism. We also seriously question the
doctrines which smell of Gnosticism (sec-
ret knowledge by means of special experi-
ences). The Bible warns of extra-biblical
"revelations." There is a back cover on the
Bible!
(4) As Brethren, we must declare the
"living way" to be a personal, vibrant, joy-
ful love of God lived out in a victorious
manner.
I see many evidences of good around us :
J. D. Hamel and his exuberant evangelism;
Jim Black and his evangelistic touch;
Arden Gilmer and his Church Growth out-
reach program; Fred Burkey and his pro-
gram of education; new personalities in
the college and seminary; et al.
Now for a program of real Bible training,
personal witnessing in practice, learning
to pray with power, clean lives separated
unto God without entanglement with the
world and its materialism and false happi-
ness. Let the church be the Body of Christ.
We don't have to be gung-ho disciples of
James Kennedy, Bob Schuller, Ray Sted-
man, or Dennis Bennett. We can, and ought
to be, disciples of Jesus Christ, the greatest
of all. In the last analysis, it is what we
believe (our doctrine) which really makes
us distinctively BRETHREN. Q
12
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
.': .f '.i Your view of death depends upon your philosophy
of life.
AVhat Is Death?
WHAT is death? That is a question all
of us ask and never get answered. No
one living has any firsthand knowledge of
death. We only know what we've observed,
so we can't get any answers on the subject.
Poems have been written, songs sung,
ballads composed, and stories penned about
death. But nothing gives an adequate
description.
Actually, your view of death depends
upon your philosophy of life. If you're an
atheist, you see death as the stop sign at
the end of the road — nothing more, nothing
less. You live; you die. You come to a dead
end! Dogs and cats do the same.
An atheist has no reason to fear death.
According to him, there is no God and
therefore no judgment, no heaven, and no
hell. Just life and death. It's as simple as
that. Like stretching a rubber band until
it snaps.
The agnostic is a little different. He's not
sure about death. He's reserving final
judgment on the subject until all the infor-
mation is in. Unfortunately, he may die
before all the facts are known. Meanwhile,
he goes around agnosting all over the place.
The hedonist is a swinger who believes
in living it up while there's time. He wants
his life to end with one glorious exclama-
tion point. In fact, he'd rather not think
about the exclamation point. It'll ruin the
fun.
The reincarnationist believes life goes on
and on — in cycles or stages. What you are
in the next stage depends on what you do
in this one. If you act like the devil in this
cycle, you may come back as a jackass in
the next. If you're good now, then the next
life may see you as a priest, a rabbi, or a
clergyman — possibly a bishop. Even then,
you may still feel like a jackass at times.
The idea, of course, is to keep moving up
the ladder.
The humanitarian is a guy who tries to
do the greatest good for the greatest num-
ber of people — a good guy. He's the kind
of fellow who might enjoy driving an ice
cream truck down your block and giving
Popsicles to all the kids — free. The human-
itarian doesn't expect anything more at
death. Do your best to help mankind while
you're living. Make it better for the next
generation. Life is short. You can help make
it sweeter, but that's it — the end of the
road. Immortality is in name only.
The Christian would certainly agree that
we should help others. In this respect he is
not unlike the humanitarian. But the Chris-
tian feels that this world is a battle ground,
and at times the enemy is getting the upper
hand. Evil appears to be romping over good.
The Christian believes that death is a con-
sequence of sin and evil (the result of man's
choice).
*'Do unto others as you would be done
by" is the Christian's Golden Rule. And it's
a good one. It's not a selfish rule, as some
philosophers say. It doesn't mean I must do
good to others so they will do good to me
(share my chocolate-coated peanuts with
you so that you will give me a whole box,
for example). That's a perversion of the
rule. (Incidentally it's not a rule, but a
relationship.) I am to share my chocolate-
coated peanuts with you even if you don't
like me, because that's how a person ought
to be treated. That's how I would want to
be treated. It has to start somewhere. The
Christian starts it.
But when the Christian comes to the end
— to death — it's not the end. The Christian
doesn't believe in an end. He merely changes
his address. Now he's got chocolate-coated
peanuts in abundance! And so does every-
one else in heaven. There's more than
enough to go around! Q
July 1979
(D
"IF MY PEOPLE WILL"
E
• «
9
o
O
1979 General Conference ^
Ashland College photo
The John C. Myers Convocation Center, site of the 1979 General Conference
"If My People Will" is the theme of
the 91st General Conference of the
Brethren Church, to be held August
13-17 on the Ashland College campus.
The theme, from II Chronicles 7:14,
emphasizes God's promise that when
His people meet His conditions, He
will hear and answer their prayers.
General Conference has been called
the ''family reunion" of the Brethren
Church. This year's Conference will
attempt to provide something for the
whole family — to make it '*A Family
Affair."
In addition to the usual sessions
for adults, and the BYC Convention
for youth, this year's Conference will
include a program for elementary-
age children. Both morning and after-
noon sessions are planned. Also, an
adult-supervised nursery will be
available for pre-school children,
operating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5
p.m.
On this and the following seven
pages you will find further informa-
tion about this year's Conference
program. We hope that you will find
this information interesting and help-
ful as we approach our 91st General
Conference.
Program Highlights
Monday
7:00 p.m. — Conference Opening:
''A Service of Scripture and
Song" presented by the
Conference Worship Committee
Tuesday
9:00 a.m. — Moderator's Address,
by Rev. Duane Dickson
1:30 p.m.— BYC Moderator's
Address, by Mr. David Kerner
4:00 p.m. — Workshops
7:00 p.m. — Ashland Theological
Seminary Service
8:00 p.m. — WMS sponsored Coffee
Fellowship
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. — Inspiration with Rev.
Peter Unruh
1:30 p.m. — Church Growth Models
4:00 p.m. — Workshops
7:00 p.m. — Ashland College Service
8:00 p.m. — AC sponsored Coffee
Fellowship
Thursday
9:00 a.m. — Inspiration with Rev.
Peter Unruh
1:30 p.m. — National Laymen's
Public Service with Lt. Glenn Walp
4:00 p.m. — Workshops
7:00 p.m. — Board of Christian
Education Service with Rev.
Rodney Toews
Friday
9:00 a.m. — Inspiration with Rev.
Peter Unruh
11:45 a.m. — WRC Fasting Banquet
1:30 p.m.— WMS PubHc Service
4:00 p.m. — Workshops
5:00 p.m. — Missionary Board
sponsored All-Conference
Banquet, Dr. Paul G. Hiebert,
speaker
14
The Brethren Evangelist
Rev« Duane Dickson to moderate
1979 General Conference
o
Moderating this year's General
Conference will be Rev. Duane Dick-
son, pastor of the Walcrest Brethren
Church of Mansfield, Ohio.
Rev. Dickson's responsibilities at
Conference will bring to a close his
year of activity as Moderator of the
Brethren Church. During this year.
Rev. Dickson has visited the district
conferences, chaired the sessions of
the Executive Committee, and sat in
on meetings of other denominational
boards. He has also written a month-
ly column, ''Moderator's Report,"
for the Brethren Evangehst. All this
in addition to his regular pastoral
responsibilities.
Rev. Dickson will present his Mod-
erator's address to the Conference
on Tuesday morning, August 14, at
9 o'clock. He will also moderate the
daily business sessions.
In looking forward to Conference,
Moderator Dickson had the following
comments :
''I'm sure that many of you are
already making plans to attend the
1979 Conference of the Brethren
Church. If you are not planning to
come, I would urge you to seriously
reconsider. The high quality of the
Conference speakers, the urgency of
the Conference theme, and your need
to be better equipped to make dis-
ciples (which is God's plan for you)
Service of Scripfure, song
to open Conference
"A Service of Scripture and Song"
centered on the Conference Scripture
text — II Chronicles 7 :14 — will open
the 1979 General Conference. The
Worship Committee of General Con-
ference is sponsoring the service.
Rev. Peter E. Roussaki, chairman
of the committee, will lead this time
of worship. Serving as ministers of
music will be Rev. Bradley Weiden-
hamer and Mr. Jeff Lentz. Both are
members of the music committee.
The service will begin on Monday
evening, August 13, at 7 p.m.
July 1979
-<. "--.-. ii
Moderator Duane Dickson
require you to make every effort to
attend.
"We have attempted to design
this year's Conference program so
that you will have more time for
inspiration and fellowship. To make
this possible, it was necessary to
shorten the business sessions. This
means that we need full cooperation
of all delegates in these sessions.
"One main inspirational service is
planned for each evening. Requests
have been received for special pro-
grams after the regular services for
interested persons. All program plans
are excellent!
"If you desire to be effective in
the proclamation of the message of
Christ and you fully realize that it
must begin with you, then you will
want to make a special effort to ob-
tain the resources available at this
year's General Conference."
sessions
Conference business sessions will
be held each day, Tuesday through
Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Only one business session is sched-
uled each day in order to allow more
time for inspiration and fellowship.
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to
Rev. Peter Unruh will be
Conference inspirational speaker
Rev. Peter Unruh will be the
inspirational speaker for the 1979
General Conference. He will speak
daily, Wednesday through Friday, at
9 a.m., with messages related to the
Conference theme, '*If My People
Will."
Rev. Unruh is senior minister of
the Lakeside Baptist Church of
Oakland, Calif. As pastor of this
congregation, he has demonstrated
the gift of a preacher-teacher. His
pastoral work is characterized by a
caring, compassionate attitude. At
the same time, he has also demon-
strated a creative and innovative
administrative ability.
Rev. Unruh has been successful in
building churches through building
people. This emphasis on people is
reflected in his warm and friendly
congregation. Its members display an
openness and interest in one another
and in visitors who come to its
services.
In addition to his pastoral ministry,
Unruh has served with the World
Relief Commission and the National
Seminary service to focus on
its history and outreach
Ashland Theological Seminary will
present a service of inspiration on
Conference Tuesday. The service will
begin at 7 p.m.
The program will focus on both the
history and the outreach of the sem-
inary, which has hundreds of alumni
serving across the United States and
around the world. Slides and music,
as well as the spoken word, will be
used to present the ministry of the
seminary.
Plans call for special music to be
presented by ATS student Ron
Williams. Many Brethren will remem-
ber Mr. Williams from last year's
Conference, when he led and accom-
panied a singing group during the
seminary program.
Following the service, the WMS
will sponsor an informal coffee
fellowship.
Rev. Peter Unruh
Association of Evangelicals (NAE)
Board of Administration. He is also
a resource person for NAE and is
director of Church Growth Planners,
Inc.
Rev. Unruh is married, and he and
his wife have four children, ranging
in age from 10 to 23.
In addition to his morning mes-
sages, Rev. Unruh will lead three
workshops on the subject * 'Leader-
ship for the Growing Church."
Conference housing
The committee on Conference hous-
ing is again asking that Conference
attenders pre-register for rooms this
year.
A pre-registration form and infor-
mation about Conference housing is
printed on the back cover of this issue
of the Evangelist.
Motor homes, trailers, and campers
can also be accommodated at Confer-
ence. There will be space available at
the Ashland County Fairgrounds,
two miles southwest of Ashland
College on Claremont Avenue. Both
electric and water hookups are pro-
vided, as well as dumping facilities.
Cost is $5.00 per day.
The Brethren Evangelist
Rev. Rodney Toews to speak
at Bd. of Christian Ed. service
The Board of Christian Education
will be in charge of the Thursday
evening Conference program. The
speaker for this service will be Rev.
Rodney G. Toews, Vice President —
Ministries for Gospel Light Publi-
cations.
Rev. Toews is known to many
Brethren people from his presence at
last year's Conference. At that time
he spoke at the Association of Breth-
ren Church Teachers luncheon.
A graduate of the University of
Omaha and Bethel Seminary of St.
Paul, Minn., Rev. Toews has served
the ministry of Christian Education
in several churches, both small and
large. Before joining Gospel Light in
1967, he was minister of education
at the First Baptist Church of Lake-
wood, Calif., one of the largest
churches in its denomination.
In addition to Rev. Toews message,
the BCE service will include a time
of recognition for this year's Sum-
mer Crusaders and Interns. Special
music for the service will be present-
ed by some of these Crusaders.
AC night to include
participation by
Wednesday evening will be college
night at General Conference, with
Ashland College in charge of the
service at 7 o'clock.
A variety of features will make up
the program, including a short ad-
dress by AC President Arthur L.
Schultz on "The Influence of the
Church on Ashland College."
Ashland College students will also
be participating in the program. They
will provide special music and present
their reflections on life at Ashland
College.
The college will also present an
"Outstanding Service Award" (or
awards) during the service. This
award will be presented to a member
or members of the Brethren Church
who have provided some kind of out-
standing service to Ashland College.
An informal time of fellowship
*r
Rev. Rodney G. Toews
Another important part of the
program will be the presentation of
the Educator of the Year award.
Also included in the service will be
the installation of Mr. Charles
Beekley as the new Director of
Christian Education.
address by Schultz,
sponsored by the college will follow
the program. AC faculty and staff
members will be present to meet Con-
ference delegates and to visit with
them.
By popular demand, the 1979 Con-
ference will once again include a
session on Church Growth Models.
In this session, several Brethren
churches which experienced signifi-
cant growth in 1978 will tell how they
did it. Rev. Arden Gilmer, Director of
Home Missions for the Brethren
Church, will chair this session, which
is sponsored by the Executive
Committee.
Church Growth Models will be
presented on Wednesday afternoon at
1:30.
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July 1979
17
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State Police officer to speak
at Laymen's public service
Lt. Glenn A. Walp of the Pennsyl-
vania State Police (Greensburg
Barracks) will be the speaker for the
Laymen's public inspirational service
on Thursday afternoon of Conference.
Lt. Walp is a 1966 graduate of the
Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
He also holds an associate degree in
police science from York College of
Pa., and an associate degree in
criminology and police administra-
tion from Indiana University of Pa.
He is a member of the Church of
Christ of Hempfield Township,
Greensburg, Pa., where he has served
as an elder and a deacon. He has also
served as interim minister at several
Churches of Christ in the area.
Lt. Walp will speak on the subject
"My People."
Special music for the Laymen's
service will be presented by 'The
Gospel Sounds," a trio from Akron,
Ohio. One of the trio, Mr. Kenneth
Hysell, is a member of the Brethren
church in Massillon, Ohio (the
Jackson Bible Church).
Workshops
A variety of workshops are planned
for this year's Conference. Following
is a list of these workshops and their
leaders. (Names in parentheses are
the sponsoring groups.)
Workshops will be held each after-
noon from 4 to 5 o'clock.
Tuesday
Music with Children and Youth (I)
by Rev. Peter Roussaki
(Worship Committee)
A Boys' Brotherhood Program
for Your Church by Mr. Virgil
Barnhart and Mrs. Elma
Delagrange (Bd. of Christian
Ed.)
Wednesday
Leadership for the Growing
Church (I) by Rev. Peter Unruh
(Gen. Conf. Executive
Committee)
Music with Children and Youth (II)
by Rev. Peter Roussaki
(Worship Committee)
,** -^ ,
Lt.
Glenn
A.
Walp
*■«
f^'.
ABCT Luncheon
The Board of Christian Education
will sponsor the third annual ABCT
luncheon at the 1979 General Con-
ference. The luncheon is for all mem-
bers of ABCT (the Association of
Brethren Church Teachers) and for
all other Sunday school teachers,
superintendents, and youth leaders
who are interested in better Christian
education.
The luncheon will be held at Park
Street Brethren Church on Thursday
of Conference week. After the meal,
there will be a guest speaker and a
brief explanation of the function of
ABCT.
Sunday School in the 80's by
Rev. Rodney Toews (Bd. of
Christian Ed.)
Thursday
Leadership for the Growing
Church (II) by Rev. Peter Unruh
(Ex. Com.)
WMS Involvement by Mrs. Donald
Rowser (Woman's Missionary
Society)
Sunday School in the 80's by
Rev. Rodney Toews (Bd. of
Christian Ed.)
Friday
Leadership for the Growing
Church (III) by Rev. Peter Unruh
(Ex. Com.)
Developing a Disciplined Life by
Rev. Norman Long (Bd. of
Christian Ed.)
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Former missionary to India to be
All-Conference Banquet speaker
The climax for this year's Confer-
ence will be the All-Conference
Banquet on Friday evening. The
theme for the banquet, which is
sponsored by the Missionary Board,
will be Jesus' words, **I Am the Way,
the Truth, and the Life."
Dr. Paul G. Hiebert, professor of
mission anthropology and South
Asian studies at the Fuller Theo-
logical Seminary School of Mission,
will be the featured speaker.
Dr. Hiebert will speak from his
long involvement with missions,
which began as a child when he was
with his missionary parents in India.
After schooling in the U.S. (B.A. at
Tabor College in 1954, M.A. at Men-
nonite Seminary in 1957, M.A. at the
University of Minnesota in 1959), he
returned to India in 1960, this time
as a missionary himself. He served
six years in India under the Men-
nonite Brethren Board of Foreign
Missions and was in charge of the
Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute
there.
In addition to his present respon-
sibilities at Fuller, Hiebert is also
research advisor for the Mennonite
Brethren Board of Missions and, in
this capacity, returns to India period-
ically for ministries and study.
Also bringing remarks at the
banquet will be Kev. Juan Carlos
Miranda, Director of Hispanic Min-
istries for the Fuller Evangelistic
Association. Rev. Miranda will be
reporting on the new Brethren mis-
sion work in Mexico.
Rev. Kenneth Solomon, Brethren
Missionary to Medellin, Colombia,
will also be at the banquet and will
present an update on Brethren mis-
sion work in Medellin.
Another important part of the
banquet will be the annual Confer-
ence offering for missions. This
year's offering will go for the new
mission work in Mexico.
Cost for the banquet will be $6.25
per person. Pre-registration is due
by August 7. To pre-register, send
your name, address, number of in-
dividuals in your party, and a check
Dr. Paul G. Hiebert
for the total amount to The Mission-
ary Board of the Brethren Church,
530 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
Say It with flowers
Flowers on the Conference plat-
form do much to brighten up the
Conference meeting room. Flowering
plants are again being planned for
this year's Conference.
The Executive Committee is invit-
ing Brethren people to send memorial
donations for these plants. Five
potted plants are needed, at a cost
of $25.00 each. If you are interested
in making a donation in memory of
a friend or loved one, you may send
it to the General Conference Plant
Fund, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH
44805.
Displays
Various boards and organizations
are planning displays for this year's
General Conference.
Dorman Ronk is again serving as
coordinator of the displays, which will
be located in the Convocation Center.
Groups or local churches desiring
space for a display should contact
Mr. Ronk at 227 College Ave.,
Ashland, Ohio 44805, before General
Conference.
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July 1979
19
■as.
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"Seeking and Serving" to be
theme of BYC Convention
Brethren Youth will gather in
August at the National Brethren
Youth Convention for a week-long
experience in seeking and serving
the Lord. Special speakers and ser-
vices will highlight the Convention
this year.
Dr. Jerry Flora, Associate Pro-
fessor of Christian Theology at Ash-
land Theological Seminary, and
Youth Moderator to
A Conference first! The BYC
Moderator, David Kerner, will ad-
dress a combined audience of youth
and adults at this year's General
Conference. He will present his
message on Tuesday afternoon.
This new practice is the result of
a request from last year's Youth
Convention that the youth Modera-
tor's address be scheduled on the
adult program. This request was put
in the form of a motion that was
approved by Conference delegates.
Dave Kerner is a student at Ash-
land College, majoring in religion.
He will enter his senior year this
fall. He spent last summer as a
missionary intern in Medellin, Colom-
bia, and this summer he is on the
Youth
Moderator
David
Kerner
missionary intern team working with
Rev. Juan Carlos Miranda in Califor-
nia and Mexico.
Dave is the son of Rev. and Mrs.
William Kerner of Fort Wayne, Ind.
Dave's father will be the 1980 Gen-
eral Conference Moderator. His son
became moderator a year ahead of
him!
Archie Nevins, pastor of the Colum-
bus, Ohio, Brethren Church, will
address the youth of the Convention.
Each evening special programs will
be sponsored for the Youth Conven-
tion. * 'Crusader Review," film clips,
a special musical concert by ''Har-
mony," and the Youth Communion
will be featured.
Anything will go again at the sec-
ond annual National BYC Anything
Goes. This event will include teams
from across the denomination com-
peting in many zany and challenging
contests.
The program offers a well-rounded
week for all Brethren Youth. Don't
miss it this year!
sessions
for children
This year's Conference will include
sessions for elementary-age children.
This is a part of this year's emphasis
on making Conference "A Family
Affair."
The program, which is for children
who were in grades one through six
during this past school year, will be
held at Park Street Brethren Church.
Sessions will meet each morning and
afternoon, Tuesday through Friday.
Working with the children will be
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Lentz and Mrs.
Linda Beekley. They will be using
the "Music Machine," a curriculum
which helps children develop an
awareness of their spiritual gifts.
The curriculum includes classroom
work, recreation, crafts, and music —
all centered on the theme of spiritual
gifts.
The idea for the program for chil-
dren originated with the Executive
Committee, and the challenge to
sponsor the sessions was accepted by
the Board of Christian Education.
The registration fee for the chil-
dren's sessions will be $5.00 per child,
payable at Conference. In order that
sufficient materials may be ordered
for the program, parents are asked
to pre-register their children, using
the form provided on page 27 of this
issue of the Evangelist.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
Conference auxiliary sessions
Auxiliaries will meet Tuesday thru Friday at 2:30 p.m.
Q
For Women
For Girls
The affirmation ''We Are God's
People!" will be the theme for the
Woman's Missionary Society sessions
at General Conference.
Each WMS session will include a
time of inspiration, to be led by dis-
trict WMS organizations. The Ohio
District will be in charge of this time
of inspiration on Tuesday, the Indi-
ana District on Wednesday, and the
Pennsylvania District on Thursday.
Also scheduled for the Tuesday
session is a time of challenge by the
WMS president, Mrs. Pauline Ben-
shoff. On Wednesday the WMS
Thank Offering will be received, and
the Project Offering for Operation
Impact will be gathered on Friday.
A WMS luncheon is planned for
Wednesday from 11:45 to 1:15. This
will be held in a room in the Ashland
College Library.
Also planned is a women's prayer
time, ''Ask, Seek and Knock," to be
held each morning from 8:15 to 8:30
in the Convocation Center.
For Men
Dr. Arthur L. Schultz, President
of Ashland College, and Dr. Frederick
T. Burkey, A.C.'s Director of Relig-
ious Affairs and Campus Ministry,
will address the National Laymen's
Organization during General Confer-
ence. Both will speak at the Tuesday
afternoon session.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Lay-
men will hear a report by Virgil
Barnhart on the Task Force of Boys'
Brotherhood. Mr. Archie Nevins, the
recipient of the 1979 Laymen's sem-
inary scholarship, will present a mini-
message to the men on Thursday.
Friday's session will be a time for
Laymen's testimonials.
In addition to hearing these speak-
ers, the Laymen will conduct elec-
tions, receive reports, and take care
of the organization's business. The
Laymen's sessions will be held daily
at 2:30 p.m.
"Is It Worth My Life?" will be the
theme of the 1979 National Sister-
hood Conference program. Daily
topics, to be presented by Mrs. Elma
Delagrange, will be "The Miracle of
Me," "Who Am I Plugged Into?"
"Whose Voice Do I Listen To?" and
"Celebration, the Capstone of Life."
Each day's session will include
devotions, special music, business
items, and missionary news.
All girls (not just Sisterhood mem-
bers) will be welcome at these
sessions.
For Ministers
Mr. John W. Dillon, Director of
Associate Crusades for the Billy
Graham Evangelistic Association,
will be one of three speakers to
address the Brethren Ministerial
Association at General Conference.
Mr. Dillon will be speaking on "The
Protracted Meeting as an Evangel-
istic Tool."
Also addressing the ministers will
be Rev. Juan Carlos Miranda, Direc-
tor of Hispanic Ministries with the
Fuller Evangelistic Association, and
Rev. Ken Solomon, Brethren Mission-
ary to Colombia.
Conference Nursery
To help make this year's Confer-
ence "A Family Affair," an adult-
supervised nursery will be available
for pre-school children each day. It
will be operated by the Christian
Crusaders Class of the Emmanuel
United Methodist Church of Ashland,
using the facilities of the Park Street
Brethren Church.
The nursery will be in operation
from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday
through Friday. Cost will be 25 cents
per child per hour, with a maximum
of 50 cents per hour per family (third
child free!). No meals will be
provided.
Q
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July 1979
21
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Florida Dlsfriet adopt's
District Constitution
The second Florida District Conference convened
on May 19 at the First Brethren Church in
Sarasota.
Special speaker for the conference was Dr.
James Strange of the Department of Religion of
the University of South Florida.
The major item of business was the adoption
of the new District Constitution. District officers
were also elected.
A unique feature of the conference was the
reports of the district ministries. Rather than
just being read, these reports were acted out. This
dramatization of the activities of each ministry
provided a refreshing view of the work of the
district.
Mrs. Sandra Wagstaff leaves
post with Missionary Board
On the last day in May denominational workers
gathered for a noon luncheon in honor of Mrs.
Donald (Sandy) Wagstaff. That day was Mrs.
Wagstaff's last day as bookkeeper in the Mission-
ary Board office. She had been a valuable member
of the mission office's staff for 3y2 years.
The Wagstaffs left Ashland in mid-June for
Roann, Indiana, where Don became pastor of the
First Brethren Church. Don was graduated from
Ashland Theological Seminary on June 10.
We commend Sandy and Don and their family
to the Roann congregation and the Indiana Dis-
trict with the prayer that God will both bless them
and make them a blessing as they take up their
ministry among the Brethren in Indiana.
— ^Virgil Ingraham
Mrs. Sandra Wagstaff
County Line Senior Citizens
form "The 3 L's"
The senior citizens class of the County Line
Brethren Church (near Lakeville, Ind.) has
formed a new group known as "The 3 L's" (Live
Long and Love it.)
"The 3 L's," which is for people 55 and over,
meets twice monthly for fellowship, a time of
devotions, and a variety of interesting activities.
Activities at meetings in April and May included
a film entitled "God Is My Partner," a visit to the
Plymouth Park and Historical Museum, and a
tour through the new Plymouth library. On June
13 the group had a picnic at the Potato Creek
Park.
According to Mrs. Wilbur Thomas, "The 3 L's"
has 15 members. Other senior citizens in the
vicinity of the County Line Brethren Church are
invited to attend and become a part of the group.
Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednes-
day of each month during the summer.
Ashland College signs agreennent
with Korean school
Ashland College and Hansa College of Korea
have signed an agreement of friendship uniting
the two schools in a cooperative relationship. Dr.
Julian H. Murphy, vice president for academic
affairs at AC, and Dr. Jae Won Chai, vice
president of Hansa College in Korea, signed the
agreement recently on the AC campus.
Under the agreement, faculty from Hansa will
come to AC where they will utilize the college's
resources to learn English, conduct research, learn
the meaning of the American educational system,
and share their own skills with faculty and
administration.
Hansa faculty members shall have access to all
of the facilities of Ashland College and shall be
a:ble to share their experiences and questions with
the AC faculty and administration. In return,
Hansa shall work closely with Ashland to develop
a sister relationship that may include exchange of
students and other resources that can prove
mutually advantageous to both institutions.
Unique baptism at Park Street
A unique baptismal service was conducted June
10th at the Park Street Brethren Church. Four
persons were baptized by four different ministers.
Three of the baptismal candidates were children
of ministers who belong to the congregation, and
each of the three was baptized by his or her
father. Jeff Gilmer was baptized by Rev. Arden
Gilmer, Lynn Burkey by Dr. Frederick Burkey,
and Melissa Winfield by Rev. Dick Winfield.
The fourth candidate, Mrs. Roberta Mumaw,
was baptized by the pastor. Rev. Eugene Beekley.
22
The Brethren Evangelist
.»«>■'.
update
Standing next to the new
12-passenger van which the
Tucson First Brethren Church
will use for its Outreach Ministry
are (left to right) Pastor Clarence
Stogsdill, Wanda Carson (Outreach
Chairman), Claude Carson, and
Ellen and Jim Fisher.
photo by George Petrcvic, Sr.
Tucson First B
for VANgelism
The First Brethren Church of Tucson, Arizona,
has purchased a new CMC van for use in its
Outreach Ministry.
The number one priority for the new 12-
passenger van will be to bring the unsaved in
for Sunday school and church. The van will also
be available for youth meetings, retreats, home
Bible studies, and other church needs. Another
fhren buys van
minisfry
function of the van will be to transport senior
citizens, especially at night.
The Outreach Ministry of Tucson First Brethren
is a "faith ministry" that came about from the
desire of the congregation to have a growing
evangelistic outreach for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Members of the Tucson congregation are praising
the Lord for enabling them to buy this van, which
was an answer to their prayers.
Roanoke ordains deacons
and deaconesses
On June 3 Robert Zent, John Smith, Robert and
Kayleen Bowker, and John and Lois Critchfield
were ordained as deacons and deaconesses in the
Roanoke, Ind., First Brethren Church.
Rev. Rodney Thomas was the speaker for the
special service of ordination. Rev. Thomas is
pastor of the Huntington, Ind., Brethren Church
and a member of the Indiana District Congrega-
tional and Ministerial Relations Board.
According to Rev. Ralph Gibson, pastor of the
congregation, the Roanoke Church is "growing
slowly but surely." An average Sunday school
attendance of 45 and a morning worship average
of 64 (compared with 44 and 52 respectively last
year) are encouraging signs for the Roanoke
people. A goal of 70 in worship by the end of the
year has been set, and Pastor Gibson expects that
this goal will be reached.
According to Rev. Gibson, "There is a good
spirit of fellowship among the congregation and
a desire to continue improvements in the physical
properties of the church and parsonage." Other
signs of life are a new puppet ministry, the be-
ginning of a choir , and "above all," according to
the pastor, "a growing love for the Lord."
Christian outreach through radio
increasing to China
New York, N.Y. (ABS News)— The United Bible
Societies are preparing plans to double the amount
of Scripture programming being broadcast into
mainland China within the next few months.
Bible Society plans have been prompted by
reports of an increase in open Christian activity
in China, as well as by a dramatically increased
response from Chinese listeners to the programs.
According to UBS officials in Hong Kong, the
number of responses to the radio programs is
"increasing spectacularly." This year alone, over
10,000 letters have been received in Hong Kong
from listeners in all parts of mainland China.
This is a far cry from the days when there was
virtually no response to the programs.
A variety of new programs is planned, includ-
ing a daily English-by-radio broadcast based on
Bible readings and a children's program with
dramatization of Bible stories, quizzes, and Bible
songs.
Membership Growth
Sarasota: 3 by baptism, 2 by transfer
North Manchester: 4 by baptism, 2 by transfer
July 1979
23
update
Ashland Theological Seminary grants degrees
to sixty-one in June
Ashland Theological Seminary held its annual
commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 9.
Graduate degrees in theology were conferred upon
61 candidates during the ceremony.
Speaker for the service was Rev. Paul L. Morell,
senior pastor of the Tyler Street United Methodist
Church in Dallas, Texas. He spoke on the topic
"Answering God's Call." Morell also received the
honorary doctor of divinity degree from the
seminary during the commencement ceremony.
Of the 61 seminary graduates, 29 received the
master of divinity degree, 28 received the master
of arts degree, and 4 were granted the doctor of
ministry degree.
Four of this year's seminary graduates have
chosen to minister in the Brethren Church. It
is of note that all four of these people came to
the Brethren Church from other denominations.
Kenneth A. Goss is from Cleveland, Ohio. He
attended Ohio University and Cuyahoga Commun-
ity College before entering Ashland Theological
Seminary. He also worked several years in public
relations and sales before becoming minister of
youth at Riverview Church in Cleveland.
Ken was Student Association president at ATS.
He was also recently honored as one of the
"Outstanding Young Men of America."
Ken is married to Dorothy Patrick. He and his
wife have two daughters.
Following graduation, Ken began serving as
pastor of the Burlington, Ind., Brethren Church.
James A. Ray
Kenneth A. Goss
James A. Ray is from Ashtabula, Ohio. He was
a member of the United Methodist Church before
joining the Brethren denomination.
Jim attended Ashland College, from which he
received his degree in 1974. While in college, he
received many athletic honors in baseball. Follow-
ing college graduation, he was selected by the
San Francisco Giants organization to play pro-
fessional baseball on one of its minor league teams.
After playing minor league ball for one year, Jim
turned down a chance to try out with the Phillies
and the Dodgers, choosing to come to ATS instead.
Since graduation, two important events have
taken place in Jim's life. He married Jennifer
Jones and he moved to Indiana to become asso-
ciate pastor of the Jefferson Brethren Church.
;■
^:.
'«^
' .
^*"
*
«^1
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"i
Donald E. Wagstaff
Susan E. White
Donald E. Wagstaff came to Ashland from Mt.
Vernon, Ohio. He is the husband of Sandra
St. John, who worked several years as bookkeeper
in the national Missionary Board office. Don and
Sandy have two girls, one of whom graduated
from Ashland High School in May.
Don is a graduate of Mt. Vernon Bible College
and worked several years in industry before
entering the ministry. While in seminary, he
served as student pastor in Ruggles, Ohio
Following graduation Don became pastor of the
Roann, Ind., Brethren Church.
Susan E. White is from Ashland, Ohio. She was
graduated from Ashland College in 1975 Magna
Cum Laude. Following college graduation she
taught in a Christian school before entering the
seminary.
While in the seminary, Susan was selected as
a student assistant in Greek. She was also an
officer in the Student Association.
Susan is a member of the Park Street Brethren
Church. She is looking forward to Christian min-
istry. Susan's article, "The Sisters of the
Brethren," appeared in the May 1979 issue of the
Brethren Evangelist.
In addition to these four graduates who received
degrees, two other Brethren men who are former
graduates of the seminary also received degrees
at this year's commencement. Rev. Marlin McCann
and Rev. Gene Hollinger, who received the bach-
elor of divinity degree in past years, were this
year granted the master of divinity degree.
2p
The Brethren Evangelist
update
"SSiiFiJ'
■«lr /m:''^<.
Construction is in progress on
an addition to the west end
of the library-classroom building
at Ashland Theological Seminary.
The addition will provide classroom
and library space.
photo by Tom Roepke
Seminary begins construction
of $75,000 addition
Construction has begun on an addition to the
library-classroom building of the Ashland Theo-
logical Seminary. The new addition will provide
classroom space and will free other existing class-
rooms for use by the school's library.
The additional classroom and library space is
made necessary by the increased enrollment in
the seminary. Full- and part-time students en-
rolled in the seminary now number 331.
The total cost of the addition will be approx-
imately $75,000, including equipment and fees.
Money is being provided by both Brethren and
non-Brethren friends of the seminary.
The present addition is phase one of the sem-
inary's current building program. An additional
$55,000 phase is planned when money is available.
Construction is being carried out on a cash basis
only.
Internat'ional Year of fhe Child
legislation proposed
Representative Edward Beard (D-R.I.) and 15
cosponsors have introduced into Congress a reso-
lution that would "express the sense of the
Congress that children possess both fundamental
human rights and rights attributable to their
status as children, and to call for the enactment
of Federal and State laws to implement such rights
to the fullest extent possible and to grant children
additional rights equivalent to the rights now
possessed only by adults." This "House Concurrent
Resolution 109" was introduced on April 24.
According to NAE Washingtoii Insigfht, a pub-
lication of the National Association of Evan-
gelicals' Office of Public Affairs, "If passed, H.
Con. Res. 109 could set the stage for anti-family
legislation, and the fulfillment of the wildest
apprehensions about the International Year of
the Child."
Insight goes on to comment: "One wonders who
would define the abuse envisioned in 'the right to
be free from psychological and physical abuse,'
or what would be involved in 'the right to be
consulted on all matters which affect one's
psychological and physical well-being.' Extremely
troublesome is the proposed 'right to be repre-
sented by skillful legal counsel, as an individual
having rights and interests independent of any
rights and interests that parents or guardians
of the child may have.' "
The NAE publication recommends that con-
cerned persons write to their Senators and
Representatives in Congress urging that this leg-
islation, "with its anti-family potential, never be
allowed to emerge from a committee into the full
Senate and House, much less to become law."
1978 Scripture distribution
s half billion mark
top
New York, N.Y. (ABS News) — The American
Bible Society (ABS) and the United Bible Societies
distributed more than a half billion Scriptures
worldwide in 1978.
Not only did the total— 503,318,060— break all
previous annual records, but this was the first
time it topped the half billion mark.
ABS' part in the effort was 127 million Scrip-
tures distributed in the United States and finan-
cial support of 153 million overseas.
ABS's distribution activities worldwide in 1978
represented a 13.9 percent increase over 1977.
July 1979
25
update
Annual Corporafion Meeting
of Hie Brethren Pub. Co.
The annual corporation meeting of the Brethren
Publishing Company will be held Thursday,
August 16, 1979, during the 10:00 a.m. (EDT)
business session of the General Conference of the
Brethren Church. The meeting will be held in the
John C. Myers Convocation Center on the Ashland
College Campus, Ashland, Ohio.
Delegates to the General Conference constitute
the membership of the corporation.
— W. St. Clair Benshoff, President
Weddings
Mary Jane Quinn to John W. Kelley, June 3, at
the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church;
Clarence R. Kindley, pastor, officiating. Members
of the Johnstown Third Brethren Church.
Goldenaires
Node and Zelma Dog^gett, 63rd, May 24. Members
of the First Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio.
In Memory
Doris M. Cushen, May 15. Life-long member of
the Hagerstown, Md., First Brethren Church.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
ease let us know.
1. Give old address:
Name
Address
City State
2. Fill in new address below:
Zip
Name
Address
City State
Zip
Date new address in effect
3. Mail this form to:
Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
Conference Announcements
Prayer vigil planned
The Social Concerns Committee of
General Conference will sponsor a
24-hour prayer vigil from noon
Wednesday to noon Thursday of
Conference week. The committee
urges all delegates to participate.
A time schedule for the vigil will
be available for delegates to sign
when they turn in their Conference
credentials.
The Social Concerns Committee
also hopes to make a prayer room
available throughout Conference
week.
Fo
r women
only
WMS women are asked to bring the
baby blankets they have crocheted
and knitted to Conference. These will
be given to Mrs. Aida May Munson,
who will be in charge of sending
them on.
The World Relief Board is also ask-
ing WMS groups to bring samples
of their work (sewing, knitting,
crocheting, etc.) to the World Relief
table at General Conference to be
used as a part of the display.
Wanted: simple ideas
We all seem to be facing two prob-
lems today:
— how to meet family expenses and
church budgets with our ''shrink-
ing dollars";
— how to deal with energy shortages.
In other words, we are forced to
consider how to live with less.
Brethren House Ministries would
like to compile good ideas from the
Brethren on these topics. Therefore,
at General Conference they will have
a place for you to bring your ideas.
These will be compiled and later
shared with everyone.
Bring or send (with someone from
your church) your ideas about saving
money and energy to the Brethren
House table in the display room at
Conference.
26
The Brethren Evangelist
Beekleys
Rev. and Mrs. Eugene Beekley were honored by
the congregation of the Ashland Park Street
Brethren Church at a noon meal on Sunday, June
17. The occasion was a farewell for the Beekleys
as they completed their years of service at Park
Street and as Rev. Beekley retires from the full-
time Christian ministry.
A time of recognition for the Beekleys followed
the meal, emceed by Ron Waters, vice moderator
of the church. The recognition program included
remarks by special guests, letters from some of
the churches pastored by Rev. Beekley, and
testimonials by Park Street members and staff.
The program concluded with the presentation of
a love gift to the retiring pastor and his wife.
Rev. Beekley served six churches during his
years of pastoral ministry. In addition, he spent
20 years as a chaplain in the United States Air
Force.
He began his pastoral work at Glenford, Ohio,
while a student at Ashland College and Theo-
logical Seminary. This was followed by service at
Brush Valley, Pa., West Alexandria, Ohio, Canton,
Ohio, and Warsaw, Ind. It was from Warsaw that
he went into the chaplaincy.
His twenty years as an Air Force chaplain were
spent serving in various places around the world.
He retired from the chaplaincy in 1973, shortly
before coming to Park Street on July 1st of that
year. He served the Park Street congregation for
exactly six years.
During her husband's years as pastor and
chaplain, Mrs. Beekley served as homemaker,
mother of two sons, and as a teacher — first at
the elementary level and later at the college level.
updote
Pc
(^<,
reef
Rev. and Mrs. Eugene Beekley
During part of the Beekleys' time overseas, Peggy
taught for the Department of Defense.
June 17, 1979, will be a memorable day for the
Beekleys for two reasons. Not only were they
honored at the farewell dinner, but during the
morning worship service their son Charles was
licensed into the Brethren ministry. Charles, a
student at Ashland Theological Seminary, is also
moderator of the Park Street Church. He is
following not only in the footsteps of his father,
but also of his grandfather Beekley, who likewise
was a Brethren minister.
At the end of June Rev. and Mrs. Beekley
moved to Sarasota, Fla. They are planning an
active retirement there.
Conference Sessions for Children
This year's Conference will include sessions for children who
were in grades one through six during this past school year.
Parents are asked to pre-register their children for these sessions
in order that sufficient materials may be ordered for the program.
For more information about the sessions, see page 20.
NAME(S):.
AGE(S):__
GRADE (S) COMPLETED:
HOME CHURCH:
Please complete and mail as soon as possible to
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805
clip and mail
May 1979
27
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ision in Mexico
^ A L IF O R N I A
see pgge 4
t»Ti r\r- o-.^ ^
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NEWS
tVve
Opetv
^^\^
The Carpenter's Shop
709 Claremont
Ashland, OH 44805
When you're in Ashland,
stop in.
^^h
/ ARE ^
^Q7VED P
WE ARE HAPPY
TO MAIL BOOKS
"W"^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
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Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
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c
over
Our newest Brethren mission
field is just across the border.
Fred Burkey shares pictures, a
story, and his enthusiasm for
this field on page 4.
Cover design by Howard Mack
Photos by Fred Burkey
101. No. 8
August 1979
Catching the Vision in Mexico
Fred Burkey shares the enthusiasm he gained from a visit to
the Brethren mission field in Mexico.
Specicsl Fecature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Biblical Authority
George Solomon believes that adherance to biblical authority
is essential to Brethren success in the eighties.
9 Ringers of Joy
Patricia Lane tells how hand bell choirs bring blessing to the
First Brethren Church of Tucson.
10 Alexander Mack: His Thought,
a Model for the Brethren Church
In this second article on Alexander Mack, Dale Stoffer and
Jerry Flora examine the thought of this Brethren leader.
14 Unity in Love
Charles Beekley asserts that the church cannot be mature in
its faith unless it is united in its love.
16 John Guli: A Nigerian Christian Brother
John Guli shares his thoughts about his time in the U.S. and
his plans as he returns to Nigeria.
Departments
13 The Salt Shaker
18 Update
26 Letters
27 Books
NEXT MONTH
The "Update" or news section of next month's issue of The
Brethren Evangelist will consist primarily of coverage of the 91st
General Conference of the Brethren Church.
August 1979
i?
Houses lining the valleys and covering the hills of Northern Baja California are
need to know about Jesus Christ.
photos
filled with
by Fred Burkey
people who
Catching the Vision in Mexico
by Frederick T. Burkey
CULTURE SHOCK" is the only way
to describe the sensation I felt as we
left the U.S.A. behind and crossed into
Mexico. I never realized Tijuana was such
a large city or that it was so totally differ-
ent from nearby San Diego.
As we bounced along the rough, unpaved
streets, Juan Carlos Miranda steered our
borrowed van unerringly among careening
taxis, noisy, smoking buses, and a vast
array of run-down private cars driven pell
mell by their impatient Mexican owners.
The streets of Tijuana resembled a demoli-
tion derby being run along a track lined
with hundreds of small shops whose signs
clamored for the passers' attention.
As our van, heavily loaded with people,
equipment, baggage, food, and water, lum-
bered out of the business district, we could
see private homes lining the valleys and
covering the steep, barren hills of Northern
Baja California. If you have never visited
that area, you will find it hard to visualize
the situation . . . thousands of families liv-
ing in shacks, along dirty streets, under
Dr. Fred Burkey, Director of Religious Affairs
at Ashland College, is also acting Director of
Christian Education for the national Board of
Christian Education. In this capacity he went to
Mexico in June to oversee the work of the BYC
Missionary Interns.
unsanitary conditions, and in poverty . . .
people without apparent economic or spirit-
ual hope. No wonder many of them can be
seen sitting each day along the border
gazing wistfully toward the U.S.A., awaiting
the opportunity to dash across in search
of a better life.
Into this setting the nine of us came
(five Missionary Interns, Michael and Juan
Carlos Miranda, my wife, and I), to join
four workers already conducting Bible
studies in several neighborhoods around
greater Tijuana.
Having glimpsed the housing, we were
deeply thankful for the advance arrange-
ments Juan Carlos (a master organizer)
had made. The two girls (Judy Gifford and
Barbara French) and Juan Carlos and
Michael moved into quarters usually rented
by families of persons receiving laetrile
treatments at a clinic owned and operated
by Christian doctors. The men (Scot
Millhouse, John Black, and David Kerner)
occupied a small apartment nearby. Marilyn
and I had a clean motel room.
Once settled, we jumped into our
'Tijuana taxi" again and roared off across
the city to Colonia Rubio. There we were
to meet the Christian workers recruited
and trained by Juan Carlos — Zacarias and
Nazareth Hernandez, Nathan Silvestri, and
Gallo Hernandez (Zacarias's younger broth-
The Brethren Evangelist
er). We met in the tidy upstairs
apartment of Zacarias and Nazareth
Hernandez for a planning session,
singing, and testimonies.
What a helpless feeling — to meet
new friends and hear them laying
plans for the week and hardly under-
stand a word! Once again I had the
experience of being the ''foreigner."
Fortunately, the Interns knew enough
Spanish to communicate fairly well
with the workers, who cpoke only a
few phrases of English.
One thing we did have in common
was a love of music. Within a few
minutes we found some songs among
those Juan Carlos had provided that
everyone knew (or could read) and
we all joined in. How those fine Mex-
ican workers can sing! I will never
forget the next evening as we headed
"*. (*
■^^■^s"
%SKi\
^•^mT'^'^
Singing along with new friends — (left to right) Nazareth
and Zacarias Hernandez (and baby Nazareth), Nathan
Silvestri, and Gallo Hernandez — the Christian workers serving
in the Brethren mission to Mexico.
Puppets are popular anywhere. The children who jammed
this courtyard loved the Chicano puppet show presented
by the Missionary Interns.
"The Tijuana Taxi" loaded and ready to roll. Standing
by it are (left to right) Michael, Maria, Yvonne, and Juan
Carlos Miranda, and the Missionary Interns — Scot Millhouse,
Barb French, Judy Gifford, John Black, and (kneeling) Dave
Kerner.
: ^ 5' across town for a special service.
« With the local workers, our crew,
« « and a couple of extras (fifteen in all)
in the van, the three Mexicans started
playing guitars, and everyone sang
as we worked our way through the
rush-hour traffic.
Since Marilyn and I had only two
days to observe the work, we had
looked forward to the first of the
special services scheduled during the
time the Interns were to be in
Tijuana. The setting for this service
was a courtyard in Colonia Twenty
de Noviembre. When we arrived an
hour late, I expected the place to be
deserted. Instead it was jammed with
at least 40 children and 35 or 40
adults who were already singing!
We scurried around and set things
up. Then came the puppet show, and
we were thrilled to see that they loved
our Chicano puppets. This was fol-
lowed by more singing, testimonies,
some eloquent preaching (I guess!),
then thirty adults jammed into a
small bedroom to hear Zacarias's
Bible study. Finally, after the old
projector was partially rebuilt, a Luis
Palau film dealing with practical fam-
ily problems was screened, followed
by a sermonette and a call to commit-
ment. At least six adults responded
to the call.
What potential our new Mexican
mission field holds! I saw a people
who have deep spiritual needs . . .
who are open to receiving the Good
News of God. Also, I realized that
this mission field is near enough so
that we can get personally involved.
I would like nothing better than to
August 1979
Kids by the score came to get acquainted with
the Missionary Interns while the adults were in a
Bible study led by Zacarias Hernandez.
return as part of a work team (after I learn
a few more Spanish phrases).
I was deeply impressed with the friendli-
ness and hospitality of the people (one lady
baked us a cake), the dedication and energy
of the workers, and the evidence of Juan
Carlos' administrative and organizational
ability. God is definitely at work in Mexico.
There is much more I'd like to say, based
on just a couple of days of exposure to this
new mission, but space precludes it. Instead,
I simply invite you to speak to Juan Carlos
and Maria at General Conference. If you
wish, the Missionary Interns will be avail-
able to bring a special program on the
Mexican work to your church this fall. If
interested, contact the Board of Christian
Education.
Whatever you do, I challenge you to risk
having your mission vision expanded as
mine has been. In the months to come, I will
be looking for ways to again be personally
involved in this important new work. □
Additiand informafion about
the Missionary Interns
The five BYC Missionary Interns spent two
weeks working in Tijuana, Mexico, under the super-
vision of Juan Carlos and Maria Miranda. During
this time they taught English classes, had ''Happy
Hour" times with the children, and participated in
four days of special services.
Following this they were at Fuller Theological
Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., for two weeks. They
took classes at the seminary in the mornings and
worked with children and youth in the afternoons
and evenings. They also took time off to visit the
three Brethren churches in Northern California
to share with them about the mission work in
Mexico.
From Pasadena the Interns traveled to Mexico
City, where they served for another two weeks.
Their activities in this city included special ser-
vices, work with children, and seeing some of the
sights of the area.
6
Biblical
T HAVE READ and re-read the "Perspec-
tives for the Eighties" that have been
published in the Brethren Evangelist. I
find it of great significance that, if properly
understood, they are revealing to us that
there are many perspectives to our future.
It's like a precious gem which has many
facets, each related to the others, and to-
gether making up the whole. The facets a
person sees as he views the gem are deter-
mined by the position from which he views
it. I think this is true in our efforts to look
into the eighties — a number of different
perspectives will be seen because each
writer is writing from a different view-
point.
It was also of interest to me that, to date
(the May issue), all of the writers have
been from Ashland, the ''home base" or
''headquarters" for our church.* Rev. Smith
Rose is Executive Secretary of the Brethren
Church; Rev. Arden Gilmer is Director of
Home Missions for the Missionary Board
of the Brethren Church; Dr. Fred Burkey
is Director of Religious Affairs at Ashland
College; Dr. Charles Munson is Professor
of Practical Theology at Ashland Theo-
logical Seminary; and even the lone female
writer, Mrs. Dorman Ronk, is a long-time
resident of Ashland and an employee of
Ashland College.
These people wrote from their position
in Ashland, and their perspectives are
necessarily determined in a measure by that
position or that relationship to the Brethren
Church. They see different facets of the
church and its future from those seen by
people who are out on "the front lines"
looking at the church.
I also believe that pastors and people of
older churches in communities where the
* Both the June and July "Perspectives for the
Eighties" were written by persons who do not live
in Ashland. Ed.
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
by ReVo George W. Solomon
Brethren Church is well-estabhshed and
well-known see different facets or perspec-
tives from those seen by pastors and people
of new Brethren churches in communities
where the Brethren Church is a * 'new-
comer."
Having served for the past six years on
the ''cutting edge" in a home mission
church, I think I have been privileged to
see facets of our future that were not
visible to me from my position of 22 years
as a pastor of older, well-established
churches., So I want to try to articulate my
perspective.
The Brethren Church has stated as a part
of its doctrinal beliefs that the Bible is the
infallible Word of God. As such, it is ac-
cepted by the church as the final rule and
authority in all matters of faith and life.
The Brethren Pastors* Handbook lists
four questions to which a new believer
should give affirmative answers. The third
is: "Do you believe the Bible to be the Word
of God and do you accept its teaching as
authoritative?"
Dr. Charles Munson, in his article for
"Perspectives for the Eighties," began by
quoting Dr. Peter Wagner's statement that
Rev. George
Solomon has been
pastor of the
Derby, Kans.,
Brethren Church
for the past six
years. He will
become pastor
of the First
Brethren Church
of Milledgeville,
III., following
General
Conference.
the Brethren Church "will grow because
it has the gospel." Knowing Dr. Wagner
in a limited way, I believe that this is true
in the sense in which he would have meant
it. But if the Brethren Church is to grow,
it must not only possess the gospel, it must
proclaim and practice the gospel.
Dr. Francis Schaeffer in his book "How
Should We Then Live?" traces the rise and
decline of Western thought and culture. In
this book he points his finger at one crucial
factor in the Christian church that has led
to our cultural decline — that is the
watering-down of the authority of Scripture
and the elevating of humanistic philosophies
and human experience to equality with
Scripture as recognized authorities for hu-
man life and behavior. When the church
gives equal place to human experience and
reason, it destroys the only absolute to
which people can appeal in all matters of
faith and life.
Chief Justice of the United States Su-
preme Court Frederick Vinson defined
clearly what has happened when he said,
"Nothing is more certain in modern society
than the principle that there are no ab-
solutes." You see, today everything is rela-
tive. Everything is judged by human ex-
perience rather than by divine decrees. As
a result people often find that the church
doesn't have the answers for many of their
questions, even though these answers are
in the Bible. This is because the church no
longer accepts the Bible as final authority
in all matters of faith and life.
I would say that we Brethren do have
the basis for meaningful ministry and
church growth in the eighties in our doc-
trine. We have said that the Bible, as God's
Word, is our final authority. This truth,
which we affirm in our doctrinal state-
ments, must be proclaimed from our pulpits
and practiced in our lives.
(continued on next page)
August 1979
Weimve said that the Bible, as God's Word, is our final
authority. This truth, which we affirm in our doctrinal
statements, must be proclaimed from our pulpits and
practiced in our lives/'
BretHren preachers need to proclaim
unashamedly and unapologetically the
"Thus saith the Lord!" If they have been
called of God to stand in the pulpit before
God's people, let them read again Jeremiah
1:4-10: 'The Lord said to me, 'I knew you
before you were formed in your mother's
womb; before you were born I sanctified
you and appointed you as my spokesman to
the world.' 'O Lord God,' I said, 1 can't do
that ! I'm far too young ! I'm only a youth ! '
'Don't say that', he replied, 'for you will go
wherever I send you and speak whatever
I tell you to. And don't be afraid of the
people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and
see you through.' Then he touched my
mouth and said, 'See I have put my words
in your mouth! Today your work
begins. . ." (TLB).
Dr. William Self, senior minister of
Wieuca Road Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga.,
and author of several books, speaking at
the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in
Kansas City last year, said, "If a church is
dead, it's because the pulpit is dead; if the
church is alive, it's because the pulpit is
alive." I have come to believe this with all
my heart and soul! Our work in Derby
bears witness to this fact. Newcomers who
move into our community from all kinds
of religious backgrounds repeatedly tell
me that they are looking for a church
where the Word of God is believed, honored,
lived, and preached without compromise.
Preach and teach the Bible
Along with biblical preaching from the
pulpit, there must be biblical teaching
throughout the church. Sunday school ma-
terials, youth materials 5 everything that is
used in the Christian education of the peo-
ple must be carefully selected so that those
who teach and those who preach will be in
basic harmony — so that all will affirm our
acceptance of the Word of God as our
authority. Even the music of the church
should be carefully chosen to support this
doctrinal stand.
The membership of the Brethren Church
— both lay and clergy — must affirm its
faith in the absoluteness of God's Word in
daily life and practice. History tells us that
when the early Brethren had a question
brought to them or when a difference of
opinion arose among them, they would ask,
"What does the Bible say?" Then, having
searched the Scriptures with prayer, they
accepted its directives as the final authority
and lived by that holy Word.
Don't look to hunnan authority
Today far too many professing Chris-
tians look to human pronouncements and
human laws to determine their course of
behavior. If the U.S. Supreme Court says
it's legal to have an abortion, it must be
all right to do so. If society says it's accept-
able for a man and woman to live together
without the benefit of marriage, what's the
matter with it? If consenting adults choose
to enter into a homosexual relationship,
why should it upset anyone else?
Since much of the church has not been
speaking with a single authority — the
authority of God's Word — many of its
members have allowed the world to squeeze
them into its mold, into believing that in
the final analysis there are no absolutes.
For years experts in child-raising have
told us that children need and want author-
ity. They say it is comforting and reassur-
ing for children to know that there are
absolutes and that when we say, "No, that's
wrong," we really mean it. In the same
way, I believe that in our confusing, "no
absolutes" world, adults need and want the
church to reaffirm the absolutes of God's
Word — its authority in all matters of faith
and life. I have found people hungry for the
Word of God; and it's a hunger that no
humanistic philosophizing can satisfy!
The measure to which Brethren preachers
and people take the Word of God and make
it a part of their lives — walking in it, living
in it, preaching it from the pulpit, and
proclaiming it as the final rule for faith
and life — will be one of the most important
factors for Brethren success in the
eighties ! D
8
The Brethren Evangelist
''Ringers of Joy" of the Tucson First Brethren Church are (left to right) Nancy
Tolbert, Barbara Phillips, Tammy Stamper, Kim Cook, Carmen Swingle — director,
Loretta Fanning, Laura Lane, Nancy Dreyer, and not pictured — Karen Gayman and
Leslie Mullikin. Photo by George Petrovic, Sr.
TN 1972 Carmen Swingle and her family
^ returned to Tucson, Arizona, from Wash-
ington State. Because of this God has
blessed First Brethren Church of Tucson,
Northwest Brethren Chapel of Tucson, and
many other organizations in the Tucson
area. This blessing has come because
Carmen introduced Enghsh hand bells into
the Tucson First Brethren Church.
Carmen's interest in hand bells began
while she was in Washington, when the
church she was attending there asked her
to direct a bell choir. Even though she
knew nothing about hand bells, she agreed
to take on this new challenge. She has been
blessed abundantly because of her decision.
When Carmen returned to Tucson, her
parents, Gordon and Mary Roberts, know-
ing of Carmen's great interest in this type
of music, presented First Brethren with its
first set of hand bells. Two choirs were
formed in 1974 — a senior group directed
by Carmen, which has taken the name
"Ringers of Joy," and a junior group direct-
ed by Mrs. Roberts. (Pastor Stogsdill often
lovingly refers to the younger group as his
*'Ding-a-lings.")
The original set of hand bells presented
by the Roberts consisted of two octaves
plus four bells. Since then, through gifts
Patricia Lane is corresponding secretary for the
First Brethren Church of Tucson, Arizona.
JOY
by Patricia Lane
and fund-raising projects, the choir has
almost completed the third octave — 37
bells of varying sizes. Up to five octaves
are available.
The "Ringers of Joy" try to ring one Sun-
day a month at First Brethren and have
played for numerous special church func-
tions, including Easter sunrise service. They
have rung at Northwest Brethren Chapel,
at shopping centers during the Christmas
season, and for other organizations in
Tucson. The junior choir has also performed
outside the church.
In the summer of 1979 the ''Ringers of
Joy" attended a bell festival in Albuquer-
que, New Mexico, along with 500 other
ringers from five western states. And this
spring they were one of twelve choirs par-
ticipating in a local festival.
Carmen relates that the two most im-
portant assets of a bell ringer are an ability
to count music and faithfulness in attend-
ing rehearsals. Each ringer is usually
assigned two notes and the accompanying
sharps and flats. It is possible to ring hold-
ing two small bells in each hand.
Perfecting a number to perform takes
hours of practice. The junior group re-
hearses for an hour each Tuesday, and the
senior group for one and one-half hours.
Both choirs have given many blessings
through their music. But all the girls agree
that they have received many, many
more. D
August 1979
HLLAniiUuri IVIHuiVi rllu
a Model for the Brethren Church
by Dale R. Stoffer and Jerry Flora
BORN three centuries ago this summer,
Alexander Mack (1679-1735) is gen-
erally regarded as the founder of the
Brethren Church. The imprint of his life
and thought still marks Brethren at their
best.
Alexander Mack was no religious inno-
vator. He employed simply and uncritically
the sources available to him — Scripture, his-
tories of the early Christians, and discus-
sions with his contemporaries.
Nor was he a skilled academic scholar.
Rather, as a "task theologian," he focused
attention on the concrete problems his small
flock faced, first in Germany, later in the
Netherlands, and finally in America.
What we can say about Mack is that he
was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ who
sought only to obey Him, following His
teaching in every area of life. By that
plumbline he judged the Christian move-
ments around him and determined to build
a better one. In carrying out this resolve
Mack published two small books, Basic
Questions (1713) and Rights and Ordin-
ances (1715). We want to describe here
some general contours that emerge from
study of these documents.
Basic Principles
Mack did not write explicitly about every
Christian doctrine. But the points he made
on various topics show that the following
ideas were basic to his thinking: (1) the
sovereignty of God in forming the church,
This is the second of two articles on Alexander
Mack. The first appeared in last month's Evan-
gelist. Both articles are an abridgment of a paper
on Mack written by Dale R. Stoffer, a doctoral
student at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Jerry
Flora, Professor of Christian Theology at Ashland
Theological Seminary, prepared the abridgment.
(2) Jesus Christ as the church's Lord, (3)
Scripture as our objective authority, (4)
the Holy Spirit as the church's director,
and (5) the early church as the binding
pattern for the continuing church.
In other words, God is the Sovereign
Lawgiver and Householder who has fully
revealed His will through Jesus Christ, His
Son. Jesus has left to us in His teaching
those "rights and ordinances" which the
Father desires us to obey. We can see the
living record of these teachings in the ex-
amples of Jesus, the apostles, and the early
church described in the New Testament.
Responding to Christ in heartfelt faith
and obedience, we are led by His ever-
present Spirit (the inner Word). Yet the
Spirit will never direct us in ways contrary
to Scripture, for the Spirit himself inspired
it (the outer Word).
The theological structure Mack was
building can be termed eclectic. That is, it
combined several approaches to Christian
faith and life used in his day. The visible
exterior was Anabaptist because the early
Brethren, outwardly speaking, acted much
like Mennonites. But the interior of the
house called Brethren was Pietistic. That
is, a personal experience with Jesus Christ
and a fervent devotional spirit were indis-
pensable. In terms of today's church, the
Radical Pietists from whom Mack emerged
might have been near-charismatics.
The contribution of a third building ma-
terial. Reformed doctrine, lies embedded in
Mack's foundation where is it harder to
detect. That gives Brethren thought its
ties to general Protestant faith, especially
of a somewhat Presbyterian variety.
The actual expression of Brethren belief
and practice, however, is not along Re-
formed lines. Although scholars of all
Brethren groups agree on this point, there
has been much discussion on how the early
Brethren used the remaining materials.
10
The Brethren Evangelist
Mack's writings suggest that Brethrenism
is a balance between inward piety and out-
ward obedience, between subjectivity and
objectivity. He believed that a vital faith
involves both private illumination and cor-
porate responsibility, and that Scripture
provides for both.
Inner and Outer
In thinking this way. Mack was suggest-
ing that a fully biblical doctrine of salva-
tion and the church will combine elements
upheld externally in the Anabaptist-
Mennonite movement and internally among
the Radical Pietists. Mack himself put it
like this: "That which the Holy Spirit
ordained for the faithful was written out-
wardly. All believers are united in it, for
the Holy Spirit teaches them inwardly just
as the Scriptures teach them outwardly. . . .
"Therefore, when a believing person
whose inner ears are opened reads the Holy
Scriptures outwardly, he will hear as the
Lord Jesus intends his teaching to be under-
stood. He hears that which the apostles
want to express in their writings. He will
also be impelled, through his inner hearing,
to true obedience which makes him obey
even in outward matters. Outwardly, he
reads the Scriptures in faith and hears the
inner word of life which gives him strength
and power to follow Jesus."
To follow Jesus — that is what Mack de-
sired above all else. In attempting this, he
strove for a balance between inward faith
and outward expression. Where his con-
temporaries divided into either-or parties,
Mack called for both — and on the basis of
Scripture.
For example, we need both the Holy
Spirit and the Holy Scriptures (the inner
Word and the outer Word), both inward
faith and outward obedience (fruitbearing).
We need both the Christ of faith in the
heart and the Jesus of history in Palestine.
Alexander Mack's Seal
''In the center is the cross, which
Tneans sacrifice; the heart means devo-
tion, and placed on the cross, further
means sacrificed in devotion; the
branches of the vine, mean fruit-
hearing. Thus the seal reads: a devoted,
fruit-bearing, sacrificed life. How
significantly true this is of the life
of Alexander Mack!"
George N. Falkenstein in his History of
the German Baptist Brethren Church (The
New Era Printing Company, 1901), p. 71.
We need both personal piety and corporate
responsibility, both subjective testing and
objective discipline.
Dr. Vernard Eller, Church of the Breth-
ren writer, has observed, 'The two em-
phases check and balance each other. When
the Radical Pietist tendency would slide off
into subjectivism, private inspiration, mysti-
cism, enthusiasm, or vaporous spiritualism,
it is pulled up short by the demand for con-
crete, outward obedience to an objective
Scriptural norm.
''Conversely, when the Anabaptist tend-
ency would slide off into formalism, legal-
ism, biblical literalism, or works-righteous-
ness, it is checked by the reminder that
faith is essentially a work of God within
the heart of the individual believer, an
intensely personal relationship rather than
a legal one. Thus, within Brethrenism,
Anabaptist influences discipline Pietism at
the same time that Pietist influences inspire
Anabaptism."
Alexander Mack could not always main-
tain this balance between inspiration and
discipline, for he tended at times towards
literalism and legalism. But he bequeathed
to his spiritual descendants a conception
of Christian life that tries to be faithful
to Scripture in stressing both inward
attitudes and outward actions at the same
time.
Salvation
Mack's understanding of personal Chris-
tian experience differed in emphasis from
the usual Protestant view of his day.
First, he saw salvation as a process in
which works play a role. Salvation rests
solely upon God's gracious justification of
the believer by faith. But the faith which
justifies is a faith which produces works
of obedience. This obedience is a joyous,
willing search for the expressed wishes of
the Lord in order to show one's devotion
August 1979
11
Alexander Mack wrote two small books which
give us the general contours of his thought —
Basic {or Ground Searching) Questions and
Rights {or Rites) and Ordinances.
and love for Him. All professions of faith
to the contrary, where there is no obedience
there is no salvation.
Second, Mack stressed the subjective as-
pect of salvation — what should take place
in the believer's inner life during the con-
version process. Although he came from
a background that we might call Calvinistic,
he never stressed predestination or uncon-
ditional security. Instead, he emphasized
repentance, faith-obedience, baptism, and
sanctification or discipleship (what he
called regeneration).
Thus, Mack's understanding of salvation
had clear Pletistic elements, especially with
regard to repentance and faith. Anabaptist
themes also were present — salvation as a
process and regeneration as requiring evi-
dence in works.
The Church
But when it came to the doctrine of the
church, Mack's interpretation was thor-
oughly Anabaptist-Mennonite. As one writ-
er has noted, 'The Anabaptist pattern of
the 'New Testament' Church was taken
over by the Brethren almost in toto." This
meant, first of all, seeing the church as the
gathered, visible community of believers
committed to Jesus Christ and to one
another. It also involved such ideas as
obedience to outward ordinances and the
maintaining of corporate discipline.
Baptism is a rite to be administered only
to those who have responded in repentance
and faith to Jesus Christ. He ordained water
baptism (to quote Mack) as "an efficacious
seal and outv/ard symbol of all those who
would believe in Him." Although Mack
denied that baptism has any power to save,
he viewed it as more than a mere symbol.
Trine immersion signals the believer's
incorporation into the church by means of
an act which represents our participation
in the saving death, burial, and resurrection
of Christ.
Similarly, the Lord's Supper is an evening
meal intended only for the regenerate. A
full meal, it should be preceded by the
washing of the saints' feet and concluded
with the sharing of the bread and cup. All
are to examine themselves prior to the
Supper, and the congregation is responsible
for discipline and the ban if necessary for
stubborn, unrepentant members.
Learning from Scripture
Two other theological principles in Mack's
thought deserve continuing attention.
He believed that contemporary expres-
sions of Christianity need continual assess-
ment of their faithfulness to God's Word.
No theological tradition is above scrutiny
by Scripture. Mack therefore rejected the
formal legalism of the Anabaptists, the pri-
vate inspiration of the Radical Pietists, and
the intellectual orthodoxy of the Reformed.
But he firmly upheld such Anabaptist
distinctives as obedience, discipleship, be-
lievers' baptism, and discipline; the Radical
Pietist stress on a regenerate, devout.
Spirit-directed life; and the Reformed
penchant for sound doctrine. Why did he
insist on these? Because he found them
taught in Scripture.
Mack and the early Brethren not only
re-evaluated traditional expressions of
Christianity. They also tried to remain open
to new insights that the Holy Spirit might
show them from the Word. They lived in
expectancy that God would lead them
through the study of Scripture into ever
clearer understandings of the faith.
This is why they organized themselves
into a new fraternity by trine immersion,
even though such an act exposed them to
persecution. This is why they rejected the
Radical Pietist excesses of enthusiasm and
asceticism. That is why they composed no
binding creeds, although they did use cer-
tain credal statements.
Such a process for discerning truth places
weighty responsibility upon the entire body
of believers — a responsibility to know the
content of Christian faith, to critique cur-
rent forms of belief, to remain open to the
Spirit's direction both as individuals and
as a church. At the same time it can develop
Christians who possess a strong mature
faith.
The dissensions which have divided our
later history would probably rend Mack's
heart. But three hundred years after his
birth the thinking of Alexander Mack re-
mains a model for the Brethren Church. □
12
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
*: vP ; For the Christian, the "end" is really the beginning.
Prophets of Doom
MODERN DAY doomsayers are men in
research laboratories, not men behind
pulpits.
In a book entitled The Jupiter Effect,
two astronomers have predicted amazing
things for 1982. The phenomenon they call
the Jupiter Effect is a rare planetary lineup
which occurs every 179 years. It's scheduled
to occur again in 1982. All the planets in
our solar system become lined up in a
straight line with the sun. This unusual
lineup will cause a lopsided gravitational
pull on the sun, producing tremendous sun
storms. These, in turn, will affect the planet
earth, as well as the other planets.
The Jupiter Effect will severely influence
the upper parts of earth's atmosphere, dis-
turb radio communications, disrupt weather
patterns, and slow the earth's rotation.
The last effect is most important, for it
will trigger more earthquakes of major
proportions.
I recently read a newspaper account
which indicated that the earth experienced
thirty-six major quakes during the past
year. This was nearly double the average.
There seemed to be no logical explanation
for the great increase other than the fact
that Mother Earth is growing old.
Now will you allow me to repeat my
opening statement? Modern day doomsay-
ers are men in research laboratories, not
men behind pulpits.
Scientists, psychologists, sociologists,
and educators (who probably don't believe
the Bible) are making most of these pre-
dictions. It is precisely because of who is
making the predictions that people are read-
ing them and sitting up to take notice.
A few years ago there was a cry about
California dropping off into the ocean. The
joke was, ''Buy land in Nevada; someday
it'll be oceanfront property!" Some people
actually moved from California believing
that the whole state would soon drop off.
Anyone acquainted with the Book of
Revelation can see that the doomsayers are
not far wrong. Prophets (foretellers) and
preachers (forthtellers) have been predic-
ting the end since the time of Noah. But no
one listened. They said Noah was all wet!
The doomsayers remind me of the ques-
tion asked the Lord as He left the Temple
one day. ''What events will signal your re-
turn, and the end of the world?" (Matt.
24:3b— TLB).
Jesus replied that there would be wars
and rumors of wars, famines, unusual signs
in the heavens (UFO's?), false prophets,
persecution, immorality, and a general anti-
Christian spirit. He also said that neither
He nor the angels knew when the end would
actually come. This is up to God. It appears
that God has His own doomsday clock.
"Prophets (foretellers) and preach-
ers (for+h+ellers) have been pre-
dicting the end since the time of
Noah "
But there is a difference between God's
clock and the one belonging to our scientific
friends. They refer to the end as a "Samson
Complex." Samson, as you recall, took all
his enemies with him when he died. Most
scientists agree that WW III would be the
end of earth. Pow! The End! Samson
Complex.
But God doesn't say, "Pow; the end." To
Him — and all Christitans — it's the begin-
ning. The difference is in hope. And that's
what Christianity is all about! □
August 1979
13
UNITY
by Charles G. Beekley
THE CHURCH of Jesus Christ can only
be as mature in its faith as it is united
in its love. Each believer is obligated to
strive for this unity in love as his church
grows toward spiritual maturity.
The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about
the unity of believers through a mature
faith. In his letter to the church at Ephesus
he outlined an interdependency of personal
growth, love, and unity. The successful
realization of these concepts can only lead
to corporate growth as well.
First, let us look at the indicators of
spiritual maturity:
, . . / urge you to live a life worthy of the
calling you have received. Be completely
humble and gentle; he patient, bearing
with one another in love. Make every
effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3.)
Here Paul is begging us — entreating, urg-
ing, insisting — that we make every effort
to develop a spiritually mature attitude
toward our brethren. The believer has been
called into a special relationship with the
Creator, and we must live a life that dem-
onstrates this unique relationship. Perhaps
this way of life could be expressed in an
algebraic-like formula :
H
G)
(P ^ L)
PEACE
Consider the elements of this formula.
The '*H" stands for humility. Be on guard
against giving yourself too much credit
and of always assuming that what you
think is the only answer to a situation.
When progress or achievement comes your
way, realize where the credit belongs. The
humble person is free from pride in himself
or his accomplishments. He is sure to as-
cribe the credit to God and to His Spirit
acting in and through him.
Looking again at the formula we see that
added to "H" (humility) must be *'G"
(gentleness). Humility should be seasoned
with gentleness. Gentleness can best be
characterized as the absence of rudeness
or harshness. One can be firm in beliefs, yet
gentle in attitude and manner. Paul is sug-
gesting a gentle mental attitude toward our
brothers and sisters in Christ.
Now the second part of our formula:
''(P X D" — patience multiplied by love.
Patience is the quality of mind that allows
us to bear without complaint or malice
those of our number who speak against us
or our ideas. By coupling patience with the
instruction to ''bear one another in love,"
Paul is suggesting that patience is to be an
active force. We are directed to develop an
uncomplaining steadiness in our patience.
We — as Christians seeking to develop a
spiritual maturity — should not waiver in the
patience we exhibit toward our fellow
believers.
Now — as good mathematicians — let us
consider the other side of the equation
(which equals the first side). The result of
adding humility plus gentleness to patience
multiplied by love is a blessed peace between
believers. Peace is an attitude between per-
sons that demonstrates to the world that
we have a unique relationship to each other
because of our unique relationship to God.
We say to each other, in effect, *1 submit
myself to you in the name of the Lord who
will lead our thinking and determine the
Charles Beekley
is a student at
Ashland Theological
Seminary and
moderator of the
Park Street
Brethren Church.
This article is
a condensation of
a sermon he
preached at Park
Street Church.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
direction we will take as we serve Him." We
will seek the will of God in spiritual unity,
at peace with one another.
None of these virtues is easily and auto-
matically attained. To attain them requires
a conscious effort and a reliance upon the
Holy Spirit as we struggle in God's work.
It should be noted that unity does not
equal uniformity. No matter how much we
strive and study, we will still have differ-
ences. There will be different ideas and
opinions about every issue that arises. But
how we approach those differences will in-
dicate whether or not we have developed
the correct mental attitude. If we insist that
what we say is correct and that it can be
no other way, we are failing. We are failing
Paul, we are failing our brethren, and cer-
tainly, we are failing our God. Our goal
must be to develop the correct mental
attitude toward our differences.
This is where the ''unity of spirit" comes
in. Our churches and the individuals who
make up our churches demonstrate their
spiritual maturity to the world by the de-
gree of unity of spirit they exhibit.
Dr. James C. Fernald, a leading author
of language books and dictionaries in the
early part of this century, offers a defini-
tion of unity that can serve us well as we
seek unity within our churches:
Unity is oneness . . . especially of that
which . . , cannot be conceived of as
resolved into parts . . . (unity is) when
a single purpose or ideal is so subserved
by all that their possible separateness is
lost sight of. . . .^
While we will have our differences, we must
develop a state of being one as we serve
our God.
In Ephesians 4:14-16 Paul develops the
result of living in unity. In the preceding
verses he talked about the various aspects
of the body — its divergence of abilities but
its unity of purpose. He concludes this dis-
cussion in verses 14 to 16.
As our lives develop in Christian unity,
we will grow just as children grow. We will
develop an ability to deal with interpersonal
challenges in a way that does not tear down
other persons. We will develop a maturity
of faith that allows us to contribute to the
unity of spirit. We will develop a maturity
of faith that will demonstrate to the world
that we are a loving, caring community in
a world that really doesn't care much about
individuals. We may even contribute to sav-
ing the lives — physical and spiritual — of
* James C. Fernald, Funk & Wagnalls Standard
Handbook of Synonyms, Antonyms, and Prep-
ositions (New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1947),
p. 428.
persons seeking something that leads them
to cults like the one at Jonestown.
This point is made by Mel White in his
book Deceived, in which he reviews and
analyzes the tragedy of Jonestown. Near
the end of this book. White lists several
resolutions that may enable Christians to
help the world avoid a repeat of what hap-
pened at Jonestown. Consider the first two :
/ will do my best to help make my
church a more loving community . . . .
I will do my best to help make my
church a more caring community to the
real human needs. . . .t
You and I have an obligation to follow
Paul's formula for peace, speaking to one
another in love, ''growing up into Him who
is the Head . . . Christ." Perhaps as we
strive to develop this environment of love,
we will help avert another Jonestown. And
we will demonstrate our love — and our
spiritual unity — to the world as we struggle
toward maturity in our relationships with
other believers.
The result of growth in love within the
body will be growth of the corporate body
as well. As we demonstrate to the outside
world that we love one another, that we are
united in God, we are saying to the world
that we have something special. As a result
'The believer has been called into
a special relationship with the
Creator, and we musf' live a life
that demonstrates this unique
relationship."
people who might flock to someone like
Jim Jones will come to us. They will not be
turned off by our infighting or turned away
by our false smiles. They will come to enjoy
our genuine love for one another, which
grows from our unity and peace because of
our unique relationship to God. They will
come to our churches and will grow — even
as our church is growing.
We must strive — Paul points out the ur-
gency— to develop a unity with our fellow
believers. Through this unity, based on our
special relationship with God, we will reach
spiritual maturity. We will grow together —
individually and corporately — unto Him,
Jesus Christ.
The church of Jesus Christ can only be
as mature in its faith as it is united in its
love. □
t Mel White, Deceived (New Jersey: Spire Books,
1979), pp. 184-185.
August 1979
15
John Guli:
A Nigerian
Christian Brothe
i?ev. /o/i« Guli, his wife Elizabeth, and their youngest son
Njameba.
AFTER a year of study in the United
States, Rev. John Guh, a Nigerian
churchman, returned to Nigeria on July
12, 1979. He had been studying at the
School of World Mission at Fuller Theo-
logical Seminary under the sponsorship of
the Missionary Board of the Brethren
Church.
John is a member of the Ekklesiyar
Yan'uwa a Nigeria (Church of the
Brethren in Nigeria), the church which
Brethren missionaries have served and
Brethren people have supported since 1948.
He is from the Higi tribe, in which much
of the Brethren work was concentrated.
Because the mission established a church
in his area, John became a Christian, went
to mission schools, and became a strong
Christian. He has now risen to a place of
leadership in that church. He came to the
U.S. to receive training in missiology and
church growth which would enable him to
better serve the church.
While in the U.S. John completed his
work at Fuller for a master of arts degree
in missiology. He had begun work toward
this degree four years ago when he spent
16 months studying at Fuller (Sept. '75 to
Dec. '76), also under the Brethren Mission-
ary Board's sponsorship.
In addition to his work at Fuller during
the past year, John also took courses at
Azusa Pacific (College. By transferring some
of his courses from Fuller and some of the
work he had done at the Theological Col-
lege of Northern Nigeria, John was able to
meet the requirements for a bachelor of
arts degree at Azusa, which he received
May 5, 1979.
After completing his work at Fuller in
June, John spent several weeks visiting
former missionaries, mission executives,
and other friends before returning to
Nigeria. He spent three days in Ashland,
and during this time he agreed to share
some of his thoughts about his time in the
U.S. and his plans as he returns to Nigeria.
The following is a summary of what he
shared.
When asked for his impressions of the
United States, John commented on our
hurried way of life. ''It seems to me here
that everything has to go in a kind of a
haste." He added, ''You don't have really
enough time to just spend time talking.
You go to Nigeria, you find people just
sitting talking."
On the other hand, John did find people
in the U.S. very friendly. And he said, "I
didn't have any problem adjusting to the
way people lived here or even the food or
anything, except that sometimes I didn't
like the food in the school cafeteria."
When asked if there were aspects of
American life he didn't like, John directed
his comments specifically to the church.
Before coming to America, he was under
the impression that everybody in the United
States was a Christian. He was disappointed
to find that only about half of the church
members in the U.S. attend services.
He was particularly surprised to find
that "you can't teach Christianity in
schools." He said, "We thought that
America is a Christian country, but yet
nobody can give any instruction concerning
Christianity in a public school." He con-
trasted this with Nigeria, where people
are hired to teach Christianity in the public
schools and the government subsidizes their
salaries. In general, John expected America
to be more Christian than it is.
16
The Brethren Evangelist
During the last two months of his stay
in the U.S., John was joined by his wife,
Ehzabeth, and his youngest child, Njameba
(age 5) . (John and Elizabeth have six other
children, all of whom are in school.) Their
visit to the U.S. was made possible by two
former missionaries to Nigeria, Mr. and
Mrs. Gerald Neher.
John was happy to have his wife with
him in America so that she could experi-
ence something of American life. Because
of this visit she would now understand
many of the things that he had tried, with
little success, to tell her about after his
earlier time in the U.S. He wanted her in
particular to understand the struggles he
went through in his studies at Fuller. He
noted that she got a good taste of this,
since when she first arrived, he was finish-
ing the term at Fuller. Because of his
workload, he didn't have much time to
spend with her!
John believes that his time studying at
the School of World Mission at Fuller
Theological Seminary was time well spent.
'1 think I really gained a lot from Fuller,"
he said. ''I see that my training at Fuller
is going to help me to help other people."
John hopes to apply what he learned to
the church situation in northeastern
Nigeria. The goal of his training has been
to discover *'how best can we help the
church to grow." He must now determine
the specific needs in his own church and
apply what he has learned to those needs.
f%
pw
■fH^^
: i
^
.^.:?^|
Njameba, age 5, enjoyed his visit to
the United States and made friends
wherever he went.
He also feels a responsibility to pass on
what he has learned to others. '1 would
like to communicate what I have received
from Fuller to some of the church leaders
in Nigeria." He realizes that in order to do
this, ''I have to come to their own frame
of reference. ... I have to identify myself
with them. ..."
As to the specific work he will be doing,
John has been asked by the executive
committee of the Nigerian church to teach
and be the principal at Kulp Bible School
(which trains Nigerian pastors and church
workers). At the time of the interview, he
had not replied to this request. The other
possibility he was considering was to return
to his own area of the church (the Eastern
Gunduma) to resume his former position
as Gunduma (area) secretary. Before a
final decision is made about his work, he
wants the executive committee to evaluate
the needs of the whole church and to set
priorities.
John's ideas of evaluating needs and
setting goals and priorities also apply to
mission involvement in Nigeria. He would
like to see mission representatives and
Nigerian church leaders meet together to
evaluate what has been accomplished and
what remains to be done in evangelism and
church planting in Nigeria. Then, from this,
a plan could be made to reach the people of
Nigeria who have not yet been evangelized.
In this connection, he believes there is
still a place for missionaries in Nigeria.
He agrees that nationals can do much of
the work, but feels that there may be cer-
tain tasks missionaries are in a position to
do because of their skill or experience.
John indicated that he and other Nigerian
church leaders have appreciated the coop-
eration that has existed between the
Nigerian church and the mission groups
that have worked with the church. It is
their hope that this cooperation can con-
tinue as church and missions work together
to strengthen the church and to reach those
people who have not yet been evangelized.
REV. JOHN GULI has made many
friends in the United States. Many
Brethren people have learned to know and
love him. He has been an ambassador par
excellence for his country and for the
EYN church.
As he returns to Nigeria to continue his
work for the Lord, our prayers go with
him. We pray not only for him, but for
other Nigerian church leaders and the
church which they serve, that the church
may grow stronger and evangelize the
thousands in that area of Nigeria who do
not know Christ. R.C.W.
August 1979
17
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
Another Conference year has passed, and
only time will determine whether we have
progressed, remained static, or regressed as a
church. It is my prayer that this year was not
wasted in nonprofitable busywork. God's time
is too precious to waste!
I have had the privilege of visiting all the
district conferences, and I have received a very
warm welcome. The Brethren certainly have
the gift of hospitality!
I have also been greatly encouraged by the
general change of direction of the church.
Brethren are showing an ever -increasing desire
to reach out into the various communities to
win people to Jesus Christ. This is in reality the
primary objective of the church. Anything less
than a total commitment to reach the lost of
the community is hindering the mission of the
church. We have started — now we need to build
on the foundation. The church must grow.
I want to take this opportunity to say "Thank
You." It has been necessary for many people
to take time out of their busy days to meet me
at the airport. Many families have opened their
homes to me, providing a comfortable place
to sleep and excellent meals. I have had the
privilege of visiting with many people across
the nation and of sharing mutual concerns
about the work of Christ through the Brethren
Church. I feel that I have profited more than
all.
I would also like to thank the Walcrest
Church for the consideration it has shown me
this past year. In spite of my many days away,
the church is continuing to grow because its
members have accepted the challenge to evan-
gelize. And even greater, they have accepted
the biblical command to love. I also appreciate
very much the men on the Executive Com-
mittee. This has been a very demanding year
with many extra meetings and new respon-
sibilities. You have been excellent co-workers!
Let's remind ourselves constantly of the
challenge of Jesus to go into the harvest fields.
We have the power of God in our lives, the
saving grace of Jesus Christ, the direction of
the Holy Spirit, and the instruction of God
through the Scriptures. Let's get out into the
world and catch men alive!
WE CAN— IF WE WILL!
David L Powell
ordame
Fort Scott, Kans. — David L. Powell was ordained
into the gospel ministry of the Brethren Church
on July 6, 1979. The service was held at the Fort
Scott Brethren Church, where Powell serves as
pastor.
Brethren elders participating in the service were
Rev. George Solomon, pastor of the Derby, Kans.,
Brethren Church, and Rev. Jim Cole, a member of
the Derby congregation. Rev. Solomon presented
the sermon for the service, and both men con-
ducted the ordination of Rev. Powell.
Also participating in the service was Clifford
Lyman, moderator of the Fort Scott Church.
Special music was presented by Amy Earnest, and
the prelude and postlude were played by Marilyn
Minor.
David Powell was born on November 10, 1938,
at Decatur, 111., the son of William and Mary
Porter Powell. He was graduated from Mt. Zion
High School in Mt. Zion, 111. He spent 42 months
in the army, 28 of these in the European Com-
mand, Seventh U.S. Army Artillery.
David has completed the Schofield Bible Course
at the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, 111. Present-
ly he is enrolled in the Pastoral Training Course
from the American Bible College, Pineland, Fla.
On June 18, 1960, David married Shirley Ryder
in Cerro Gordo, 111. They now have three children,
Mary 13, Jeffrey 12, and Gerald 6.
The Powells were members of the Cerro Gordo
Brethren Church before they moved to Fort Scott
in July of 1977. David pastored the Paint Creek
Church of the Brethren for five months and has
pastored the Brethren Church at Fort Scott for
two years.
Rev. and
Mrs. David
L. Powell
18
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Winding Waters takes fresh look at missions;
gives $1,234 for mission to Mexico
Elkhart, Ind. — The Winding Waters Brethren
Church is taking a fresh look at world, home, and
community missions. Helping it to do so is the
recently formed Ministry of Missions of the
church.
Under the inspiring leadership of Mrs. Catherine
White, director of the Ministry of Missions, sev-
eral task forces were formed to tackle the prob-
lems of developing a mission consciousness within
the church. Task forces were set up for world,
home, and community needs, and these task forces
began to develop strategies to present these needs
to the church. They are also seeking to find ways
the church can help meet these needs.
The Task Force on World Missions (Catherine
White — director, Gladys Hossler, Blanche Frink,
and Donna Jepson) met and decided to present
as a missions project the new ministry in Mexico,
which is being developed under the leadership of
Juan Carlos Miranda. They also chose April as
missions month.
This decision was unanimously approved by the
Board of Directors of the church, and the task
force went to work. Classroom bulletin boards
were decorated with maps and pictures of people
of Mexico. A giant fish net decorated the narthex,
with blow-ups of the workers and facilities of the
new work in Mexico. Different missions repre-
sentatives went from class to class giving a per-
sonal appeal. Coins from Mexico were passed out
to all in attendance on Easter morning to help
people identify with the citizens of Mexico. And
a goal of $1,000 was set for the last Sunday in
Members of the task force which promoted the
mission emphasis on Mexico were (left to right)
Catherine White — director, Gladys Hossler, Blanche
Frink, and (not pictured) Donna Jepson.
April to give the project one last thrust.
It worked! When the offering was counted, it
totaled $1,234.41. A check in that amount was sent
to the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church.
The church's mission task forces are now look-
ing into other forms of mission outreach. For
example, a Food Pantry has been set up at the
church for needy families or for crisis situations.
The members of the Winding Waters Church have
found that their outreach to the people of Mexico
has awakened a desire in their hearts to touch
others with their lives.
Park Street women sponsor billboard
Ashland, Ohio — As an outreach to the community,
the Thursday women's Bible study group of the
Park Street Brethren Church recently initiated
a billboard ministry. The 12 women had been
collecting a faith offering and were seeking an
effective way to confront fellow Ashlanders with
the gospel.
t ff«re
PARK SI iRrrHftfrcllcH'
The interest in a billboard ministry was sparked
by the group's disapproval of a continuing full-
page advertisement in the local newspaper. The
advertisement was the introduction of a new
cigarette. Realizing that commercial enterprises
effectively use mass communication techniques
and that the church generally doesn't, the group
decided to use a commercial means — a billboard —
to announce the Christian message.
With the advice of Rev. Harold Walton, whose
church, the Johnstown Second Brethren Church,
is sponsoring a billboard ministry (featured in
the July 1978 Evangelist), a poster was ordered
from Billboards for Jesus. A contract was made
with a local advertising company to display it. The
billboard used was on Claremont Avenue, an
Ashland thoroughfare and the location of several
shopping centers.
The impact of a billboard ministry is difficult
to evaluate. It is known, however, that the mes-
sage, "Jesus is a life savior," has confronted hun-
dreds of Ashland motorists.
—Kitty Winfield
August 1979
19
The new church building of Northwest Brethren Chapel in Tucson is located at the
base of the Catalina mountains. The building will seat 160 persons. Rev. William Curtis
is pastor of the Northwest Brethren congregation. photos by Arden Gilmer
Northwest Chapel dedicates new building
Northwest Brethren Chapel, the new
Brethren Church in Tucson, Arizona, dedi-
cated its new church building on Sunday,
June 24, 1979, just three years and five
months after beginning services in January
1976. One hundred and forty-nine people,
representing all three Arizona churches,
attended the dedication, and about 120
people enjoyed a sumptuous fellowship
dinner held afterwards.
Arden Gilmer, Director of Home Missions
for the Missionary Board of the Brethren
Church, read the Scripture selection, lead
in the dedicatory prayer, and brought words
of greetings and encouragement from all
Brethren churches. Rev. Clayton Berkshire,
pastor of the Papago Park Brethren Church
in Tempe, Ariz., gave the invocation. Mr.
Francis Ellis represented the Northwest
Brethren congregation in bringing the
words of welcome. And Rev. Vernon Grisso,
the founding pastor of Tucson First
Brethren Church, gave the closing prayer.
The dedicatory message was delivered by
Rev. Clarence Stogsdill, pastor of the First
Brethren Church in Tucson. His message
was entitled ''Showing Your A.G.E." He
stated that three vital ingredients for the
new church to come of age were attitude,
goals, and energy.
The architect, Jeff Chow, the engineer,
Jim Burke, and the contractor, John Kline,
were honored for their work on the build-
by Rev. Arden E. Gilmer
ing. Mr. Kline, a tremendous Christian,
served the church admirably as contractor
and used his expertise to save the church
at least $10,000 off the original bid.
The key to the new building was present-
ed by Mr. Kline to the church moderator.
Jack Edgerton. Upon receiving the key, Mr.
Edgerton expressed the appreciation of the
people of Northwest Brethren Chapel for
the support and encouragement they have
received from the sponsoring church and
from the Brethren across the country. He
especially expressed thanks to members of
(continued on next page)
The contractor, John Kline (center), presents the
keys to the new building to Northwest Brethren
Chapel moderator. Jack Edgerton, while Wes
George watches on.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
A Brethren success story at Derby, Kansas
While many Brethren churches find their mem-
bership growing smaller, staying the same, or, at
best, creeping slowly forward, the Brethren
Church of Derby, Kansas, presents a picture of
success.
Over the past six years, under the ministry of
Rev. George Solomon, the membership of the
Derby church has grown from 29 (as of July 1,
1973) to 130 (on June 30, 1979). During this period
average Sunday school attendance went from 28
in 1973 to 85 in the first six months of 1979, and
average Sunday morning worship attendance in-
creased from 28 to 122.
Local giving has also shown tremendous growth.
In 1973 total local giving was $8,230. The budget
for 1979 is $37,000, and at the halfway mark (June
30), the congregation was $336.59 ahead in its
giving. This has enabled the congregation to move
from annual mission support of about $8,000 in
1973 to a position of total self-support in 1979.
While going from mission support to self sup-
port, the congregation has also carried out other
projects. The Derby Brethren built a new par-
sonage in 1976, then renovated the old parsonage
and made it into a Sunday school annex. They are
currently in the process of purchasing new pews
and carpet for the sanctuary and of enlarging the
sanctuary seating capacity to about 200 persons.
Certainly God has blessed this congregation
and its hard work, and the church is a success.
In a sense, the success of the Derby Brethren
Church is a success we Brethren can all share, for
we have had a part in it.
Until this year, the Derby Brethren Church was
a Home Mission Church, receiving part of its
finances from the national Missionary Board.
Therefore any individual or church that gave to
the work of Brethren Heme Missions was helping
in the work of the Derby church. Members of
Northwest Brethren Chapel
the Growth Partners Club whose response
assisted in securing the land and meeting
some of the building costs.
A dedication offering was received dur-
ing the service and amounted to $676.20.
The offertory and special music were pro-
vided by the "Ringers of Joy," the excellent
bell choir from Tucson First Brethren.
Following the service Rev. Stogsdill, pas-
tor of the mother congregation, commented,
''The people of First Brethren Church praise
God as we see our daughter church finally
settled into its new building, and we pray
His constant care upon the new congrega-
tion, and that God will bless them and mul-
tiply them in the work of our most excellent
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."
the Growth Partners Club (formerly the Ten
Dollar Club) had a special opportunity to share
in this work by contributing to the club calls for
Derby in 1963 ($9,070.26) and 1971 ($10,090.00).
Brethren people working together through the
Missionary Board provided the funds to begin this
work and to support it during its years of growth
to self support. The church couldn't have done it
without our help.
This is, in fact, what Home Missions is all about.
Pooling our resources as Brethren to start new
churches and to help them along the way so that
they can grow and become self-supporting con-
gregations. At Derby, this goal has been achieved.
Therefore we rejoice together in the success story
of the Derby, Kansas, Brethren Church.
— R. C. W^infield
Flora yout-h visit Opryland, U.S.A.
Flora, Ind. — ^Ten members of the Senior BYC of
the Flora First Brethren Church made a weekend
trip to Nashville, Tenn., June 1-3. The big event
of the trip was an all-day visit to Opryland,
U.S.A., on Saturday, June 2. On Sunday the youth
attended the Twin River Baptist Church.
The group traveled to Nashville on Friday and
returned to Flora on Sunday. The two nights at
Nashville were spent in a campground about 15
minutes outside the city. Two campers and tents
provided sleeping quarters. Each night at the
campground the group held a campfire service.
To raise money for the expenses of this trip, the
youth had a car wash (from which they made
$135) and a chili supper (which brought in $214
by free-will offering).
Accompanying the youth on their trip to Nash-
ville were Rev. Alvin Grumbling, pastor of the
Flora First Brethren Church, and youth sponsors
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Clingenpeel.
Flora senior BYC nienihers and their advisors.
August 1979
21
update
SISTERHOOD AT
LOREE
by Norma Waters
What do you think of when you hear the
word "Sisterhood"? Do names hke Amigas
and Lumieres mean anything to you? Well,
they mean a lot to the girls of the Loree,
Indiana, Brethren Church.
Thanks to dedicated women who have
given extra time and effort, Loree has four
very active Sisterhood groups. They have
been using the new SMM materials that
were adopted by our churches last summer,
and it's been an exciting year for them. The
materials are a balanced mixture of Bible
learning, crafts and skills, personal im-
provement goals, and missionary emphasis.
Coleen Zerbe, patroness of the Little
Sisters group, says, ''Boy! Are they excited
about Sisterhood! They're learning about
the Bible in a new and exciting way." Since
these first through third graders had been
studying about the creation of the world,
they did a short play for their church about
creation as part of the Sisterhood public
service in April.
Amigas patroness Darlene Porter says
that her fourth through sixth graders really
enjoy the missionary skits and lessons at
their monthly meetings. (Amigas is the
Spanish word for friends.) Each meeting
also includes business, Bible lessons, mem-
ory verses, crafts, and games. Darlene says,
"It is fascinating to observe the enthusiasm
and eagerness of this (age) level. It is my
desire for the Amigas to gain understanding
and applicable knowledge of serving Jesus
through missionary projects and fellowship
with one another."
Lumiere is the French word for light,
and is the name of the junior high group of
Sisterhood. Loree's Lumiere patroness,
Mrs. Norma Waters is Office Manager for the
national Board of Christian Education.
Sharon Zerbe, reports that her girls are
working hard on their goals. They already
have "learned how to make perfect pie
crust," and had guest speakers on the topics
of marriage and first aid. They were work-
ing on their memorization of the book of
Colossians and were planning a cook-out,
a bike hike, and a camp-out for the summer.
(Sharon thinks they're just trying to wear
her out!)
The senior high girls are led by Shirley
Childers. Their name is Charis, which is
Greek for grace. Shirley admits that the
Bible lessons take some "study, thought,
and prayer on the part of the patroness."
But they also involve the girls' thoughts and
discussion, and "the more we each share,
the more of His Spirit we each take home."
Shirley states that "God has never failed
to provide time, material needs, interested
girls, and the richest of blessings."
As we look at the influences that our girls
receive in school, sports, and other com-
munity activities, it is clear that we need
to influence them also for the things of
the Lord. Sisterhood is a program of learn-
ing, growth, and self-enrichment. It's also
enough fun that girls (and patronesses!)
love it.
The Loree church thinks that Sisterhood
is great. Sisterhood is important for your
church, too. Your girls are worth the effort.
Many of our other churches besides Loree have
strong Sisterhood groups. Does your church? If
not, be sure to look over the display of Sisterhood
materials at National Conference — the materials
can be ordered there. Or write to the Board of
Christian Education, 524 College Ave., Ashland,
Ohio 448O5 and ask for more information. You
can start a Sisterhood this fall!
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Mission Center seeks ways to reach
2 billion "hidden people"
If every Christian in the world were to win
his neighbors to Christ, there would still be over
two billion non-Christians left. Why? Because two
billion of the world's people have no Christian
neighbors.
Yes, over two billion people — Hindus, Muslims,
Chinese, and tribal members — ^still have no Chris-
tian church in their local culture. Furthermore,
these people are separated by language, culture,
and often by animosity from those communities
where there is a church. They are locked behind
invisible cultural barriers, still beyond the reach
of present mission and national church strategies.
They are "the hidden people."
If we are to fulfill the Great Commission, ways
must be found to reach these "hidden people"
With the gospel. Finding these ways is the goal
of the U.S. Center for World Mission of Pasadena,
California.
The Center, which was founded by former
missionaries and mission leaders under the direc-
torship of Dr. Ralph D. Winter, has three major
focuses :
(1) Major strategy institutes at the Center
study the unreached segments of the world's
population to determine the most advantageous
ways to approach these people with the gospel.
(2) Mobilization offices seek to arouse the in-
terest of churches, students, and mission agencies
to the task of reaching "the hidden people."
(3) The Institute of International Studies of
the Center seeks to share the mission vision with
evangelical students from secular colleges and
universities throughout the United States. This
is done by offering fully-accredited, one-quarter
and one-semester undergraduate and graduate
programs to these students in order to give them
a Christian perspective on the world.
The center is not trying to compete with exist-
ing mission agencies and boards, but to serve
them. All its efforts at research, mobilization, and
training are meant to funnel new facts, money,
and missionary candidates into these agencies.
To carry out its program, the Center purchased
in September of 1978 an entire college campus in
Pasadena, Calif. The story of how the Center
edged out a religious cult in order to purchase
the 17-acre campus and how it was able to raise
the $1.5 million to make the downpayment is a
story of miracles. Now the Center is making a
massive push to raise $13.5 million more to pay
off the debt on the campus and to establish the
Center as a self-supporting agency.
A unique approach is being used to raise this
money. Center leaders feel God would have a
million people give $15.95 each. This amount will
not be a great burden on any one person, and
furthermore, in this way a million people will gain
an insight into the task that remains if we are
to reach "the hidden people." The $15.95 is a one-
time gift, with Center leaders promising that
those who give this amount will not be asked for
more money.
At the moment, the Center faces a major hurdle.
On September 15 the last really large quarterly
payment on the college campus is due — $660,000.
There will be other quarterly payments after this
one, but they will be considerably smaller. So far
over 11,000 people have made $15.95 donations,
but 44,000 more must do so if the Center is to
make the quarterly payment. If the payment is
not made, the Center will not only lose the prop-
erty, but its entire downpayment of 1.5 million
dollars.
It will take a miracle to raise this money in
the time that remains, but God has worked
miracles for the Center before.
For more information about the Center for World
Mission, contact Dick W infield, do The Brethren
Publishing Company.
Brethren Church Bulletin Service
now used In 40 churches
A^hlatnd, Ohio — ^The Brethren Church Bulletin Ser-
vice is now used in 40 churches and is seen by
4,775 Brethren weekly, according to Ron Waters.
The bulletin service was started in 1976 by the
Brethren Publishing Company. Such a service,
with regular messages about the Brethren Church
and its ministries, had been requested by a num-
ber of Brethren. A cooperative agreement was
arranged with Cathedral Art Folders of Long
Prairie, Minnesota, to include one Brethren mes-
sage each month.
"We should top the 5,000 mark during General
Conference week. A number of churches each
year switch to the service at that time," Waters
said.
"Frequently we find churches have been using
Cathedral bulletins for years but have not been
receiving them through us. So they haven't been
receiving the specific Brethren Church messages.
"But it is an easy matter to tranfer these
churches to our account," Waters added. "It simply
requires a letter to me, saying the church would
like to receive its Cathedral bulletins through
us to take advantage of the specific Brethren
messages."
Brochures depicting the 1980 series of bulletins
will be available at General Conference from the
Brethren Publishing Company.
Membership Growth
Flora: 3 by baptism
Sarasota: 5 by baptism, 1 by transfer
South Bend: 6 by baptism, 2 by transfer
North Manchester: 1 by baptism
August 1979
23
update
Bates retires from Brethren Quarterly;
new writers named
Ashland, Ohio — After 20 years writing for The
Brethren Bible Class Quarterly, Rev. Henry Bates
has retired as contributor of the "Lesson Back-
grounds." The backgrounds in the current (sum-
mer) quarterly are the last written by Rev. Bates.
Bates, a former professor at Ashland Theo-
logical Seminary (1S50-55), drew upon his deep
knowledge of the Bible in preparing these "Lesson
Backgrounds."
During his years of writing for the quarterly,
Rev. Bates served as pastor of the Vinco, Pa.,
Brethren Church and then the Wayne Heights
Brethren Church in Waynesboro, Pa. He continues
to pastor the Wayne Heights church and also
teaches part time at the Broadfording Christian
College near Hagerstown, Md.
The Brethren Publishing Company, which pub-
lishes The Brethren Quai^terly, has greatly appre-
ciated Rev. Bates' faithful service as a writer.
And Brethren people have been richly blessed by
the insights he has provided on the Word of God.
Rev. Bates continues to serve the Brethren
Publishing Company as a member of the Board
01 Trustees and as vice president of that board.
Taking Rev. Bates' place as background writer
for the quarterly will be Rev. Rodney Thoirias,
pastor of the Huntington, Ind., Brethren Church.
Rev. Thomas, who has pastored the Huntington
church since 1974, is also assistant secretary of
the General Conference of the Brethren Church.
He is the son of Rev. Carl Thomas, who is also
a Brethren pastor.
Rev. Thomas' contributions to the quarterly will
first appear in the fall quarter.
A second change in the fall quarterly will be
the introduction of Rev. William Anderson as
writer of the "Lesson Exposition" section. Rev.
Anderson is pastor of the Manteca, Calif., Breth-
ren Church, which he has served since 1970. He
Rev. Henry Bates
has also served Brethren churches in Sergeants-
ville and Calvary, N.J., Pleasant Hill, Ohio, Johns-
town, Pa. (Third Church), and Nappanee, Ind.
This is not Rev, Anderson's first experience
writing for the quarterly. After 15 years he is
returning as writer of the "Lesson Exposition,"
a position he filled from 1962 to 1964.
Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff, who has been writing
the exposition section of the quarterly, will be
contributing the "Lesson Applications" beginning
with the fall quarter. He will be replacing Rev.
Charles Lowmaster, who has written this section
since 1976. Rev. Lowmaster will no longer be
writing for the quarterly because of the press of
other work.
Rev. Benshoff is pastor of the College Corner
Brethren Church, Route 3, Wabash, Ind. He has
been contributing the "Lesson Expositions" since
December of 1973, but his involvement with the
quarterly dates back much further than that.
From 1953 to 1963 he was editor of publications
for the Brethren Publishing Company and, as
such, editor of The Brethren Quarterly.
Rev. Benshoff is also president of the Board of
Trustees of the Brethren Publishing Company.
Rev. Rodney Thomas
Rev. William Anderson
24
Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Grefna Bible school sets record
Bellefontaine, Ohio — The news at Gretna Brethren
Church in June was kids, kids, and more KIDS!
The church had its most successful vacation Bible
school program ever this year.
Average attendance for the Vi^eek (June 11-15)
was 97, with a high of 100 on the last day. To put
this into perspective, two things need to be noted
about this church. One, it is located in the open
country, not in a town or city. Second, average
Sunday morning worship attendance runs less
than 100.
Not only did attendance at the VBS set a new
record, but so did the offering. A total of $150
was received during the week, almost double the
offering of last year. The money will be used to
help support the weekday religious education pro-
gram in the public schools in the county.
VBS director for the week was Pauline West-
lake. She was assisted by Jane Solomon. They
were expecting about 80 children on the first day,
so you can imagine their surprise when 96 chil-
dren appeared.
According to Rev. Leroy Solomon, pastor of the
Gretna congregation, "The beautiful part of the
whole week was that the gospel of Jesus Christ
was taken into several homes it hadn't been into
before. From this week of Bible school we have
made contacts with about 15 unchurched families.
About half of them have expressed a real interest
in our church. Praise the Lord!"
Rev. Solomon adds, "Anyone who questions the
value of VBS, send them to us — we would love
to share with them. We can't wait till next year!"
A few of the 100 children who attended Bible
school at the Gretna Brethren Church.
Dennis Grumbling called
to the ministry
Flora, Ind. — Dennis Grumbling has been called
to the Christian ministry by the congregation of
the First Brethren Church of Flora, Ind. The call
was extended on Sunday, June 10.
Dennis is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Alvin
Grumbling. He will be a senior at Ashland College
this fall, and plans to enter Ashland Theological
Seminary after completing college.
This summer Dennis has been preaching on
Sunday mornings at the Flora Church of the
Brethren.
Film of Joni Eareckson to be
released in September
Burbank, Calif. — Joni is the title of a film to be
released in September by World Wide Pictures.
The movie will present the story of Joni
Eareckson, a quadriplegic who broke her neck in
a diving accident 12 years ago.
Many Christians know of Joni from her two
books, Jom and A Step Further, and from her art-
work, which appears on Christian stationery. Her
book, A Step Further, written with Steve Estes,
was chosen by Religion In Media to receive the
1978 Angel Award.
The film, in which Joni plays herself, follows
her progress from the moment she broke her
neck. It traces the steps along her road to recov-
ery as, drawing on her faith in God, she overcame
the emotional and psychological trauma of the
accident and became an accomplished artist ( hold-
ing a pen in her mouth), a dynamic speaker, and
the author of two best-selling books.
Joni will be premiered in September in many
parts of the country. The film will be shown in
theaters, civic auditoriums, and churches.
Congratulating Joni Eareckson on her receipt of
the Angel Award for the best religious book of
1978-79 is TV star Ted Knight. Joni plays herself
in a new movie entitled Joni.
August 1979
25
update
Weddings
Beth Ann Gross to Brian Kent Bargerhuff, July
7, at the Loree Brethren Church, Bunker Hill, Ind. ;
Stephen Cole, pastor, officiating. Members of the
Loree Brethren Church.
Donna Klutz to Steve Beaver, June 30, at the First
Brethren Church, North Manchester, Ind.; Wood-
row A. Immel, pastor, and Rev. Robert Bischoff
officiating. Members of the North Manchester
First Brethren Church.
Roberta Penrod to Ted Nichols, June 24, at the
First Brethren Church, North Manchester, Ind.;
Woodrow A. Immel, pastor, officiating. Members
of the North Manchester First Brethren Church.
Melanie Stanze to Brian Pierce, June 24, at the
First Brethren Church, Gratis, Ohio; Gene
Hollinger, pastor, officiating. Bride member of
Gratis First Brethren Church.
Debbie Britt to Wayne Robison, June 16, at the
First Brethren Church, North Manchester, Ind.;
Woodrow A. Immel, pastor, officiating. Groom
member of North Manchester First Brethren
Church.
Wanda Underwood to Dale C. Hagerich, June 2, at
Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa.; Carl
H. Phillips, pastor, officiating. Groom member
of the Vinco Brethren Church.
Debra Kay Gable to Robert Kent Swihart, May
26, at the Loree Brethren Church, Bunker Hill,
Ind.; Rev. Austin Gable officiating. Bride member
of the Loree Brethren Church.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
... please let us know.
1. Give old address:
Name
Address
City State
2. Fin in new address below:
Zip
Name
Address
City State
Zip
Date new address in effect
3. Mail this form to:
Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
Goldenaires
William and Ruth Meinke, 65th, June 24. Members
of the First Brethren Church, South Bend, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Don Leckey, 52nd, June 21. Members
of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. George A. Leidy, 56th, June 12. Mem-
bers of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point,
Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Ford, 55th, June 6. Mem-
bers of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point,
Pa.
In Memory
Kenneth J. Benshoff, 31, July 10. Member of the
Sarasota, Fla., First Brethren Church. Services
by Chaplain Navy Capt. Lacy Harwell and Dr.
J. D. Hamel, pastor.
Leslie "Ted" Stutzman, 75, June 28. Member of
the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Ser-
vices by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Bay iSmith, 92, June 20. Member of the South
Bend, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services at the
Winding Waters Brethren Church, Elkhart, Ind.
Mrs. J. Raymond (Salena) Sohutz, 85, June 15.
Member for 59 years of the North Manchester,
Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Woodrow
Immel, pastor, and Dr. A. Blair Helman. (Mrs.
Schutz was the widow of Dr. J. Raymond
Schutz, pastor for 22 years at North Manchester.)
Alice Zimmerman, 72, June 10. Member of the
Gratis, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Services by
Gene Hollinger, pastor.
Liked July "Perspectives"
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you
for printing Clarence StogdiU's excellent article
"Building on Bedrock" in the July issue of the
Evangelist.
The thoughts and ideas are clearly stated and
come out of his experience, I'm sure. The subject
is timely, pertinent and "right on" for us Brethren.
I greatly appreciate such articles of truth,
thought and biblical backgrouaid.
This was a real perspective for the eighties!
— ^Bev Summy
Ashland, Ohio
26
The Brethren Evangelist
hooks
The U.S. Senator from Ida Grove
Harold E. Hug^hes, The Man from Ida <jlTOve by
Harold E. Hughes with Dick Schneider (Chosen
Books. 1979, 346 pp., $10.95 hardback).
This book tells the life story of Harold E.
Hughes, former governor of Iowa and former
United States Senator.
Hughes w£is a poor farm boy who won the
struggle against poverty. As a teenager he began
to drink. He continued drinking while serving in
World War II, and his desire for alcohol became
worse after he was discharged. He reached the
point where he felt the world would be better off
without him, but as he prepared to commit sui-
dde, God spoke to him. This call changed his life.
At that time Hughes was employed by a truck-
ing firm. His job involved him in working out
problems with the Iowa Commerce Commission.
This led to his being employed by that commis-
sion, which in turn led to the governorship of
Iowa and eventually to the U.S. Senate. Many
seemingly impossible situations were completely
turned around for Hughes because he allowed
God to take control.
During his years in politics, Hughes was always
concerned with the underprivileged and alcoholics
and did much to benefit them. He is presently
involved in a ministry to alcoholics.
In reading this book, I was impressed by the
way Hughes allowed God to work in his life and
by the fact that he is not ashamed to testify of
his faith in Jesus Christ not only to national lead-
ers but also to leaders of the entire world.
I would recommend this book to anyone who
would like the assurance that we do have some
Christian leaders in our country.
— Pat Dovey
Pat Dovey is an employee of the Brethren Publish-
ing Company and a member of the Ashland Garber
Brethren Church.
Love and Perseverance
My Son Johnny by John Edmund Haggai (Tyn-
dale House, 1979, 240 pp., $4.95 paperback).
This is the story of John Haggai, Jr., a brain-
damaged dhild who until his death at age 24 was
unable to feed himself and could utter only two
syllables. It tells of a boy with a beautiful spirit
in an inadequate body.
It is also the story of Christine, Johnny's
mother, whose love for her son made the crushing
task of caring for him a channel of God's grace.
Through her unshakeable faith she was able to
draw from Johnny responses others thought
impossible. Her patience was remarkaiWe,
For those who suffer or must watch others
suffer, this book speaks of God's sovereignty and
of the power of persevering prayer. Its aiuthor,
John Haggai, is also author of the best-seller.
How to Win Over Worry.
— JuHe Flora
Julie Flora is a member of the Park Street
Brethren Church and a part-time employee of The
Carpenter's Shop,
L
FREE SAMPLE MATERIALS & BROCHURES
I would like to receive free Bible-in-Life lesson materials
for the following age groups:
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D Kindergarten D Junior 5,6 ° Adult
D Primary 1,2 □ Junior High
Yes, I would like to receive the free brochures
checked below:
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D Bible-in-Life Curriculum #14340
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*"5>-,, Mall to: The Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue I
"%U^ J Ashland. Ohio 44805 /
August 1979
27
God^s Means of (jrace
by C. F. Yoder
k ■ ■
|» Pictured is an original copy of
f Voder's book handed down from Rev.
Ml '
'n James R. Black to his son James F.
$12.50
Black.
This treasured volume is available
at The Carpenter's Shop.
We're happy fo mail books
(see information below).
When you're in Ashland,
be sure to stop in.
2: S CD
OPT
c^ O cr
D" 3- 3-
a> "J
^ (fi CO
P cf :3
D a>
o T :z:
CD O 03
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s
The Carpenter's Shop t cd ♦-*
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We're happy to mail books.
Please add $1.00 for postage.
Ohio residents, add 57^ tax.
"r^The Brethren ^ •
bvangelis
Sepfember 19
1979 Conference Report
beginning on page 11
WORLD
RELIEF
ACTION
Rev. Prasanth Kumar distributes buckets to cyclone victims.
Here are samples of compassion and aid we Brethren have been a part of in recent
months through the World Relief Corporation of the National Association of Evan-
gelicals. Our concern and dollars do count to help extend the hand of Christ in these
ways.
Brethren giving in the first 6 months of 1979 was about $800 short of the pace for
the $31,650 in our record-breaking year of 1978. I hope we'll respond well this fall to
rise even higher . . . and help even more in 1979.
Phil Lersch, Chairman, Brethren World Relief Board
India
On May 12th a devastating cyclone hit the
coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh (where our
Brethren missionaries, the Kumars, live) destroy-
ing nearly half a million homes. Although there
was some damage to the Brethren Mission prop-
erties, it was light in comparison with other areas.
Furthermore, the total loss of life was only about
300, which is also low by comparison to previous
cyclones and tidal waves. But many people were
suffering for want of food, drinking water, and
medical supplies.
The World Relief Corporation responded with
$3,000 (sent through our Brethren Mission Board)
for relief work directed by Prasanth and Vijay
Kumar. These brothers surveyed the cyclone-
affected areas and selected those most in need
of medical assistance, food supplies, and clothing
— which they distributed in the name of Christ.
Uganda
On the heels of an 8-year blood bath by Idi
Amin, Jerry Ballard flew to Africa on April 20th.
His mission was to evaluate the needs of suffer-
ing thousands whose lives were ravaged by terror-
ism and war. Ballard met with government and
church leaders to arrange the most effective and
expeditious means of channeling aid to the people.
WRC shipped 1,250 pounds of medical supplies
into the area, including medicines and much need-
ed surgical instruments. They also pledged an
initial $100,000 to relief effort in Uganda.
A religious leader recently stated: "It is essen-
tial that a Christian ministry of reconciliation
accompany the relief effort. There is a great need
in Uganda for spiritual healing as well as meeting
physical needs of our people." To accomplish this
goal, World Relief is channeling its aid primarily
through the churches of Uganda.
Boliva
Floods swept across Bolivia in February, dis-
placing hundreds of families and causing exten-
sive damage to buildings and crops. WRC respond-
ed with $10,000 for food, clothing, and medical
supplies — as well as needs relating to immediate
reconstruction and rehabilitation. The grant was
channeled through the association of evangelicals
in Bolivia.
Jerry Ballard, executive director of World Relief,
stated, ""Heartwarming stories have already come
out of this situation which tell of poor but gen-
erous Christicms of Bolivia taking flood victims
into their homes, sharing what little they have
in this time of crisis."
Jackson, Mississippi
In April disastrous flooding in Jackson prompt-
ed a swift response from World Relief. Even be-
fore flood waters crested above 18 feet, WRC ad-
vanced $;35,OO0 to aid in the relief of flood victims
forced from their homes.
The First Presbyterian Church, cooperating with
the Salvation Army, provided hundreds of meals
served daily at the church. Seventy-five volunteers
worked in shifts to prepare food for distribution.
Additional hundreds of meals were taken to other
locations by means of Salvation Army mobile
units.
An estimated 17 to 20 thousand persons were
evacuated from affected areas, in what was the
worst flood in the history of Jackson in terms of
water depth, damage to property, and dislocation
of people. Jerry Ballard stated: "The world served
by World Relief begins at home. Christian com-
passion recognizes no nationality. In the spirit
of Jesus Christ we want to share with as many
as we can in relieving suffering in times of
distress."
Advertisement
I V ^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
One year subscription rates: $6.00 for
100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists
of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual
subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents
Change of address: Please notify us at
least three w^eeks in advance, using the
form provided in each issue.
Authors' views are not necessarily those
of the Brethren Church or the Brethren
Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
dressed to the editor. A writer's packet
with query tips is available upon written
request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome.
However, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for return of unsolicited
material not accompanied by a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Second class postage paid at Ashland,
Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to
the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
During the 1979 General
Conference the conditional
theme, "If My People Will,"
became the assertion, "My
People Will!" See the special
Conference report beginning on
page 11.
Cover design by Howard Mack
Vol. 101, No. 9
September 1979
4 Pro-Life vs. Abortion:
Putting God's Law Above Man's
by Harold Walton
6 I Am the Church
by Susan E. White
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
8 Being What God Intends
A portion of Moderator Duane Dickson's address to the 91st
General Conference of the Brethren Church.
1979 CONFERENCE REPORT
11 Introduction and Monday
Opening service; Children's conference.
1 2 Tuesday
BYC Moderator's address; Ashland Theological Seminary
inspirational service; 1979 Crusader review.
1 4 Business
Introduction; Publishing Company endowment fund plan;
Moderator's recommendations; Proposed denominational organ-
ization; Expression of support for Ashland College.
1 6 Wednesday
Messages by Rev. Sanford C. Mitchell; Ashland College
inspirational service.
1 8 Auxiliaries
Woman's Missionary Society; National Laymen's Organization;
National Ministerial Association; Sisterhood of Mary and
Martha.
20 Thursday
Laymen's inspirational service; Board of Christian Education
inspirational service; ABCT luncheon.
22 BYC Convention
Overview; Project report; Officers; Anything Goes competition.
24 Friday
W.M.S. inspirational service; Children's musical; All-Conference
banquet; Fasting banquet.
26 Conference Miscellaneous
"My People Will!"; 1980 Conference theme; Board of Church
Properties' report; New Conference officers.
September 1979
PRO-LIFE vs. ABORTION
Putting God's Law Above Man's
by Rev. Harold W. Walton
ABORTION is one of the great moral
issues of our time. Currently, over
1,000,000 babies are being aborted each
year — approximately one out of every four
that are conceived.
As Bible-believing Christians, we stand
against this moral outrage, just as the
church has consistently done down through
the centuries. God's law stands above man's
law. When His law is flagrantly and re-
peatedly violated, we warn men of the
divine judgment that will inevitably fall
upon them unless they repent.
The Bible teaches that the life in the
womb is indeed a human person. (See Gen-
esis 25:23; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Psalm 51:5;
139:13-16; Matthew 1:20; and Luke 1:15,
31, 41, 44.) Without question, human life
begins at conception — at the union of the
sperm and egg. A new person is formed at
that moment, programmed for and moving
toward maturity as an adult human being.
The child is dependent on his mother for
food and a protected environment, but he is
a distinct person from his mother. At 18-
25 days the child's little heart begins to
beat, using his own blood supply and cir-
culatory system. Brain waves can be de-
tected before the end of the second month
of pregnancy.
Abortion kills this innocent human life
and is therefore a violation of the sixth
commandment, ''You shall not murder"
(Exodus 20:13). God says that we do not
have the prerogative of deliberately taking
innocent human life. The Supreme Court
now says abortion is permissible, but God's
law is above man's laws.
What are some of the reasons given for
a woman's right to an abortion? We are
told that a woman has the right to the
privacy and control of her body. According
to this argument, the fetus is part of the
woman's body. Therefore she can do with
it as she pleases. But the developing child
is not strictly part of a woman's body. It
is a separate human being whose rights
Rev. Harold W. Walton is pastor of the Second
Brethren Church, Johnstown, Pa.
must also be considered. A woman's right
to control her body does not give her the
right to kill her developing child. Once a
child is conceived, abortion is not a private
matter between a womain and her doctor
but a public moral matter, since another
human life is involved.
The vast majority of abortions are per-
formed today for no other real reason than
that the woman so chooses. This is abortion
on demand. Those who support these abor-
tions say, ''If the child isn't wanted, isn't
it better for it to be killed?" Since when is
"convenience" or "wantedness" a higher
value than the sanctity of innocent human
life ? If the baby is unwanted, it can be given
up for adoption, not killed. Many homes
would gladly receive an "unwanted" child.
What about cases where the life of the
mother is at stake. This is a rare problem
today. With modern medical techniques,
almost never is the life of the mother
threatened by her child. But in the few
cases when it is, I believe everything pos-
sible should be done to save both the life
of the mother and the child. If in seeking
to save the life of the mother, the conceived
child dies, then the principle of double effect
applies (an undesired bad effect comes as
a result of seeking a good effect).
We're told that many times for the
mental well-being of the mother she should
have an abortion. In other words, avoiding
psychological pressure is more important
than the sanctity of an innocent human
life. One thing that is somehow left out of
this argument is the tremendous feeling of
guilt experienced by many who have had
an abortion. Greater psychological damage
results from having an abortion than from
allowing the child to be born and giving it
up for adoption.
What if the parents can't afford the
child? Isn't abortion permissible? In other
words, is avoiding economic difficulties
more important than human life? No. Most
families in America can "get by" with
another child if they want to. If not, the
child can be placed up for adoption if
necessary.
The Brethren Evangelist
Five Brethren from the Johnstown, Pa., area participated in a "March for Life" in Washington, D.C.,
on January 22, 1979. The insert shows (left to right) Fern Yarnick and Byron Phillips from the Vinco
Brethren Church, and Rev. Walton, pastor of Johnstown Second.
Instances of rape and incest are certainly
tragic, but pregnancies resulting from these
are rare. Even then, two wrongs don't make
a right.
In regard to retarded or deformed
babies, I still insist that the abortionist
does not have the right to destroy their
lives. Taking innocent human life is a
prerogative that belongs only to God.
We're told that if a human life amend-
ment were passed, women would die at the
hands of ill-qualified, criminal abortionists.
Reasoning this way, we would conclude that
if you can't stop murder, then legalize it.
If you can't stop illegal abortion, then
legalize the immorality of abortion.
The low premium placed upon human
life by the Supreme Court (Roe versus
Wade) will very possibly lead in the not
too distant future to euthanasia. If unborn
children can be killed because they are un-
wanted, what of unwanted old folks whose
lives are no longer "meaningful"? What of
those whose biological worthiness does not
meet certain standards? Pretty soon we're
into a Nazi mentality.
Dr. Everett Koop, a famous pediatrician,
in his book The Right to Live; The Right
to Die recognizes that in ministering to
patients, errors in judgment are possible.
Therefore he tries to err only on the side of
life. Oh, that this had been the spirit of the
Supreme Court. It has made a tragic de-
cision from which America will reap a ter-
rible harvest. God is alive! He sees and will
judge! As Christians, let us support and
work for a Human Life Amendment to the
Constitution protecting the lives of the
unborn. Elect reputable, pro-life candidates,
and don't give up until the victory is won!
In conclusion, let us remember that abor-
tion on demand, which is so common in
America today, is just one symptom of a
deeper ailment that is plaguing our country.
America is rejecting the God of the Bible,
the great truths of historic Christianity,
and the simple gospel message of Christ's
death for our sins and His offer of forgive-
ness and eternal life to all who will believe
in Him.
A Human Life Amendment is not enough.
The real problem is deeper than this — in the
heart of man. He is a sinner and needs to
be saved. God's offer of mercy extends to
all who will come to Him. Let us not only
support the pro-life movement against
abortion, but also God's pro-life movement
with regard to salvation. He desires all to
experience that gift of eternal life through
faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Praise be to
Him! n
Recommended reading:
Brown, Harold O. J. Death Before Birth.
New York: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1977.
Koop, C. Everett. The Right to Live; The
Right to Die. Wheaton, III.: Tyndale, 1976.
Shoemaker, Donald. Abortion, the Bible, and
THE Christian. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker,
1976.
For pro-life material contact:
Helen Boyer, 4OO Constable Ave.
Johnstown, PA 15904 Phone: HI 4-266-4819
September 1979
I AM THE CHURCH
by Susan E. White
Artwork by Susan White
The Brethren Evangelist
I
AM THE CHURCH. Although I am
usually associated with the period of
time following the ministry of Christ, my
beginnings actually stretch far back in the
corridors of time. All those who in sincerity
have joined with God in covenant and have
partaken of His Holy Spirit are a part of
me. The Book of Hebrews, chapter 11, lists
some of my great leaders of early days,
including Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Samuel,
and David, just to mention a few.
It is with the time of the New Testament
that I become most apparent as a struc-
tured entity. For it is then that the Holy
Spirit is offered with power to all who
believe. Up until this time the followers of
Yahweh were comprised, for the most part,
of members of the Jewish nation. This was
the boundary which defined them. Christ
came to bring salvation and reconciliation
with God to all mankind. Therefore the old
Jewish boundary was shattered and new
boundaries were established encompassing
those from every nation. I, the church, was
formed.
To describe me adequately is indeed a
difficult task. I am a creation of the divine
mind, designed for eternal purposes. There-
fore, human descriptions are imperfect.
This should not lead to despair, however,
for much can be understood about me
through the various images used to describe
me in God's Word.
I am like a royal kingdom, with Christ
as my King righteously ruling over those
who would be a part of me. I am like a
grapevine, with its roots held firmly in this
earth. Christ is its strong, central Vine from
which all the branches proceed and receive
that which is necessary for their susten-
ance. I am similar to a flock of sheep whose
wise Shepherd is Christ, guiding and direct-
ing their lives from day to day.
I am like a family of children who have
been adopted by a loving Father, and who
have received the same inheritance as their
noble Brother, Jesus. I resemble an army,
being led out by its strong, courageous
General — the Lord Jesus — against the evil
one. I function like a human body made up
of countless cells which perform their own
tasks, yet which cannot function without
the direction of their Head, Jesus Christ. I
resemble a bride, prepared for and devoted
only to one Husband, Jesus Christ, to whom
I give all my love.
Susan White is an Ashland, Ohio, resident
and a member of the Park Street Brethren Church.
She received a master of arts degree in hibUcal
studies from Ashland Theological Seminary this
past June.
All of these images help to describe my
various aspects. Within them is revealed
my passivity and my activity, my duty
and my devotion. Yet there are two things
which cannot go unnoticed in each — the
unity of the believers and the Lordship ox
Christ.
That which has been called by my namo
throughout the centuries has often been a
very distorted image of me. A political
organization run by corrupt, power-hungry
"My purpose is first of all to pro-
claim the spiritual Good News of
Christ to all people."
men whose goal is the suppression of others
is not the church. A building, no matter how
glorious or "holy," no matter how simple
and "pious," is not me. Neither a system
of rituals nor a book of rules expresses my
desires.
I am the ecclesia, the "called out ones,"
called out to actively believe in Christ, mak-
ing him manifest to the world. My purpose
is first of all to proclaim the spiritual Good
News of Christ to all people. This is accom-
plished by the multitude of mission work
carried out by my members, and more im-
portantly by the unity of love which is made
manifest to the world. Being present in the
world, I must also instruct society in right-
eousness, justice, and morality.
My purpose is also to overcome the evil
one in whatever way he manifests himself.
This "holy war" against evil fought within
the context of the life of love includes feed-
ing those who are hungry, caring for ones
who are sick, providing shelter and clothing
for those in need. Perhaps these things do
not sound very "spiritual," but I, as Christ's
body on the earth, must reach out as He did
and minister to the needs of the whole
person.
Oh, how important is the unity of love
within me ! By this the world can see Christ.
The Spirit who fills each believer binds
these believers together and causes them to
be one. My responsibility is to teach them
to grow and mature in that oneness. This is
accomplished through the various gifts of
the Spirit manifested within my members.
Although my visible structure has become
split and divided as various denominations
have been formed, the unity of all true be-
lievers under the Lordship of Christ cannot
be destroyed.
One way which the unity is demonstrated
is through the symbols which Christ left
September 1979
for us. Each believer goes through the
common experience of baptism as he enters
into me. Baptism does not ''do" anything
to the individual, but it does dramatize
various aspects of his entrance into the
life in Christ. It is first of all a sign of the
covenant, just as circumcision was a sign
of the old Jewish covenant. The believer
demonstrates his obedience as he goes
through this ritual, declaring his agreement
to the covenant. This act symbolizes the
cleansing of the old sin nature and the
purity with which he may now begin his
new life.
It is unfortunate that down through the
years my members have distorted the intent
of baptism, looking at it as if that act itself
accomplished salvation. They have also
hindered the unity of the body as the mode
of baptism became a disputed issue. In
reality the manner in which it is done is
not important to me, as long as the meaning
is not lost in the process.
The other symbol reveals the unity of
my members even more vividly, so much so
that it is even sometimes called the ''Com-
munion." On the last night before Jesus'
crucifixion, He explained that He was to
bring in the new covenant by His blood,
through His death. He passed the wine,
representing His blood, for all to drink ; He
passed the broken bread, representing His
body, for all to eat. Together, sharing this
common symbolic meal, they became par-
takers in this new covenant. "Do this in
remembrance of Me," Jesus told them. And
so my members over the years have remem-
bered and taken part in this common ex-
perience of the Lord's Supper.
Although for the disciples it was a time
of sadness, knowing that their Lord would
soon be facing a time of suffering, it is now
a Eucharist — a time of thanksgiving for
believers. As with the symbol of bap-
tism, the symbolic act of the Lord's Supper
has also been distorted. To many it has
become almost a magical rite, taking on
more significance in itself than the Lord
it represents.
My life in this world has not been an easy
one. There are those who have persecuted
me in an effort to destroy me. I have suf-
fered and been torn by controversies and
schisms within my members. At times it
looked as if I would be overwhelmed by the
political structure which surrounded me.
But I have always survived and have come
out stronger because of it all. I will not be
crushed, for within me flows the life of the
living Christ, and He who began this good
work in me will perfect it in the day of
Christ Jesus. Q
:4-vft'4vwc). , ^g^ ^
photo by Bruce Ronk
Moderator Duane Dickson
T WANT you to know that this message
grows out of a deep love and concern
for the Brethren Church. Therefore I make
my own brief statement of faith. I believe
that the Bible in its entirety is the inspired
Word of God, and I believe the practices
of the Brethren Church best fit the man-
dates of the Scriptures. That's the reason
I am a Brethren!
I want to see the Brethren Church become
a growing church, actively reaching out to
all who need Christ and leading men and
women to a closer walk with Him. We can
be what God intends us to be if we are
willing to pay the price. The question is,
Are we going to do it?
Problems
I don't like to talk about problems!
Nevertheless, it is absolutely necessary to
inspect ourselves critically if we are to
properly diagnose ourselves and prescribe
a proper cure. Therefore I would like to
discuss several things I have observed
about our church.
We are often majoring in the minors. We
tend to focus our efforts on the things we
cannot do or are unproductive at doing, and
neglect the things we can and should be
doing. How can we win more people to
Christ and keep them? We had better be
finding an answer to this question!
Let's put the incidentals in the proper
place on our priority list. I'm tired of
attending conferences and meetings to bs
entertained by some cute or innovative pro-
gram when I am surrounded by people who
need and want the tools to be good disciples.
We need a revival! Let's get out of our
spiritual never-never land.
We seem at times to be afraid to take a
stand on moral issues. We have to be very
careful here or we can again become legal-
istic, but there are certain statements in
Scripture that dictate how a Christian
8
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Being What God Intends
should conduct his life. If God has spoken
plainly on an issue, then we had better
listen and mold our lives around His re-
quirements. When God speaks plainly, we
had better act boldly.
"We can be what God intends us
to be if we are willing to pay the
price.
There are churches throughout our de-
nomination where opportunity to publicly
accept Christ is not given regularly, if at
all. We believe that man is lost without
Christ. This belief should mandate a
planned program to lead people to Christ
and give them the opportunity to publicly
accept Him. Our worship services should be
planned with this evangelistic thrust clearly
in mind.
In some areas of the church there seems
to be a total lack of commitment to the
commission of Christ. The need to involve
more people in the church is recognized,
but when new people are reached, accept
Christ, become members of the church, and
seek to become involved, they are often
pushed aside. Some of our beloved brethren
seem to be afraid of losing their positions
of power in the church. The contrast be-
tween commission and self-interest is
obvious.
We need to learn to love one anoother.
We need to concentrate on developing and
enhancing brotherly love at the denomina-
Rev. Dickson is pastor of the Walcrest Brethren
Church in Mansfield, Ohio, and for the past year
served as Moderator of the Brethren Church. This
article is part of his Moderator's address to the
91st General Conference of the Brethren Church.
September 1979
by Rev. Duane Dickson
tional, local, and individual levels. It must
be love without qualification. It must be
love that brings trust. When we become a
concerned, caring people expressing Christ's
love openly to one another, we will then
be open to be used by Christ.
In some churches we have had a terrible
misuse of spiritual gifts. Groups of people
have taken one spiritual gift and have based
their whole theology on that gift. Churches
have been torn apart. Christians have been
turned against Christians. Christ's work
has been seriously hindered and even de-
stroyed. Satan is the great imitator. He can
take that which is good and use it to his
advantage. If churches are being torn apart,
then Satan most certainly has his hand in
it. God does not want His church torn
apart !
We have stewardship problems. Incomes
are up, but church giving is down. When
church giving is down, denominational pro-
grams suffer first. Most of our national
boards are using up reserves rapidly. If we
are going to continue to build churches
and send missionaries, we had better eval-
uate our giving to some of the other in-
terests that constantly bombard us and
begin supporting the Brethren Church.
And we had better begin using the tithe as
a basis for our giving. I know that the
major denominational boards are presently
examining their spending patterns to insure
you the most for your money.
The positive side
I don't want to allow our self-examination
period to become an obsession and to spend
all our time staring at the freckle on our
big toe. Self-examination is necessary and
good if used as a tool to direct us in future
actions. Let us therefore look at some of
the positive things that are happening in
our church.
Some of our churches are showing
u
When we become a concerned, caring* people express-
ing Christ's love openly to one another, we will then
be open to be used by Christ/'
growth, and I want to commend them for
their faithful service. They are an example
to the rest of us that church growth is
possible if proper principles are used.
We are also beginning to plant new
churches in areas where there are multi-
tudes of people who need Christ. This is
where we should focus our efforts, our
money, and our best leaders. We have
learned from experience, and great progress
is evident. Careful planning and training
coupled with concentrated outreach will al-
ways give results.
Another area with positive outreach po-
tential is our work in Colombia and Mexico.
Here the harvest is truly ripe, with multi-
tudes of people eager to hear and respond
to the gospel. Our potential in these mission
fields is limited only by financial resources
and qualified workers. The men and women
working in these areas are highly qualified,
dedicated, and willing, but they are only a
few in a vast area. We need to continue to
support them with our prayers and our
dollars. We also need to train our young
men and women from childhood to recog-
nize the call to missions, whether it is next
door, through financial giving, or by direct
participation on the mission field.
A Brethren revolution
Let's start a revolution in the Brethren
Church! It must begin in the local church.
It cannot be brought about by legislation at
the national level. It requires a revival at
the local level. This revolution must begin
with our will or determination. We must
first will or determine that we can accom-
plish what Christ has commissioned us to
do, and we must recognize that our first
and major responsibility is to build His
church. We must determine the course of
action that will guarantee that Christ's
message is proclaimed in our community
and then be willing to pay the cost of ac-
complishing that goal. We must totally
focus all our available resources to the task
at hand.
We have the available resources. We
have Christ dwelling within us. Our
strength is the strength He gives. Our
wisdom is the wisdom He gives. Our power
is the power He gives. I am thoroughly
convinced that He is able and willing to
provide all that we need to make the
Brethren Church grow. Our capability for
growth is limited only by how well we
respond to His command to serve.
We have the loist multitude around us.
We face the reality that we are living in a
pagan world. We are totally outnumbered
by the non-Christians. This means that the
field for evangelism is unlimited! It would
seem from accumulated evidence that we
do not believe the biblical message, are not
willing to commit our lives to the gospel
mandate, are letting the world dominate
our lives, or do not really know what it
means to be lost, God has chosen us to
proclaim to the lost of our communities
the truth about salvation through Christ.
The indictment is there: WE HAVE NOT
BEEN PERFORMING VERY WELL.
We have the instrument to proclaim the
gospel. This instrument is a church that
is committed to Jesus Christ, founded on
the truth of the Scriptures and the Great
Commission. The direct and primary re-
sponsibility of the church is to find lost
people and lead them to the point where
they can discover Christ and learn to follow
Him.
As I traveled throughout our denomi-
nation during the past year and visited
the various district conferences, I sensed a
genuine concern about the Brethren Church.
Out of this growing concern is developing
the concept that THE BRETHREN
CHURCH CAN GROW. It is my earnest
prayer that we will fan this spark of desire
into a flame of evangelism that will per-
meate the entire church.
God does have a plan for the Brethren
Church. That plan is GROWTH. Whether
or not that plan is fulfilled is going to de-
pend on our response to God's command to
evangelize. We have the people; we have
the church. All we need is the personal
commitment to accomplish what God has
demanded of us. O
10
The Brethren Evangelist
•"- ;,J%, m'
MODERATO
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The Conference banner, painted by Howard Mack, proclaimed the Conference theme. Photo by Bruce Ronk
7979 Conference Report
The 1979 General Conference of the Brethren
Church, held August 13 through 17 on the Ashland
College campus, is now history.
What happened during this, the 91st General
Conference of the Brethren Church? This is the
question this special report seeks to answer.
Assisting the Evangelist staff in providing answers
to this question were a number of helpful reporters.
Their names appear at the conclusion of their re-
ports. Reports without names were written by the
editor.
It is our hope that this special report will provide
you an overview of what happened at the 91st
General Conference of the Brethren Church.
Opening service sees Brethren kneeling
The opening program of the 91st General Con-
ference of the Brethren Church was a "Service of
Scripture and Song" centering on the Conference
theme text, II Chronicles 7 : 14.
Scripture texts, read by Charles Eeekley, were
Psalm 100, Habakkuk 3:2-19, I Chronicles 28:1-9,
IJohn 1:5—2:2, and Isaiah 53:1-5. Rev. Peter
Roussaki gave a brief commentary on each of
these texts.
Songs for the service were sung by the congre-
gation and by a choral ensemble directed by Brad
Weidenhamer, which sang the anthem "If My
People . . ."
The service also included congregational prayer,
a brief time of testimonies, and a World Relief
filmstrip.
Of interest about the service was that all present
kneeled for the congregational prayer. One woman
commented during the testimonies that this was
the first time she had ever seen the Brethren at
Conference kneel to pray.
The service was sponsored by the Worship
Committee of General Conference in cooperation
with the World Relief Board.
Children's conference
a success
Something new was added to General Confer-
ence this year. It was Conference sessions for
grade-school age children, sponsored by the Board
of Christian Education. Two sessions were held
daily, Tuesday through Friday, at the Park Street
Brethren Church.
Heading up the children's conference were Linda
Beekley and Jeff and Nancy Lentz, assisted by a
number of Brethren people from Ashland.
The theme for the week was the fruit of the
spirit. During the morning sessions the children
engaged in a variety of activities designed to teach
them about bearing spiritual fruit. During the
afternoon sessions they learned the songs to "The
Music Machine," a musical about the fruit of the
spirit. They also practiced for a performance of
the musical, which they presented on Friday
afternoon.
A total of 39 children from 14 different church-
es participated in the children's conference, with
25 attending for the entire week.
photo by Bruce Ronk
Jeff Lentz teaches the children a song from "The
Music Machine" during children's conference.
Judging from the enthusiastic response of the
children, the fine musical, and the comments from
parents, this first children's conference was a
success — and should become a continuing part of
General Conference.
September 1979
11
Fuesday
BYC Moderator addresses
youth and adults
As a Conference first, this year's BYC Mod-
erator, Mr. David Kerner of Fort Wayne, Indiana,
presented his Moderator's address to a combined
audience of youth and adults. Mr. Kerner, a senior
at Ashland College majoring in religion, addressed
the Conference on Tuesday afternoon.
The Youth Moderator, who is often teased about
being short, began his message by likening himself
to the Old Testament governor of the Jews,
Nehemiah (knee-high miah).
In a more serious vain, David noted that he had
grown up with a Christian background. Neverthe-
less, when he went to college and began rooming
with a devout Christian, David realized that his
own Christianity was a veneer and that his cross
was a balsa wood cross. Since that time, and par-
ticularly through his experience as a Summer Cru-
sader and Mission Intern, ministry has become a
way of life for him.
The Youth Moderator read several verses from
Haggai chapter one, in which the prophet chastizes
the Jews for living in paneled houses while the
Temple lies in ruins. Mr. Kerner applied this to
America, where Christians live in comfort while
the world lies in ruins. The world is the temple,
and the poor are those whose house is not built.
Having spent the summer in Mexico where he
saw poverty first hand, David commented that
we in America need to appreciate what we have
in this nation of plenty. He added, "So often we
don't appreciate anything: we have, let alone all
that we have."
He concluded his remarks to the adults in the
audience with the remark, "My challenge to you
as adults is to consider what we are doing in our
denomination with our time, our talents, and our
resources."
Turning to the youth, the BYC Moderator called
their attention to Isaiah's vision in the Temple
(Isaiah 6). He drew three points from Isaiah's
experience.
First, Isaiah's vision came in a common experi-
ence of life, not in the spectacular. Isaiah lived in
Jerusalem and often went to the Temple. Likewise
God can meet us in our regular worship services,
not just in some special convention or evangelistic
service.
Second, when he saw the Lord, Isaiah saw his
own sinfulness. God is holy and is calling us to a
righteous lifestyle. Third, Isaiah's commitment to
go was a response, not a reaction. We should like-
wise respond, not just react, to God's call.
^,/^P*WP
photo by Bruce Ronk
BYC Moderator David Kerner
In the final portion of his address, the Youth
Moderator made several recommendations to the
BYC Convention. These included the need for
better communications between national, district,
and local BYC organizations; the need for better
communications between the national Moderator
and the district BYC organizations; the need for
each district to evaluate its organization and to
make necessary changes; and finally the need
to extend the influence of National BYC so that
it is not limited to one big "poof" at the national
Convention.
Mr. Kerner concluded his message with a
challenge to the youth that they "consider what
the Lord is doing in your life and what He is
calling you to do."
Listen, respond,
The excitement of good music, the voice of an
unseen spokesman, and the challenge of three pro-
fessors set a mood of expectancy during Tuesday's
Ashland Theological Seminary inspirational
service.
Music was presented four times throughout the
service by seminary student Ron Williams and his
choral ensemble. Selections included original com-
positions by Williams and fresh arrangements of
traditional hymns.
"The Voice" introduced each of the three sec-
tions of the program — listen, respond, and pro-
claim— ^with appropriate Scripture texts.
Dr. Jerry Flora said the Brethren Church and
Ashland Theological Seminary have been called
to be the people of God and to accomplish His
purposes. "The church is not anything or anyone
that begins with human beings," he said. "The
church begins with God."
He noted that love is the central theme in God's
plan. "But love is not empty-headed. It has sub-
12
The Brethren Evangelist
About half the 134 crusaders from the past 10 years were present for the 10th anniversary celebration.
1979 Crusader Review
One of the outstanding programs of Conference
was the Crusader Review on Tuesday night. This
imaginative service — organized and emceed by
Mr. Mark Baker, assistant to the Director of
Christian Education — impressed, amused, and
thrilled the full house that witnessed it.
Crusader Review, as the name suggests, was
primarily a look back at the 1979 Summer Cru-
sader and Intern program of the Brethren Church.
This year's Crusaders and Interns used a variety
of means to tell about their summer work.
Both the Ed North Crusaders and the Mission-
ary Interns used slide presentations to relate their
experiences. The Ed North group combined some
zany slides with more serious pictures of their
summer work, thereby both informing and amus-
ing the audience. The Missionary Interns took a
unique approach. Their slide presentation was
narrated by Satan, who viewed the Interns' work
in Tijuana, Pasadena, and Mexico City as a threat
to his hold over people's lives.
The Crusader team Ed South recounted their
experiences in rhythm and rhyme. They read a
poem they had written which gave the highlights
(and some of the lowlights) of each week of their
summer.
The musical unit Promise used puppets to nar-
rate their crusading activities. Their summer
reminiscences, which might have been boring had
they related them, were a delight when put in
the mouths of their puppets.
The two Camp Crusaders livened up their
account of their six weeks in two different camps
with bits of humor and some congregational sing-
ing of camp songs. Then followed the Church
Staff Interns. After Mary Ellen Bates gave a good
report of her work at Brethren House, Evan
Bridenstine nearly brought down the house with
his musical rendition (he sang and played the
piano) of his summer as an intern at the Pitts-
burgh Brethren Church.
These young people are to be commended, not
only for their Christian service this past summer,
but also for the creative way they reviewed their
service for the 1979 General Conference.
This was the tenth anniversary of the present
Crusader program. Therefore following the pres-
entation by this year's Crusaders, a birthday cake
was lit and the congregation sang "Happy
Birthday." At this time Dr. Fred Burkey, retiring
Director of Christian Education, was honored for
his leadership of the Crusader program during
the past ten years.
Recognition was also given to all the 134
Crusaders and Interns who have served during
these ten years.
proclaim — themes of seminary service
stance." And quoting Matthew 22:37, he empha-
sized that loving God includes "with all thy mind."
"Ashland Theological Seminary, as an arm and
a creation of the Brethren Church, has the oppor-
tunity to be a model of the church and a model
for the church in demonstrating that kind of love,"
he said.
Dr. Charles Munson spoke on God's specific
call to men and women to serve Him. He cited
three examples of churches and individuals. Com-
mon to each was a deep concern that young people
be open to a call from God, and an active involve-
ment in helping them hear and respond.
"Our homes and churches must be 'hearing-
aids' for God's call. . . . Our churches, our homes,
and the seminary help our young people to
develop, but the call comes from someplace else,"
he said.
Speaking on proclamation. Dr. Richard Allison
said, "Preaching is neither the preparation nor
the opportunity to display that preparation. . . .
It is not the delivery of sermons."
Instead, he said, preaching begins with the
preparation of self. "There must be something of
substance to share."
He also noted the importance of the body of
believers. "Preaching is an act of the community
of believers. God's Spirit is speaking to all His
people. It's the function of the speaker to 'strike
the spark' in each one that sets them aflame."
Dr. Joseph R. Shultz closed the service with
remarks about the past year at the seminary.
Noting the diversity of backgrounds found in the
student body, he observed, "Somehow God has
brought to the seminary a spirit of love and
ecumenicity that all the church organizations have
been unable to bring about in 30 or 40 years. My
only regret is that the Brethren Church has not
grasped this same openness."
"God cannot bless His people if we're not open,
loving, and gracious," Shultz concluded.
— Ronald W. Waters
September 1979
13
Business
Conference conducts business,
holds elections, hears reports
A total of 486 delegates registered for the 91st
General Conference of the Brethren Church. This
was 31 more than last year, which may reflect
the change made in the Manual of Procedure
in 1978 giving each local church an additional
delegate to Conference. (On the other hand, if
every church had taken advantage of this change,
the delegate total would have increased by more
than 100.)
Conference business sessions were held each
morning, Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 to
11:30.
Much of the work of General Conference is done
by its officers and by its various boards and
committees. Therefore much of the time during
business sessions was taken up with elections and
v/ith reports of the work of these officers, boards,
and committees.
The Conference did take significant action in
several areas. In addition to acting on the recom-
mendations of Moderator Duane Dickson, the
Conference also approved implementation of one
phase of a proposed change in denominational
organization, passed two motions concerning
Ashland College, and approved the Brethren
Publishing Company's plan to establish an en-
dowment fund. Each of these actions is dealt with
in greater detail in separate articles on these two
pages.
Pyblishing Company plan
for endowment fund approved
General Conference approved the plan of the
Brethren Publishing Company to set up an en-
dowment fund to help finance Brethren publica-
tions.
According to this plan, the Publishing Company
would seek to secure gifts and bequests which
the company would invest in the Revolving Loan
Fund of the national Missionary Board to be used
to help build Brethren churches. The interest from
this investment would then be applied toward the
annual deficit of the Brethren Evangelist.
According to the plan, once the endowment fund
is large enough (approximately $450,000) so
that the interest could cover the yearly deficit
on the Evangelist and the annual Publication Day
Offering, it would no longer be necessary to
receive the annual offering.
Moderator's Recommendations
The General Conference Moderator presented
his address to the Conference on Tuesday morn-
ing. A portion of this address is printed on pages
8 through 10.
In his address, the Moderator presented five
recommendations to the Conference. These
recommendations, with the action taken upon
them, were as follows:
1. I recommend that the National Ministerial
Association consider the possibility of a min-
isterial accreditation procedure and guidelines on
the national level. (There is a provision for
annual review on the district level of ministerial
standing in the Manual of Procedure, ch. 2, sec.
1, art. 8). Perhaps provision could be made to
channel this information into a national com-
mittee. I feel that, in the interest of congrega-
tional government, facility of interview, and
convenience, the district examining boards should
remain intact. I feel that a committee should be
formed out of the National Ministerial Associa-
tion to review standing, difficult situations, and
r.ny problems relating to ministerial needs.
The Conference referred this recommendation
to the National Ministerial Association.
2. I recommend that we review and renew
our commitment to the basic biblical stand of the
Brethren Church, and that we present the
Brethren in a positive way to our respective
communities.
The Conference referred this recommendation
to local Brethren churches that each local church
might review its commitment in its community .
3. I recommend that the 1981 Conference focus
on the positive aspects of the Brethren Church.
This recommendation was referred to the Confer-
ence Executive Committee.
4. I recommend that we establish growth
priorities for the denomination on a national,
district, and local level, and that we establish
means for fulfilling these priorities. This is ab-
solutely essential.
This recommendation was also referred to the
Executive Committee in cooperation with the
retiring Moderator and in consultation with na-
tional, district, and local leaders.
5. I recommend that all organizations request-
ing special rooms for meetings (at Conference)
assume the cost of renting the rooms they use,
beginning with the 1980 Conference.
This recommendation was accepted and will be
implemented beginning with next year's Conference.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
Conference approves first phase
of proposed denominafional organization
A matter of business which generated consid-
erable interest was a proposed change in denom-
inational organization.
According to this proposal, three denominational
executives would be established by General Con-
ference through its executive committee, instead
of the present single executive. The three would
be a director of pastoral ministries, a director of
denominational business, and a director of de-
nominational ministries.
The director of pastoral ministries would work
in the area of pastor-church relations, serve as a
counselor to pastors, and assist churches which
are seeking new pastors. (He would not, however,
act as a "bishop" and place pastors in churches.)
He would also work with a coordinating com-
mittee made up of the chairmen of the district
boards of evangelists (or their equivalents).
The director of denominational business would
attempt to coordinate the business interests of
the denomination. He would work in particular
with the Brethren Publishing Company, the Retire-
ment Board, and the Stewardship Committee.
The director of denominational ministries would
serve as a coordinator of the ministries of the
denomination, particularly the ministries of the
Board of Christian Education, the World Relief
Board, the Benevolent Board, and the Missionary
Board.
This proposal does not do away with anything
in the present denominational structure. It only
attempts to provide men who can coordinate the
present structure so that it will function better.
Also, only one phase of this proposed organiza-
tion was presented for enactment this year — the
establishment of a director of pastoral ministries.
After considerable discussion, the Conference
delegates voted to accept the report of the pro-
posed denominational organization and to imple-
ment the first phase, the establishing of a direc-
tor of pastoral ministries. It was reported later
in the Conference that funds in excess of $20,000
are available for implementation of this phase.
(An article giving further information about the
proposed denominational organization is planned for
the November Evangelist. Ed.)
Conference expresses support
for Ashland College
During the two weeks preceding Conference, the
executive committee of the Board of Trustees of
Ashland College found it necessary to grant AC
President Arthur L. Schultz a leave of absence
and to appoint Dr. Joseph R. Shultz as interim
president. (See the article on Ashland College
night on page 17 for more information.)
These distressing times for the college prompted
Rev. Dale RuLon to make the following motion:
We, the Brethren, gathered in the 91st Gen-
eral Conference of the Brethren Church, wholly
support Dr. Joseph R. Shultz as Interim
President of Ashland College. We support him
with our prayers and our finances as he assumes
the leadership of the college.
We pledge our support to the purpose of
Ashland College, that of training young men
and women in their vocation with a strong
foundation of biblical principles upon which
they may mold their lives.
We, as The Brethren Church assembled in
Ashland, Ohio, on August 15, pledge our sup-
port to the administration, faculty, and trustees
of Ashland College.
May God richly bless Dr. Joseph R. Shultz
as he assumes the presidency of Ashland
College.
During discussion of this imotion, a substitute
motion, that the Conference stand in prayer and
pledge its prayerful following of the situation
as it has confronted Ashland College, was intro-
duced. After considerable discussion, the substi-
tute motion was defeated and the original motion
was passed.
Later in the week, Mr. Thomas Stoffer, on
behalf of the AC Board of Trustees, presented
the following response to the action taken by
the Conference: "The Board of Trustees of
Ashland College expresses its deepest apprecia-
tion for the resolution of concern and support
of the college at this time in its history."
Mr. Stoffer also reported that in their meeting
the trustees unanimously approved a resolution
that "the Board of Trustees pledges itself to its
best efforts not only to the continuance but also
the upbuilding of Ashland College toward the
traditions upon which it was founded."
Mr. Stoffer further stated that the board ex-
pressed its concern at some of the campus
activities and indicated its willingness to help the
administration in the review and modification of
the rules that govern student activity.
Following this report from the Board of
Trustees, a motion was made from the Conference
floor and passed by the delegates that "this
Conference go on record as supporting the
trustees and administration of Ashland College
in any effort to eliminate alcoholic beverages from
the campus."
September 1979
15
Wednesday
Conference speaker asks.
"Does God Yell?"
"Does God yell? . . . Does the Lord of all the
universe have to rely on raising His voice?" These
were questions raised by Rev. Sanford C. Mitchell,
pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church of Ashland,
Ohio, in the first of his three inspiring and
challenging messages to the 1979 General
Conference. *
Pointing to instances in the lives of such biblical
personalities as Samuel, Abraham, Elijah, and
Saul (Paul), Rev. Mitchell asserted that God does
yell. Loudly and insistently God tries to break
through our stubbornness, our pride, and our lack
of attention.
After presenting the biblical evidence. Rev.
Mitchell then asked, "Does God yell now days?"
"I think he does," he answered. God is yelling at
us through our polluted lakes, the energy crisis,
the breakdown of families, and the decline in
church membership. God yells at us individually
by increasing our opportunities or by putting
obstacles in our paths.
"The Lord does try to get through to us," said
Rev. Mitchell. "He will try again and again. He
will cry louder and louder until He is yelling in
our ears."
According to Rev. Mitchell, God not only yells
at us, calling us insistently to do His work, but
He also provides us the power to do that which
He wishes to have done. In his second message
Rev. Mitchell set forth three truths about this
power.
"We have the raw power of the Holy Spirit. . . .
You have the power of the risen Christ. And there
is no power in this world it won't conquer," Rev.
Mitchell declared. This is the power that enabled
Peter and John to heal the cripple in the Temple
(Acts 3) and to speak boldly before the Sanhedrin
(Acts 4).
The power of the Holy Spirit is at work not only
in us, but in a host of believers whom God has
raised up to support and strengthen us. Therefore
we should never feel alone or that the Lord's work
is going badly because it is going badly for us.
The power of the Holy Spirit is at work in the
saints throughout the world.
Furthermore, we and the power of the Holy
Spirit are a combination that cannot be beat. "We
are going to win," Rev. Mitchell proclaimed.
Rev. Mitchell concluded this message by asking
"So what?" We have the power of the Holy Spirit.
So what? He gave three answers: (1) We should
* Rev. Mitchell spoke in the place of the scheduled
Conference inspirational speaker, Rev. Peter Unruh,
who was unable to attend the Conference. With only
two week's notice, Rev. Mitchell was able to prepare
three exceptionally fine messages.
'=^'-
■'f-
4
**v
«1 s
X:
photo by Bruce Rcnk ,|
Following one of his three messages, Rev. Mitchell
(left) visits with one of the Conference delegates.
hear the Lord and obey, for He will support us
with His power. (2) We should take our gifts to
Jesus ; Plis power will multiply them to accomplish
His will. (3) We should never be discouraged. We
have the best and highest gift in the world — the
Holy Spirit — and in that gift we shall prevail.
In his final message Rev. Mitchell began by
saying that God not only calls us and gives us
the power to do His work. He also comes to us
with the reminder that we are the redeemed of
the Lord — ^and it should show.
He told of two men who worked side by side in
an office. Only after many years, and quite by
accident, did they discover that they both were
Christians and members of the same denom-
ination.
According to Rev Mitchell, the fact that these
men had worked together year after year and
their Christian faith had never shown through
was "unmitigated disaster." Then he asked his
audience, "On your job can you remember the
last time your faith broke through?"
"Our personal lives should radiate the joy of
the Lord," Rev. Mitchell said. This joy should
be shown by the things we do (not just what we
say), by the things we don't do, and by our good
works.
The fact that we are the redeemed of the Lord
should also show in our congregations. The lives
of our congregations should radiate the love of
the Lord, Rev. Mitchell said. This love of the Lord
should be seen in our worship services, in com-
munity outreach, and in our loving attitudes
toward one another. We are the redeemed of the
Lord, and it should show.
16
The Brethren Evangelist
t^
;r
j?fr.f ' "3
Joseph Shultz presented
as AC Jnferim president
pnoto by Bruce Ronk
Dr. Joseph Shultz
The Ashland College presentation on Wednesday
night opened with enthusiastic singing followed
by comments by Dr. Frederick Burkey, AG's
Director of Religious Affairs and Campus Min-
istry. Dr. Burkey reported on the progress and
activities of the ministry on campus during the
past year, and looked to the opportunities ahead.
"I believe that the time is right for us to have
a good ministry on our campus," he stated. He
reported that his work, along with that of his
associates Jim Miller and Judy Gifford, had fol-
lowed a low-key course stressing friendship
evangelism. Progress was definitely made, for
throughout the year individuals came to Christ
through small group activities, Bible studies held
in the dorms, and personal interaction.
In looking over some statistics. Dr. Burkey
found that those individuals most involved in the
church had come through Ashland College. "I'm
convinced that the Brethren Church will benefit,
as it has already benefited in the past, by con-
tinuing to work with Ashland College to make
and keep it the kind of school for our young
people," he stated. He went on to encourage the
Brethren by presenting ways they could help bring
more Brethren students to AC. One of these ways
is to face the college as it is — a place to minister
and to be ministered to, as well as a place to
receive a valuable education. The second way is
by helping to support the Brethren students more
with their ever-rising college expenses.
Next, Elton Whitted, Chairman of the Ashland
College Board of Trustees, shared about the time
of crisis which the college had just gone through.
He said that even though Dr. Arthur Schultz had
met a need when he became president of Ashland
College by helping to restore unity between the
college and the church, nevertheless he was unable
to develop the community spirit and trust needed
to lead the campus. This resulted in a loss of
confidence in his leadership on the part of the
college faculty and staff. When this loss of con-
fidence was brought to the attention of the
executive committee of the board, this committee,
after much prayer and consideration, made the
decision to release Dr. Schultz from his position.
The next formidable question was, who could
fill the void and serve as interim president? After
considering many factors, the executive committee
selected Dr. Joseph Shultz as the right man for
the job. The factors considered were: 1) The
position needed to be filled as quickly as possible.
2) Dr. Joseph Shultz was the senior vice-president,
had a long association with the college, and knew
the problems as well as anyone. 3) He had
proven administrative and fund-raising abilities.
4) He could maintain improved relations with the
Brethren Church. Dr. Whitted stated that the
board had pledged renewed and continued support
to the college and to Dr. Shultz with a commit-
ment to be more aware of the problems being
faced. He expressed his hope that the Brethren
Church would do the same.
Dr. Joseph Shultz's opening comment was re-
ceived with a burst of applause, as he said con-
fidently, "My first job is to make a success of it.
God doesn't begin things to have them aborted."
He encouraged the Brethren not to get overly
concerned that things at the college will fall apart,
but to look at the cycles of up's and down's that
institutions go through.
Dr. Shultz went on to say that it is time to
think realistically about how to represent Jesus
Christ in the liberal arts college of today. The
college is not a church whose job is to teach the
specifics of the faith and to baptize individuals.
Rather, it is a place to live out the Christian life
in ethics, science, philosophy, music, and every
other area — for they are all created by God. All
the facts of the world are of God, and as they are
taught, they should be taught from a Christian
perspective. This means that when faculty and
staff are hired, their personal religious back-
ground needs to be considered to see if they can
fit into a Christia,ii liberal arts college.
Dr. Shultz confidently affirmed that it is God
who moves us forward according to his eternal
plan, and this point of history has also been
brought together by God. "We live in a day of
unparalleled opportunity," he said. "Truth is so
needed in the world in every segment. This is our
challenge." He closed by having the Conference
join him in a prayer of thanksgiving and commit-
ment to the work God has entrusted to them.
The final part of the program was a resolution
of appreciation by the Board of Trustees in honor
of Clarence King of the Smithville Brethren
Church for his 20 years of service as a loyal
member of that board.
— Susan White
September 1979
17
Auxiliaries
We are Goof's People!
is W,M.S, fheme
I I
"We are God's people!" This declaration was
the theme for the 233 delegates, officers, and
guests of the Woman's Missionary Society during
the 1979 General Conference of the Brethren
Church.
When the women gathered each afternoon, they
entered into a time of devotion guided by women
from the Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida
districts respectively. Each devotion featured a
different aspect of the text from II Chronicles 7:14.
W.M.S. president, Mrs. St. Clair Benshoff, pre-
sided over the daily business meetings. On Tues-
day she also presented her presidential challenge
to the women. She asked if we have a "bug's-eye
view" or a "God's-eye view" of our mission on
earth. She stated that we need to get up from our
comfortable, safe surroundings and see the needs
of the world! We can do this by getting involved,
by sharing our faith, and by giving, praying, and
reading God's Word. These things will help us to
know just what our mission is. Mrs. Benshoff
said, "We can't see the greatest work God has for
us unless we get the God's-eye view!"
Four special features of the women's conference
were:
(1) A daily morning prayer time in which we
were to "ask, seek, and knock" as we entered into
His presence.
(2) The W.M.S. luncheon held in the college
library. Here we "wove" many friendships and
selected prayer partners for the year.
(3) An "Involvement" workshop, led by Mrs.
Donald Rowser, who challenged us to reach those
young mothers in our churches by involving them
in the W.M.S. work in a variety of ways.
(4) A public service, featuring Rev. Kenneth
Solomon, Missionary to Colombia.
The week brought cause for much praise and
thanksgiving! Here are a few of the reasons:
— The women chose to support a new evangelistic
outreach in Argentina in the coming year.
— Over 500 blankets were gathered to be sent to
the World Relief Corporation.
— Over $10,000 was collected for Operation Impact
in Florida.
— A "Praise the Lord" offering for missions
totaled over $3,000.
—The regular Thank Offering, also designated for
mission work, brought in nearly $10,000.
Yes, there were many reasons to be thankful
as the women fellowshipped with one another
during Conference week. As their theme suggests,
"We are God's people, born of His spirit." There-
fore, as we enter into a new year of Woman's
Missionary Society work, may we give our gifts
to God (whether they be serving, teaching, caring.
''■W%':
As the W.M.S. societies brought their project
offerings for Operation Impact, oranges were picked
to symbolize this "harvest of ingathering" for home
mission work in Florida. Approximately $10,000
was received. photo by Dick Winfield
giving, working, or praying) so that His work on
earth will be done!
— Karen Weidenhamer
Laymen continue support
for Campus MJnisfry
The National Laymen's Organization (N.L.O.)
met daily, with President George Schuster and
Vice President Richard Morris presiding. Follow-
ing is a run down of their sessions.
Tuesday
Dr. Fred Burkey, Ashland College's Director of
Religious Affairs and Campus Ministry, reviewed
the Campus Ministry activities for the past year
and set forth the plans for this year. He thanked
the laymen for their support and asked for their
continued backing. He also explained plans for an
Ashland College Christian Center, to be located in
the AC chapel.
Jim Miller, Dr. Burkey's assistant, spoke of
the joy he has experienced working with students.
Wednesday
Rodger Geaslen conducted a memorial service
for 12 laymen who died during the past year.
Virgil Barnhart reported that the Task Force
on Boys' Brotherhood is recommending use of
Christian Youth Crusader materials in Boys'
Brotherhood meetings. Mr. Barnhart also empha-
sized the need for strong leadership for boys in
the local church.
Thursday
During the Ingathering for the 1979 laymen's
(continued on page 20)
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren mJnisfers hear speakers;
conduct business
Brethren ministers met each afternoon, with
Ministerial Association President Gene Hollinger
presiding over business and offering challenging
thoughts to open each session.
During the first meeting some precious moments
were spent remembering the influence of ministers
who passed away during the past year.
A discussion of "Forum" revealed that while
most pastors wish to read articles by other
Brethren pastors, few feel they have the time for
research and writing. It was suggested that a
topic be chosen for each issue and deadlines set
to stimulate a more effective sharing.
The change in the retirement plan drew much
discussion. There was much praise for the
efficiency of the present hospitalization plan.
With evangelism to be the heart of the 1S80
General Conference, a presentation by John Dillon
of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn. on evan-
gelistic campaigns was well received.
Of the many reports, perhaps the most stimu-
lating was the presentation by Juan Carlos
Miranda and the Mission Interns on the work in
Mexico. The work is young, but the response is
great. It challenges us to step out in faith believ-
ing that Christ will bless our efforts.
Kenneth Solomon spoke of the need of the
"Hidden Ones" in Colombia — people of the middle
and upper classes who appear self-assured yet
lack God's presence in their lives. These, too, are
responding after careful nurture. Rev. Solomon
invited Brethren to come and not only see the
work in Colombia but to share in it.
Officers elected for the coming year were Kent
Bennett — pres., Gerald Barr — sec.-treas., and
John Shultz — asst. sec.-treas.
— Larry Bolinger
Girl of the Year presentafion
Kighlighl- of Sisterhood meetings
National Sisterhood meetings were held each
afternoon at General Conference this year. Al-
though the attendance was not large, those girls
and patronesses who came had an enjoyable time.
The theme for the week was that each of us is
a unique creation of God and we should get to
know ourselves better. The program leader was
Elma Delagrange, national SMM patroness.
At the first meeting we talked about our local
and district SMM groups. Churches from several
districts were represented, and we had a helpful
time of sharing problems and progress. Many
good comments were made about the materials
that our Sisterhoods are using.
On the second and third days, we worked in
eight-member groups, answering short discussion
questions, filling out questionnaires, and studying
the Bible. In this way we got to know and appre-
ciate each other better.
The last day was given over to evaluation and
awards. Past SMM president Linda Zerbe present-
ed an excellent devotional, and we discussed sug-
gestions for next year's Conference program. The
highlight of the day was the presentation of the
Girl of the Year award to the young lady who
accomplished the most in SMM in the past year.
Kathleen Wilson, president of the Pennsylvania
district SMM, received the award, and Clista
Azbell, an officer in the Indiana district SMM,
was honored as runner-up. Both girls deserved
%
photo by Dick Wmfield
Kathleen Wilson {left) of the Masontown, Pa.,
Brethren Church was chosen Sisterhood Girl of the
Year, and Clista Azbell of the College Corner
Brethren Church {near W abash. Ind.) was Jionored
as runner-up.
these honors for their work and commitment to
SMM.
We closed our last meeting with a circle of
prayer, thankful for Sisterhood and committed
to service through SMM in the future.
— Norma Waters
September 1979
19
Laymen's sessions
(continued from page 18)
project $1,716 was received for the Ashland
College Campus Ministry. This was only a part
of the total amount received, since laymen's organ-
izations have been sending in their money through-
out the year.
Mr. Archie Nevins, recipient of the 1979 laymen's
scholarship for a seminary student, sang and
brought a message, as he expressed his thanks
to the laymen for their help.
The laymen adopted as their 1980 project $6500
for the Ashland College Campus Ministry and
$500 for a scholarship for a seminary student.
Friday
Officers were elected as follows: President —
Richard Morris; Vice President — James Payne;
Secretary — ^Rodger Geaslen; Assistant — Sam An-
derson; Treasurer — ^Jack Stombaugh; Assistant —
Owen Nye.
Dr. Jerry Flora presented a message on the
great truths in the hymn "Amazing Grace." He
also related the story of John Newton, who wrote
the words to this hymn.
Following his message, Dr. Flora installed the
1979-80 N.L.O. officers.
Church Growth Models
Four growing Brethren churches made presen-
tations as models of church growth on Wednesday
afternoon of Conference.
Two of these growing churches are located in
Indiana — ^^the First Brethren iChurch of Nappanee
and the Jeffersoo Brethren Church near Goshen.
Rev. Alvin Shifflett, pastor at Nappanee, made the
presentation for that church. The program and
activities of the Jefferson church were described
by its pastor. Rev. Jack Oxenrider.
The other two models of church growth were
Ohio churches — the Gretna Brethren Church near
Bellefontaine and the Garber Brethren Church of
Ashland. Rev. Leroy Solomon made the presenta-
tion of the work of the Gretna church, assisted by
Mrs. Phyllis Jerviss. Jack Dovey, vice moderator
of the Garber church, told of the progress of that
congregation.
These four churches will be highlighted in
coming issues of the Brethren Evangelist.
'/■^^
Xhursday
Laymen's speaker urges
"God's people" to
abstain from the world
One of the most basic yet inspiring programs
of Conference was the Laymen's Public Inspira-
tional Program, held on Thursday afternoon.
The program began with an invocation by
Floyd Benshoff, who then led the congregation in
singing "Rise Up O Men Of God." Dick Morris,
vice president of the National Laymen's Organ-
ization, then introduced the "Gospel Sounds," a
musical group froim the Akron, Ohio, area. These
musicians treated the audience to a series of con-
temporary gospel songs, including "God's Wonder-
ful People," "He Touched Me," and "Through It
All."
The speaker for the service was Lieutenant
Glenn Walp from the Greensburg Barracks of the
Pennsylvania State Police, who is also an
ordained elder in the Christian Church. In his
message Lt. Walp pointed out that numerous
times in the Bible we find the statement, "I will
be their God, and they will be my people." This
theme, "My People," permeated his whole
message, as he cited numerous texts from both
the Old and New Testaments which proclaim this
truth.
Lt. Walp challenged his listeners to remember
that they are God's people, and, as such, that they
should lead lives that would be pleasing to Him.
He illustrated his message with personal insights
gained from serving on the State Police force.
Concerning their life with God, the listeners were
told, "Don't fool around." Also in reference to the
opportunities of the Conference sessions, Lt. Walp
said, "Don't leave Conference empty-handed." In
general, Lt. Walp urged his hearers to abstain
from the world because we are God's chosen
people.
The message of this enthusiastic speaker pro-
vided everyone present with a challenge to
examine his own personal lifestyle.
The program was closed with a benediction by
Dick Morris.
— Kenneth Hunn
Seven workshops were held during Conference.
These included workshops on "Boys' Brotherhood
Ministry," "Developing a Disciplined Life," "WM.S.
Involvement," two on "Sunday School in the 80's,"
and two on "Music with Children and Youth." Three
workshops on "Leadership in the Growing Church"
were canceled because the leader. Rev. Peter Unruh,
was unable to attend Conference.
Pictured is Mr. Virgil Barnhart (right) as he leads
the workshop on "Boys' Brotherhood Ministry."
photo by Bruce Ronk
20
The Brethren Evangelist
Rodney Toews speaks af BCE service;
Beverly Baer is Educator of the Year
The Goshen, Indiana, church walked away with
outstanding honors at the service sponsored by
the Board of Christian Education.
Miss Beverly Baer was honored as the 1979
Christian Educator of the Year. Beverly has been
active in the W.M.S., a SMM patroness, church
school teacher of several different ages, and a
Christian participant in the community. She is a
school teacher during the winter, but has used
her summer vacations as a volunteer at Krypton,
Ky., and Herndon, Va. Recently she organized a
children's summer program in her home town.
Runners-up for the award were Patricia Andress
of the Garber congregation in Ashland, Helen
Gillis of County Line, Jack Tobias of Nappanee,
and Bonnie Roberts of Roanoke.
In addition to Miss Baer, the staff of the Goshen
church school was lauded for its outstanding and
successful program. The Reverend Brian Moore
presented the Sunday School of the Year Award
to the team: Pastor Spencer Gentle, Assistant
Pastor Dan Gray, and Superintendent Mrs. Rosalie
Miller, who shared the recognition, just as they
have shared plans, implementation, and achieve-
ments. Congratulations were given to the Lanark
church school as the runner-up.
Special recognition was given to Linda Beekley,
and Jeff and Nancy Lentz for their children's
ministry during Conference week, and to Dr.
Frederick Burkey, the outgoing Director of the
Board. Dr. Burkey, in turn, recognized those with
whom he worked: Brian Moore, the outgoing
president of the board, and the office staff: Norma
Waters and Mark Baker. Norma will become a
domestic engineer, and Mark will conclude his
education at the Ashland Theological Seminary.
Included in this fall's term for Mark are eight
weeks in Medellin, Colombia.
Charles Beekley was introduced as the new
Director of Christian Education. Charlie pledged
his efforts in cooperation with God, the Board,
and us — ^the Brethren Church — for a successful
ministry together. At the present time, Charlie
does not plan to add new programs, but will build
upon those already established. He looks upon his
work as an exciting challenge, and an awesome
responsibility.
The address for the program was preseinted by
the Reverend Rodney Toews, vice president of
ministries at Gospel Light Publications in Glen-
dale, Calif. Mr. Toews used the verses preceding
the Conference text (IlChron. 7:14), particularly
II Chronicles 7:3: ". . . all . . . worshiped and gave
thanks to the Lord, saying, 'For he is good, for
his steadfast love endures for ever.' " He then
presented three principles from the Conference
text: You are commissioned to present the Word
^ ^*l%'*£
P
At the hcjnmn^ of his achhcss^ Rev. Rodney
Toews acknowledged his striking resemblance to the
TV personality "Kojak" by putting a sucker in his
mouth. photo by Bruce Ronk
of God in its fullness; let nothing move you; and
give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.
Mr. Toews believes and practices that the areas
which affect a man's life should be in the proper
perspective: God, wife, children, and church.
When these priorities are in order, time will be
adequate for other opportunities for service.
Mr. Toews concluded by reading the Conference
text: "If my people . . . will humble . . . pray . . .
seek . . . turn . . . then will I heal. . . ." through
the ministry of Jesus Christ through your life.
Special music for the program was presented
by Promise, the Summer Crusader music unit.
Brian Moore presided over the service, and Richard
Allison, the new C.E. Board president, prayed the
benediction.
— Joan Ronk
Third annual ABCT Luncheon
The third annual ABCT Luncheon was held
August 16th at General Conference. About 150
people attended, and all enjoyed the buffet lunch
served by Fern Smith.
Following the meal, Charlie Beekley, the new
Director of Christian Education, asked each person
present to fill out a form evaluating and making
suggestions for the work of the Association of
Brethren Church Teachers. Then the group was
led in devotions and singing by Rev. Rod Toews
of Gospel Light Publications. All present were
well fed, both physically and spiritually.
— Norma Waters
September 1979
21
BYC Convention
Youth Convention includes Bible study
business, fellowship, and fun
The 1979 National Brethren Youth Convention
was held in Ashland, Ohio, August 13 through 17.
Nearly two hundred youth attended and explored
the theme "Seeking and Serving . . . Where God
Calls." The Convention offered many opportun-
ities for fellowship, fun, and serious Bible study,
in addition to the business sessions.
The week began with a time for getting ac-
quainted and fellowship on Monday evening,
following the General Conference opening service.
Small group Bible studies held each evening on
every dorm floor provided the youth an oppor-
tunity to study God's word in a personal way each
night.
Tuesday evening saw the presentation of the
1979 Summer Crusader teams in "Crusader Re-
view," which topped off a day which included
the opening business session, the youth march,
and Moderator Dave Kerner's address to the
General Conference. *
Wednesday, Dr. Jerry Flora, professor of Chris-
tian theology at Ashland Theological Seminary,
presented an inspirational message to the Con-
vention on "Seeking." "Harmony," a eontemporary
Christian musical group, presented a concert in
the evening.
The youth were up bright and early on Thurs-
day for the kick-off of the 1979 "Anything Goes"
competition. That afternoon Mr. Archie Nevins,
pastor of the Columbus, Ohio, Brethren Church,
spoke to the youth concerning "Serving." Conclud-
ing the day was the observance of Communion at
* For a report of BYC Moderator Kerner's address,
see page 12.
, %
photo by Bruce Ronk
Dr. Jerry Flora presented a mesage to the youth
on ''Seeking."
the Park Street Brethren Church. The 209 youth
attending this service were challenged to full
commitment to Christ and His calling.
Friday was the concluding day of the Conven-
tion, with the final competition of "Anything
Goes" in the morning. That afternoon, "Anything
Went," the closing session of the Convention, saw
the presentation of the awards for individual youth
group accomplishments, "Anything Goes" winners,
and the installation of the 1979-80 BYC officers.
— ^Mark Baker
BYC surpasses project goal
During the 1979 National Brethren Youth Con-
vention, the national youth organization held its
Ingathering for the 1979 budget /project. This
year $13,838.81 was received, surpassing the goal
of $13,300.00. It is expected that total monies col-
lected and pledged will reach the $14,000.00 mark
by the October 31st deadline, making this the
highest amount reached by the national youth
organization.
The Sarasota BYC received recognition as the
number-one contributor to the Ingathering, bring-
ing $1715.16. Park Street BYC gave the second
highest with a total of $1500.00. St. James was
third with $1000.00.
Over the past year these monies were raised
to support the national youth organization and its
various areas of ministry. Monies are dispersed
to cover part of the operational costs of the
organization, as well as to provide travel aid for
delegates attending the National BYC Convention.
However, the major emphasis of the budget is the
national project, which this past year ^vas the
new mission work in Mexico.
BYC organizations have already begun raising
support for the newly adopted budget of $13,300.00
for 1980. The National BYC has chosen the en-
dowment fund of the Brethren Publishing Com-
pany and the Summer Crusader Program as its
new project. Over $6,000.00 will be designated to
these projects for the coming year.
— Mark Baker
22
The Brethren Evangelist
Dave Kerner elected to second term
as Youth Moderator
The 1979 National BYC Convention re-elected
David Kerner, a senior at Ashland College, as its
Moderator for a second term. The election of
officers took place on Thursday of the BYC Con-
vention week. Kerner is from Fort Wayne, Ind.,
where his father is the pastor of the Meadow
Crest Brethren Church. His father, Rev. William
Kerner, will serve as the General Conference
Moderator for 1980.
Elected to serve as Vice Moderator was Jean
Troup, also from the Meadow Crest Brethren
Church. Jean will be a junior at Anderson College,
where she is majoring in Christian Education. She
is also currently serving as president for the
Northern Indiana District BYC.
Susie Rowsey, who served this past year as
Assistant Secretary, will serve as Secretary for
the coming year. Susie is a senior at Williamsport
High School and a member of the St. James, Md.,
Brethren Church.
The new Assistant Secretary for National BYC,
Margaret Ronk, will enter Ashland College this
fall. Margaret is from Ashland, Ohio, where she
is a member of the Park Street Brethren Church.
She will major in music at AC.
.^
iSr
7
David
Kerner
photo by Bruce Ronk
Russell King, from the County Line Brethren
Church, will serve as Treasurer. Russ lives in
Peru, Ind., and will be teaching math this fall at
Maconaquah Junior High School.
Serving as Statistician will be John Crowe. John
is from Bremen, Ind., and a member of the Nap-
panee, Ind., Brethren Church. He will be a fresh-
man at Ball State University majoring in business.
— ^Mark Baker
Florida wins "Anything Goes"
competition
Florida was again named the winner of the
"Anything Goes" competition this year at the 1979
National BYC Convention, after sweeping most
of the events with a number-one placing. The team
from Florida was also the winner of the 1978
competition.
County Line was named first runner-up for the
event, with Maurertown placing third.
The "Anything Goes" competition was a part
of the overall activities of the National Brethren
Youth Convention. The Ashland College intra-
mural field served as the playground for the
games. Youth were involved in such events as
"The Jello Mold," "Blindman's Basketball," "Great
Galloping Box Cars," "The Hunt," and an obstacle
course. These tested both the skills and endurance
of the participants.
Those churches with youth participating in the
1979 "Anything Goes" were Sarasota, Bradenton,
Town and Country, Burlington, Cerro Gordo,
North Manchester, Lanark, Winding Waters, St.
James, Mount Olive, Maurertown, Park Street,
Bryan, Milford, Garber, County Line, Ardmore,
Masontown, Roann, Lanark, and Washington, D.C.
— Mark Baker
photo by Bruce Ronk
One of the hif^hlights of the BYC Convention
each year is the youth Communion service. This
year the service was held on Thursday nii^ht with
209 youth attending. During the service approx-
imately 190 of these young people committed them-
selves to serve Christ.
September 1979
23
Friday
Women the unsung heroes of the
missionary cause, Ken Solomon claims
"Where was the Woman's Missionary Society
in the time of Jesus?" was the leading question
of Rev. Kenneth Solomon's message at the W.M.S.
Inspirational Service on Friday afternoon. Re-
ferring to Luke 8:1-3, Rev. Solomon answered that
there were women using their resources to help
Jesus during His earthly ministry. Those women
then, just as the women of the Woman's Mission-
ary Society today, were sacrificing to advance
Jesus' work.
Rev. Solomon, a Brethren missionary to
Colombia for the past 5V2 years, thanked the
Woman's Missionary Society for its active sup-
port of Brethren missions in Medellin, Colombia.
He reported that there are 172 baptized members
of the newly organized Colombian Brethren
Church and many home Bible studies ministering
to people's spiritual needs. He cited several
Colombian "sisters in the faith" who are leading
others to Christ. He commented that these women,
like the W.M.S., are the unsung heroes of the
missionary cause.
The Inspirational Service was also a time for
music and prayer. The music included a violin
solo by Margaret Ronk, a piano prelude, and
group singing. Mrs. Judi Gentle led the prayer
time in which the needs of each Brethren mission
area were specifically remembered.
—Kitty Winfield
''•A $,
photo by Dick Winfield
Rev. Kenneth Solomon
m %
On Friday afternoon children
who had attended the Conference
sessions for children presented
"The Music Machine," a musical
about the fruit of the spirit.
Standing by the music machine
above are (left to right) Jenny
Baker, Glenn Black, and Jeff
Lentz, who presented the spoken
parts. Soloists for the performance
were Chrissy Sullivan, Andy
DeVeny, Joe Gilmer, Steve Gentle,
and Jenny Baker.
photos by DicK Winfield
24
The Brethren Evangelist
photo by Howard Mack
"Your body and mine is worth $6.50 in chemicals
until you add life. . . . The church is just another
club until you add life— life through Jesus Christ,"
Dr. Paul Hiebert told those attending the mission-
ary banquet which concluded the 1979 General
Conference.
Dr. Hiebert was born of missionary parents in
India where he also served later as a missionary
of the Mennonite Brethren Church. He is now a
professor at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Dr. Hiebert went on to say that life is not, as
some think, in the city or in the church, but it
is in Jesus Christ, and we must get close to Him.
Our task as Christians is to give life to one
another, to build up the body. The body, in turn,
is called to give life to the world. As Christ's body
we should be reaching out in friendship and
evangelism.
Earlier in the program Jeff and Nancy Lentz,
new tentmakers to Brandon, Florida, gave a clear
ringing testimony through the hymn "My Faith
Looks up to Thee." Then just before Dr. Hiebert's
message, Bill Skeldon, pastor of the Oak Hill
Brethren Church, reminded us of Jesus' command
to be His followers through a beautiful rendition
of the song "Follow Me."
Spencer Gentle, president of the Missionary
Board, presented the following special guests who
made brief remarks: Ken Solomon, missionary on
furlough from Colombia, asked us to think, act,
and pray for missions. Missionary Juan Carlos
Miranda told of the openness to Christianity he
has found in Mexico. Dave Kemer, Mission
Intern, who worked with the Mirandas this sum-
mer, thanked the church for this opportunity.
Rev. Gentle also presented Donald Rowser and
J. D. Hamel, who had served 18 and 14 years
respectively on the Missionary Board. Each of
these men received a plaque for his service to
the board.
This year's Conference offering goal was $15,000,
designated for the work in Mexico. The amount
received at the banquet was $11,300. (You may
still give to help reach the goal by sending your
contribution to the Missionary Board.)
The church just another club
until you add life thru Christ,
mission speaker says
Virgil Ingraham, General Secretary of the
Missionary Board, spoke briefly of the partner-
ship that must exist between the local church and
the board. Bill Kemer, the new Conference Mod-
erator and also vice president of the Missionary
Board, presented the Conference theme for the
coming year, John 14:1. The huge banner at the
front of the banquet room which depicted this
theme was designed by Ann DeVeny. It showed
the continents of the world over which were
written the words of Jesus, "I am the way, the
truth, and the life." This same design was on the
buttons which functioned as banquet "tickets."
As we left the banquet hall our buttons flashed
with greater meaning than before. We know Jesus
is the way, the truth, and the life. We have that
life. He is expecting us, as part of His body, to
give life to others.
As Dr. Hiebert said, "In addition to winning
our children and our neighbors, we must win
those of different cultures, different languages.
We must send out missionaries. God give us that
vision for another year."
— Alberta Holsinger
World Relief Board announces
new emphases at fasHng banquet
The World Relief Fasting Banquet was held at
noon on Conference Friday. The informal pro-
gram, which followed a meal of rice and water,
included singing, a song by Shipshewana 1978
senior campers, a sharing of ideas from the book
Hunger Awareness Dinners written by Aileen Van
Beilen, and a litany emphasizing our need to
respond to the world's suffering and need.
During the banquet World Relief Board Presi-
dent Phil Lersch announced that the board is
adding two new emphases to its efforts at world
relief.
The first of these is an emphasis on refugee
resettlement. Brethren churches will be receiving
information on how they can aid in resettling dis-
placed families, working through the refugee ser-
vice of the World Relief Corporation.
The second emphasis is a program of domestic
disaster relief, in which Brethren men and women
could travel to the scene of a domestic disaster
(flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.) to participate in
the relief operation. The board is exploring the
possibility of working with the Church of the
Brethren, which already has this kind of program
in operation.
September 1979
25
Conference Miscellaneous
HODERAT
CONFEREHCE
// Chronkies 7/4
On the concluding day of Conference, the newly installed Moderator, Rev. William Kerner, chal-
lenged the Brethren Church to translate this year's conditional theme, "If My People Will . . . ," into
the reality — "My People Will/" Delegates from every local church were given signs to take home and
hang on their pulpits the following Sunday stating "My People Will/" photo oy Bruce Ronk
%■ fe' "■.
■r
Brethren Church Properties, Inc.
announces sole of properties
Upon the advice of numerous Brethren
officials at the national level, the Board of
Trustees of Brethren Church Properties, Inc.,
has concluded that the time is not "ripe" for
proceeding with a national church offices
building. Hence the properities have been sold
with option to repurchase.
Individual letters to recent contributors will
be forthcoming. But the board is taking this
opportunity to announce that until further
notice, no additional monies for this project
should be sent to the board.
Our thanks go to those who have already
contributed.
Dorothy I. Carpenter, Secretary
The theme
for the 1980
General
Conference
will be "/ am
the Way"
from John
14:6. The
Conference
is scheduled
for August 11
through 15,
1980, at
Ashland
College. The
new theme
was introduced
at the all-conference banquet, which concluded
the 1979 Conference. Pictured is the theme banner
used at that banquet, which was made by Ann
DeVeny of Ashland, Ohio. photo by Howard Mack
THOSE WHO WILL LEAD
At the conclusion of the final
business session, retiring Moderator
Duane Dickson (left) installed the
new Conference officers.
Moderator for the coming year
is Rev. William Kerner (at right
of picture), pastor of the Meadow
Crest Brethren Church in Fort
Wayne, Ind.
Other Conference officers are
(right to left) statistician — Rev.
Larry Baker, pastor of the South
Bend Brethren Church; secretary —
Mrs. Jeanie Shultz, of the Tiosa
Brethren Church; moderator-elect — Rev. Brian Moore, pastor of the Ardmore Brethren Church;
— Mr. George Snyder, of the Ashland Park Street Brethren Church; secretary — Mr. Fred Horn
the Ardmore Brethren Church; and assistant treasurer — Mr. Charles Beekley (not shown), of the
Park Street Brethren Church. photo by
treasurer
, Sr., of
Ashland
Bruce Ronk
26
The Brethren Evangelist
photo by Bruce Ronk
II
I can't imagine a Brethren without it."
One Brethren Evangelist reader wrote a
letter to the editor in which she said, **I
have been a subscriber of the Evangelist
for many, many years. Can't imagine a
Brethren being without it."
Many excellent Christian magazines are
available today. But only the Brethren
Evangelist gives you
— articles on Brethren history and
doctrine ;
— news about Brethren churches and
people ;
— a forum for sharing Brethren
concerns ;
— ^information about Brethren ministries.
The Brethren Evangelist is a ministry
of information — informing Brethren people
about the Brethren Church. The responsi-
bility for carrying out this ministry has
been assigned to the Brethren Publishing
Company.
Support for this ministry comes in part
from subscription fees. A small amount
comes from advertising and from con-
'Y'^The Brefhren -f ® j
Evangelist
tributions by the other denominational
boards. The remainder must come from the
Publication Offering — through gifts from
Brethren churches and individuals. -
The woman who wrote the letter said
that she couldn't imagine a Brethren with-
out the Evangelist. Frankly, we can't either.
At least not a Brethren who is really in-
terested in the church.
But in order to continue this ministry
of information, we need your help. You can
help keep the Brethren Evangelist coming
to Brethren homes
— by persuading other Brethren people
to subscribe;
— by encouraging your church to include
the Publication Offering in its budget
and/or by recommending that a
special offering be taken for the
Evangelist ;
— by sending a personal gift for this
ministry.
Thank you for your support.
524 College Ave.
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October
update
Ex. Com. announces plan for implementing
phase 1 of denominational reorganization
! !
The General Conference Executive Committee,
moving toward implementation of Phase I of the
denominational reorganization plan — the establish-
ment of a Director of Pastoral Ministries —
developed a course of action at its meeting, held
September 28-29 at Fort Wayne, Ind. The essence
of the plan involves a gradual changeover during
the calendar year 1980, as illustrated by the chart.
day-to-day affairs of the General Conference
office while coordinating the search for and transi-
tion to a Director of Pastoral Ministries. That task ,
should be accomplished in time for the new direc-
tor to be introduced to the 1980 General Confer- 'i
ence. The director would then begin his work
September 1, 1980. !
The General Conference Executive Committee
Mr. John Rowsey will co-
ordinate the transition to a
Director of Pastoral Min-
istries. He will work with
Rev. Smith Rose until Rev.
Rose's termination on March
31st and will assist the new
Director of Pastoral Minis-
tries as he phases into his
responsibilities beginning Sep-
tember 1st.
Interim General
Conference Coordinator
Mr. John Rowsey
Executive
Secretary
Rev. Smith
Rose
L
director
of
Elfetoral Ministries
■*■■
Jan. 1
1980
March 31
1980
Sept. 1
1980
Dec. 31
1980
The Reverend Smith Rose has indicated his
desire to conclude his role as Executive Secretary
of the Brethren Church at the end of March 1980.
Until that time he will be assisting in the initial
reorganization. Rev. Rose will be joined in his
office January 1, 1980, by Mr. John Rowsey, who
will work on a part-time basis as Interim General
Conference Coordinator. Rowsey recently an-
nounced the impending conclusion of his affilia-
tion with the Brethren Publishing Company.
As Interim Coordinator John will handle the
Help Wanted
Married couple (those with children accepted)
to accept a full-time relief houseparent position
available at a home for troubled boys located
70 miles southeast of Chicago on a rural 105
acre Indiana setting.
Responsibilities are child care related only
and include a full package of fringe benefits.
For more information, please call 219-956-3125.
Christian Haven Homes, Rt. 1, Box 17, W^heat-
field, IN 46392.
selected John Rowsey as coordinator of the
transition effort because of his in-depth knowl-
edge of Brethren polity and organization. An
additional consideration was the fact that John
is available on a part-time basis throughout 1980
and has a high degree of flexibility in his personal
schedule.
Upon acceptance of the role of Interim General
Conference Coordinator John said: "This first
phase of our reorganization affords us an oppor-
tunity to minister to the pastors and congregations
of our denomination in new ways . . . ways that i
we believe will help us build a stronger church,
serving our God. I'm fortunate to be able to play
a small part in helping bring it about."
The Executive Committee is also indebted to
Rev. Smith Rose, who volunteered to step aside
nine months prior to the expiration of his contract.
Rev. Rose said his only goal is to cooperate with
the Brethren "in any way that I can to help in
the reorganization."
At the next meeting of the Executive Committee,
scheduled for November 23-24, 1979, in Ashland,
the job description of the Director of Pastoral
Ministries will be finalized, and a timetable for
seeking applications and interviews will toe
established.
— Rev. W^illiam Kerner, Gen. Conf. Moderator
and Mr. Charles Beekley, Asst. Treas.
The Brethren Evangelist
mJ
T^^^ The Brethren
m ^ ihe Brethren ■ I
bvangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
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Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
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Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
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524
Cover
For the Beauty of the Earth.
Every season of the year has
its beauty and declares the glory
of God, who created it all.
Vol. 101, No. 10
October 1979
4 Wednesday After-School Special
Kay Winfield walks you through this unusual weekday ministry
of the Park Street Brethren Church.
Some Myths About
"Finding God's Will for Your Life
James R. Coggins analyzes some myths and presents some prac
tical guidelines for determining God's will for our lives.
■I
Special Feoture: Perspectives for the Eighties
9 Catching a Vision of What We Can Do
Larry R. Baker looks at what we are doing and what we could
do as a Brethren denomination.
Ashland College
12 Crisis, Challenge, Christ
by Dr. Joseph R. Shultz
13 Crisis: Brethren Student Aid
by Dr. Frederick T. Burkey
14 Challenge: Effective Campus Ministry
by Dr. Frederick T. Burkey
15 Crisis, Challenge, Opportunity
Departmen+s
16 The Salt Shaker
17 Update
ABOUT THIS ISSUE
Because of the special Conference report in last month's Brethren
Evangelist, that issue contained no "Update" section, llierc/orc this
month's issue includes an extended section of news from Brethren
churches. We hope you will enjoy reading; these extra pai^'es of "news
of the Brethren."
October 1979
by Kay Winfield
WALK into the Park Street Brethren
Church fellowship hall on a Wednes-
day afternoon with me. Before we open
the door, we hear children's voices and a
general commotion.
Opening the door we see the source of
the noise — fifty children busily involved in
a variety of activities. Out attention is
immediately drawn to a somewhat tooth-
less grinning youngster sitting on top of
a six-foot stepladder. He's sitting directly
below a sign taped to the ceiling labeled
"Heaven."
You can't help but hear the next group —
a table full of shouting children furiously
exchanging cards. As you watch you realize
that the game they're playing is like 'Tit";
however, the cards aren't oats and hay,
but contain God's promises. It's a wild
game, but according to the players, defin-
itely fun!
The table in the far corner is a welcome
contrast to the game table. It's quiet. Here
eight children are wired for sound (wear-
ing earphones) and sixteen eyes are focused
Mrs. Winfield is an instructor in the Ashland
College Center for Eni^dish Studies. She also assists
in the Wednesday After-School Special.
on a filmstrip of a Bible story. A fifth-
grader has pulled rank on the others and is
operating the small filmstrip projector.
Writing on the graffiti board against the
wall seems to be a community project.
See those older girls helping Angi, a
first-grader, spell her dog's name —
SHIVERS. That's what she's thankful
for today. If we come back later, we'll
probably see a picture of Shivers there
also.
Over there are Pastor Beekley and
Robbie, a fifth-grader, still working on a
Bible puzzle. That's been a five-week
project for them. Robbie probably won't
remember Rev. Beekley's sermons, but he
will recall the hours they spent working
together on that puzzle.
"Baaa . . . Baaa. . . " Careful, we almost
became part of a flock of sheep! Those
sheep look deceptively like children in
sheep's clothing, and the shepherd (the one
with the towel slipping over her eyes) like
my daughter.
Let's not get too close to the craft table.
I'm not very talented at putting glitter on
walnuts, are you? Instead, let's get away
from all this activity and join the little
girl looking at books on the furry rug in
the corner.
The Brethren Evangelist
From this quiet oasis you might ask, "Is
there a purpose and plan to all this noisy
activity?" Yes, there is. The purpose of this
program, called the Wednesday After-School
Special, is to present Jesus Christ to these
children. The children are not just from the
Park Street congregation, but come from
many denominational backgrounds. Some
have not received any religious training. All
the children were invited through the use
of a flyer* sent to the neighborhood elemen-
tary school.
Mrs. Alberta Holsinger, who conceived and
directs the Wednesday After-School Special,
sees this weekday children's ministry as
having two functions. The first is to give
additional Bible teaching to the children of
the Park Street congregation. The second
is to provide Christian training for neigh-
borhood children and to draw the unchurched
into our fellowship. These are the purposes
of this program.
There is also a plan. Each week's activities
are centered on a truth from a Bible story
or passage. The truth is taught through
many mediums: games, filmstrips, crafts,
worksheets, music, puzzles, graffiti boards,
drama, and memorization.
After sitting in a highly structured class-
room all day, the children enjoy the freedom
to choose the activities they want to take
part in. Some move quickly from one to
another; others enjoy lingering over only
a few. The children know that they do not
need to stay for the entire two hours.
The role of the adult staff, stationed near
the activities, is not so much to lead as to
assist. Sometimes the adults participate in
the activities, especially in the games and
drama. The children seem to especially
appreciate the presence of men. Since this
is a late afternoon program, some men on
shift work are available to help. Retired
men with patience and stamina are also
tapped for this special ministry.
It's true that some noise and commotion,
and sometimes some dirt, go with the
Wednesday After-School Special. Neverthe-
less, the purpose and plan of this unusual
weekday ministry make it very worthwhile.
The Wednesday After-School Special is an
invitation from the Park Street Brethren
Church to
''Come, my young friends, and
listen to me,
and I will teach you to have
reverence for the Lord."
Psalm 34:11 (Good News Bible)
* The drawing by Howard Mack on the opposite
page was the flyer used to invite children to the
Wednesday After-School Special.
October 1979 c
• 1 •
Some Myths
about
"Finding God's
Will
tor Your
^ Lite"
drawing by Floward Mack
WITH so many opportunities and
choices facing them in the modern
world, the young people of our present
generation have a desperate need for guid-
ance. One of the tenets of popular modern
theology developed to satisfy this need is
an overemphasis on "the will of God."
According to this theology, God has a plan
for every Christian's life, occupation, place
of residence, life's partner, and even what
to do this weekend. We are told that it is
up to the Christian to find that plan and
fulfill it.
This popular theology has laid an oppres-
sive burden upon many young Christians.
They have engaged themselves in a fruitless
and agonizing search for "the plan." They
avoid responsibility by expecting God to
tell them secrets that He has not chosen
to reveal. They are unhappy and uncertain,
fearful that, even if they have made a good
decision or performed a good deed, it may
Mr. Coggins is a free-lance writer from Langley,
British Columbia.
This is an Evangelical Press Association syndi-
cated article. It is presented to stimulate your think-
ing. If you have comments on this article or views
on this subject you would like to share, please send
them to the editor. The author's views are not
necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the
Brethren Publishing Company.
by James R. Coggins
not have been "the right decision" or "the
right deed." They are always looking over
their shoulders to see if God is going to
punish them for not following an unknown
plan, an undisclosed will.
Does God really want us to ask for
specific directions in every little thing?
And will He tell us?
We are not robots. God has given us
minds and wills. We are a living creation.
Jesus said, "I came that they might have
life, and might have it abundantly" (John
10:10 NASV). Young Christians today have
been taught to expect concrete divine direc-
tion for every decision they make. As a
result, they are not free. They do not know
how to live. Unless there is a direct une-
quivocal revelation, commandment, or direc-
tion from heaven, in short, a miracle, they
have no idea of how to make a decision.
The popular theology which overempha-
sizes "the will of God" is not all bad. It
was developed to counter some dangerous
tendencies. There was a trend among many
people to consider their jobs, their mar-
riages, and what they did between Sunday
services to be of no interest to God. They
were free to make money dishonestly as
long as they tithed on Sunday. But God is
vitally interested in such things. He de-
mands that our secular lives and choices be
holy, moral, honest, and loving. He has
6
The Brethren Evangelist
''Just because God's omniscience is greater than your
knowledge will ever be, don't rely on Him to hand you
all the answers without effort/'
given His guidelines for such living in His
revealed will, the Bible.
The fact remains, however, that the pop-
ular theology is based on a misinterpreta-
tion of Scripture. It results from a mis-
guided effort to reconcile the sovereignty
of God with the free will of man.
The sovereignty of Sod
The doctrine of the sovereignty of God
says not just that God is able to do any-
thing but that in fact He does plan and do
everything that happens. It is widely based
in Scripture. We find one of its broadest
expressions in Ephesians 1:11: ''Also we
have obtained an inheritance, having been
predestined according to His purpose who
works all things after the counsel of His
will." It is equally evident from Scripture
that man has been given a will and the
responsibility to make decisions (Deuteron-
omy 30:19; Revelation 22:17).
These two biblical doctrines constitute a
glorious paradox, a truth that lies beyond
our comprehension. "How unsearchable are
His judgments and unfathomable His
ways!" (Romans 11:33). Too often we fail
to marvel at the mysteries of God but seek
to reduce them to the understanding of
man. In a vain attempt to reconcile and
understand this particular paradox, some
have altered the doctrines. "God indeed
does have a plan and purpose for every-
thing," they say, "but the sinfulness of
man can thwart that purpose. God has a
plan for your life. It is up to you to find it
and accept it."
Inherent in the biblical view is the con-
cept of the duality of God's will. God's
hidden will is that by which He plans and
carries out everything that occurs in crea-
tion. Secondly, there is His revealed will.
His commands for holy living. We cannot do
otherwise than obey the hidden will. We
choose whether to obey His revealed will.
The popular tendency is to combine these
two wills, to lower the hidden will from its
absolute nature and elevate the revealed
will to universality — and say that they
are identical. The popular theology says
that God has a plan for every part of one's
life, a plan that He will reveal. I can find
no scriptural support for this belief.
The result of the popular theology is
confusion and anguish as young Christians
seek pat answers instead of wisdom and
demand a direction that will not be given.
They have never learned to make moral,
just, holy, or rational decisions.
For young Christians a particularly
thorny application of these popular mis-
conceptions is in the area of "finding God's
will for your life." They are told, "You
should expect God's calling as much if you
are to be a banker or teacher or garbage
collector as you should if you are to be a
missionary." This may sound pious, it may
increase the number of missionaries, but
it is not scriptural.
The term "vocation" comes from the
Latin Voce, "I call." Since the Reformation,
the "calling" has been taken as referring to
one's job or worldly position. This is not the
biblical sense. In I Corinthians 1:26 Paul
talks about the calling: "For consider your
call, brethren, that there were not many
wise according to the flesh, not many
mighty, not many noble". The calling here
is not one's occupation. We are not called
to be wise or foolish, noble or common,
politicians, doctors, or lawyers. As I Corin-
thians 1:2 makes clear, we all, doctors,
lawyers, and garbage collectors, are called
to be "saints" (Christians). The only place
in the New Testament where the calling
refers to an occupation is Acts 13:2, where
Paul and Barnabas are "called" to be mis-
sionaries. But even on his missionary
journeys Paul worked as a tentmaker
(Acts 18:30).
Ask for wisdom
James 1:5 says, "But if any of you lack
wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to
all men generously and without reproach,
and it will be given to him." This suggests
that we should ask for wisdom rather than
pat answers. The way some Christians make
decisions is not wise. In fact, it is totally
irrational. They do not seek the wisest
course. Instead, they seek signs and fleeces.
We should have the courage to face up
to our responsibilities, to make decisions, to
live. "For God has not given us the spirit
October 1979
u
Unless you are specifically called by God, don't choose
a job that will not pay you enough to live on and depend
on God to make up the difference/'
of timidity, but of power and love and
discipline" (II Timothy 1:7). But, no matter
how trivial the problem, we frequently pass
off the responsibility to God. This often
leaves us groping in the dark, clutching at
straws and hints instead of analyzing facts.
Too many Christians, if offered a job in
Timbuktu, would not consider whether the
job would satisfy their needs, develop their
abilities, be useful to people, or glorify
God. Their decision would be determined by
the color of the envelope the offer came
in, whether it came on a Thursday, and
whether anyone has told them lately, ''You
know, you really should move to Timbuktu."
This is superstition, not Christianity.
Fl
eeces a
nd
signs
Fleeces and signs have a place in the
Christian's life, but that place is not the
making of every decision he faces. Gideon
laid a fleece to seek direction for his life. It
was not, however, to choose a vocation. (He
was a farmer before and after his battle
against the Midianites.) He laid the fleece
to decide on a specific campaign, but he laid
the fleece only after God had told him to
undertake that campaign. (Perhaps this
was a testing of the spirits similar to that
advocated in IJohn 4:1.) Any campaign
undertaken at God's direction on behalf of
God's chosen people was of necessity a
spiritual undertaking. Moreover, when
Gideon laid the fleece, he prayed that God
would use it to give him a sign. Too many
modern practitioners not only lay a fleece
for too many things, but they do not pray.
They say, ''If God wants me to do this, such
and such will happen." And they never
ask God! The prayer of faith will be an-
swered (James 5:15), but God has not
promised to honor our assumptions. (Inci-
dentally, we should never doubt the power
of a loving God to circumvent our carefully
considered machinations and give an inclu-
sive answer to an inappropriate or uncalled-
for fleece.)
This search for signs and a will that has
not been revealed can also transform Chris-
tians into a race of quitters, a people who
lack determination and discipline. When the
going gets tough, the tough get going. We
give up in the face of adversity. It is almost
a doctrine among some Christians that, if
circumstances hinder them, if things do not
run smoothly from the first, "it must not be
God's will" — and they quit. Perhaps we
could call this doctrine the perversity of
the saints. It is not a biblical concept:
Paul and Barnabas told new Christians,
"Through many tribulations we must enter
the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
The quitting attitude is well illustrated
in a story told by a friend of mine. A group
of young people were debating whether to
start out on a trip in the middle of a mild
snowstorm. "Well," said one girl, "let's go
down to the car. If it doesn't start, it must
mean that we're not supposed to go." Any
normal person, remarked my friend, would
have had it repaired and gone anyway.
One of the purposes of man is to glorify
God. There is nothing so glorious in creation
as the mature, rational, courageous, com-
mitted man accomplishing terrestrial won-
ders. How do we glorify God by denying
our God-given reason, our powers, and our
maturity and by whining for direction on
how to cook our beans?
How should we make decisions?
It would be dangerous and misleading to
leave the impression that God never, or
even rarely, gives specific guidance. But it
is equally misleading to demand that He
always give it. How then should Christians
make their decisions? Here are some
suggestions :
1. Seek relevant infoFmation — and seek
diligently. Use your energies to seek infor-
mation instead of signs. Just because God's
omniscience is greater than your knowledge
will ever be, don't rely on Him to hand you
all the answers without effort. Ignorance
is not a virtue.
2. Obey God's revealed will in the Bible.
Don't pray for guidance on whether to take
an immoral, dishonest, or illegal job. You
have already got it. Study the Bible and
make sure you know what it says. Study it
prayerfully, rationally, thoroughly, and
consecutively. Don't seek a verse out of
context to solve your immediate dilemma.
3. Make rational decisions based on the
h
The Brethren Evangelist
evidence and on the absolute moral law of
God. If you have talents and they do not
conflict with your responsibihties, develop
them. If you love her (or him) and are
compatible, if your motives are good, marry
her. (The Bible tells us a lot about how to
love a wife but practically nothing on how
to choose one. Maybe the latter is not im-
portant.) If you don't know if you love her,
don't expect someone else to tell you.
4. Don*t make stupid decisions or avoid
making decisions by "waiting" until it is
too late on the assumption that God will
fix up everything if you are wrong. It is
true that ''God causes all things to work
together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to his
purpose" (Romans 8:28). But one of those
things that is supposed to be working is
you! (Cf. Proverbs 6:6-11.) You have a
responsibility to earn a living in this world.
Unless you are specifically called by God,
don't choose a job that will not pay you
enough to live on and depend on God to
make up the difference.
5. Emulate Balaam's ass. Keep an eye
out for angels. But remember, it is angels
you are looking for, not rocks or mountains.
Prophets should be able to recognize angels.
Balaam could not see the angel because
he was deliberately disobeying a command
of God.
6. Don't omit to pray for guidance, direc-
tion, and blessing. "Every good thing
bestowed and every perfect gift is from
above, coming down from the Father of
lights" (James 1:17). Acknowledge it. "The
steps of a good man are established by
the Lord." After you have prayed and made
a decision, believe it. But don't depend on
bricks from heaven. Too many bricks can
incapacitate the brain. □
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Catching a Vision
of What We Can Do
M
ANY Brethren look at our denomina-
tion's decreases in membership and
attendance and are worried. We should be!
But Brethren need to look beyond that to
what we are doing in the United States
and around the world. And we need to
catch a vision of what we can be doing
tomorrow with God's help if we will humble
ourselves and pray and seek God's face and
turn from our wicked or unrighteous ways.
Some people emphasize that the Brethren
Church only has 15,082 members and that
some individual congregations of other
Rev. Baker is pastor of the First Brethren
Church of South Bend, Ind. He is also the national
statistician for the Brethren Church. Much of
the information in the first part of this article
("What we are doing") was presented in his statis-
tician's report at General Conference.
by Larry R. Baker
denominations have a membership of that
many people. That statement may be true
of a handful of super churches, but these
congregations cannot do what the Brethren
Church is doing today! Let me tell you a
few of these things!
What we are doing
1) The Brethren have 123 congregations
across the United States in 9 districts and
in 18 States and the District of Columbia.
2) The Brethren presently support eight
missionary famiUes and mission work in
six countries.
3) The Brethren are soundly biblical and
evangelical. We accept the Bible as God's
Word and Jesus Christ as God's Son and
the Lord of our lives.
4) The Brethren are members of the
National Association of Evangelicals, an
October 1979
I i
''We need to thank God for what He has done in and
through us, and we need to continue to move out in
faith for our Lord Jesus Christ!''
organization that does much to present a
strong evangelical voice in Washington,
D.C., and throughout our country.
5) The Brethren contribute over $30,000
annually to the World Relief Corporation
of N.A.E., besides donations to individuals,
community agencies, and other relief agen-
cies such as World Vision.
6) The Brethren operate a Summer Cru-
sader program with over 30 high school
and college students involved annually. This
program provides both services to the local
churches and opportunities for ministry
and spiritual growth for these students.
7) The Brethren are involved in some
manner in the operation of two retirement
facilities and nursing homes and in the
planning and construction of two more.
8) The Brethren have begun six new
churches in the past three to four years.
9) The Brethren operate and support a
church-related seminary, Ashland Theo-
logical Seminary, that not only trains our
own Brethren pastors and leaders but pro-
vides training for many other evangelical
pastors as well.
10) The Brethren operate and support
a church-related college, Ashland College,
that is providing quality education for
many Brethren and non-Brethren adults.
11) The Brethren contribute $3,500,000
per year to the ministry of the Brethren
churches, and we have property holdings
in excess of $20,000,000.
12) The Brethren publish a denomina-
tional magazine. The Brethren Evangelist,
that contains both spiritual and intellectual
substance that faces today's life situations
from a Christian perspective.
13) The Brethren operate a Christian
bookstore, the Carpenter's Shop.
14) The Brethren operate a publishing
company to meet our printing needs and the
needs of others in the Ashland area.
15) The Brethren are involved in two
mission-related educational ministries. Riv-
erside Christian Training School in the
mountains of Kentucky and a Christian
education laboratory and outreach in St.
Petersburg, Florida, called Brethren House.
16) The Brethren have an organization
for the training, maturation, and encour-
10
agement of our Sunday school teachers I
called the Association of Brethren Church
Teachers. This association provides news-
letters, materials, and workshops across
the denomination.
17) The Brethren have national, district,
and local organizations for their youth,
men, and women.
18) The Brethren have at least 20 stu-
dents training for ministry at this moment
in colleges and seminaries.
19) The Brethren have people willing to
relocate and become ''tentmakers" to help
begin new Brethren churches in the U.S.A.
20) The Brethren own five camps in
various parts of the U.S.A. and operate |
camps in all districts, thus providing a -
summer camping experience for our chil-
dren and youth.
21) The Brethren have various radio
ministries across the U.S. The most widely
circulated of these is 'The Brethren Hour,"
with Dr. J. D. Hamel, produced by the First
Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida.
22) The Brethren have national church-
es in Nigeria, India, Malaysia, Argentina,
Colombia, and Mexico that could add many,
many more ministries to this list.
For a denomination of 15,082 we do i
extremely well humanly speaking. Men
The Brethren Evangelist
'The Brethren could be one of God's instruments to
help turn our country and the world upside down with
the gospel of Jesus Christ/'
have had more and done a lot less with it.
We need to thank God for what He has
done in and through us, and we need to
continue to move out iii faith for our Lord
Jesus Christ!
We have done well, but the task of reach-
ing the lost world is still unfinished. It will
require all of our resources, time, and
people. We must invest all that we have as
local churches and as a denomination into
following Jesus' command to make disciples
of all people. We must not be content with
''just holding the fort," because Jesus said:
// any one wishes to come after Me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his
life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life
for My sake shall find it. . . . For the Son
of Man is going to come in the glory of His
Father with His angels; and will then recom-
pense every man according to his deeds.
(Matthew 16:24-27 NASB.)
As we look ahead with faith at what God
wants the Brethren Church to accomplish
in the next few years, let's consider some
possibilities.
What we can do
1) The Brethren could continue to plant
churches in the ''sunbelt" of the U.S., as
well as in other rapidly growing areas such
as the Rocky Mountain region. We could
catch a burden and vision for church
planting. (We must do this in order to do
the following.)
2) The Brethren could continue to ex-
pand their mission outreach, especially in
the Americas from Mexico to the tip of
South America.
3) The Brethren work with the Chinese
in Malaysia could eventually lead us to the
mainland of China with the gospel.
4) The Brethren could produce television
spots and programs from the studios of
Ashland College. Some of these could be
used as public service announcements
calling attention to the social problems of
our day. Others could be used as advertis-
ing for local congregations. One program
could be a children's program using
muppets.
5) The Brethren through local churches
could establish counseling centers to aid the
many troubled people in our country who
need a caring person to listen to them.
6) The Brethren could put together a
national advertising campaign to make
people more aware of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the Brethren Church.
7) The Brethren could operate radio
stations or produce radio programs that
offer a Christian alternative to the depress-
ing music and the traditional organ-type
hymns presented by many Christian sta-
tions today.
8) The Brethren could develop and im-
prove their local Christian education pro-
grams to meet the needs of many more
people.
9) The Brethren could establish a pro-
gram for retired Christians who want to
serve their Lord in home and foreign
missions and in other programs of the
church. These people are a tremendous
untapped resource.
10) The Brethren could continue to
develop tangible ways for children, youth,
and adults to express their faith in Jesus
Christ and to serve Him in meaningful
ministry.
11) The Brethren could be one of God's
instruments to help turn our country and
the world upside down with the gospel of
Jesus Christ!
The list is endless! These need not be
idle dreams. They can be faith projections
for the Brethren. Many ministries in which
we are involved today did not seem possible
ten years ago. We know that all things are
possible through Jesus! We are limited
only by our lack of faith.
Brethren, let us be willing to grasp the
vision of God for the Brethren Church!
Let us commit ourselves to God, take stock
of our resources, organize in unity and love,
set faith goals, make plans to reach those
goals, and deploy every available material
and spiritual resource to accomplish God's
work until Jesus comes! D
October 1979
11
ashland college
Crisi
risis
GhdII
enge
Christ
Dr. Joseph R. Shiiltz
/CHRISTIANITY is an "incarnation"
V-^ religion. Christ the Messiah came from
h3aven and was incarnated in human flesh
in the world. All other religions try to
remove their gods from the world to keep
them clean. Christ came to take upon
himself the *'sins of the world."
Therefore, the Christian movement,
through the example of Christ, is in the
world experiencing the crises of society.
The social crises of the world are of ephic
proportions. As a result, the college and
the church are both affected in one way
or another.
Two chief factors contribute to the crises
of our age. One of these is the vast con-
centration of power — which is either under
capitalism or communism. Because of this
concentration of power, social evil is man-
ifested on a larger scale. Human pride,
greed, and cruelty to persons continually
emerge. An aspect of this crisis is the
momentum or inertia of huge organizations,
which diminishes their ability to act morally
and accountably.
The second factor is that society, as a
whole dominated by technology, is likewise
more controlled by a momentum of its own
than in previous years. While technology
enables men to use nature to greater
human benefit, it, at the same time, in-
creases the possibilities for destruction.
Ashland College — a liberal arts college
related to the Brethren Church — lives in
this world. The yearning for the ideal
situation and the "good old days" is unreal.
The ideal situation does not exist. God has
called us to this day — knowing full well
what this day in history was like
by Dr. Joseph R. Shul+z
Ashland College Interim President
even before the foundation of the world.
The crises of society, in part, have become
the crises of the college and the church.
What is our response to these crises?
While visiting one of the trustees I noticed
a sign on the wall next door. It said,
"Problems are but challenges in work
clothes." Paul admonishes us, ". . . in due
season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Winston Churchill gave this message to
his boyhood prep school: "Never give up
. . . never, never, never!"
How does the Brethren Church minister
through its liberal arts college? (1) Spirit-
ually. By prayer and encouragement; by
sustaining the spirit ; by upholding the good
and employing the gospel with the bad; by
faith, hope, and love — the greatest gifts of
the Spirit. (2) Financially. God's love was
proven in the gift of his Son; God's spirit
was shown in creation. Prayer and spiritual
"best wishes" without gifts must be
brought into question.
The Ashland College Offering is the
church's means to give to the operation
of the college. This is a long-standing tra-
dition of the Brethren Church and Ashland
College. Please consider doubling your
offering.
The Christian Campus Ministry plus
student scholarships are a direct way for
the Brethren Church to contribute to the
life and heart of Ashland College.
God has never called us to a work for
which he hasn't also provided the resources.
The resources are in your hands. May your
gifts be used for the "incarnate" work of
the church on the college campus.
Thank you for your support. Q
12
The Brethren Evangelist
Crisis: Brethren Student Aid
FOR more than a decade, the youth of
the Brethren Church have occupied a
significant place in my Hfe and work. I have
received great satisfaction from seeing
dozens of our finest Brethren youth mature
into responsible church men and women.
Since 1970, more than 130 of the
churches' promising young people have
invested at least one summer in the
Crusader/Internship program. Many of
them devoted two or more summers to
various Christian ministries. A high per-
centage of those who served committed
their lives to some form of Christian ser-
vice. For many, the fulfillment of this
commitment required college training.
Fortunately, the Brethren Church has
maintained a relationship with Ashland
College since the school was founded in
1878. In recent years, an increasing num-
ber of Brethren families have, at consid-
erable cost, sent their children to Ashland
College. Since the academic year 1976-77,
the number of Brethren students has grown
from 27 to more than 50 in the current
year. Many have come as a direct result
of the Crusader/Internship program and
the commitments they made while in
Christian service. Others have come be-
cause their friends had enrolled. Still others
have come because they compared and
found that Ashland offers superior aca-
demic programs.
Whatever their reasons for coming, this
growing core of students is important both
to the church and to the college. For the
church, they represent potential leaders
who are frequently exposed to the challenge
of Christian ministry. Today, we have more
prospective Brethren missionaries on
campus than the church has produced in
many years. The same can also be said of
Dr. Burkey is Director of Religious Affairs and
Campus Ministry for Ashland College.
by Dr. Frederick T. Burkey
prospects for pastoral and Christian educa-
tion ministries. For the college, they repre-
sent a desirable influence amid a highly
diverse student body.
Because both the church and the college
benefit from the enrollment at Ashland
of as many Brethren students as possible,
I feel we must issue an S.O.S.! In this case
the S.O.S. stands for SUPPORT OUR
STUDENTS. This year you can designate
any part of your Ashland College Offering
for Brethren Student Scholarships. Funds
so designated will be deposited in a special
college account. Half will be invested; half
will be available for immediate award to
deserving undergraduate students. Awards
will be decided by the Campus Ministry
Advisory Council, appointed by General
Conference.
Church support is badly needed now! A
full-time resident student faces annual fees
totaling $5,495.00. Naturally, we are doing
everything we can to help our students
secure financial aid in the form of grants
and scholarships, college work-study, loans,
and part-time employment. Even so, the
costs are burdensome for most.
At the present time, the total of church-
endowed awards for Brethren students
yields only $2,690.00 per year, or about
nine-tenths of one percent of the total need
of our students. So I think the S.O.S. is in
order.
It is our hope that, over the next few
years, a sizable fund can be accumulated
to help our young people cross the first
great hurdle in fulfilling their Christian
commitment — completion of a college de-
gree. You can help by designating any part
of your Ashland College Offering for
''Brethren Student Financial Assistance."
Such contributions should be directed to:
Office of Religious Affairs, Ashland Col-
lege, Ashland, Ohio 44805, to insure proper
crediting.
We hope you will respond to our S.O.S. D
October 1979
13
ashland college
Challenge:
Effective Campus Ministry
AMERICAN YOUTH are heading into a
moral and ethical morass when they
enter most colleges and universities. So the
prestigious Carnegie Council on Policy
Studies in Higher Education asserts in a
blistering report of its findings in a nation-
wide survey of public and private colleges
and universities.
In sum, the Carnegie report says that
cheating, stealing, misuse of financial aid,
grade inflation, and misleading advertising
constitute an ethical crisis that is under-
mining academic life. To various degrees,
"most institutions of higher education"
were included in the charge.
Much of this growing problem can be
traced to declining enrollments. Because
higher education has become a big business
dependent on both increasing enrollments
and government money, compromises in
quality apparently seem justifiable to most
institutions. The result, for many colleges,
has been a lowering of academic and be-
havioral standards to ''keep the bodies in
school" so the business can go on. This is
a nation-wide phenomenon.
by Dr. Frederick T. Burkey
The struggle to achieve balance among
moral, ethical, academic, spiritual, and
financial considerations is an enormous,
ongoing battle. Ashland College is not
exempted from this struggle . . . we have
our share of battles to fight.
One of the most difficult aspects of
developing an effective campus ministry is
the appalling religious ignorance among
today's students. 'Weird" is the best word
to describe many students' perceptions of
the Christian faith. Many come from homes
with no religious influence at all. Others'
views are warped by the religious "odd-
balls" they have seen on television or met
on the street. It is apparent that they have
encountered little "normal Christianity" as
expressed by people living out their faith.
In that sense, our campus is probably a
representative cross-section of American
life. It is a mission field, an opportunity for
the church and college to cooperate in the
education of the whole person in body, mind,
and spirit.
The Brethren-sponsored Campus Minis-
try is making headway in meeting the spir-
al C student Jim Amstutz (center)
makes a point during a discussion
led by Jim Miller (right), while
Kelly St ran ford looks on. Jim
Miller, a student at Ashland
Theological Seminary, is also
Assistant to the Director cf
Religious Affairs at AC and
Coordinator of Men's Ministries.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
pc:
TW-iliBfr- -A-^,
*?***
£.'
^
,♦ (f^*
^
. , X ^4"
^- ^r
Judy Gifford, Assistant to the Director of
Religious Affairs and Coordinator of Women's
Ministries, talks with Emery Herd, last year's AC
valedictorian who is now a student at Ashland
Theological Seminary.
itual needs at Ashland College. We are
reaching out in a variety of ways : through
recreation, education, worship, counseling,
writing, and just plain caring.
To enhance our effectiveness, we are
trying to raise funds to remodel the base-
ment of Memorial Chapel into a "campus
Christian center." We are also arranging
a counseling program for troubled students
and exploring new ways of opening com-
munication with students.
We are fortunate to have the Brethren
Church's support for this ministry. It fills
a vital need. We have outstanding people
in Judy Gifford and Jim Miller, who are
both capable teachers and counselors. Also,
the Dean of Students Office has employed
four persons from the Coalition for Chris-
tian Outreach, who assist our regular staff
in campus ministry.
So, while there are problems, the Campus
Ministry team is responding to the chal-
lenge. There is good reason for optimism,
for we see progress in many areas of our
work. We thank the church for supporting
this important student service. D
AC Enrollmenf Up
The total fall enrollment for Ashland College
and Ashland Theological Seminary is 2,510
students. This is an increase of 221 over the fall
of 1978.
Programs contributing significantly to this
increase are the Master s in Business Adminis-
tration, Master s in Education, and combined
seminary programs. On-campus enrollment is
1,473.
The increased enrollment is on-target for the
1979-80 college budget. This factor and positive
working relationships between faculty, students,
staff, and administration promises a successful
and significant academic year.
Crisis, Challenge, Opportunity
Today Ashland College faces both
"crisis" and "challenge." But we are
confident that God is fully in control
and that He still has an educational
mission for us.
Young people need to be infornned
about the faith and given opportunities
to practice it. This is acconnplished
through the Campus Ministry progrann.
Workers are needed for God's har-
vest . . . the fields are white. Scholar-
ship funds will help equip the workers.
A training center is essential to a
growing church. Since 1878, Ashland
College has been our school, educating
pastors, nnissionaries, teachers, busi-
nessmen and women, artists, and
scientists. For more than a century,
Ashland College has been a far-
reaching ministry of the Brethren
Church. Contributions for current op-
erations will help secure its future.
General Conference has established
a goal of $5.00 per member in support
of our educational ministry. Your par-
ticipation is needed!
October 1979
15
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
r
,■» «
> • • .
: > A nuts and bolts approach to the subject of free will.
Skeptics, Robots, and Free Will
THE SKEPTIC yells, "Why did God give
us free will?" Even the skeptic has
learned that free will is a blessing and a
curse.
But if God hadn't created us with free
will, where would we be? We'd all be
marionettes, like Pinocchio, or puppets on
a string. No one would be out of step, but
we'd be like dummies, saying only what the
ventriloquist makes us say. Is that what
the skeptic wants? I think not. Neither
does God. I think the skeptic enjoys his
free will just as much as the Christian.
Here is how I see it. Suppose a brilliant
scientist builds two fantastic robots. He
names them Adam and Eve. These robots
are built to serve the scientist, but being a
benevolent person he has programmed with-
in them the ability to choose. Most unusual.
He has also programmed within them many
of his own characteristics — goodness, intel-
ligence, love, etc. — although they possess
these traits to a far less degree than he.
These traits are merely the scientist's
fingerprints upon the robots' parts. By far
the most important trait is free will — the
ability to move in any direction, to make
choices.
The inevitable happens. The robots rebel
and move away from the master-scientist.
Now they're on their own. But these robots
are smart. They soon build other robots.
And it is quite evident, as time wears on,
that some robots are good and others are
bad. But always a minority give allegiance
to the master-scientist.
The good ones plead with the others to
choose the right way, mostly to no avail.
The robots love their freedom more than
their master-scientist. Some say, '*A robot
should enjoy life to the fullest while his
computer lasts."
On occasion one robot rises up and
smashes the nuts and bolts of another one.
Finally, laws have to be made, as things
get out of hand. ''Whosoever shall drain
the oil of a robot, of him shall his oil be
drained," is established. Later on it is
taught, under the Robotic Code, ''Nut for
nut and bolt for bolt."
Some of the more intelligent robots de-
velop their own theories and teach them
to others: "We have evolved from nuts and
bolts. It all began in a pool of oil, and over
the course of time there came together a
primitive robot, who could do none of the
things we do today." Others become doctor
robots and give oil transfusions, even
reaching the point where they transplant
parts from defunct robots. But eventually
every robot wears out and goes to the place
where all robots go — the junkyard.
Finally, the master-scientist does the
ultimate. It's unbelievable! He makes him-
self into a robot to save robot-kind from
sure annihilation. He teaches them, "You
have heard it said, nut for nut and bolt
for bolt. But I say unto you, resist not evil.
Whosoever shall smite you on your right
bolt turn to him your left as well." He even
suggests that all violence begins in one's
own computer. Finally, they can take it no
longer. They kill him. That ends it.
But no, it doesn't! The master-scientist
had programmed himself to come back to
life. He rises from the junkyard and re-
turns to his office. His followers carry on,
awaiting his promised return. In fact, they
pray for his return, for that will mean an
end to all rebellion. And when the master-
scientist returns, that'll be it. The conclu-
sion of the story. The moment he walks out
of his office and into the workshop, the
world will end. The nuts and bolts will
fly. D
16
The Brethren Evangelist
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Dutchtown breaks ground for new sanctuary
Warsaw, Ind. — The Dutchtown
Brethren Church, situated seven
miles northeast of Warsaw,
Ind., broke ground on July 29,
1979, for the construction of a
new sanctuary. The new build-
ing will be an extension of the
present church facilities.
The new structure will be
6780 square feet in size. It will
contain a sanctuary capable of
seating 312 persons, pre-school
classrooms, and offices.
Rev. Jim Sluss, pastor of the
Dutchtown Church, officiated at
the groundbreaking service. He
was assisted in the groundbreak-
ing by Al Engelberth — chairman
of the building committee,
Arden Rhoades — church mod-
erator, Norm Hagg — chairman
of the building finance com-
mittee, Willis Kreider — chair-
man of the trustees, and Roger
Stump^ — chairman of the board
of deacons.
The original building of the
Dutchtown Church was built
and dedicated in 1898. Rev. B. H.
Flora was the first minister to
serve the congregation. During
Rev. Flora's revival services in
Breaking ground for a new sanctuary for the Dutchtown Brethren
church are (left to right) Arden Rhoades, Willis Kreider, Pastor James
Sluss, Al Engelberth, and Roger Stump.
late 1898 and early 1899, 65
persons were converted. One of
these was Thomas Plew, who
was later ordained to the min-
istry and served as pastor of the
church for 15 years.
In 1958, during the ministry
of George Pontius, an annex
was added to the building, in-
creasing the seating capacity of
the sanctuary to 150 persons.
— Jan Lucas, Church Sec'y.
MilJedgeville welcomes new pastor
Milledgeville, 111.— The Milledge-
ville Brethren Church held a
reception for its new pastor.
Rev. George W. Solomon, on
Sunday, September 2. The event
took place at noon, following
the morning worship service,
which was Rev. Solomon's first
as pastor of the Milledgeville
Church.
A fine program was presented
by the Deacon Board, which
featured the singing of the Stan
Dennis family. During the pro-
gram, the interim pastor, Rev.
T. S. Cleworth, was presented
with a gift — a copy of the New
International Version of the
Bible — in recognition of his fine
service to the church.
Mr. Sheldon
Livengood
(left), the
church's
moderator,
welcomes
Rev. and
Mrs. George
Solomon to
the pastoral
ministry of
the First
Brethren
Church of
Milledgeville,
111.
>%^^
October 1979
17
update
Jefferson Church burns mortgage
Goshen, Ind. — The Jefferson
Brethren Church concluded its
10th anniversary year celehra-
tion with a mortgage-burning
service on Sunday morning,
September 9th.
The church has celebrated
throughout the year using the
theme "Celebrating 10 Years of
Ministry." In January the con-
gregation had a birthday cele-
bration, followed by an anniver-
sary banquet and worship ser-
vice in March.
The $100,000 mortgage on the
Jefferson Brethren Church was
paid off in only seven and a
half years. This was made pos-
sible by an increase in member-
ship from 71 charter members
to 375 members in ten years.
Rev. Jack Oxenrider, pastor
of the Jefferson Church, pre-
sented the message for the
mortgage-burning service. A
multi-media slide presentation
was also given, which reviewed
the history and growth of the
church. A new 10th anniversary
church directory was also dis-
tributed during the service.
Following the worship ser-
vice, a fellowship dinner was
held at the "Blessin' House,"
sponsored by the Ministry of
Fellowship of the church.
Eight baptized
at Tlosa
Rochester, Ind. — On Sunday
July 29 the congregation of the
Tiosa Brethren Church held a
worship service and baptism fol-
lowed by a picnic at the Tippe-
canoe River.
Those baptised by Rev. John
Shultz, pastor at Tiosa, were
Jeff Lewis, Jennifer Lew^is,
Missy White, Pam Flowers,
Kathy Rhoades, John Dudgeon,
Bill Bradley, and Cathy Snipes.
On Sunday morning, August
5, these eight people and also
Gary Snipes were taken into
membership at Tiosa.
— ^Catherine Lewis,
correspondent
Robert Kropf (left) and Pastor Jack Oxenrider watch as Vice Mod-
erator R. J. Smith burns the Jefferson mortgage.
National BCE plans fall nneeting
The national Board of Chris-
tian Education will hold its fall
meeting November 1-3 at the
Park Street Brethren Church in
Ashland, Ohio.
The meeting will be conducted
in three phases. On Thursday,
November 1, the chairmen of the
district boards of Christian edu-
cation will meet to continue to
explore and develop the cooper-
ation needed in the various
levels of administration in Chris-
tian education and youth work.
On Friday, November 2, the
task forces of the BCE will meet
to discuss their plans and pro-
grams. The four task forces of
the board are Family 'Life,
Discipleship, Sunday School
Growth, and ABCT.
Finally, on Saturday, Novem-
ber 3, the entire board will con-
vene, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Lawrence Canterbury recognized
for 23 years of perfect aftendance
Oak Hill, W. Va. — Lawrence
Canterbury of the Oak Hill
Brethren Church has not missed
Sunday school for twenty-three
years. This is an outstanding
record.
In recognition of this accom-
plishment, Mr. Canterbury was
presented a Sunday school
attendance bar from the Oak
Hill church on Sunday, Septem-
ber 9.
In addition to attending his
class, Lawrence always comes
early to church to greet people
and hand out bulletins. Accord-
ing to Mrs. Ollie Foy, "We all
look forward to Sunday morn-
ing when we can go in church
and have Lawrence greet us.
We just praise the Lord for
this fine young man who is serv-
ing the Lord in our church and
is a member of our church."
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Norma Waters and Mark Baker complete
service with Bd. of Ch. Ed.
update
Two valuable Board of Chris-
tian Education workers are mov-
ing on to other areas of work
and ministry. Norma Waters
and Mark Baker have com-
pleted their terms of service as
staff in the BCE office. The
pair were honored recently at
a dinner in the national offices
of the Brethren Church.
Both Mark and Norma have
a long history of association
with the BCE and BYC pro-
grams. Each served the church
through the Crusader/Intern-
ship program, including a sum-
mer in Medellin, Colombia, for
Mark in 1977. Mark worked for
the pa^t three years as Assistant
to the Director, responsible
primarily for the BYC program
and youth publications, Morning:
Star and More Mail.
Norma has been secretary and
Office Manager for the BCE,
coordinating the various ave-
nues of service to the denom-
ination, including the ABCT
Seminars and the Crusader/
Internship program.
During the year between the
resignation of Dr. Fred Burkey
and appointment of Charles
Beekley as the new director,
Mark and Norma managed the
work of the Board as part-time
employees. Both the outgoing
director and the newly appoint-
ed director praised the work
done by the two departing
employees.
Mark will continue his studies
at Ashland Theological Semin-
ary this fall. This will include a
tour to Colombia as part of an
independent study in foreign
missions. Norma will pursue an
active role as homemaker until
some other leading is discerned.
She will, however, continue
supervision and coordination of
the Sisterhood program, a min-
istry of the W.M.S. administered
by the BCE.
Nearly half of all children
born today will spend part of
their lives before age 18 with
only one parent, according to
the U.S. Bureau of Census.
Mark Baker and Norma Waters hold a farewell cake as they con-
clude their service with the Board of Christian Education. The cake
was baked and decorated by Mark.
David Stone named editor
of Morning Star
Ashland College freshman
David Stone is the new editor
of Morning iStar magazine, ac-
cording to an announcement by
the office of the Board of
Christian Education. David, a
member of the Sarasota First
Brethren Church, will be respon-
sible for the overall production
of the Brethren youth magazine
beginning with the October
issue. Included in his task is
recruiting writers from within
the ranks of the national BYC
organization, editing their work,
and designing the layout of the
magazine.
Dave plans to major in so-
ciology while at Ashland Col-
lege, with the intention of en-
tering the Brethren ministry.
His Christian commitment be-
came more real to him this past
summer when he served as a
Crusader, performing with the
musical team "Promise."
Director of Christian Educa-
tion Charles Beekley said, upon
the naming of Dave Stone as
David Stone
editor, "We needed someone de-
pendable and creative, with an
ability to draw the best out of
other people. We're sure Dave
can do it."
October 1979
19
update
Maurertown celebrates 1st year in new unit;
dedicates new piano and organ
Maurertown, Va. — ^On July 2,
1978, the Maurertown Brethren
Church dedicated the John
Locke Memorial Unit, an edu-
cational, multi-purpose addition
to the church building. One year
later, in July 1979, the Maurer-
town congregation celebrated its
first year in this new facility.
Over 200 people participated
in the day's activities, which in-
cluded Sunday school, worship,
an appreciation dinner, and an
afternoon service.
A special activity of the after-
noon service was the dedication
of a new grand piano and a new
Baldwin organ. Both instru-
ments were memorial gifts to
the church.
The beautiful Kawai piano
was presented in memory of
Dr. and Mrs. D. L. Shaver by
their son Duke and his wife
Lillian.
The organ was given by the
descendants of E. B. Shaver,
founding father of the Maurer-
town church and of several
other churches in the South-
east District.
Former Maurertown pastor
Doc Shank brought the after-
noon message. Mike and Barba-
ra Woods and Dean Minnick,
talented new members of the
congregation presented special
music, as did Holly Finks and
Donna Bennett, who both pre-
sented vocal solos. Mr. Lee
Finks served as worship leader.
An offering was taken during
the afternoon service to reduce
the indebtedness on the new
unit. The leaders of the congre-
gation had set an offering goal
of $10,000 for the day. To every-
one's amazement and delight,
the 160 people present gave
$9,656. Gifts received shortly
thereafter brought the total to
over $10,000.
On dedication Sunday one
year before, the 360 members
and friends who attended the
dedication service contributed
$12,000 toward the indebtedness.
Many other gifts were received
during the year between July 1,
1978, and July 1, 1979. As a re-
sult the congregation now owes
less than $10,000 on the new
unit, furniture, and land-
scaping.
This exceptional congregation
has thus given over $150,000 to
the work of Jesus Christ in
just one and one-h£df years.
Approximately $115,000 of this
was for the new building and
improvements, and over $40,0C0
went to the regular church
budget. This excellent giving is
more remarkable in light of the
low pay scale and the higher
than average cost of living in
the area. According to a church
spokesperson, the people of the
Maurertown Brethren Church
"are thrilled at what the Lord
can do through faithful people
who love Him and reach out to
others in His name."
If churches desire to fulfill
the Great Commission, they
must provide adequate room for
new people. This includes ade-
quate sanctuary seating, class-
room area, and parking space.
The Maurertown Brethren
Church is seeking to be faithful
to the orders of Jesus Christ
the Lord and so has expanded
in all three of these areas. As
a result, the Lord is blessing.
Before building its addition,
the Maurertown Sunday school
was averaging 142. Since build-
ing it is averaging 157. Like-
wise worship service average
attendance has gone from 158
to 164. In the last six years the
Lord has added 110 new people
to this vital, ministering body
of caring Christians.
The church is already looking
ahead and seeking to discern
God's will for its eontinued
growth. Knowing that doing His
will requires room to grow, the
church purchased another one
and one-half acres of land right
after the first anniversary
service! .
it
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^
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?*= !>^i *>-',
:,,^./: '/ ^'.'* ,u -' ^.
^ ,-, •'-
The Vinco Brethren Church is praising the Lord for having an
opportunity to share in world relief. The congregation contributed
over $750 to the relief of the poor of the world through its Love Loaf
program. The children were encouraged to bring their Love Loaves
to the altar during the dedication service. The church feels that family
cooperation in the programs of the church helps make the love of
Christ more real to the children.
In the picture are representatives of the congregation — {from left)
George Straub, church treasurer; Rev. Carl H. Phillips, pastor; Mrs.
George Cooper and her son Bradley.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Ohio Brethren churches display fruits of God's
blessing at district "Harvest Festival"
On Saturday September 15 the
Ohio Conference of the Breth-
ren Church held its district
meeting at the Asbury United
Methodist Church in Delaware,
Ohio.
The conference began at 9:30
a.m. with a short business meet-
ing, presided over by the district
moderator. Rev. Donald Rine-
hart. During the business ses-
sion, the Ohio District Board of
Christian Education led the
conference in honoring Mrs.
Fern Smith. Mrs. Smith was
given recognition for her many
years of service to the young
people of the Ohio District as a
kitchen staff worker at Camp
Bethany. (See the separate news
story about Fern Smith on
this page.)
Another important Item of
business was the acceptance of
the new Brethren Bible Church
of Louisville as a member
church in the Ohio District.
Following the business ses-
sion, the day's program began,
with the theme, "Who Cares?
Brethren Do!" This program,
conducted by Dr. Charles Mun-
son and Rev. Leroy Solomon,
was a "Harvest Festival" of the
fruit of God's blessings. The
Ohio churches demonstrated
that Brethren do care and that
God is working in their midst
by presenting their "harvest"
of testimony and song before
God and their fellow Christians.
During this harvest, one
woman told how God had res-
cued her from drinking and
drugs and brought her into the
fellowship of the church. A pas-
tor related how, during two
months of a recent illness, he
had the new experience of being
ministered to by others rather
than of ministering to them.
One church reported that the
men of that church are reaching
out by knocking on doors and
witnessing to others. As a result
that church is 25% larger this
year than last year. Another
church told how God, in His
wisdom, took care of the con-
gregation during a recent time
of division in the church.
During the course of the pro-
gram, three new pastors were
presented to the conference.
Rev. Arden Gilmer was intro-
duced as the new pastor of the
Ashland Park Street Brethren
Church, Rev. John Brownsberg-
er as the new pastor oi
the Louisville First Brethren
Church, and Rev. James Black
as the new pastor of the Dayton
Hillcrest Brethren Church.
During the morning and after-
noon sessions, other churches
told of special ministries they
are conducting and of ways God
is blessing their congregations.
Various individuals told how
God is working in their lives,
bringing victory over sin or
physical heahng. And inter-
spersed among these testimonies
were musical numbers presented
by people from the various
churches.
Due to lack of time some
churches were unable to share
all the wonderful things God is
doing in their midst and to
present the special music they
brought to the meeting.
By the end of the conference,
the Brethren knew that God is
at work changing lives and
bringing blessings in the church-
es of the Ohio District.
The conference program con-
cluded with several musical
numbers by Harmony, a Chris-
tian singing group from
Ashland.
Fern Smifh honored
by Ohio District
On September 2, the Ohio
District, through its Board of
Christian Education, paid special
honor to Fern Smith. Mrs.
Smith was honored for her
many years of dedicated service
to the youth of the district
through her work in the kitchen
at Camp Bethany. Mrs. Smith
set up the kitchen facilities
when the camp was begun, and
she has served in the kitchen
each summer since that time.
In recognition of Fern's faith-
ful service, the Camp Bethany
kitchen and dining hall were
named in her honor. Also, a
plaque is being placed in th2
dining hall as a lasting reminder
of her work.
Leading the recognition cere-
mony, which took place during
family camp held on Labor Day
weekend, were Charles Beekley,
denominational Director of
Christian Education, and Lynn
Shellenberger, Program Direc-
tor for Camp Bethany. Their
remarks centered on Fern's con-
tinued service not only to Camp
Bethany, but to her home church
(the Park Street Brethren
Church in Ashland) and to the
entire denomination.
rr-i
Fern Smith
During her response, Fern re-
called the beginning of the camp
and her struggles to get the
food service facilities into opera-
tion. She also expressed her
gratitude to God for allowing
her opportunities to serve.
The recognition ceremony was
re-enacted at the meeting of the
Ohio Conference on September
15.
October 1979
21
update
^4"^
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.-^ **-„
■^i", ~?„
.'-^" *'■ %^
• -•' rr
M
photo by
LaVerge
Stone
Participating in the Sarasota mortgage-burning service were (left to right) Raymond Maxson, Wayne
Funkhouser, George Giltner, Roy Black, Moderator Leo Elliott, Harley Rathburn, Eugene Robbins,
Senior Pastor Dr. J. D. Hamel, Claude Gardner, and Associate Pastor Robert Dillard, Jr.
Mortgage burned af Sarasota Church
Sarasota, Fla. — The First Breth-
ren Church of Sarasota burned
the mortgage on its present
sanctuary during the imorning
worship service on July 15. The
mortgage-burning ceremonies
included a farewell message
from the mortgage, delivered
by Senior Pastor Dr. J. D.
Hamel, and a responsive service
by Pastor Hamel and Rev.
Robert Dillard, Jr., Associate
Pastor.
The burning of this mortgage
was the conclusion of a chapter
in the Sarasota Church's history
which began in 1970. In that
year a building program was
started with a special fund drive
which brought in over $35,000.
An additional loan of $115,000
was secured to pay for the new
building. This was a 15 year
loan, but it was fully paid in
nine years. According to Pastor
Hamel, "We praise God for the
good news that the mortgage
payments have been fully met
in just nine years on a 15 year
loan from the bank."
During the nine years when
this mortgage was being paid.
the Sarasota church also began
a daughter congregation in
Bradenton, Fla. This church
held its first services on May
27, 1973, and is now self-
supporting.
The Sarasota First Brethren
Church was begun on November
7, 1954, in the home of Rev.
and Mrs. Fred Vanator and Mr.
and Mrs. Carl (Esther) Mohler
with ten Brethren people. It now
has a membership of approx-
imately 700 and a debt free
property valued at over $500,000.
Dr. J. D. Hamel has served
the congregation for 19 1^ years.
During this time he has bap-
tized 808 members and has re-
ceived over 200 into the church
by letter from other Brethren
churches.
Oak Hill Church hosts
Southeast District Conference
Oak Hill, W. Va.— The First
Brethren Church of Oak Hill
was host to the Southeast Dis-
trict Conference, which met
July 26-28. This was a great
conference and those who
attended received many spiritual
blessings.
Rev. Kenneth Solomon and
Rev. Richard Allison were the
main speakers, and Mrs. Solo-
mon spoke to the W.M.S. The
Solomons also showed slides of
the work they are doing in
South America.
The conference was also priv-
ileged to have Rev. Virgil Ingra-
ham and his wife Alice, and
Rev. Smith Rose and his wife
Florence present for the meet-
ing.
This conference was well
attended by all the churches in
the district. There were approx-
imately 70 delegates.
Rev. William Skeldon, pastor
of the Oak Hill Brethren
Church, was moderator of the
conference.
— Mrs. Ollie Foy
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Theron Smith joins seminary staff
Ashland, Ohio — A new member
has been added to the Ashland
Theological Seminary faculty
and staff. He is Theron H.
Smith, former pastor in the
United Methodist Church. Rev.
Smith, as director of academic
services, will administer and
coordinate the seminary's exten-
sion programs. These branch
campuses include the well-
established programs in Cleve-
land, the year-old program in
Toledo, and the brand new pro-
grams in Akron and Wooster.
Along with his administrative
functions. Smith will also be
teaching courses on United
Methodist history and polity re-
quired of the Methodist students
for their ordination. He will
occasionally teach pastoral min-
istry courses as well.
Although only on the job for
a short time, Smith is able to
make some observations about
the seminary and his work
there. "Above all else," he
stated, *T am greatly impressed
with the quality of the faculty
and staff at Ashland, without
exception. Often at schools you
will find a couple of 'weaklings,'
but here they are all excep-
tional."
Secondly, he likes the flexi-
bility and openness which he
sees in the seminary's approach
to theolog^ical training. After
looking at the programs offered
by other seminaries, he feels
that Ashland may very well be
a "leader in the development of
theological education for our
day among seminaries."
Finally, he is excited about
the opportunity to be a part of
a place where the intensity of
graduate study is coupled with
the desire to serve people
through Christian ministry.
Smith admits that he does
have one real misgiving as he
takes on this new job. "I've
pastored now for over 25 years.
Being constantly involved with
a congregation that loved me
and was connected to me in a
special way has been great.
There is such a joy in being a
pastor and sharing in their lives
Theron H. Smith
at birth, during youth, through
marriage and maturing, and
even through suffering and
death. So, right now I can't
imagine anything being as ful-
filling as the pastoral ministry."
The opportunity to share his
love for the ministry with stu-
dents promises to be equally
rewarding, especially since he
feels certain that Ashland is
the place to which God has
called him now.
Rev. Smith was ordained by
the Methodist Church in June
of 1952, and has pastored in the
West Ohio Conference of the
church ever since. In addition
to ministering in the United
States, he served two years on
a special mission assignment in
the Orient.
He was graduated from As-
bury College in Kentucky with
a bachelor of arts degree, from
Oberlin Graduate School of
Theology with a bachelor of
divinity degree, and from Van-
derbilt University in Tennessee
with a master of divinity de-
gree. His home is Gowanda,
New York.
Rev. Smith and his family
have now settled into the Ash-
land community, living at 531
Center Street. His wife Betty, a
specialist in instructing children
With learning disabilities, is
tutoring in the Ashland city
schools. Their three children
are: Jocelyn, a graduate student
in psychology and counseling at
the University of Akron; Kevin,
a senior at Ashland College ma-
joring in business; and Todd, a
freshman at Asbury College.
— Susan White
Newark church shows growth;
puts emphasis on children
Newark, Ohio — The Newark
Brethren Church has shown a
30 percent increase in morning
worship attendance in recent
months. Average prayer meet-
ing attendance is also showing
an increase.
A particular emphasis of the
church at the present is reach-
ing children for Jesus Christ. A
part of this effort is the recent
organization of a "Mini Church"
for children. Mrs. Erma Bennett,
the wife of the pastor, is leading
this "Mini Church." The chil-
dren have adopted the new
work in Mexico as their mission-
ary thrust and are giving money
for this work. Mrs. Bennett
brought $25 to Ashland at Con-
ference time as their first
offering.
In its work with children, the
Newark Church also had a very
successful vacation Bible school
during the summer. Seven pre-
teens and teenagers were won
to Christ through the Bible
school. These were baptized and
received into membership, mak-
ing a total of 11 children and
teenagers won in the past year.
An evangelistic campaign is
scheduled for the Newark
Church in October. Rev. James
Clinton of Clearfield, Pa., is to
be the evangelist.
October 1979
23
update
Gretna Church dedicates
new addition
Bellefontaine, Ohio — The mem-
bers of the Gretna Brethren
Church dedicated a new addition
to their sanctuary and an exten-
sion to their church parking lot
on August 26.
The new addition to the sanc-
tuary increases the seating
capacity by 50. In the remodel-
ing that went along with the
addition, the sanctuary was re-
versed. The new construction
was added at what was the back
of the church, and this has now
become the pulpit area.
The extension of the parking
lot almost doubles the parking
area.
The theme for the dedication
service was "Anyone Could,
But. , . ." The primary Sunday
school class presented a play
centered on this theme, and
Rev. Leroy Solomon, pastor of
the church, used this theme as
the basis of his sermon. In his
message. Rev. Solomon said
that anyone can build a build-
Rev. Leroy Solomon
stands in the new
pulpit area, part of
the addition to the
Gretna church
building.
ing, but who is going to fill it
with God's people? He explained
that the true church of Jesus
Christ is the people, and that
these people are the "building"
that God is really interested in.
Special music for the service
was presented by Steve McPher-
son and by Mr. and Mrs. Paul
Deardurff. Attendance for the
service was 126.
According to Pastor Solomon,
the Gretna people are praising
the Lord for the growth the
church is experiencing. As ex-
amples of this growth, he re-
ports that Sunday school attend-
ance in August of this year
averaged 83 compared with 55
in August of 1978. Worship
attendance averaged 100 in Aug-
ust, compared with 76 the year
before. For the first three Sun-
days of September, the Sunday
school average attendance was
97 and the worship service
average was 115.
Rev. Solomon also notes, "The
spirit is warm and friendly, the
people are growing in grace and
knowledge, and they are begin-
ning to see what happens when
they trust the Lord to witness
in the community. We know
that next year is even going to
be a better year!" And he adds,
"We are dreaming and planning
our next addition already."
Four Brethren students in cast of AC musical
Ashland, Ohio — Four Brethren
Ashland College students Will
perform in the hit musical
"Carousel," Ashland College
theatre's first production of the
1979-80 season. They are Evan
Bridenstine, Debbie Munson,
Chuck Bowers, and Tim Rowsey.
Evan Bridenstine, who will
play the part of Enoch Snow,
one of the lead characters in
the musical, is a sophomore at
Ashland College from Smith-
ville, Ohio. Evan was a Brethren
Youth Summer Crusader in
1978, and this past summer was
a BYC Summer Intern, serving
in the Pittsburgh, Pa., Brethren
Church.
Debbie Munson, a senior at
AC, is from Ashland and a
member of the Park Street
Brethren Church. She served as
a BYC Summer Crusader in
1975, '76, and '77, and is a mem-
24
ber of "Harmony," a Christian
vocal group from Ashland
which has sung in many Breth-
ren churches.
Chuck Bowers, from St.
James, Maryland, is a sopho-
more at Ashland College. Chuck
spent his 1977 and 1978 sum-
mers as a Crusader for Breth-
ren Youth and last school year
was the art editor for "Morning
Star," the official magazine
of National Brethren Youth.
Chuck's artwork has also
appeared in the Brethren
Evangelist.
Tim Rowsey, also from St.
James, Maryland, is a junior at
AC. Tim served as a BYC Sum-
mer Crusader in 1976 and '78.
Performances will be given
October 19, 20, 26, and 27.
ShipsheWana campers spend week in canoe
Flora, Ind. — Shipshewana sum-
mer camp included something
different this year. Twelve teen-
agers (seven boys and five
girls), along with camp dean
Rev. Alvin Grumbling and coun-
selors Dennis Grumbling and
Jim Miller, traveled to Michigan,
where they canoed down the
Ausable River.
The campers spent the week
on the river, stopping at night
to sleep in campsites along the
way.
Evening activities included
gathering firewood, fetching j
drinking water, vesper services,
and singing.
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Pleasant View BYC receives plaque for
contributing to children's hospital
Vandergrrift, Pa.— The Brethren
Youth Crusaders (BYC) of the
Pleasant View Brethren Church
were awarded a plaque by the
Vandergrift Ministerial Associa-
tion recently. They received the
plaque for their contribution of
$1575 to Pittsburgh's Children's
Hospital.
This was the fourth year the
Pleasant View BYC has partici-
pated in the drive to raise funds
for the hospital. During these
four years the youth have col-
lected a total of $6490.
The youth started their par-
ticipation in memory of two
young people from the church,
1^ f^
The Brethren Youth Crusaders of the Pleasant View Brethren
Church with the plaque they received from the Vandergrift Ministerial
Association.
Wendy Crytzer and Jimmy
Swenk. For the first three years
they took the money to Pitts-
burgh.
During the 1978 drive, the
youth participated with the
Kiski Area High School and the
Unity Day sponsored by the
Vandergrift Ministerial Associa-
tion. The Ministerial Association
presented the plaque to the
church giving the largest dona-
tion. This plaque is in memory
of Father Gervase Chutis, late
pastor of St. Casmir's Church
of Vandergrift.
The Pleasant View youth
raised their offering by collect-
ing donations door to door and
by receiving an offering at a
Wendy Crytzer-Jimmy Swenk
Memorial Benefit.
Rev. William Walk, pastor of
the Pleasant View Brethren
Church, stated, "We at Pleasant
View are proud of our youth
and their efforts on behalf of
others."
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Snyder
renew vows after 50 years
Louisville, Ohio — Louis and
Ruth Snyder celebrated their
50th wedding anniversary in
the Louisville First Brethren
Church on August 19, 1979.
The celebration began with
the couple renewing their vows
before the congregation with
Rev. John Brownsberger offici-
ating. A shiny 1938 Buick Road-
master picked them up at their
home and took them to the
church, where they were greeted
by 200 of their many friends.
The occasion was planned by
their two daughters and the
daughters' husbands — Mr. and
Mrs. Douglas (Carol) MacLean
and Mr. and Mrs. Jack (Avonne)
Eusa — and by their five grand-
children.
Ruth and Louis were married
by the late Rev. A. E. Whitted
on August 17, 1929, in their
home while the Louisville First
Brethren Church building was
being renovated. They have been
very active at the First Brethren
Church during their 50 years of
marriage.
— ^Mrs. Wade Johnson
Hillcrest church
holds farewell
for Brownsbergers
Dayton, Ohio— On June 16, 1979,
the congregation of the Hill-
crest Brethren Church had a
farewell party honoring John,
Joyce, Beth, Steve, and Jeff
Brownsberger. This was in prep-
aration for the Brownsberger's
move to Louisville, Ohio, where
Rev. Brownsberger has since
become pastor of the Louisville
First Brethren Church.
A cookout was held, with lots
of good food. A program fol-
lowed, with different members
of the congregation paying their
farewells to each member of
the Brownsberger family. The
"Prof" Herschel Winfield bids
the Brownsbergers farewell.
church also presented the
Brownsbergers with a farewell
gift.
—Candy Aldstadt
October 1979
25
update
f
Weddings
In Memory
Sandra Dils to Russell Harringrton, October 7, at
the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin
L. McCann, pastor, officiating. Bride a member
of the Bryan First Brethren Church.
Brenda Dinger to David Rusk, October 6, at the
Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin L.
McCann, pastor, and Rev. Russell Dinger officia-
ting. Groom a member of the Bryan First Breth-
ren Church.
Marilyn Chrisman to Virgil Fry, September 12, at
the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin
L. McCann, pastor, officiating. Bride a member
of the Bryan First Brethren Church.
Sue Tharp to Robert Earl Rogers, August 25, at
the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin
L. McCann, pastor, officiating. Groom a member
of the Bryan First Brethren Church.
Terry Lynn Shoff to Christopher Albert Plant,
August 25, at the home of the bride's parents;
Alvin Grumbling, pastor of the Flora, Ind., First
Brethren Church, officiating. Bride a member of
the Flora First Brethren Church.
Debra Zachrich to Dan Nofziger, August 11, at
the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin
L. McCann, pastor, officiating. Bride a member
of the Bryan First Brethren Church.
Vicky Ridenour to Charles Moerhiman, August 10,
at Napoleon, Ohio. Bride a member of the Bryan,
Ohio, First Brethren Church.
Kathy Rhoades to Mike Pritchett, August 5, at
the Tiosa Brethren Church, Route 5, Rochester,
Indiana; John Shultz, pastor, officiating. Mem-
bers of the Tiosa Brethren Church.
Mary Kay Benson to Paul Chester Cornett, July
27, at the College Corner Brethren Church, Route
3, Wabash, Indiana; Rev. St. Clair Benshoff, pas-
tor, officiating. Bride a member of the College
Corner Brethren Church.
Cheryl Yvonne Buffington to Ronald Brian
Maring, June 23, at the Pipe Creek Church; Rev.
J. August Borlies officiating. Groom a member
of the Linwood, Maryland, Brethren Church.
Mary Jane Quinn to John Wayne Kelle>, June 3,
at the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church;
Clarence R. Kindley, pastor, officiating. Members
of the Johnstown Third Brethren Church.
Kristine Kerr to James Lowe, Jr., May 19, at the
home of the groom; Marlin L. McCann, pastor of
the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church, offici-
ating. Bride a member of the Bryan First Breth-
ren Church.
Janet Sue Lainib to Richard Douglas Boyer, April
21, at the Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church;
Ronald Waters, pastor, and Rev. Donald Snell
officiating. Bride a member of the Waterloo First
Brethren Church. ,;
Eloise Maxine Blaoksten to Raymond Joseph
Sheedy, III, February 2, at the Linwood, Md.,
Brethren Church; Robert Young, pastor, offici-
ating. Bride a member of the Linwood Brethren
Church.
Arvilla Morton, 72, September 6. Member since
1931 of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church.
Services by Marlin L. McCann, pastor.
Mrs. Lucille Milbum, 74, August 26. Member of
the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
Alvin Grumbling, pastor.
Clarence Howard, 74, August 18. Long time mem-
ber and trustee of the Johnstown, Pa., Third
Brethren Church. Services by Clarence R. Kindley,
pastor.
Clara A. Yarian, 76, August 14. Member of the
Roann, Indiana, First Brethren Church. Services
by Donald Wagstaff, pastor.
Bessie M. Zellers, 84, August 11. Member of the
North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church.
Services by Woodrow Immel, pastor.
Walter Verdenburgh, 43, August 11. Member of
the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Ser-
vices by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Guy R. Brown, 93, August 8. Member since 1912
of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Ser-
vices by Marlin L. McCann, pastor.
Duane Hill, 59, August 7. Member of the Highland
Brethren Church, Route 1, Marianna, Pa. Services
by Richard Craver, pastor, and Rev. Carl Phillips.
Oris Williaims, 79, July 28. Member for 29 years
of the Gretna Brethren Church near Bellefontaine,
Ohio. Services by Leroy Solomon, pastor.
Walter P. Wantz, 70, July 28. Member of the Lin-
wood, Md., Brethren Church. Services by Robert
Young, pastor, and Rev. Hays K. Logan.
Willard Little, 81, July 27. Member of the North
Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services
by Woodrow Immel, pastor.
Bertha Mackall, 78, July 12. Member of the Vinco,
Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Carl H. Phillips,
pastor.
Mrs. Clara Bradfield, 87, July 8. Member of the
Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church. Services
by Ronald Waters, pastor.
Mrs. Fannie C. Pottenger, 94, June 29. Member
of the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren
Church. Services by Woodrow Immel, pastor, and
Rev. Richard Craig.
Emery Hudson, 84, June 26. Life long member and
deacon of the Gretna Brethren Church near Belle-
fontaine, Ohio. Services by Rev. Clarence
Brubaker.
Mrs. F:rnfia Lubbs, 85, June 23. Member of the
Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church. Services
by Ronald Waters, pastor. , ., .- -
Donovan W. Dietz, 72, June 5. Member of the
Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church. Services
by Ronald Waters, pastor.
Membership Growth
Corinth: 3 by baptism
Tiosa: 8 by baptism, 1 by transfer
26
The Brethren Evangelist
Ashland, Ohio — Park Street
Brethren Church installed Arden
E. Gilmer as pastor on Sunday,
August 26, during the morning
worship service. Dr. Jerry Flora,
professor at Ashland Theolog-
ical Seminary, presented the
message, using Matthew 16:13-
20 as his text.
Commenting on the church
Christ builds, Dr. Flora noted
that some pastors are known for
building buildings. "I don't know
if our new pastor will build in
steel and stone, but I do know
he will build in people."
In challenging the congrega-
tion, Dr. Flora said, "God never
asked His people to be success-
ful. He only called them to be
faithful. And He promised that
the gates of hell would not pre-
vail against them. Are you ready
to be faithful in ways that you
have never been faithful
before?"
Following the message. Mod-
erator Charles Beekley posed a
series of questions to Pastor
Gilmer and to the congregation.
He then led the congregation
in a litany of dedication especi-
ally prepared for this service.
Rev. Gilmer responded by
sharing his thoughts on the
relationship of the pastor and
the church, using I Peter 5:1-4
as the basis of his remarks. He
said, "I go on record that I
update
Arden GUmer insfalled
as Park Street pastor
Before leading the closing prayer, Rev. Gilmer (middle) asked the
people of the congregation to join hands to show their unity in the
Lord and their desire to work together.
desire to be a good and faithful
shepherd of the sheep." He
noted that the shepherd's role is
one of providing protection,
care, leadership, tenderness,
warmth, and love.
He said, "The only compulsion
that constrains me is the love
of Christ. I am eager and zeal-
ous that we might serve to-
gether."
Richard DeVeny, chairman of
the deacon board, led in the
morning prayer. A ladies' en-
semble provided special music.
— Ronald W. Waters
World Relief sends aid
to areas ravaged by
Hurricane David
Wheaton, III. — In response to
Hurricane David's ravagement
of the Caribbean islands of
Dominica and the Dominican
Republic, World Relief imme-
diately committed over $20,000
for relief efforts. , The funds
were allocated for the purchase
of food and transportation.
It is estimated that 90 percent
of the crops on these two islands
were destroyed, with over two
billion dollars worth of dam-
ages. "Thousands of people
have been left homeless and
without food," stated Jerry Bal-
lard, executive director of World
Relief. "The people of Dominica
and the Dominican Republic
have desperate immediate
needs."
World Relief's Hurricane
David relief efforts in the Carri-
bean are being carried out in
cooperation with JAARS, the
aviation arm of Wycliffe Bible
Translators. The grant was
channeled through evangelical
churches in the ravaged areas.
(Brethren churches or individ-
uals wishing to assist with these
relief efforts should send their
gifts, over and above regular
giving, to:
Brethren World Relief
George Kerlin, Treas.
1318 E. Douglas
Goshen, IN 46526
Mark checks "Hurricane David.")
Goldenoires
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tracy, 50th, October 2. Mem-
bers of the Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland,
Ohio.
Eric and Esther iColditz, 60th, September 20. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church of Ardmore,
South Bend, Ind.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Dillman, 52nd, September 14.
Mrs. Dillman a member of the Corinth Brethren
Church, Twelve Mile, Ind.
Rev. and Mrs. Delbert Flora, 50th, September 2.
Members of the Park Street Brethren Church,
Ashland, Ohio.
Rev. and Mrs. Elmer Keck, 50th, August 29. Mem-
bers of the Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland,
Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew York, 66th, September 1.
Members of the Loree Brethren Church, Bunker
Hill, Ind.
George and Wilma Bunn, 50th, July 9. Members
of the First Brethren Church of Waterloo, Iowa.
October 1979
27
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jl.I„:■■I»I„I■■:„I„^.I..I..I..I..I»I..^.^,4.^^^^.I..I..I..I..I..I..I..^.I..:..^.^.I.^4^4.^^
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The Brethren Publishing Company
The Brethren
November 1979
Brethren Building for tlie Lord
Following ... THE WAY in the summer of '80
Tentative plan for the . . .
1980 Cmsader/Internsliip Program
TIMETABLE:
November 30, 1979 — applications available.
January 31, 1980 — closing date for receipt of applications.
March 1, 1980 — notification to applicants.
June 19, 1980 — beginning of term of service.
August 15, 1980 — conclusion of term of service.
i UNITS INVOLVED:
^2 Educational — Teach in VBS, camp, church school; lead/participate in
Jj worship services; survey work.
f. J Camp — Counsel and teach in summer camp, family camp, retreats ;
"' lead/participate in worship services.
kl Musical — Presentation of worship services, including music, devotional
i' messages, puppetry in a variety of situations.
» i< ■.•■,.■.
[i INDIVIDUAL INVOLVEMENT:
* - Church Staff Internship — Each assignment designed to provide maximum
benefit to the individual and the church.
j; Missionary Internship — Opportunity for short-term mission service.
/' Location of service to be announced.
* f
PARTICIPATION CRITERIA:
General — ^^Teaching skills and experiences ; willingness to meet strangers ;
informal speaking skills; ability to work under pressure.
Specific — able and willing to share Christian experience.
— completed at least junior year of high school.
— Interns must be at least 20 years old.
— Mission Interns must have a reading knowledge of Spanish.
SPONSORSHIP:
The Crusader/Intern program is sponsored by the Board of Christian
Education of the Brethren Church. Communication regarding the program,
including requests for applications, should be sent to the Board at 524
College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
PLEASE NOTE: Successful implementation of this plan is dependent
upon levels of participation by both personnel for service and the denom-
ination in prayer and financial support.
EThe Brethren
van
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor :
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
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100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists
of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual
subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents
Change of address: Please notify us at
least three weeks in advance, using the
form provided in each issue.
Authors' views are not necessarily those
of the Brethren Church or the Brethren
Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
dressed to the editor. A writer's packet
with query tips is available upon written
request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome.
However, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for return of unsolicited
material not accompanied by a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Second class postage paid at Ashland,
Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to
the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
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Member, Evangelical Press Association
K^over
Building new Brethren church-
es adds new life to the Brethren
Church. Read the special report
on Brethren Home Missions be-
ginning on page 12.
Vol. 101. No. 11
November 1979
4 Keeping in Sfep with the Holy Spirit
An exposition of Galatians 5:13-26 by Rev. Brian H. Moore.
6
"What's It AH About. Aiphie?"
Dr. Charles Munson presents the background to the proposed
plan for denominational organization that was brought before
the 1979 General Conference.
8 ItTaplementing Phase One
John Rowsey brings us up to date on the implementation of
phase one of the plan for denominational organization.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
10 Putting Our House in Order
John Rowsey believes that keeping sound financial records will
be a necessity for the Brethren in the eighties.
Brethren Home Missions — ^Building for the Lord
12 The Opportunities Continue!
by Rev. Arden E. Gilmer
13 Ups and Downs at Town and Country
by Rev. Dale P. RuLon
14 Medina Bible Fellowship: Practicing
Healthy Evangelism for Church Growth
by Rev. Terry Lodico
16 Progress at Brandon
by Rev. P. Keith Bennett
17 Special Ministries
Reports on the ministries at Krypton, Brethren House, Pasadena,
and Riverside Christian Training School
18 The Hunger Issue in Twelve Points
A report of hunger facts taken from the book Have You Ever
Been Hungry?
Departments
9 The Salt Shaker
20 Update
November 1979
Keeping
in
Step .
photo courtesy of Ashland College
with
th
Holy
Spirit
An exposition of Gala+ians
5:13-26 by Rev. Brian H.
Moore.
4
WHEN I was a teenager, I had the good
experience of playing in the Marianna,
Pennsylvania, Community Band. Our per-
formances were almost entirely for outdoor
parades, which meant, of course, marching.
Furthermore, our performances were usual-
ly evaluated by a group of judges.
At a certain point on the parade route
there would be an officials' stand upon
which the judges were positioned, carefully
scrutinizing the band. They listened to the
quality of the music, observed whether or
not the lines were straight, and checked
to see if the marchers were all in step. For
we band members it was a real challenge
to keep our eyes on the music, watch our
own lines with peripheral vision, maintain
the proper distance from the line ahead of
us, and stay in step with everyone else!
Keeping in step — that was important!
But who determined which foot should be
coming forward when? That was the re-
sponsibility of the head majorette! She
marched out in front of everyone else, and
her steps determined everyone else's steps.
There may not seem to be much similar-
ity between a head majorette and the Holy
Spirit. But when Paul writes, '*. . . let us
keep in step with the Spirit" (Gal. 5:25
N.I. V. ) , we begin to get the point. The Holy
Spirit, alive and active as He is, is out in
front of God's people, setting the pace,
leading the way, giving the cues, marching
on before. Our responsibility, as the people
of God, is to follow His directions, letting
His movements determine our actions. As
the pillar of cloud and fire led Israel in the
wilderness, calling them to move or to stay,
so the Holy Spirit leads the church.
The passage under consideration specifies
what this means in practical terms. But
before we examine this further, we must
consider the situation which prompted this
letter to the Galatians.
The Galatian problem could be sum-
marized in two words: religious ext«r-
nalism. The church was being tempted to
regress to the Law of Moses, a regression
that involved relying on the law to com-
plete the achievement of a right relation-
ship with God. The Galatian Christians
were beginning to regard the law as im-
portant as, if not more important than,
the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the
cross. Paul was trying to show these people
that Christ was all and enough. He was
striving to convince them that Christian
living is not a matter of outward conform-
ity to certain rules and regulations, but a
Rev. Moore is pastor of the Ardmore First
Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind., and
Moderator-Elect of General Conference.
The Brethren Evangelist
matter of the inner life — life springing out
of the heart of a man who is under the con-
trol of the Holy Spirit.
Believers today frequently need to be
reminded of this basic message. Our Chris-
tianity can all too easily become an external
matter, based on outwardness rather than
inwardness. We, too, can be guilty of plac-
ing trust in ourselves and our actions
rather than letting the life of God flow from
within. We can let baptism, attendance,
giving, serving, teaching become new ex-
pressions of the law by which we seek to
save ourselves. Paul's message is contem-
porary! We, too, need to keep in step with
the Spirit. This will mean:
I. Responsible use of freedom
In verses 13-15 Paul points to the respon-
sible use of freedom as one derivative of
keeping in step with the Spirit. For those
of us who have ever been subject to it, we
know that religious externalism gets
''heavy"! Trying to keep up that outward
conformity produces a lot of pressure. Paul
calls that "bondage to the law." Freedom
from this bondage would be a great relief!
But the pendulum can swing so easily to
the other extreme. If I am free from rules
and regulations, I can easily drift to the
opposite pole, where I am apt to lose my
sense of morality, decency, and spiritual
obligation. But if I keep in step with the
Spirit, this will not happen.
The Christian does not break the moral
law of God! He keeps it just as faithfully
as the legalist, but for a very different
reason. He keeps it because the Spirit pro-
duces in him self-control (''do not use your
freedom to indulge your sinful nature"),
loving service ("serve one another"), and
obedience ("the entire law is summed up in
a single command: 'Love your neighbor as
yourself.' ") Following love will mean that I
will obey the law because the law delineates
what it means to love God and neighbor.
The church that preaches and teaches
freedom from the law is teaching the truth.
But freedom from the law without the re-
sponsible use of that freedom will lead to
mortal error, which will be more disastrous
than the legalistic approach to morals.
Keeping in step with the Spirit will mean
a responsible use of freedom.
II. Resistance to the flesh
In verses 16 through 21 Paul expands on
what he had just said. The person in step
with the Spirit will not only use his free-
dom responsibly, but in doing so he will
resist the pull of his lower nature.
Have you ever had the urge to do some-
thing nasty, unkind, perhaps even violent
or immoral? (If you say, "Never," you must
be lying. See IJohn 1:8!) Why didn't you
do it? (I am assuming that you didn't, of
course!) Perhaps it was the civil law that
restrained you. (You might get arrested
and fined or jailed!) Perhaps it was social
pressure that constrained you. (You need
to keep your reputation intact.) Or, per-
haps your own sense of self-respect would
not allow you to follow that lower impulse.
But the deepest and strongest restraining
force in the Christian is the presence and
power of the Holy Spirit. His presence
within us enables us to directly confront
the sinful tendencies of the flesh. In fact,
it is because of His presence that there is
a genuine confrontation at all! The flesh
and the Spirit are irreconcilably antagon-
istic ! They pull in opposite directions. There
is a continual tug-of-war in our inner
beings. What we are by our old nature is
in constant tension with what we are be-
coming by the new nature in Christ. But
as we keep in step with the Spirit, we find
that we can effectively resist the urges of
the flesh.
111. Reaiizafion of the fruit
Perhaps what I have said thus far
appears rather negative. I have spoken in
terms of the Holy Spirit as a restraint for
our protection. But in verses 22-26 Paul
presents the positive aspects of the presence
of the Holy Spirit. As we keep in step with
the Spirit, the products of His life begin
to appear in us without our necessarily
noticing them. The qualities and virtues
which characterize Jesus Christ begin to
emerge within us and to bloom forth from
our lives. These qualities are listed for us
in verses 22 and 23.
In these days, characterized by a great
deal of confusion and conflict over the
ministry of the Holy Spirit, it is refreshing
and informative to experience once again
the true qualities of the Holy Spirit's
presence, which are meant for all believers.
If we have "crucified the sinful nature"
(v. 24), and "live by the Spirit" (v. 25),
then we have every right to expect a har-
vest of fruit.
Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is
the key to living a happy, healthy, balanced
Christian life. It is the answer to legalism
on the one hand, and to the light dismissal
of all morality on the other. Keeping your
eye on Him, let His fruit grow. □
November 1979
GENERAL CONFERENCE
GENERAL CONFERENCE
COMMITTEES
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DIRECTOR of DENOM-
INATIONAL MINIST.
W.M.S. &
UYMEN
DIRECTOR of DENOM-
INATIONAL BUSINESS
ADMIN(S),
STAFF
COOR.COMM
(BD.PRES)
ADMIN(S),
STAFF
COOR.COMM
I -v.- -
2
ASHLAND COLLEGE and
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
DIRECTOR of PASTOR.
AL MINISTRIES
COOR.COMM
ADMIN(S),
STAFF
NAT'L
MIN.ASSN,
BD. of
CH. ED.
WORLD
RELIEF
BEIMEVO-
LENT BD.
MISSION-
ARY BD.
PUBLISH.
COMPANY
tEVANGELISH
1
BOOK
STORE
RETIRE-
WENT
STEWARD-
SHIP
DIST.BDS.
EVAN. (9)
"'^\\ai'i \i All Khowi, Alphfe?"
THIS TITLE to a popular song of a few
years ago describes the attitude of
many people toward a group of people
known as Committee 13 and toward a pro-
posal this committee brought before the
1979 General Conference. In this article
I will attempt to explain the origin of this
committee and of its proposal.
In my position as a professor at Ashland
Theological Seminary, I have been granted
time by the seminary administration to
make a study of the Brethren Church. In
making this study, I felt it would be helpful
to work with a number of people with a
variety of lifestyles and experiences. In this
way we could get at some of the needs in
the Brethren Church and find some possible
solutions.
So twelve people were chosen whom it
was felt were capable of taking a good,
hard look at the denomination. The names
Dr. Munson is Professor of Practical Theology
at Ashland Theological Seminary.
by Dr. Charles Munson
of the members of Committee 13 (a
designation with no significance necessari-
ly) are printed in the Conference minutes.*
The committee was not appointed by Gen-
eral Conference and has no official status,
but it is a legitimate entity since any
members of the denomination can meet
together for purposes of study if they so
desire.
The committee met rather regularly and
began discussing and investigating certain
problem areas in the denomination. Work-
ing as a committee and in teams, we studied,
identified needs, and proposed solutions.
Every person on the committee was con-
vinced of the viability of the Brethren
denomination for our times and of its
responsibility to meet the demands of the
times. So we met and studied.
'^The members of Committee 13 are Charles
Munson, Richard Allison, Kent Bennett, John
Brownsberger, Fred Burkey, Fred Finks, Arden
Gilmer, Jack Oxenrider, Smith Rose, Donald
Rowser, John Rowsey, Alvin Shifflett, and George
Snyder.
The Brethren Evangelist
In an early spring meeting, the com-
mittee developed an organizational plan
which it felt could meet some of the basic
needs of the denomination. Since plans of
organization had been proposed before, our
work was made somewhat easier by the
groundwork which had been laid.
We then presented our plan to the
Executive Committee of General Conference
and to the ministers of the various districts
in their district conference meetings. From
these various groups ideas were accepted
and a reformulation of the plan made.
Because of these meetings we assumed that
most pastors would be informed and that
most Brethren people would have details
about the proposal before General Con-
ference.
Just prior to the 1979 General Confer-
ence, our committee, under the auspices
of the Executive Committee, presented our
proposal to the members of the various
denominational boards. Then, under the
leadership of the Executive Committee, we
presented the proposal to a session of
General Conference.
But what's it all about ? Well, essentially,
the committee discovered that there are
three particular areas of need in the
Brethren Church. The first and most critical
of these is the need for a cooperative and
supportive network of pastoral care for
ministers. So we proposed that a Director
of Pastoral Ministries be employed by the
denomination.
The duties of the Director of Pastoral
Ministries would include advising and aiding
in pastoral placement, meeting regularly
with pastors, developing a program for
creative pastoral ministry, and counseling
with pastors on problems that arise from
interpersonal relationships, including pas-
tors' relationships with their churches. The
Director of Pastoral Ministries would en-
hance the work already being done by
various local, district, and national boards
and committees.
The second need discovered by the com-
mittee was in the area of denominational
business. So we proposed that a Director of
Denominational Business be employed. This
person would give trained, experienced
leadership to the management of the busi-
ness and financial affairs of the denomina-
tion. He would seek to make available
necessary services for a more efficient
operation of our national interests and
offices — such services as a secretarial pool,
a central receptionist, printing, addressing,
mailing, accounting, cooperative purchas-
ing, and so on.
The Director of Denominational Business
would also coordinate promotion for Gen-
eral Conference, its boards, and its in-
terests. He would establish and develop a
program to encourage financial support
through all kinds of giving for local, dis-
trict, and denominational ministries. The
Carpenter's Shop and the Brethren retire-
ment and insurance programs would also be
areas of his responsibility.
In the third place, the committee sug-
gested the need for a Director of Denom-
inational Ministries. This person would
coordinate, guide, and assure the effective
and efficient implementation of the pro-
grams of the Benevolent Board, the Board
of Christian Education, the Missionary
Board, and the World Relief Board. His
duties would include developing a compre-
hensive ten-year plan, supervising person-
nel in these areas of ministry, guiding in
staff development, meeting regularly with
the various boards, and helping to promote
their work. The Director of Denominational
(continued on next page)
General Conference approved imple-
mentation of the first phase of the pro-
posed plan of denominational organiza-
tion— the establishment of a Director of
Pastoral Ministries.
As the diagram shows, the Director of
Pastoral Ministries will work with a
coordinating committee made up of the
chairpersons of the nine district boards
of evangelists and with the National Min-
isterial Association. In time he may be
assisted by an administrator or staff
person.
His duties will include meeting with
and counseling pastors, developing a
program for creative pastoral ministry,
and aiding in pastoral placement.
DILl^CTOH UF PA:.T0KAL MINISTRIKJ
COORDINATING COMMIT-
TEE (CHAIRPERSONS,
DISTRICT BOARDS [9]
of EVANGELISTS)
ADMINISTRATOR (:
and/or STAFF
NATIONAL
MINISTERIAL
ASSOCIATION
DISTRICT BOARDS
of EVANGELISTS (9)
November 1979
Ministries would also maintain contact with
local churches to encourage their support,
to develop annual goals for supporting pro-
grams, and, in general, to coordinate the
work of the boards.
This proposal was presented to the 1979
General Conference with a motion that the
first phase — the establishment of a Director
of Pastoral Ministries — be adopted for
implementation. The motion was passed by
the Conference.
Questions are asked about money.
What's that all about? Well, we see phases
II and III as being somewhere down the
road. But we see the implementation of
phase I as being feasible through the monies
currently coming to the Brethren National
Office through the General Conference
apportionment. It is conceivable that
enough money is available to support the
Director of Pastoral Ministries and some
office help.
Obviously, considerable work has to be
done to make this program work. The pro-
posal is now in the hands of the Executive
Committee, which has the responsibility
of implementing phase one.
So when you ask, ''What's it all about?"
I answer that Committee 13 provided
information and impetus to the Executive
Committee in the hope that the Brethren
Church might be enabled to better serve the
Lord Jesus Christ. □
Implementing Phase
John Rowsey brings us up to date on the implennentation of
phase one of the plan for denonnlnational organization.
THE 91st General Conference of the
Brethren Church, meeting in August
1979, approved the implementation of the
first phase of the denominational change
proposed by Committee 13. The preceding
article gives the background of this com-
mittee and tells why it made this proposal.
This article is directed to what comes next.
I am vitally interested in this subject,
for I am a member of Committee 13 and a
member of the General Conference Execu-
tive Committee — which has been assigned
the responsibility of implementing this
change. Furthermore, beginning January
first I am to be a part-time employee of
the Executive Committee to help in the
transition.
One of the first questions the Executive
Committee had to grapple with was the
matter of finances. Under the present Gen-
eral Conference structure, economics would
not allow the addition of a new Director of
Pastoral Ministries. In Executive Committee
a suggestion was made that Rev. Smith
Rose, our present Executive Secretary of
General Conference, could assume the duties
of the Director of Pastoral Ministries, with
others picking up some of his administra-
tive responsibilities. Rev. Rose is a member
of Committee 13, so was aware of the ex-
pectations for this position, and because of
Mr. Rowsey is Executive Director of the Brethren
Publishing Company. At the beginning of next
year he will become Interim General Conference
Coordinator for the Brethren Church.
his years of service to the denomination,
knows our pastors and churches. Rev. Rose
felt, however, that it would be in the best
interest of the proposal for a different per-
son to assume the new position. Therefore,
in order to make funds available to support
a new Director of Pastoral Ministries, Rev.
Rose resigned his position effective March
31, 1980. He expects to return to the
pastorate.
The Executive Committee plans to hire
a Director of Pastoral Ministries to begin
work September 1, 1980. I will be working
part time throughout 1980 as Interim Gen-
eral Conference Coordinator. From January
1 to March 31 I will work with Rev. Rose.
Then from September 1 to December 1 I
will work with the new Director of Pastoral
Ministries. During the period April 1 to
August 31 I will be the only person in the
General Conference office, and since I will
be working only part time, this will help
to compensate for the overlap of personnel
during the rest of the year.
The Executive Committee wishes to ex-
ercise good stewardship of the General
Conference funds. At the same time, we
want to move forward in the task of imple-
menting phase one of the denominational
reorganization. Your prayers are requested
and will be especially appreciated during
this time of transition. Please pray for me,
for Rev. Rose, and also for the new Director
of Pastoral Ministries.
Watch the Brethren Evangelist for furth-
er information about implementation of
phase one as the year progresses. □
8
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
f >: • • •
Facing one of the facts of the high cost of dying.
CASKET for hire," proclaimed the radio
announcer. It sounded intriguing. Why
would anyone rent a casket? You couldn't
be buried in a rental, that much is obvious.
A lot of money is spent on caskets these
days. We never think about picking one
out until it's too late. Then someone picks
it out for us. I suppose we want to avoid
thinking about death as long as possible.
Sentiment is for the expensive casket. But
what difference does it make whether your
box is expensive or not? Why should I care,
as long as you don't end up in my drinking
water ?
The distraught widow cries, ''What
would people think if I buried George in a
cheap box?" The truth is, we should ap-
plaud the judgment of the wise widow who
does just that! George doesn't need to go
out like King Tut in an air tight, cedar-
lined hole filler. So what if water leaks in —
George won't drown!
George will never see the box. And it
won't make him a bit more comfortable.
Pay no attention to what others think. Be-
sides, George may need a box lined with
asbestos.
In fact, what's wrong with building your
own casket? Seriously, you have a lifetime
to work on it. For some, of course, that may
not be long! You could inquire about state
and local laws, then proceed from there.
You'd be sure to fit — simply lie down in it
and see. If you're not a carpenter, then hire
one and give him your plans. Never mind
how he looks at you.
* 'Casket for Hire" is a booming new
business in Texas. It seems this man ended
up with a repossessed casket. An under-
taker's business got so dead that the caskets
were repossessed. This one was a beautiful
pine box. He paid $250 for it. Another man
had bought it for $750 and sold it to him.
He now rents it out for parties, and the
thing is booked solid.
This man, with an eye for business,
claims he has no competitors. He has a
corner on the market. Can you imagine
throwing a party with a casket as a conver-
sation piece? People are dying to get their
picture taken in it! Halloween is his peak
season. His card reads, "Have Casket. Will
Travel."
Maybe we need to face the truth about
our values in this country. Recently I heard
of a young preacher who arranged for an
empty casket to be brought into the evening
"The disfraught widow cries, 'What
would people think if I buried
George In a cheap box?' The truth
is, we should applaud the judgment
of the wise widow who does just
that!"
church service. Then he asked the congrega-
tion to file past the casket. Inside was a
mirror. Each saw his own image. The
preacher then preached a sermon in which
he proceeded to lambaste their dead spirits.
He got his point across!
But two weeks later the church met and
fired him. Q
November 1979
9
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
John Rowsey believes that keeping sound financial records
will be a necessity for the Brethren in the eighties.
DURING the years that I have been
involved with various aspects of ad-
ministration in the church, I have become
disturbed by the disorganized way the
church cares for its business. I am not
speaking of just the Brethren Church, for
I have been involved with a number of
groups ranging from local churches to
interdenominational organizations.
In the 1980's we all may be forced to do
a better job of organizational housekeeping.
I do not want to be negative about this
because I beheve good organization can be
maintained easily once begun and that it
is possible to begin.
Contemplating the problem, I believe I
understand the reason for this state of
affairs. When organizations begin, they
usually have too few people to do all of the
work. As a result those involved concen-
trate on the primary purpose of the organ-
ization (the reason for which it was
created), and ''housekeeping chores" (such
as keeping good records) are done at a
minimal level or not at all. The church is
no exception to this practice.
If the organization is a business, how-
ever, it usually soon comes into contact
with the record-keeping requirements of
the Federal Government. The result is that
the business begins to practice better
record-keeping. The church and other tax-
exempt organizations, on the other hand,
have not generally been forced to keep
records.
As I look at the eighties, particularly in
light of the Tax Reform Act of 1969, I see
the need for all tax-exempt organizations
to improve the quality of their records.
Organizations in existence at the time this
reform law was enacted were given a grace
period through 1975 in which to comply.
Now, however, the IRS has begun looking
Mr. Rowsey is Executive Director of the Brethren
Publishing Company.
at tax-exempt organizations, and local
churches may eventually be included. Last
year the IRS conducted an audit of the
1975 and 1976 books of the Brethren Pub-
lishing Company (which we passed), so
I am well aware of the importance of good
records.
But aside from government requirements
and inspections, there are other reasons
for keeping good records in the church. We
have heard much in recent years, particu-
larly from interdenominational mission
agencies, about the need for Christian
organizations to practice good accounting
procedures so that they can give reports
to their donors. If I give to an organization,
I expect that donation to be used as I in-
tended. The only way this can be verified
is if good records are kept.
Decision-making is another reason for
keeping good records. I have been reminded
more than once that the Brethren Publish-
ing Company is a business. I also under-
stand that to properly run a business, infor-
mation is necessary for management
decisions. This information can only be
available if records are kept. The same is
true in the local church. I realize that many
churches emphasize that they are not
businesses and so should not operate in a
business-like fashion. But I can't help but
ask, "Doesn't God want us to manage His
money as well as we do our own?"
I believe efficient, effective organizations
can be used by the Holy Spirit in such a
way that we get full value from the re-
sources we have available. I further believe
that we can maintain good organizational
structure with a minimum of effort. This
will not distract us from our primary
purpose, but will instead strengthen our
efforts to carry out the Great Commission.
I would urge all of our Brethren tax-exempt
organizations (local, district, and national)
to take a good look at their record-keeping.
Most of our organizations keep good
10
The Brethren Evangelist
donor records, which are required if one
of the donors is audited by the IRS. Most
of our organizations also know what their
habihties are if they owe money outside
the organization. However, too few have
payment plans to eliminate these liabilities.
One of my strong disappointments is the
way church organizations keep records of
their assets. Do we know when furniture
and equipment were purchased and for
how much? Do we know if these assets
are still with us? And if they are no longer
around, do we know how long they lasted?
Another weak area is the costing out
of programs. Do we know how much is
being invested in our youth programs, our
outreach ministries, our Sunday schools,
our buildings ?
At the district and national levels, do we
know how much specific ministries cost and
whether they are funded sufficiently? Can
we go to our members or donors with
specific needs, or do we simply ask for
offerings because we are in the hole?
It just makes good sense to know where
we are as we plan where we are going. It's
also a good feeling to know we have the
answers to questions that might be asked
by the government. Best of all, there is a
peace in knowing we can say, ''Lord, we
have conducted Your business in a way that
will bring honor to Your name."
Brethren, let's enter the eighties with
plans to get our house in order. It doesn't
cost a lot of money. It doesn't take a lot of
time. But it makes good sense. Sloppy
records are for people who don't care or
who are trying to hide something. Let's
move out in confidence that we can do a
job worthy of Children of the King. □
Advertisement
Pastor Jim Black
We weighed past-Moderator Jim Black
at General Conference in August! He did
lose weight during the previous year and
kept it off. For those who were present,
you already know the results. But for
others, this is the ''official" tabulation:
243 - Weight in August 1978
210 - Weight in August 1979!
33 - pounds off
1 - add one pound for clothing
34 - POUNDS LOST!!!
By the end of Conference 25 people had
already contributed $953 to World Relief
for this project. Some were people who
signed up the year before and pledged
$1.00 per pound lost; others were not on
any list, but just contributed anyway. Some
gave $34 on the nose, while others gave
more or less — entirely voluntarily. Then,
during the fall months another 20 or so
people are responding with their contri-
butions.
If you also would still like to be a part
of this "pounds lost for World Relief"
venture, send contributions of any amount
(with a note) to:
WORLD RELIEF
Phil Lersch, Chm.
6301 56th Avenue, N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Two new thrusts of the World Relief
Relief aains
-8^
Board will receive wide publicity in the near
future :
(1) DOMESTIC DISASTER RELIEF,
whereby those interested and available will
be able to help with clean-up and rehabili-
tation (short term) following disasters here
in the United States.
(2) REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT,
whereby churches and individuals will be
encouraged to help resettle in our commun-
ities refugees from Southeast Asia.
The 1979 Moderator, Diiane Dickson, checks
Rev. Jim Black's weight and Rev. Phil Lersch
announces the residts. Photo by Bruce Ronk
November 1979
11
Brethren Home Missions
The
■ ■ ■
11111116
CHRIST . . . loved the church and gave
Himself for it" (Eph. 5:25). Every
Christian needs to come to terms with this
text. If Jesus loved the church, so should
I.
The ministry and labor of Brethren Home
Missions is dedicated to love for Christ and
for His church. Love for Christ and for His
church naturally generates a love for
people — those for whom Christ died. Christ,
the church, people — all are of utmost im-
portance in Brethren Home Missions.
To appreciate Home Missions we must
understand the importance of the local
church. The local church is the primary
group through which the ministry of Christ
is fulfilled. If local churches ceased to exist,
all the ministries of para-church organiza-
tions, the electronic church, the mass
evangehsts, and the denomination would
fold hke a house of cards.
The ministry of the local church attracts
people to Christ, provides avenues for
Christian growth, encourages Christian
fellowship, and leavens the community.
Vibrant local churches are the final hope
for the spiritual welfare of the United
States.
Local churches come in different shapes,
sizes, and stages of development. Youth
adds vigor to any enterprise. New churches
often set the pace in evangelism. Dr. C.
Peter Wagner, a keen observer of the
church, believes that planting new churches
is the most effective and efficient means
of evangelism today. Several studies indi-
cate the superiority of new churches in
reaching people for Christ. While older
churches subtly shift to survival goals, new
churches energetically pursue mission goals.
Rev. Gilmer is pastor of the Ashland First
Brethren Church and chairman of the Church
Extension Commission of the national Missionary
Board.
by Rev. Arden E, Gilmer
New churches have more conversions
per capita than older, more established
churches.
Faithfulness to God and the opportunities
of our era require a diligent Brethren
church-planting enterprise. The goal of ten
new churches in five years expresses our
response to the current challenge.
What kind of churches should we start?
All kinds ! Where should we plant churches ?
Where people are! The people-flow con-
tinues towards urban and southern areas.
New population growth is also taking place
in western mountain regions.
As I see it, one of our crucial needs is
the development of pastoral leadership
which can thrive in the complexities of
urban and suburban cultures. Most of our
pastors come from rural backgrounds.
Therefore, we must make intentional efforts
to develop urbanized leadership. Urban
pastors must be deeply committed, highly
resourceful, winsomely bold, and unawed by
problems and obstacles. They must know
how to attractively preach the Word, wit-
ness in diverse situations, and get along
with people. I challenge Brethren young
people to set their sights on becoming this
kind of leaders.
Now, Brethren, let me challenge you to
intensify your support for our home mission
churches and pastors. Prayer is essential.
Throughout the year pray for home mis-
sions. Designate a church and a pastor for
special prayer during specific months.
Pressures common to all local churches are
more intense in a mission church. These
pressures include the struggle with limited
resources, the shock of losing a family, the
turmoil caused by a negative thinker, the
financial stresses faced by the pastoral
family, and the burden of constantly min-
istering to people with all kinds of problems.
These are some of the reasons your prayers
are essential. Your prayers make a differ-
ence.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
Building for the
Then, also, your generous giving provides
additional resources to mission churches
to help them grow into self-sustaining
churches.
The next few pages will give you plenty
of information on what has happened in
Brethren Home Missions in the past year.
Read with a pencil in hand. Underline items
of praise and prayer.
As you read, you should also know that
plans are also underway for continued
church planting. Mr. and Mrs. Merle Abe,
their daughter Connie, and their son and
his wife (Stephen and Sue Abe) have settled
in Kansas City, Kansas, to begin a new
work at the Camp Wyandotte location.
While providing their own livelihood, they
will work evenings and week-ends to bring
together a nucleus for a Brethren church.
The Northern California District is in-
volved in preliminary work for establishing
a new church. The Central District Confer-
ence voted in July to begin planning for a
new church. The Indiana District Mission
Board has made some initial inquiries into
the greater Indianapolis area, expressing
its desire to begin a new work.
Other opportunities exist in many differ-
ent parts of the country. Many of them are
being missed because of limited pastoral
leadership and limited financing. More and
more of the work load must be shifted to
the district level, utilizing the guidelines
developed in recent years by the national
Missionary Board.
For the time being, I will function as a
member of the national Missionary Board
in a volunteer capacity, giving assistance
to continuing church-planting efforts.
Working together we can continue a
dynamic Home Missions ministry.
Thanks for your total support and re-
sponse to the November Home Missions
Offering. Our Home Mission needs total
$120,000.00 — $87,000.00 for Church
Extension and $33,000.00 for Special
Ministries. □
Ups and Downs at Town and Country
OCTOBER 2, 1979, was the second
anniversary of the founding of the
Town and Country Community Church. The
past two years have been filled with ups
and downs. We have seen people come and
then move out of the area. People have
attended and then decided that this isn't
where they want to worship permanently
and have gone elsewhere.
We have built a core group with the help
of Gene and Sue McConahay. They have
been a gift to us from God. Their responsi-
bilities have included teaching, caring for
youth activities, taking care of the finances
of the church, and providing music. More
of the people of our congregation are now
involved in the program of the church, for
which we are thankful.
Cliff Vandemark was with us nine months
helping with the youth, and he did a great
job. Donna Shank will join us this fall if
Rev. RuLon is pastor of the new Town and
Country Community Church in Tampa, Florida.
by Rev. Dale P. RuLon
everything works out for her.
At this time we have 9.6 acres of land
on a major thoroughfare in Town and
Country (Hillsborough County). We are
trying desperately to pay off the $90,000
debt so that we may begin to build our first
building. It is frustrating to have to rent
facilities for worship and to have to take
our materials back to our home every week.
We are unable to leave the Sunday school
and church supplies in the building.
Our goal for the next nine months is to
average 32 in Sunday school and 50 in
Sunday morning worship. We also have a
goal for one conversion per month or 10
new converts by June 1980, and 20 members
by that date.
Long term goals include the possibility of
a Christian high school on our property
sponsored and directed by the church, a
drop-in center for young people, and an
activity center for the area to help meet
the many needs of the people in the Town
and Country area. □
November 1979
13
Brethren Home Missions
Medina Bible Fellowship:
Practicing Healthy Evangelism
for Church Growth
A YEAR ago, most of us at Medina Bible
Fellowship were new to the community.
Since we knew few people, our opportunities
for sharing the gospel were minimal. This
pressed upon us the need for a plan. How
could we reach out? To whom should we
reach out?
We began to answer these questions by
first examining church growth statistics.
These statistics indicate that the highest
percentage of prospects are (1) people who
visit the church, and (2) people who are
new to the community. Since this is the
case, these people have become our target
group. Out of this target group, we have
prayed for Jesus to lead us to (1) people
who are searching, and (2) ''harvest work-
ers"— that is, people who have a love for
the Lord and who would be interested in
helping us establish this ministry (Matt.
9:38).
To help us with this goal, we receive
monthly lists of people who have moved
into the area. We send a letter of welcome
to them that introduces them to the gospel
and the church. Follow-up letters are then
sent with messages of how Christ can meet
specific needs, such as overcoming loneli-
ness and depression. These letters and local
advertising work together to make us
known to the community. This paves the
way for our personal visits.
To prepare our visitation team for these
personal contacts, a nine-week training
course was conducted. In these training
courses we discovered four principles that
have molded our philosophy of visitation:
(1) People have needs. We must be
concerned, listen, and care. We should also
Rev. Lodico is pastor of the Medina Bible
Fellowship, the new Brethren church being
established in Medina, Ohio, by the Ohio District
Mission Board.
by Rev. Terry Lodico
share how Jesus Christ has met some of
our needs.
(2) We need to earn the right to be
heard. We gain this right by communicating
a spirit of acceptance. This is accomplished
by being a friend, willing to listen and care.
(3) We are not salesmen. We want to
share the good news as friends, not sell it.
This understanding affects the spirit of our
approach.
(4) Our primary goal is to share Jesus
Christ, not the church. We are a group of
people who have discovered a meaningful
life in Him. If the person we are visiting
shows an interest in what we are sharing,
we then introduce him or her to our church
as people helping one another grow in our
relationship with Christ. With this under-
standing, we invite the person to come and
grow with us.
As we began our initial contacts, we dis-
covered how important it is to discern the
type of person to whom we are speaking.
This discernment helps us minister and
5^ y^--'^"^-^ '^"F'T'I^" '"< ;
photos by Joe Elsaesser
Morning worship service of the Medina Bible
Fellowship. Services of this new Brethren church
are held in the Medina YM/YWCA.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
share more effectively. Specific goals for
people we encounter are as follows:
Type
Person
A
professing
Christian
A nominal
Christian
A seacher
A person
with a
specific
need
A
nominally
interested
person
Goals
Share your joy in the Lord.
Invite the person to church
if he has no church commit-
ment. Communicate, if neces-
sary, that we believe the
Bible to be God's Word and
our guide. Our unity is in
our love for Jesus Christ,
not in a particular doctrinal
statement. Nevertheless, we
pray that our doctrine will
be seen in our lives and felt
through our love as the Holy
Spirit works in us, perfect-
ing us in Christ.
Listen, trying to discern
where the person is in his or
her faith. Give encourage-
ment and invite the person
to grow with us if he or she
is not committed to a church.
Help the person work
through his or her thoughts
by listening and reflecting
what you hear him or her
saying. Explain the Chris-
tian faith in the context of
the conversation by being
sensitive to the person and
to the leading of the Holy
Spirit.
Encourage the person to talk
about his or her need with
your goal being to share
how Christ is able to meet
our needs. Seek personal
ways to be of help.
Plant a seed. Share some of
your testimony if it is appro-
priate. Leave information
and seek permission to visit
again.
A flatly Seek to be a friend in the
uninterested neighborhood in hopes that
person a door may open for you or
another person in the future.
Our aim is to learn to know each person
as well as we can and to share a little about
ourselves. In addition, we seek permission
for continued follow-up. Here is an example
of how we seek permission for a follow-up
visit :
''Mrs. Green, it has been good to get
to know you. You have lived an
interesting life. We would very much
like to visit again. May we do that?"
We have found visitation to be essential
for our church growth, and we are continu-
ing to develop and improve our efforts. In
the past year, our growth has gone from
five families to fourteen, from an average
attendance of eighteen to an average of
thirty-eight. Many of our people have indi-
cated that our visitation was a key to their
coming to Medina Bible Fellowship.
Visiting is essential. At the same time,
it is important to visit with a spirit of
friendliness. People have fears and they
need to feel accepted. If we approach them
with this healthy attitude, with a willing-
ness to care, we are one step closer to
sharing God's Good News. □
i ""^
Pastor Terry Lodico (right) prays for nwnihers
of the visitation team of tJic Medina Bible
Fellowship.
November 1979
15
Brethren Home Missions
Progress at Brandon
PROGRESS is much in evidence as the
Lord Jesus continues to build the
Brandon Brethren Church. The year 1979
has been the best yet.
Progress is interesting. It involves
people's lives, needs, and responses of many
kinds. It includes statistics with regard to
attendance, conversions, finances, and new
activities. It entails training and using
people and taking old and new approaches
to the community. It encompasses plans
for and activities related to the construc-
tion of buildings. At Brandon, progress has
been made in all of the above mentioned
areas.
We have seen growth and spiritual de-
velopment in the lives of many. This is
shown by their willingness to attend and to
become involved in various activities. It is
reflected statistically by the fact that since
January 1 our average in worship has been
36. Our Sunday school attendance is some-
what behind, but is averaging close to 25.
Compare this with a year ago, when wor-
ship was about 18 and Sunday school was
12, and you see the progress.
Our membership at the first of the year
was 12. Fifteen new members have been
added so far in 1979, making 27 members
now. More than 30 confessions of faith have
been made in the homes and in the church.
Two people accepted Jesus as Savior and
Lord this week. Membership classes for all
who become members have and will take
place.
In addition, 17 people have been involved
this year in the Evangelism Explosion
International III (EE III) training pro-
gram. One participated as a teacher, 4 as
trainees, and 12 as prayer partners. Two
of the trainees are now working at Lost
Rev. Bennett is pastor of the new Brethren
church in Brandon, Florida.
by Rev. P. Keith Bennett
Creek, Ky. This was the first semester of
a three year plan. Each semester will in-
volve and train more people.
Our Christian education program is
growing. As of September 9, we had six
classes — the most ever — with the best
teaching staff ever. Our music program,
which was already good, is greatly en-
hanced with the coming of Jeff and Nancy
Lentz. This fine couple will be helping in
the EE III program, the Sunday school,
with music, and in leading a 12-week Bible
study music program for children called
'The Music Machine." We thank God for
sending us Jeff and Nancy. We also have
Rob Grumbling here who is providing fine
leadership of many kinds.
God has answered our prayers by giving
us many valuable tentmakers for limited
periods of time — -the Dave Sticklers, the
John Turleys (who will probably return
here in January), the Eric van Leeuwens,
and the Steve Abes. Each has done much
to honor the Lord in our midst.
Another exciting development is the
soon-to-be-started first unit, for which the
Growth Partners call was made. We are
finishing details with the bank, the lawyer,
and the contractor — John McLeod. John is
working at a considerably reduced rate in
order to make possible the erection of this
first unit. Pray for John and all the details
of this building.
In conclusion, we have much reason to
thank God and that portion of the body of
Christ known as the Brethren for so many
kinds of help. We are not without problems
and discouragements, and at times the
progress seems too slow. But looking back
always gives a better perspective, and we
are convinced that God is on the move in
our midst. Thank you for your excellent
support. We need you. May God richly give
you all lives of spiritual usefulness. D
16
The Brethren Evangelist
Building for the
Special Ministries
Krypton
'T^E humanitarian, church-related ser-
1 vices directed by Miss Margaret Lowery
have been in operation for twenty-six years
this past October. We need to look for more
career-minded missionary candidates like
Miss Lowery.
Several Brethren have helped this year
in some major repairs, including installing
a new furnace in the church and a new fuel
oil tank. A crew from Lanark took on the
task of painting the church.
Let us not forget our ministry in
Krypton. May our prayers be unceasing
for this work. □
reinren
H
ouse
PiE Brethren House Ministry is teamed
by Phil and Jean Lersch and Bonnie
Munson. Since the beginning of this min-
istry, the team members have experimented
with new ideas and materials. During the
past several years Brethren House has
developed into a ''learning and doing"
center of education.
The work at Brethren House has accel-
erated rapidly. Many hours are spent pre-
paring materials and then giving workshops
in various churches across the nation. An
illustrated newsletter is sent five times a
year to workers of many denominations in
all 50 States and 15 other countries. During
the last six years, the team has conducted
212 Bible-teaching workshops in 16 denom-
inations throughout 25 States.
The staff has also produced books, film-
strips, Bible-teaching games, and cassette
tapes for teacher-training.
The work at Brethren House is progres-
sing steadily toward the scheduled goal
of becoming a self-supporting ministry.
Jean Lersch has written a more detailed
report which will appear in the November
INSIGHT. Don't miss it. \J
Pasadena
JUAN MIRANDA continues to direct
church growth seminars, produce new
literature, translate other materials into
Spanish, and develop additional resources
for Hispanics in evangelism and church
growth. Being loaned to Fuller Evangelistic
Association by our Missionary Board,
Juan's broad ministry among evangelical
churches enlarges our own ministry to
Spanish-speaking people.
The church work in Pasadena has opened
up more rapidly than expected. Services
are now being held in a rented portion of a
church in the area, with about 25 in attend-
ance each week. A radio program for
women is being prepared for weekly broad-
cast, ending with an invitation to attend
services in the Pasadena church. It is hoped
that a trained worker from Mexico might
soon be moved to Pasadena to work with
the people more extensively. □
Riverside School
ADMINISTRATOR Doran Hostetler re-
ported that the roof of the gymnasium/
classroom/library building was leaking very
badly, causing interior damage. The repair
of the roof was approved and has been
completed. A burned-out oil furnace is also
being replaced in the Louffer residence.
A crew of volunteers will be going to
Riverside and will contribute their time
and talents in building an addition to the
maintenance building. This addition will
provide space for the school's clothing sale,
which is its largest money-making project.
Cooperation from the local people has
been tremendous. They helped with side-
walk repairs and the construction of the
new library, which was built entirely with
local labor. This support from the local
people is strengthening the school.
(continued on pcii^e 19)
November 1979
17
Xhe Hunger Issue
in
X^s^elve Points
This report of hunger facts is taken from the
book Have You Ever Been Hungry? by Patricia
L. Kutzner and Linda StoerkeL* The authors com-
piled these facts from several reliable sources in
an effort to highlight for all of us the key factors
in the hunger issue.
This report is provided by Rev. Phil Lersch,
chairman of the Brethren World Relief Board.
Italics have been added for emphasis.
(1) About 10,000 men, women, and
children — especially children — die of star-
vation everyday, even when there is no
world food crisis on T.V. Seme of them are
Americans : mainly the very old or the very
young — many of them are on Indian reser-
vations, in the rural south, or in inner-city
rooms.
(2) The number of people in the tvorld
tvho live constantly in a state of undernour-
ishment is more than ttvice the entire pop-
ulation of the United States and four times
the population of Canada, according to
United Nations research. They may die of
something as mild as measles or diarrhea.
They die because their bodies are always
weak. People in such a state begin to starve
quickly when anything happens to reduce
the food supply still more — such as a
drought, a flood, or a hurricane^ — because
their bodies have no reserves. Some of these
people live in the United States. Govern-
ment statistics estimate that as many as
14 million U.S. citizens go to bed hungry
every night.
(3) People may be MALNOURISHED be-
cause advertising encourages them to eat
unhealthy foods or because they are too
poor to obtain the right balance in their
diet. Three out of every five people in the
developing world, along with many Ameri-
cans, are malnourished. Preschocl children
and mothers who are pregnant or nursing
are more vulnerable to malnutrition than
any other population group.
(4) People are undernourished be-
"" Copyright 1978 by the United Church Press.
Reprinted by permission.
cause they do not have enough food of any
kind. Thus they do not have sufficient
calories for the energy to stay alive or
enough protein to build and rebuild body
tissues. About one person in every five in
the Third World is undernourished.
(5) Today no one who has enough
money to buy food ever has to go hungry
for long, because enough food is produced
to feed the whole tvorld. But not everyone
has enough money to buy the needed food.
In recent years worldwide problems of !
inflation and unemployment have made i
millions of people poorer and hungrier than i
they once were. The gaps between rich and
poor are growing wider and wider. This
is true in North America and it is true in
most of the rest of the world.
(6) Most of the world's people live on
grain-based diets, which can be healthy if
the diet is properly balanced. Rice, wheat,
corn, and soybeans are the most i7nportant
foods for eliminating tvorld hunger. Any-
thing that reduces the supply of these or
sends their prices skyrocketing drives
millions of people closer to undernourish-
ment and starvation.
Unless population growth slows
down drastically there will not be
enough food to go around in to-
morrow's world."
(7) Until after World War II (about
1945), almost all American beef cattle
were raised on grass. Grain-fed beef has
become the standard in the United States
and Canada only in the last two genei-ations.
United States citizens in 1976 ate about
twice as much beef per capita as in 1950.
The custom of eating more grain-fed beef
is spreading through all the wealthier
countries. In recent years the amount of
grain fed to U.S. livestock (including pigs,
18
The Brethren Evangelist
''In recent years worldwide problems of inflation
and unemployment have made millions of people
poorer and hungrier than they once were/'
chickens, and cattle) was as much as that
eaten by the ivhole population of India or
China. It is estimated that the average
North American consumes five times as
much grain as the average resident of a
Third World country, most of it indirectly
through meat, dairy products, and eggs.
(8) Food production in developing na-
tions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
has increased more rapidly in the past
twenty years than it has in the United
States, hut much of the increase is for
export to wealthier nations — especially
fruits, vegetables, peanuts, and fish.
(9) People who are too poor to buy their
food in the open market must increase their
food production still more rapidly. The
increase must not depend on the expense of
petroleum-driven machinery or petroleum^
based fertilizers, since poor people cannot
buy and maintain such equipment or use
such methods. Most of them already know
how to farm, though — women as well as
men — ^and they are eager to learn how to
do things better for themselves as long as
the technology lies within their means and
fits their environment. This accounts for
the importance of aid that stresses * 'inter-
mediate" or ''appropriate" technology.
Organic farming, which does without
chemical fertilizers and pesticides, is an
important concept for a technology appro-
priate to farmers with little or no capital
available. Also important are the use of
animals for plowing, better hand tools,
wheelbarrows, better hand-operated water
pumps, rodent-proof food storage devices,
and many other simple devices.
(10) Unless population growth slows
down drastically there will not be enough
food to go around in tomorrow's world.
History everywhere shows that a rise in
basic economic security and health must
precede success in slowing the population
grotvth rate. When parents can be sure that
the children they have will live to be full-
grown adults; when parents are able to
save for their old age or when they can
depend on their society to take care of
them if they become too old or sick to work ;
and when a society gives women enough
education and opportunities to earn both
income and respect in roles other than
motherhoiod — when these three things hap-
pen, smaller families will occur voluntarily.
Otherwise, the reasons for having children
outweigh the reasons for not having
children.
(11) All the countries of the Third World
that are called the 'least developed" (LDC)
or that are the "most seriously affected"
(MSA) by inflation and focd shortages
either were once colonies of a First World
nation such as England, France, the
Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, or Portugal,
or have been dominated by a more powerful
nation, such as the United States. Many of
the reasons for the poverty of Third World
nations can be traced to the nature of
colonialism. Our present "split-level" world
began there. American Indians are begin-
ning to see their experience as that of a
people whose land was colonized by white
settlers from Europe and their descendants.
They are the pcorest group in the U.S.
(12) There are many ways to increase
both food production and the ability of
poor people to buy what they need. All these
ways require an increase of resources
available to the poor. Most ways require
changes in governmental policies both in
developing countries and in developed
countries like the United States. People in
churches can do much to help through
direct aid to long-range, self-help projects
among the poor at home and abroad. □
Riverside School
(continued from page 17)
Riverside Christian Training School
plans to keep on updating and upgrading
the courses it offers in order to continue
meeting State accreditation standards.
Many fine young people are becoming
achievers in the Lord's work because of
R.C.T.S. May we continue to be supportive
in prayer for the teachers at the school.
The Missionary Board provides facilities
and major maintenance for R.C.T.S. as
well as contributing toward the school
program. □
November 1979
19
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Virgil Ingraham attends consultation In Nigeria
Rev. Virgil Ingraham, General
Secretary of the Missionary
Board of the Brethren Church,
recently attended a three-day
consultation with leaders of the
Church of the Brethren in
Nigeria (Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a
Nigeria) and representatives of
two other cooperating overseas
missions. The consultation was
held September 18-20 at the
Nigerian church headquarters in
northeastern Nigeria. The pur-
pose of the meeting was to con-
sider areas of future cooperation
between the mission agencies
and this rapidly-growing church.
Consideration was given to
relationships, policies, and pro-
grams for the future. The Ni-
gerian church, which is an inde-
pendent body, is responsible for
its own government, program,
reproduction, and support. The
cooperating overseas missions
assist the national church in
areas of high priority, especially
in evangelistic outreach and
leadership training, within the
programs projected by the
church.
The consultation resulted in
clarification of some issues,
including one related to prop-
erty. Church leaders had con-
cerns about certain aspects of
the government's take-over of
schools, hospitals, and dispen-
saries, which took place over the
past several years. Misunder-
standings which arose during
the transition of responsibility
from mission to church were
also dealt with.
Other matters which came
under consideration included
such items as financial support,
use of missionary personnel,
help to certain areas, scholar-
ship policy, establishing church-
es in urban areas, review of
Kulp Bible School, sharing of
information, and other matters
of mutual concern.
A few of the problems found
20
no easy solution. Significant
progress was made, however,
and agreements were reached
which will enhance working
relationships. The consultation
participants also recognized the
need for other such open con-
ferences in the future in order
to achieve the accord which is
needed for maximum effective-
ness. Another consultation has
been tentatively projected for
next year. !
The overseas groups working !
with the Nigerian church are !
(1) the Church of the Brethren, I
which first established the work j
more than fifty years ago; (2) |
the Brethren Church, which be-
gan providing missionary per-
sonnel in 1948; and (3) Basel
Mission of Switzerland, which
also began its participation at a
later date.
Jomes Miller licensed
Brefhren minisfry
Johnstown, Pa. — ■ James Miller
was licensed for the gospel min-
istry by the Second Brethren
Church of Johnstown on Sunday
afternoon, September 16. The
speaker for the licensing service
was Dr. Fred Burkey, with
whom Mr. Miller works in the
Campus Ministry of Ashland
College.
Other Brethren elders partici-
pating in the service were: Rev.
Richard Craver, secretary of the
Pennsylvania District Minis-
terial Examining Board; Rev.
Clarence Kindley, chairman of
the District Ministerial Examin-
ing Board; Rev. Carl Phillips,
pastor of the Vinco Brethren
Church; and Rev. Harold Wal-
ton, pastor of the Second Breth-
ren Church.
Jim is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
James Miller of Johnstown. He
is a 1974 graduate of the Greater
Johnstown Central Senior High
School and a 1978 graduate of
Geneva College, where he ma-
jored in religion. Currently he
is a student at Ashland Theo-
logical Seminary and Assistant
to the Director of Religious
Affairs at Ashland College. He
is also listed in Who's Who in
American Colleges and Univer-
sities.
From 1973 through 1978 Jim i
was involved as a summer cru-
sader in the Crusader/Intern
program of national Brethren
Youth. He also served as the
1977-78 national Brethren Youth
Moderator.
Special music for the licensing
service was presented by Denny
and Linda Albertson and by a
vocal group called "Sharing." ^
Curt Hamel, moderator of the |
Johnstown Second Church, pre- |
sented a check to Jim for his
seminary training.
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Brethren couple serving
in Christian radio ministry
Sarasota, Fla. — Mr. and Mrs.
Tim Solomon, a Brethren couple
of the Sarasota First Brethren
Church, are both involved in
the ministry of Christian radio
station WKZM FM of Sarasota.
Tim is a producer and announ-
cer for the radio station. He is
a licensed 1st class radio en-
gineer, and also co-owner of
"Land-Sea Productions" com-
mercial phofography. Tim is the
son of Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth
Solomon, Brethren missionaries
to Colombia, South America. As
an "MK" (missionary kid), he
spent the first years of his life
in South America.
Tim's wife Jan is producer
and hostess for the children's
programming on Saturday
mornings for WKZM. She plays
children's favorite songs and
Bible stories on "Hi, Kids!" Jan
also works at Fame Nursery,
attends the University of South
Florida, and is a 3rd class radio
engineer. She is the daughter of
Pastor and Mrs. J. D. Hamel of
the Sarasota First Brethren
Church .
Tim Solomon
(left) is a pro-
ducer and an-
nouncer for
Christian radio
station WKZM
./ FM. His wife
^\ Jan is producer
f^ and hostess of
-''' a children's pro-
'''■'.■2%.-
',',» -• .t
■ ' <? ''
'J
^ *»
^ \^ r.
* » .; ',
f^^"*^;
^^
^f>m^:.mM^^r ' Sram.
■ .A
- 9
: .V' ■ ■
AC professors co-author
Ashland, Ohio — Two Ashland
College professors. Dr. Bernard
R. Henniger, chairman of the
earth science department, and
Dr. Philip A. Mariotti, associate
professor of earth science and
geology, have co-authored a
book entitled the Earth Science
Lab Manual.
Published by the Wallace Pub-
lishing Co. of Lexington, Ken-
tucky, the manual is designed
to be used as the main resource
for an introductory, one-
semester college earth science
course. It is hoped that the book
will have national distribution.
The lab manual covers all five
of the major areas of earth
science — astrono'my, climatol-
ogy, geology, meterology, and
oceanography. Most manuals
now being used are either obso-
lete or incomplete in the breadth
of material covered.
Another definite strong point
is the last chapter dealing with
environmental problems, which
applies the area of earth science
to practical life experiences.
Dr. Henniger's other work at
Ashland College has included
the development of an interdis-
ciplinary pilot study and a sum-
mer program in physical ocean-
ography and marine biology, the
organization of field trips to the
Bahamas and Dry Tortugas
Islands, and the initiation of a
scuba training program for AC
students. He was named to the
15th edition of Who's Who in
the Midwest and the 1976 vol-
ume of American Men and
Women of Science.
Dr. Mariotti, a faculty mem-
ber since 1975, has published
other articles including a recent
paper in the journal of the
Geological Society of America
which gives a formula by which
a pocket calculator can help plot
the composition of rocks.
November 1979
21
update
Laymen's mission tour bears fruit
The National Laymen's tour
to Brethren mission fields in
South America, which took place
this past February, is still
bearing fruit. Karen Myers and
Phil Payne, two young people
included in the tour, have both
moved closer to the Lord and at
General Conference in August
made new commitments to God.
All 19 persons who went on
the tour were inspired by the
rich fellowship experienced dur-
ing the work periods and the
Communion service with the
Christian brothers and sisters
in Colombia.
In addition to the two young
people, three ministers and their
wives and thirteen lay persons
made the trip to Argentina and
Colombia, South America. The
ministerial couples were Rev.
Duane and Helen Dickson of
the Walcrest (Mansfield), Ohio,
Brethren Church, Rev. Gene and
Judy Eckerly of the Pleasant
Hill, Ohio, Brethren Church, and
Rev. Gerald and Linda Barr of
the County Line Brethren
Church near Lakeville, Ind. Lay
persons were LaVergne and
Martha Stone, and Porter and
Ora Perkins of Sarasota, James
and Naomi Ford of County Line,
photos from LaVergne Stone
Members of the work and worship tour to South America painted
33 chairs and 9 benches and did various other tasks.
Dale and Pauline Hawley, and — constructing three long
Verna Randal of Warsaw, and benches
Jim and Arlene Payne of — painting nine benches
Burlington. — ^painting 33 chairs
This was a work and worship — making 6 teachers smocks
tour, and those on the trip did — roofing 1000 square feet of
labor for the Lord. Work ac- classroom,
complished included: — James Payne
Pictured are
the members
of the work
and worship
tour to South
America with
Brethren
missionaries
to Colombia
Ken and Jan
Solomon and
Mark and
Chantal Logan.
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Dir. of Ch. Ed. Charles Beekley attends
National Youth Workers Convention
Director of Christian Educa-
tion Charles Beekley participa-
ted in the 10th National Youth
Workers Convention October 9-
12, 1979, in San Diego, Califor-
nia. The four days of meetings
were sponsored by Youth Spe-
cialties, Inc., as part of its
efforts to provide youth workers
with ideas and direction in the
broad areas of youth ministries.
Included on the program were
individuals from all over the
United States with experience in
various aspects of youth work.
Dr. Anthony Campolo from
Eastern College in Pennsylvania
was the keynote speaker. He
focused the convention's think-
ing on the "me decade" of the
1970's, pointing out that the
church has been seduced by the
current pop sociology of "find-
ing oneself" rather than finding
the needs of others and serving
mankind.
Thirty other well-known
youth workers lead workshops
and seminars, including Mike
Yaconelli and Wayne Rice,
founders of Youth Specialties
and the Youth Workers Con-
vention. Over 800 youth workers
from the U.S. and Canada
attended.
One of the highlights of the
week was a production of The
Crucible by the Lamb's Players
Theatre of San Diego. This was
especially significant for Beek-
ley because Martha Deardurff
from the Gretna Brethren
Church is on the full-time staff
of the Lamb's Players. Beekley
and Ms. Deardurff were able to
visit for a few minutes after
the production.
As a part of his trip, Beekley
also visited the six Brethren
churches in California and Ari-
zona. He worshiped with the
Lathrop, Calif., Brethren Church
and the First Brethren Church
in Tucson, Ariz., and met with
pastors and leaders of the
Northgate Community (Man-
teca, Calif.), Scottsdale (Calif.),
Papago Park (Tempe, Ariz.),
and Northwest Chapel (Tucson,
Ariz.) Brethren churches.
id-West District Conference
The Mid-West District Con-
ference was held at Falls City,
Nebraska, October 11-13, 1979.
Theme for the Conference was
"Press-On," taken from Philip-
pians 3:14.
Forty-one delegates attended
the conference from the seven
churches in the district. Rev.
David Powell, pastor of the Fort
Scott, Kansas, Brethren Church
was the moderator and conduct-
ed the business sessions.
Special speakers for the con-
ference were Rev. Smith Rose,
Executive Secretary of the
Brethren Church; Rev. Virgil
Ingraham, General Secretary of
the national Missionary Board;
and Rev. Bill Kerner, General
Conference Moderator. Messa-
ges were also presented by
Moderator Powell and by the
vice moderator. Rev. Albert
Curtright.
A special feature of the con-
ference was the setting apart
of Mr. and Mrs. Merle Abe,
their daughter Connie, and Rev.
and Mrs. Stephen Abe for the
new church-planting work at
Kansas City, Kans. The Abe
family is working together to
begin a new church, using the
Mid-West District Camp Wyan-
dotte as a base of operations.
A youth retreat was also held
in connection with the Mid- West
District Conference.
1980 Work & Worship
four planned
A 1980 work and worship tour
to Colombia, South America, is
being planned for March 7-16.
Organizing the tour are Rev.
and Mrs. Eugene Beekley.
According to tentative plans,
the tour group would arrive in
Bogota, Colombia, on Saturday,
March 8, 1980, and travel to
Medellin, location of our Breth-
ren missionaries, on the follow-
ing day. Tour members would
spend one week in Medellin and
return to the U.S. on Sunday,
March 16.
For more information about
the tour, contact Rev. and Mrs.
Eugene Beekley, 3912 Chapel
Drive, Sarasota, FL 33580.
ATS enrollimenf 375
Enrollment for the fall quar-
ter at Ashland Theological Sem-
inary totals 375 students. The
full-time student equivalency is
321. Included in the total are:
31 women and 90 men working
on a master of arts degree; 37
women and 147 men studying
toward a master of divinity
degree; and 1 woman and 16
men in the doctor of ministry
program.
In addition to students from
the United States, the seminary
enrollment includes students
from seven foreign countries.
Ashland Theological Seminary
is now the largest seminary in
Ohio.
Its n rieces
Mrs. Nellie Knepper was re-
cently recognized for another
year of perfect church school
attendance by the Berlin Breth-
ren Church. This is Mrs.
Knepper's 42nd year of perfect
attendance.
According to the Berlin
Church bulletin, Mrs. John
Hepler, a dedicated member of
the Berlin Brethren Church,
plans to serve in the Town and
Country Church in Tampa, Fla.,
this winter. She will assist the
new church with Sunday school
teaching, visiting, office work,
and in other ways as needed.
November 1979
23
update
Miami Valley Laymen look at past
present & future of Brethren Church
A meeting of the Miami Val-
ley (Ohio) Laymen was held at
the Columbus Brethren Church
on Monday evening, October 15.
Forty-one men attended the
rally, including representatives
of the New Lebanon, Gretna,
Dayton Hillcrest, and Columbus
Brethren churches, and guests
from the Ashland Park Street
and Garber Brethren churches.
Speakers for the meeting were
Rev. Smith Rose, Executive Sec-
retary of the Brethren Church,
and Rev. Virgil Ingraham, Gen-
eral Secretary of the Missionary
Board of the Brethren Church.
They spoke on the past, present,
and future of the Brethren
Church and Brethren missions.
An election of officers was
held, and Duane Clark was
elected president, David Black
vice president, Jerry Blosser
secretary, and John Deardurfi
treasurer.
Supper was served by the
women of the Columbus church,
General Conference
Publications
The 1979 General Conference
Annual will be coming off the
presses soon and copies will be
sent to delegates who attended
the Conference this past August.
These delegates will also receive
copies of the 1980 Brethren
Directory and next year's Con-
ference program booklet.
Others who desire these three
publications may subscribe to
them for $5.00. In the past these
publications were sent free to
all who requested them, but this
can no longer be done because
of increased printing, address-
ing, and mailing costs.
If you were not a 1979 Confer-
ence delegate but would like to
receive the Annual, the Direc-
tory, and next year's Confer-
ence program book, send your
request with $5.00 to General
Conference Publications, The
Brethren Publishing Company,
524 College Ave., Ashland, OH
44805.
with a free-wiU offering being
taken to pay for the meal.
Rather than accept the $70
offering, however, the women
voted to donate the money to
the Ashland College Campus
Ministry, to be used for re-
modeling the basement of
Memorial Chapel for use as a
campus Christian center.
Urbana 79 theme: That All Might
Believe and Obey Jesus Christ
More than 17,000 college stu-
dents, faculty, and pastors are
expected to attend "Urbana 79,"
the Twelfth Inter-Varsity Stu-
dent Missions Convention, to be
held December 27-31 at the
University of Illinois.
Theme for the convention is
"That All Nations Might Believe
and Obey Jesus Christ." Fifty
speakers from around the world
will be expounding Scripture
and experiences relating to this
theme.
Registrations for this triennial
conference are running consid-
erably ahead of those for the
'76 convention, reflecting what
appears to be a growing interest
in missions on the part of North
American young people.
The significance of this con-
vention was expressed by Billy
Graham, one of this year's
speakers, who said, 'T know of
no other place where college
students receive such qualified
instruction and challenge on
World Missions."
In addition to special speakers
and daily small-group Bible
studies, sixty elective workshops
will be presented at the conven-
tion, exposing the students to
issues of broad concern in mis-
sions today. These workshops,
which will be led by specialists
in each area, will cover four
general categories: issues in
missions; ministry in missions;
the world of missions; and chal-
lenges in missions.
^1
N Eyes For The Needy
Recycle old eyeglasses to
bring better sight to the poor?
Why not? Recycling may seem
like a new conservationist idea,
but a group of volunteers in
Short Hills, N. J. — many of them
housewives — has been doing it
for years — ever since 1S32.
Called New Eyes For The
Needy, Inc., this non-profit
organization has helped over
one million persons.
Last year over one million
pairs of old glasses were sent
to New Eyes, where groups of
volunteers sorted and classified
them.
Simple, non-astigmatic lenses
are sent to medical missions
abroad (since Federal law pro-
hibits their redistribution in the
U.S.). Simple sunglasses go to
bright, hot countries.
Metal frames go to a refiner
to be melted down, along with
other scraps of precious metal
from old watches, broken jew-
elry, spare cufflinks, earrings,
and old silver, which the organ-
ization also receives.
The money realized from re-
fining goes to establish special
eye funds for hospitals and wel-
fare agencies throughout the
United States to purchase new
prescription glasses for those
who can't afford them.
Since its inception 47 years
ago, New Eyes has asked only
for old eyeglasses and precious
metal articles, never for a cent
in donations. So if you have
glasses or jewelry that you no
longer need, send them to New
Eyes For The Needy, Inc., Short
Hills, NJ 07078.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
update
NAE dedicates new headquarters building
Wheaton, 111. — Approximately
200 evangelical leaders from
across the country attended the
dedication service of the Evan-
gelical Center in Wheaton,
Illinois, on October 3. Rev. Smith
Rose, Executive Secretary of the
Brethren Church, represented
the Brethren denomination at
the dedication service.
The Evangelical Center is the
new headquarters building of
the National Association of
Evangelicals (NAE). The eco-
nomical, two-story structure
houses the association's execu-
tive, business, information, and
field services offices; a print
shop, computer, and warehous-
ing facilities; and NAE's Evan-
gelical Purchasing Service, Uni-
versal Travel Service, Encounter
^;«^^
'J
The Evangelical Center of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Ministries, Inc., and the World
Relief Corporation.
"Men and women from sev-
enty denominations have shared
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION
(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)
Title of publication: The Brethren Evangelist
Publication no.: 064-200
Date of filing: October 1, 1979
Frequency of issue: Monthly
No. of issues published annually: 12
Annual subscription price: $7.00
Location of known office of publication, and location of the headquarters or general business
offices of the publishers: 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805
Names and complete addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: Publisher, The
Brethren Publishing Company; Editor, Richard C. Winfield; Managing Editor, none; 524
College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805
Owner: The Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805
Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or
more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: none
The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for
Federal income tax purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months.
Extent and nature of circulation:
Total no. of copies printed
Average for preceding 12 months 3940
Single issue nearest filing date 3536
Paid circulation — sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales
Average for preceding 12 months 0
Single issue nearest filing date 0
Paid circulation — mail subscriptions
Average for preceding 12 months 3596
Single issue nearest filing date 3462
Total paid circulation
Free distribution
free copies
Total distribution
by
Average for preceding 12 months 3596
Single issue nearest filing date 3462
mail, carrier, or other means — samples, complimentary,
and other
Average for preceding 12 months
Single issue nearest filing data
Average for preceding 12 months
Single issue nearest filing date
Copies not distributed — office use, left over, unaccounted.
Average for preceding 12 months
Single issue nearest filing date
Copies not distributed — returns from news agents
Average for preceding 12 months
Single issue nearest filing date
Total
Average for preceding 12 months
Single issue nearest filing date
47
47
3643
3509
spoiled after
297
27
0
0
3940
3536
printing
I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.
(signed) Ronald W. Waters, General Manager
in the vision of the Evangelical
Center," said NAE Executive
Director, Dr. Billy A. Melvin,
at the dedication. "Therefore,
unlike a shrine to one organ-
ization, this Center is an effort
on behalf of all evangelicals. A
building serving the cause of
Christ in fulfilling the Great
Commission."
"This building is meant to be
a distribution center," said NAE
president, Dr. Carl H. Lund-
quist. "From this base we can
reach out with the good news
of Jesus Christ to a world which
has lost its common sense."
The dedication service was
highlighted by special recogni-
tion of Dr. Clyde W. Taylor. Dr.
Taylor was honored for his
thirty years of leadership in the
cause of evangelical cooperation
through NAE.
Waterloo observes
family monfh
October was family month for
the Waterloo, Iowa, First Breth-
ren Church. Each Sunday a
different family assisted in the
morning worship service. Social
events for families were planned
for Sunday evenings.
The social event for Sunday,
October 7, was an ice cream
social, with 85 people enjoying
the homemade ice cream, pies,
cakes, etc.
— Barbara A. Lamb, Cor. Sec.
November 1979
25
update
Leslie Zatkos to Randy Hagerich, September 14,
at St. John Vianney; Father James Quinn offi-
ciating. Groom a member of the Vinco, Pa., Breth-
ren Church.
Donna Jean Ford to Jay Lynn Haigerioh, Septem-
ber 8, at the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church; Carl H.
Phillips, pastor, officiating. Members of the Vinco
Brethren Church.
Angela Burkey to Robert Bayusli, August 25, at
the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church; Carl H. Phillips,
pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Vinco
Brethren Church.
JuUe Lynn Slabaugfh to Thomas Edward Schiefer,
August 25 at the Goshen, Ind., First Brethren
Church; Spencer Gentle, pastor, officiating. Bride
a member of the Goshen Brethren Church. (Both
now members of the Ashland Park Street Brethren
Church.)
Kim Cobaugh to Rick Furnari, August 17, at the
bride's home; Frank Brosius, officiating. Bride a
member of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
Jayne Barnes to Wayne Grumbling', August 4, at
the Shannon, 111., United Methodist Church; Bride's
pastor officiating, assisted by David Cooksey,
pastor of the Lanark, 111., First Brethren Church.
Groom a member of the Waterloo, Iowa, First
Brethren Church.
Christine Layton to Robert Parks, July 29, at the
Franklin Street Methodist Church, Johnstown, Pa. ;
Rev. John W. Stevenson, officiating. Groom a
member of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. « . plecise let us know.
1. Give old address:
Name
Address
City Stats
2. Fill in new address below:
Zip
Name
Address
City State
Zip
Date new address in effect
3. Mail this form to:
Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
26
Goldenaires
Mick and Huth Lamb, 50th, October 21. Members
of the Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church.
Hattie and George Padgett, 55th, October 27. j
Members of the First Brethren Church, South
Bend, Ind.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Leidy, 51st, October 18. Mem-
bers of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
Lee and Elva Voorhe«s, 50th, September 15. Mem-
bers of the First Brethren Church, Flora, Ind.
Mr. and Mrs. I&ussell HUdebrand, 51st, August 2.
Members of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
In Memory
Ruth A. Shultz, 89, September 29. Member of the
Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph
E. Mills, pastor.
Howard Davis, 80, September 27. Member since
1920 of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church.
Services by Marlin L. McCann, pastor.
George Winton Spielman, 87, September 21. Long-
time member of the Hagerstown, Md., First
Brethren Church. Services by Harold E. Barnett,
pastor.
Encil R. Wade, 80, September 14. Member of the
Cameron, W. Va., Brethren Church. Services by
Jeffrey L. Brown, pastor.
Alfred (Ted) Schrock, 66, September 12. Member
of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by
Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
Lucy D. Ourtright, 89, September 8. Charter mem-
ber of the Cheyenne, Wyo., Brethren Church. Ser-
vices by Albert O. Curtright, pastor.
Edna Belle Boyer, 87, August 13. Member of the
Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph
E. Mills, pastor.
Judith L. Whitted, 31, July 31. Member of the
Ashland Park Street Brethren Church. Services by
Arden Gilmer, pastor.
Myra Kimmel, 84, July 24. Member of the Berlin,
Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph E. Mills,
pastor.
John A. Hepler, 67, June 4. Member, deacon, and
trustee of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Ser-
vices by Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
Evelyn Bridegum, May 13. Member of the Berlin,
Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph E. Mills,
pastor.
Richard Layding, 57, March 24. Member of the
Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph
E. Mills, pastor.
Charles Delancy, 69, January 3. Member of the
Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Rev.
Charles Sigler.
Membership Growth
Cheyenne: 7 by baptism
Flora: 2 by baptism
The Brethren Evangelist
Puterbaugh, Weldenhamer honored
as outstanding AC alumni
Ashland, Ohio — Two members
of the Brethren Ohurch were
among the five persons honored
as outstanding alumni of Ash-
land College on October 20th.
They are Dr. Milton Puterbaugh
and Mr. Harry E. Weidenhamer,
both of Ashland and both mem-
bers of the Park Street Brethren
Church.
Dr. Milton Puterbaugih was
graduated from Ashland College
in 1922. In the fall of that year
he joined the AC faculty to
teach chemistry, becoming the
college's first full-time professor
of chemistry, a post he held
until 1943. He also served as
registrar, dean of students, and
acting dean of the college from
1942 to 1943.
Puterbaugh left the college in
1943, but returned in 1960 to
become director of the science
division. He held this position
until his retirement in 1972. He
is presently AC Professor Emer-
itus in Chemistry.
In addition to his work at AC,
Dr. Puterbaugh held appoint-
ments at Hiram College and the
University of Kansas City and
was a visiting professor at
Drake and Ohio State univer-
sities. His graduate degrees are
from Northwestern University.
Dr. Puterbaugh has held vari-
ous offices in the Park Street
Church and served the denom-
ination as a member of the
National Laymen's Organization
Dr. Milton Puterbaugh
and the National Sunday School
Association.
Mr. Harry Weid^nliamer is a
1929 graduate of Ashland Col-
lege. He served on the Ashland
College faculty for 34 years,
first as professor of chemistry
and later as head of the earth
science department. He now
holds the title of Professor
Emeritus. He is also an Ohio
Academy of Science Visiting
Lecturer to High Schools and is
listed in American Men of
Science. He holds a master of
science degree from Ohio State
University.
An active member of Park
Street Church, Weidenhamer
has served as teacher, church
moderator, church school super-
intendent, and deacon.
Harry E. Weidenhamer
The other three outstanding
AC alumni for 1979 were:
Hayden S. Garber, class of
1927. A native of Ashland, Gar-
ber has been counsel to the U.S.
Congress from 1934 to the
present.
Charles K. Hill, class of 1957.
Hill is president of the Hillwood
Manufacturing Company, the
Cozier Lumber and Box Com-
pany, and Walker Nail Com-
pany.
Dr. Donald Nikolaius, class of
1951. Nikolaus was honored for
his outstanding work as a fam-
ily physician, which resulted in
national recognition in 1978 by
Good Housekeepinig and the
American Academy of Family
Physicians.
Help Wanted
Married couple (those with children accepted)
to accept a full-time relief houseparent position
available at a home for troubled boys located
70 miles southeast of Chicago on a rural 105
acre Indiana setting.
Responsibilities are child care related only
and include a full package of fringe benefits.
For more information, please call 219-956-3125.
Christian Haven Homes, Rt. 1, Box 17, Wheat-
field, IN 46392.
Wonted: Ohio District
Comp ond Youth Director
The Ohio District Christian Education Board is
seeking a district Camp and Youth Director.
Basically this person would be expected to help
develop and implement the summer camp pro-
gram of the Ohio District. This is primarily a
summer job. It is a paid position.
In addition to being a believer in Christ and a
member of the Brethren Church, the director
must be of high integrity and have some leader-
ship ability.
To apply or secure further information, contact
Rev. Leroy Solomon, Rt. 1, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
(phone 513-592-9161 or 513-592-9168).
November 1979
27
Brethren Home Missions:
Brethren Building for tlie L
Home Missions Specid Ministries
$87,000.00 $33,000.00
Additional ^'Construction"
10 new churches in 5 years
Increase Growth Partner membership
to 2,000
Increased gifts and investments to
total $15,000 this coming year to
Revolving Fund for church extension.
Missionary Board of the Brethren Church
530 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805
o
T
D*
P
3
O
3*
O
(O
CD
'W''^ The Brethren 1 * I
Evangelist
C^ December 1979
INTRODUCING A BRIGHT NEW IDEA IN
TAKE-HOME PAPERS FROM GOSPEL LIGHT !
Adventure
thru
tlie
AOVINTURE THBOUOH THl BIBLE presents an ,,,,^
overview of the entire Bible. wis
Each paper contains a Bible story illustrated v^ith 12 full-color
pictures and an easy -to-read script. In just 16 quarters children,
grades 1-6, receive an overview of the Bible-Genesis through
Revelation. 1
AOVEHTURB THBOUOH THE BIBLE reinforces Bible story 1
fiicts and concepts.
A variety of fascinating activities encourage children to think ■
about the Bible story. And here's an added bonus-one activity
is always geared to the non-reader.
ADVENTUEE THBOUQH THE BIBLE involves the entire fomily.
The "Family Scrapbook" section provides family-time activities,
discussion starters, parent-child relationship ideas-all related to
the Bible story-designed to help the entire family develop and
maintain a Christian life-style.
So if you want a take-home paper that encourages spiritual growth
in each family member, we've got what you're looking for!
GIS^'
Order from:
The Brethren PubHshing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Crusaders in the Summer of '80
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS to a sum-
mer of service to our Lord and God!
Complete the form below and send
it to:
Board of Christian Education
524 College Avenue
Ashland. Ohio 44805
You'll receive Crusader Guidelines and
an application form by return mail.
Nanne _
Address
City
Apt.
State
Zip
^^■^ The Brethren ^j • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry
to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey
Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and
Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church
by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
One year subscription rates: $6.00 for
100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists
of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual
subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents
Change of address: Please notify us at
least three weeks in advance, using the
form provided in each issue.
Authors' views are not necessarily those
of the Brethren Church or the Brethren
Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad-
dressed to the editor. A writer's packet
with query tips is available upon written
request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome.
However, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for return of unsolicited
material not accompanied by a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Second class postage paid at Ashland,
Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to
the Brethren Publishing Company, 524
College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
The lighted candles of Christ-
mas remind us that a Baby was
born to be the Light of the
world. That Light still shines in
the darkness of our times. See
article beginning on page 6.
Vol. 101. No. 12
December 1979
4 Broken Walls
God broke down the walls in Rahab's life, just as her
Descendant breaks down the walls of sin for all who follow
Him — by Susan White.
6 The Crisis of Our Times
Dr. Carl F. H. Henry affirms that God's Light is still shining
in the moral darkness of our times.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
10 A Call to Mobilization
Dr. J. D. Hamel asserts that nothing is more important for
the Brethren Church in the eighties than our complete mobiliza-
tion for evangelism.
The Board of Christian Education
13 Building, Caring, Equipping
The Board of Christian Education is endeavoring to assure
that the 1980' s will be a period of building, caring, and equip-
ping in the Brethren Church.
14 Research, Planning, Implementation
To serve the Brethren Church more effectively in the eighties,
the Board of Christian Education plans this three-phase process.
16 A Forward Look
18 The Brethren Publications/
Home Missions Endowment Fund
Ronald W. Waters explains the new plan for supporting the
Brethren Evangelist that was approved by General Conference.
Departments
12 The Salt Shaker
1 7 Books
20 Update
27 Finally, Brethren
December 1979
Broken
Walls
Drawing by Susan White
by Susan White
NEW LIFE! That's what she had re-
ceived— new hf e. The shameful walls of
existence which had once enslaved her had
been broken. She was now free. Free to
laugh — a lilting, joyous laughter which
bubbled up from deep inside of her. Free
to love — to know what it meant to give
herself totally, in sacrificial service to
others. Free to live!
A warm tear slid down Rahab's cheek
to touch the corner of her smiling lips,
matching the warmth she felt in her heart.
The gods she had once served had forced
her into a life of corruption and self-
degradation. In their religion there was no
harm in selling one's body as any other
merchant would sell his or her wares. No
harm, so they said. But she knew the cold,
ugly life which followed — the darkness and
the loneliness.
But that had all changed. Yahweh had
called her to follow Him. He had pledged
His faithfulness to her, to Rahab the harlot
of Jericho, even as one of His chosen chil-
dren of Israel.
'*He has made me His own," she whis-
pered. "Even me!"
Standing in the sunlight, she reflected
on the events that had brought it all about.
The day had begun like any other day —
Susan White is the administrative assistant to
the director of communications of Ashland College.
She is a frequent contributor to the Brethren
Evangelist.
that day the two spies from the Israelite
camp had come. Wearily she had answered
the door, expecting to find the same sort
of men as were always there. But that day
was different, marking the beginning of a
lifetime of different days.
"Hebrews!" she had gasped when she
opened the door. Their bearded faces and
strange garments betrayed their identity.
The stories of these people and their mighty
God were familiar to her as they were to
the other inhabitants of Jericho. The city-
dwellers told of Israel's mighty deeds with
trembling lips. They spoke of the Hebrew's
one God, Yahweh, in terror, for they knew
of the wrath He had poured forth on other
enemies.
Rahab also feared this powerful, living
God. But in her fear she was drawn to Him.
She had heard of His wrath, but she had
also heard of His love.
The Hebrew people were really no differ-
ent from any other group, yet Yahweh had
chosen to make His covenant with them,
caring for them faithfully. Ever since she
had first heard of this special love a God
could have for His people, she had sensed
a longing deep within her heart to serve
Him. She was tired of paying homage to
those man-hewn pieces of stone to which
all of Jericho bowed down. So, in that
moment, as her eyes rested on the two
foreigners at her door, Rahab knew that
she had been given a priceless opportunity.
Quickly Rahab ushered them into her
The Brethren Evangelist
tiny house built upon the city wall. 'The
time for surprise is over," she thought. **I
must hide these men from the rest of the
city."
Throughout the day she offered them
shelter and what information she could give
about the city and its inhabitants. They,
in turn, told her about their people and the
long wanderings which had finally brought
them to the land which God had promised
to their fathers. They recounted stories of
Moses and his great leadership, and of the
deeds of his successor, Joshua.
Rahab's sincerity was put to the test
when a loud knock at the door interrupted
their conversation. Quickly and quietly she
hid the spies. Strengthened by her desire
to know the Hebrews' God, she sent the
king's soldiers away without betraying the
men on her roof.
When darkness had spread its cover of
protection over the countryside, the men
prepared to leave.
''Now then," she began with a slight
tremor in her voice, "please swear to me
by the Lord that you will show kindness
to my family, because I have shown kind-
ness to you. Promise me that you will spare
the lives of my father and mother, my
brothers and sisters, and all who belong
to them, and that you will save us from
death."
"Our lives for your lives!" the men
assured her. "If you don't tell what we are
doing, we will treat you kindly and faith-
fully when the Lord gives us the land."
Rahab carefully lowered the spies down
from her window with a strong scarlet
rope. They left her with the instructions
to tie this cord of scarlet in the same win-
dow, as a sign of their oath and as a mark
to set her house apart.
The days passed slowly for the anxious
inhabitants of the city who viewed the dis-
tant army with terror. Even strong drink
and constant sacrifices to their stone-faced
gods could not ease their fear. For Rahab,
the days were filled with anticipation as she
dared to hope for a new life.
"They march to Jericho!" the towns-
people cried on that first morning when
the Israelite army, commanded by Joshua,
silently encircled the city. But excitement
gave way to disappointment for Rahab as
she watched the army turn back to its
camp.
"Yahweh will be victorious," she assured
herself and the family members gathered
with her.
Seven days later the victory came. No
longer was the army silent. Amid shouts
and the sounds of trumpets, Jericho went
crashing down in defeat. The city's thick
walls cracked and splintered as if torn
apart by giant unseen hands. Those inhab-
itants who did not meet death through
falling rubble or panic were soon slain by
the mighty soldiers of Yahweh.
Yet in the midst of death and destruc-
tion, one small piece of the wall remained
untouched. When the two spies returned
to the house of the scarlet cord, they found
a new woman. For Rahab, the walls of sin
and harlotry in her life had been cast down
by the same unseen hand, burying the past
which had once enslaved her.
Little did Rahab know that sev-
eral hundred years after her life-
tinne on earth was finished, her
Descendant would bring freedonn
to all who would serve Hinn.
So Rahab lived among the children of
Israel, a free woman, all the days of her
life. In her freedom she married and gave
birth to a son. The child, Boaz, grev/ into
a fine, strong man, one who was looked to
as a leader among the people. He never for-
got the stories his mother told of the kind-
ness which had been shown to her, a
foreigner. Perhaps those same teachings
prompted him to show a similar kindness
to a widow from Moab who entered his field
to glean. His kindness grew into love, and
Boaz offered Ruth the shelter of his home
and took her for his wife.
Offspring from this union was to yield,
in three generations, a son who would be-
come the greatest ruler of the nation of
Israel. But David was not the only king to
claim these two and Rahab as his distant
kin. A King would be born to surpass all
other earthly rulers, whose kingdom would
have no end.
Little did Rahab know that several
hundred years after her lifetime on earth
was finished, this King would bring freedom
to all who would serve Him. This Child, her
descendant, would grow to become a second
and greater "Joshua." Even His name,
Jesus, would be a Greek translation of the
Hebrew name, Joshua, meaning "salvation."
This greater Joshua would also break
down walls — walls of sin and separation
from God. This One, God's perfect Son,
would bring life to a dying world. His light
would banish the darkness of lonesome
lovelessness. And just as the scarlet cord
of Rahab marked her as set apart for life,
so His blood would sanctify all who would
come under it for life eternal. □
December 1979
» I
■■I «
111 1
V ,1
« «
V ''■■
"For the crisis of our times, the light that
shines in darkness is still more than adequate."
THE
CRISIS
OF OUR
TIMES
by Dr. Carl F. H. Henry
THE opening chapters of two great New
Testament books keep running through
my mind. One is the classic prologue of
John's Gospel; the other, that awesome
first chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans.
Both deal with God's creation and its
despoilment by sin ; both hold out the alter-
natives of salvation or judgment.
John's prologue twice mentions darkness,
each time sweepingly enough to cover not
only man's fall and sinfulness, but also the
darkness of Crucifixion Day, and even that
of our own declining civilization. How
graphically this word "darkness" brings
into focus the moral malignancy and spirit-
ual sham of the human race! ''The light
shineth in darkness," we read, "and the
darkness comprehended it not" (1:5, KJV).
Other versions stress the point that no fury
of darkness can overcome or extinguish
God's light; until end- time judgment over-
takes us, the light of God's living Word will
continue to expose human wickedness for
what it is.
Romans chapter one is much more
specific about moral evil. The exploding
wickedness of the Gentile nations supplies
a sort of Richter scale of civilizational de-
cline, a measure of the slide of men and
nations into the abyss of iniquity. As
shocks and aftershocks of ethical earth-
quake surge over modern life, Paul's letter
speaks not only to the Romans but to us
also about the crucial crisis of our times
and the judgment that lowers above us.
The theme of Paul's epistle and of John's
Gospel is the same, namely, that the light
of God is shining through the darkness of
human history and is penetrating the very
mind and conscience of even a rebellious
age. While it may suppress the truth of
God, fallen mankind can in no way eradi-
cate it. God's light and truth remain and
continue to unmask what we are.
I spoke of a Richter scale of declining
civilization. It works something like this.
First there is a public awareness and re-
tention of divine principles of righteousness,
but alongside this awareness comes a grow-
ing public disposition to violate them. We
have seen this in our own century: an
earlier generation that was more largely
aware of biblical and Christian roots con-
ceded, for example, that God approves life-
long monogamous marriage and forbids
extramarital sin.
Yet as society increasingly violates
Dr. Carl F. H. Henry was the founding editor
of Christianity Today magazine. Time magazine
called him "the leading theologian of the Evan-
gelical flank." He is the author of 25 books.
The Brethren Evangelist
''God's Logos is still lighting every man, still shining in
the darkness; the truth of God is still penetrating the
mind and conscience of even the most wicked/'
divine principles, such transgression soon
becomes a matter of common practice and
public acceptance. In our day sexual im-
morality outside marriage runs rampant.
Last year our country reported a million
abortions, many of them the price of lust
and immorality. Deterioration of the family
is a recognized problem of modern society,
yet many educators and even some clergy-
men see abortion only in terms of the right
to avoid unwanted children, and all to
seldom emphasize the duty to uphold sex-
ual fidelity.
Accelerating moral rebellion
Moral rebellion, the Bible warns us, runs
a quickly accelerating course. When repeat-
ed compromise erodes God's norms of
decency, respect for God soon yields to false
gods that encourage sin and accommodate
evil. God will permit a rebellious generation
to suffer "the vileness of their own desires
and the consequent degradation of their
bodies, because they have bartered away
the true God for a false one" (1:25, NEB).
Refusal to honor God leads inevitably to
destructive aftershocks: ''thinking ends in
futility, misguided minds are plunged in
darkness" (Rom. 1:21). God gives them
over, Scripture says, to ''a base mind, and
to improper conduct" (1:28, RSV), to ''their
own irrational ideas and to their monstrous
behavior" (JB), to a "reprobate" mind
(KJV), to a "degenerate" mind (Phillips),
to a "corrupted" mind (TEV), to a "de-
praved" mind (NIV). The Greek word
adokimos identifies that which has failed
the test. We will fail life's comprehensive
exams^ — not only the Christian heritage but
also the imperative apostolic call — unless
with God's help we discipline our minds to
follow Paul's challenge: "Whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are
just, whatsoever things are pure, whatso-
ever things are lovely, whatsoever things
are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these
things" (Phil. 4:8).
I emphasize the importance of the mind
because the mind is always a crucial aca-
demic concern. The mind of man, as both
John and Paul emphasize, is God's creation :
by creation the Logos "lights every man"
(John 1:9a), and despite our sinful state
God's revelation penetrates our very mind
and conscience (Rom. 1:19-21; 2:15). Yet
we read of mankind that "knowing God
they refused to honor him as God, or to
render him thanks" (Rom. 1:21, NEB).
Today the mind no less than the will of
modern man is in dire trouble. Having lost
the meaning of meaning, our radically
secular age cannot make up its mind about
the truth. "Let not a double-minded man,"
says the New Testament, "think that he
shall receive anything of the Lord" (James
1:7-8).
We need to remember a very important
fact: the Bible links the moral decline of
nations with reprobate minds. Training the
mind is an essential responsibility of the
home, the church, and the school. Unless
evangelicals prod young people to disci-
plined thinking, they waste, even under-
mine, one of Christianity's most precious re-
sources. Leaders of the Protestant Refor-
mation were all university- trained ; they
knew the Bible, the languages, philosophy,
theology, and much else. Secular liberal
education today fails our generation in the
matter of consensus about either God or
truth or moral values. Many campuses seem
unable to preserve respect for such basic
ethical virtues as repaying student loans,
returning borrowed library books, taking
examinations or preparing term papers with
honesty.
Replacing God with man
Man's first step in defecting from God
who makes known His holy will is to replace
the immortal God with mortal man (Rom.
1:23). The ancients worshiped emperors,
even their statues; today moderns worship
the self as the measure of all things. This
self -worship is actually a divine judgment
upon us for rejecting the one true God.
Such deliberate idolatry of the self quickly
moves on to the unbridled passion charac-
teristic of our times. Paragons of permis-
sive morality are welcomed as folk heroes
to campuses, to television, and to the stage.
Who would have dreamed that the gen-
eration of the Graham crusades would also
December 1979
''Multitudes today are ^'
thirsting for a personal
faith; many are looking I
for a messiah. They mu^t "
be turned from false .
christs to the risen and ^
returning Lord."
become the generation where many cham-
pion homosexuahty and lesbianism as no
less moral than heterosexuality, and others
flee divinely created orders of sexuality to
become transvestites. If one has guilt feel-
ings, there is always some psychiatrist at
hand to exorcise guilt.
From a hit or miss consensus on values,
society quickly moves to total disconsensus.
''They were filled," writes Paul of earher
pagans, ''with all manner of wickedness,
evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy,
murder, strife, deceit . . . haters of God,
insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of
evil . . ." (Rom. l:29ff.). Reflect if you will
on the ruthless violence of our own day;
raping of helpless elderly women, young
wives, even schoolchildren; street attacks
on the elderly and the bhnd; senseless
snipers that cut down innocent people, the
gruesome murder and burial of young males
by someone like Dacey, the Chicago sex
maniac. The stench of moral decay fouls
the air as society is victimized by its own
self-destructive vices. A new generation
considers itself beyond fixed moral dis-
tinctions, and indeed refuses to recognize
them; many academicians — both Marxist
and nonmarxist — dismiss objective values
as a prejudice of the establishment.
Small wonder that Soviet dissidents like
Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Alexander
Ginsburg, while finding grateful refuge
among us from communist repression, none-
theless reserve the right to warn us con-
cerning the moral flabbiness and vagabond-
age of the West. You and I know, of course,
that much yet remains in America for which
to thank God — not least of all, the freedom
and opportunities envied by oppressed mul-
titudes in many parts of the world. And we
know that the day-to-day decency and good
will of a multitude of God-fearing citizens
seldom get the attention and headlines
largely preempted by the seamy side of
national life. We should be grateful that
divine providence has gifted us with life in
this land.
President Carter has every right to crit-
icize a controlled society like Russia that
seeks to seduce people "from God . . .
through the television (and) through the
schools." But how much constructive influ-
ence do secular education and television in
the free world actually wield for fixed truth
and good in today's life of the people? The
Russian social critics in our country seem
to realize this peril better than we do. It
is not enough to say that things are better
in America than elsewhere; in every great
world power that has marched off the map
things once seemed better than anywhere
else.
Recently a special sale catalogue came
in the mail from a large American publisher
of college and university texts. Among the
1000 listings in philosophy, religion, politics,
psychology, and other disciplines, only one
title was premarked "sold out." What vol-
ume, you ask, was in such special academic
demand? The title, believe it or not, was
Understanding the Female Orgasm.
An impenitent generation
An impenitent generation, the Apostle
Paul tells us, "receives" its "due penalty,"
divine recompense proportionate to its own
priorities. To suppress the knowledge of
God will skew right and wrong with devas-
tating final consequences. The fault-line
that opens our land to impending disaster
seems increasingly to penetrate the very
heart of modern culture. The tremors that
presage God's final shaking of the earth
8
The Brethren Evangelist
''Even in the midst of this dark hour, the Christian
community is called upon to sound the call of repent-
ance, forgiveness and God's triumph/'
reflect ever more blatant sin and indecency.
Explosive forces are rumbling at the core
of modern life; our civilization too may
soon collapse into the same debris of hu-
man corruption that engulfed all past
civilizations.
Amid the awesome prospects of a nu-
clear age, the Bible speaks almost apoca-
lyptically of God's ''meltdown" of his foes.
Yahweh's warning against the sins of
ancient Jerusalem should strike terror
among today's rebellious nations that now
rattle missiles instead of swords, and whose
horrendous unleashing of nature against
mankind God despises: "As men gather
silver, copper, iron, lead and tin into a
furnace to melt it with a fiery blast, so will
I gather you in my anger and wrath and put
you inside the city and melt you. I will
gather you and I will blow my fiery wrath,
and you will be melted inside her . . . and
you will know that I have poured out my
wrath upon you" (Ezek. 22:17-23, NIV).
Who of us can say that this nuclear genera-
tion is less worthy of God's terrible judg-
ment than were Sodom and Gemorrah, Tyre
and Sidon, disobedient Israel and Judah?
Rejection of divine principles
As a nation we have gone far beyond
merely the neglect of God's moral principles
to a routine violation of them. We have gone
even farther to outright rejection of those
divine principles in the name of modernity.
We are writing our own codes of right and
wrong; man in place of God ventures to
define the true and the good, and does so
in the name of personal creativity and
selfism. Today our nation is held together
more by a network of governmental con-
trols than by a shared consensus of values.
Many of our universities have all but turned
their backs on the Judeo-Christian her-
itage of revealed truth and divine command-
ments, and have forsaken the pursuit of
objective values. Are we as a nation en-
couraging and inviting the cataclysmic
disaster that will plunge not only Western
culture but all human history into final
judgment ?
Even in the midst of this dark hour, the
Christian community is called upon to
sound the call of repentance, forgiveness
and God's triumph. God is still active in
our secular society; He not only warns the
impenitent masses of dire judgment, but
prods them also toward faith, and even pre-
pares some for salvation. Multitudes today
are thirsting for a personal faith ; many are
looking for a messiah. They must be turned
from false christs to the risen and returning
Lord.
n
larkness
God's Logos is still lighting every man,
still shining in the darkness; the truth of
God is still penetrating the mind and con-
science of even the most wicked. Even some
who seem hopelessly given over to iniquity
may come by God's grace to new life and
hope and joy. God is still at work in our
world. He is manifesting the consequences
of rebellion by abandoning the impenitent
wicked to licentiousness, and by allowing a
long-privileged West to revert to paganism.
But God is also lifting to His Savior Son
those who seek refuge from the nihilism
of daily life without Christ. In His mercy
God enables even the desperate to embrace
Christ as the rescuer from ruin and despair.
When Paul wrote his letter to the Ro-
mans, this planet was overwhelmingly
pagan. All the Christians to be found in
the ancient empire city of Rome could have
squeezed into a few small homes. But Paul
knew something, something that no one had
taught him at the University of Tarsus.
Paul knew the reality and power of the
Risen Christ. He, the Risen Christ, can
turn a vagrant intellectual and a vagrant
world right side up, can restore recognition
of the Lord of nature, of history, and of
conscience. If hope is to prevail in our time,
we who know God's transforming mercy
and power must become roving tentmakers
in the service of Christ who pitched His
tent in a terrible wicked world and unveiled,
for us to see, the glory of our life-renewing
God.
Let us call individuals and nations to a
new vision of justice and righteousness. Let
us invite a vagabond race to share with us
the joys of life redeemed and fit for eter-
nity. For the crisis of our times, the light
that shines in darkness is still more than
adequate. □
December 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
A Call to Mobilization
by Dr. J. D. Hamel
T BELIEVE that we are at the dawn of
the world's greatest tomorrow. Nothing
is more important, humanly speaking, for
the life of the Brethren Church in the
eighties than our complete Mobilization for
Evangelism. To present Christ without
shame or bias to the community, the nation,
and the world as Savior and Lord is our
sacred duty. As Christians we cannot do
less.
The Brethren Church looks to the future.
What is the future? What are our plans?
What is the job toward which we roll up
our sleeves and to which we look forward?
What is the victory which we, on bended
knee, ask God, by the power of the Holy
Spirit, to enable us to achieve?
The Brethren Church must continue to
speak to men and women of their deep need
for radical healing, calling them to accept
God's love through Jesus Christ. The church
must move into action as it seeks to (1)
interpret the gospel, (2) exemplify the
gospel, (3) organize to communicate the
gospel, and (4) challenge its entire con-
stituency to witness to this gospel. Just as
"Prayer is the breath of the soul," even so
''Evangelism is," and must ever be, "the
outward expression of its life."
I believe that every sacrifice we make will
Dr. Hamel is
pastor of the
700 member
First Brethren
Church of
Sarasota, Fla.,
the largest
church in the
Brethren
denomination. He
is also founder
and speaker for
the international
radio broadcast,
"The Brethren
Hour."
/'f'
so enrich us in the future that our only
regret will be that we did not sacrifice the
more. The world has never been in more
dire need of the healing and saving touch
of Christ, His love and understanding, His
compassion and salvation. We Brethren
want to give our lives to something that
counts, something that lasts!
To see our members exploding with life
and vitality, reaching out and winning
people and making disciples and responsible
members, expanding our horizons and
getting involved in the ministry and out-
reach of our church — that's Church
Growth. And it's happening all across the
denomination. Prayers of generations of
Christians are being answered and the
gospel is going forth in a strong tidal wave
of evangelism!
Mobiliza+ion
Through Sharing and Caring
One of the special challenges of the
eighties is the opportunity for Brethren to
join with their older loved ones in an effort
to make life in the later years more mean-
ingful. Our society is experiencing a
marked increase in the number of elderly.
Almost 21 million persons 65 years of age
and above are found in the United States.
By 1980 one person in eight will be a senior
citizen. The aging have a special need for
assurance of God's continuing love and pro-
tection, release from anxiety about illness
and death, spiritual growth through new
experiences with the Lord, and a continuing
feeling of usefulness in the work of the
church.
Mobilization
Through the Printed Page
As workmen for God we Brethren want
to continue to prepare ''tools" for the indi-
vidual Christian to use in his work of wit-
10
The Brethren Evangelist
nessing for Christ. Tracts, booklets, man-
uals, and books — to inform, instruct, and
inspire — these must continue to roll in an
unending stream from the BRETHREN
PUBLISHING COMPANY presses. Our
Brethren publications have had a powerful
influence in molding our past. They will
even more largely shape our future. Chris-
tian books, journals, and periodicals are the
bulwark of our moral and spiritual stamina,
and their flow must be kept constantly im-
proving and enlarging.
Mobilization
Through Global Missions
When we look to Christ, we see the world
as it is — His world, to which He came and
for which He died. It is filled both with
great hopes and with disillusionment and
despair. Some nations are rejoicing in new
freedom and power, some are suffering be-
cause freedom is denied them, and some
are paralyzed by division. Everywhere
there is an undertone of fear. Millions are
hungry; millions have no home, no country,
and no hope. Over all mankind hangs the
peril of nuclear war.
But there is a word from God for our
world. It is that the world is in the hands
of the living God whose will for it is that
all should be saved. Through Christ Jesus,
His Incarnate Word, who lived and died and
rose from the dead, God has broken the
power of evil once and for all and opened
for everyone the gate into freedom, salva-
tion, and joy. We Brethren must continue
to urgently make this gospel known to the
whole world. We must call on all men to
believe in Christ, to live in His love, and to
look for His coming. Our Brethren mission
program is established worldwide with
strong, mature, Holy-Spirit anointed
leaders.
Mobilization
Through Church Extension
"A Call to Mobilization" must also con-
sider areas in our own or nearby commun-
ities where many are unchurched. Those
who would benefit from a Sunday school
or a home Bible study fellowship include
migrant workers, language groups, retirees,
and apartment house and mobile home
dwellers. A vital need also exists for a
genuine Christian concern for neighbor-
hoods of disadvantaged people as well as
children's homes, hospitals, and retirement
homes. Reaching people where they are is
a basic teaching of the Bible and the
Brethren Church.
Mobilization
Through Our Youth
Our Brethren Youth and the Board of
Christian Education are responding not
only to Christ's call to salvation, but also
to His summons for service at home and
abroad. Our youth are probably the best
trained we have ever had, academically and
spiritually, and they are thoroughly dedi-
cated to Christ. They see through the tinsel
of materialism in our time and are willing
to go anywhere in the service of our Lord
and Savior.
Mobilization Through
Our College and Seminary
In the eighties there will be an even
greater need for highly educated spiritual
leaders — men and women full of grace, full
of faith, full of power, full of Holy Spirit
wisdom. Let us continue to support Ashland
College and Theological Seminary as we
ask God to give us anointed, dedicated, sac-
rificial leaders — leaders who will so speak
for Christ that multitudes will believe.
Mobilization ior Ac+ion
A new day has dawned in evangelism,
one we hardly dared dream possible ten
years ago. Open doors confront the church
everywhere — on university campuses, in
business, in political life, through the use
of such means of mass communication as
radio, television, and current literature ; and
in the willingness of the man on the street
to listen. WHAT A DAY FOR THE
CHURCH TO WORK! Our evangelism must
reach beyond an initial commitment to
Christ and aim for the maturity of Chris-
tian character emphasized in the New
Testament. The Good News of the gospel
refers not only to that from which we have
been saved, but to that for which we have
been saved. Only this kind of personal
evangelism will be adequate for the spirit-
ual needs of America.
As Brethren, let us renew and revitalize
our faith in the power of the Gospel of
Christ to transform individual lives. Let us
refresh our spirits continually in deeper
fellowship with God through prayer. Let us
fully dedicate our keenest intellects, our
finest talents, and our financial resources
to the tasks which await us in the eighties.
As Brethren, let us live courageously, wit-
ness daringly, and give sacrificially that His
Kingdom may come more fully in America
and around the world.
Brethren, let us mobilize for the
eighties ! □
December 1979
11
r
• I
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
The real Star of Christmas was not the one that
shone on Bethlehenn.
The Star of Bethlehem
MATTHEW'S account of the birth of
Christ has generated considerable
discussion. What was that ''unidentified
flying object" that arrested the attention
of the wise men (or Magi) and motivated
them to travel to the Holy City of
Jerusalem ?
Modern "wise men," equipped with elec-
tronic computers, can turn back the astral
clock to explain that manifestation known
as the **star of Bethlehem."
Jim Rostirola, planetarium director at
Bellevue Community College, is a modern
day wise man. With the help of an organi-
zation known as Friends of the Planetari-
um, Bellevue Community College has been
celebrating the Christmas season every year
since 1975 by using a stellar time machine.
Rostirola can show you exactly how the
heavens looked during that momentous time
in history. He is able to compress about
2000 years of stellar activity into a
40-minute program.
The astra-machine reveals that there was
a remarkable conjunction of the planets
Saturn and Jupiter around 7 B.C. (Conjunc-
tion is the term used when planets are so
close together that they appear to be a
single, brilliant celestial body.)
Archaeological evidence also points to
the year 7 B.C. as the probable date of the
nativity. In 1920 archaeologists unearthed
tablets which revealed that Herod ordered
a census for tax collection purposes in 8
B.C. Since those things usually took a year
or two to get underway, it is likely that
Joseph and Mary didn't make the 70 mile
trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register
until 7 B.C.
Now I know, and you do too, that God
is sovereign over the universe. It is nothing
for Him — no task at all — to make a special
star or, millenniums in advance, to schedule
an orderly conjunction of planets to an-
nounce the birth of His Son. (In fact, the
conjunction occurs about every 800 years.)
With one pronouncement or flash of
thought. He flings a star into space or
arranges a conjunction of planets. Twenti-
eth century wise men probe and astra-
machines discover, even re-enact, a celes-
tial phenomenon of centuries ago. And
such scientific confirmation strengthens the
faith of many.
But Christian faith is not dependent upon
astra-machines and computers devised by
modern-day magi. Christian faith goes be-
yond human ingenuity — to the resurrected
Christ.
Still, one has to admit (and I'll be the
first to do so) that it'd be nice to have a
Christmas Eve candlelight service under the
simulated celestial brilliance of 2000 years
ago! But therein lies the rub.
Many are more than ready to rely on
simulated experience (and that's exactly
what it is) than on a quiet but brilliant
encounter with God's Word.
People prefer to be so heavenly minded —
looking only for the star— that they miss
the whole point. The star in the heavens
was just a sign. The real Star was in the
manger. D
12
The Brethren Evangelist
OARD OF
HRISTIAN
DUCATION
uildlng
anng
• •
quipping
The I970's saw the evangelical community gaining head-
lines everywhere in the United States as the media
turned their attention toward the renewed efforts evan-
gelicals were making to spread the gospel. Leading evan-
gelical preachers were seen on magazine covers, TV talk
shows, and best-selling book jackets. Spreading the Good
News was an important part of the decade that draws to a
close this month.
The success the evangelical communify enjoyed in the
past decade mandates that in the 1 980's we must work with
those who were reached in the seventies and build a church
of fervent disciples!
The challenge is to build up, care for, and equip those
who have been reached — and will yet be reached — by our
evangelical community. Not to respond to this challenge, or
to respond with less than complete dedication, would be
to fall short in our service to God.
The Board of Christian Education has begun a struggle
to meet this challenge on the denominational level. Our part
in meeting the challenge of the I980's will be to develop
an array of resources and programs that will help Brethren
churches to build up, care for, and equip those newly won
to Christ.
On the next few pages you'll find a sample of our ideas
and plans. It is our hope that by the grace of God, and with
the prayerful and practical support of the Brethren Church,
the I980's will be viewed in history as a period of . . .
Building . . . Caring . . . Equipping.
December 1979
13
R
esearc
h
PI
anning
Implementation
AS we enter the 1980's, we on the
Board of Christian Education
must move through a three-phase
process: First, we must determine
the present status of the discipling
programs of the various Brethren
churches and determine their needs.
Secondly, we must construct plans
and programs geared toward meeting
the needs that are demonstrated.
And thirdly, we must implement
those plans and programs.
The first step is the most impor-
tant— examining the present status
of the denomination in order to de-
termine the needs in the area of
Christian Education. The board sees
itself poised on the threshold of
activitv in service to the Brethren
Church, But we must be sure this
activity is moving us in the right
direction, and meeting the needs that
are present in the churches.
Traditionally we have relied on our
intuition or experience to guide our
decision-making. In our own local
churches — where we are acutely
aware of the true needs — this
approach usually works. On the de-
nominational level ^ — where we are
not aware of the true needs in the
churches — this approach leads to
frustration as often as it leads to
success. We have — at times — found
ourselves dealing with problems that
were non-existent or finding solutions
to problems that were not correctly
identified.
The missing element in the plan-
ning of the usual denominational
program is research. It is the intent
of the Board of Christian Education
to add this missing element in the
months ahead.
Therefore, our first step will be to
survey the denomination to deter-
mine the true areas of need. We have
within our church capable persons
who are trained in the area of design-
ing surveys. These people will be
called upon to help us prepare a sur-
vey that will reveal the needs of the
denomination. The exact timing of
our survey and its content are being
determined this month. Information
regarding it will be carried in the
Brethren Evangelist.
second step is planning. At
1980 meeting of the Board
of Christian Education, the results
of the survey will be analyzed and
studied. The various Task Forces of
the board will determine those areas
of our church life that can be min-
istered to through the activities of
the board and then formulate pro-
grams and projects. These programs
will then be presented to the 1980
General Conference.
Of course the third step — imple-
mentation— will be delayed. Only
after we carefully study the survey
results and develop a comprehensive
program of ministry will we be able
to move decisively.
In the meantime, however, certain
The Brethren Evangelist
plans have been formulated that
should fit smoothly into the coor-
dinated program which will grow out
of the comprehensive survey. Several
projects are being considered and are
in various stages of development:
Filmstrip Library : In cooperation
with the Brethren Publishing Com-
pany— which supplies most of the
Sunday school curriculum materials
for Brethren churches — the Board of
Christian Education will attempt to
coordinate the filmstrip library with
the two curriculums approved by
General Conference. A new catalog,
to be published in early 1980, will
indicate which filmstrips correlate
with the courses offered by David C.
Cook and Gospel Light.
Discipleship pamphlets for new
converts: This will be a series of
seven short exercises that develop
the new Christians' awareness of
God and His role in their lives. This
program is being developed by Rev.
Ken Sullivan in Lathrop, California,
and will be used in his local ministry
beginning early in 1980. Refinement
will follow their use in California, and
the revised pamphlets will be avail-
able late in 1980 for general use in
the denomination. Basic Christian
concerns will be developed in the
pamphlets, with particular attention
given to traditional Brethren prac-
tices.
Workshops: Four workshops are
planned for the 1980 General Confer-
ence that will aid pastors and lay
people in developing a strong pro-
gram of discipleship in the local
church. These workshops are the re-
sponsibility of the Discipleship Task
Force of the board, which is chaired
by Rev. Norman Long.
ABCT Seminars: The 1980 se-
quence of seminars will take place in
the autumn of the year. The number
of seminars will be increased, but the
faculty— and course offerings — will
vary with each one. The content of
each day-long meeting will be deter-
mined bv the needs of the area in
which the seminar is being conducted.
Those needs will be determined by
December 1979
means of the survey mentioned
earlier in this report.
ABCT Newsletter: The Newslet-
ter will take on a different format
beginning in January of 1980. The
changes are three:
(1) It will be monthly. It is our
hope that — when the need
arises — the newsletter can
be more current, in terms of
seasons of the Christian
calendar.
(2) It will be shorter, most of
the time only one sheet,
front and back — about half
the size of the current News-
letter.
(3) It will be in loose-leaf note-
book style. Each month-
ly issue will have holes
punched in it for assemblage
in a three-ring binder; thus,
at the end of a year, you
will have a complete booklet.
In addition, a renewed effort will
be made to make the Newsletter more
"Brethren" in orientation. We will
j^Bcq-
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continue to offer ideas and resources,
but activities of Brethren churches
in the area of Christian Education
will be given greater prominence. □
A Forward Look
THE material on the preceding
three pages deals with the future
— as we're sure you've noticed. This
is a change from the usual procedure
for these pages, which was to review
the work of the past year.
In light of the new administration
of the Board of Christian Education
and a new emphasis on the work of
the Task Forces of the board, it
seemed prudent to look forward rath-
er than backward.
The first three months of the new
administration have been spent get-
ting acclimated to the challenges
presented and a feeling for how the
Brethren can best be served by the
Board of Christian Education.
It is our hope that one year from
now we can reflect on the aspirations
presented here and find that we have
been successful. We are confident
that with the prayerful and practical
support of the Brethren, December
of 1980 will be a review of our first
efforts at a broad, coordinated pro-
gram of BUILDING, CARING, and
EQUIPPING. D
16
The Brethren Evangelist
hooks
When Faith Is a Life-and-Death Issue
A Distant Grief by F. Kef a Sempangi (Regal
Books, 1979, 190 pp., $3.85 paperback).
Out of the bloody regime of Idi Amln comes
another tale of bloodshed and grief, but also a
tale of victory and the power of the living Lord
Jesus Christ. Pastor Sempangi is the founder and
pastor of the 14,000 member Redeemed Church of
Uganda. This is his story — how his congregation
came into being and how his fellow-believers suf-
fered under the barbarous persecution unleashed
by Idi Amin.
Some of the facts reported are gruesome —
there are details which the public media did not
or could not cover. It is difficult for us, in our
comfort and security, to imagine what others
must face in order to be faithful to Jesus Christ.
This little book will open our eyes to see just how
wicked people can be when driven by the forces
of evil.
But Kef a is careful not to make the book just
a bloody account of suffering. The meat of the
book is how the power of Christ triumphed in
situation after situation. It will strengthen the
reader's faith to see how God brought relief in
the face of gravest danger and threat. At many
a point in the book I had to stop and pray, "Lord,
help thou my unbelief!" The book will also give
the reader a greater sympathy for those for whom
faith is a life-and-death issue. And it will lead us
to give thanks for our security on earth and to
pray for the suffering church.
This book is recommended reading for high
school age folks on up. The style is easy, even to
the point of being compelling. A certain blessing
awaits anyone who takes this book in hand and
reads with prayerful perception.
— Brian H. Moore
Pilgrim Aflame by Myron S. Augsburger (Herald
Press, 1977, $2.25 paperback).
Not many readers will have the chance or take
the opportunity to acquire a book presenting the
beginnings and history of the Anabaptist move-
ment. The question might be asked, Is there a way
to make history available just for sheer enjoy-
ment? The answer is, Yes. Myron S. Augsburger,
President of Eastern Mennonite College and a
widely known evangelist and theologian, has pro-
vided the reading public with a fine example of
how it is done.
Pilgrim Aflame would properly be classified a
historical novel, historical accounts enhanced by
a vivid imagination. It is the story of Michael
Sattler, a Roman Catholic priest who left his
religious orders to be obedient to Jesus Christ as
he understood Him. He was harassed and hounded
by authorities until in May 1527, at the age of
thirty-two, he was captured and burned at the
stake.
Michael Sattler was the primary mind behind
the Schleitheim Confession, an evangelical state-
ment of faith adopted by the early Swiss Brethren,
as the first Anabaptists were known. His preach-
ing and teaching helped give shape to the budding
movement and his witness in death stimulated the
faith of countless others as they sought to follow
Jesus Christ faithfully.
His witness lives on, not only in the Schleitheim
Articles (which are included in the text of this
book), but also in the radiant testimony he gave
to His Master in life and in death, so vividly com-
municated to us through Pilgrim Aflame. This is
recommended reading for high school age onward.
— Brian H. Moore
Rev. Moore is pastor of the Ardmore First Breth-
ren Church of South Bend, Ind.
Secrets of Friendship
The Friendship Factor by Alan Loy McGinnis
(Augsburg, 1979, 192 pp.)
Dr. McGinnis is a counselor in Glendale, Califor-
nia. In this book he shares the secret of how to
love and be loved. From the book we learn how
to be a warmer, more lovable person, how to com-
municate better, how to resolve tension in our
relationships.
In four sections the author deals with five ways
to deepen your relationship, five guidelines for
cultivating intimacy, two ways to handle negative
emotions without destroying a relationship, and
what happens when your relationships go bad.
Many outstanding personalities are used in
illustrations and quotes, including Charlie Shedd,
C. S. Lewis, Bruce Larson, and Paul Tournier.
The author also includes personal family experi-
ences as well as examples from some of the people
he has counseled.
At the heart of a relationship, says McGinnis,
is the friendship factor, the essential ingredient
of warmth and caring. The clues he gives for
better, closer relationships apply to friends, hus-
band and wife, parent and child.
— Julie Flora
Mrs. Flora is an Ashland, Ohio, honietnakef a(id
a frequent contributor to t/w Brethren Evangelist.
December 1979
17
The Brethren Publications/
Home Missions Endowment Fund
Ronald W. Waters explains the plan for supporting
the Brethren Evangelist that was approved by General
Conference.
FOR YEARS the Brethren Church has
been faced with a continuing dilemma:
how to finance the pubHcation of its de-
nominational magazine, the Brethren Evan-
gelist. In August, General Conference took
the first steps to solving that dilemma.
With few exceptions, church magazines
do not pay for themselves. They must be
subsidized in one way or another.
Subscriptions cover slightly less than
half the production costs of the Evangelist.
The subsidy comes from: gifts from indi-
viduals and churches (Publications Offer-
ing) ; contributions from church ministries
in return for the promotional value they
receive from the magazine; advertising;
and funds allotted from the profits of the
Brethren Publishing Company.
The Publications Offering has grown in
recent years, and we are grateful for this
new awareness and commitment. And the
denominational boards and ministries have
been supportive at a time when they are
facing their own tight budgets.
But production costs have continued to
rise. So the annual deficit of the Evangelist
has hovered between $6,000 and $7,000.
This annual drain on Brethren Publishing
Company profits prevents the company
from making necessary capital improve-
ments and retiring long-term indebtedness.
A number of possible solutions were
examined by the Publishing Compfany
board, in consultation with the General
Conference Executive Committee. But only
one proposal appeared to provide a per-
manent solution without adding another
offering emphasis. That proposal, which
was endorsed by General Conference, was
this :
Mr. Waters is General Manager of the Brethren
Publishing Company.
The creation of an Endowment Fund of
$450,000 over 10 years, to be invested
so the interest received each year will
cover the difference between production
costs and subscription prices.
Here's how it will work:
1. The Brethren Publishing Company
will solicit gifts for the Publications/Home
Missions Endowment Fund.
2. Funds received will be deposited in
the Brethren Home Mission Revolving
Fund. The interest rate will be set each
year by the Missionary Board and the
Brethren Publishing Company.
3. The Missionary Board will lend the
money to new congregations according to
established guidelines and policies of the
Brethren Home Mission Revolving Fund.
4. The interest received annually by the
How the Brethren Evangelist
Is Currently Financed
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren Publishing Company from this
investment will be used as follows:
a) First, to reduce the amount the
company must contribute toward
the current Evangelist deficit;
b) Then, to reduce the amount con-
tributed by denominational boards
toward production costs;
c) And finally, to reduce the amount
needed each year from the Publi-
cations Offering.
Some may ask, "Why invest the Endow-
ment Fund monies in the Home Mission
Revolving Fund? Couldn't you get a higher
return by investing elsewhere?"
Yes, we probably could. But the genius
of the proposal is that the Endowment
Fund can benefit the Brethren Church in
two ways: by supporting Brethren publica-
tions and by making more money available
to help young Brethren churches. We think
this two-pronged approach is the best
stewardship of resources the Lord will
provide.
How will the money be raised ? I'll admit,
$450,000 is a lot of money. But we believe
the funds can be raised without asking for
an additional annual offering. Instead, we
intend to raise the money, with God's help,
in three ways:
1. Through wills and bequests. We be-
lieve that Brethren people will want to pro-
vide the kind of gift that will continue to
support the Lord's work after they have
entered His presence.
2. Fund-raising projects. The National
Brethren Youth Crusaders made the first
significant pledge to the Endowment Fund
by setting $3,000 as their 1980 project. I
believe other national, district, and local
organizations will also lend their support.
3. One-time gifts of significant amounts.
We will encourage individuals to give over
and above their regular offerings, as the
Lord prospers them in special ways.
Donations of $1,000 or more will be hon-
ored by placing the donor's name(s) on a
plaque to be displayed in the national offices
of the Brethren Church.
Let me note that the Publications Offer-
ing will not be discontinued immediately.
The offering will still be needed each year
until the Endowment Fund is fully funded.
Then it can be discontinued.
However, as the return from the invested
endowment grows to the point that the
offering exceeds the amount needed, the
extra money from the offering will be in-
vested as additional principle in the Endow-
ment Fund.
Contributions and bequests should be
addressed to the Brethren Publications/
Home Missions Endowment Fund, in care of
the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 Col-
lege Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
I will be happy to answer questions about
the Endowment Fund and provide other
assistance that might help you or your
group in supporting the Fund. H
FEEL COMPELLED?
Are you successful in what* you are doing?
Do you feel there is something more?
The Church Needs You!
Can you teach others?
Can you care for persons?
Do you feel a connpelling pull to change?
BE A PASTOR. YOU CAN CHANGL
Talk It over with your pastor, or contact:
The Ncatjonal Ministerial Recruitment Committee
c/o Charles Munson, 910 Center St.
Ashlandg Ohio 44005 presented as a public service
December 1979
19
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Jeffrey L Geaslen ordained
i i
North Georgetown, Ohio — Mr.
Jeffrey L. Geaslen was ordained
into the ministry of the Breth-
ren Church on Sunday morning,
November 4. The service oi
ordination was held at the North
Georgetown Brethren Church,
where Mr. Geaslen is the pastor.
Rev. Geaslen is the son of Mr.
and Mrs. Harry Geaslen. He was
born in Front Royal, Virginia,
October 3, 1951. As a youth he
was active in Boy Scouts and
was awarded the rank of Eagle
Scout.
After graduation from Worth-
ington, Ohio, High School in
1970, Jeff entered Miami (of
Ohio) University. There he met
Diane Cowman, whom he later
married. Diane is the daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cow-
man of Dayton, Ohio. While in
college Jeff and Diane found
salvation and new life in Jesus
Christ. Both Jeff and Diane
were graduated from Miami
University in 1974.
In obedience to the Lord's
leading, Jeff then entered Ash-
land Theological Seminary to
train for the pastoral ministry.
While in seminary he served for
two years as pastor of St. John's
United Church of Christ near
Ashland. Also during his time
in seminary, Jeff and Diane
became the parents of two sons,
Joshua Daniel and Benjamin
David.
Following his graduation
from seminary in June of 1978,
Jeff chose to join the ministry
of the Brethren Church and ac-
cepted a call to serve as pastor
of the North Georgetown con-
gregation.
Bringing the message in the
ordination service for Mr.
Geaslen was Dr. Charles Mun-
son, professor of practical
theology at Ashland Theological
Seminary. The ordination pro-
cedures were led by Dr. Munson
Mrs. Diane and Rev. Jeffrey Geaslen
and by Dr. Jerry Flora, also a
professor at Ashland Theolog-
ical Seminary and secretary of
the Ohio District Ministerial
Examining Board.
Also participating in the wor-
ship service of ordination were
Mr. Lynn Mercer, a second-year
seminary student from the
North Georgetown Church, and
Mr. David Heestand, moderator
of the North Georgetown con-
gregation.
Special music included a vocal
duet by Mr. and Mrs. Heestand,
a selection by the church choir,
and a vocal solo by Mr. David
Hoenig. The prelude was played
by Mr. Hoenig and Mrs. Sandy
Blessing.
Loree, Jones Mills churches host
S.S. curriculum seminars
Ashland, Ohio — Sunday School
curriculum seminars were re-
cently held at the Loree, Indi-
ana, Brethren Church and at the
Jones Mills Brethren Church in
Pennsylvania.
The seminars were conducted
jointly by the national Board
of Christian Education and the
Sunday school department of
the Brethren Publishing Com-
pany.
Charles Beekley of the Board
of Christian Education and John
Rowsey of the Publishing Com-
pany were invited by these
churches to make curriculum
presentations. They demonstrat-
ed both David C. Cook mate-
rials, recently endorsed by the
Board of Christian Education,
and Gospel Light materials, en-
dorsed by General Conference
and used by Brethren churches
for many years.
These seminars were designed
to help these local churches
evaluate their Sunday school
programs and their curriculum
needs.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
Bryan Brethren celebrate at
All Church Birthday Party
update
Bryan, Ohio — One hundred and
sixty members of the Bryan,
Ohio, First Brethren Church
celebrated their birthdays at an
All Church Birthday Party held
October 28. This special event
was organized by Susan Stom-
baugh, Linda Lockhart, and
Dawn Ellis.
For the occasion the church
fellowship room was decorated
with 12 large calendars — one for
each month. On these each in-
dividual's name was written on
the day of his or her birth.
Crepe paper and balloons added
to the festive decor, and 12
tables were appropriately deco-
rated to represent the twelve
months of the year. Gracing
each table v^as an equally
appropriate birthday cake.
The festivities began with a
carry-in supper at 6 p.m. This
was followed by entertainment
presented by each of the 12
months.
The first month represented
was April, with Fae Musser
very ably presenting a humor-
ous skit, "A Bus Tour." Next
came July, with Rev. Marlin
McCann leading the group in
three camp songs — "Kookabur-
ra," "Hey Ho, Nobody Home,"
and "A Ram Sam Sam." A
humorous poem, "My Get-Up-&-
Go Has Got Up & Went, ' read
by Doris Peugeot, was January's
contribution. This was followed
by June, the traditional month
of weddings. Dawn Ellis read
an Edgar A. Guest poem, "At
Her Wedding," Willa Connin
read the poem, "Brighten Your
Corner," and the whole group
sang "In the Good Old Summer-
time."
For October Gina Stombaugh
and a fishing puppet entertained
with a song, "God Loves to Talk
to Boys While They're Fishin'."
And for August, Gene Lockhart,
Ronnie McBride, Mary Man-
ning, Alice Hancock, Marcia
Sander, Steve McCann, Donna
Sheppard, Philip Stratton, and
Bob Lockhart presented a real
tear-jerker skit entitled, "Susan
and Linda Said We Are to Have
a Skit and We Don't Have One."
Then came February, valen-
tine month, with Dennis Wis-
niewski leading a group discus-
sion on "Types of Love." May's
representative. Jack Stombaugh,
read a poem, "Young at Heart,"
followed by the song, "Will You
Love Me in December as You
Do in May?" accompanied by
Jill Stever. On behalf of Sep-
tember, Kent Freyman sang
"Shine on Harvest Moon," with
Norma Stombaugh accompany-
ing.
December's contribution was
by Mike McCann, who read a
poem entitled "Christmas." He
also led the group in singing
"We Wish You a Merry Christ-
mas." Anna Moog, representing
March, brought the wit of Edgar
A. Guest by reading his poems,
"Saturday Night Bath" and
"That Cold Bug." The conclud-
ing month was November, with
Eloise Gilbert, Lindsay Brandon,
Stacy Ellis, Marianne Tharp,
and Cindy Watson constructing
a flannelgraph turkey with
feathsrs depicting things for
which we are thankful. Carolyn
Brandon also presented a flan-
nelgraph, "The First Thanks-
giving."
Following the entertainment,
candles were lit on the 12
birthday cakes and all present
sang "Happy Birthday" and
bloW out the candles. The cakes
were then cut and served, along
with homemade ice cream.
— Louise Bishop
Corresponding Secretary
Forf Scott Brethren Church
dedicates new building
li11|Wiii!ii'|[|i|i||{|.Hi ' ipB i'i|]]|lli|BTrp"\'?Tt ' ';irff'W'''f"^""''''7''''^''''"*j7'r"f''jii;T''°y'""jM
Fort Scott, Kans. — The Fort
Scott Brethren Church dedicated
its new church building on
November 4, 1979. Approxi-
mately 40 people attended the
dedication service, which was
held at 2 p.m., following the
Sunday morning worship ser-
vice and a noon fellowship meal.
Leading the service of dedica-
tion was Fort Scott pastor,
David L. Powell.* Presenting
the message for the service was
Rev. Stephen Abe, who is serv-
ing as a tentmaker at Kansas
City, Kans., in the nev^' church-
planting effort being sponsored
by the Midwest District.
The sanctuary in the new
building measures 44 feet by 35
feet. The new building also con-
tains a pastor's office, a nur-
sery, one classroom, a fellow-
ship hall, and a kitchen. The
fellowship hall can be made into
three classrooms using folding
dividers.
The cost of the new building
was $32,000.
"^Since the dedication, Rev.
Powell has become pastor of the
Miilvane, Kan., Brethren Church.
December 1979
21
update
Oldest members. Cradle Roll
by Berlin Brethren Church
honored
Berlin, Pa.— The Berlin Breth-
ren Church honored both its
oldest and its youngest "mem-
bers" in October.
On Sunday October 21st the
church honored all its members
who have held church member-
ship for thirty or more years.
This included more than 100
people. These members were
given special recognition and a
gift during the morning wor-
ship service.
Honored for having the long-
est church membership was
Mrs. Mary Musser Werner. Mrs.
Werner, 94, has been a church
member for 82 years. In her
remarks she stated that she
delights in seeing the children
in the church and in seeing
parents doing their best to bring
up these children in the right
way.
Mrs. Werner also said that
she remembers attending the
wedding of the second longest
church member, Rev. D. C.
White. That wedding took place
in 1909. Rev. White, who was
also honored, is 95 and has been
a church member for 74 years.
He still teaches the Golden Age
Sunday School Class and assists
Berlin pastor, Rev. Ralph Mills,
with prayers during the Sunday
Rev. Albert J. Wollen
presents seminary lectures
Ashland, Ohio — Rev. Albert J.
Wollen was the featured speak-
er for this year's fall lectures at
Ashland Theological Seminary.
The sessions, held from Novem-
ber 14 through 16 in the Ronk
Memorial Chapel, dealt with
"The Growing Church," "The
Nature of Man," and "Exposi-
tory Preaching."
Wollen is the pastor of the
Cedar Mill Bible Church of Port-
land, Oregon, where he has
served since 1951. During the
past 28 years, the church has
developed a vital outreach to
the community and has grown
from an attendance of 80 to a
constituency of 1,600. Programs
of the church include a large
Sunday school, boys' and girls'
clubs meeting weekly during the
school year, and many thriving
home Bible studies.
From his wealth of experi-
ence Wollen shared with those
in attendance his insights on
such vital areas as discipleship
training, growing as a pastor,
layman reproduction in evan-
gelism, and development of a
strong preaching ministry. In a
special session on Thursday
night at Park Street Brethren
Church, he discussed guidelines
for developing an effective min-
Photo by Ken Hyland
Rev, Albert J. Wollen
istry through Bible studies con-
ducted within the home by the
lay people of the church.
Wollen, a native of Saskatch-
ewan, Canada, is a graduate
of Gordon College and Gordon-
Conwell Theological Seminary
in Massachusetts. He is general
director of Home Bible Class
Ministry, Inc., organized to min-
ister to pastors and laymen for
the development of Home Bible
Class programming. He has also
taught in Central America, Scot-
land, England, and Norway.
— Susan White
morning worship services and
at Communion.
In addition to the recognition
given to the 30-years-or-more
members, a special dinner was
prepared for all those with 50
or more years of church mem-
bership. There were 33 such
members who attended this
dinner, which was sponsored by
the Young Adult Class.
The following Sunday (Octo-
ber 28th) was observed as
Cradle Roll Day in the Berlin
Church. On that day 27 children
under the age of 3 had their
handprint impressed on a
ceramic plaque. Members of the
Christian Pioneer Class spon-
sored the event, with Paul J.
Coleman doing the handprinting
and providing the materials.
— Donna L. Paul
Marfha Deardurff
makes debut
with Lamb's Players
National City, Calif. — Martha
Deardurff, who has been serv-
ing with the Christian theatre
group, Lamb's Players, as a
costumer for the past year, is
now an official Lcimb's Players
performer. Martha makes her
debut in The Festival of Christ-
mas, an original show produc-
ed, directed, and performed by
Lamb's Players. The perfor-
mances begin December 5th and
run through December 22nd.
Martha is a member of the
Gretna Brethren Church, a
former Brethren Youth Crusa-
der, and a graduate of Ashland
Colege. She told how she be-
came a part of the Lamb's Play-
ers' ministry in an article,
"Theatre for the Lord," which
appeared in the February 1979
Evangelist.
Bits 'n Pieces
By mid-November, 37 people
had participated in the "Jim
Black Weight Loss for World
Relief" project. The 37 contrib-
uted a total of $1,307!
22
The Brethren Evangelist
World Relief acts swiftly
in Cambodian crisis
update
World Relief Corporation has
launched a major emergency
feeding program in famine
stricken Kampuchea (Cambo-
dia), A companion program in
the Thailand border area, in-
cluding both feeding and med-
ical assistance to Cambodian
refugees, is also in operation.
"A human tragedy of horri-
fying proportions is unfolding
in Kampuchea," stated President
Carter in an October 15 press
release. "I want to commend the
private voluntary agencies
which have moved so quickly
to deal with this emergency,"
he added.
World Relief, the internation-
al relief and development arm
of the National Association of
Evangelicals throug^h which
Brethren offering's are chan-
neled, is one of the agencies
that has acted swiftly and quiet-
ly behind the scene to aid an
estimated two and one-half
million Cambodians who are
facing starvation.
"We felt we had to move de-
cisively to aid desperate Cam-
bodians trapped and doomed to
starvation inside their war-torn
homeland," stated Jerry Ballard,
executive director of World Re-
lief. "We arranged through in-
termediaries to ship food into
Kampuchea knowing we were
taking a risk of at least some
supplies being siphoned off to
governmental units. The situa-
tion is now improved, and we
are able to continue supplying
emergency relief with greater
guarantees that the assistance
will reach starving civilians."
Mr. Ballard further noted that
in addition to its shipments of
rice and high protein biscuits,
World Relief is also sending
seeds and hoes to enable the
people to prepare the soil and
plant crops for a new harvest.
World Relief's initial action
occurred in early October when
arrangements were made for
the shipment of 500 tons of
rice and 30 tons of high protein
biscuits into Kompong Som
harbor in Kampuchea. These
actions were taken in coopera-
tion with three European relief
agencies, TEAR Fund (The
Evangelical Alliance Relief
Fund) of the United Kingdom
and Holland, and Oxfam of
England. Agency personnel ac-
companied the shipment, exert-
ing every possible effort to in-
sure that food reached starving
civilians. Some food containers
carried the message in the Cam-
bodian language, "A gift from
the evangelical churches of
Cambodia."
An additional 500 tons of rice
is being purchased by World
Relief for shipment through
established channels. Another 25
tons of food has been sent into
the border areas in southeastern
Thailand and distributed to ref-
ugees. An additional 100 tons is
enroute to Thailand.
Two to three million of the
original eight million Cambo-
dians were systematically mur-
dered or otherwise eliminated
since the Khmer Rouge govern-
ment took power four and one-
half years ago. Hundreds of
thousands have fled overland
since 1975, across the border
into Thailand.
Latest reports indicate that
200,000 Cambodians have crossed
the border into Thailand since
October 1, with another 200,000
expected to follow. Special
camps are being readied to care
for this massive influx of
refugees who are fleeing mili-
tary actions in their homeland.
World Relief is constructing
field hospital facilities to care
for the worst cases of malnu-
trition, malaria, and bleeding
dysentery. Medicines are being
made available through the In-
ternational Red Cross while
World Relief is rushing in
medical teams to help Thailand
cope with the emergency. World
Medical Mission, headed by
Franklin Graham, is cooperating
with World Relief in recruit-
ment of medical personnel.
"We are engaged in a relent-
less, almost frantic effort to
keep up with the massive influx
of refugees," says Reg Reimer,
World Reliefs director in South-
east Asia.
World Relief has arranged
and processed sponsors for
around 5,000 Southeast Asian
refugees in the United States
since March of this year. Spon-
soring groups, particularly
churches, are urgently needed to
aid in sponsoring an increasing
avalanche of refugees from
Southeast Asian camps. For fur-
ther information on how to
sponsor a refugee family,
write World ReUef Refugee Ser-
vices, P.O. Box WRC, Nyack,
New York 10960. Or phone 914-
353-0640.
Dear Brethren:
Christmas is an excellent time
to consider giving to the Cam-
bodian relief efforts. But I sug-
gest THAT IT BE DONE BY REDUC-
ING OR ELIMINATING SOME OF
OUR USUAL Christmas expend-
itures. For two reasons: (1) So
such giving will not diminish our
response to the needs and appeals
of either the Board of Christian
Education in December or of our
own local churches' offerings; and
(2) so that our giving might have
maximum personal meaning be-
cause we have "done without
something" to make possible a
significant gift.
If able to respond, mark your
check "For Cambodia" and eith-
er send it through your church
treasurer or directly to Brethren
World Relief, George Kerlin,
treasurer, 1318 E. Douglas, Gosh-
en, Indiana 46526.
Some of Jesus' announced pur-
poses when he came to earth
were to "bring good news to the
poor" and "proclaim liberty to
the captives" and "set free the
oppressed." (Luke 4:18, 19). As
the body of Christ in this 1979-80
world, it's obvious that our calling
is to do what Jesus would do if
He had our resources to use.
Join me ....
— Phil Lersch, Chairman
Brethren World
Relief Board
December 1979
23
updd'
Ashland
Theological
Seminary
completes
addition
Ashland, Ohio — Sighs of relief
may be heard from students and
faculty alike now that the sem-
Photos by Ken Hyland
inary has some extra breathing
room. Through the construction
of a new addition, space at the
seminary has been expanded to
include a large classroom and an
enlarged entry way.
The new entrance, complete
with an attractive "Ashland
Theological Seminary" name-
plate and lovely potted plants,
provides an appropriate wel-
come to the many individuals
who pass through it each day.
The 36 by 44 foot classroom,
which will seat 125, was much
needed to accommodate many
of the seminary's larger classes.
The size and location of the
room also allow it to conven-
iently serve other functions,
such as a special lecture room
for guest speakers, reception
hall, or fellowship dining room.
The addition was constructed
by Carl Kauffman, general con-
tractor, of Ashland.
— Susan White
Mt. Olive Brethren Church shows growth;
Rev. Gene Hollinger to become pastor
Pineville, Va. — The Mt. Olive
Brethren Church is growing!
Five new members this year.
Also, a new well was drilled at
the parsonage with full pay-
ment being made in six weeks.
Our prayers have been an-
swered— the Lord has led Rev.
Gene Hollinger to our congre-
gation. After much prayer, the
Hollingers have accepted our
call and will be moving from
Gratis, Ohio, to Virginia in early
January. Rev. Hollinger will be-
gin his ministry on Sunday,
January 13.
We at Mt. Olive are very for-
tunate and grateful to have had
Larry Tyner serve as our in-
terim pastor this year. A sem-
inary student at Eastern Men-
nonite College, Larry has been
a constant source of encourage-
ment and inspiration since join-
ing our flock. We will forever
be indebted to him for his
ministry.
Our junior (Children of God)
and senior youth groups con-
tinue to uplift the entire congre-
gation with their enthusiastic
participation. They recently
hosted a very successful South-
east District Youth Rally, over-
coming many obstacles — includ-
ing a watery basement and a
malfunctioning bus. We are in-
deed proud of our young people
and the many good works they
accomplish.
Continue to pray for Mt. Olive
and the Hollingers as together
we begin another phase of the
Lord's work.
—Mrs. Odessa B. Shelton
24
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Trustees act to assure financial future
of Ashland College
Ashland, Ohio — The Ashland
College Board of Trustees, in its
meeting on November 15, took
action to assure the financial
future of the college by approv-
ing a capital fund campaign and
by endorsing a recommendation
of college administrators which
will result in savings and new
revenue of almost $600,000.
The capital fund campaign
will begin in 1980. The goal of
the campaign will be determined
early in the year with the aid
of a fund-raising consulting
firm. Monies raised will be used
to eliminate debt and to increase
endowment funds.
The recommendation for sav-
ings and new revenue came
from the college's Academic
Affairs Council. The savings, be-
ginning this year, will be
achieved throughout the 198C-81
budget in the academic areas
without reduction in the number
of programs. The savings are
estimated to total $246,000.
Another $337,200 is expected
to be generated without an in-
crease in tuition. Fees will be
increased in areas where they
are warranted by the cost of
equipment or private instruc-
tion. Those areas are art, sci-
ence, music, radio and TV, edu-
cational media, and the speech
and hearing clinic.
On the basis of the council's
report, the board stipulated that
$50,000 should be added to the
college's financial aid budget,
which is available to qualified
students in all departments to
help meet their financial needs.
Dr. Joseph Shultz, interim
president, commended the Aca-
demic Affairs Council for its
report. "This is the most con-
crete of many long-range studies
undertaken by Ashland, begin-
ning in 1974. And it is the most
constructive. For instance, un-
like its predecessors, the report
does not recommend the aboli-
tion of any programs," Dr.
Shultz said.
In other business, the board
received the accreditation report
of the North Central Association
of Schools and Colleges. The
report lauded the fine programs
at Ashland and advised admin-
istrators to communicate that
excellence and the institution's
heritage, rather than dwell on
problems.
The trustees also approved the
appointment of a search com-
mittee for a president of the
college. The committee is
charged with determining the
method of its search and criteria
for applicants. Membership on
the committee will be comprised
of six trustees, four faculty
members, two administrators,
and three students.
Pennsylvania District Laymen
report year's activities
Mineral Point, Pa ^The Penn-
sylvania District Laymen are
alive and well and doing the
will of the Lord, according to
Jacob S. Mackall, their secre-
tary. Activities during the past
year have included the follow-
ing:
—On April 20th, 39 laymen
attended the spring rally held
at the Vinco Brethren Church.
The main part of the program
was pictures of the destruction
caused by an earthquake in
Central America. Several friends
of some of the laymen had
journeyed to the area and had
helped rebuild a church de-
stroyed by the earthquake.
—On May 18 and 19 the
annual men and boys spring
retreat was held at Camp
Peniel. Approximately 100 men
and boys enjoyed a Christian
film on Friday evening and
trout fishing, skeet shooting,
and playing softball on Satur-
day.
— July 19-21 the lajrmen were
a part of the 89th Pennsylvania
District Conference, also held at
Camp Peniel. In addition to
their two business sessions, the
laymen sponsored the inspira-
tional service on Friday eve-
ning, July 20th.
— October 4th was the date of
the fall rally, held at Mason-
town, with 21 in attendance.
During their business session
the men held a short memorial
service for 9 district laymen
who had gone to be with the
Lord during the year. Follow-
ing the business meeting, the
men joined the Woman's Mis-
sionary Society for lunch and a
joint inspirational service, with
Rev. James Black as speaker.
— Two work days were also
held at Camp Peniel. Laymen
from several churches, with the
help of a few women, painted
six cabins (inside and out),
painted the chapel roof, welded
bunks which had been broken,
and did a number of other jobs.
Activities planned for 1980 in-
clude a spring rally to be held
at the Pittsburgh Brethren
Church on April 18th, a spring
retreat at Camp Peniel, district
conference, and a fall rally. The
district laymen's project for 1980
is $1,000, with $500 to go to dis-
trict missions, $250 to Camp
Peniel, and $250 for Pennsyl-
vania Brethren Care.
Publishing Company
receives bequest
Ashland, Ohio — The Brethren
Publishing Company recently
received a sizable gift from the
estate of Mr. Floyd Wirth. The
late Mr. Wirth was a member
of the New Lebanon, Ohio,
Brethren Church.
Mr. John Rowsey, Executive
Director, expressed the com-
pany's great appreciation for
Mr. Wirth's interest in the min-
istry of the Brethren Publishing
Company and for his gift to the
support of this ministry.
December 1979
25
update
In Memory
Freda Vamer, 82, October 21. Life-long member
of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa.
Services by Carl H. Phillips, pastor.
Clarenoe W. Davis, 82, October 17. Member for 45
years of the Pleasant View Brethren Church,
Vandergrift, Pa. Services by William D. Walk,
pastor.
Ethel Louthain, 76, October 10. Member of the
Corinth Brethren Church, Twelve Mile, Ind. Ser-
vices by Frederick Snyder, pastor.
Charles B. Baug^hman, 58, September 5. Member
of the College Corner Brethren Church, Rt. 3,
Wabash, Ind. Services by St. Clair Benshoff,
pastor.
Mrs. Perry Hoover, 97, September 2. Member for
74 years of the First Brethren Church, Milford,
Ind. Services by Jeffrey A. Carroll, pastor.
Otto L. Wiffgrs, 74, August 15. Member of the First
Brethren Church, Milford, Ind. Services by Jeffrey
A. Carroll, pastor.
Membership Growth
Oarber: 6 by baptism, 4 by transfer
Berlin: 16 by baptism, 4 by transfer
Muncie: 15 by baptism, 2 by transfer
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. . . please let us know.
1. Give old address:
Name
Address
City State
2. Fill in new address below:
Zip
Name
Address
City State
Zip
Date new address in effect
3. Mail this form to:
Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
Goldenaires
Mr. & Mrs. Herrell Waters, 53rd, December 24.
Members of the Loree Brethren Church, Route 1,
Bunker Hill, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Lippold, 55th, November 27.
Members of the Loree Brethren Church, Route 1,
Bunker Hill, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Elton Metzger, 54th, November 6.
Members of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral
Point, Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Sausaman, 59th, October 30.
Members of the First Brethren Church, Roann,
Ind.
Clifford and Zenna Bowser, 50th, October 27.
Clifford a member of the Brethren Church, New
Lebanon, Ohio.
Weddings
Susan Miller to Thomas Blosser II, November 2,
at the New Lebanon, Ohio, Brethren Church;
Donald E. Rowser, pastor, officiating. Members
of the New Lebanon Brethren Church.
Diane Piatt to Jeffrey Lynn Lape, October 27, at
the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills,
pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Berlin
Brethren Church.
Cynthia Irene Lawson to Steven Alan Hodson,
October 21, at the College Corner Brethren
Church, Rt. 3, Wabash, Ind.; St. Clair Benshoff,
pastor, officiating. Members of the College Corner
Brethren Church.
Terri Getchen to John Gourley, October 20, at the
Pleasant View Brethren Church, Vandergrift, Pa.;
William D. Walk, pastor, officiating. Groom a
member of the Pleasant View Brethren Church.
Susan Jeanine Phillips to Raymond Devore
Hagerich, October 13, at the Vinco Brethren
Church, Mineral Point, Pa.; Carl H. Phillips, pas-
tor, officiating. Members of the Vinco Brethren
Church.
Vicki VanGilder to Paul William Menhom, Sep-
tember 29, at the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church;
Ralph E. Mills, pastor, officiating. Members of
the Berlin Brethren Church.
Sandra Kinunel to Robert Seifert, August 4, at
the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills,
pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Berlin
Brethren Church.
Hazel Ackerman to James Hillegass, June 15, at
the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills,
pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Berlin
Brethren Church.
Cindy Lytle to James E. Wyant, May 26, at the
Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills,
pastor, officiating. Groom a member of the Berlin
Brethren Church.
Karen Miller to Donald Hittie, April 7, at the
Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills,
pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Berlin
Brethren Church.
26
The Brethren Evangelist
finally^ hrethren
. . . some thoughts to take with you!
A Christmas Letter to God
from Rebecca Nul
Dear God,
Well, God, here it is almost Christmas
again.
I think I've remembered everyone on our
Christmas list. You know, it gets more
difficult each year! I can think of so many
things I'd like to give, but we can't afford
them. So we'll just do with what we have.
I'm reminded of Paul's words to the Chris-
tians at Philippi in Philippians 4:11, *'Not
that I speak in respect of want; for I have
learned, in whatsoever state I am, there-
with to be content."
It seems ironic, God ! It's your Son's birth-
day, and He is often the last one to be
remembered. Forgive us. I guess this is the
first Christmas I've really given more
thought to your Son. Thanks for helping
me over that hump! But you know better
than I how much further we have to go. I
know you'll be there when I goof some-
thing up — as I'm accustomed to do more
times than I care to admit. Thanks for Your
unselfish Son. I've come to hang on to Him
with my life.
With the new year at hand and so many
things wrong in this old world, the future
sure doesn't look very bright. But then,
I've never been one to get too worried about
things. Only this year I've not worried for
a different reason. I knew You'd be there
to take care of every genuine need — if only
we had faith (the kind of faith we have
when we flick the light switch and know
there is going to be light; or even the faith
we have when we get into that rattle-trap
of an automobile with the expectation that
we'll get where we're going safely). That
kind of faith seems to be so easy to accept
— but why is it that accepting the Lord
Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life
is so difficult?
It has taken me so long to think of Christ-
mas and Your Son's birthday in the same
thought. For me they've often been separate
events. Your Son's birthday was December
25th. Christmas was a time of overwork,
broken toys, noisy kids, heaps of torn wrap-
pings, too much to eat, nervous tension, re-
covering from a strained budget, returning
gifts, and all other self-centered descrip-
tions. Boy, did it take a long time! How
sorry I am and how sad you must have been.
Forgive me.
God, I'm glad you took the time to look
over my shoulder while I was writing this
letter. This season must be an extra busy
one for You — listening to all those prayers
for a peaceful and prosperous world. But
help us understand that it will be when You
want it to be. If we understand this, then
we can wait — and be more content in
waiting.
May Your Son's birthday be the most
joyful ever, as You accept more souls to
Your throne. And may Your blessings be
abundant and Your peace, love, joy, and
hope divine touch the hearts of men the
world over — here at Christmas time.
In awe and love for Your son,
Becky
Mrs. Null is a member of the College Corner
Brethren Church in Indiana. She wrote this "letter''
several years ago for a Sunday evening service at
her church. A copy of the "letter" was recently
sent to the Brethren Evangelist by Mrs. Helen
Dickson.
December 1979
27
• «
And the angel said unio ibcm, Fear f
not for, behold. I bring you good \
lidmgs o( great joy. which shalj^
be to all people " Luke. 2 10
^
ay the peace and
joy which radiates
from the heart of
the Holy Child fill
you and yours with all the
wonder and splendor of this
Blessed Season. And may
the miracle of His love be an
inspiration and comfort to
you always.
h^ay the meaning of the
holiday be deeper, its
friendships stronger and
its hopes brighter as its
memory comes to you
during the coming months.
i
Shoo.
We'd like to take this
opportunity to express our
gratitude and appreciation
to our many friends and
patrons for their support.
And hope the glow of this
joyous season remains with
you through the year.
/^^ \ \^ wish you all a
\§ I J merry Christmas
^^^^ and a very happy
and prosperous New Year.
Brethren Publishing
^
Company
-oxS
()'■
Announcing:
Ohio Conference
of file Brethren Church
Annual Business Meeting
March 8, 1980
Asbury United Methodist Church
Delaware, Ohio
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For Reference
Not to be taken from this room
^ Manchester College ^
4
4
^ Brethren Historical 4
C^ Library ^
2i NPRTH MANCHESTER, |HD. ^
For Reference
Not to be taken
from this library
il ^^^ IN
JAN 82
MANCHESTER,
DIANA 46962