Assembly Overview Program Book - October 2015 - Mennonite World Conference
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October 2015
Volume 30, Number 4
Pennsylvania 2015
Program Book
Assembly
Mennonite World Conference Assembly
Asamblea del Congreso Mundial Menonita
Overview
Rassemblement de la Conférence Mondiale Mennonite
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
21-26 July 2015
Pennsylvania 2015
The family together and apart Mennonite World Conference
North American Mennonites keenly interested in genealogy and
family names love to play “the Mennonite game” by asking new
Assembly 16
F
acquaintances, “Do you know...?” until they find a relative in common.
But as Mennonites and Brethren in Christ from 77 countries
gathered in Pennsylvania 21-26 July 2015 to celebrate “walking with or the sixteenth time over nearly a century, the body of Christ from Menno-
God” at Mennonite World Conference’s once-every-six year assembly, nite and Brethren churches gathered 21-26 July 2015. Over these days spent
the Mennonite game wasn’t only about bloodlines. From all corners together at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, 8,454
of the globe, it didn’t take long before we could find a connection: members of Anabaptist churches from 77 countries worshipped through song,
Mennonite Central Committee service workers, missionary prayer listened to sermons, prayed, attended workshops, worked on service projects
lists, participants in the International Volunteer Exchange Program and shared meals—together.
(IVEP) or Young Anabaptist Mennonite Exchange Network (YAMEN) exchanges and Opening the event, representatives of the local indigenous community drummed,
denominational bodies provided fertile ground for finding “relatives.” prayed and told their stories. “What happened in the past is the past,” said Barry Lee
Where our faith in Jesus Christ is the binding agent, everyone is family, especially in the of the Munsee Nation. “Let’s move forward from this day—together—in peace.”
Anabaptist Mennonite clan. Richard Thomas, chair of national advisory council for Pennsylvania 2015
Our sense of kinship grew with every encounter at PA 2015: we sang in each other’s (PA 2015), shared about asking for forgiveness for “Mennonite’s complic-
languages, built a house, canned vegetables, stitched quilts and comforters, were inked ity and our lack of concern for justice that deprived Native American
with henna designs, played football—together. brothers and sisters of their land and their way of life.”
When language divided, smiles filled the silence until a new friend arrived to bridge the PA 2015 provided opportunity for unofficial and official groups
linguistic gulf. of Mennonite World Conference to meet.
This issue of Courier/Correo/Courrier celebrates PA 2015. I hope you recognize family Before Assembly Gathered, 449 young Anabaptists (ages
in the photos and articles here. You can reflect on texts from the evening plenaries and 18+) participated in the third Global Youth Summit (GYS).
Cover Photo:
highlights of the joint morning plenaries (pg 6-23) where bold, fresh, Young Anabaptist Bookending Assembly Gathered, several PA 2015 attend-
A transcultural worship service at the
2015 Mennonite World Conference voices responded with challenging words to the seasoned wisdom of experienced leaders ees continued in fellowship with Assembly Scattered,
assembly in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who spoke first. tour events among MWC-connected churches across
USA, 21–26 July 2015. Photo: Jonathan You’ll meet Nelson Kraybill (pg 40) and Rebecca Osiro (pg 26-27), Mennonite World the United States.
Charles Conference’s newly commissioned president for the next six years and vice president for The MWC Global Education Conference
the next three. You’ll learn what church leaders from around the globe are “taking home” brought educators and administrators from
with them (pg 24-25). You’ll taste the energy and enthusiasm of the Global Youth Summit Christian elementary and high schools under
(GYS), a gathering for ages 18+ that preceded the main event, and meet former YABs the theme “like a tree planted,” while the
committee members (pg 30-33). Global Mission Fellowship and Global
But walking with God/caminemos con Dios/en marche avec Dieu is not always easy. Anabaptist Service Network brought
Hundreds of brothers and sisters from the Global South desired to come but were denied together leaders from international
visas to visit the United States. We grieve separation with them. agencies.
Volume 30, Number 4 Conflict divides people—even nonviolent Mennonites—in our churches at both the Health care professionals met,
congregational and conference level. Various Mennonite denominations are struggling with business people talked about faith
Courier/Correo/Courrier is a publication of unity. We long to fellowship amid diversity.
Mennonite World Conference. It has been and commerce, and research
published six times a year as a four-page Our churches in some areas of the world face persecution; martyrdom is not only associates and church leaders
newsletter with the subtitle “News/Noticias/ a Mennonite characteristic of the past. Youth at GYS—some having made their own explored the results of the Global
Nouvelles.” Twice a year, the newsletter sacrifices for their convictions—wrote notes of encouragement to Sang-Min Lee, the Anabaptist Profile project.
becomes one section in a sixteen-page first Anabaptist conscientious objector imprisoned in South Korea. We inspire each other
magazine, which carries inspirational essays, The international gatherings
study and teaching documents and feature- through prayer and support. of the Mennonite Brethren
length articles. Each edition is published in The path God takes us on may not be smooth, but God comes alongside as the thorn and Brethren in Christ global
English, Spanish and French. remover (see pg 11). The Bible is our guide as the living word of God. And the church is our church bodies included their
companion, our family, on the journey. annual meetings after As-
César García Publisher
Kristina Toews Chief Communications Officer “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133). We sembly.
Karla Braun Editor spoke that verse to each other often at PA 2015. Now, separated in body, the differences The next assembly will
Glenn Fretz Designer in our theology and practice may tempt us to tend to our selves. In the years that lead us be in Indonesia in 2021.
Sylvie Gudin Koehn French Translator to our next gathering in Indonesia in 2021, may we remember that we are family. Let us live
Marisa & Eunice Miller Spanish Translators
into that blessed unity through the Spirit of Christ.
Courier/Correo/Courrier is available on request. Karla Braun is editor for Mennonite World Conference
Send all correspondence to:
MWC, Calle 28A No. 16-41 Piso 2, Bogotá,
Colombia.
Email: info@mwc-cmm.org
www.mwc-cmm.org Changes at Courier/Correo/Courrier
Devin Manzullo-Thomas, who has guided Courier/Correo/Courrier for two years, has relinquished
his role as editor. He will be adding doctoral studies to his work as a professor at Messiah College,
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. It is my privilege to step into this service to the Mennonite and Event bags were sewn by local volunteers—
Courier/Correo/Courrier (ISSN 1041-4436) will be Brethren in Christ world from my home in Winnipeg, Canada, where I participate in the Mennonite including groups of Amish—at Mennonite
published twice a year. See https://www.mwc-cmm. Brethren denomination. I was blessed to begin to meet some of you at Assembly and I anticipate Central Committee’s Ephrata Material
org/article/courier for publication schedule history.
Mennonite World Conference, Calle 28A No. 16-41 continuing to grow my family through MWC. Resources Center from donated fabric
Piso 2, Bogotá, Colombia. Publication Office: Courier Another change to Courier/Correo/Courrier affects the schedule. This Assembly edition is and discarded neckties. Matching the
451B Pleasant Valley Road, Harrisonburg VA 22801 a double issue; however, it initiates a printing timeline of only two issues per year, in April and dimensions of the school kits sent
USA. Periodical postage paid at Harrisonburg VA.
Printed in USA
October. Mennonite World Conference will continue to provide news and information through the overseas, the bags could be donated
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Courier, website (mwc-cmm.org) and electronic newsletter released monthly (see “Publication sign up” to MCC after the Assembly.
451B Pleasant Valley Road, Harrisonburg VA 22801 under “Get involved” at mwc-cmm.org).
2 Co u r i e r/Co rreo /Co u rrier Oc tobe r 2015
PA 2015 Highlights
M
Worshipping
ost often filled with a cacophony of livestock
and crowd noise, the large auditorium of
the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, USA, was awash in songs of praise and
worship and proclamation of the Word of God, 21–25
July 2015, during the 16th Assembly of the Mennonite
World Conference.
Kazutomo Ray Epp
Singing Playing Communing Sharing Learning Serving
Jonathan Charles
Aubrey Kreider
Heike Martin
Rhoda Shirk
Rhoda Shirk
Choir director Marcy Hostetler led the Over 16 games, 269 soccer players participated Meals were eaten on compostable plates Reusable metal water bottles kept voices 180 workshops and meetings explored Afternoon was time for workshops or work,
international music ensemble in the first Anabaptist World Cup and flatware lubricated as conversations flowed topics from theology to activism like serving at MCC’s canner or MDS’s house
build
4 Co u r i e r/Co rreo /Co u rrier Oc tobe r 2015 5
Walking with God 21
Tuesday
César García immediately realize that the Anabaptist
movement is scattered around the world. Is
The next part of the phrase, “with God/
con Dios/avec Dieu,” refers to communion
when the captain asked them the same
questions, they responded that they were
walking together possible within our global with God. It is impossible to walk together if just obeying Jesus and weren’t willing to kill
César García spoke on Tuesday evening, 21 to defend themselves.
community when we have so many cultural, we aren’t walking with God.
July 2015, at Assembly 16. He is general secre-
theological and ecclesiological differences? Those disciples on the road to Emmaus Some of these friends were on the floor
tary of Mennonite World Conference. He lives in
Bogotá, Colombia. In Luke, the two disciples that had left were walking together despite their in pain because of the blows. Therefore, I
Jerusalem were in strong disagreement. differences because God was at the centre was able to respond the way I did because
They had likely reached the point of asking of their walk. They discovered that unity I had found a new community there. Four
I
Luke 24:13-35 themselves whether it was worth continuing wasn’t something that was miraculously friends with whom I was ready to walk amid
together. But that was not the way that achieved in the end; it is something that suffering, violence and persecution. Four
was 17 years old when an army captain Jesus wanted his disciples to leave is built along the way. This unity leads to friends to whom I could say, “Let’s walk with
asked me, “What would you do if our Jerusalem. a transformation that can only be found in God” despite our differences. And tonight
battalion was attacked tonight? What Leaving Jerusalem, facing our mission community. I would like to say to you, “Let’s walk with
would you do if someone came and and our call, cannot be carried out if we Every day during this Assembly, we God,” let’s walk during this week and during
shot you?” are divided. Jesus wanted his disciples to will reflect on the various moments we the years to come.
“I would pray,” I responded. leave Jerusalem filled with the Spirit to give experience as we walk with God.
At that instant, I felt a sharp pain on testimony. This is probably why the two As the disciples surely experienced on
my head. The captain had hit me with a Assembly opened with a welcome from local
disciples had to return to Jerusalem. the road to Emmaus, there will be moments indigenous people and a parade of banners
lyre striker. A lyre is a musical instrument “If you want to get there quickly, walk of doubt and moments when we are sure
made of metal that produces sounds with a from member conferences and associated
alone; if you want to go far, walk with we are on the right track. ministries. Below, Barry Lee and Joann
fiberglass striker. The pain was very intense. others,” states a well-known African saying. McLaughlin play a traditional song.
The captain asked me again, “What will you This is what the disciples discovered on
do if someone attacks you?” I said, “I am
not going to defend myself.”
their way to Emmaus. It is at the end of the “ Unity wasn’t something
Jonathan Charles
He hit me again and asked, “Why do
journey in community, after walking together
despite their differences, in the moment of that was miraculously
you want to be a Christian? Aren’t you
going to defend your country?” My answer
celebrating communion that the disciples’ achieved in the end; it is
eyes were opened and their understanding
was: “I follow Christ because I have found of Christ was clarified (Luke 24:30-31). As a something that is built
life in Him.” result, they returned to Jerusalem in unity. along the way.”
Walking
Why was I responding like that? I was
just 17, and at that time, I was full of Walking in different ways
Ray Dirks
doubts. In fact, I was experiencing a The theme of our assembly, “Walking with There will be moments of conflict and
spiritual crisis to the point of almost losing God,” reflects various lessons we can learn of reconciliation.
with God
my faith. I had left my church, I did not have from this passage. In each language, a There will be moments when we want to
Anabaptist convictions. Military service was different idea is expressed in reference to walk alone in autonomy, but there will be
compulsory in Colombia, and my Christian what it means to walk with God. times when we recognize our need to walk
convictions weren’t strong enough that I In English, walking refers to a constant in community.
was willing to go to jail for them. action. It is a continuous, endless process, There will be moments when we need
and thus calls for our whole life. When help and moments when we are ready to
Walking a path of learning walking with God, we need to constantly help.
I think the reason I had the courage to ask ourselves, “What are we leaving This is the life of discipleship. We are in
respond that way can be found in Luke 24,
Kazutomo Ray Epp
behind? What do we need to take along on the midst of a process; we haven’t reached
where a story is told of two disciples who this journey?” our goal yet, but are moving forward.
are on the road to Emmaus after the death In Spanish, caminemos is an invitation. This passage helps me to understand
and resurrection of Christ. “Walking” in the It is an invitation to abandon our fears, to why I responded to the captain the way
Gospel of Luke has a very special meaning: open our hearts to become vulnerable. This I did. Beside me, there were four other
it is about a way of life or conduct. In this journey requires patience: we need to wait soldiers who were also Christians. They
Gospel, walking is related to discipleship. for those who aren’t as fast and are tired. If weren’t Mennonites or Anabaptists. But
In Luke, many lessons are learned while we act with individualism and independence
walking. Here, the two disciples are talking and consider that we don’t need any help,
and they don’t agree. Jesus comes up we will be strongly tempted to go separate
in the middle of the discussion and asks ways. However, the invitation to walk Mem
Mem bersh
them, “What are you discussing as you together is still open. Mem bresíaip
bres
walk along?” In the original language, verse In French, en marche, implies becoming
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Walking in Doubt and Conviction 22
Wednesday
Yukari Kaga a sense of wretchedness. We flinch and
blanch with fear.
to be. Through Christ’s blood, Peter found
what he had never known before.
Through the resurrection, Peter found
Yukari Kaga of Japan spoke on Wednesday
Ironing shrunken hearts himself regenerated in the light of the living
evening, 22 July 2015, at Assembly 16. Yukari
pastors several small Mennonite congregations However, the Bible says “by his great hope. He found this; the only thing to do is
in Hokkaido. She is chief director of the Peace mercy.” The Japanese Kanji character for to live in the light of this living hope. This
Mission Center and serves at the Mennonite mercy (originally from a pictograph of the is our Christian hope in the salvation to be
Education and Research Center in Japan. Chinese character), shows that someone
irons a shrunk heart with an antique
style of the iron, not the modern electric
‘‘B
1 Peter 1:3-9 iron we use now. Using the antique iron,
Kazutomo Ray Epp
someone irons our shrunk heart with a
lessed be the God and
moderate temperature. It has neither a high
Father of our Lord Jesus
temperature nor a low temperature, but
Christ!” (1 Peter 1:3).
exactly the right temperature.
Peter begins this letter
This is the work of Holy Spirit. This
with praise to God. This
Comforter irons our shrunk heart with
praising to God is a celebration of worship. The Japanese Kanji
exactly the right temperature again
This expression of blessing to God is found character for mercy
and again for our healing and for our
very often as doxologies, especially in
regeneration.
psalms. So probably, the early churches
God has done this to us and is doing this revealed in the last time.
in Asia Minor must have easily understood
even now. And this God raised Jesus from So Peter could praise God. We seem to
that Peter started this letter with worship.
the dead. hear his strong, praising voice, singing with
But this sounds a little strange to me.
Jonathan Charles
There were so many people dying behind tears. Even if God challenges us, we
Thinking of the background of this
this passage in 1 Peter. And now, we still praise God.
letter, the Christians of the churches in
have so many people dying in this world. Of course, we may stumble over many
Asia Minor were in the midst of a risky
situation. They had a severe possibility of trials and sometimes may fall. But our faith
losing their lives under their circumstance never disappears because of the God’s
“ Faith is something to shield. Nothing can conquer God’s shield.
The Holy
of worldwide persecution. Peter wrote this
letter to Christians in such cruel situations. bring into the midst of Our God wipes away every tear from our
eyes (Revelation 7:17).
But simply. I have a question: how can we
praise the Lord in a painful situation? How our lives from outside of Again, we seem to hear joyful voices from
this letter. And now, we also lift our voices
could Peter do that? How could the early ourselves.”
Spirit’s mercy
church people understand this letter? together. Praising and singing, we follow our
Lord Jesus Christ.
When circumstances threaten
But this God raised Jesus from the dead Heavenly Father, O Lord,
It is sure that Peter wrote this letter to
irons us in
in the midst of people’s dying. Jesus died Have mercy on this world,
Ray Dirks
Christians. Peter definitely trusted these
like any other person but his dying has With your steadfast love and your
churches and greatly respected these
swallowed death in his victory abundant mercy.
church people. He must have known well
(1 Corinthians 15:54-55). Restore to us the joy of your salvation
about their deep predicament with tears
This is the work of the God’s great power. and sustain in us a willing spirit.
our trials
and crying. Probably his letter must have
And God works this power for all of us to Let us walk again in your living hope from
reminded themselves as God’s chosen
shield our faith from the danger and restore here to follow as a disciple of Jesus our
people “to be sprinkled with his blood” (1:2).
our conviction in God’s great mercy. Lord. Amen.
So Peter must have known that his
Sometimes, we say we have faith. But
readers knew the meaning of blood in the
faith is not something we have had within
imminent reality, because there were so
us from the beginning, nor something
many people dying. And still, even now, we
born inside of ourselves. Rather, faith is
know so many people dying.
something to bring into the midst of our
When we face an unchangeable reality
lives from outside of ourselves.
and are defeated under the circumstance,
God definitely makes us grasp
we have a struggle. We hold our faith tightly,
the conviction that we all have been
Remilyn Mondez
but still struggle. This struggle causes
regenerated by believing that Christ Jesus
an uneasy feeling, anxiety or fear. We are
was raised. In God’s ultimate power, we can
depressed and our hearts shrivel. We shrink
stand up again in a living hope through the
with fear.
resurrection. And in this living hope, there is
This happen to all of us, especially Clockwise from top: SaeJin Lee led the
a life which gives a true life.
when we spend unstable time in a congregation in “The God of Glory”/Chukkeso
severe circumstnace. This time is very Wangwiye from South Korea. Dan Arnold
The light of our living hope
painful because the reality challenges us. played classical Indian music on his sitar at
Peter wants to tell people about this joy so the Global Church Village stage. The Gamelan
Questions make us feel doubt and doubt
Monica Figueroa
they can be saved in the light of this living ensemble from Conrad Grebel University
makes us lose conviction. Then, we get
hope. He knows well how wretched he used College in Canada played traditional Balinese
depressed and self-pity covers us with
instruments. A local man played harp.
8 Co u r i e r/Co rreo /Co u rrier Oc tobe r 2015 9
Walking in Doubt and Conviction
Morning Presentations
22
Wednesday
Tom: In the Global North doubt is faith and our allegiance with Christ, doubt
unavoidable, and often a necessary and helps us seek understanding and deepen
good thing. our faith.
Hebrews 11 is realistic about faith: faith Let’s share our doubts, whether
is the assurance of things we cannot see abundance or lack and instability become
(11:1). reason for doubt. Let’s share our conviction
But Hebrews also insists that there is with each other before the Lord Jesus that
someone with us—our jakol kudho, Jesus
the “pioneer of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2),
leading the way.
Merle Good
The Bible may not always be a clear map,
Jim Cheng
Jim Cheng
but it is a truthful witness to a God who
walks in solidarity with us in the darkest of
Rebecca Osiro is a pastor in the Kenya times, reminding us that we are not the first
Mennonite Church, EFC Congregation, Nairobi, for whom faith is a struggle.
Kenya. She was elected vice president of MWC As much as the church often puts
Kazutomo Ray Epp
at the 2015 General Council meeting s. Tom our faith to the test, it is also God’s gift
Yoder Neufeld is a retired Mennonite Bible pro- for giving strength and depth to our
fessor from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Aubrey Kreider
convictions. They are the body of Christ, the
body of the thorn remover.
Faith & Life Commission They—you!—are God walking with us in
doubt and conviction. Tigist Tesfaye Gelagle serves her church in
Clockwise from top left: Children’s activities
entertained and inspired during plenary
God walks with us Thanks be to God. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has served as an MWC
intern at MCC’s New York UN Office, and in
sessions. Volunteers demonstrated sewing Ethiopia with MEDA and Compassion Interna-
techniques to participants working on Acts 12:6-17 Young Anabaptists (YABs) tional. She served on the YABs committee until
Hebrews 11:1; 12:12-15 2015.
Doubt sharpens our
comforters. Videos from the four commissions,
IVEP and YAMEN aired during plenary sessions.
Tom: We walk with God in doubt and can be able to surpass our doubt. As we
convictions
Don McNiven coordinated the music ensemble
which included gospel singer Dodó Miranda. conviction. After all, “faith is the reality of strengthen our relationship with him with
The Global Church Village was a relaxed venue things hoped for, the proof of things not the help of the faith community, doubt will
to explore cultural displays and hear music. seen” (Hebrews 11:1). sharpen our convictions.
The weight of doubt and conviction is not
Volunteers built a house for Mennonite Disaster Walking in doubt and conviction is like
Service. Off-site tours visited historical sites always similar. Especially living in such a
Rebecca: Among the Luo of Kenya kiawa postmodern age, where everything has the riding a bicycle: one pedal is doubt and the
and farms in the neighbouring areas. Friendship
Monica Figueroa
—doubt—is used in a situation where the right to be on the table, where everything other one is conviction. Without both, the
groups after morning plenaries provided space
to interact with different perspectives. end result is not certain. Doubt is shaped by is correct and everyone is a thorn remover, journey faith can’t be possible.
context. it is common to find young people in my
In my country, walking through forests church, in your church, in her church, in
and thickets is full of uncertainties and his church, in their church who are living in
dangers: attacks from social misfits and doubt and conviction.
criminals, wild animals or thorny shrubs. Faith is like walking with doubt and
Under such circumstances, one would conviction. Despite our wishes and clever
doubt safe arrival at one’s destination. attempts, it is impossible that travellers
In this setting, even the less dangerous succeed to escape thorns. Doubt is a key to
Kazutomo Ray Epp
pricks require assistance. Jakol kudho— deepen our conviction in our walk with God.
the thorn remover—walks along and I don’t want my doubts to drive me crazy
intervenes in the face of danger. He or she and lead me away from my walk with the
Jonathan Charles
gives assurance, appreciation, and offers Lord. At times, the doubts that I have feel
Jon Carlson direction to the traveller. so strong that I feel that it is in a verge of
Jon Carlson
Stories in the Bible correlate with the taking me down.
Luo’s usage of kiawa and jakol kudho. The However, there is a glimpse of hope,
possibility of doubt in one’s wuoth (walk or the person of Jesus. Jesus Christ who is
journey) is replaced with conviction the starter and finisher of our faith. I plead
full of hope. the body of Christ to show us his work in
Jakol kudho intervenes in difficult your life so that I could truly emulate and
situations to allow the sojourner time to experience it in my life. Jesus is Emanuel,
articulate issues and respond accordingly, God with us, walking with us in all the ups
Monica Figueroa
similar to delay in execution of Peter that and downs.
gave brethren time to offer passionate How could I turn these cognitive
prayer (Acts 12). propositions into life conviction that surpass
Jonathan Charles
Jonathan Charles
Christ, the greatest jakol kudho is with my doubts? The Lord is there to help.
us even when there seems to be no way. We can get an answer for our doubt or we Larry Miller and Anne-Cathy Graber brought
John Eby
We should not forget that it is darkest just can learn to live with our doubt in our walk greetings from the Global Christian Forum.
before dawn! With jakol kudho, doubts are with God. With the help of the community of Choirs sang on the Global Church Village stage.
but necessary windows of conviction.
10 Co u r ier/Co rreo /Co u rrier Oc tobe r 2015 11
Walking in Conflict and Reconciliation 23
Thursday
Nzuzi Mukawa Nabal is a very wealthy man who lacks
spiritual values and strength of character
situation demonstrates courage, tact and
humility (v.18-20). Her peaceful strategy
causes. It is only God who reconciles us
with himself by sacrificing Jesus on the
(v.2-3). Nabal’s hard-heartedness is is built around a team working for peace cross, the pivot point of reconciliation.
Nzuzi Mukawa of the Democratic Republic of
Congo spoke on Thursday evening, 23 July
accompanied by spitefulness. (v.19). She faces up to conflict with a Reconciliation between humans is rooted
2015 at Assembly 16. Nzuzi is the team leader When David learns that Nabal’s sheep are peaceful plan (v.20), all the while managing in Christ who is the peace of the world
for MB Mission in sub-Saharan Africa. He is being shorn, he sends some of his servants obstacles to peace (v.19). She asks for (Ephesians 2:14-17) and the source of unity
both a professor of missions and an associate to ask Nabal for help for his group who is in forgiveness without embarrassment, and for all humanity (John 17:11, 22, 23).
pastor of a Mennonite Brethren congregation in the wilderness. offers to meet needs and calm spirits. Reconciliation passes through the
DR Congo. In his message to Nabal, David shows What lesson can we learn from the resolution of conflicts, not only on the
kindness, gentleness and humility. Militarily, way in which this woman models conflict personal level, but also at the ethnic and
1 Samuel 25:1-44 he is higher than Nabal, but he uses a resolution, and from the process she uses tribal level, and at the level of the church.
peaceful voice, appealing to Nabal’s sense to achieve reconciliation?
T
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 of gratitude at a time of joy and festivities. Conflict resolution at the personal level
He reminds Nabal that David’s group Reconciliation, the path to The Word of God teaches us that the best
oday, world security is threatened
protected Nabal’s sheep in the wilderness. conflict resolution way to resolve conflicts is on the personal
by international, intertribal and
In spite of David’s effort to approach God does not want his children to level. This involves confession before God
even interreligious conflicts.
Nabal with an attitude to promote peace, participate in conflicts, but wants them to of all sins we are aware of (1 John 1:9-10;
Sometimes, security forces have
Nabal responds to David’s kindness with work for peace (Ephesians 4:1-3) as Abigail Psalm 139:23-24) and commitment to
conflicts with the very people
harshness, to his courtesy with contempt, does. She follows a path of reconciliation asking for forgiveness and deciding not
they are supposed to protect. Terrorism
to his confidence with disdain and hatred (v. which gives up hostility and re-establishes to repeat the same fault (Ephesians 4:32;
has created a climate of insecurity on the
10–11). Nabal’s malice in the face of David’s civility and communion between formerly James 5:16).
international level. Countries are torn apart
kindness leads to conflict (v.13) because hostile parties. The Gospels propose this process for us:
by wars. Political-religious movements such
David becomes angry and returns Nabal’s Reconciliation is an urgent need in our • Pray sincerely to God and ask for
as Al-Qaeda, Islamic State and Boko Haram
Jonathan Charles
violence with violence. world. We need to re-establish communion forgiveness;
spill blood in the name of religion. Opinions
We learn from these first 13 verses what • Speak alone with the other person;
and philosophies divide people and create
are the primary factors promoting conflict in • Speak with the other person in the
divided households.
this story: presence of two or three people;
Conflict undermines the basic social
• Nabal’s harshness and malice are in “ The work of the cross • Speak with the other person before the
units of a strong and balanced society. It
gives us peace and church (Matthew 18:15-17).
Light and
opposition to the good faith and culture of
can cause divorce. It sends children into
peace shown by David (v.6-8). They incite A desire to honour God and love for the
the street. It creates enemies within families
and dissolves businesses, sending staff into
the two sides to walk into conflict. justice—not just for the other person are necessary for conflicts to
unemployment.
• Nabal’s selfishness leads him not only to
refuse to share what he has with those in
church, but for the entire be resolved (Psalm 34:15). We must always
seek divine help and ask for wisdom, self-
hope for those
Since its very beginning, the church
has not been spared conflict, internally or
need, but also to refuse to recognize and world.” control and appropriate speech (Proverbs
thank those who have helped to protect his 16:32; James 1:5).
externally. At the external level, the church
property. This is what makes David so angry In addition, we must use the rules for
has been and continues to be the victim
that he decides to teach this man a lesson between God and humanity (Romans 5:8- good communication: listen to the other
of persecution. Internally, the church has
in darkness
with violence. 11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Colossians 1:19- person, state the truth, speak in a fair way
always had to confront controversies
• The contact between David and Nabal is 22); between human beings (Ephesians with love, express ideas clearly and speak
and hierarchical conflicts. For example,
handled by messengers who also play an 2:11-22) and to reestablish harmony in the with integrity for the glory of God and
the Anabaptists left the Protestant reform
active role in this conflict. The way in which entire creation (Romans 8:18-22). Hope for the well-being of the other person. The
movement in the 16th century due to a conflict.
they give information also contributes to the our reconciliation is rooted in the work of objectives for this good communication are
Our world, no matter how peaceful it
explosion of conflict. Christ on the cross, which wiped out God’s to resolve the problems which led to the
may seem, is dominated by conflicts. How
The factors promoting conflict in anger and judgment of humanity. conflicts. End meeting times with prayer
can the church in general and Christians
this passage are the same today. How The cross of Christ provides for and with words of fraternity or kindness
in particular walk toward reconciliation in
can the church promote peace in such reconciliation. On the cross, Christ erased (James 3:13-18).
this contentious world? Is it possible for us
circumstances? the act which condemned us and triumphed
to promote reconciliation in a world where
over the hostility and all the cultural barriers Conflict resolution at the ethnic, tribal
conflict is gaining ground?
From conflict to reconciliation (v.14-35) which separated us (Colossians 2:14-15). and racial level
The second section of our story begins The work of the cross gives us peace Ethnic, tribal and racial conflicts are often
Analysis of 1 Samuel 25:1-35
another sequence of events. The principal and justice – not just for the church, but the shame of the church. Our silence seems
The story in 1 Samuel 25:1-35 provides a
actors are Nabal’s servant, Abigail and for the entire world. We are called not to be a form of complicity to such an extent
model for walking toward conflict and from
David. only to believe in peace and justice, but that today, wise thinkers accuse the church
conflict to reconciliation. In analyzing this
Nabal’s reaction does not leave his team to apply them to all without distinction or of creating or participating in this kind of
text, we can draw out practical implications
indifferent. Nabal’s servants disapprove of discrimination, and to promote them to the conflict, such as the history and heritage of
that help us to grasp God’s thoughts about
the way he acts and expect reprisals from entire world through the proclamation of the racism and the slave trade, the Holocaust,
conflict and reconciliation.
David and his servants. A prudent man, good news of salvation. apartheid, ethnic cleansing, discrimination
who sees danger and hides (Proverbs 22:3; Following the example of Christ, the against native populations, interreligious/
Walking toward conflict (v.1-13)
27:12), one servant helps his mistress to church must work for love, peace and political/ethnic violence, the suffering of
In verses 2-13 of the account in 1 Samuel
understand the situation. He proposes justice in spite of the price which must be the Palestinians, caste oppression and
25, we meet Nabal, Abigail, David and
a way to get around their master, whose paid (Isaiah 11:1-5; 61:1-3; Luke 4:13,19). tribal genocide.
messengers. Their encounters lead to a
character could not allow him to accept The church must demonstrate compassion In the face of this situation, I call on
moment of opposition which turns into a
reconciliation that brings peace (v.17). by its ability to see and to hear the cry of pastors, church leaders and all readers
conflict.
Abigail listens well. Her approach to the the oppressed and to identify with just to teach the biblical truth about ethnic
12 Co u r ier/Co rreo /Co u rrier Oc tobe r 2015 13
Walking in Conflict and Reconciliation
Morning Presentations
23
Thursday
diversity, but also to acknowledge the on biblical teachings. The church must when confronted by conflicts. He outlines It is time for followers of Jesus to be in peace? What does God think when God
concept of sin in these ethnic groups. continue to count on God’s help so that for us the model which we should use when found in the places where the darkness of sees us walking in conflict, struggling for
In Christ, all our ethnic identities are it can resolve conflicts more effectively. It resolving conflicts. violence and injustice threatens. We also reconciliation, and too often, choosing to
subordinated to our identity as assets must avoid lack of respect for its own legal The nonviolent model for resolving must be present with people sitting beside part ways?
purchased at the cross. In practical terms, and juridical texts. conflicts, as we have discovered in the us in church who hunger for a deeper Many Christians today do not behave
the church must: The church must avoid favouritism. In story about Abigail, is not synonymous experience of God in the face of overwork, like soldiers, but act like children. Instead
• Prioritize healing and reconciliation: its prophetic role, it must be watchful and with passively accepting injustice and over-entertainment, or overeating. of multiplying through church planting, they
In case of aggression, self-defense is active to: aggression without protecting ourselves. It Paul’s counsel sounds simple: “Therefore spread around through church “splanting,”
means we do not use force as a means of encourage one another and build up each a church that has been planted because
Kazutomo Ray Epp
permitted, but not the use of violence. • Always pull itself back to God’s will,
Following the example of Jesus, who did commandments and precepts, and tell the resolving conflicts. other, as indeed you are doing” (v.11). somebody split up with another church.
not use weapons when threatened, the world about those things. The church must actively resist religious One of the fundamental purposes of What happened to the body of Christ who
church must walk in the steps of the master. • Discover the true nature of the problems and ethnic conflicts. Only love for the MWC has been for members of our faith stands united in one hope, one Lord, one
The church must demonstrate the attitude in the church and in the world by deeply enemy and the determination not to use family to build each other up. Often, we faith, and one baptism that worships and
of caring for its enemies as illustrated in the studying the causes, motives, sources force or violence can withstand conflicts Nancy R. Heisey teaches biblical studies and have not done this very well. Yet in the serves that one God and Father of all? What
parable of the good Samaritan, and practice and origins both near and far, in order to and peacefully engage the enemy. This church history at Eastern Mennonite Univer- history of Christian ancestors through the happened to the eagerness to maintain the
nonviolence as the door to reconciliation. propose solutions without taking sides. eliminates the structures of injustice and sity. She served as president of MWC from centuries, stories of building each other up unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?
• Promoting justice is an important way • Look for peaceful solutions and stand replaces them with good structures that 2003–2009. are woven like gold threads into the texture The church must not lose grip of the
to reduce ethnic and religious conflicts up to the sinful politics of exclusion and have God at the centre. of institutional problems. For example, foundation in which it is built (1 Corinthians
in the world. To do this, the church must marginalization. The church must prioritize Ethnic diversity is the gift and the plan Peace Commission Quaker John Woolman, a strong opponent 3:11). Unless the church goes back to the
of God in creation. It has been dirtied and of slavery, worked for years urging fellow preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ
Children of light
become deeply involved in standing up political systems which promote unity and
to injustice, to ethnocentrism, to racism reconciliation. deformed by human sin and pride which Quaker slaveholders to free their slaves.
and to oppression. It must get involved in produce confusion, quarrels, violence and The apostle Paul tells us that we know
reconciliation and identify itself with the The reconciliation of people with creation wars between nations. 1 Thessalonians 5 what time it is: it is a time for God’s people
oppressed, working for justice for them. We must be people who take care of However, this diversity will be preserved in Christ Jesus to be children of light in our
• Develop an inclusive church: The church creation, because reconciliation also in the new creation when people from all 1 Thessalonians 5 is not usually called world. His end-time words are not to call
cannot be a site for ethnic divisions and includes creation. Human life and creation nations, from all tribes, from all the people upon as a source of teaching on conflict forth fear, violence, or division, nor to pull
racial discrimination; rather it must be a are linked together because the earth takes groups and all the languages will be within the church. This early letter wasn’t a us out of living like Christ in the everyday.
setting where all are invited and taken into care of us (Genesis 1:29-30); the earth reunited because they make up the people response to conflict among Jesus believers. He wants all his churches to do what he is
fellowship. Leaders must not be selected suffers with us because of humanity’s sins whom God has redeemed. Yet, in the midst all this eschatological doing: build each other up.
on criteria that favour ethnicity or race which have caused heavy consequences Because of the gospel, I ask the body of fervour, Paul has within his core convictions
over spirituality. The church must not have (Hosea 4:1-3); God’s redemption includes Christ collectively and individually to repent the importance of how believers live Young Anabaptists (YABs)
Merle Good
an ethnic agenda. It is an entity of “unity creation (Psalm 96:10-13); everything was and to ask forgiveness in all places where together day by day.
in diversity” where all members are one
in Christ as taught in Galatians 3:28. The
reconciled at the cross (Colossians 1:15-
23); and the good news includes all of
they have participated in violence, injustice
and ethnic oppression.
For Paul, being “children of light” is a
community label in the midst of the forces
Soldiers in the army
church is a new ethnic group in which
there is mutual protection and security for
creation.
In light of this state of affairs, the church
Today, the church must embrace the
great power of reconciliation found in the
of darkness (not people but powers).
Jesus’ followers can watch for the Day of
of the living God Remilyn G. Mondez is assistant professor
in English and a doctoral student in
gospel, and really learn about it, because communication. She participated in Mennonite
everyone. in general and Christians in particular must the LORD with confidence. We know that Ephesians 4:1-7 Central Committee’s IVEP experience in 2004
• Guide our approach to politics and be on the frontlines of the efforts to protect Christ did not carry our sins on the cross the times are dark. However, Paul describes and was the Philippine delegate to MWC’s
to management of public property with creation. We must have a great desire to live only so that we would be reconciled with God’s people rather than God’s own self As we worship God in different styles, God Global Youth Summit in Paraguay 2009.
Christian principles: Political opinions must on a green planet by avoiding the waste of God, but also to destroy our animosities putting on armour: what Jesus’ followers must be smiling as God savours the sweet
not be molded by ethnic, tribal or racial energy, by reducing our use of carbons, by and so that we can be reconciled with each wear sounds like the virtues underlined in aroma of worship, rising to the throne, and His saving power, it will continue to live
prejudices but by Christian principles. recycling our environment and by avoiding other. 1 Corinthians 13: the “breastplate of faith offered by God’s children. powerless in conflict and in pain.
Christians who are politicians must deal pollution. Let us adopt a reconciliation style of life and love, and for a helmet the hope of Thus, I wonder: does God weep when the Christian soldiers, sound the battle cry of
correctly with everyone without prejudice In the same vein, we must support by forgiving those who persecute us and salvation” (v.8). very same children cannot walk together the church that Christ has redeemed: the
based on political or religious ideology. political and economic initiatives which having the courage to expose the injustice church saved by grace through faith and not
Politicians must avoid ethnic favouritism protect the environment from all kinds of they cause to others. Let us provide aid and by works; the church, living not with its own
and religious fanaticism, which often destruction. So we must support those offer hospitality to those on the other side agenda that promotes religion but rather, a
encourage hatred. among us who are called and sent by of a conflict by taking the initiative to cross relationship with the Saviour.
• Practice love and forgive enemies: God with a special mission to protect barriers to achieve reconciliation. Let us I appeal to church leaders who are in
Praying for enemies is one of the signs of the environment, and to do scientific continue to witness about Christ in violent the forefront of church conflict battles. You
obedience and submission to Jesus Christ. research in the fields of ecology and nature contexts, always ready to suffer or even die, cannot win these battles if you stick to your
We must love other people because they conservation. rather than participate in acts of destruction own agenda, forget to focus your eyes on
are created in the image and likeness of or vengeance. Let us get involved in the Jesus and lay down the full armor of God
God (Genesis 9:6; James 3:9). Forgiveness Conclusion long process of healing wounds, making because you are too tired.
is often very difficult to give, especially Violence has been used in many different the church a safe place of healing for all, For those who are trapped in the midst
when we are victims of injustice, hatred and ways to resolve the incessant conflicts including old enemies. of church conflict, know that God’s love is
oppression. But we must be willing to obey throughout the world. But history proves We must be a bright light and a source persistent, nurturing and pursuing. Always
the Word of God. that has not succeeded in bringing solutions of hope. We must share this witness: “God remember the finished work of Jesus
to the problems of the world. The way of in Christ, reconciling all people to himself.” Christ on the cross. He has already won
Conflict resolution in the church violence promises hatred, anger and The cross and the resurrection of Christ the victory over our sins and issues. Let us
Monica Figueroa
The walk toward reconciliation requires the vengeance instead of peaceful resolution grant us the authority to confront the keep our eyes on Jesus, from whom we can
church to obey scriptural principles and to for conflict. demonic powers of evil which exacerbate find healing. Fight a good fight of faith by
defend them to the world through the way it Indeed, nonviolence is the ultimate human conflicts. being bold and valiant soldiers.
lives. It must display transparence by relying solution to conflicts. Christ was nonviolent
14 Co u r ier/Co rreo /Co u rrier Oc tobe r 2015 15
Walking in Autonomy and Community 24 Friday
Wieteke van der the well-known story of Jacob, son of Isaac,
son of Abraham.
and children, he overlooks the fact that
they are part of Laban’s life too: daughters,
name. No longer Jacob: “heelgrabber,” but
Israel: “wrestles with God.”
Molen Even before he is born, Jacob is in
community. And even as an unborn child
grandchildren, future.
Of course, it is his right as an autono-
Jacob no longer seeks to enrich himself
by grabbing the heel of others, causing
Wieteke van der Molen of the Netherlands he doesn’t take it too well. He and his twin mous person. He lives by his own law. No them to fall and fail. Instead, he struggles
spoke on Friday evening, 24 July 2015, at brother fight so fiercely inside the womb consideration for any kind of community. for the rest of his life, every day anew. With
Assembly 16. Wieteke, who pastors a small that their mother Rebecca wonders why the people around him, with God, and far
rural Mennonite congregation north of she is still alive. When he is born, he is still Offering it all up most...with himself.
Amsterdam, loves to read and tell stories. grabbing his older brother’s heel. Surprisingly, on the brink of coming home, And you know what? Most of the time,
In Jacob’s book, Jacob comes first. the leopard changes his spots. Jacob he comes out winning. Slightly limping, but
Genesis 32:23-32 Always. No rules but his own. And he bends realizes that Esau might not be very happy winning nevertheless. And as he crosses
I
community around it. to welcome him home, considering the way the river, a new dawn rises. A patriarch is
Easily, with nothing more than a hot meal, Jacob deceived him before. Jacob tries born.
n the beginning, man was alone. Even
he swindles his brother Esau out of his to secure the peace, by sending messen- What a story.
though God created all animals and
birthright. Next, Jacob deceives his father. gers ahead. But they return, saying Esau
brought them to man to be named, man
Isaac, blind from old age, lies on his death- is coming their way with at least 400 men. A lesson in consequences
was alone. And it didn’t suit him at all.
bed, waiting for Esau to turn up to give him Jacob (impressed, worried, scared) is now But the truly amazing thing about the story
God could see that, and so he whis-
his blessing. Jacob comes in, pretending to confronted with the consequences of his of Jacob is that it doesn’t explicitly con-
pered a deep, deep sleep unto man and
be his older brother. He ruthlessly steals the earlier choices: what if Esau takes it all: demn Jacob or his actions. There is not one
while he slept, God took his rib and from it
patriarchal blessing. wives, children, herds, riches? What if Esau point where the story, or even God himself
created the other part of man: woman.
Jacob now has everything that should wants retribution, revenge? explicitly disapproves of what Jacob does.
From that very early day on, humanity
rightfully be Esau’s. He has won all, and at What if community pays it all back to You can feel it is not all good and beau-
was community.
the same time, he lost all. For he cannot autonomy? tiful, but the story itself keeps quiet about
Kazutomo Ray Epp
From the day we are born, we are part of
stay in the community he so despised. He it. It just shows the consequences, shows
a community. Whether it be a family, tribe,
has to flee for his life. you the effect of Jacob’s actions: he has to
orphanage or school, we are never alone.
The community feeds us, cleans us, teach-
Living by your own set of rules and living “ Living by your own set flee and leave everything behind. He lives
in a community do not go well together. in constant fear, of Esau, of Laban, of Esau
es us right from wrong, raises us.
It makes us stronger than we are,
of rules and living in a again. He has to start all over again, many
Calling his own shots
community do not go times.
How to be
because in it we are more than just one
In fleeing the scene of the crime, Jacob The story tells you all that. But the story
person. We are many. It makes us weaker
than we are, because we have to bend our
leaves everything. Or so he thinks. But just well together.” never tells you that Jacob did wrong.
before he enters the great unknown, he has You can feel it. You can read it between the
will to the rules of the community, give up
a dream. In that dream, God promises to go lines, but it is all in your imagination, really.
independent
our autonomy.
with Jacob wherever he may go. God will And so, Jacob takes a bold decision: he of- The story never says so.
Within a community, we cannot stand
protect him, God will bring him back, God fers it all up to Esau, of his own free will. In And that’s what makes it such an intrigu-
alone. The interest of the group will collide
will not leave Jacob until God has fulfilled doing so, he tries to make amends for what ing story. Jacob is no holy, immanently
with that of the individual. And that will
God’s promise. he has done. He acknowledges his wrong- good or pious wonder of a human being. He
cause friction and pain and frustration. But
together
Typically, Jacob is not sure. He calls the doing, and the consequences his choices makes a great example because he is not
we have no other way. To be human is to be
place Beth-el, the house of God, but he had on Esau’s life. exemplary at all. He is just like any of us.
part of a community. We cannot survive on
immediately starts negotiating. If God will In offering up everything his autonomy And so in our heads and hearts, we easily
our own.
really be with me, if God really will protect has gained him, Jacob in fact offers his fill in the blanks. We feel how utterly wrong
Still, we crave autonomy, every one of us.
me, if God really will provide for me, well, autonomy itself to Esau. some of his decisions are as if they are our
Growing up, we test the rules and bound-
then, yes, in that case, God will be my God. And so, we enter that epic scene, where own. We shiver, thinking of the consequenc-
aries of our communities. You can see it in
Jacob does not give in easily. Oh no. If God Jacob brings his wives and children, all he es. We wait, anxiously, for the story to go
small toddlers, pushing the “no!” just a bit
wants to stay with him, fine. But Jacob is owns, to the other side of the river and then sour.
further to see where it will go. You can see
calling the shots. That’s what autonomy is returns. Now, he is totally and truly alone.
it in rebellious young adults designing their
all about, right? He has nothing left. Not even autonomy.
own way in life, making their own choices.
And the story continues. Jacob’s love for And then somebody comes and wrestles
And yes, autonomy literally means mak-
his Rachel is famous. But in trying to marry him. All night long. Somebody. No name.
ing your own rules. But the modern interpre-
her before her older sister Leah is married, No identification, except the ominous Why
tation lies more in the way of carving your
Jacob once again tries to make communi- do you ask me for my name? (32:29). Is it
own path through life, being independent.
ty bend to his own rules. Funnily, he is no God himself? One of his messengers? Or
We desperately want to have a say in
match for the tricks up Laban’s sleeve and do we have to understand this all in a more
everything that concerns us, we want to
he ends up with four women in all. metaphorical way? Is Jacob in fact wres-
make our own decisions, to do and be our
After some 20 years of hard labour, God tling himself?
best. In these modern times, we take pride
calls Jacob back to Canaan. Jacob takes Maybe. After all, the life of Jacob is one
in our autonomy, in being able to fend for
up his wives, his children (11 sons and a big struggle with the people around him and
ourselves, in living by our own rules and
daughter at that time) and the herds he their rules and expectations, with himself
standing up for them.
gathered and he sneaks off when Laban is and his own choices, his own way through
Heike Martin
busy shearing sheep. life. Maybe in the end, he does wrestle God.
Struggling against community
Again, Jacob is making choices without Or himself. Or another metaphorical person.
But autonomy is no party. In fact, it is a
considering the effect on other people. Liv- It does not matter.
constant struggle. And so it has always
ing by his own rules, his own fears, his own What matters is that he comes out
been, even in Old Testament times, as in
assumptions. In sneaking off with his wives winning. With a new blessing. With a new
16 Co u r ier/Co rreo /Co u rrier Oc tobe r 2015 17
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