Once again the cover demonstrates the theme of Acceptance. It shows Jesus accepting us because he became one of us. Dallas Willard in "Divine Conspiracy" states that Jesus doesn't just announce the Good News, he is the Good News.
Ken's lead article on acceptance was not new to those attending First Baptist Church in those days. Certainly it was not new to those living in our Community Households. We were taught to accept people as they are, not as we would like them to be. Of course, to our shame, we didn't always do this. There were a lot of examples of volatile situations that occurred when behavior was bad -- or perceived as bad -- and the reactions began. We became quite familiar with what we called the "sandpaper" ministry. We all tended at one time or another to rub one another the wrong way. But these interactions began to smooth out the rough places in our lives. We need to learn the lesson of acceptance in the church today. Rick Warren makes a point that we should not expect those outside the church to have the same values as those who are believers. Remember, Jesus Christ accepted us just as we were at that time.
Pat Vos, now Frehafer gives a nice testimony about here acceptance with us at 5th and E.
Clay Ford begins an article on this page about our standard of living. He begins by pointing out the ministry of Mother Teresa and Billy Graham's encounter with her. The issue of standard of living was an issue within the community when the Heads of Household would gather together. On one hand, all of us were trying to live a frugal life, but on the other hand, each person's idea of what was necessity and what was not frugal was different. Therefore each household was a little bit different on how we lived. This was sometimes a source of contention.
I believe that the artwork is that of Gary Bell. Art was important to our community -- visual, drama, music and even dance.
As Clay continues the article, he discusses some of the contention within the different households. I remember in the early 80s when the Share Program started, meeting with Deacon Shelton (sp) who started the ministry. This was a food distribution program which First Baptist became involved in. I asked the deacon where his idea came from. He told me that he had been a successful businessman, but felt called of God to go to Calcutta and serve with Mother Teresa. After serving with her for some time, she told him to return to the United States and develop a program to help the poor in a country with a very different living standard than India. He returned and developed Share.
Then follows and advertisement for workers in Abbacraft. This was also an important ministry in the church, but also nationwide through Christian Bookstores.Of course, it was Tim Pagaard's McFoone challenging people to sign up.
This is a continuation of a report on our ministry in Columbia written by Dale Hunter. Dale was a leader in our church for several years after his return from Columbia. He passed away a few years ago while still too young to leave us. For those who haven't read earlier issues, we had a team living in a Catholic Community called El Minuto. This ministry was quite fruitful. The Priest of that parish, Father Garcia Hererros (sp) was a leader nationally in Columbia in the Renewal in the Catholic Church.
For those who were in the church at that time, the In the Family column is always interesting.
In this day and age, the title "The Homemaker's Ministry" seems dated. Marcia Hadfield was a missionary wife. I can't remember where they were stationed (New Guinea?) If anyone knows, I would be glad to hear from you. Her article is really about creativity. I used to hate anything said about creativity -- I didn't feel creative. I think of art classes in Elementary School where teachers would ask me what I was doing and give a fake smile as they said, "Very nice Richard." My own Granddaughter said to me when she was five -- we were drawing pictures together -- "That's OK Grandpa -- you tried." Yet Marcia has a real point, we are all capable of creativity. I guess my area has been music -- working on preaching -- hoping to learn to write. My wife makes beautiful quilts. Each of us has our own gifts. I am still learning.
The wedding announcement is for Ted and Linda Walker. They have been -- and still are -- faithful missionaries in Israel. I certainly remember them well.
Ken puts his finger on a very real problem. I really feel for the young man/woman who went from Christian Schools to Christian College and then to Seminary then immediately into pastoring a church. I was unprepared for ministry when I first became pastor. Seminary gave me part of the solution. Frankly, 20 years of living in a secular world, working a secular job (Naval Officer) prepared me more. I am thankful that there are options today for more help in the spiritual aspect of the pastorate; I think of John Piippo at Redeemer School of Ministry. There are others. With this said, Pastoral Training still remains an issue.
Ken pleads for articles regarding the Charismatic Renewal in the American Baptist Churches. With this request, Our Life Together became the "Official Newsletter" for the ABCF.
On this page, Marcia Hadfield continues her article. One of the things pointed out in this article is still a real truth; the home can be a wonderful venue for ministry. Hospitality is an important gift for the church (as well as life in general.) The Next page will be for McFoone, right side up.
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A good word from McFoone about the issue of a stiff upper lip -- or faking faith -- to carry us through. Whether healing comes supernaturally or through medical efforts, healing is more than pretending that everything is OK. Oh the stories that could be told about situations along this line.
Larry Clark could be relied upon to read widely and report on his reading. I never read the book, but the review is interesting. Larry never read Bultmann -- but I struggled through a large volume for my "Synoptic Gospels" class at Bethel Seminary. I agree with Williams and Larry.
I remember attending the Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts. This became somewhat controversial as years passed. It was a good experience when I attended with a large group from 5th and E. Judy Lind is a name from the past. I remember her well but have no idea where she is at the present time.