AIMM Messenger

20 Pages·2001·7.9 MB·English

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SSENGER
VOL. LXVIII Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission Intl., Inc. 2001
by Tim Bertsche discovered the importance of symbolism. Seminary and former member of the
The Jordan River and Jerusalem are often AIMM Council, accepted the invitation to
used figuratively. I have wondered if my lead the group. He helped recruit North
O; March 3, by the grace of God, a Botswana friends understand that these Americans from within our Mennonite
seemingly impossible dream became real- places really exist. Communities who desired to visit Israel
ity when 10 AIC church leaders from This question led me to dream of while sharing the experience with and
Botswana met with 14 North Americans accompanying my students to the Holy learning from Botswana church leaders.
for the beginning of the Inter-Cultural land and visiting important biblical sites. Tim Bertsche co-hosted the event. Tour
Bible Lands Learning Tour. During my The tour entailed much work and many members included pastors, nurses, a sol-
years. in Botswana working with the prayers. Dr. Elmer Martens, Professor dier, a diamond mine drill operator, a
African Independent Churches (AICs), I Emeritus at Mennonite Brethren Biblical flight attendant, a hospital administrator, a
Bible translator and a surgeon. We
achieved our goals of experiencing God in
a new way, becoming informed about the
land of the Bible, learning about the cur-
IN THIS ISSUE
Botswana and North American Christians
An Ounce of Prevention
A Miracle in the Desert
Bishop Khuwe Kgosietsile Masole 1929-2001
Youth Take Center Stage
Samogho Mennonite Church Erects First Building . .10
Bearing Fruit in Season
Fanny Schmallenberger 1906-2001
Entering the Cattle Kraal
Congo Work Team Saw Crisis Firsthand
An Outstanding Congolese Mennonite Layman Dies .16
Missionaries
Ministry Opportunities
AIMM News
Praying at the traditional site of Jesus' birth, Bethlehem, (left to right) Rose Moilwa, Kedirile AIMM Directory
Kepaletswe, L. Ditshupelo, Themba Pema, Tendani Manyiwa, Philip Mothetho, Norman Editorial
Nuzonda, Boiketlo Ngwako.
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This chart represents AIMM’s 2001 budget, excluding missionary salaries. This year the AIMM home office is reapers to -
raise 25%, or $115,000, of the $460,140 total budget. The AIMM office portion is raised as you send your contributions directly _
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Thank you for your prayers and support.
continued from page 1 such a gift,’ said Kathleen Ralston, “and
Botswana indeed the whole group, each unique per-
The AIMM Messenger, Managing Editor:
son, a special blessing.” Mr. Pema of the
Leona Schrag, Associate Editor: Sharon
Blessed Revelation Peace Church said,
Whitacre
rent political and religious situation in the “The team cooperation, love and accep- Published by Africa Inter-Mennonite
land, and demonstrating Church partner- tance expressed by the Americans towards Mission
ship. us was a wonderful experience.” Dr. John Editorial and Executive office at
Bonding took place immediately as Zook asked Bishop Norman Muzonda to 59466 C.R. 113, Elkhart, IN 46517.
people shared clothes with those whose rebaptize him in the Jordan river. Pastor Phone: [phone]
suitcases were delayed. Roommates were Mary Anne Isaak said “My roommates and Fax: [phone]
assigned cross culturally. “Boiketlo was I shared a sense of humor. Laughing E-mail: [email protected]
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Garry Prieb - Executive Secretary
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Tourists in local garb—(left to right) Tim Bertsche, Joseph Motswasele, Themba Pema.
2
INTERCULTURAL
Bible Lands Tour
MARCH 200! =
i Inter-Mennonte missin]
Roman theater at Caesarea—whole group
together goes a long way toward bridging shared in Communion beside the Sea of place where he was crucified was a touch-
cultural differences.” “What a pee Galilee. In Jerusalem at the Pool of ing moment. I'll also never forget floating
said Bible translator Rev. Mothetho, “t Bethesda we joined our hearts and voices in the Dead Sea. Unbelievable!” After vis-
room with Dr. Martens, an Old Testa together in prayer for a sick family mem- iting “Nazareth Village,’ a homestead
scholar. I learned so much from him in our ber. In the Elijah Chapel on Mt. Tabor we reproduction from the first century, Mr.
informal conversations together.” sang “Bless Be the Tie That Binds.” Every Tendani commented, “Life in the time of
The itinerary included visits to evening, we concluded the day with devo- Jesus was very similar to our traditional
Bethlehem, Nazareth and Qumran. We tions and shared meaningful experiences. way of life in Botswana.” Pastor
saw the sites of the Transfiguration, the How did the trip impact our lives? Rev. Ditshupelo found it very meaningful to
Last Supper, Jesus’ Crucifixion and bur- Philip Mothetho said, “God’s Word came pray in the empty tomb of Jesus. He
ial. We walked on the Mount of Olives, alive to me when I saw some of the summed up well the purpose of this trip:
took a boat ride on Lake Galilee, swam in archaeological excavations. Seeing the “Seeing these places with my own eyes
the Jordan river, and worshiped at the tomb of Lazarus and the Pool of Bethesda will help me understand the Bible better
Garden Tomb. gave me a new appreciation for these sto- as I preach it in the future.”
But the most meaningful times were ries.” Mrs. Kepaletswe remarked, —Tim Bertsche is supported by the
those spent together in singing and prayer. “Following the path Jesus walked carry- Evangelical Mennonite Church U.S.
We truly became one in Christ as we ing his cross and finally reaching the
e moved!
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Check out the new feature "Snapshots of African Life"
An Ounce of Prevention ... in Botswana
by Sharon and Rudy Dirks
OF of the questions which dominates
our discussion these days as Mennonite
Ministries Bible teachers among the
African Independent Churches (AICs) in
Botswana is, What is the most effective
way to help Christians address the
HIV/AIDS pandemic?
Answers have included: partnering
with other churches in AIDS counseling
training, introducing a parish nurse to
integrate faith with care for AIDS suffer-
ers, and the writing of HIV/AIDS work-
books. All of these efforts are worthwhile
and we pray they will bear fruit. At the
same time, we are increasingly aware that
there is a great need for focusing on some
specifically vulnerable groups.
With this in mind, two projects are par-
ticularly exciting at this time:
The first is working with the youth of
St. Michael’s Apostolic Church. For about
one year we have been meeting with this
group every second Saturday. Since the
group was already meeting before we St. Michael's Apostolic Church youth present what they have learned (salvation history time-
joined them, we encouraged them to con- line) to the congregation. Naledi is presenting while in the background Rudy Dirks and
tinue as before. We would only attend Bishop Bothongo look on.
every other Saturday for a specific teach-
ing. For the first six months we taught a
biblical time line as a foundation. For the education. We start by looking at God cre- the larger society, this seems a daunting
past several months we have been teach- ating each of us in his image, and his pur- hope. Looking at the power of Christ to
ing about Christian relationships. pose for us. We move on to self-esteem, change a person’s heart, this seems like
These youth (in Botswana youth can communication, family issues, love, sexu- the way God usually works—one person
mean up to age 30 or more) are faced with ality, and Christian marriage. By at a time.
the pressures any North American youth approaching the youth in this way, we Please pray for the youth of Botswana,
might face. In addition they face subtle hope to give them skills and maturity including individuals like: Maipelo,
pressures unique to this culture. Often which will influence all aspects of Tanyala, Naledi, Settla, Bobono, Musi,
young women face subtle pressure from Christian life, not simply regarding Maureen, Synodia, Charles, Tsheko,
their families to have children. Here chil- HIV/AIDS. We have received permission Maria, Botshelo, and Ontebile.
dren represent the future for aging par- to adapt “Choose Freedom” from The second project is a new Married
ents. Yet at the same time it is nearly Scripture Union in Zimbabwe to these Couples Fellowship. Two years ago we
impossible for young women to get legal- youth, and are translating our adaption tried to organize a marriage enrichment
ly married, since the bride-price costs are into Setswana. weekend in Gaborone, to be led by a cou-
so high for a young man. Frequently this The youth have responded with eager- ple from Swaziland. Tragically, both hus-
leads to pregnant young women before ness and enthusiasm. The common ques- band and wife died separately within one
marriage, and often single parent families tion asked by both young women and men week of the seminar (4JMM Messenger,
when young men leave as soon as a girl- is, “How can I find a man/woman whom I VOL. LXVI). The seminar was cancelled,
friend is pregnant. Not only are there con- can trust?” In a setting of such a high level while we puzzled over how God allowed
sequent social and personal burdens, but of distrust, and assumption of unfaithful- this to happen.
also a high risk for HIV infection. ness, this is a desperate plea. We pray that Through the encouragement and assis-
Our intent in preparing teaching mate- God will work in the lives of youth such tance of Martha Thompson (with MCC in
rial for this group is to begin by laying a as these so that they can stand firm in Swaziland), we made another attempt
foundation for Christian relationships, their faith, can resist evil, and can find a with other Swazi couples in January of
rather than beginning with HIV/AIDS like-minded partner for life. Looking at this year. On January 19, 2001, three very
Marriage
Enrichment
Seminar in Jan.
2001 which
launched the
Gaborone Couples’
Fellowship. Couple
front right is
Isaac & Elizabeth
Dithamini from
Swaziland who led
the session.
excited couples from Swaziland arrived in times and are catching on to the material families abounds, this opportunity to
a van with Martha to teach the seminar. and applying it to their lives. When we strengthen Christian marriages is exciting.
Seven couples, from various AICs in discussed family of origin issues last time, With so much potential in this group, we
Botswana, came to learn. one gentleman told a moving story of how look forward to the day that having grown
What a wonderful weekend! Isaac and he was cheated by his mother’s siblings as in their own marriages, they can share
Elizabeth Dlamini shared a biblical per- a child. The pain of this experience influ- what they have learned with other couples
spective on marriage, and covered various enced the way he raises his own children, as well.
topics including communication, sexuali- teaching them independence and self- Our oldest couple, often the most
ty, roles, love, raising children and cultur- reliance. We had an excellent opportunity teachable, is a remarkable couple. One
al issues. The sessions were presented in to discuss how our families have shaped week’s homework related to communica-
Seswati and translated into English, at how we create our new families. tion and discussion relating to how con-
times into Setswana. The bonding which In another session on sexuality, we flict is solved in our marriages. This older
happened between the various couples heard a moving testimony of one couple man’s wife surprised him when she told
and the joy of being able to discuss mar- determined to live together faithfully and him that she felt really hurt when he
riage and relate issues common to most resist pressure which would threaten their shared in church that he was sorry about
cultures really refreshed participants. relationship. This pressure comes in the something that he had said or done to her,
As a result of the weekend, the couples form of a frequent practice in Botswana. but he had not told her. He apologized to
requested ongoing teaching, discussion Companies, or the government, regularly her, and shared with the group that he had
and fellowship to continue strengthening transfer employees to branches across the learned an important lesson about com-
their marriages. Some couples anticipated country with no regard for the effect on munication. He was so pleased to be able
teaching the material in their churches, their marriages. To refuse transfer is to to share what he had learned that week! A
but first wanted further training. This lose a chance of advancement. Many cou- story like this makes the effort worth-
prompted beginning the Gaborone ples thus live hundreds of kilometers while. We trust it is all pleasing to God.
Couples’ Fellowship with four couples. apart, and eventually succumb to the com- Please pray for: Botana and Elizabeth,
The other three couples still envision mon practice of “a city wife and a village Baker and Shingani, Fanani and Banaile,
beginning couples fellowships in Selebi wife.” Our friends in the couples fellow- Alfred and Nankie, Gideon Chedza,
Phikwe and Francistown. ship refused one such transfer and accept- Bryan and Teresa, and Rudy and Sharon.
The first meeting in Gaborone con- ed the financial consequences. They teach —Rudy and Sharon Dirks are supported
vened on the very first Tuesday after the their church members to do the same. As by the General Conference Mennonite
seminar. Seven couples attended, includ- the husband put it, “Husbands and wives Church.
ing the Borns and the Dirks (AIMM mis- must stay together—if Eve had been with
sionaries). With much enthusiasm for Adam, the snake would never have tempt-
such a fellowship, members decided to ed her. It was because she was alone that
model it loosely after the Manzini the snake had an opportunity.”
Couples’ Fellowship in Swaziland. In a country where marriage is rela-
The couples, ranging in age from early tively rare and pain relating to promiscu-
thirties to mid-sixties, have now met four ity, broken relationships and single-parent
A Miracle in the Desert
66 VF
he desert and the parched land will
be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and
blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into
bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for
joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to
it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord, the
splendor of our God. Water will gush
forth in the wilderness and streams in the
desert.” Isaiah 35:1-2, 6b
“The river olfi fe is not easy, it is a dying
life.’—Thomas Merton
“Blessed is he who has found his work.”
—Thomas Carlyle
“If we want more roses, we must plant
more trees!’’—George Eliot
We are standing at a crossroad in our
life and work. During the past two years in
Senegal, our team has spent much time in
prayer and the learning of language and
Excitement at the horse races in the local town. “Daradji” is how you look and live.
culture. The past eight months our prayers
and energies have become more focused
as God brought us into contact with seek- learn language and culture in preparation Senegal, cites a study that showed that
ers and new believers whom he is trans- for doing something that will benefit the 98% of those who choose Jesus but don’t
forming by the power of the Spirit. community over the long term. have a good job suffer severe persecution.
The goal of our team and of the Wolof Roelf Kuitse has said, “Suspicion is But if the person is fully employed and
Partnership is to see a strong, vibrant lived away, not talked away.” Our “person meeting family needs, only 47% suffer
community of faith emerge, one that gives of peace” in this community has run inter- persecution, and it is much less severe. We
the glory to our Lord Jesus, one that ference for us time and again in putting are planning to assist Wolof people in cre-
deeply honors the Wolof people and suspicions to rest. In addition, it is our ating businesses toward this end.
deploys their unique gifts across Senegal daily challenge to live our theology Our person of peace has proposed a
and throughout the world. Rather than through gentle relationships, ones that team slogan “Work Together, Strengthen
using an “extraction model” of developing enable faith to be discovered in the con- ‘Our Town’” as we seek God’s leading on
new communities of believers in which text of caring and loving. How can we be the development of business ventures in
believers forsake their communities of most loving in this setting? this community.
origin and create new Christian enclaves, As we learn from our Senegalese Our hope and prayer is that the activi-
our hope is that even those believers that friends and participate in our community, ties of discipleship would be a natural part
have been persecuted and expelled can be we’ve seen the values that govern life of life for us as we walk with Wolof peo-
reintegrated as salt and light back into here. Extended family and community, ple in creating these businesses. This
their home communities, changing Wolof being well thought of and looking good, approach provides unlimited opportuni-
society from within. May their inheritance and having material things, make up ties for the way that Jesus lived disciple-
truly be one birthed of the Spirit, an inher- “daradj1.” “Daradji” is how you look and ship for his followers. In all aspects of
itance of life! live given the interrelationship of these running the businesses, trusting God to
People here in town have voiced vari- elements. provide resources, working at problem
ous and sundry suspicions about our team Our person of peace has been encour- solving and conflict transformation, our
during these two years. Were we spies out aging us to assist with economic realities choice would be to follow the way of the
to nab drug traffickers? Or were we jour- as part of our work. When people have cross, dying to self so that Jesus and his
nalists making our living by writing books good jobs and can support their families, way would be lived.
and articles on this unique culture? What there is more freedom to make the choice During late April ’01, a group of our
motive brought us to this place? We have to follow Jesus, because they can keep up partnership leaders and our person of
told friends and inquirers that we are fol- with their community obligations. Adama peace came together to discuss with us the
lowers of Jesus, and that we are here to Diouf, a leader among believers in “what,” “how” and “when” of this vision.
LE A SL RE I OE OT I TE OSI I IT IE I TIN TAO ENES T DNR DO IES SREY PS I NAS SEY SECRET he ge Re Be Re ee
As we thought about how to declare the mark the community of believers giving “flowing upstream.” God wants to
jubilee year of the Lord’s favor over our it freedom, in contrast to the oppressive unleash a new level of resources. As we
town, God encouraged us during a air of the culture. give, we will receive. God invites us to
delightful time of prayer: * God’s loving kindness will be made come in generosity and love like that of
known in multiple ways in contrast to the the God we represent. Our God is an
* “My own arm will work salvation malevolence of an angry God and of a awesome God!
for the Wolof. God is here—ask for fatalistic outlook. * “My Word will go forth in power
whatever you wish.” * The beauty of our town will make it from here. The touch of My hand will
* May the blessing of the Lord dis- an oasis, “a city of our God.” It will be as reach to the nations. My glory will dwell
play God’s abundance in whatever busi- though a river springs forth, flowing out- in the presence of My people.”
ness ventures come to this town. ward from here. The power of God will
* Unity will prevail among the com- break the spiritual power over this part of So be it. Come, Lord Jesus!
munity of believers. Senegal. Even as crazy as having a recre-
* The love of God, not the love of ational lake in the middle of the desert
money, will drive the ventures of the surrounding our town, so wonder-filled
team. In this is freedom from suspicion will be its spiritual oasis!
and distrust. * God will bless the people that have
* The Spirit of abundant life will supported this venture as a blessing
_ Bishop Khuwe Kgosietsile Masole 1929-2001
by Bryan Born
Bishop Khuwe Masole, founder and head of the Memorial Apostolic Church, passed away on
January 5, 2001. Diagnosed just a few weeks earlier with liver cancer, he died in his home in
Gaborone where he was buried on January 14th. He was a well known, loved and respected leader
of the African Independent Church movement, and many here in southern Africa mourn his death.
Bishop Masole proved through the years to be a great friend to Mennonites. Starting almost at
the time of Botswana’s Independence in 1966 he became active in efforts to unite spiritual church-
es (AICs). Upon coming into contact with Mennonites in the 1980s, he felt he had met people of
a kindred spirit and heartily participated in various Mennonite efforts.
Together with AIMM missionaries and other AIC leaders, he was instrumental in both starting
and later providing leadership for Inter Church Ministries Botswana (ICMB), an organization
which seeks to strengthen the ministry of AICs. He was an active member of the Bible classes
taught by various AIMM missionaries from 1984 right until the time of his death. He certainly
held the record for the highest number of Bible class certificates, and he wasn’t bashful about
encouraging others to follow his example in studying Scripture! Although he didn’t live to see its’
completion, his longing to see a worship manual written for AICs will comet o fruition this year
through his own and the efforts of ICMB.
Concerning his own call to ministry, Bishop Masole was first drawn to the Lord by some itinerant evangelist healers who came
to his home village, Makaleng, in the late 1940s. Not long after he too began a ministry of prayer and healing. While working in
South Africa he married his wife, Velile Norah, and became active in various church groups. He founded the Memorial Apostolic
Church in Mafikeng, South Africa, in the 1960s and then established the church in Gaborone when he returned to Botswana short-
ly after Independence. He dearly loved his church, and during the last years of his life he could be found nearly every day labor-
ing to complete their new church building in Old Naledi.
Those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working together with Bishop Masole all have distinct memories of this
remarkable man. For myself, his joy, his love for the church and for his family, his willingness to work hard and his burning desire
to see people get involved in Bible study all stand out. But perhaps the thing I’ll never forget were his words, often said with a
smile or chuckle, whenever a discussion would get heated, “Iketle pele” (Slow down, tread carefully). It was like magic; people
would smile back at him and things would cool down. His desire was to bring people together, to unite them under the banner of
Jesus.
Bishop Masole is survived by his wife, four daughters and ten grandchildren. His joyful spirit, hard work and his commitment
to the Lord and to the whole church of Christ will not be forgotten.
—Bryan Born is supported by the Mennonite Brethren Church.
by Bryan Born The youth immediately made their ies on marriage and ways that young peo-
presence felt on Friday evening with their ple can prepare for marriage. The choice
strong choirs. Everyone was encouraged of the subject was clearly driven by the
Wren one thinks about annual church by their desire to sing at their best and it AIDS pandemic in southern Africa and
conferences, the most common image is
that of older church leaders gathering
together to discuss important issues. The
annual meeting of African Federation
Church Council (AFCC) of Lesotho cer-
tainly had a solid representation of older
leaders but the energetic tenor of the
meetings was set by youthful choirs and
spirited discussion during the Bible study
sessions.
This year’s annual meeting of the
AFCC was held in Teyateyaneng, and was not long before many of the older the need to help youth develop biblical
hosted by the African Apostolic Brethren people present were also standing up and standards in the area of sexuality. This
Church (AABC) over the weekend of May dancing along with the choirs. proved to be a topic of great interest for
11-13. Archbishop Isaac Moshoeshoe, Throughout the weekend the joyful everyone involved. In the morning session
chairperson of the AFCC committee, singing of the youth often ignited a fresh we focused on God’s intention for mar- -
along with the other committee members fire. The Millennium choir of the AABC riage as laid out in the first chapters of
(Bishop Setumo, Bishop Modise, Mrs. was especially noteworthy in this regard. Genesis. The roles and responsibilities of
Makhatseane and Bishop Moseneke) The youthful emphasis emerged men and women in marriage proved to be
organized a conference designed to bring strongly on Saturday during the Bible a hot topic during this session.
churches together for fellowship and the study sessions. The committee had asked In the afternoon we turned our atten-
study of God’s Word. that I come down to help lead some stud- tion more specifically to the youth as we
Worship time
(singing, dancing) in
Lesotho.
Left: Members of the AABC Millennium
Choir file in. (Lesotho)
Below: Members of the African Federation
Church Council (Lesotho). From right to
left, Mrs. Makhatseane, Archbishop Isaac
Moshoeshoe, Bishop Setumo, Bishop
Sidwell Molise, Bishop Alexander
Moseneke, Bishop Makhatseane.
looked at how they should relate with one
another before marriage. We also dis-
cussed what kinds of things they could do
to prepare properly for marriage. One of
the major issues in this session was
whether or not believers could have a dat-
ing relationship or marry a non-believer
(sounds just like discussions I’ve had with
youth in North America!). This is a big
problem, especially for young women in
the church, as almost all churches here
have a huge disparity between the num-
bers of women and men. But there was
agreement that we need to do all we can to
uphold the standards that God has given
us in Scripture.
hearing, they clearly wanted to be biblical the Lord as one body. We hope that God
in their understanding. Dealing with will guide and empower the AFCC as they
issues of sexuality and youth is not a sim- seek to make an impact in Lesotho.
ple matter and we are praying that the Later on as I drove back to Botswana, I
Spirit of God will continue to work in could still hear the echo in my mind of the
their lives. young people’s voices as we danced out of
The conference concluded on a high church: “I will clap my hands, I will sing,
note on Sunday as the youth continued to ‘Hallelujah!’” May God help the youth of
lead us in spirited worship. A small grad- these churches live out their confession of
uation ceremony was held to honor four faith in Christ.
students who had completed their diplo-
mas in the theological education by exten-
One of the most encouraging aspects sion program run by the AFCC. The final
of the discussion was to see how the youth element of the conference was to join
wanted to understand what the Bible together in partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
teaches. Everyone was constantly looking All thirteen of the churches represented
to the Word for guidance, and even though (including two new member churches)
they did not always like what they were were introduced and then we worshiped
Compiled from pictures and information
sent by Cari Friesen
E aster Sunday 2000 marked the inaugu-
ration of the first Samogho Mennonite
Church and the first Christian Samogho
baptisms. In January 2001 church mem-
bers determined the time had come to
build a church building rather than to con-
tinue meeting for worship on the porch of Left: The thatch for the roof was gathered.
one of the church leaders. Volunteers set
to work—especially on Saturdays. Within
about a month, they met for worship in the
partial structure for the first time. Work
continued to add walls, cement floor and Below: Women carry the bricks to location.
doors in the next four months. From this
building Fabé Traoré preaches God’s
Word and the message echos to others in
the village, who have not yet given their
lives to the Savior.
—Cari Friesen is supported by the
General Conference Mennonite Church
Above right: Cari Friesen assists and finds the bricks
to be very heavy!
Above: Children do their part in the building process.
Lower right: Men work on the
construction after making the bricks.
10