MWR : Articles : April 9, 2007

Last updated November 24.

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Articles : April 9, 2007

Editorial

Mutual aid alter call

More than 46 million Americans lack health insurance. This is “immoral and intolerable,” says a Mennonite Church USA document. But it is beyond the church’s power to solve. On a much smaller scale, however, the denomination is trying to fix its own version of the problem: the fact that 70 to 100 MC USA pastors are uninsured.

Feature

Education shapes worldview

WINNIPEG, Man. — Last fall, a curriculum committee at Harvard University recommended that every student at that university be required to take one course in religion. In making the recommendation, the committee stated that it is important for graduates to know “the role of religion in contemporary, historical, or future events — personal, cultural, national or international.”
Internationals expand views of world, faith

HESSTON, Kan. — Diversity has been a priority at Hesston College for 50 years, with the college hosting international students to bring a religious, cultural, ethnic and racial mix to the campus.
Initiative produces more racial, ethnic diversity

FRESNO, Calif. — The large three-ring binder on Jill Schellenberg’s desk offers a rainbow of colored pages. The variety of hue is appropriate because the document is titled “Life Together: Campus Diversity Initiative.”
Impulse for mission affirmed in Africa

ROSEDALE, Ohio — In the last two years, Ethan Mast watered fodder trees for goats in Gambia, learned to sing “Amazing Grace” in Mandinka and fell in love with the world of language.
In Indonesia, MCC helps provide refuge from stigma of AIDS

JAYAPURA, Indonesia — On Saturday evenings, Eka sometimes takes a break from life’s difficulties to watch a TV soap opera with friends at a support group shelter in Indonesia’s Papua province.
Music just part of gospel choir’s inclusive spirit

GOSHEN, Ind. — It is 5:30 p.m. on a Thursday in a Goshen College Music Center choir room. Students, faculty, staff and community members circle around a piano singing slow, heartfelt worship songs as they begin rehearsal for the college’s gospel choir, Voices-n-Harmony.
Pastor, a former Air Force chaplain, campaigns to support military COs

AUSTIN, Texas — The pastor of Austin Mennonite Church, a former Air Force chaplain, wants to draw more attention to the plight of conscientious objectors in the military.
Worship happens many ways

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Want to worship to the tune of hip-hop music? Celebrate Jesus’ love through dance? Silently pray while focused on candle light? Have a traditional hymn sing?
Center links mission, spiritual formation

HILLSBORO, Kan. — Move over, Bunsen burners. There’s a new type of lab at Tabor College.