TAB-prn February 2009

Free Methodist Medical Fellowship

Models for Ministry – Consultation 2009 (Hold the Date)

You are invited to the upcoming FMMF Consultation. We will be meeting in Middlebury, Indiana at the Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center, September 25-27. Our topic will be "A Model for Ministry – Touching and Teaching as Seen in the Life of Jesus". The theme is a response last year's topic, "Building Bridges to the Poor

Bishop Emeritus Bates suggested the topic. Quoting from an email received from Bishop Bates: "My thinking on the topic I mentioned is, visually, two loops joined at the top and the bottom. At the top joined as Jesus' mission to reveal the Father and at the bottom joined to reach the targeted world. The two loops represent, on one side, the touching, healing, feeling, weeping side of Jesus' ministry and, on the other loop, the proclamation of the new order, the kingdom of God, now and coming. As models these two show us two dimensions of ministry in our world, each giving credibility, concrete expression and meaning to the other." Our presenters will be announced with our next Tab-prn.

Reflections on Building Bridges to the Poor - Dr. Michael Traylor

Consultation 2008, September 26-28

Sauder Heritage Inn, Archbold, OH

The Free Methodist Medical Fellowship convened for its forty-seventh annual consultation at the Sauder Heritage Inn in Archbold, Ohio. Our presenter was Dr. Michael Traylor. Dr. Traylor is the founder and co-pastor of the Christ Community Fellowship in Twinsburg, Ohio, on the eastern edge of the metropolitan Cleveland area. Michael answered his call to pastor while finding success as a pediatrician in Cleveland. He describes his calling as "Proclaiming Jesus, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom in order to present all perfect in Christ" (Col 1:29). Christ Community Fellowship has as its mission "Following Jesus and changing the world." His wife, Amelia, is co-pastor and also a physician, specializing in obstetrics-gynecology. The Traylors have recently moved to the New Hope Free Methodist Church in Rochester, New York. Michael and Amelia are excited about the next stage of their ministry which begins January 2009. Michael will serve as senior pastor and Amelia will serve as youth pastor. The Traylors have two children, Matthew age 15 and Michaela age 11.

Pastor Traylor led us in an engaging discussion of what it means to build bridges to the poor, to reach out to others we might not otherwise reach. Posted on this web site are the Power Point slides from his presentations. What follows is a short review of Pastor Michael's key points. You will find these four presentations both challenging and soul stirring. Our first session was Friday evening with three presentations on Saturday. Sunday afforded those in attendance an opportunity to respond to the theme of the Consultation.

Keynote: The Jesus Dream – Trans-cultural Healing and Hope

(Healing as a medium for demonstrating the power of the Kingdom)

What is the role of healing in the Kingdom? Healing is to become well, whole, or complete (to restore to original or intended form). That Jesus healed gave witness to the fact that He was the Son of God. This was the footprint of God in history, the kingdom of God come to earth. Pastor Michael went on to describe healing as physical, emotional, or spiritual in its scope. He also discusses the principles of healing.

Building Bridges – Obstacles of Color and Culture

Pastor Traylor opened this session with a case study describing a real person, Latisha, with real needs. She gives the appearance of being distant. Why is she antagonistic? Why has she had bad experiences with those who wanted to help her? When there is distance in the doctor-patient relationship, who is responsible?

The simple truth is found in John 3:16. We know of this truth, but there is a barrier to living it. We look for those with whom we feel comfortable. Pastor Michael reminded us that true worship comes in approaching the needs of the poor. To approach the poor we need to be aware that in the world of poverty there are rules which we need to understand if we are to bridge the gap which separates us. We also need to understand that the problems of poverty have been characterized as a minority problem. Accept it or not, we live in racialized communities.

Bridges to Poverty: Wrong Medicines for Cultural Health (Models for cultural reconciliation)

We may think that we have the cure for our cultural ills. What might they be? Color blindness, power conformity (minorities must learn the rules), multiculturalism, power responsibility. Pastor Traylor introduced us to a new model of racial reconciliation based on shared responsibility. This model brings us to repentance, to build new relationships, and to give up the benefits of wealth and power.

Building Bridges – A Biblical Approach

Change the World – Tell a New Story (Myths, metaphors, and medicine)

The world has changed in our life time. We have moved from "Modernity" to "Post Modernity" with a resulting change of our understanding of truth, faith, institutions, personal identity, and community. The Church has also changed. We have moved from being missional to modern, from being centered in Christ to being bound by tradition. We need a holy dissatisfaction to see the Church as God would see it. What are the American myths which hinders our vision? We need to move into grace and away from judgment, and thereby offer a credible witness. So be it!

Our 2008 Consultation closed with worship and communion, led by Rev. Jim Kirkpatrick and Bishop Gerald Bates. We each were able to meditate on and share our own reflections: What is God doing in your life? What does "Building Bridges to the Poor" mean to you?

The Lord has blessed me with fresh insights into what it means to be a follower of Christ. One insight came at the Labor Day Weekend family camp hosted by the Arizona FM conference near Prescott, Arizona. Insight no. 1: The Christian life is to be not primarily characterized as holy living, but by a life wholly committed to knowing Jesus. The next insight has come out of our small Bible study group here south of Tucson. Insight no. 2: We live out our Christian life as we commit ourselves to each other in community, serving both those inside and outside the Church. Another important, and may I say life changing, insight came to me as a result of this year's Consultation. Insight no. 3: We are to build bridges to others we might not otherwise consider reaching.

Pastor Traylor's teachings have made an impact on me personally. Though I have been committed to cross-cultural ministry throughout my professional life, I have a sense that I still have more lessons to learn in building bridges to those living outside of my own culture. Check out the power point presentations posted on this web page (2008 presentations 1-4 power point). You can access Dr. Traylor's presentation by going to www.freemethodistchurch.org/users/fmmf. If you have any thoughts on this timely and important topic, feel free to email me at president@fmmf.org.

The Passing of a Dr. C Albert Snyder (as reported by son, Glenn Snyder)

Many of you may have already heard the news, but wanted you to know Dad passed away 9:20 a.m. this morning (January 8) at Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, Michigan. He had a long struggle after his knee replacement November 24, 2008 in Grand Rapids, and never was able to get well enough to come home. The past 10 days have been in intensive care, the last 8 of which were spent restrained on a ventilator and dialysis for both respiratory and kidney failure. Unfortunately, not even the maximal day and night efforts of multiple specialists, highly trained nurses, and the most advanced medical technology in the world were enough to keep him going. We were not quite ready to let him go, and our hearts are heavy. But in spite of this, your support and prayers over the past weeks have reassured us that God is in control, even if it is a time to practice "Ruthless Trust" (Brennan Manning).

With love and appreciation from all of us,

Glenn Snyder

(A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Al Snyder's life was held on at the Spring Arbor FM Church, Spring Arbor. I remember Dr. Al as a mentor, friend and faithful missionary. He oriented me to the routine of missionary life and patiently guided me in the practice of missionary medicine. His investment in the lives of other missionaries, friends, and those in need is apparent in each gathering of CAHO, the support organization he founded to encourage and medical ministries primarily in Central Africa. Dr. Al will be missed but his faithful service will continue to bear fruit. Tim Kratzer )

Report from Burundi - From Frank and Carol Ogden, January 2009

Dear Friends interested in Hope Africa Univ. and Kibuye Hospital,

For your encouragement and so you can pray here is a brief outline of people and teams going to Burundi in the coming months:

Feb 9-mid May Wayne & Barb Vibbert will return for Spring semester at HAU; W. teaches Biology & B. English

Feb 11-27 Dr. Michele (Gray) & Tim Ashton will serve at Kibuye

Feb 24-May 12 Dr. Frank & Carol Ogden to Kibuye

Feb 28-Mar 9 Milo & Helen Kaufmann team of 13 with Marti Ensign as guide--prayer journey to Bujumbura, Kibogora & Kibuye

Mar 7-27 Dental team from Mich to hold clinics at Kibuye and Nundu

Mar 6-Apr 9 Bob & Judy O'Brien of Mt. Vernon, WA will split time between Nundu & Kibuye doing repair/remodel work, etc

Mar 14-21 Denise Vibbert Patch and a Sister Connection team to Burundi

Mar 17-27 (approx) Kelly Wickham, pediatric nurse practitioner to serve at Kibuye

Mar 23-30 Dr. Bruce Young and family drive to Kibuye from Kibogora; will also visit HAU

Apr 10-May 12 Myrtle Moller, retired RN (sister of Frank Ogden) to serve at Kibuye

Apr 18-May 2 Matt Ogden, high school grandson of Frank, visits Kibuye to see Grandpa in action

End of March approx one week - (tentative) team led by Bishop Gerald Bates & Dr. Dave Crandall "Physicians' Advisory Tour for HAU Medical School"

May 30-June 20 Dr. Harris & Pheobe Mainster serve at Kibuye

June 21-July 21 (approx) Dr. Mike McGee team (3 physicians) to serve at Kibuye and part of team at Nundu Deaconness Hospital, DRC

July 1-21 (approx) Dr. Robert Schneider to teach Medical Genetics at HAU

In addition, Randy & Alice Matthewson, veteran missionaries of Zaire/Congo are currently working at Nundu, DRC (left home in early Dec) and will return to the US April 1, but plan to go back to Nundu to host the McGee team in June-July. Their work of rebuilding facilities & maintaining relationships with the nationals is vital for the future of visiting physicians and others.

What a lot of interest in Burundi/Congo these days! We praise God for this. If we forgot someone let us know. Dr. Frank & Carol Ogden

Report from Matt Main (December 2008)

Dear FMMF,

Now past the halfway point here in Kibogora, we are impressed with what God is doing here in the mission and in our hearts.

In the mission, He is actively working in the hearts of the hospital staff. Raising converts is a common event in this 'Christian' nation, but discipleship is critical. Bruce Young's alpha course is a bull's eye shot--discipling the interns and other physician staff in the basics and more advanced principles of active Christianity. What a blessing that this nationally-renown hospital has the name of Christ behind it, glorifying His name! I think the missionaries' job is to encourage the staff to continue in their faith, delivering excellent and Heavenly-minded care as if serving the Lord.

In the Main family, He is actively shaping our hearts for His service. This trip has enlightened us to the needs, context, and importance of foreign missions. Our role is clearer now than before we left: a confirmed active partner of global missionaries--preparing to support, ready at the Lord calling to go.

We are so blessed to have the generous support of the FMMF. Thank you for your prayers and financial help.

In Christ's Love,

Matt, Christa, and Josiah

Parish Nursing Visits India

On our recent trip (September 2008) to Umri Christian Hospital (UCH) we were able to tour the new facilities built with funds from Butterfield Foundation. The rooms were spacious and bright, just waiting for the finishing touches before the patients move in. What we heard most often from Dr. Pratap, Medical Director of UCH, was that a surgeon is needed. They are exploring the possibilities from their end for an Indian surgeon, but would be greatly encouraged to have an American surgeon come for a short-term medical mission. This could be for 15 days to 2 – 3 months or longer. Please pray about this need and contact David Yardy for more information.

"To introduce Parish Nursing to our Free Methodist nurses in India and to gather information to establish a sustainable and meaningful partnership in the ministry of health." This was the goal of our visit to Mumbai, Umri and Yavatmal. Four nurses, Joan Crane, Wabash Conference, Lynn Sue Pierce, Genesis Conference, Helene Kahlstorf, NC Conference, and Mac McIntyre from Chicago assisted the Western India Conference in holding two retreats for nurses in our churches in Mumbai and Yavatmal.

The national teams of nurses and pastors we worked with were exceptional in knowledge and zeal. Much preparation had been done prior to our arrival. We were able to blend our skills and knowledge with their gifts and desires. From what was learned we are developing ongoing chapters of Parish Nursing in India. Blood pressure equipment was donated to both sites to assist in beginning the parish nurse ministry.

In addition to the two retreats for nurses the mission's team-taught classes at the Helen Rose Training College of Nursing at Umri Christian Hospital. The young students were eager to participate in both learning and teaching. Classes on critical thinking and assertiveness were also included. 100 pounds of nursing textbooks were donated to the Nursing School.

Our goal of establishing a meaningful partnership will be achieved as we build relationships, share our resources and share our faith on future trips that should include nurses, doctors and other health professionals.

Parish Nursing is a health team ministry that promotes health and wholeness with an emphasis on the spiritual aspects of wellness. www.parishnursingfmc.org . For more info about the India Nurse team trip, visit Lynn Sue's blog at http://lsp08.wordpress.com

Sin, and a Light – Personal Reflections

It was a sunny Saturday fall morning in the Arizona desert. I was with a group of volunteers from our church who were picking up trash along the roadside. The litter included plastic water bottles, aluminum pop cans, plastic bags, pieces of insulation, and cigarette butts. Though I was performing community service on behalf of our church, I found myself thinking how mindless it was for passers-by to throw trash from their moving vehicles. "There should be a law against this." In deed there are laws against litter, but friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens continue to litter public places. I found myself asking the questions, "What can I do about this?" I don't think a citizen's arrest would get me very far. Perhaps my original intention of picking up the trash one piece at a time was the best I could do.

I found myself thinking about what it is like to be living in a sinful world which continues to trash its culture with lewd lyrics, profane talk, and selfish behavior. There should be laws about this. Indeed there are. The Ten Commandments make it clear as to how we should live. And yet we see our society choosing to live by its own rules. What can we do to get the world to live the way we live?

I had an opportunity recently to be talking to two young doctors who had just joined our hospitalist group, one a young man raised as a Seventh Day Adventist but now a self-proclaimed agnostic and the other a young lady raised in a Hindu home. When asked what would it take for you to accept the Christian way, they each said they would not accept a belief which condemns them for not believing a certain way.

Then I got to thinking of the words found in Isaiah 49:6:

"I will give you as a light to the nations,

that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

I find this truth liberating. I need not go about being angry for the apparent miss-deeds of my fellow man, nor do I have a responsibility to judge them for not believing the way I do. So what is the problem? Men are living in darkness in a sinful world. What is the solution? We can be a light in dark places.

So when the next road clean up opportunity comes around, I will be out there along the roadside picking up one piece of litter at a time. And every day, as the opportunity affords, I can conduct myself in a compassionate, professional manor so that I can allow a light to shine in places which may otherwise be dark.

Tim Kratzer, FMMF president Home