Clearing the Way.

This is just a quick update about Mark Gingerich. Since I've posted last I finished my semester at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. With 3 hefty papers and countless pages of reading and research finally off my chest I'm now really able to focus my energy on the upcoming tour of the Midwest.

As I picked classes for the spring semester back in January I kept in mind the topic of the tour and have been working at equipping myself for leading discussions. One course called Mission and Peace, taught by Alan Kreider, has helped me better understand the vision that Jesus Christ had when he spoke about and worked toward what he referred to as the "Kingdom of God." The vision is so painfully obvious when I look at Jesus life, yet so hard to accept and live out amid my desires for worldly success. I hope to be inspired this summer by hearing stories of how people of the Central Plains Mennonite Conference have chosen to take the road less traveled by and where it has taken them.

Also as part of this course, I studied the Just War Theory. I learned what the Just War Theory improved upon and how it acted as a positive thing at first. I also learned about how it's been used to justify war. I learned that the Just War Theory isn't especially Christian even though many Christians subscribe to it. It is good rational thought that limits warfare, but Jesus calls us to a higher level of commitment - a commitment to thinking creatively and untraditionally about conflict, as well as a commitment to not resort to violence on a small scale or on a large international scale. I realize too though that the details get very tricky to navigate as war has changed since the days of the Just War Theory and I realize that our whole society sometimes works together as part of what some people call a "war machine." What would Jesus do in this sort of a situation and what should I do? These are some of the things I wrestled in my studies and some of the things I will continue to wrestle with throughout the summer.

Other classes this past semester helped me grow and see just how complex the world is. Sometimes I think it'd be nice to become Amish and limit my world view to just what surrounds me, but at the same time, we are called to go out into the world. To be in the World but not of the World is truly a tough call to live out. I find hope in knowing that at least I've got a whole church congregation, and a conference, and a denomination that is in this with me.

Please pray for Seeds of the Kingdom members Randy, Jess, Matt & Elizabeth, and myself as we focus our personal stories, our academic learning, our thoughts and experiences and our excitement into workshops, presentations, and activities in preparation for this upcoming adventure.

Blessings,

Mark
Gingerich