My father’s generous orthodoxy

Real Families

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My father celebrated his 89th birthday in April. He fits well the classic biblical description of Moses: “His sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated.”

Dad has not slowed down. With family help he harvested four tons of grapes from his half-acre vineyard last summer, selling many of the beautiful bunches from his front yard. He cultivated a huge garden, growing hundreds of sunflowers, squash, pumpkins, melons, tomatoes. He picked bushels of apples and peaches from his trees.

At our annual family week at the beach, Dad still body surfs the waves, a thrill he’s loved ever since he was a boy. In turn, he taught all his children and grandchildren a profound respect for the ocean—its power and its delights.

At age 80 he journeyed with several of his children and grandchildren to the 50-year Jubilee celebration of the founding of the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia, remembering how the name for this new church (Christ the foundation) was chosen by young Ethiopian believers in his home in Nazareth, Ethiopia. He had served as the first Mennonite Bible teacher there after Mennonites began relief work following World War II.

I could go on with the trailblazing work of my father. Most invigorating is the way his reading of the Bible stays engaged with the changing culture. When Lancaster Conference dress code flew in the face of Ethiopian customs, he stood up to the bishops on behalf of the indigenous church. Later, in Pennsylvania, when his children complained about their lackluster Bible teachers, he initiated three imaginative programs for connecting youth and young adults with the church: Christian Youth Associates (focusing on the arts), Keystone Bible Institute and the Paul-Timothy mentoring program. He supported his church’s decision to call a woman for lead pastor—a first in Lancaster Conference. He provides companionship with other parents of homosexual children. After viewing Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, he gave a donation that made it possible for his church to “go green” as they expand their meetinghouse.

Now this summer, he and Mother are joining an intergenerational family trip to the land of the Bible he loves. I well remember how, as soon as the translation Good News for Modern Man came out, Dad eagerly bought each of us a copy, exulting in its down-to-earthness. He now reads The Message over and over and invites us to read it with him. He tells Bible stories with animation, bringing them off the page. Last Christmas, when he told of Mary’s visit from an angel, he used The Beatles’ song “Let It Be.”

This year, on his birthday, it dawned on me that I’d forgotten to send a card. I comforted myself with the plan to send one late, and an email saying that it was on the way. Before I’d done either, an email arrived from him. I include it below, with his permission; a gracious wisdom extending across the generations.

“Dear Family,
“Our God of love in his marvelous grace has given me 89 wonderful years of life and a most dear and loving companion for almost 63 of these. In my wildest dreams as a younger man I never thought I’d stay around this long. In addition to all this I have eight precious children with their spouses, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In recent years we have lost dear Chet [oldest son] and dear Nelson [son-in-law] to cancer, but we are happy that both of them found in Jesus a Savior and a hope of eternal life. Now what a joy we have as we look forward to welcoming two beautiful young women into our family when two of our wonderful grandsons have their weddings this spring and summer.

“You dear ones bring us much joy as you answer Christ’s call to follow him. Let’s keep in close touch with Christ Jesus. This will take constant prayer, listening for his words of instruction, fellowshiping with God’s people, and open eyes for opportunities to serve in God’s peaceable kingdom. You and I know all this, but sometimes we need encouragement.
“My life has had times of trial and testing, but upon reflection it has gone from one great experience to another. In some ways life seems to be getting better all the time. I recognize the possibility, however, that the next stage may be more difficult, but I’m sure God will be there to help in time of need. I have no premonitions but live one day at a time. As long as I live I want to continue telling others of God’s love through Jesus, our crucified and risen Savior.

“Mother and I eagerly look forward to a good summer, including the trip to the Middle East in June. You are all most welcome when we are home to pay us a visit, enjoy Mother’s good cooking and look over the vineyard and garden. Let’s pray for each other. Our daily prayer for each of you is that you serve faithfully in the place God has for you.

“With much love, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Chester."

Sara Wenger Shenk is an author and serves as associate dean and associate professor of Christian education at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Va.

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Additional Notes

Sara Wenger Shenk is an author and serves as associate dean and associate professor of Christian education at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Va.