February Edition of Response

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"Raising Grandchildren" by Yvette Moore

Imagine rearing children again at age 56. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports, close to one million grandparents are raising grandchildren in the United States. This article explores the problems grandparents face as care givers; their rights; the assistance offered to them; the impacts of the Welfare Reform Bill on the care givers; and support groups like the United Methodist Women-supported Atlantic Street Center in Seattle, Washington that help care givers deal with these issues.

"United Brethren and Evangelicals: Message, Mission and More"
by Charles Yrigoyen, Jr.

Yrigoyen, author of the mission-study text John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life, highlights the history and contributions of Philip William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, and Jacob Albright to the life of the United Methodist Church. These men founded the Evangelical United Brethren Church, which later united with The Methodist Church. This article also delves into the contributions of women in mission and their ministries.

"China's One-Child Challenge" by Jane Schreibman

In 1980, China introduced the one-child policy for the Han people, China's majority, in order to maintain a sustainable population. China believed it would face food shortages if the population continued to grow without controls. This article looks at the research of the Nanjing Child Mental Health Research Center on the effects of this policy. This center works with the Amity Foundation, to which the Women's Division grants endowment funds.

"Methodist Women Around the World" by Paul Jeffrey

This article looks at the different lives and missions of three Methodist women from around the world who attended the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women assembly held in Rio De Janeiro Brazil in 1996. Chantal Ntibategera spoke of the turmoil of Brundi, living as a refugee, and the role of women as they work for peace. Rosemary Wass of Great Britain spoke for Methodist women in her country who have been fighting sex tourism by British men traveling abroad. Ellen Fay of Taiwan participates with Methodist women campaigning to make paid sex with girls under age 12 illegal and to educate families about alternatives.

"Social Insecurity in Chile" by Fred J. Solowey

U.S. business publications and "experts" hail Chile's Social Security system as a profit-making business run by investment companies. However, many Chilean families are anything but secure in the privatization of the system. This article addresses the rising costs of participation, the problems with it, how it's destroying the healthcare component of the system, and its effects on women.

"Bridges of Reconciliation" by Betty J. Letzig

660 deaconesses from around the world recently met in Germany to celebrate the 50th anniversary assembly of DIAKONIA, the World Federation of Diaconal Association and Diaconal Communities. This article looks at the history, the theme "Bridges of Reconciliation: Hope and Mission," and the assembly itself.

"United Methodists in Eastern Europe" by Betty J. Letzig

After the 50-year celebration of DIAKONIA, a group of deaconesses and home missionaries participated in a study tour of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. This article details the revitalization of churches, which for many years could not function openly, and the lack of resources as the church tries to respond to a population that now openly seeks spiritual direction.

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