Innovative activity teaches Economics.

Some students were tied together. Others were blindfolded. Yet together they were to play soccer against a team that had no such disadvantages. Obviously, they had little chance of competing successfully, which was the point of the Free Trade Soccer game-and the day's lesson-for Economics students at Bethany Christian High School.

Senior Juanita Klassen, who was tied to a blindfolded teammate found the activity helpful in understanding the frustration and hopelessness that disadvantaged people face against those with the political and monetary power. She says, "I didn't understand the rules-the referee gave my team a yellow card and the other team a goal for no reason. I only got to kick the ball once, so it was easy to give up."

The game was part of a presentation on free trade by guest speak Rebecca Bartel, who, as Mennonite Central Committee's policy analyst for Latin America, is on a two-week speaking tour (Sept. 3-17) to engage churches and constituents in the realities the Colombian church faces, including the harmful effects of NAFTA on Colombia's people.