DEDICATED TO ADVANCING THE LIFE AND MINISTRIES OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH
THE BRETHREN
Evangelist
Vol 133, No. 3 May/June 2011
Register for General Conference! www.brethrenchurch.org
vision new day
The of the Brethren Church is to embrace a of Transformed leadership… • • • • •
More pastors are seeing greater effectiveness by embracing their particular ministry shape and missional calling without apology. More leaders are seeking out learning opportunities in relation to our needs and desired outcomes. We are refusing to work, learn, or serve alone, understanding that we are always better together. Leaders are intentionally gathering for prayer, support, strengthening, and accountability. We are being coached, coaching others and learning how to train coaches for ourselves. We are identifying relational walls and committing to removing every stone.
Ken Hunn
resulting in
Transformed congregations… • • • • •
We are meeting and talking with one another with greater regularity and intentionality. We are sharing resources out of a Kingdom orientation that unites under a shared mission. We are taking time to understand our unique shape as congregations and how that informs God’s purpose for us in our community. We are confronting our conflicts and asking for help in doing so. We are in the process of embracing a different scorecard for our church, and celebrating the victories that God is bringing to us as we externally focus in mission.
whose mission is the
Transformation of their communities • • •
• •
Approximately fifty communities around the United States now have a Brethren church who is a partner in making their local schools a place where children and staff receive additional support in Jesus’ Name. Local communities are welcoming our offer to be a people of blessing. Brethren throughout the United States are asking restaurant servers how we might ask God to bless them. More spiritual conversations are being initiated. Newly planted churches are changing the spiritual climate of their communities. More congregations are seeing their communities change through thrift shops, food pantries, community gardens, and other practical expressions of the love of Christ.
in the power of the Holy spirit. • • • • •
Brethren are seeing a resurgence of the power of prayer in their midst. Our vision has informed us what we need to do, and in prayer we are now seeking the Holy Spirit to do what only God can do. We have more prayer teams engaged in supporting Brethren ministry than at any time in recent memory. Prayer was a powerful focus in General Conference 2010. A 24/7 prayer effort will precede the beginning of General Conference 2011, please see page five for details.
We have a lot to celebrate at General Conference 2011. Be sure to join us as we tell the stories of how God is at work in the Brethren Church!
Mobilization
The Subtle Power of
“AND”
For some of you, the name Hugh Halter doesn’t ring any bells. Most have never heard of him. Neither had I, until I picked up a copy of the Tangible Kingdom, the book he and his friend and ministry partner Matt Smay wrote a few years back. It was another one of those books that put into powerful yet understandable language the frustrations many, especially those with a younger mindset, have with the seemingly outdated institution of the typical church. Gary Diehl Church Mobilization Their latest book, titled AND: The GATHERED and SCATTERED CHURCH (Zondervan, 2010), recaptures a larger conversation about how the existing church does or doesn’t interact with the incarnational, organic expressions of missional communities described in Tangible Kingdom. Since Hugh Halter has graciously agreed to add his voice Hugh Halter to our General Conference this July 13-17, here are his words from a short excerpt of the Introduction (pg. 26-27) to their latest book. We pray that God uses them to introduce you to Hugh’s heart as you prepare to hear him share at General Conference. It’s time for us to stop asking the same old questions about how to do church, and instead ask what every church must be doing to honor God’s biblical mandates. We’d like to introduce you to the subtle power of the AND. The power of the AND is seen in churches of all sizes where:
There is a balance between gathering a community together AND scattering them into the world.
The right things are centralized AND the right things can be decentralized.
Resources of people and money find a blessed balance between maintenance AND mission, survival AND sending, tradition AND innovation.
Fans are turned into followers, disciples are made into apprentices, AND consumers become missionaries.
Leaders influence according to the design of
God instead of the whims of people or the pride associated with production.
Old skills still matter AND new habits of mission take center stage.
You can have a huge vision for thousands of people AND live life in deep community and communal witness.
Your church learns to live a fluid organic
Christianity AND has enough structure to provide for any level of growth God wants. (Remember, it’s God who builds a church.)
You’ll have to work hard, give up your life AND have a blast!
As any church develops these AND’s, you’ll be better positioned to influence those inside ranks AND those outside; your church will make sense in the ‘burbs AND in the city, during financial recession AND in bull markets. You’ll be able to start and steward a church if well resourced AND you’ll be able to lead and live well without much help. Most importantly, you’ll be able to sleep at night, knowing that you are participating in God’s church, which aligns with the greater call to make real disciples.
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Multiplication
What Does
PROGRESS
In the last couple of years, the MissioChurch Team has developed a pathway for stewarding the call of individuals who are considering church planting. Since its creation, a little more than a dozen individuals and couples have started on this journey. Early on in the process, some have determined that church planting is not for them
and have focused their attention on other forms of ministry. THIS IS A GOOD THING! This means that the process is working and that it is helping folks to better discern God’s unique calling for their life. Others have continued on in the process and are still on the path or have been deployed to begin building new communities of faith. Getting started to… While it is exciting to see what God
Bill Ludwig, Church Multiplication
has done and to see new congregations growing, that excitement only lasts for a while. The longer we wait to hear about the next church to be launched the more difficult it is to maintain our excitement and our intention to see more churches planted. Although there has been some movement in a couple of districts, not all of you have seen churches planted in the last couple of years. So, does that mean that this church planting thing has fizzled? Have our best intentions fallen short? Not so. It is just getting started. While it is true that in the U.S. we have recently planted in Indiana and in California, there is also significant activity in preparation to plant in Arizona, Ohio, and in Pennsylvania. Equip you for… Just as some fields require cultivation before it is time to plant the seed, some districts/regions and local churches are not quite yet ready to engage in church multiplication. This does not mean that they are not faithful or that they do not desire to see new churches planted. It simply means that,some are not prepared to be fertile ground for the birthing of new works. Some cultivation is required. This realization has led the MissioChurch Team (and the Church Mobilization Team) to begin to look for ways to increase the capacity of local churches, and districts for church planting. One of the ways in which we are intentionally investing in you is by providing for quality training events to be held in your area. Our desire is to partner with district mission boards to design events that will equip local church leaders with tools and other resources that they can employ right now, right where they are to increase their ability to multiply disciples and leaders. This will (and does) result in a region’s increased capacity to plant
Look Like? new churches. We began last spring in Ohio and are currently scheduling or creating events in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Arizona. A movement of God… The MissioChurch Team is also committed to ensuring that your efforts to start a church planting movement in your area are covered in prayer. We believe that a movement of God is essential to taking us beyond ourselves and our familiar ministries to a place where we point some of our energy and resources at seeing another community transformed. For this reason, we have been coordinating a prayer ministry called MissioPrayer in which over 100 people all over the globe are praying for you, your churches and those God has called to shape the growth of new churches. Would you consider praying with us for God to move in your church and in your district in a way that equips you to multiply disciples, leaders and churches? If so, we want to hear from you. Please contact Jim Miller at jim@missiochurch.com. Tell him that you want to be a part of seeing God move right where you are and that you want to become part of MissioPrayer, our intentional community of prayer for church planting and church planters. Right where you are… Finally, you should know that this church planting thing is not something that can be done from a thousand miles away. It is not something that can be accomplished by the efforts of just a few. It will be your hearts that God moves in if new Brethren churches are to be planted in your area. The MissioChurch Team was created to help you get the ball rolling and then to support your vision for church planting in your district or region. When God moves in you, MissioChurch and her partners around the country will be prepared to move with you each step of the way.
444It will be your hearts that God moves in if new Brethren churches are to be planted in your area.
A Call to Pray Jim Miller Oasis Community, Gilbert, AZ
Imagine this: Brethren from across our nation, from around the world, calling on God to renew our passion for his mission, for his larger story in this world!
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What might God do with us, how might he impact the world for his Kingdom, if we were to earnestly seek his heart? We don’t want to be part of something we could do under our own power. Wouldn’t it be tremendous to see God do those things that only he can do? If we are going to experience transformation as God’s people, God’s church, it won’t be because of our own abilities or insights. Transformation will only happen as we humble ourselves before God and declare our dependency on him. We no longer want to simply make our plans and ask God to bless them. We want to join God in what he is already up to, to be prepared to catch the wave of his moving. We position ourselves for those things through...Prayer. We sense God calling us to a period of 24/7 prayer leading up to the 2011 General Conference. Seven days of round- the-clock concentrated prayer for God to break our hearts for lost people; for God’s Spirit to move in our hearts and bring a renewed dedication to God’s Larger Story; to support the missional efforts in our local churches and around the world. What would it be like to head into our week together as Brethren fully expecting and anticipating to be moved and transformed by God’s heart for the lost of our world? What might God do? We’d like to find out! A “24/7 Brethren Pray” sign up list has been created online (168 one-hour slots) with the hope
that Brethren from every corner of the world will cover the week prior to our gathering in July with fervent, focused prayer. A web-based Prayer Room will be provided that will give you direction on what kinds of things to pray for; where you’ll have opportunities to post missional activities from your churches or even names of people who need Jesus to be prayed for; and where you’ll be able to blog about your prayer experience and what you heard God say through it. We are very excited about this—a united cry from our hearts as Brethren for God to empower us and send us on mission. Here’s how to sign up: go to the website http:// www.mysignup.com/brethrenpray. Pick an hour slot (or more than one!), click on the button and enter the information (all times are EDT). Then, come July 6, you will join your fellow Brethren to passionately seek God’s heart for yourself, your church, and for his Kingdom!
What might God do?
http://www.mysignup.com/brethrenpray
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Becoming Aware of
“The Least of These” To think about the issue of human trafficking can be overwhelming. Children working as slaves, companies exploiting workers with an unfair wage, women bought and sold as sex slaves, and migrant workers who move from site to site for work. There are so many ways injustices happen around us and we aren’t aware. However, people are beginning to notice and some are becoming passionate about helping those less fortunate. As Christians, we are called to care for the least of these. We want to share with you just some of the ways that Brethren around the world are giving a voice to the injustice around us. Transforming Communities For Doug Cooper, associate pastor at
Park Street (Ashland, OH), coffee is a passion. Doug is leveraging his coffee compulsion to create good, quality coffee, through a social entrepreneurship venture called Goldberry Roasting Co. His plan is to roast and sell quality coffee, make a profit and reinvest that profit in struggling coffee growing communities around the world. After a short-term mission trip Doug’s son took, he began to wonder if there might be some long-term opportunities in these areas. “I started to think, what if instead of just sending people to places like this, what if we were able to partner with them—these coffee growers or communities that are dependent on coffee production—and through the vehicle of coffee, help them with spiritual and economic development, instead of just going there, spending a week and leaving.” Doug said.
Equipment in disrepair at Unión Agrícola Regional coffee co-op in Chicontla.
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The disparity Doug speaks of is related to issues of fair trade. According to the USDA, the United States imported 1.5 million metric tons of coffee in 2009 and buyers offer lower prices to small growers. Those growers, most of whom already are living in poverty, struggle to make a living while many of their buyers turn a steep profit. Doug said some growers are earning as little as 12 or 13 cents per pound of beans. While there are many large co-ops that work to negotiate a higher price for small growers, Doug said it’s his goal to work more closely with local growers to offer them a higher price for their beans. But, more than that, he hopes Goldberry’s investment will help the coffee-
growers improve their operations and offer more quality products so they can sustain themselves and support their communities. “So, on one end, you try to help them with a better price for their coffee and on the other end when you roast their coffee, you make some profit and you reinvest it in their communities.” Doug says, “The idea is not to become huge or try to save the world but just to try to provide spiritual and economic and social development in a few communities and be able to make an impact there”. Doug was recently in Chicontla, Mexico. He said, “While I was down there, I’m looking around at all of this and I’m like, this is daunting, But I also knew that a couple individuals can help rebuild communities and maybe that’s what God is calling us to do.” ~ Courtesy of the Ashland Times-Gazette
Pastor Horatio Mendez (far right) and Doug Cooper (second from right) with other coffee growers on Mendez family coffee estate.
Fair Trade When I am at National Conference I have always enjoyed making a stop or two in the corner of the Conference Center to visit Paula’s Place. While Paula and friends are a great source of information, truth be told, I would most often stop by to grab a little slice of heaven, otherwise known as chocolate. Little bite-sized Hershey, Nestles, and other delectable treats, offered free for the taking. Last summer at National Conference was a little different for me because I had learned something over the previous year that I hadn’t known before. I learned that boys between the ages of 12 and 16 are sold into slave labor and forced to harvest cocoa beans that go into the chocolate that I enjoy. I learned that 70% of the cocoa products that we enjoy in the U.S. come from cocoa beans harvested in the Ivory Coast of Africa, where slave labor is prevalent. These boys encounter inhuman conditions and extreme abuse to produce something that we, as Americans, associate with pleasure and happiness. God tells us in his word how he feels about injustice: For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrong-doing - Isaiah 61:8. The groans of the workers you used and abused are a roar in the ears of the Master Avenger - James 5:4. He also tells us what our role is: You’re here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break; Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them - Psalm 82:3. The Lord looked and was displeased to find that there was no justice. He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. Like me, Paula had no idea that our pleasure was someone else’s pain. Now that we’ve both been made aware of this injustice, you will find something a little different at Paula’s Place this year: Fair Trade chocolate. Purchasing chocolate with the fair trade seal ensures that the cocoa beans in your chocolate were picked by farmers who were paid a living
wage for their work. This summer at conference, stop by and pick up a little treat as well as more information about fair trade chocolate. ~ Sherry Searles, North Manchester
Human Trafficking Human trafficking is the sale, transport and profit from human beings who are forced to work for others. It is the modern equivalent of slavery. Against their will, millions of people around the world are forced to work for the profit of others. The types of exploitation vary among forced labor (workers in vineyards); involuntary servitude (cleaning in hotels or houses); sexual exploitation (prostitution, pornography, massage parlors); removal of organs and of body parts; criminal activities; begging; forced marriage; illicit adoption; and child soldiers. Because it is a worldwide issue, every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether they are source countries (Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Peru, etc.), transit countries (Argentina, Canada, etc.), or destination countries (Italy, United States, Mexico, etc.) Among the common methods of entry to the transit/destination we find smuggled entry in vehicles, containers, trains, ferries, or on foot; by presentation of stolen or forged documents that provide a right of entry; and by presentation of bona fide documents that provide false visa entitlements to enter, or are fully legitimate.
What one church is doing… Every Sunday morning at Hammond Ave. (Waterloo, IA) we used to have fellowship that included average coffee and delicious donuts. I cannot remember a Sunday without them. I decided to shake things up a several months ago when I learned we could drink different coffee and do good by purchasing our coffee from Land of a Thousand Hills. This company’s mission is all about reconciliation in Rwanda, where they purchase all of their beans at a fair price. Not only are they fair trade, but they also invest in the community by building orphanages, providing transportation to the workers, and helping refine the coffee picking process. The good work God is doing through this coffee company inspired me to urge our church to become more intentional about the things we do. What’s easier than coffee? So with the help of others, we are now serving intentional coffee. The cost of the coffee is higher (because of the fair wages the company pays), which meant we had to cut out the donuts in order to partner with Land of a Thousand Hills. Now people can sponsor a Sunday morning fellowship by bringing goodies, and while it has been a bit of a process, I hold the conviction that the Kingdom of God is worth it. Jumping on board with what God has been doing in Rwanda is exciting and rewarding: we get to expand our missions work…just by drinking coffee. To find out more about Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company, check out their website www.drinkcoffeedogood.com. ~ Abby Jeffries
We as Christians have the responsibility to take a pledge. There are many verses in scripture that describe God’s character and reveal his love for justice. I will close this article with the words written in Isaiah 58:6, I’ll tell you what it really means to worship the LORD. Remove the chains of prisoners who are chained unjustly. Free those who are abused! My prayer is that we can do our part in this calling. ~ Cecilia Castro, Argentina
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Sarasota Mobilizes Care Ministry Teams David Stone, Sarasota, FL
The concept of being equipped, empowered and released for “works of service” that Paul describes in Ephesians 4:12 is taking on a new meaning for many in Sarasota these days. Florida is the heart of retirement territory, so it’s not surprising that there are many around us who need guidance and help as they face new seasons of life, and sometimes difficult decisions about medical care and health issues
church, government or other organizations to help those in need, and counseling church members and others in similar matters. While God has clearly given Iris the gifts and passion needed for this type of ministry, an even more exciting development has been how she has identified those kinds of gifts and passions in others. She is living out our Brethren core value of “Reproducing”
and facilities. The school volunteer team helps out at the Agape Christian School that meets at our facilities. They cook some meals, provide tutoring, and provide cleaning services. It is wonderful to add another person to the ministry team of the church. However, Iris’s main gift has been in encouraging and recruiting an army of volunteers to minister in roles matched to their gifts. This multiplies the church’s
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith…” ~ Ephesians 4:12 that come with aging. It is a real need for a growing segment of our population, and God recently opened our eyes to a wonderful opportunity to bless those dear people. On December 5, 2010, Iris Helmuth, a retired registered nurse, was commissioned by the First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida as our Pastoral Ministries Nurse. She completed a week-long Parish Nurse training program in Orlando, Florida. Her purpose is to serve God by integrating faith and healing of the mind, body, and spirit, and to provide intentional spiritual care to people while promoting health educations and wellness. Iris’s activities have already included accompanying patients to their doctor visits when such support is needed, helping those who were transitioning to assisted living, finding resources in the
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her ministry in others as she coordinates a number of Pastoral Ministries Teams. Each of these teams has a volunteer leader and volunteer members. A transportation team provides rides to church functions and other important appointments such as doctor visits. The card ministry currently sends thirtyfive to forty cards every month. The telephone team calls the shut-ins and those who have missed church services. They also call to check on elderly members who live alone. There is a visitation team who visits the sick, shut-ins and long-term care residents. The meal ministry provides nutritious meals for those who need that kind of support on a temporary basis. Iris also coordinates the work of ministries in the area of computers, Christmas shoeboxes, prayer, moving services, music, and church grounds
effectiveness while giving individuals the satisfaction and joy of using their gifts to bring glory to God as they help those in need. The Sarasota church now has more people involved in real, hands-on, person-to-person ministry than at any time in the last two decades. We pray that God continues to raise up brothers and sisters like Iris who live out the principles of Ephesians 4:12 in Brethren ministries everywhere!
How are we doing? Phil Lersch, Facilitator Brethren Peace Initiative
I just finished reading the March/April issue of the Evangelist thoroughly. What an amazing… what an inspirational and challenging series of reports! In addition to other helpful information, starting on page six I discovered the following: * Aly Pflugfelder’s article about ministering to the children of their community there in Gilbert, Arizona (Oasis Community Brethren Church) with their horses (especially little introverted and troubled “Jenny”). My eyes are misting a bit as I reread and type. * Next, Ron Waters describes their Weekend Meals project at two elementary schools near their Brethren Church in North Georgetown, Ohio. * Followed by Roger Stogsdill’s description of the Curbside Café at an elementary school near their Brethren Church in Tucson. * On the next page Jim McGraw, from Pleasant View Brethren Church in Vandergrift, PA, took me along with a three-member Brethren team to Haiti for a week of hands-on ministry. * When I wandered into the WMS pages, there was another impressive Pump House activity account by Bruce (and Marylou) Wilkinson in Ashland. * Ryan Smith (Nappanee, Indiana, Brethren Church) recounted their youths’ involvement in the Souper Bowl of Caring at their Super Bowl Party. * Mention was also made (by Wilkinson) of Larry Hanson’s Cross Bars Ministry in Mishawaka, Indiana. * And, of course, going back to page five and our BPI column about Art Gish’s lifetime of commitment to Jesus’ sacrificial example for living the Christian life. Brethren, this is some of the “stuff” that ministry, mission, and yes, peacemaking, are made of. In particular, related to peacemaking, bringing peace into people’s lives in tangible ways by reducing tension, hunger, worry, homelessness, frustration — all by expressing the healing, comforting, strengthening, and life-changing love of Christ to others in practical ways. Now, our next step as Christ’s followers is discerning and designing the means of being just as concerned, considerate, creative, and compassionate toward our “enemies” (as Jesus taught and demonstrated); our enemies both near and far away. With the observance of Pentecost on the horizon once again (June 12th), may Jean’s thoughts be our prayer as faithful Brethren/Christian disciples sing:
Come Holy Spirit
Tune: Londonderry Air (“Oh Danny Boy” – Key of C) Words by Jean Lersch
Come Holy Spirit, fill us with your presence. Inspire, inflame, and help our love increase. Cast out our fear, embolden us to witness prophetic visions of your realm of peace.
(Refrain) Teach us to know the “Kin-dom” that you promised. Groom us to work for justice for the least. May we have strength to carry out your witness until the knowledge of your will has been increased.
Heritage Center Seeks Director The Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center (www.vbmhc.org) invites applications for the position of full-time Executive Director. The successful candidate should have expertise in fundraising, marketing, administration, public relations, volunteer coordination, and interpreting the vision of the Center to the church and community. The Director should be committed to the heritage which Brethren and Mennonite share, especially in the Shenandoah Valley. Salary and benefits as determined by the Board of Directors. Send letter of application, resumé, and three recommendations to Beryl H. Brubaker, Chair, Search Committee, 965 Broadview Drive, Harrisonburg, VA, 22802 (brubaker@emu.edu) Position open until filled.
Missionary Birthdays Birthdays Missionary July 9 17 18 19 27
Carla Quiroga Zoraida Morillas Esteban Quiroga Carlos Quiroga Jana Ferreri
August 1 1 1 7 21 27 28
Stan Gentle Claudio Castellis Sunisha Kumar Sudhir Kumar Anniversary Bill & Jennifer Ludwig Flavio Castellis Nicole Morillas
September 7 7 12 14 21 24 26
Milena Ferreri Sherill Kumar Anniversary David & Jenny Loi Anniversary Carlos & Zulema Quiroga Gary Castro Samuel Kumar Karina Castellis
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New Process for Executive Board Nominations at General Conference The Brethren Church and General Conference are led by an Executive Board, elected by General Conference. The Executive Board, under the leadership of the Executive Director, casts a unified vision for the Brethren Church and its ministries. They manage the business and legal affairs of General Conference and implement its decisions. The terms of two three-year at-large positions on the Executive Board are due for re-election, or the election of new members to assume these positions. Last year, delegates at General Conference adopted a new process for the nomination and election of Executive Board members of the Brethren Church. This process is reflected in a “Nomination Information Form” which was to be completed and returned to the General Conference Moderator by May 16. However there is a process for possible acceptance of Executive Board nominations from the floor of General Conference, provided the same “Nomination Information Form” is used. All information on this process can be obtained at the Brethren Church website: www.brethrenchurch.org Click on the “Leadership” tab and look under the category of “Helpful Documents.” Serving on the Executive Board is an important responsibility in the Brethren Church. Please join in prayer for this election process and your role in nominating or being nominated.
Ladies of the Brethren Church! During National Conference we have an opportunity to form new and strengthen old Relationships, and refocus our Missional impact! These are desires of every woman, no matter her age or stage in life. Historically “Women Meant to Serve” (WMS) has embraced these values and supported them for many years. No other organization in our denomination has over 700 active members with the potential of reaching hundreds more women. So with this in mind, ALL WOMEN are invited to gather on Wednesday and Thursday of National Conference. Combined Conference Worship and Business sessions are in Hugo Young Auditorium in the Arts and Humanities Building on the Ashland University Campus. Women will meet at Park Street Brethren Church, only one half-block away with ample parking as well. Wednesday 2:00 – 4:00 Opening devotional with reports of local, national and international missional activities from our Women Meant to Serve (WMS) groups. Thursday 11:30 Pre – Banquet Refreshments and Fellowship in Park Street Family Life Center
Jody Thomae
12:00 “Selah” Banquet for ALL WOMEN. Catered buffet and dessert bar, $10.00 per person. Luscious food, yummy deserts, beautiful table settings, great worship… We desire to pamper and affirm Women as we gather in this one special time.
• Jody Thomae will inspire us in worship to our Lord through music and dance. • Sharing and encouraging us by hearing other’s stories
and thoughts on Women’s Ministry direction in our culture and in this day.
• This time is dedicated to and relevant for ALL Women
regardless of membership in a local organized WMS. This is a Banquet and renewal time for your spirit and body. A “Selah” (a beautiful word used in the Psalms to indicate a time for a respite or break or pause from all else) during a busy week of meetings!!!
2:00 – 4:00 Reconvene for additional fellowship/connecting and reporting of the Missional Activities of the National and local WMS groups. ~ Sherry Van Duyne Vice President of “Women Meant to Serve”
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Women’s Outlook Newsletter A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e Wo m e n’s M i s s i o n a r y S o c i e t y May/June 2011 Vo l u m e 2 4 , N u m b e r 5
The President’s Pen Dear Sisters, This is my sixth and last year of serving as National WMS President. On reflection, I have much for which to be thankful. Here’s the short list: * God calling me and enabling me to serve Him; * A supportive, committed, competent, and loving National WMS Board; * The prayers, notes, encouraging words from all of you; * Renewal of old friendships and the making of many new friendships; *The joys, blessings, and privilege of becoming more intimately acquainted with those who serve God in the US and other countries; *The wonderful experience of traveling to Argentina to worship and interact with Brethren women of faith in the country; * Seeing firsthand the commitment to missions of WMS societies. As May approaches, I am preparing for the National WMS Board meeting. A major concern is finding women willing to run for office and/ or serve on various committees. This is also a concern at the district and perhaps the local levels as well. On Maundy Thursday my church family will observe the Love Feast. As part of this Love Feast, we engage in foot-washing. Hopefully, you do so as well. In foot-washing, unlike anywhere else in Scripture, the point is made so vividly of our identification with and our responsibility to copy, pattern, and exemplify the servant nature of our humble Savior. Since foot-washing is done on behalf of
(Continued on page 12)
Missionary Miscellany
The MAY missionaries-of-themonth are located in India: Prasanth and Nirmala Kumar and their son and daughter-in-law, Sudhir and Latha Kumar. This is the 41st year of the Brethren Church in Rajahmundry, which had its beginning in an orphanage. Sudhir and Latha live in Visakhapatnam and supervise the work in that area. The Brethren Mission has expanded to include vocational schools, a Bible Institute, the prayer chapel, medical clinics, and the hospital. Sudhir and Latha also oversee the places of worship and teaching. This is 150 places of worship. The vocational schools provide sewing classes for women and computer classes for men to prepare the citizens with training to be self-supporting. Continue to pray for their daily strength and guidance, good health and safety as they all strive to meet the needs of God’s family in India. Pray, too, for the native pastors who serve the Lord in the far-out preaching points. And pray for the children in the orphanages. They may be the future leaders in The Brethren Church in India. Linda Immel coordinates the pastoral and orphanage support for the denomination. Should you want more information, contact Linda at the Brethren Church, 407 North Sycamore St., North Manchester, IN 46962. Tim and Jan Solomon are the national missionaries-of-the month, supervising the ST Seminary in Sarasota, Florida. The JUNE international missionaries are Marcelo and Adriana Ferreri in Medellin, Colombia, South America. The Riverside Christian School and the staff, represented by Nancy Hostetler, are the national missionaries. Nancy and her husband, Doran, graduated from Ashland College in
1958 and began their teaching and ministry the next day. Doran graduated into heaven a few years ago, and Nancy continues faithfully, seeing a need and filling it. Mrs. Ho (Nancy), as she is lovingly called, wrote: Greetings from Riverside Christian School in Lost Creek, Kentucky! This would be a great time for you to come and visit. We might not be able to roll out a red carpet for you, but we can offer something better. The last ten miles of your trip the road would be lined on both sides with beautiful redbud trees. And just now the pink dogwood trees are bursting forth, too, The hills are beautiful! New life is springing forth all over our campus. What an encouragement that is, especially after a long winter followed by severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings, and a rising Troublesome Creek. As my coworker said, “Whatever the storm, we an be assured that God is there with us. Sometimes He chooses to still the winds that batter us. Sometimes He simply holds us close as the storm rages on..” Other encouragement has come from the accomplishments of our students. Fourteen of our junior high students entered art projects in the Association of Christian Schools International Regional Art Festival. They came home with 19 ribbons, all blue or red, and two of the projects were selected Best of Show. Also nine elementary students had exhibits at an ACSI Science Fair and six returned with ribbons. The elementary recently completed a Math-A-Thon, which raised funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The Christians in Action (CIA) group on campus had a food drive to help a local food bank. The Student Council
(Continued on page 12)
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Missionary Miscellany (continued) is collecting, and planning to match, funds to be sent to Samaritan’s Purse for Japan. The seniors had a great trip to Washington, DC, and the Lower Lights have just returned from performing at several churches in northern Indiana. All this in the past month. Staff are working on various committees to prepare for the visit of the ACSI accreditation team. For the most part, it is a matter of documenting in writing what we are already doing. The process is arduous, but should help us in the long run as we evaluate every aspect of our operation. Also on the horizon, the Student Council is planning a Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis and a week in May for Teacher/Staff Appreciation. Graduation is May 20. Yes, we’re very busy with all of the above… oh, yes, and classes, too! But not so busy that we can’t welcome this time to share with you. To say over and over, thank you for your prayers, for your cards, for soup labels, for monetary gifts, for visits, for clothing and school supplies, for always being there for us. For being you! As you pray, please remember our need for teachers. We will need at least three or four more teachers for the coming academic year. We praise the Lord that you are standing with us. Sincerely, Nancy Hostetler David and Jenny Loi, our missionaries in Malaysia, were the international missionaries in December 2010. Recently they re-visited several churches in China, which they helped plant and grow. They reported on what God did in China. They give all the glory to God! Hallelujah! And Jenny continued: Praise the Lord that we came back safely on April 1 from China mission trip. In four weeks we visited seven churches, a University Students Fellowship, and a house church at a factory. There was a lot of traveling between churches at different areas and we had many new experiences traveling in different transportation. Praise that God did wonderful work among the Chinese people.
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Many encountered God for the first time. Their lives were touched by Jesus. Their burdens were lifted, freed from bondages and experienced freedom. Many received Holy Spirit baptism, spoke in new tongues, and sang new songs. One shared that she felt the Holy Spirit poured down like heavy rain. Many shared that they will love the Lord more, live for Christ, and will preach the gospel like never before. Praise the Lord!
We thank you, prayer warriors, for backing us up in prayers. It is so important to have you people as watchmen as we go out to the front line to battle. We have the victory in Jesus Christ, our Commander! To God be the Glory! In His Service, David and Jenny
Before we left on the mission trip, a local pastor in Bintulu prayed that God called us to go back to China to bring His love to the people who are hurting as there are many hurting ones there. Many shared that they felt God’s love and they were healed from the hurts. They have joy and peace. It is like what is quoted in Isaiah 61:1: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners. A lady testified that her blurred eyes are clear and she is able to see well. One lady was paralyzed on her left side. Her left foot turned outward. She was carried by four persons for prayer. During prayer, she felt sensations on her left leg. Praise that she was able to walk with the help of two persons with her feet flat on the ground! One lady who was deaf in both ears was able to hear clearly. As in Matthew 11:5: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear. There were nine persons who received sight and a lame person walked during our trip last year. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! We are thankful that God still wants to use us at our age. We are willing to go as long as the Lord wants us to go. It is confirmed through the signs and miracles He did on the people’s lives. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it, Mark 16:20.
(Presidents’s Pen continued) another, so also we are moved to do so for others in daily life that which will be to their benefit. I believe the above lesson can and should be applied in regard to one’s willingness to serve within the WMS organization. How thankful we all are for Joan Ronk’s service as Outlook Newsletter Editor for the past twenty-four years. So, rather than quickly saying, “No,” when asked to serve, take the time to pray and honestly seek God’s will before giving your answer. As we work together within the WMS, it pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. People are interdependent on each other’s skills, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources. Just as God gave me the courage, strength, competence, and time to serve in this capacity, He will do the same for you in whatever ways He calls you to serve. I am praying for God to raise up new servants in the work of WMS. Will you join me in this prayer? Joyfully serving the Lord,
Phyllis
Women’s Outlook Newsletter
IN MY MAIL BOX
Annually the National WMS presents scholarships to Ashland University senior ladies who are members of the Brethren Church. This year Abbey Latham and Victoria (Torie) Beatty were the recipients. Abbey is from the North Georgetown church and wrote: “Dear WMS Ladies, “Growing up in the Brethren Church, I have seen the amazing gifts WMS shares and the talents they use to touch hearts. When I was a young girl, I would watch my mom and grandma go to the meetings and wondered what they did. When it was held at my house, I would peek through my door in my room to listen to what they were saying. When I got older, I got to attend a meeting and it meant the world to me. It was a blessing to see how these women were serving the Lord. I am honored to receive the WMS scholarship to help me further my education and grow as a woman in Christ. Thank you for all the prayers and support and for being an example of what a woman meant to serve looks like. “This is a brief summary of this year’s highlights: * I will graduate with a Child and Family Studies major from Ashland University. * I am the outstanding senior in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. (I get to wear a big heavy medal at graduation!) * I do not have a specific job yet, but I plan on working and educating families and children in any way. * I also have my provisional Certified Family Life Educator credential. * This semester I did an undergraduate research study that looked at how college students communicate with their parents while
May/June 2011
away at college by talking on the phone, texting, and e-mailing. I presented my findings in Columbus, Ashland, and Toledo. * I partnered with the Ashland Care Center to put on a Sexual Integrity program for junior high aged girls. * I got engaged to Dan Icenhour! “Thank you again to the WMS ladies for providing me this scholarship. Not only is the financial support important, but so are the love and support you have shown me through this gift. I know what great works you do in the name of the Lord and that has been a great example for me to follow. “Thank you again for the scholarship and encouragement you all have been to me! In Him, Abbey”
Torie Beatty is from the Gretna Brethren Church. She wrote: “Dear Ladies of the WMS: “I would first like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank you for your generous gift of the scholarship. It could not have come at a better time and I am grateful to have such a loving and caring family in Christ! While attending Ashland University, I have been blown away by the connections to my Brethren Church family and the love that they show in greetings, conversations, and simple notes. Thank you again for displaying the love of Christ! You are touching more people than you know. “This year has been so busy! I did my student teaching in the fall with a second grade classroom. I had a blast with the students and think that they taught me so much more than I had expected! I have been studying my life away for the Praxis tests, in order to obtain my teaching license, and working at the Smoothie Bar on campus. Although I have been busy with academics, tests, and work, I have made sure to take some time to enjoy friends and family. “In my free time, I have been applying for jobs everywhere! I m not
limiting myself to Ohio, but I am in search of a teaching position. Needless to say, God has been teaching me a lot about patience through this experience. I have relied on Him fully and I have no doubt that He will provide! I am excited for what God has in store for my future and cannot wait to start on this new adventure called ‘real life.’ “Thank you again for the generous gifts that you have showered upon us college girls! You are a blessing! May God continue to bless you and all those that you reach out to! “Sincerely, Tori Beatty”
! s k n Tha At last year’s Conference the challenge was presented to the WMS ladies that we contribute an offering to help Todd and Traci Ruggles and their two sons participate in a re-training program as they adjust to living in the U.S. The Ruggles completed 18 years of ministry in Mexico City and Benjamin and Johnathan are Mexican citizens. The goal was $5,000. The total received was $2,961.80. The Ruggles attended a oneweek program in Colorado Springs, CO in late January geared to returning missionaries for debriefing and renewal, helping them readjust to the US culture. It was awesome! Todd said this wasn’t just for the adults, but kids were talked to about cultural shock, how to cope with transitions, grief, and stress, and to realize they were third world citizens. The family is very grateful! They talked with other families about their experiences in Mexico and not only the changes in themselves, but also the changes in the US during the past 18 years. They thank you! At present the Ruggles are active in the Park Street Brethren Church, waiting for the Lord to open the next door for their ministry.
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A Prayer for Today
The Editor’s Ending
This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, and not loss; good, and not evil; success, and not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it. It is good… to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, Psalm 92:1-2
Dear Friend, The theme for this devotional year is Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, based on Psalm 139:13-14, For you formed my inward parts: You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, that my soul knows very well.
Calendar May 30 - statistical reports with new officers and addresses listed shall be returned BY May 30.
You well know the monthly topics are written to show us “how special we are in God’s eyes. God colored His world beautifully with each one of us. He has a plan for each of us and He has given each of us the gifts we will need in order to fulfill His plans. It is up to each of us to spend enough time with Him so that we will be able to hear His voice and respond to His leading and then, in obedience, be about His work,” so wrote Cheryl Schmiedt in the Devotional Guide. It’s near the end of the WMS year, have you achieved or stretched toward this goal? In the Indiana newsletter, Cindy Hanson, district president, wrote “The other day I heard someone on TV say to look in the mirror at yourself, deep into your eyes to the woman inside and be kind to that woman. We give so much to others that we don’t often take care of our selves. In our devotional book we will discover who we are as women and as a
June 12 - *Children’s Day July 13-17 - General Conference in Ashland July 14 - WMS luncheon at Park Street Brethren Church. Bring your project and thank offerings. September 16-17 - Ohio district ladies retreat at Camp Bethany. DeAnn Oburn is the speaker. Save the dates and anticipate a rich retreat. President Norma Waters reminds us “the retreat is open to all women and not limited to just WMS members.” This is a wonderful opportunity to invite your friends to Rest, Relax, and be Refreshed at this Retreat.
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Joni Eareckson Tada wrote in Holiness in Hidden Places, “The most powerful reality is that Jesus is. In Revelation 11:17, we read Who is and who was and who is to come. Notice the order: The past and the future don’t rank first, but the present. It’s not “was, is, and is to come,” but “is, was, and is to come.” Jesus is! That’s joy!
child of God.” Cindy continued, “My prayer is that each of you will dedicate yourself to be kind to yourself, spend time with God, and try something new for yourself.” The complete 139th psalm is important, but some verses have a special meaning each time I read it. This winter I received a greeting card with verse 17 on the front, How precious it is, Lord, to realize that You are thinking about me constantly! Isn’t that a marvelous thought! *Thinking of Children’s Day, June 12, 2011, Erma Bombeck, the popular humorist, told a TV interviewer that no matter how many columns she had written, her legacy would be her three children. “If I did a bad job with them,” she said, “then everything else I do isn’t very important.” She realized that her top priority was taking care of her children. Although no parent can be guaranteed that his or her child will turn out to be a model citizen, those of us who are parents must start with Erma’s attitude. Our motivation is to provide spiritually, physically, and emotionally for our children. They will be our legacy. That means introducing them to the Savior, providing spiritual guidance, praying for them, and encouraging them to find mentors who can guide them in godly living. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth, 3 John 1:4. Those thoughts were prompted by Dave Branon, Our Daily Bread, May 12, 2006. Phyllis alluded to my 24 years as editor of the WMS Newsletter. At the conclusion of Volume 24, the next issue, I am resigning. This is an interesting and very satisfying opportunity to serve. I have enjoyed it, but more on that later! The need for willing and capable women to serve in various positions in WMS is evident in many local societies, as well as in district and national offices. Should you be asked to consider serving, pray before you say no. God may be equipping you for new opportunities and responsibilities. Your friend,
Joan
A Double Blessing Since returning to the United States from Ireland over three years ago, Brenda and I had settled into the routine of life, choosing to settle in Denver, Colorado because of job opportunities and an interest in the area. We spent considerable time dealing with the disappointment of leaving Ireland and struggled, at times, with finding our place here. Little could we have known the plans the Lord would have for us. On January 9, 2011, I went with a friend to a Sportsman’s Expo at the Denver Convention Center. In his truck on the way to the expo, he told me about how he and his wife had decided to adopt a child from a teen-aged girl in Kansas, but had to change their minds few days later when they were told that she was expecting twins. Almost flippantly, I said to him that he should pass along our names to his lawyer friend in Kansas who was handling the family’s arrangements. A few days later, I received a call from that attorney and the very next weekend, we met Morgan and her mother face to face at the Lone Star Steak House in Garden City, Kansas. Midway through our conversation, Morgan handed us the sonograms of the babies, and we noticed an emotional reaction from her mom. On the way to the steak house, they had both agreed hat if Morgan gave the pictures to the couple Asher Forest & Elli Grace they were Mark and Brenda Ray are pleased meeting, she to announce the birth of had made her Asher and Elli on March 9, 2011 decision about Asher born at 7:34 a.m., weighing 5 lbs. 8 oz. who her babies Elli born at 7:35 a.m., weighing 5 lbs. 1 oz. were going to. We were to be the recipients of these precious gifts. Suddenly, we were expecting twins, and they were due to arrive in a matter of weeks! Our “gestation” period was just under nine weeks from find-
Mark & Brenda Ray
ing out about these babies until their birth. Asher Forest Ray was born on March 9, 2011 at 7:34 a.m., and he came out screaming so loudly that they couldn’t hear his sister when she was born a minute later. Elli Grace Ray came into the world a little more quietly. We met them a few minutes later when they were brought to the nursery. It became real the moment the hospital staff placed the bracelets around our wrists as mother and father of the twins. Moments later, we were holding them and giving them their first baths and feeding. We chose the name Asher for its uniqueness and meaning. It’s a Hebrew name meaning “blessing”. Asher’s middle name, Forest, is named for my older brother. It is both a family name and the nickname of his birth mother. Elli is a Hebrew word meaning “ray of light”; ironically, it means Ray. It is a German way of spelling the more common Elllie. Her middle name is Grace, and this little girl represents to us (and Morgan) the grace of God, and we trust that our little girl will grow to be a “light” and generous in grace-giving. The days following their birth were very precious. Morgan, their birth mother, was welcome to bring friends and family into our hospital room to meet the babies. We enjoyed meeting all of them, and we were happy to share those moments with them. Our conversations with Morgan and her family were good, and we appreciate all the beautiful gifts made by her grandparents! The day Asher and Elli were discharged from the hospital was quite an emotional experience. Morgan and her mom and dad came to say their good-byes and help load the babies in their car seats. As Morgan helped walk the twins to our truck, we were so deeply impressed and moved by the kind of love that could do that… give away your children for love. Her sacrifice will remain with us forever, and we have great fondness for this young woman and her family. We appeared before a Kansas judge that day to receive appointed orders as guardians of Asher and Elli, However, due to the complications of an interstate, designated adoption, the twins were not allowed to leave Kansas just yet. Thankfully, we had friends in Kansas who were in Florida and gave us their home to use during that time. Their Colorado homecoming was on March 21st. On April 12th, just three months and three days days from the time we first found out about them, the judge in Kansas signed the order completing the adoption… well ahead of time. What a great and beautiful gift God has entrusted to us! With grateful hearts, The Rays Mark, Brenda, Asher, & Elli
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Welcometo toENGAGE Engage Conference Welcome Conference presentedby bythe theBYIC BYIC presented You are invited to be a part-ay character in what will become the STORYLINE of Engage Conference 2011. Each one of us is on a journey, and that journey is writing for us a story that is the STORYLINE of our lives. Someimes, our STORYLINEs instersect, sometimes they go their own way. Regardless, each of us is penning the narrative of our lives, each and every day. Throughout the week of Engage, you will come to more fully discover the beauty of God’s STORYLINE as revealed in His Word. You will also come to understand how your story is intended to mash-up with His; how together we are being used by God to continue the story of redemption. Deadline Reminders: $280 postmarked by May 16, 2011 $325 postmarked by June 13, 2011 $350 up to the day of conference
Registration forms, scholarship applications, YAC leadership applications can be found at byic.org
Event Speaker Chris Folmsbee
Worship Band
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A New Kind of Youth Worker Training It’s not usually a good thing to be a guinea pig. But in this case, it doesn’t seem bad at all. It seems exciting. At ENGAGE Conference this summer, Youth Advisors will be able to take part in a training that will actually have started a month prior. Curious yet? View. Practice. Collaborate. Barefoot Ministries is exploring a new model for youth worker training. They believe it will change what youth workers expect out of youth ministry training. The model is composed of three clear steps: 1. View inspirational videos filled with creative ideas and relevant practices for youth ministry. 2. Practice living out those ideas in youth ministry with the help of a downloadable resource. 3. Collaborate with other youth workers and a youth ministry coach at a live event. What can you expect? 1. View - A series of four videos that range between 5-10 minutes in length and will be released on YouTube at the beginning of June. 2 Practice - Four corresponding downloadable resources (PDF files) that will guide youth workers into putting the video into constant practice. They will be available via download at http://byic.org in early June. 3. Collaborate - A two-hour session with a youth ministry coach during ENGAGE, July 13-17. What is the content? Description: The life and ministry of Jesus is central to the church. By focusing on the person and work of Jesus in the greater context of the story of God, we will discern the implications for the church. These implications will be explored in practices and then discussed as a community in order to explore how we can live out the way of Jesus in youth ministry. The Four Video Topics: 1. Story of God 2. The Mission of God 3. Person and Work of Jesus 4. The Work of the Church We know why you love ENGAGE. It’s the same reason we do: we see God work in our students’ lives in powerful ways. And now we have one more reason: the chance to get some great training that will make us more effective in helping this generation follow Christ! Stay connected to http://byic.org for more details on this unique experience.
NE & SE Youth Rallies Held In February 2011, the Northeast and Southeast Districts had a combined rally at St. James Brethren with youth from various churches in both districts. The theme for the rally was “Back to the Basics”. The goal of the weekend was to get the youth to understand how to have a relationship with God, where to start, and where to go once they understand. The youth were able to think about how they present themselves to the world, and how Christ wants us to. Also during the weekend, the youth made Valentine Cards for all of our soldiers overseasto make them feel loved and not forgotten by us who are still here. In April 2011, the Southeast District had their yearly camp rally at Shenandoah Meadows. The theme for the weekend was “If you really knew me”. Justin Morris was the speaker of the weekend, and taught the youth the importance of tearing down the outer shell the world has formed around us, and to really show who we are in Christ. On Saturday, the youth were asked to draw on a mask the worldly things that defined them. That night at campfire, the youth thew their masks into the fire, symbolizing that they were burning the fronts they put up to fit in or feel accepted. God is moving in the young people of this nation, and they are doing extravagant things. ~ Nathan Garrison, Mt. Olive Brethren Church The skies were alight with dazzling fireworks to celebrate God’s goodness and the 121 youth and advisors who gathered at Brush Valley, PA for the NE Rally on March 1819. With the theme “You Reap What You Sow”, Brush Valley went all out to welcome us to a time of learning, worship and fellowship. We had goofy times with Icebreakers, game booths and even a Velcro Wall as our grand finale. We shared amazing times of worship, led by Slippery Rock college student and Brush Valley member Stephen Scholl and a band from Campus Crusade for Christ on that campus. We were enthralled by the magic and message of Ashland Theological Seminary student Tim Kutch, also from the Brush Valley Church. He warned us that Satan is the great deceiver and we must be on guard for his bag of tricks. We were also challenged by Pastor Bob French of Pathway Professional Christian Counselling. There are so many young people whose lives are messed up; only with God’s help can we avoid joining their numbers. Many thanks to all of the other wonderful people from Brush Valley who helped make this rally such a great success. ~ Linda Barr, NE Youth Ministry Associate
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In Memory Grace Radcliff
Grace Arlene Radcliff, 81, of Burlington, Indiana, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 15, 2011. She was born December 16, 1929 in Glenford, OH to Carl and Daisy Wells Helser, She was a 1947 graduate of Newark High School in Newark, OH, and married Jerald Radcliff on November 7, 1948 in Newark. He survives in Burlington. Grace was an LPN and had worked at several hospitals. She most enjoyed her jab as a pastor’s wife. Grace and Jerry served at several Brethren churches, among them North Georgetown, OH; Johnstown Third, PA (twice); Masontown, PA; Milford, IN; Dutchtown, Warsaw, IN; Valley, Jones Mills, PA; and as pastor to seniors at Smoky Row in Columbus, OH. She was a member of the First Brethren Church of Burlington.
Rev. Grumbling was on the board of directors for Camp Shipshewana and for many years was director of canoe camp. Other things he enjoyed were playing the harmonica and singing. He sang in his church choir, had been on his church’s praise team, and sang in the community choir. He served as a church pastor for a total of 46 years. Just last year he celebrated 60 years since his ordination. His past activities also included serving 12 years on the TV council for the local access public TV station. He was honored in 1990 as recipient of the Lions’ Club Pete Award.
Along with her husband, she is survived by two sons and a daughter: David Radcliff and wife, Renae, of Lancaster, PA; Mike Radcliff and wife, Gloria, Burlington; and Bonnie Pitts and husband, Darryl, Mt. Pleasant, MI. She is also survived by two sisters: Mary Swain and husband, Wilbur, Lancaster, OH; and Mildred Warrick and husband, Homer, Newark, OH. She was preceded in death by three sisters. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Visitation and the funeral were held at Burlington First Brethren church with Dr. Peter Roussakis officiating.
Alvin Grumbling
Alvin H. Grumbling, 83, of Flora, Indiana went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at IU Health Center’s Arnett Hospital in Lafayette following a three-month illness. He was born March 25, 1927, in Johnstown, PA to the late Clyde and Violet Teeter Grumbling. He married Mary Elizabeth “Meg” Gilmer on May 39, 1948. She preceded him in death on January 3, 1997. A graduate of Ashland College, he was an ordained Brethren minister. He pastored churches in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California before coming to Flora in 1976. He was pastor of the Flora First Brethren Church for 18 years, retiring in 1994. After retiring from the First Brethren Church, he was called back in 2003 to be-
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come an interim pastor. That assignment lasted 14 months. As pastor of the Brethren church, he also served as unofficial chaplain of the former Brethren’s Home nursing facility in Flora. After he retired, the Brethren’s Home board called him back to be the official chaplain, a paid position. He served in that capacity for two years.
Al is survived by three brothers: Raymond (wife, Doris) of Johnstown, PA; Edwin (wife, Shirley) of Medina, OH; and Ronald (wife, Janet); and two sisters: Dorothy Spring (husband, Bob) of Polk, OH; and Elverda Rambsel (husband, David) of Columbus, OH. Also surviving are a daughter-in-law, Heidi Prohaska (husband, Christian) of Chicago, and one grandson, Konrad Prohaska. He was preceded in death by two sons, Dennis Keith Grumbling, and Gary Lester Grumbling. A funeral service was held on March 28 at the First Christian Church of Flora.
Marjorie Grisso Marjorie K. Grisso was born August 26, 1913 in Wayne County, Ohio. She went to be with her Lord on February 28, 2011 at the age of 97. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, and her husband, Vernon Grisso, in 2003. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Morton; her son, Thomas Grisso; her two granddaughters, Lisa Martin and Kerry Lozano and her great-grandchildren, Josephine and Ryan Lozano. Marjorie spent her childhood in Smithville, Ohio She graduated from Ashland College (Ohio) where she studied education, excelled in theatrical productions and met her husband, Vernon. She taught children in a one-room schoolhouse in the Smithville area while Vernon attended Ashland Theological Seminary. During the 1930s and 1940s, Vernon’s pastorates at Brethren churches took them to Williamstown, Ohio, Flora, Indiana, back to Smithville, Ohio and Dayton, Ohio. They came to Tucson in 1951 to establish the First Brethren Church. Marjorie was a teacher in the Tucson Public School system during the 1960s and 1970s, assigned primarily to assist children with special needs. A memorial service was held on March 4, 2011 in Tucson.
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The Brethren Evangelist (SSN 0747-4288) is published bimonthly except July/August by The Brethren Church, Inc., 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 (telephone: 419-2891708; email: brethren@brethrenchurch.org; fax: 419-281-0450. Authors’ views are not necessarily those of The Brethren Church. Subscription rates: Sent free to Brethren Church members; $15.00 per year to others. Member, Evangelical Press Association. Postage: Paid at Ashland, Ohio or addional mailing office at Mansfield, Ohio. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792. May/Junel 2011, Vol. 133, No. 3
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Please complete the information above, detach this form, and mail it to the address below, or call the toll-freenumber. Secure contributions may also be made online through PayPal by going to www.brethrenchurch.org/contributions. Scroll down to “Conference Offering” and follow the prompts. Thanks for contributing to Church Planting! The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805
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General Conference Offering For Church Multiplication
Momentum is building in our church multiplication movement! More than a dozen individuals and couples have begun a journey on our PathWay and have benefitted from this careful stewarding of their calling. Some of them have been deployed into active church planting! With some early plants up and running we continue to cultivate the kind of culture where multiplication can happen right where you are. Your generous gift now will help ensure that The Brethren Church is prepared to respond when God moves in the hearts and minds of the next Brethren church planters! * Start-Up Grants: Helping to provide vital support for the new plant * Assessment: Stewarding the calling of those investigating church planting * Training events: Get the Planter ready; Get your Church ready Get your District ready Please give to MissioChurch and see your dollars multiply disciples, leaders and churches.