The Brethren Evangelist - July/August 2008 by The Brethren Church

Evangelist THE BRETHREN

DEDICATED TO ADVANCING THE LIFE AND MINISTRIES OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH

Vol 130, No. 4 July/Aug 2008

300 th Anniversary Pictures The Spiritual State of the Church

How Are We Really Doing?

The following is Executive Director Ken Hunn’s “Spiritual State of the Church” message (as requested each year by General Conference), given at the Tuesday morning session in Richmond, Virginia, where he updates the combined delegates on the progress of our denomination toward the NEW DAY vision which was received by the same body last year. This transcript has been significantly edited for clarity and space. Audio files of all conference messages will be available at a later date at www.brethrenchurch.org. Included in this message was its conclusion that day, a letter received from Pastor Walter Romanenghi of our church in Cordoba, Argentina. His words serve as the invitation for our church to walk in a NEW DAY. There have been many requests for this letter, so we have reprinted it here as a part of the overall message.

I am often asked this question, in a variety of ways: How are we doing? This question is a request for a status report of our progress in regard to the NEW DAY vision of our denomination and the resulting strategies that we have set forth for all of our churches. Are the Brethren experiencing a NEW DAY? Recently one of our ordination candidates, after having successfully completed his examination, was given the chance to turn the tables and ask a question of his own. He stated that he had just heard a compelling presentation on the vision of the Brethren Church at his district conference. The presentation had caused him to wonder whether or not we are showing signs of such progress. And so his question to all of his elder questioners was: Is the Brethren Church experiencing a NEW DAY? The responses were positive. One individual maintained (using musical terminology) that as the orchestra conductor I had changed “middle C,” and that we were all watching to see whether or not the orchestra (churches) would play along. Understand that the vision does not come from me, but from you — from listening and watching our church over many years. It also comes as a strong conviction of what many of us believe to be God’s call to the Brethren. On another occasion a seminary student wondered aloud whether or not the vision is from man or from God. After verbalizing his own vision for the Brethren that we

embrace our missional focus, he was quickly encouraged by all around him that his vision and ours is the same! Just a few weeks ago thousands of miles from here in Puerto Maldonado, Peru, during informal conversation one of our local pastors posed the very same question, “How are we doing? Tell me some of the good things that are happening around our denomination where the glory of God is breaking out. Are we seeing a NEW DAY in the Brethren Church?” What is the spiritual state of the Brethren Church? I truly believe that we are beginning to show signs of embracing that NEW DAY in the Brethren Church. Let’s look together at Revelation 3:14-21: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I

stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Using this scripture as a guide, when considering the spiritual state of the Brethren Church we can ask, “Are we a lukewarm church?” During this conference week Church Planting Coordinator Bill Ludwig has been helping us celebrate some of the NEW DAY metrics or benchmarks of our progress in the stated vision. We have been evaluating our evident progress in church planting, and a greater involvement with mission through short-term mission trips. Things are happening, people are beginning to talk differently and behave differently

The Spiritual State of the Brethren Church Executive Director Ken Hunn

with respect to the mission of the church. As a part of the vision strategy we are asking churches to participate in the Natural Church Development survey (NCD). We have found that this spiritual check-up has at times brought tension to some of our ©2008 churches. As with a Music and Lyrics by James Pinto physical check-up, ©Revived Publishing so too an objective spiritual analysis can be threatening. I will be the voice to those who cannot speak, But we are seeing I will be the eyes to those who cannot see, a measure of transI will be the strength to those who are growing weak, formation begin for Here I am Lord, use me now Lord! those churches who have made It’s a new day to celebrate themselves ready The goodness of the Lord, His mercy and His love. and available for It’s a new day to seek His face, such a process. A day for you and me, to pray for unity. As a part of NCD, the effectiveness or spiritual temperaIt is time to break the walls of denominations. ture of a congregaWe rise up against the separation. tion is numerically We reclaim the land, united we will stand. measured in eight In the name of the Lord we declare it’s a new day! categories. Church Health and ReI will be the light that shines into the dark, source Specialist I will be the peace that calms the raging storm, Gary Diehl has been I will be an instrument of heavenly love, taking the individual Here I am Lord, use me now Lord! church scores and adding them into a composite bar graph chart reflecting the overall temperature of the combined churches who have completed the inventory. What we are finding is that as a whole the Brethren Church is not doing too badly, as measured in reference to the median of tens of thousands of churches who likewise have undergone this process. We have thus far not scored too badly as a denomination, nor too well — hovering somewhere just under the national average. When an individual church shows such an “average” score in his consulta-

A New Day

tion with congregations, Gary will ask if there is a scripture verse that reminds them of another church with such a predicament. Usually the “lukewarm” comparison is immediately and painfully evident. Does the Brethren Church have a future? Are we seeing the dawning of a NEW DAY? I absolutely believe that we are, and there are many evidences that this is indeed taking place. Are we a lukewarm church? The same tangible evidence suggests that we are! Let’s look again at this neither hot nor cold predicament. Notice carefully the equating of spiritual temperature with their deeds. Whenever this passage is preached, we often hear the lukewarm diagnosis referred to as our spiritual fervor for the Lord. Indeed that is a focus of this passage, but there is another truth at work here as well. The spiritual temperature of the Laodicean church is in relation to their deeds. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.” The spiritual state of this church and all churches (including the Brethren!) who would likewise measure themselves is reflected in what they are doing. The spirit says, “I know your deeds.…” Our deeds as Brethren reflect where we are on our spiritual journey, and it can be described as being lukewarm. The implication of this passage is that they needed to change their deeds. The NEW DAY vision is built on the premise that as a church we need to do things differently, and expect the Holy Spirit to show up in a new and different way and bless us with a new transformation. I don’t know that we’ve ever had a time of worship at General Conference such as we had last night. And though not all of what we experienced together is a part of my personal experience, how transforming it was to share together in new ways and enjoy the presence of the Lord in a new way! Oh how we have enjoyed the willingness of Brethren to respond to the call of each messenger, to stay and to pray until dismissed only by God. To see us praying as Pastor Joe Burgos said “without an agenda,” simply seeking God. In many of our pulpits and classrooms we have been very careful to teach against a salvation by works and rightly so. But in doing this

The truth is that we need to be transformed in what we consider to be ministry, and that we need to understand that our ministry needs to be balanced alongside the first priority of reaching the lost. We are doing some wonderful things in our churches today, but I am very concerned that the outcome of all of our efforts and all of our expenditures is that very few are coming to know Christ for the first time as a result! Discipleship will always be a priority, but oh how we need to be concerned about the eternal destiny of those around us! 4

we may have turned our backs on the whole idea that deeds and works really do matter. And we have to wonder when we look at the annual statistical report of the Brethren Church whether the activities we are engaged in today are accomplishing anything. Statistically speaking there are positive things to be considered, but the sum of all our activities shows that at the end of the day very few are finding Jesus Christ through all of those efforts! The truth is that we need to be transformed in what we consider to be ministry, and that we need to understand that our ministry needs to be balanced alongside the first priority of reaching the lost. We are doing some wonderful things in our churches today, but I am very concerned that the outcome of all of our efforts and all of our expenditures is that very few are coming to know Christ for the first time as a result! Discipleship will always be a priority, but oh how we need to be concerned about the eternal destiny of those around us! It is interesting to note how the Kumars explain the Brethren Mission in India. On one hand they speak about the Bible Institute, the vocational schools, the orphanage, and the Charity Hospital. But on the other hand they will tell you, “All we do is evangelism.” Do you understand the connection? All the myriad deeds of our mission in India are directly tied to the priority of evangelism. Everyone at the Bible Institute is taught how to share the gospel and required to do so in a new village every year. The vocational schools teach even many Hindus, with the purpose of sharing the gospel. The testimonies of these students are given with many tears, as they share of how they came to know Christ while working at a sewing machine learning to be seamstresses and tailors! Not one person is treated at the Charity Hospital without hearing of the one known as the Great Physician! Can’t we apply this same principle to our ministries here in the United States? We need to be concerned with the purpose and outcome of our deeds — what we do in our churches. If this discussion of works — of what we do — makes you nervous, consider James 1:22 which tells us “Do not merely listen to the word…, Do what it says.” Further on in chapter two even Abraham, the greatest biblical hero of

faith, is called upon to give us a lesson in deeds. This lesson is completed with the words: “You see, a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” Oh the importance of what we do! May our deeds reflect a spiritual condition of white-hot fervor to do the work of Christ. Jesus said in John 4 that his “food” was “to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” Our Savior then asks his hearers to consider that the fields of humanity are ripe for a spiritual harvest. Truly we too are called to finish the work of Christ in our time, realizing that the primary work is the harvesting of lives that the Holy Spirit has ripened for his Kingdom. Our deeds matter and the temperature of our deeds presently does not reflect a hot passion for the primary work of Christ in this world. Dear friends I urge you to consider the NEW DAY vision of the Brethren Church, for its accompanying strategies provide for all of us a place to begin to embrace a transformation from what is to what can be by the power of the Holy Spirit. All of us at the Brethren Church National Office stand ready to come alongside any of our leaders and churches so that together we can discern the next steps in this path of transformation. Just as compelling as the combination of spiritual temperature and the character of what we do — our deeds — so also is the compelling comparison of the image of being spat out of God’s mouth versus the invitation of the Savior knocking at our door, (verses 19-20). According to this passage the invitation is to “come in and eat.…” The scriptures frequently use the image of a meal, the highest form of friendship, to demonstrate the desire of God to be one with his children. Jesus reinforced this idea as his last encounter with the disciples. The meal was a sign of fellowship, or partnership. But all true partnerships depend on mutual response. Jesus’ invitation is to a partnership, but we must do our part in opening the door. Our response begins with an understanding that the rebuke and discipline of God’s Word is to demonstrate his love. With earnest hearts we are invited to repent, which is a change of how we think resulting in a change of what we do. This kind of response would be very appropriate for us as the Brethren Church. We need to acknowledge that

much of what we now do is not directed toward completing the work of Christ in our day. Our lack of missional focus must break our hearts. The eternity of many depends on our response. We must determine that the work of Christ on the cross is sufficient, but that the deeds of our partnership with Christ have mainly been to keep the power of the cross under wraps. As a result we settle for untransformed lives that are unable to offer the transforming power of Christ to the dying of our communities. For weeks I have been thinking about the ideas and phrases that I wanted to use to call us to repentance. And then just a short time ago I received an email letter from my dear friend Pastor Walter Romanenghi, of our congregation is Cordoba, Argentina. He is a man of great courage and humility. Walter understands the history of our Brethren family, and by God’s Spirit I believe he speaks to us in this letter with prophetic words that can call us to the commitment we need to make at this point in our historic journey. I want to give his email and the words of his letter here in entirety, so that you can sense and be changed by the earnest plea of God’s heart through Pastor Romanenghi’s words. Dear Ken: Hello! How are you? I hope you are being so blessed by our Lord, especially at these moments, with all the preparations for the General Conference. I have been reading your articles at ‘The Brethren Evangelist’ and I like it very much. I wish the New Day vision can develop successfully in the next months and years. In the attached message you can read some words of my heart for you and for the brethren there. Since my childhood I have been listening to stories about the Brethren Church. My grandmother and my father told me about the beginning of the mission in Rio Cuarto, about my greatgrandfather (C.F. Yoder), the history of Ashland, the development of the missionary work in Argentina, etc., etc. All those things sowed in my heart an especial love for the Brethren and moved me to bring my life to the God I knew through the Brethren Church ministry.

Continued on page 6 5

I tell you that because I want you to understand me why I write you this message. The Lord put in my heart this words some years ago, but at this time the heaviness of them have moved me to share this message with you. I want to put it at your consideration if there is any possibility to share this to the pastors and leaders at the General Conference or in other moments if you consider the right time. Ken I want to open my heart to you. I’m not looking for any applause or personal glory. I’m not proud. I’m only trying to obey something I felt from God. If this message is useful for the Brethren Church, Glory to God. Since I know you (five years?) I have known an ‘International Leader’ and a pastor who has in his heart an especial ‘charge’ for the growth of the Brethren Church in the entire world. Well, the only thing that moved me to write you is the same: the growth of the Brethren Church over the world. And, in this way, destroy any spiritual tie from the enemy that could be preventing that growth (2 Corinthians 2:11). Sincerely, recognizing your authority I write to you like a brother in the love of Christ. I send to you a ‘fraternal embrace’ from Cordoba. God bless you, Walter

Walter Romanenghi (at left) shown here with Argentine National Coordinator José Rivero.

A NEW DAY is Possible A NEW DAY is possible for the Brethren Church Walter Romanenghi Pastor of the Brethren Church in Córdoba, Argentina Six years ago the Lord put in my heart the following word which I shared with my church in Cordoba, and later to other pastors of the Brethren Church in Argentina. Today I think it is appropriate to share it with you, being the celebration of the 300 years of the Brethren Church near at hand. I have read with much enthusiasm “A NEW DAY vision in the Brethren Church” by Ken Hunn in the “The Brethren Evangelist” review as of Sept/Oct 2007. In this review he says: “The vision of the Brethren Church is to embrace a NEW DAY of transformed leadership, resulting in transformed congregations, whose mission is the transformation of their communities in the power of the Holy Spirit” (page 3). I have the certainty that this vision will be reached and we will be able to see the transformations proposed become true. That is the reason why I took the decision to put these words into your consideration. The Lord says in the book of Jeremiah, chapter 29, verses 10 to 14 the following: This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, ‘I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ‘Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you’, declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity.’ This is a very well known passage, which contains a prophetic word, specific

for the time when the people of Israel were being kept captive in Babylon. However, I have the conviction that these words may be applied also to our days at the Brethren Church. We are very close to reach seventy years from the last and painful division of the Brethren Church in the year 1939. That situation (at least in Argentina) caused many difficulties in the progress and development of the Church, which is possibly still affecting us up to this day. Nevertheless, the Lord always promises us a new day, a time of restoration, a time of prosperity and hope. For I know the plans I have for you,… Plans to prosper you,… plans to give you hope and a future. A future that will permit us to embrace a “new day.” A time when God asserts that He will listen to our pleas and will allow Himself to be found by those who seek Him, with the sole condition that we do it “with all our heart”. For this new day to become true, it will be necessary to come before God with a contrite heart and full of desire to seek Him sincerely. Just then “we will be able to find Him and He will bring us back from captivity.” We should be honest and recognize which things have kept us ‘captive’ in all these years and have prevented us from a bigger blessing from God for our Church. Attitudes and behaviours which have not allowed the Brethren Church to grow as we would have expected in all this time. We could mention the captivity of pride and haughtiness, which have led us to trust solely in ourselves and not to depend fully upon the guidance of God. Things which have established irreconcilable divisions and have not made possible to work in unity. Things which have led us to have an unforgiving and non-conciliatory spirit. Things that have given birth to an individualistic and selfish leadership, not much disposed to work as a team. I would also like to add the captivity of a legalistic spirit, which exalts

the structures and the formalities, that chokes the people and the liberty of the Holy Spirit, that lead to behaviours full of hypocrisy. Selfishness, animosity, dissension, added to what has been spoken of above, have been transformed into strongholds that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5), which try to have our Church captive and hinder its progress. However, our weapons are powerful in God to destroy them so as to be free from any captivity. Jeremiah is clear when he points out that when the Israelites would dispose themselves to seek God with all their heart, He would bring them back from the captivity in Babylon. And something that the Lord put in my heart is that in this General Conference, a very special thing will take place that will very rarely be repeated again: the presence of the national leaders from all the countries where the Brethren Church is established. The desire of my heart is to suggest to you that the whole group of leaders may come before the presence of the Lord with humility, and in unity, to seek His face with all their heart, and on behalf of all the congregations, ask God for forgiveness for our pride, our haughtiness, our animosity, our selfishness, our legalism, our hypocrisy, and for all the other reasons that anybody may feel that have taken our churches captive. And as well, if necessary, to ask one another for forgiveness. This would bring healing to the wounds of the past, casting down those lies that Satan has declared upon us and will clear the way for the power of the Holy Spirit to flow on our lives with a new strength. It is not a coincidence that the motto of this General Conference is: “Surrendered to God, transformed in Christ, empowered by the Spirit.” To see this motto become true is what has driven me to write these words. Surely, we will be able to see leaders, congregations and communities transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Truly, a NEW DAY of liberty will have started, and the Lord will be able to bless us with His plans to prosper us. A ‘NEW DAY’ for the Brethren Church is possible. May God bless you.

Brethren Peace Initiative by Phil Lersch St. Petersburg, Florida As Brethren clergy have known since May 16th (through the bi-weekly MEMO Updates emailed from the National Office), there is a renewed and revitalized emphasis on “peacemaking” taking place in the Brethren Church. It is called BRETHREN PEACE INITIATIVE. A few laymen and laywomen (and ministers) also got this news and signed up for the new PEACE EMAIL LIST. This email is sent free every couple of weeks to those who request it — repeating the Brethren Peace Initiative page from the MEMO Update and adding some other peace-related bits of information. The General Conference attendees in Richmond heard about Brethren Peace Initiative in a verbal report and received a packet of peace literature during one of the Business Sessions. We also had a display booth in the Exhibit Hall with a colorful backdrop, free literature, and peace resource books. The PEACE LEADERSHIP TEAM, who volunteered to work on this peace revitalization, is composed of Jason Barnhart (Park Street Brethren - Ashland) Rich and Carolyn Hagopian (Smoky Row - Columbus) Wende Lance (Park Street Brethren - Ashland) David Stone (Sarasota, Florida Brethren) Phil Lersch (Sarasota, Florida Brethren) YOUR SUPPORT IS REQUESTED in these two ways: 1. Sign up for the Peace Email List. This is our only regular contact with non-ministers in the churches, so laymen and laywomen (as well as clergy) are requested to send the following information to Phil Lersch (PhilLersch@verizon.net) or 6301 56th Avenue, North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709): Your Name Email Address Postal Address

Church you attend Phone Number (optional)

2. Make a Financial Donation to the Brethren Peace Fund. There is no money in the General Conference Budget, especially in mid-year, for this peacecentered ministry. As an incentive for your needed support, Jean and I will match every dollar given for the first $500 received for the initial expenses. Make your check payable to Brethren Peace Fund. Send it to: Stan Gentle, Treasurer 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805 Stan will keep all the records, issue receipts, keep us informed of donations, and write checks when needed. Thank you very, very much. Your gift will be well used! And now, MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY OF THE PRECEDING WORDS ARE THESE: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34,35). “See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all” (I Thessalonians 5:15). KEEPING PEACE IN MIND, Phil Lersch, Facilitator Peace Leadership Team

Church Mobilization

Get READY, Get SET, GO! The 120th General Conference of the Brethren Church in Richmond included a number of surprising and interesting moments. There was a wonderful moment symbolizing a common Brethren heritage in the opening worship session with the Church of the Brethren folks. Representatives from every district in our two tribes came to the front and poured water from baptistries all over the world into a running fountain, as well as water from the Eder River in Europe (site of the first adult baptisms by Alexander Mack and his strange friends in 1708) and the Wissahickon Creek (site of the first Brethren baptisms in America). And there was another moment when all the international leaders representing every foreign work of the collective Brethren assembled on the platform and were recognized for their part in the work of spreading the gospel to “the uttermost parts of the earth.” By far, one of the most profound and surprising moments for me came at the end of our own Tuesday evening worship. The worship team from Park Street had done another tremendous, Spirit-empowered job of leading us into the presence of the Living God. Marcelo Ferreri from Columbia had just delivered a powerful challenge to all in attendance (with the help of translator Todd Ruggles) to consider carefully the implications and power of the “staff” God has placed in our individual hands, just as Moses was asked to do. With that challenge still ringing in our heads and hearts, Todd once again deviated from the “schedule” by calling all the international leaders to come to the front. He then extended an invitation for the rest of us to come forward and have those faithful servants from across the globe lay hands on every individual and pray,

commissioning us to GO into our own mission field. What a moment! What a picture! Here were those saints we have for so long called “missionaries” now challenging us to use what God has given us in our own “mission field” here in this country. What a tremendous blessing to have Dr. Prasanth Kumar, Sudhir Kumar, José Rivero, David Loi, and all the other international leaders personally crying out to God for his divine power to work in and through us to transform our communities in the power of the Holy Spirit! These folks we’ve esteemed as the front lines warriors in the battle against the gates of hell were calling on us to get into the same fight — right here in our own backyards! Those international leaders who are the fruit of the “missionary” efforts of faithful Brethren of the past were now challenging the sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters, friends and families of those same faithful Brethren to once again see ourselves as God-appointed “missionaries” to a broken, hurting mission field where he has already placed us. Here’s the profound thought for me: every one of us is already a MISSIONARY! Jesus tells us in Acts 1:8 that we “will” be His witnesses, not that we “should” be. Being a witness is not optional. We will either be a good one or a bad one. I already am a missionary, but rarely think of myself that way, nor do I often act like one. How about you? What would happen, even in the smallest Brethren congregation, if we started thinking differently? What would happen if we, as leaders, would stop asking questions like, “How can we get people more committed to our good church programs? How will we survive if we don’t get more young people?” Instead, what could hap-

Gary Diehl is Church Health and Resource Specialist for the Brethren Church. 8

by Gary Diehl

pen if we started asking everyone in our faith communities, “What’s that in your hand? (What gift has God given you to use for his glory?) What has God wired you to do? Who is God calling you to touch in the name of Jesus? How can we as the body of Christ help you discover that, equip and commission you for the task, and release you to become a missionary to the foreign cultures you are already connected with?” What if we saw our primary role as one of mobilizing God’s people to do the “good works” he has already prepared? What profound, exciting and powerful God-moments will we all get to share as we are transformed by God’s Spirit!? You will hear more details soon about the development of a Church Mobilization Team. This is starting with the creation of a group of trained and certified coaches that will be prepared to come alongside pastors, congregations, and church planters in ways that will help them be more effective at recognizing and fulfilling God’s intended purpose for their life and ministry. Our desire is to help you find out what God wants you to do with “the staff that’s in your hand”, and to do it to the best of your ability. Please talk with us, and let us know how we can best mobilize you as you begin to mobilize those you serve for God’s glory. Get READY, get SET, … GO!

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 Vo l u m e 2 1 , N u m b e r 6 July/August 2008

The President’s Pen Dear Sisters, Having just returned from Richmond, Virginia, and our joint conference and 300th anniversary celebration with the Church of the Brethren, my husband and I are preparing to leave for Europe on the tour of our Brethren roots. It is a hectic but very exciting time! What comes to my mind is part of the text from the piece “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris, “How beautiful is the Body of Christ.” This beauty was displayed as we intermingled with fellow Brethren at meal times, combined worship services and workshops, in the exhibit hall, and on bus rides back and forth to our hotels. On Monday morning, during the WMS session, the beauty of the Body of Christ was expressed so lovingly as eleven women, representing our International and United States ministries shared their hearts with us. Their passion, their humility, their enthusiasm, and their willing sacrifices were a powerful testimony to how God is working in and through the Body of Christ. Attending General Conference this year has really brought to mind the significance and value of being a part of WMS. When we support US and International Missions, we realize we are sharing in the advancement of the church globally. Despite language barriers, we still have a part in the advancement of the Kingdom worldwide. Developing meaningful relationships with those doing the work in many places only enhances our sense of purpose. Renewing the relationships formed during my visit

(Continued on page 12)

Missionary Miscellany The International Ministries Council aimed to bring all the missionaries home for the General Conference. Although a few couldn’t come, the majority attended and it was a joy to meet and visit with them. When a language barrier occurred, a smile sufficed. The International Banquet was a Monday morning breakfast at the beautiful Marriott Hotel, when all the missionaries were introduced. Some spoke at the breakfast and others at the WMS meeting. All appreciated the love and support of the Brethren. They were grateful for this opportunity to meet their fellow missionaries. This is a compilation of their remarks. Todd and Tracy Ruggles mentioned many facets of God working through them in their 15-year ministry in Mexico City, Mexico. Miracles such as healings, legs and/or arms stretched, lives changed, marriages and families restored strengthened the faith of the believers. Daily they fight battles with drugs, kidnappings, and thievery. Jeremy McClung, serving in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada, is building a non-traditional church. Where the ratio of Christian to non-Christian is 1:10, the area is ready for harvest and he asked us to pray that the Lord will send workers. He anticipates the establishment of one Brethren Church in Canada this fall. David and Jenny Loi, serving in Malaysia and China, mentioned that when they were overcome with struggles, discouragement, and health problems, they thought of quitting. But no! A new field of ministry opened two years ago in China, and, quoting II Corinthians 4:7-12, she said they received power from God, far superior to their own. They continue to serve, preach, and teach the national pastors. They requested prayer for the underground churches and for

the believers, especially now because of the summer Olympics and the dangers they might encounter. Gary Castro will return to Manila, Philippines, this fall, following his graduation from Ashland Theological Seminary. Since 2004, when he came to the US, two congregations are established in the Philippines and the third is waiting to be launched. Their emphasis is on church planting. In 1997, as an outreach ministry, the Argentine church sent David and Cecilia Molina and their two sons to Coria, Spain. This is a difficult assignment since Spain is a Catholic country. They are concerned because so many people lack the courage to stand up for their beliefs. They pray that God’s presence in their lives will grow. And they see God at work! This is a partnership between the Argentina Brethren and the Brethren Church. Cecilia said they started with only five women. Now husbands and parents attend! Their church is growing. Birthday and anniversary cards remind them that they are not alone, they feel our prayers when the cards arrive. She thanked the beautiful persons who are praying for them. The nearest church is more than one hour away, so they are planting a church where there is no church. No family is there; we are their family! Please continue your prayers for them. Nirmala Kumar reminded us that in 2009 the Indian mission will celebrate 40 years! She was joined by her husband, Prasanth, and their son, Sudhir, to sing ‘Hosannah.’ Their practice in India is to go to the villages, sing, pray, and then talk about Jesus Christ. In the prayer tower believers fast and pray on a 24hour basis. She said “Fasting for one

(Continued on page 12) 9

Highlights of W.M.S. Conference In the WMS meeting, President Phyllis Roussakis convened the 120th conference. She welcomed women who are concerned about missions. Cheryl Schmiedt, national vice president, presented the theme, “A New Day,” based on Genesis 22:1, when God called Abraham and he replied, “Here I am.” She reminded us that we are experiencing a journey and each day is new and fresh with opportunities unknown to us, but known to God. We don’t know where we are going, so we ask God to lead. Following Him is our response and we have a good day! However, doing our own thing gives a bad day. Changes are the journey; let’s allow God to transform us by allowing Him access to our hearts. Here I am — ready to allow God to change me.” To indicate our willingness to allow God to change us, we sang the theme song, “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go.” A few missionary ladies spoke, who didn’t have the opportunity at the breakfast. Rebecca Abuid from Puerto Maldonado, Peru, explained about the orphanage. Although she and Italo prayed for their biological child, God chose them to be adoptive parents and David joined their family. God has filled their yearning for a family by giving them the vision of an orphanage to care for abandoned and abused children. Work teams have helped in the construction of three homes this summer. From digging the ditches for the foundations to putting down linoleum for floor coverings – God has blessed their work! Soon they will house street kids, protecting them from prostitution and drugs. To complement the construction, couples are in training to be parents. Lillian Van Doren from Fairmont, Argentina, is the national WMS secretary in Argentina. She brought a big hug from all the ladies in Argentina! They work hard on their projects: providing food and help in schools for 300 children in three different projects. The ladies’ prayer is “Lord, use us as women.” Lindsey Asbury and her husband Tom serve at The Center in Stow, Ohio and 12 small groups. They meet in vari-

ous localities, such as bookstores and coffee shops, to read and study God’s Word. She prayed for financial support because they need more staff. They have two groups of women — this is their fastest growing segment. The staff gives counseling about drugs, marital relations, and with an autistic child. Lindsey proudly introduced their infant daughter, Isabella. Phyllis read greetings from Nancy Hostetler and Kathy Keck from Riverside Christian School in Lost Creek, KY. All the missionaries appreciated your remembrances throughout the year. Prayers, birthday and anniversary cards, gifts, pictures – all were meaningful and needed. Miguel and Sonia Antunez are the August missionaries-of-the-month and serve the Iglesia de los Hermanos in Bradenton, FL. Their plans for a daycare center and youth soccer league are the designee for the project. This begins the second year for the project. They and their son, Carlos, attended Conference and, despite Miguel’s busy schedule and Sonia’s health struggle, they look well. She tearfully thanked everyone for the prayers and cards during her health problems with leukemia. They were a wonderful source of peace and encouragement. She is with us today because of God’s healing. Miguel wrote about Sowers of Hope, the soccer club. Introduction: Greetings in the name of the Lord to all of you dear ladies of the WMS. This report is to show you how your gift was used in the recreational ministry of the Brethren Church in Bradenton, through the Iglesia de Los Hermanos. When we started our last season, we had in mind to grade the yard so we can have a soccer field instead of a big yard. According to our schedule, we needed to have it done before we started to accept applications. The amount of money we need exceeded our capacity ($8-10,000). We were able to contact people who might do it as a contribution, so they can deduct from their taxes, but it was too late in the year. Therefore,

we decided to pray and to be blessed with no injuries, and enough to pay all the expenses in order to reach people for Jesus. Results: Andres and Camila Guevara have finished their second year with us. Amalia, the mother, and German, the father, are coming to church every Saturday and every meeting we have. Mr. Guevara was a catechism teacher at a local Catholic Church, now he is our Eric Clapton in our praise band. Ms. Guevara is inviting couples for our “Marriage Recovery Seminar.” Mr. Reynaldo Escobar, his wife, Alex, were brought by their son, Salomon, and soon became faithful members of our church due to a miracle of healing that happened in December 2007. Tony Armas is praying for two years already for his parents to come to us. He comes almost every Saturday night worship service. His parents drive him to our church and we take him back. There is a stronghold grabbing them. The older sister is married to a Muslim man and Mr. Armas is a Cuban atheist. Mrs. Armas is a faithful Catholic. Tony is the light who will shine the path for them to follow. He is our youngest missionary. The Eagans are very special people to us. Shelby, the little blond girl, loves soccer and she wants to be in the US national team. When she came, we knew her parents were getting divorced. They came to watch her play and then they got back together for a while. He is a bartender and she is a realtor. At this time they are separated again, but we will look for a closer relationship with them. Monica Simbaña works 10 hours a week in the administration of the ministry. As you know, she wants to serve the Lord and is a tent-maker. She cleans houses for her living. We pray that one day Monica will be supported for our church full-time. Description: Part of your financial gift was used for the equipment, supplies, and main-

(Continued on page 11)

Women’s Outlook Newsletter

Highlights (continued) tenance of the field, making sure it was safe for play. Some was used for the awards night with trophies and gift certificates, and featuring a concert by Jodi Thomae and a group from Ashland. Our gratitude is to God for having you support us. The children were ministered and accepted in a way they will never forget as long as they live. For the ones who are coming to Jesus with their parents – they constitute our payment for such a tedious and hard work. It was not easy, but blessed. In the presence of the Holy Spirit, I testify to you of this beautiful ministry so much needed in this world. John 20:21

keep in touch with your prayers

and letters!

SPECIAL PROGRAMS The project and thank-offering ingatherings were combined. Ilda Blair from the Northern CA, district, read Proverbs 3:9, then she and Cindy Hanson, Bev Baker, Jan Kary from the IN district received the offerings. Bev Baker asked God’s blessings upon your gifts for the children and youth programs in Bradenton and benevolences. Ladies from the NE district gave the memorial service. While DeAnn Oburn played, Maxine Craver read a poem, “Home at Last” by Gertrude Jefferies, and Bonita Chamberlain read John 14. In memory of seven ladies, gifts were given to the Gideons for Bibles. The hymn, “My Savior First of All” was an appropriate conclusion to this service. SCHOLARSHIPS This year three scholarships were presented to qualified ladies who are

July/August 2008

seniors at Ashland University. The recipients are Tessa Hooley and Lydia Deardurff from Bellefontaine, and Leta Mercer from Pleasant Hill. Each is active in her home church and very appreciative of this encouragement. WMS is pleased to honor them. BUSINESS President Phyllis Roussakis presided over the business meetings. She thanked those who served on committees: Registration Committee: Joanne Kroft and Janet Rufener, OH; Sherry Gordon, Central; and Joan Merrill, IN districts. A total of 65 were registered: 52 members, 2 guests, and 11 officers. Auditing Committee: Sandy Sharp and Waunita Tusing, IN; Ann Staley and Janice Rowsey, OH districts. They audited the books of the financial secretary and the literature secretary and found everything correct and in order. The treasurer’s books were audited by a CPA firm in Loudonville and were accurate and in order. Nominating Committee: Kitty Winfield, OH, and Bev Baker, IN districts. According to the Constitution, the offices of Vice President and Treasurer are elected on even-numbered years. Therefore, nominees for vice president were Cheryl Schmiedt and Jan Kary. The nominee for treasurer was Janet Rufener. The president called for reports from the following: Sewing and Benevolence Coordinator: Joan Merrill reminded the ladies the tercentennial quilt was on display with the Brethren traveling exhibit. Many ladies quilted, Dale Stoffer assisted with pictures, but the ideas came from God. To God be the glory! Joan commented that she welcomes quilt blocks. Guidelines are listed inside the back cover of the Service Guide and will be included in a future Newsletter.

General Secretary: Lynn Herendeen referred to the Statistician’s report on the back cover of the program booklet. Only 53 of the 68 societies (78%) returned the statistical report; hence, all the figures are less than last year. Eighteen societies met all the goals. Lynn mentioned that next year the report forms will not be sent two months early and, hopefully, you will submit them on time, May 30. Joanne Kroft presented certificates to the honor societies — those who increased their giving and those who increased their membership. Phyllis acknowledged the district presidents and representatives. Their efforts are appreciated. The Board recommended the appointment of the following to serve in 2008-2009: General Secretary: Lynn Herendeen Assistant Secretary: Karen Weidenhamer Literature Secretary: Mary Lee Stout Devotional Guide Editor: Cheryl Schmiedt Newsletter Editor: Joan Ronk Subscription Secretary: Joanne Kroft Sewing and Benevolence Coordinator: Joan Merrill Elected and re-elected officers are: President: Phyllis Roussakis Vice President: Cheryl Schmiedt Financial Secretary: Joanne Kroft Treasurer: Janet Rufener FINANCES Janet Rufener, treasurer, presented the budget, which the Executive Committee prepared and recommended. Copies were distributed to the delegates. She reminded us that, as always, this is a faith budget and only the money received last year is disbursed this year. Money received from dues and general receipts (interest earned from checking, savings, and investments) are budgeted toward the costs of producing the Devotional Guide, the Newsletter, and operating costs of WMS, such as postage, conference costs, mileage, etc. Sometimes interest is also added to the thank offering to fulfill those budgeted amounts. This budget was approved:

(Continued on page 12) 11

Highlights (continued)

President’s Pen (continued)

Benevolence:. . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,380 ATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,780 World/Home Missions. . . . . 3,935 Campus Ministry. . . . . . . . . 1,200 Riverside Christian School. 1,200 Legacy Award. . . . . . . . . . . 3,165 AU Scholarship . . . . . . . . . 1,500 ATS Ministerial Student Aid. . 500

to Argentina last October brought such joy to my heart!

Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,653 Salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,800 Devotional Guide. . . . . . . . . 2,495 Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,170 Subscription Sec’y postage.. . 50 Social Security tax. . . . . . . . . 138 Other Expenses . . . . . . . . . $2,147 Conference expenses. . . . . . 900 Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Postage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Mileage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 650 Bank charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Audit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Bonding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Phone calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Hardship dues . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,180 Two suggestions for the Legacy Fund were presented: (1) help to restore Camp DiQuecito, near Cordoba, Argentina, and (2) increase the Missions Emergency Medical Fund (MEMF), which gives assistance to missionaries for health needs. Insurance overseas is not so expensive, but neither does it provide much coverage. Conference voted to designate the Legacy Fund to MEMF. The amount was $3,165. Phyllis explained the International Sisters Churches program, whereby a church in the US “adopts” an international mission church. The extent of the “adoption” is up to the local church. Please contact the national church office if you are interested.

As National WMS president, I can truly say about all of you, “How beautiful is the Body of Christ.” Thankfully,

Phyllis Roussakis

Missionary Miscellany (continued) meal is what people do to lose weight! By fasting for 24 hours, their faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened, souls are saved, and God performs miracles.” When they receive prayer requests via internet, they are bound together with us by the love of God. The kids in the orphanage and people in the prayer tower kneel to pray for these requests. She called this “kneeology”, being on our knees at the throne of grace. “We’re there because you are here.” Marcelo and Adriana Ferreri went from the Brethren Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Bogotá, Colombia. They work to save young people from drugs and alcohol. They are enthused how God is making His church grow and are honored to serve our Lord Jesus. He cautioned us to “watch out for your wallets” because exciting things are happening! He prayed that the Lord would help us make bigger churches to fit more people in. He also prayed for peace in Colombia. Carlos and Zulema Quieroga from Santiago, Chile, said, “Even with the difference in language, we understand each other: our faces express God’s love. He placed it in our hearts to go and give the people what they need: love and help to destroy the demonic powers. We thank God for putting us there.” They are building a church with the help of God. Eduardo Rodriguez, Colón, Argentina, is the director of the South American Theological Seminary and works with the leadership in Latin America. They

struggle with differences, which are not coming from the will of God. José Rivero, Todd and Tracy Ruggles, Marilyn Aspinall and Jenn Pinto translated for several missionaries. The International Ministries Council presented plaques of sincere appreciation to 26 families who have served the Brethren Church. We can’t say enough thanks for the blessings they are to the Church.

The Editor’s Ending Dear Friend, You would have enjoyed Conference! The camaraderie among all the Brethren was a joy! We were blessed! Perhaps my review will give you a taste of our enjoyment. Joanne Kroft, financial secretary, reported that, as of August 5, gifts received for the project are: $8,958.61 and gifts for the thank-offering are $8,954.78. Should your society still have these offerings, please send them to Joanne, 608 Clear Creek Twp. Rd. 1151, Ashland, OH 44805 You are invited to come to next year’s Conference in Ashland July 13-17, 2009. Mark your calendar now and plan your vacation in “Ashland, Some Place Special.” I consider each issue of the Newsletter as a tool of the national WMS for your use. This includes reports from our missionaries, those who serve internationally as well as those in the US. You complete the publication. Your reports of outreach and benevolence explain how you serve Christ by spreading His love in and through your church and community. Indeed, the Women’s Missionary Societies are women meant to serve. It is my pleasure to combine these segments into the WMS Newsletter. To God be the glory! Your friend,

Joan

Reflections on the 300th Anniversary Conference It was such a joy to have all of our ‘Internationals’ with us. They brought a welcome and infectious passion. To sit in the hospitality room, the hotel lobby, at meals or anywhere they happened to be challenged me with what the Brethren Church USA could/should be. I was reminded of how blessed we are, almost to the point that in many ways we don’t ‘need’ God as we do ministry. If only we could capture their hearts for God, for ministry, and for the lost. If only we depended on him more. The worship times, the prayer times — if only we would yield more to the impromptu movings of the Spirit. It seems so petty to return to the local church to discuss the things we discuss, to argue about the things we argue about, when all over the world we have men and women wanting to do nothing other than serve God however he leads. What a great reminder, a great challenge. - Billy Hesketh, Pastor Milford, Indiana  A small stream-like cascading fountain served as the centerpiece of the décor of the joint worship activities of the Brethren Church and the Church of the Brethren (CoB). The water to fill the fountain came from around the world. The CoB Moderator poured water collected from the Eder River (site of the first baptism in 1708 in Germany) and our Moderator, Tom Schiefer, poured in water from the Wissahickon Creek (site of the first baptism in the New Country in 1723). Then a parade of district representatives from both groups poured water into the fountain that had been collected from the baptistries of churches in their districts. This description does not relate the “aha” moment of watching this activity. I had a profound sense, feeling, experience that waters of baptism have been the common bond for us as Brethren; that what started in 1708 has traveled the world as a unique expression of Christian life and influence; that when we each bring what we have and consciously combine it together we are better together; that just as water gives and sustains physical life, it serves as a symbol of giving and sustaining spiritual life; and that as our small denomination continues to lead new believers into the waters of baptism we are being faithful to God’s call and contributing to the larger move of God around the world. Words fall short of capturing the experience. - Tim Garner, District Pastor Indiana There is transforming power in the work of the Spirit. When we spent time together in worship with our International Leaders, we could see God at work in healing of the leaders, here and internationally, we could see the healing of the church, and we could see the lifting of spirits. Of course, this did not come without some severe attacks on the health and well-being of some in attendance. However, God is triumphant and what I saw was God’s hand working on transforming leaders in the Brethren Church. I saw passions revived, worship that changed hearts, and relationships mended and strengthened. I look forward to see what New Day God brings to our churches and our denomination. - Vickie Taylor Ashland Theological Seminary

Work Progresses on Peruvian Orphanage David Stone Sarasota First Brethren Church Nineteen people spent ten days in Peru this past June to work on the Brethren orphanage there. The nine youths and ten adults constituted the 2008 National BYIC Mission Trip. They came from five different Brethren churches in five states (Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio). They all met in the Miami airport on June 10 to begin their trip. After a stop to see the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, the team flew on to the city of Puerto Maldonado, a city deep in the Amazon jungle. Italo and Rebecca Abuid, the directors of the orphanage, assigned the team the task of painting the main building of the orphanage. It seemed an easy task for the number of workers, but that appearance was deceiving. Painting the orphanage inside and out included sanding the cement and painting three or four coats each of primer and finish paint. However, the team was able to finish in one week and they even worked to pour the concrete floors in six rooms of the second building. Everyone was pleased with the final result. The second major purpose of the trip was to hold an ordination service for Italo Abuid. The four elders on the team were joined by Executive Director Ken Hunn for this purpose. It was a wonderful time of celebration and worship with many of Pastor Italoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family members and friends in attendance. Italo Abuid has been serving in Peru for over five years. He began in Brethren ministry Rebecca, Italo and David Abuid through our Iglesia de los Hermanos in Sarasota, Florida. Italo is married to the former Rebecca Byler, who grew up on our Argentine mission field.

Photos from above left: * Daily transportation to the work site * Making friends with the llamas * Macchu Pichu, ancient city of the Incas * Ordination service for Italo Abuid. From left: David Stone, Ken Hunn, Jim Miller, Art Carr, Luis Angel de Morillas

SCHEDULED MISSION TRIPS Date

Destination

Group

October 10-20 Puerto Maldonado, Peru Mt. Olive Brethren Leader: Pastor Fred Miller: fgmiller58@yahoo.com February 2009 India Brethren Church Natâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l. Office Leader: Executive Director Ken Hunn: ken@brethrenchurch.org

Please keep the BCNO updated on your mission trip plans (Foreign/Domestic). Contact Jenn Pinto at jenn@brethrenchurch.org with your updates. For more information on these trips, please contact the trip leader.

Philippines 2008 Mission Diary Pastor Paul Stanley, Carson Oaks Community Church Stockton, California What is it really like to go on a mission trip? This is the second installment of Paul Stanley’s diary of his fifth trip to the Philippines. After a bumpy 15-hour plane ride we arrive in Hong Kong just in time to enjoy a beautiful sunrise coming up over the mountains as we wait for our plane to Manila. I am dead tired, but I know that once we arrive in Manila our day will start and the work will begin. I am looking forward to all that will happen and also to the fifth year celebration of JOFF, our Brethren Church in Manila. The flight from Hong Kong to Manila was smooth and refreshing in the sense that it was not as crowded and allowed us to catch a much-needed nap prior to landing early on Wednesday morning. We were welcomed at the airport by the familiar and friendly faces of Heidi and Aurora, who are a great help in getting around Manila. After a delicious lunch of fish, rice

and pork BBQ, we met with Pastor Rolly Guballa to discuss the itinerary and plan for the next ten days. For tonight, we plan to just relax, catch up with friends and prepare ourselves for whatever the Lord will have for us on this trip. DAY 2 We took Chuck into town this morning to show him what the daily life in Manila is like. We had a few hours before being picked up by the pastors

from JOFF so we took advantage of the time. Manila is a city of around twenty million people and when one travels through the city, the traffic and congestion certainly attests to the fact! The market in itself is quite amazing as it has about everything one can imagine. At the fish and meat market, everything is fresh and prepared right in front of you. You can wait while they butcher and clean your chicken if you want it to be really fresh! Once we left the inner city of Manila and headed out toward Deparo, where the newest branch of JOFF operates, the contrast was simply amazing. Everything changed from being somewhat metropolitan to being the poverty and hand-to-mouth existence that most people of the Philippines experience. The poverty level is around 70 percent and it really shows when you get out and visit in people’s homes in some of the more rural areas. When we got to Deparo, we met with the dedicated leaders of the church. They gave us a report of all their activities which would embarrass most ministries. Their schedule is full practically every day of the week, sometimes conducting at least four cell group services a day. We visited in several homes of the members where we had a chance to meet and pray with them. Most of the homes are in squatter’s areas where they live very minimally, some without a toilet in the home, which means it is not unusual to see someone using the toilet in the street. Those that do have facilities have the wastewater running in uncovered and untreated ditches that crisscross throughout the neighborhood, right through where people live and the children play. That evening, we enjoyed a service geared toward the young people of

the area. Many of the young men are in the same situation as many of the young men in the USA, and get caught up in the same deception of drugs and gangs that we see here. The passion for the leaders in this church is to help lead these young men away from this life and into a life of service to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is tough because they are inundated with poverty and unlike America there are few opportunities for them to receive any assistance outside the church to change their condition. This is an area where your prayers and support really count, because properly equipped, JOFF Deparo could really make an impact in the lives of these young people. One thing I see them teach in their church is a real passion to worship. Inside that little church that was probably smaller than many of our living rooms, they were filled wall-to-wall with young people singing at the top of their lungs with obvious passion for Christ. We worshipped and shared until about 9:00 p.m. and decided to head back to Manila to get ready for the next day. Coming back that night we experienced one of the characteristics of Manila I do not like: traffic! We weren’t much farther than 30 kilometers from Manila, but it took us hours to snake our way through the traffic, road conditions and people to get back to where we were staying. I noticed when the pastors picked us up in Manila that they had a new vehicle. I found out that the vehicle was borrowed from Pastor Anthony’s

father. The van they normally drove that was provided by COCC (Carson Oaks Community Church) in Stockton several years ago is really on its last leg. They can drive it around town, but to use in between Manila and Bocaue or even to transport people back and forth from the church is just not an option at this point. The van is definitely a critical piece of equipment for the church. Many of you made a commitment during last year’s National Conference to help on this project and I hope you have met your commitment. I implore you who are reading this to please help on this. For around $8,000 we can get a good van for them. I was told that we have around $3,000 raised already so we are gaining on this, but if you could help these folks would be extremely grateful. DAY 3 The next day we were invited to attend a ministry at Lolomboy National High School, where Pastor Jerome led a crew in giving out a publication (in both English and Tagalog) called the Book of Hope. It contained several articles on who God is and what his plan is for our lives. I had the chance to address a group of about 50 teenage boys and to share my testimony with them. Fortunately I had an interpreter. She was an 18-year-old named Rain who did an outstanding job. She kept up word for word and at the same pace I was talking, so it made deliver-

ing the message much smoother than it normally is. At first, as it usually is with teenagers, they were talking and getting antsy in their seats. But when I started telling them of what God had done in my life, they settled down and really listened and in the end when they were chal-

16 16

lenged to give their lives to Christ and to have the courage to truly live for him, we had about 44 of them respond! That night we met with the leaders of the Bocaue church and did some leadership training with them. As usual we had a great time of worship before we taught, which prepared our hearts and spirits to hear from the Lord and discuss some of the tougher issues of leadership. Trust me when I tell you that no matter where one goes, church issues are the same. They may manifest themselves a little differently according to culture, but they are the same at the root. Afterward instead of heading back to metro Manila for the evening we stayed with Pastor Rolly in Santa Maria in order to start our day early. DAY 4 Did I say start our day early? The next morning I awoke, and dealing with a mixed-up body clock (16 hours difference) thought the day was beginning. After a quick “Filipino Shower” (can you say BURR?) I came out of my room to find it was only 4:00 a.m.! I tried to go back to sleep, but by this time the little town was coming alive with the sound of trikes buzzing by the house and roosters crowing in the yard, so we decided to have some Bible study and prayer time before breakfast with the pastors. We began visitations right after breakfast. We visited several areas that I would have to say are the poorest of Bulacaan. We traveled on many wooded paths and across several streams of raw sewage to get to where some of these folks have pieced together whatever they could find to make a place to live. In every house we were warmly welcomed, and even in the poorest of homes we were invited to come in and share their food. I know that in some (or most) of those homes the few pieces of fish that were on the plate were probably all they had, and yet they still wanted to share it with us. It is tough to find a way to graciously decline because the culture dictates that one feeds their guest at all cost. After visiting enough of these homes one can have the tendency to become overwhelmed by the poverty. I have

said it before, but it bears repeating that most in America just can’t imagine what life is like for so many Filipinos. Coming here definitely puts things in perspective. I believe every pastor in our church should go on a mission trip, and then encourage every member to get involved. It will change they way we use the resources that God has given us when it comes time to support these outreaches.

After the visitations we had a quick lunch and then joined Grandma Grace, Heidi, Chat and Aurora in Deparo for the children’s outreach. This was located in another squatter’s area, which was one of the first areas we had started in with this ministry. There were over 60 kids there to hear Bible stories and sing songs. I saw several of the children that I had met on previous trips along with several new ones. This area gets bigger every year that we come, and just shows that as the population of the Philippines grows, so does the poverty problem. I thought as I watched these kids that most of them are likely to grow up and live and die in this kind of life, and really makes me thankful to the Lord for being blessed to live in the United States and for what he has given me to provide for my family. We often forget this fact in the U.S. as we chase the next biggest and brightest material thing to come along, that — regardless of how much we pay for it or covet it — will end up in a landfill or in someone else’s hand some day. After a long day of ministry, we snaked our way back through the Manila traffic to our place in Pasig to prepare for the fifth-year anniversary in Bocaue on Sunday. To Be Continued …

In Memory

Remembering Glen Mercer Glen Martin Mercer, 24, of Ashland, Ohio died in his sleep after suffering an epileptic seizure on Monday July 7, 2008. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa on June 6, 1984 the son of Lynn W. and Susan Crowe Mercer. A resident of Ashland for the past five years, and a member of the Brethren Church, he was a graduate of Ashland University and had just completed his first year at Ashland Theological Seminary. He was employed at the seminary in the IT Department, and had just been employed by Office Max. He was also serving as pastor at the Williamstown Brethren Church in Williamstown, Ohio. An avid sports fan of the Cleveland Indians, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Boston Celtics, he also enjoyed playing golf, basketball and racquetball. He is survived by his parents, Rev. Lynn W. and Susan C. Mercer of Pleasant Hill, Ohio and his fiancé Carly Cronin of Columbus, Ohio; they were planning their wedding for March 14, 2009. Also surviving are his twin sisters, Leta E. Mercer of Pleasant Hill, Ohio and Lana E. (Alan) Ridge of Oxford, Ohio and his grandparents, John and Shirley Crowe of Sweden, Maine. Funeral Services were held on Friday July 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland with the Rev. David Cooksey officiating.

Such a Servant Heart

David Cooksey, Ashland Theological Seminary

A fitting life verse for Glen is Philippians 2: 3-4; “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own iterests, but also to the interests of others.” Glen possessed a passion about life and ministry and people. When he attended Camp Bethany, the campers were asked if they would like to prepare an inspirational message to present to the rest of us. This was Glen’s first sermon. He did an excellent job and I remember that his topic was listening to God’s call and following through on our commitments to him. Glen’s many friends said he was always helping people, he was loving and kind — except on the basketball court. Earlier this year he started preaching at the Williamstown Brethren Church and I think he had settled on the idea that he would be a pastor. He also shared with me on numerous occasions his passion for our youth to take their faith seriously and live according to what they claim to believe. In June of this year, he brought a picture of himself in a tux at his sister’s wedding and put it on the shelf right above my laptop so I would remember to pray for him. Then he told me that he was going to marry Carly in March next year and asked if I could do the wedding. It was a blessing for me to be asked. Little did I know that just a few weeks later I would be doing his funeral. It was a tragic loss when Glen died; he had a wonderful future, with a heart full of love and compassion for people. His life was short but it was full of meaning and hope and love, and left a legacy of Christian character, love and generous giving of himself. The Glen Mercer Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established to honor Glen’s life and memory. We encourage you to make a contribution to this fund and send it to Ashland Theological Seminary, Office of Development, 910 Center Street, Ashland, OH 44805. For more information call 1-888-ATS-GIVE (289-4483).

Glen knew how to worship …

Aaron Wardle, AU Asst. Dean of Religious Life

I had the opportunity to walk with and watch Glen Mercer as he graced the campus of Ashland University as an undergraduate. My interactions with him were multifaceted. He attended Religious Life events as well as being a student in a religion class I taught. On many occasions it was my unfortunate task to guard him in pickup basketball games in the Park Street gymnasium, a job that never ended well for my ego. He would often descend upon my office to talk about his senior thesis and borrow books on worship. But the place where Glen left a lasting impression on my life was the example of what it is to be a worshipper of Jesus Christ. Beyond words and theories Glen physically modeled what worshipping in spirit and truth looks like. Over his years at AU it was my privilege to lead worship for different services he attended. I could see from the stage a man Heaven bent on bringing God praise with all he had. His long arms stretched as far as they could reach declaring to God his love and allegiance with his low and loud voice proclaiming the greatness of the Almighty for all to hear. Glen showed me what it looks like to be abandoned in worship and now I know with all of my heart he is standing before the Throne with arms stretched wide doing what he was created to do … worship.

Continued on page 18 17 17

Around the denomination

Pamela McQuade Ordained Pamela Kay McQuade was ordained an elder in the Brethren Church in a service held on Sunday evening, July 27 at the Meadow Crest Brethren Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The ordination message, “What Matters Most,” was presented by Dr. Arden Gilmer. Others participating in the service included Rev. Tim Garner, Indiana District Pastor, Rev. Billy Hesketh; Rev. Brian Karchner, pastor of Three Seasons Community Church in Berlin, PA, Pam’s home church; scripture reading by Herman Mellinger of the Meadow Crest Church; special music by Tina Hunt; and prayer by Rev. Richard Winfield.

DEEPER

The service was followed by a reception prepared and served by the Meadow Crest deacons. Originally from Pennsylvania, Pam is a 2007 graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary, and has served the Meadow Crest church for just over a year.

Brethren Night at “The Cove” Raises Money for Missions

Rev. Pam McQuade (third from right) is shown with Brethren elders (clockwise from Pam) Arden Gilmer, Larry Hanson, Richard Winfield, Billy Hesketh, Tim Garner, Brian Karchner, Larry Baker, and Dr. Jan Sprague (D. Min. ATS), good friend and Methodist pastor.

The Indiana District Mission’s Ministry (IDMM) sponsored a Night at the Cove on June 9, 2008. (The Cove – Coveleski Stadium is the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ single A team, the South Bend SilverHawks.). Though storms in the area threatened to dampen our spirits, the weather turned out to be fine for the approximately 375 Brethren who attended. Malaysian international leader Rev. David Loi threw out the first pitch. He did extremely well since he had never thrown a baseball until he “practiced” with Rick Miller the week prior to the game. As the IDMM had done for the first Night at the Cove event in June 2005, offerings were received to help build a church facility in India. Through the event the IDMM was able to send $2,500 to the Black family’s effort to build a church in India in memory of Rev. James R. Black, Executive Director of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church from 1985-1995, who passed away in April of this year.

David, Jenny, and Rebecca Loi enjoy a South Bend SilverHawks game.

Glen Mercer continued

A good and faithful servant

Vickie Taylor, Ashland Theological Seminary

Glen Mercer was my graduate assistant at Ashland Theological Seminary. From the first moment he began working for me I could tell he would be great for me. He was always polite, caring, and hard working. I loved the times he would tell me that he would do something that I was doing; he was always willing to serve and eager to learn. Glen was a passionate young man, more passionate than I have seen in most young men his age. He had great passion for the church and a desire to serve God well. We had many conversations about the state of the church today and I could see his heart was broken about that. He was often asking what he could do to make a difference. I think back on that day of finding out about his death. I remember how angry I was with God, asking him how he could call Glen to ministry, have him work so hard and diligently through seminary, and then take him away before he had a chance to really serve. I clearly heard God say back to me, “Oh, but he is serving me now.” We don’t always understand God’s plans. We rarely can even get a grasp on our own plans. But this I know and this Glen knew, GOD IS SOVEREIGN. Glen is already missed here at Seminary and by all those who knew and loved him. I am sure God said to him, “Well done, good and faithful young servant.”

Brethren Ministry

Annual Fund

No part of our ministry is getting more planning time these days than our budget process, which is unending. But we also know that even careful planning can’t possibly account for unforseen changes. In this case preparation bcomes key. Will The Brethren Church be prepared for the changes that will inevitably come? Will we be prepared to walk through each new open door of unplanned-for opportunity? We have seen exciting new things happen in Brethren ministry worldwide. There is a new missional spirit among our leaders and congregations. It is critically important that we be prepared as we see new attitudes give birth to new opportunity. Your ongoing support of our Annual Fund ensures that we are prepared to move forward when new doors of opportunity open up. Would you please consider a generous gift to the Annual Fund today? In doing so, you will indeed be on the cutting edge of God’s work through The Brethren Church. Thanks for helping to create a church that is prepared to move forward as the Lord leads ______________________One time Gift and provides new doors of opporunity! _________________________________ Name _________________________________ Address _________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________ Phone # ________________________________ Home Church

Yes! I’d Like to Help.

Please complete the information above, detach this form, and mail it to the address below, or call the toll-free number. Secure contributions may also be made online through PayPal by going to www.brethrenchurch.org/contributions. Scroll down to “Annual Fund” and follow the prompts. Thanks for contributing to the Annual Fund. The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805

1-877-289-1708

The Brethren Evangelist (SSN 0747-4288) is published six times a year by The Brethren Church, Inc., 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 (telephone: 419-289-1708; 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. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792. July/August 2008, Vol. 130, No. 4

The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805

Periodical Postage Paid at Ashland, OH 44805