Looking Ahead at…
A Time of Decision
It’s been said that it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Initiating change is difficult, and one needs to be careful not to ask permission if they aren’t prepared for a denial! That being said, it is important to make a firm commitment when the larger group of individuals embarks on a singular journey. The larger group affords a certain anonymity that can allow for some to hide their commitment, buying time to make a decision that might provide more safety. But this is not a time for safety, rather a time for boldness and faith that the God who began a good work in us almost three hundred years ago is urging us to take another bold step into a preferable future. Brethren have always been people of the Word and people of their word. “Let your yes be yes, and your no, no.…” We are a non-swearing people. We should be able to bear witness and let the integrity of our lives allow others to take that witness at face value. Such affirmation is a wonderful thing, in both word and deed. The scriptures are full of heroes who both spoke and acted with integrity and in affirmation of God’s ability to complete that good word and work. Some of you will be reading these words as you pack for General Conference. Others will pick these thoughts up with the rest of the accumulation of mail while away. And still others will simply be reading from the surrounding territories of our geography. For those reading as you pack, I ask that you attend General
Conference with a generous spirit. Be prepared to say “yes,” to the vision that will be laid before you. Many others already have. Someone once told me we should always save a “yes” for the Lord. In other words we should always live with enough margin in our lives, that when God calls, we will be able to quickly and generously say “yes!” Let’s all gather with our spirits leaning forward in anticipation of the starting gun to a new race, a new journey, a new adventure, a new day. For those of you who will find these words amidst the mail gathered up while away at conference, I ask, if you are still in question of your “yes” or “no” to the vision before us, that you settle the matter quickly. There’s certainly a time for prayer and pondering the leading of the Spirit. But there can be no pondering of whether or not God wants us to move out into new frontiers of mission—especially to those in our own backyards. The harvest is at hand and it is not we who wait upon the Lord, but God who is waiting for our display of faithfulness and obedience. And for the rest of you, I ask that you enter the race with us. “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.” This is a vision that we must all embrace. It is a vision of a people, a land that is continually
changing more into the likeness of the King and his Kingdom. In order for us to accomplish this vision, we will all need to step into the gift that he has given each of us for the benefit of the Body and its mission. This is a vision of a NEW DAY. Of necessity our behavior will need to be fundamentally different from where most of us are now. Are you willing to walk on a different journey than where you’ve been lately? Are you willing to risk? Are you willing to offer yourself to the Lord in new, exciting ways so that the Spirit can move in new paths of personal and corporate transformation? Are you willing to “Just Walk Across the Room” to extend yourself and the gospel that inhabits you? Are you ready for a NEW DAY in the Brethren Church? I anticipate and am counting on your answer to be “yes — yes!”
“Looking Ahead” Thoughts from Executive Director Ken Hunn 2
General Conference Highlights Evening Services
Morning Sessions
Monday
Tuesday
We will begin the week with an AllConference Communion service led by Arden Gilmer, senior pastor of Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland Ohio.
Featured speaker Tuesday morning will be Bill Ludwig, Church Planting Coordinator for the Brethren Church. Plan to come learn more about the mission of the church.
Tuesday Ashland Theological Seminary will be sponsoring our Tuesday evening worship session as well as a “Meet ATS Students” time afterward.
Wednesday We are excited to announce a combined service once again with all three conferences: General Conference, Bridge, and BYIC Convention. This will be one great evening as we fellowship as one large body of Christ. Speaking this evening will be our missionary from Ireland, Mark Ray.
Thursday This service will include Fred Miller, senior pastor of Mt. Olive Brethren Church, McGaheysville Virginia. It will also be a special evening of commissioning. Note: All evening worship sessions begin at 7:00 p.m.
Guest Artists Wednesday and Thursday we will be blessed by the musical talents of Jon and Ben Burchfield. The Burchfield Brothers make music that inspires the soul. Jon is the master of Classical Guitar while Ben performs with an instrument called the Mallet Kat, which can be described as a midimarimba. When these two instruments are played together the dynamic arrangements of hymns and praise songs become fresh and new. Biography taken from their website: www.burchfieldbrothers.com
Wednesday Hakan Kuh, senior pastor at our Korean Church, “Solid Rock,” in Oviedo Florida will be speaking on the purity of Brethren understanding of the Word.
Friday Breakfast this year will be sponsored by Ashland Theological Seminary. To close our week together, Executive Director Ken Hunn, will be speaking on the State of the Brethren Church 2007. Note: All morning sessions begin at 8:30 a.m..
Block Party Returning for the third year, Thursday night will be a Block Party at the Brethren Church National Office, The Carpenter’s Shop, and Common Grounds Café. Come enjoy fellowship with others, learn about Brethren church plants, find great deals at The Carpenter’s Shop and more! A full conference schedule can be found online at: www.brethrenchurch.org
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BYIC Convention: Set Free Airplane tickets…car rentals verified…enough sugar snacks packed to put down a small rhinoceros…clothes, Bible, notebook personal items…it sounds like you’re ready for BYIC Convention! Hundred of students and advisors have made plans and are in the final steps of preparation for the trip to Ashland, Ohio for this year’s BYIC National Convention. We are excited for another great year and wish to ask the entire Brethren Church for prayers and support as we grow deeper with God and with each other. Below is just a quick description of what the days are going to entail, so you might pray for us throughout the week.
July 15, Sunday Though Convention doesn’t start until Monday, many youth groups travel a day ahead of time to cut down their travel time on Monday. Many groups will be crashing on the floor at local Brethren churches and taking advantage of a relaxing evening to become reacquainted with old (and new) friends. Set up for Convention and staff meetings will be going on all day. Prayer: Pray for safe travel as groups begin to arrive and that God would begin to prepare the hearts of everyone that is coming to Convention.
July 16, Monday (Day 1) Check-in begins! The remaining groups that didn’t arrive yesterday will be checking in for the week. Youth will find their dorm rooms, enjoy Ashland University’s Rec Center, eat dinner together and experience the first worship session that night. Prayer: Pray for safety as everybody arrives for the week. Pray for the BYIC staff as they are working hard today and pray for unity of mind and spirit. Pray that God would begin to work in the hearts and minds of those involved in BYIC Convention.
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July 17, Tuesday (Day 2)
July 19, Thursday (Day 4)
Tuesday is our first full day. We will be worshipping that morning with some teaching and then breaking up into sections for service projects or discussion groups. Youth will go to Ashland University, Pump House Ministries, Ashland Parks and Recreation, or local Brethren churches to serve for a couple of hours as they partake in the service projects for the week. Other students will have discussion groups to talk about how God interacts with us in our own lives. Worship followed by an evening of fun will wrap up this day.
Thursday of Convention is very similar to Tuesday. Worship in the morning and service projects or discussion groups take up the majority of time in the afternoon. The final evening worship session begins the night, with communion and a late-night concert finishing up the final full day of Convention.
Prayer: Pray for the youth advisors and sponsors today. Many of these individuals are volunteers and take vacation days or personal days so they can bring their students to Convention. These youth pastors are the true heroes of the BYIC; pray for strength and energy as they engage their students and are away from their families.
July 18, Wednesday (Day 3) Wednesday begins with worship and an afternoon at Ashland University’s Rec Center. This is a great day to kick back and relax, reflecting on what God has already done in the past couple of days and prepare for the final push before we go home. Evening worship is a combined service with the Young Adults (Bridge) and General Conference. We are expecting upwards of 1,000 people to be in attendance this evening. Prayer: Pray for a relaxing day to unwind a bit and enjoy the friendships of everyone around us. Pray for the worship service this evening as all the Brethren Conferences come together to praise the name of Jesus.
Prayer: Pray specifically today for the youth who have been at Convention, and that God would begin to seal the work that he has done during the week. Pray for the decisions that students will be making during this week to become believers for the first time, rededications, or even calls to full-time ministry.
July 20, Friday (Day 5) Going home today! A final worship session is set for Friday morning as a wrap up for the week of Convention. Students will pack up and begin to head home to reenter the world. Prayer: Pray today for the students as they return home. This is always a difficult day for many who do not have a good home, school, church, or life situation to go back to. Pray that their lives will have been changed this week and that nothing will take their love of God away. Thank you for joining us in prayer for this Convention. We realize that there are a great number of Brethren in the world who cannot come to Brethren Conference this week, and therefore we appreciate your support and prayers. It is our hope that everyone who attends this week will be changed and will not return home the same.
Just Walk Across …the Keyboard?
by Vickie Taylor
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself. WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? - luke 10
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Many of you Brethren were engaged in the Just Walk Across the Room program by Bill Hybels. I had the privilege of meeting Bill when he came to Ashland Seminary to speak at the Spring Ministry Conference. I was greatly impacted by how simple it really is to engage in the lives of others if we are willing to give a little of ourselves. However, I didn’t give personal evangelism much thought after that. Until one day… It is silly, actually, how this all began for me but the story is powerful and sometimes even difficult for me to believe, but it has changed me and I know has impacted the lives of others. For those of you who know my heart, you will know this story is precious to me and one that I don’t take lightly. I hope you will get just a taste of what God is doing in me and through me during this time. It all began last August sometime. I had come home from finishing a summer class at Ashland University. It had been a long year and summer of studying and hard work. I had only one semester left and I was ready to rest for the few remaining weeks before this final semester began. I told my husband Bob that I wanted to do something fun for a bit where I didn’t have to think too hard. He told me he was playing some free online poker and I should join him. I laughed because I am not that good at poker, but it sounded like fun. I got on one computer and he got on another and proceeded to tell me the “rules” and
how to play. We played for about an hour and I had some fun. The next night I decided to give it a go alone. I logged in using my “REV” name, and proceeded to jump into a table. I won a few hands and was given the obligatory, “nice hand, Rev” from the others at the table. Eventually, one lady asked me the question most pastors hate to be asked when trying to relax, “Rev, are you a reverend or something?” How I answered this critical question at this time would determine where the rest of this conversation would go. In the little chat box on the poker table I answered her, “Yes.” Without hesitation she continued, “Are you a REAL reverend?” I smiled and wrote back, “Yes, I went to seminary and am ordained by a denomination.” She quickly wrote back, “Rev could you pray for my son? He is 23 and just had his leg amputated and is very suicidal. Please pray for him for me.” Right then and there I felt the hand of God on me prompting me to write the prayer in the chat box on the poker table! Before long, I noticed that everyone on the table had stopped playing and was reading the prayer that I was writing for her and her son. Little did I know that this group of people played together often. The next night I decided to see if I could find that player again and ask how her son was doing. I managed to find her and join the table where she and some of the others were playing. As soon as I joined them she wrote
me a note, “Rev, how does prayer work? My son got up this morning after you prayed for him last night and has decided to go back to college, get a job and find a woman to marry. He decided this was not going to stop him from living a full life.” Needless to say, even though I believe in prayer and God’s mighty power, I was still surprised at how transforming this was for him and so quickly at that. Again, I noticed that all the others at the table had stopped playing and were reading the chat. I could see that others were just as interested as she was. I told her that prayer was a powerful tool that God has given us. It is about faith for those who believe. She and the others were hungry to hear more. So right there and then, we decided to begin a Bible study and prayer group. None of those who were there that night were Christians. I knew that I had my work cut out for me. I promised them I would be there every night to discuss anything they wanted, if they would make the commitment to me to read the Bible as I asked them to. They all agreed except one who was a little skeptical about faith matters. So began our Poker Church. Right about now many of you may be laughing at how absurd this all sounds. Well, I was too. I could not believe that online poker could be an avenue in which God would bring people to him, but I found this out: people everywhere are hungry for God and for truth. How God chooses to use me and others is a mystery to
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Rev. Vickie Taylor is an elder of the Brethren Church currently working for Ashland Theological Seminary as Director of Technology Resources. She is a mentor to women M.Div. students and teaches in the Practical Theology areas of Technology in Ministry; Women in Ministry and in the Church; and Pastoral Care to Victims of Crime. Rev. Taylor lives in Ashland with her husband, Bob. They have a son, Derek.
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me. However, through this time three people came to the Lord, are attending churches, and one is even writing worship music. But one person stands out to me in this. Her name is Sarah. At the time we met, she was battling ovarian cancer. She was hungry for the Lord and read the Bible faithfully and soaked up everything she read and all that we talked about. She and I became close friends through this. We talked on Instant Messenger and on the phone. Her faith grew so fast and was so deep that one could not help but be infected by her passion for Jesus. One day, she called me and said, “Rev, I really need to meet you.” Those words just hung there for me. I didn’t know what to do next. We had become so close and she was so precious to me that I knew that her request was serious. So in November I travelled across the states to meet her. Sarah was dying. It was just that simple. My heart was broken by the thought of losing this precious friend. Our meeting was so wonderful. It was in the first moments of meeting her I knew she understood something many Christians take years to discover. She wanted me there not for her, but for the salvation of the members of her family. She knew she would spend eternity in heaven and wanted to ensure that her sister and family would. During those days we all spent together, we shared moments of great joy and moments of extreme sadness. But never had I met so powerful a Christian. Her life transformed mine. As we talked she shared her heart with me. She told me, “Rev, every day most people get up and put their feet on the floor and never give that moment another thought. I am dying, and every day I put my feet on the floor I consider a gift from God. So when my feet touch the floor, I say, “GOD, thank you for another day of touching the floor. How can I serve you well today?” I was so struck by the power of that statement that I have those words on a card on my nightstand. GOD, HOW CAN I SERVE YOU WELL TODAY? There is more power in those words than I can describe. Another powerful moment for us both was as we were walking on
the beach on the west coast. She was grateful to have a day where she could walk and see the ocean. We walked and talked. She told me that after she was diagnosed, her husband left her. He just couldn’t deal with her sickness. She was so in love with him still. She asked me how could God give her a heart to love someone and he not love her back. Immediately out of my mouth came the words, “That must be the heart of God toward his people.” After I spoke those words we both could feel God’s broken heart. We sat on a log for over an hour, speechless. I share all this to tell you that people out there need to feel God’s incredible love for them. Sarah died May 14, 2007. I miss her greatly, but I also know that she is dancing with Jesus. We should be concerned for others who may not have this eternal promise. I told this story in chapel at Seminary and now have the nickname Poker Pastor. My story doesn’t end with Sarah, it only begins there. God is bringing people left and right to my table. There is Steve, a man who tried to kill himself and lived through it. He is angry at the world and doesn’t believe there is a God, but is on a journey looking for answers to life’s biggest questions. I am walking this journey with him. Sometime he will find God. There is Richard, a pastor who left the church because he could no longer see himself a part of something that doesn’t honor God. He is struggling with his faith and I am the only Christian right now he will talk to. There is Jeannie, who is a pagan witch. She is very spiritual, but not sure how Jesus could fit in her “already spiritually full” life. My list goes on and on. How will you allow God to use you? Are you willing to engage in the lives of others? If you want to grow in your own faith, spend time in the lives of others. My time with Sarah, Steve, Richard, and Jeannie sharpens my faith. I have to answer many of my own questions before I answer theirs. In the midst of that, my faith has been renewed. Who is my neighbor? In this global world — everyone!!!
Gary’s Top Ten Reading List
Gary Diehl For some time now we’ve been trying to change and guide the discussion of our congregations and their leaders in the Brethren Church. This change in our family discussion corresponds with some of the themes we’ve had in the last several years in our denomination. All of this is in concert with an attempt to change the culture of our body, and introduce a vision for the Brethren Church. These themes have all been outward-focused. Others would use the work “missional” to describe this new direction and corresponding discussion. The bottom line is that by all accounts our church needs to be more focused on reaching others with the gospel than with our own development or survival. In a future issue of the Evangelist, we will introduce a glossary of terms that help describe this new direction. But for now we want to present a first set of resources that leaders and congregations might consider helpful as they pray through the direction of their ministry. This new direction we firmly believe is a return to biblical values, which has always been a mainstay of Brethren thought and practice. Though we offer these tools as a place to start a clearer understanding of the role of the church in today’s world, they should by no means be a replacement for our understanding of the scriptures and how God uses his Word to guide us. We encourage you to read on, but at the same time allow these resources to drive you deeply into God’s Word as our final word. Continued on page 8
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PRESENT FUTURE: Six Tough Questions for the Church Reggie McNeal (Jossey-Bass 2003) SIMPLE CHURCH Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (B&H Publishing Group 2006) WHEN THERE’S NO BURNING BUSH: Following Your Passion to Discover God’s Call Eddy Hall and Gary Morsch (Baker 2004) THE MULTI-SITE CHURCH REVOLUTION Geoff Surratt, Greg Ligon, and Warren Bird (Zondervan 2006) BREAKOUT CHURCHES Thom S. Rainer (Zondervan 2005) ORGANIC CHURCH: Growing Faith Where Life Happens Neil Cole (Jossey-Bass 2005) THE LEADERSHIP BATON: An Intentional Strategy for Developing Leaders in Your Church Rowland Forman, Jeff Jones, and Bruce Miller (Zondervan 2004) BEYOND THE BOX: Innovative Churches that Work Bill Easum and Dave Travis (Group 2003) REVOLUTION: Finding Vibrant Faith Beyond the Walls of the Sanctuary George Barna (Tyndale 2005) COLOR YOUR WORLD WITH NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT Christian A. Schwarz (ChurchSmart Resources 2005)
And then there are these... Leading Congregational Change Jim Herrington, Mike Bonem, and James H. Furr (Jossey-Bass 2000) THE CONNECTING CHURCH: Beyond Small Groups to Authentic Community Randy Frazee (Zondervan 2001) CULTIVATING A LIFE FOR GOD Neil Cole (ChurchSmart Resources 1999) SIMPLY STRATEGIC STUFF! Tim Stevens and Tony Morgan (Group 2004) TRANSFORMING DISCIPLESHIP: Making Disciples a Few at a Time Greg Ogden (InterVarsity Press 2003) A WORK OF HEART: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders Reggie McNeal (Jossey-Bass 2000) EXPERIENCING GOD: Knowing and Doing the Will of God Henry Blackaby and Claude King (LifeWay Press 1990, 1998) THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE: WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? Rick Warren (Zondervan 2002) BREAKING THE MISSIONAL CODE: Your Church Can Become a Missionary in Your Community Ed Stetzer & David Putnam (B&H Publishing Group 2006) THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED John Ortberg (Zondervan 1997)
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Top Ten continued from page 7 With those thoughts in mind we offer you “Gary’s Top Ten.” Gary Diehl is our Church Health and Resource Specialist, working on a part-part time basis through the Brethren Church National Office. He administrates the Natural Church Development tool as a starting place for congregational renewal, for transitioning to new pastoral leadership, and also as an introduction to the vision of the Brethren Church. In this role Gary has already had significant interaction with over twenty of our congregations, and the list is growing each month. Gary also shares his expertise through Shepherd’s Staff Consulting, which is his other job of networking
with congregations throughout the United States on growth and renewal initiatives. In addition Gary is able to tap into a wider group of consultants through his involvement with Living Stones Associates. This group of specialists brings together a collection of multiple disciplines from church facilities issues, administration, architecture, legal issues, etc. We are privileged to have Gary serving and helping with our current initiatives. Beyond all this, Gary is a beloved brother in the Lord, and a member of the North Georgetown Brethren Church. Gary also reads! He is always recommending a new book or resource that will help fuel the growth process. With all of this in mind he
was asked to present a Top Ten list of books to be recommended to leaders and congregations. We weren’t surprised to get a list of ten others in addition to the ten! They speak clearly to the transformation process that is at the heart of the NEW DAY vision of the Brethren Church. All of these tools are available through The Carpenter’s Shop. Phone your order to (419) 289-0325, fax it to (419) 289-0925, or email it to tcsl@brightdsl.net. Prepaid orders qualify for a 10% discount and free shipping. Here you go. Enjoy the reading. Don’t hesitate to drop Gary an email: gary@brethrenchurch.org to reflect on your findings.
VA Tech, continued from page 14 to abound even more boldly in the face of sin and destruction. When reason and rationale no longer have an impact on those who have been shaken so hard, it is time for an accepting and passionate love to embrace. We as the church have been empowered by the Spirit of God to work his love outward into all creation, knowing that our conflict will deepen and become more hostile, but recognizing also that our work is not in vain. As we lift our prayers and direct our thoughts toward those who have suffered greatly in Virginia (and around the world), let us do so as fellow workers in our Christ, who has broken the weight of destruction and stripped the power of death, and who has somehow brought peace upon the earth within the heart of his kingdom even while it stands surrounded by violence. The realization of such horrific evil is not a challenge to our faith but rather a vindication of our calling as people of his glorious kingdom. The message of Easter goes on ever more fully, and we have become participants in its wonderful, transformational message. We stand in the midst of a creation which must be reminded of such things.
Michael Thompson is the pastor of the Corinth (IN) Brethren Church.
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Camp Berea August Work Project
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Does hangin’ out in the High Sierras of Northern California with a few of the closest strangers you’ll ever meet sound like fun? What if your time in this ideal setting was spent building relationships as you built and renovated the facilities of beautiful Camp Berea? Nestled in one of the more outrageous displays of God’s creativity, Camp Berea has been serving the Kingdom for decades and is in need of some new looks and updated capabilities. Our brothers and sisters of the Northern California District of the Brethren Church have called on you to come and help transform Camp Berea into more than just a well-kept secret. In addition to building up the camp, the district desires to promote a greater connection and sense of unity with their family to the East. There is no better way to meet new friends, see some amazing sights, and further the cause of Christ than to be at Camp
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Berea any part of the first two weeks of August. The approximate cost of the trip is $500, which would include airfare, food and lodging for one week, and a love offering to offset some of the project costs. Since the majority of this cost is dependent on airfare, you should book your flights as soon as possible, and then register with Bill Ludwig at the National Office: bill@ brethrenchurch.org or 419-289-1708, no later than Monday, July 23. It’s no surprise that ten out of ten camp directors welcome the idea of dozens of jet-lagged persons with a passion for service and kingdom-building spending time lovin’ on their camp. Do you own a tool belt? Can you swing a hammer or paint brush? Do power tools make you happy? Then answer the call, and have a ball at Camp Berea this August.
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 July/August 2007 Vo l u m e 2 0 , N u m b e r 6
The President’s Pen Dear Sisters, Recently our local WMS society held its Missions Sunday worship service. Jolene Hanson (daughter of Dr. Larry Hanson, pastor of the County Line Brethren Church, Lakeville) was our guest speaker. Jolene, who has visited the Brethren ministry in Ireland several times, officially will be an intern this fall with Hope of Ireland Ministries. She presented an inspiring account of her spiritual journey, her love for Ireland, and how God has led her to be a part of God’s work there. One of the hymns we sang that Sunday was “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” We all know it well. The author of the text was the Rev. Thomas Chisholm (1866-1960), a Methodist minister born in Kentucky, and who in his later years lived near Winona Lake, Indiana. He wrote over 1,200 poems, many of which were published in religious periodicals. The scriptural inspiration for “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is Lamentations 3:2223, which speaks of the unchanging love and care of God in a changing world. How the world is changing before our eyes! As we sang that hymn and listened to Jolene, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness in moving in many hearts just like hers, to pass on the faith we cherish from one generation to the next, so truly the only “strength for today” or “hope for tomorrow” for Ireland or any other people will be made known afresh in word and deed. How thankful we are that through such WMS-sponsored services and other events, such as General Conference, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness.
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Missionary Miscellany New Hope Christian Fellowship, pastored by Bob and Mary Grover in Medina, OH, are the home missionaries of the month for JULY. Marcelo and Adriana Ferreri in Medellin, Colombia, are the international missionaries. Pastor Bob Grover sent the New Hope summer newsletter, which reads in part: Greetings in the strong name of Jesus Christ: It has been six months and it is time for an update to go to our faith community and faith friends who lift us in prayer. (I must warn you that the first part of my cover letter might be a little unsettling for you. I am trying to be transparent with everyone about some of the realities of ministry rather than paint a false picture that everything, absolutely everything, is great. We want you to know that life and ministry are real here at New Hope, not without its share of bumps along the way.) Just like the seasons change, so does the face of a new growing congregation. People are always coming and going for a variety of reasons. Many people who are here today were not here six years ago. Conversely, many who were with us six years ago when we started are no longer here. Our demographics have changed radically. The neighborhood we are in is different from the one where we started. The average adult’s age is different. The average family size is different, as well as the average family income. The percentage of investigating, incubating, and maturing Christians is also in a constant flux. In summary, people who influence who we are has changed. Some challenging experiences include: downsizing, conflict, a rent increase and unexpected repair bills, budget cuts, personal crises, and decreased attendance. These things
have challenged us as a congregation, individuals, and me, as pastor.… However, there is much to be thankful for too! Here are some great positive accomplishments: 1. Stewardship study, “How to Manage Your Money” by Larry Burkett 2. Teen ministry for Sunday mornings and evenings 3. Safe sanctuary - child protection policy developed by the Navigators 4. Two women’s classes started 5. New Hope was approved as an Angel Food ministry host church, which provides substantial savings for the underprivileged and others 6. Continuation of the food pantry 7. Special offerings to help families in need 8. Fund-raising opportunities via an indoor yard sale and staffing a local grocery’s snack stand occasionally on Saturdays 11. The pastor and Deana Feesler received special training for healing prayer ministry at ATS 12. Natural Church Development assessment is in progress 13. Participated in the National Day of Prayer 14. Celebrate Recovery ministers to people who do not attend New Hope, but need to experience the life changing power of Jesus Christ 15. A mission trip to the Gulf states is planned for October 16. Vacation Bible School will be in the evenings of July 23-27. Bob concluded, “As always, thanks for all your prayers and support! The AUGUST missionaries-of-themonth are Todd and Tracy Ruggles in Mexico City and Sam and Sara Wright, pastoring The Road in Tucson.
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district doings The INDIANA District WMS met during the district conference April 21. Over 50 laIN dies participated, using the theme: “Share the Joy.” Phyllis Roussakis led the group in singing “Joy in Serving Jesus.” Bev Leiter read the theme verse, John 15:11, and gave the opening prayer. Cindy Hanson presented devotions and the Flora society was in charge of the project offering. Pastor Kurt Stout explained a request for financial help in supplying sewing equipment to Paraguay. Each district society was encouraged to give $25, if possible. The Mexico society conducted the memorial service, which was followed by a tea-time fellowship. The Burlington, County Line, and Warsaw groups provided cookies. An award of $1,000 was presented to Ben Pippen, an Ashland Theological Seminary student. The following officers were installed for 2007-2009: President: Cindy Hanson Vice President: Sandra Sharp Secretary-Treasurer: Joy Zook Assistant Secretary-Treasurer: Jane Stogsdill Financial Secretary: Beverly Leiter Assistant Financial Secretary: Beverly Baker Esther Mishler, out-going president, asked for all to seek direction from God for deeper concern and genuine joy to be shared with others. She read III John 1:4 and said there is encouragement to always walk in the truth. Each lady received a pin as a reminder to pray daily and a packet of information as an aid in keeping tabs on what we are doing as a missionary society. The Women Meant to Serve Society, South Bend, concluded the conference with a circle of prayer. In addition to the conference report, Esther Mishler included this information: Our most recent innovation is a monthly newsletter. One copy is sent
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to each president who makes copies for her members or posts the letter in the church for convenient reading. Members appreciate frequent updates of various WMS activities. They have also promoted a “green day” at least once during the year, showing good stewardship for what the Lord has given planet earth. Some activities include a tree planting, planting flowers, recycling, and lawns cleaned up. It is a joy to honor our Heavenly Father by volunteering to care for His gifts to us. Most of our societies celebrated with mothers, daughters, and friends in a special way for Mother’s Day. This is an important way of reaching non-members and showing that we care. Since mission work is a high priority, good cooks have made snacks, shortcakes, cookies, and full dinners and proceeds are designated for the Brethren Retreat Center at Shipshewana, all Brethren missionaries, and various needs both in and around our churches. Many look forward to National Conference in Ashland. Those of us unable to attend will pray for safe travel and a spiritual revival. As we enter the summer season, we want to move on to fresh ideas and be led to a Spirit-filled purpose, as we share the joy of God’s love.
OH
OHIO WMS DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Joanne Kroft, district secretarytreasurer, reported. The OHIO WMS meeting was held in conjunction with the district conference at Trinity Brethren Church in Canton April 21. President Brenda Blessing welcomed the 15 members and guests. She presented devotions based on Psalm 40, referred to Get Out of the Pit, a book by Beth Moore, and said our morning prayer should be “How can I serve you today, Father?” Brenda developed her
theme of “reaching out, planting seed, and bearing fruit.” She shared a reading, “The Seed”, which included how we should plant in order to receive a fruitful harvest: If you plant honesty, you will reap trust; If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment; If you plant hard work, you will reap success; If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest.” Secretary-Treasurer Joanne Kroft distributed the conference packet of minutes, financial statements, Marge Fund recipients, and commitments. The recipients of the Marge Fund, Brethren ladies from the Ohio district at Ashland University, are Cassandra Cooper, Carly Curran, Erin Kerner Dziak, Amanda Gilmer, Jenna Gribben, Alicia Lawson, Candace Nies, Caitlyn Shook, and Karen Williams. This fund was established in memory of Margery Whitted, who loved to help college girls. Each girl received a gift of $100. The officers for the next two years are: President: Brenda Blessing Vice President: Wanda Powell Secretary-Treasurer: Joanne Kroft The president announced the fall retreat at Camp Bethany is September 21-22 and Cheryl Schmiedt will be the retreat leader. The cost is $25 and includes all meals. She reminded the group that the retreat is not limited to WMS members, but is open to all women. Mothers and Daughters Two societies reported their special celebrations honoring Mothers. Trudy Kerner presented this account of the Garber Koinonia Mother and Daughter banquet: A doll land opened up as everyone arrived at Garber sanctuary for the Mother-Daughter banquet. The stage displayed about 50 Middleton dolls sitting in various positions. Tables were set for eight people for easy sociability.
Women’s Outlook Newsletter
(Missionary Miscellany continued) Table decorations featured doll clothes or accessories. Joanne Kroft, president, welcomed the guests and gave the prayer for the meal, which consisted of small finger sandwiches, fresh relishes, and a dessert table of cookies. The program began with beautiful flute solos by Patricia Dziak, with guitar accompaniment by her daughter, Tirzah. Joanne gave a hilarious picture of her up-bringing. Three women from each table held up a card displaying a reaction or attitude Jo had learned to cope with, by following sayings her mother had used to teach her. Mindy Strine was the special speaker. She showed and told about the 50 dolls seated on the stage. These were only part of the approximate 200 Middleton dolls she owns. They are noted for their realism to children and have become suitable for collectors. The dolls, which are manufactured in southern Ohio, depict children from newborn to school age. After Mindy explained the special qualities of each doll, her two teenage daughters carried them around the tables so they could be observed more closely. The dolls were beautifully dressed to fit their age and gender. Comments and exclamations from both ladies and girls showed this was a particularly favorite program. Girls who won prizes chose a Barbie doll and ladies chose a floral centerpiece. This was a special evening!” “Mothers are ‘Beary’ Special” was the theme for the Warsaw Mother and Daughter banquet May 4. I, Joan, was privileged to be a guest. Bears were prominent all over — from the program covers, table decorations, tucked in every nook in the fellowship hall and the sanctuary. And the bears were all sizes, shapes, and kinds. They were beautiful. Preceding the delicious covereddish dinner in the fellowship hall, Misty Hall, Janet Helton, and Marjorie Mitterling gave appropriate readings. Nancy Lentz, harpist from Nappanee, presented the program in the sanctuary of hymns, classical, and old favorite songs. Interspersed were comments about her harp, how her interest
July/August 2007
developed, and her ministry as a certified music practitioner. Special prizes were awarded and Lois Garber closed with prayer. The committee, Linda Geary and Shelley Helton, have organized the Mother-Daughter banquets for several years and already have selected the theme for next year! If you want information, contact them at the Warsaw Brethren Church on E. Center Street. This was a special occasion for me for two reasons: Nancy is my daughter and I always enjoy hearing her play. In addition, Warsaw was my church for five years when I was a pre-school kid and my father was pastor. I have many good memories. This was a “beary” enjoyable evening! It was good to remember the past, but it was better to see the growth of the present, anticipating God’s blessings in the future.
WELCOME !
CA
The Manteca, CA, church has the newest Women’s Missionary Society in the Brethren denomination.
Last fall, C h e r y l Schmiedt, national vice president, explained the purpose of WMS (missions) and encouraged them to find what God’s purpose was for them. Their president is Ilda Blair and they have 15 members. The Carson Oaks Community Church ladies in Stockton are good mentors.
Sam submitted this report: Help, hope, and home. For a church that just began in 2006, God has blessed us with so much. Passionate leadership. A caring church family. A great facility on 10 acres! And we’re determined to see it all used for His glory. We pray that God would use The Road to meet the needs of people who are looking for three things — help, hope, and a home — not just in today’s life, but for all eternity. For those looking for a church family in Northwest Tucson where they can be a part, they will find some of the friendliest people you’ve ever met, from all walks of life, and with a wide range of religious backgrounds. We believe Jesus wouldn’t have it any other way. Our pastors. Sam Wright with his wife, Sara. Sam has been a pastor 14 years, since graduating from Moody Bible Institute. Sam is passionate about sharing Jesus with those who don’t know Him yet. His greatest loves in life are Jesus, his wife Sara, and driving over huge rocks. — Dave Schwartz with his wife, Deborah. Over the past 30 years, Dave has served in three different countries as a church planter and pastor. There is nothing he loves more than telling people about Jesus. Dave and Deborah live the philosophy of “loving people to Jesus.” They and their three sons have lived all over the U.S. What we’re about. At The Road you won’t find ritual, rules, and rhetoric. We would rather help people discover and grow in Jesus. It’s why we offer a Tuesday night worship service (Sundays aren’t for everyone). It’s why you may see shorts and flip flops. It’s why we are led by two pastors. Our teaching (as well as our theology) is firmly grounded in the Bible, and always inspiring and practical for living. Road Worship. Worship is simply responding to who God is. Music is the language of the heart. Musicdriving worship is a powerful way to connect with God! At The Road, you
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(Missionary Miscellany continued ) will experience uplifting modern-styled music that is aimed at taking us into an unhindered awareness of God’s presence. That’s where our hearts can be changed. Also, out of a heart to reach more worshipers, our band regularly ministers outside of the church. We pray that those who worship with us will be encouraged, energized, refocused, fed… and leave hungry for more! Connection Points. God’s design is for families to grow! And we know how hard it can be to connect to a new group. That’s why we offer a variety of “connection points,” like small group Bible studies, men’s and women’s ministries, and “You & Who” events, which are activity and recreation-based events and outings that are easy to invite friends to attend.
a successful business owner, and founder of Noah’s Ark Child Care. She left the corporate world to store up treasure in heaven. What’s with the name? The 24th chapter of Luke describes the resurrected Jesus spending some time with two Emmaus-bound disciples. After his departure, they were left amazed. “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road?!” As we journey life’s “road” with Jesus, our prayer is that our hearts would be caused to burn more intensely, and that many, many hearts would “catch fire” for the first time. Sam expressed his appreciation for prayers and notes from all of you.
(President’s Pen continued ) Loving Children. At The Road, we place strong emphasis on the ministry of loving kids. Our childcare ministry (Noah’s Ark Child Care) is just another way we reach out and serve families and children in our community. Children’s ministry team has developed an exciting and dynamic children’s ministry, where kids learn about Jesus, receive lots of love, and have a great time together. Each Tuesday night is “Kids Fun Night” at church, with a monthly off-site “Excursion Night” for 3rd to 5th graders. From infants to adolescents, there is something for all of our kids. We cherish all of our “Little Roadies,” and we’re committed to loving them, delighting in them, and modeling for them a love for God and others. Ministry Leadership. Josh Gray, worship pastor, directs the music ministry and, along with the band, leads us in worship each week. He lends his talents in areas of graphic design and visual arts. — John Patton, elder, lends leadership through his giftedness as a visionary, communicator, administrator, and teacher. He leads our men’s ministry “Band of Brothers,” preaches occasionally, and loves to bang on the drums. — Aris Weigel, business manager, is a former Wells Fargo branch manager,
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Sing the last verse with me. It is beautiful a capella: “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided — Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” Thankfully,
Phyllis Roussakis
The Editor’s Ending Dear Friend, Jenn Thomas is now Mrs. James Pinto! Their wedding ceremony was June 8 at the Park St. Brethren Church in Ashland. Their new address is 622 Park St., Ashland 44805. Jenn served in Mexico City 10 years with Todd and Tracy Ruggles. James is enrolled at ATS. Best wishes and prayers for God’s guidance accompany them. Did you notice the exclamation point (!) In the chorus of “Great is Thy Faithfulness”? We know God’s faithfulness is evident in His love, care, forgiveness of our sins, and His constant gifts, but do we exclaim over it? We should. He is amazing! The exclamation point supports what we know, but may not practice. Our response is thanks. However, too frequently we save thanks for that traditional Thanksgiving Day in November, but sometimes that day is squeezed into a busy schedule or more emphasis is on the feast than the One who provided the feast. Have you thought of Thanksgiving all year? If that’s too much, what about Thanksgiving in July? Focus on giving thanks. Skip the feast and list one item for which you are thankful. The following day, do it again. Then continue, but don’t repeat any. Be surprised how many thank-you items you have by November 22. You have just started thanksgiving every day, which is an attainable goal. David instructed his people to Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day and Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever, I Chron. 16:23, 34. “Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” We have so many reasons to be thankful every day; therefore, let us make every day a Thanksgiving Day! Your friend,
Joan
ATS Enters st 101 Year In 2007, Ashland Theological Seminary entered its 101st year of training men and women for gospel ministry. John Shultz is concluding his first year as ATS president and is doing an outstanding job of leading the seminary to the next level of excellence. This academic year, we reached a record enrollment of almost 900 students. The extension centers in Detroit, Cleveland and Columbus continue to provide high quality learning opportunities for students living in and around these major cities. At ATS, excellent professors instruct students, but also relate to them outside the classroom. Faculty members are also mentors, models and friends. In addition, students have many avenues through which they interact with each other. They enhance their academic experiences with times of worship, social gatherings and spiritual formation activities. The Brethren students have been meeting together twice a month this year in order to become better acquainted with each other and discuss issues that are important to them as Brethren. We spend time talking about their futures and the future of the Brethren Church. We have had some great discussions and wrestled with challenging questions. Several invited guests encouraged the students with stories from their ministry experiences and things they have learned along the way. Our students want to be part of a vibrant church; they are willing and eager to help take the lead in that direction. When Brethren pastors were in Ashland for conferences or classes, some joined us in our meetings and their visits were greatly appreciated, and encouraged the students. Next school year we want students to visit our churches and to attend district conferences. The better we
know each other, the easier it will be to establish good relationships with future pastors. Invite a student to worship, pray for them, and support them financially. Every church will need a pastor sometime in the future and they are training now to serve you later. Currently, we have seven new Brethren Students accepted for fall classes, and more will be enrolling later this summer. The local church is our best resource for new students. Identify individuals from your congregation whom God has gifted to serve in ministry and encourage them to become pastors, missionaries or teachers. Strong leaders build strong churches with the help of God and the support of his people. Thank your for all you do as faithful Brethren. In His service at ATS,
David Cooksey
Director of Church Relations
Eleven Brethren students received degrees from Ashland Theological Seminary on Saturday, June 2 Master of Arts in Counseling: * Glenn Black (Five Stones, Ashland, OH) * Karla Kirtland-Schweyer (Five Stones) * James Ramsey (Five Stones) * Erin Sevin (Beacon of Hope, Louisville, OH) Master of Arts in Practical Theology: * Adrian Seven (Beacon of Hope) Master of Divinity: * Gary Castro (Jesus Our Firm Foundation, Philippines) * Joel Engman (Smithville, OH) * Lenore Gray (Five Stones) * Rich Hagopian (Smoky Row, Columbus, OH) * Pam McQuade (Three Seasons Community, Berlin, PA) Doctor of Ministry: * Ralph Gibson (Beacon of Hope)
Pictured below, left to right: Gary Castro, Joel Engman, James Ramsey, Lenore Gray, Ralph Gibson, Erin Sevin, Adrian Sevin, Rich Hagopian
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Reflections on the Tragedy at Virginia Tech by Michael Thompson At the center of Christian faith stand two fundamental principles, each one given a certain holiday which symbolically proclaims our belief to the world. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of a Savior for the whole world and affirm the angelic announcement, “Peace on earth.” We then join this message together with an Easter declaration that creation has been renewed and a new day of God’s kingdom has come upon us. Yet, in just a few brief moments we can be shocked back into a reality which challenges each of these ideas — events which remind us of the death, destruction and evil which encompasses us. We are forced to echo the sentiment of Isaiah who, when faced with the glory of God in the temple and the declaration that the whole earth is full of God’s glory, fell on his face and confessed that his world did not look like that at all. And this becomes the challenge of the church’s message when believers assert their belief in life and purpose in the middle of pain and suffering and death. The events which struck the campus of Virginia Tech came one week following Easter, our greatest celebration and proclamation of life and liberty from the sting of death. In the wake of what is now identified as the largest mass murder in our nation’s history, mourners and survivors continue to scramble for answers and reasons to help ease the burden of this overwhelming situation. The fact that such a moment of darkness and death encroached on the church’s celebration of light and life leads us to consider if such was not written on some cosmic script. Indeed, the
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On April 20, 2007, 33 people were killed in a shooting at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. It was the deadliest massacre in U.S. history.
coincidence of this timing cannot be relegated to chance. At the same time, however, we cannot rightly ascribe destruction, suffering and death to a loving
creator. We must be realistic enough to consider that there are others who choose to write their own scripts to the story, twisting the plot and contorting the beauty, and interrupting this world’s journey into renewal and restoration. These forces choose to use their power and influence to revel in the sinfulness of a broken humanity, and ultimately inherit the death they sought to serve. This is not the act of a loving Creator, but of a destroyer who seeks to ruin nature’s handiwork. In times such as these it is not for the church to seek answers, for we have the answer at the center of
our kingdom proclamation. We have not been called to hide our message in the shadows when the world concludes that the Christmas angels must have been wrong and an empty tomb misleading, or whenever they see that peace is not on the earth and death still holds the upper hand. We, as the people of God’s kingdom, might instead choose to echo the sentiments of the apostle who realized that where sin, death and destruction have abounded, the unending reach of the grace of God has abounded even more. Ours is not an intellectual battle alone, as though we have been summoned to rationalize God into irrational circumstances. Neither is it a spiritual battle alone, as though it has no physical pain or tearful effect. Instead, we find ourselves engaged in an epic battle encompassing all creation; a struggle between two kingdoms from the foundation of the world. Our holy scripture warns us of the increasing polarization of good and evil as we near the end of this age. Thus, we should never find ourselves off guard in the face of terrible outbursts of evil as we draw nearer to the fullest and final consummation of life. To those who cannot see where to stand in these times is a summons: embrace life! In every possible situation allow the kingdom to flow through God’s people to reach into a hurting and dying world. If we as the church believe that our God has the power to save, then we must also believe that he has the power to transform; for wherever sin has abounded, grace has abounded all the more. And those who have grabbed hold of the life of the kingdom must now own the opportunity to reflect the glory of the Creator, allowing his love and grace Continued on page 8
On the Mountain with God
by Brian Moore
A Pastors’ Retreat Retrospective
They came by plane. They came in rental cars. They car-pooled. They came alone. They came from the north and the south. They came from the east and the west. When they all arrived, there were about sixty. How many there were, how they got there and the direction from which they came are secondary matters. The goal was the same: to meet God on the mountain and to receive a word from the Lord. This event was in the past called Pastors’ Conference, but now more commonly it is referred to as Pastors and Spouses Retreat. The change came about a few years ago when leaders realized that ministry personnel need to have an established time to “come apart and rest awhile”. The stressors of ministry these days are greater than at any time in our lives. Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind; our “whirlwinds” of life have the opposite effect! So we retreat and seek to be encouraged on the journey (Elijah had that experience too!). The setting was chosen with that in mind. We met at a conference/retreat center known as Skycroft, a clearing on South Mountain above Boonsboro, MD. It is quite accessible to towns, villages and cities, yet retains a sense of isolation, conducive to a meeting with God. When everyone had settled into their quite comfortable quarters, we all sat down to the first of six sumptuous meals. The buffet-style dining room afforded many options suitable to just about anyone’s dietary desires or requirements. Then the group rose up to sing praise songs, led by Hosanna, a group of young adults from nearby St. James Brethren Church. On instruments of six strings and a
keyboard of 88 keys, plus drums and crashing cymbals, voices were raised in hallelujah to the God we were seeking. We called upon the Name of the Lord and then we called upon our guest speaker, Rev. John Schildt, a veteran pastor from the Methodist (by way of United Brethren and Evangelical United Brethren) tradition. Pastor John had recently retired from the pastorate, having served his last congregation for 38 years (that was Methodist, now, mind you!) He has written many books (I’m guessing about 26 in all), mostly pertaining to Civil War subjects in Maryland and Pennsylvania. He lives in Sharpsburg, MD, appropriately enough, on the very ground where one of the Confederate generals had his encampment before the battle of Antietam. Pastor John’s messages were not about the Civil War, however; he spoke to us about the war we are all engaged in as soldiers of the cross. His focus was on the grand old themes that relate to being in the ministry: matters of calling, of focus, of self-discipline, of mutual support and encouragement (in the army, “we’ve got each other’s back”). He addressed the issue of weariness, fatigue, of being “dangerously tired”, of constant vigilance, wrestling with the unseen forces and to never give up. He concluded by calling us back to our spiritual origins and call with “Here I Am, Lord”. The messages were supported by many stories, gleaned from a lifetime of service for the Master. On Wednesday morning, the spouses met in separate session for an open dialogue with Amanda Moore as facilitator. Participants were encouraged to share on the subjects of their present struggles and their
present delights. From all reports, that session was refreshing to all. Wednesday afternoon consisted of unscheduled time for everyone to choose what was of greatest personal interest: a guided tour with Pastor John, visiting local sites of interest, resting, reading, or even shopping! Given all the options available, one afternoon was scarcely enough to do more than dabble! The program for Wednesday and Thursday was begun with a brief period of worship led by Pastor Mike Woods of Winchester, VA, and Grace Community Church. The gentle and wise approach of Pastor Mike richly prepared us all for the day. On the concluding day (Thursday), participants heard the unveiling of our future as Brethren, led by Executive Director, Rev. Ken Hunn. Included is a new plan for denominational financing based on the biblical teaching of tithing. Also, Rev. Ken laid out a new vision for a new day. A third component of the future is a reality check for local churches based on the Natural Church Development process. (Details of these three components can be found in the May/June issue of the Evangelist ). Informal feedback expressed appreciation for the time away, the setting, the meals and other accommodations, the spirit and message of Pastor John, the fellowship of the Brethren in lounges and around the tables. We came to meet with God on the mountain, and meet him we did. And, as always, all the demands of ministry are waiting at the foot of the mountain.
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A Life Remembered…Thomas A. Schultz Dr. Thomas A. Schultz, 71, of Cypress, California, passed away at home on May 23, 2007, from cancer. He was born July 14, 1935, in Pleasant Hill, Ohio, to the late Carl and Esther Schultz. Dr. Schultz earned four master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in marriage and family counseling and theology. He was an ordained Brethren elder and pastored four churches, including Gratis, OH First Brethren. Tom served 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a chaplain-commander on a ship, with the Marine Corps in Vietnam, Seabee units and Naval Air units. He also served 19 years as a teacher and counselor in public education in Ohio and in later years in California. After retiring from Naval duty, Tom served as a police captain in Cypress, California. During his retirement, he was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, appearing in commercials and feature movies, and on television as a background actor. Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia; three sons, Stephen of Yucaipa, CA, Mark of Hemet, CA, and Timothy of Henderson, NV; one brother and one sister; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The funeral service was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress, California.
Roy Andrews Joins Faculty at Multnomah Dr. Roy Andrews, senior pastor at the First Brethren Church of Elkhart, IN is the new Educational Ministries Chair at Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Oregon. In December of 2006, Roy graduated from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with a Ph.D. in Education. He began this endeavor in 2000 while serving as the associate pastor at the Nappanee First Brethren Church. Roy and his wife, Mesu, will make their home in the Vancouver, Washington area, and plan to move in early August. Their daughter, Trina, graduates from Purdue University August 4th with a degree in psychology and plans to move to the northwest with her parents. Their younger daughter, Emily, will be a sophomore at Ashland University for the 2007-08 school year and is studying physical education. Please keep the Andrews in your prayers as they follow the Lord’s leading in this new life adventure.
Elkhart Welcomes Back Elliott Maust Joyful tears flowed at the First Brethren Church in Elkhart on April 29, 2007 when seven-year-old Elliott Maust (pictured above) pedaled his way into the worship service. In July 2006, Elliott underwent surgery at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis for a tumor on his brain stem. Many dark days and as many miraculous answers to prayer have passed during that time, and his ride down the center aisle marked his first day back in worship with his mom and dad (Lisa and Michael), and his big brother, Ethan. We’re thanking God for all the blessings, lessons, and healing that’s occurred. And we’re praising him for this amazing little boy who continues to grow in wisdom and stature. Elliott and his family still face ongoing therapies, treatments and tests. Please keep this precious family and all those who seek to minister to them in your prayers. - Reported by Mesu Andrews
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Angel Food Ministries Provides Outreach Opportunities Huntington (IN) First Brethren Church is doing an outreach ministry that other churches might be interested in trying. It is called Angel Food Ministries, and is available nationwide. Angel Food Ministries’ purpose is to help people buy food at a reasonable cost. As much as $60 of food is available for only $25. There are no income guidelines or qualifications; anyone is eligible. We helped 93 families this month. Most are not from our church. It is a wide-open mission field. Peru First Brethren is involved also and there may be others. (Note: Medina, OH is also participating.) Each month we have added people to the plan. For more information go to: http://brethrenchurch.org/articles/angel-foodministries or angelfoodministries.com. - Reported by Pat Lusch
Northeast Youth Help New Hope Team New Hope will passionately love the Lord Jesus Christ and glorify Him through obedience to His Word, the mission of New Hope Church. Spending a day in State College, PA? Not a bad idea. It was actually really fun serving the Lord with the Northeast District BYIC at New Hope Church in State College, PA Saturday, April 14th. Worship, sending newsletters, preparing for a food drive, trash pick-up, child care, and going door to door handing out bags for a food drive were some of the things we did during the day. Most of the day dealt with handing out bags. Some of us did not want to go door to door, but after the first couple we were all right. Linda Barr and her husband, Jerry, plus the Berlin Brethren and Johnstown Third youth and leaders were the groups that could make it to help the State College team. - Monica Lyons, NE District BYIC Reporter
Southeast Youth Hold Spring Rally The Southeast District Youth held their annual Spring Rally at Camp Fort Shenandoah on April 20-22. With about 50 people in attendance, we had a great weekend. We had some very great, moving and inspirational speakers: Justin Morris, David Miller and Michael Good from Mt. Olive Brethren Church and Cory Smith from Oak Hill Brethren Church. The theme for the weekend was “Tug of War,” the tug of war we have in life with everyday decisions. Throughout the weekend we had awesome worship provided by the youth in the Oak Hill praise band. We had some work projects at the camp, such as painting the fence, clearing our trail to make it safe, gathering wood for our campfire, and cleaning the grounds to keep them nice. We also commissioned our new SE District Crusaders: Cory Smith, Hannah Fox and Jessica Nuckels, all from Oak Hill. We also voted for our new SE District Steering Committee consisting of Luke Michael and Michael Good from Mt. Olive, Liz Alvarez from St. Luke and Sarah Vormbrock from Maurertown. We all had so much fun, great worship and most of all a new understanding of what God is in our lives and that, with truth a lie also follows, and we are to choose which of the two to follow in our lives. “Revealed Truth that does not result in repentance becomes the source of greater condemnation!” - Liz Alvarez
Above: Youth and leaders from the Berlin and Johnstown Third (PA) Brethren churches with Jerry and Linda Barr (far right) spent a Saturday working at State College, PA.
Above and below: Youth from the Southeast District working on projects at Camp Shenandoah as part of their Spring Rally.
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“The Center” Update
At the beginning of the year, just after Christmas, my wife and I were praying and we felt that 2007 would be a “big” year for us as well as the church. God surely hasn’t disappointed, and in fact this year has been our biggest so far in this young church plant. We are obviously indebted to the Brethren for your faithful prayers as well as financial support. We have grown tremendously both spiritually and numerically. I reported to the statistical committee that for 2006 our church had 37 congregants and as of this writing (June 2007) our congregation has grown into the high 50’s. It is fun for those who have been around for this whole process to see all of the new faces and the new commitments to Jesus Christ that are being made. In fact, just this week I was approached about baptizing a new member of our church at our annual baptism and picnic in August. She said she is willing to give her life over to Christ and follow wherever he may lead her. This is why I was called by God to be a pastor and moments like that are why I am happy to be involved in this ministry. This is surely an exciting time to be a part of The Center and The Brethren Church. Our Counseling Center is open and accepting new clients as they find their way to us. This summer we will begin to advertise within our communities and begin to offer counseling to those who most need it and can least afford it. The Counseling Center is one way we reach out into our community to offer our help and support. We also help in a number of other ways, with missions to the homeless in downtown Cleveland, Mississippi missions, and Community Crisis giving, as well as countless people our Micro-Churches help without me even knowing it. I am proud of our congregation and the missional attitude that seems to be embedded within their DNA. In closing, I was privileged to hear the new vision that Ken Hunn presented at the Ohio District Conference in April and I must say that our church will embrace the New Day that the Brethren are heading toward. We support the mission of the Brethren and look forward to all that God will bring. I am beginning to think that maybe the big year God promised Lindsey and me was not only for the Center, but maybe for The Brethren as well. Blessings,
Pastor Tom Asbury At left: The top three pictures show some of The Center’s microchurches meeting for prayer and Bible study. The bottom picture is a special Passover and Communion celebration held just before Easter.
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Philippine Mission 2007
Jesus Our Firm Foundation Christian Ministries Brethren Church Philippines by Paul Stanley Regardless of the time one lands in Manila, there always seems to be quite a bit of activity on the streets, and this trip was no exception. We landed shortly before 6 a.m. to the now-familiar crowds, sights, sounds, and smells that make up Manila. Traffic was amazingly snarled as usual, as we made our way to Grandma Grace Tolentino’s home, where we would stay for the next nine days. The purpose of our visit to JOFF was to participate in their fourth anniversary activities, to meet with and encourage the leaders, and to visit the ministries and cell groups in which the church is involved. There was a great celebration at the anniversary with singing, praising, and dancing. At the end of the service, Pastor Efren Corido was commissioned to be the lead pastor of the Deparo outreach, and Jerome Castro as the youth pastor of the Bocaue church. The following week was spent working in the various ministries of JOFF. The new outreach in Pasig was in one of the more desperate parts of Manila. Many of the children have been coming to Grandma Grace’s home for Bible study for some time, but JOFF has recently begun ministering to them where they live. Their homes are accessible through winding alleys that lead to desperately poor living conditions, in what is known as a “squatters’ area.” In spite of the conditions, when we arrived there were 93 children waiting to meet and greet us and listen to the teaching of Brother Anton! While the children met, pastor Paul and pastors Rolly, Efren and Ed-
die conducted a Bible study in a small, one-room home lived in by Sister Carmen, who oversees the ministry, and attended by a group of sisters who absolutely love the Lord. In addition to visiting several homes of members and different cell groups, we met with Mayor Apen of Bocaue to pray for his leadership and administration. We also visited the jail in Bocaue and brought both physical and spiritual food to those who were incarcerated there. We met with, and offered encouragement to the pastors of the church, who work tirelessly through out the week. They start their day six days a week with a 5 a.m. Bible study known as “Dawn Watch.” We also had the blessing of meeting and fellowshipping with the leaders of the different ministries of JOFF throughout the week. One of the highlights of this trip was visiting several different parcels of land on which we hope to build our first Brethren church. Amazingly, we only need around $75,000 to purchase land and build a church that has a parsonage and mission house attached. That amount is nothing if it is split between several of our state-side churches and is truly an investment that offers returns of real eternal significance for the Kingdom of God! We are not sure of an exact start date, but your prayers are coveted as we seek the Lord on this plan. Participating in this mission from Carson Oaks Community Church in Stockton, CA were Pastor Paul Stanley, Grace Tolentino, Hope Tolentino, Eunice Oh, and Darren Sen. Darren
was with us last year and definitely has the heart of a missionary. It will be very interesting to see what God does with him in the future! Although it is difficult to keep count, we saw around 89 people who either gave their life to Christ, recommitted their life to him, or vowed to step up their commitment. The work in the Philippines is growing faster than we can keep up with. More land, more lives are being impacted for the Kingdom of God. Please know that when we ask you for help in this mission, I am very aware that there are several missions that need our help around the globe as the work of the Brethren expands, and I thank God for those of you who support the Brethren effort. But as you prayerfully consider how God would have you use the resources he has given to you, I ask that you please remember the Philippines as you seek where God would have you invest. This is not only your financial resources, but your time and talent as well. The brothers and sisters in the Philippines would love to see you there, participating in the work to which God has called them. If you
have never been on a short-term mission trip, this is a great place to start. Is it easy? No. Is it rewarding? More than you can imagine. Glory to God!
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“As we see this year develop, we watch to see how God is working through our gifts to the Annual Fund. Giving from individuals to denominational ministry has been on a steady increase for the last three years. These over-and-above gifts help to fund many of the new opportunities and initiatives that have come our way. We’ve opened new international fields of ministry, and churches are quietly but consistently being started for a wider witness in the United States.” “This is why your gifts are so important. Let’s keep the new opportunities going.Your help is needed to maintain the momentum that God is bringing our way. Please take time now to complete the information to the left, clip it out and send it with a generous gift today.” “Thanks for being a part of the new things God is doing through Brethren ministry.”
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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, 2007, Vol. 129, No. 4
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