A NEW DAY in The Brethren Church
Looking Ahead to…
New Strategies
Your church’s strategy is perfectly designed to get the results you are currently getting.
The photo on this month’s cover was taken near Camp Berea in Twain Harte, California by photojournalist Eric Kluth, a member of The Center, our church plant in northeast Ohio.
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I ran across some information that Church Health and Resource Specialist Gary Diehl passed along to me recently. This quote really got my attention. Andy Stanley told a group of pastors and leaders: Your church’s strategy is PERFECTLY designed to get the results you are currently getting. That should cause a few of us to wake up and listen. Are we focused on strategy, or results? If we aren’t getting the results we want, what needs to change? Wow. That quote made me sit up and take notice. And it inspired another question in me. Are we satisfied with the results we’ve been getting in our combined ministries known as the Brethren Church? To be sure, there are pockets of promising things happening. I hear people beginning to use the language of mission rather than preserving the status quo. More of our leaders are beginning to ask questions that reveal a willingness to think outside the boundaries of the past. Another church was recently planted, and several others are beginning to show signs of continued growth. In spite of some promising signs however, I think most of us would say that our current results do not match our vision to be a transformed church who, from congregation to congregation regularly sees lives touched for the first time with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. So, how do we get where we want to be? If our current strategies produce something other than the desired result, then may I suggest a new strategy? The NEW DAY vision and resulting strategies of the Brethren Church could be summarized in a couple of words: PREPARATION and PRAYER. We could make all sorts of plans, but I would rather we focus on the preparation that is needed to usher in a NEW DAY in the Brethren Church. The preparation I mention is simply beginning to take the first steps in
the strategies and expectations laid out in the vision itself. Pastors and leadership should sit down at their very next gathering and begin to work at accomplishing some of the suggested activities of the NEW DAY vision. Participation in these activities is the preparation we all need in order to usher in a new day. If pursued, these activities are uniquely designed to prepare both congregations and leaders for the new day we have embraced. Secondly, a prepared people are a praying people. The very last words of our vision statement tell the story, … in the power of the Holy Spirit. Even as I wrote these words, I just ended a phone conversation with one of our pastors, reminding me of the same thing. He said, “I knew we were on the right track when I heard the last phrase of the vision.” Here’s how you can pray. Pray for initiative to put vision on the agenda of your next meeting. Pray for discernment about just where to begin among the several strategies mentioned. Pray for passion to energize your activities. Pray for courage to discontinue current non-productive strategies in favor of a new way of doing things. Pray for more courage to reorganize the human and material resources necessary to fuel the vision. Most importantly, pray for a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit in keeping with the NEW DAY vision of the Brethren Church!
Thoughts from Executive Director Ken Hunn
Park Street Steps Out to BE the Church A NEW DAY story of faith in action by Wende Lance
Director of Volunteer Ministries Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio Everyone showing up for Sunday morning worship services at Park Street Brethren Church on Sept. 30 had their pick of seats, because the pews were empty. Park Street cancelled all four of its regularly scheduled worship slots to free churchgoers for worshiping another way: by serving their community. After gathering briefly for an early-morning prayer and kick-off in the PSBC gym, more than 300 people left the building to take part in 10 different service opportunities. This day-long event, which ended with an evening celebration, was the highlight of a month-long Faith in Action focus that included the entire church body. “For the past several months, we’ve been talking about how to become a more missional church,” said Wende Lance, Park Street’s director of volunteer ministries. “When we heard about Faith
in Action, we jumped on it as the perfect way to help our people start to be missionaries to our community.” “Of course, we don’t want this to be just a one-time thing. We hope people will get a taste of this and start to do it on their own, as part of their everyday lives.” Volunteer teams organized a game day for senior citizens at two different low-income apartment buildings, fixed up four playgrounds and hosted a free cookout for residents of a large apartment complex, served free lunch and prayed for Wal-Mart shoppers, prepared the Christmas toy room at Associated Charities, cleaned up a local park, and more. “Doing something like Faith in Action reminds me of the real purpose of the church — to reach out to others in love,” said Kim Tanner, whose small group
helped landscape, clean house, and even tar the roof at the local domestic violence shelter. “I liked it because it felt like I was literally doing something with my faith rather than just discussing it.” Volunteer leadership team member Ryan Gilmer added, “Jesus wanted the church to be focused on others. Faith in Action demonstrates that we desire to share Christ’s love with people who do not attend our church, and that we want to focus less on ourselves, even if we fail miserably or don’t understand people’s needs.” Arden Gilmer, senior pastor of Park Street said, “Sadly, though we in the church give lip service to the mission Jesus has entrusted to us, our attitudes and behaviors often indicate that we really view the church as a religious club that’s all about us. Faith In Action gave us a concrete and specific way to
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intentionally break out of that mold by lovingly and joyfully taking our worship to the streets to serve people outside the church. I’m glad we did it, and I hope that serving others in the name of Jesus becomes a lifestyle for the vast majority of PSBCers.” If your church is interested in doing its own Faith in Action project, find out more by visiting World Vision’s website: www.worldvision.org, or calling Wende Lance, Director of Volunteer Ministries at Park Street Brethren Church.
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Does your church have a NEW DAY experience to share? Call the National Office at 877-289-1708 or email us at brethren@brethrenchurch.org.
Snapshots from Brethren history
The Formation of the Brethren
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On an early morning sometime during the first two weeks of August 1708, eight people who had separated from the state churches of Europe gathered by the banks of the Eder River in Schwarzenau, Germany. These five men and three women had been a part of the Radical Pietist movement which believed that all the state churches of Europe had fallen away from their first love, Jesus Christ, and had become more institutions than the living body of Jesus Christ. But the Radical Pietists also maintained that discipleship to Christ did not require any outward ordinances or practices. All that was necessary was to be a member of the spiritual fellowship of brothers and sisters who could gather informally without clergy, ordinances, and formal church organization. These former Radical Pietists had become convinced that full obedience to Jesus Christ required that they practice the ordinances of believer baptism and the Lord’s Supper as well as form an accountable body of believers with a simple organization and set apart (ordained) leaders. This conviction was dangerous because, not only had they separated from the Lutheran and German Reformed churches, an act that was illegal, but they also desired to practice believer or adult baptism. All the state churches baptized infants and adult baptism was strictly forbidden and was punishable by a variety of penalties, including even death. The eight who gathered on the banks of the Eder had decided that one of the men would baptize their leader, Alexander Mack, first and
by Dr. Dale Stoffer
then Mack would baptize his baptizer, followed by the rest of the group. They had pledged never to reveal the name of the one who baptized Mack, lest the group be named after that person. Humility before the Lord was a virtue that would become highly prized among the Brethren. The eight kept their word and never revealed the name of the one who baptized Mack or the date of this momentous act. We are the spiritual heirs of these courageous pioneers of our faith. They faced persecution in Europe for their beliefs and maintained steadfast commitment to their saving Lord, Jesus Christ. Eventually nearly all the Brethren would come to America by 1733, settling initially in and around Germantown, Pennsylvania. Today there are nearly one million people who are connected with the six major Brethren groups. There are more Brethren outside of the United States than inside our borders. Ours is a faith and heritage which has maintained the commitments of these early Brethren to follow the Word of Scripture, to be led by the Holy Spirit, and to be molded into the image of the Living Word, Jesus Christ. The 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement in Schwarzenau, Germany, offers us the opportunity to reflect on our history, remember our heritage, and respond to the challenges of our present day with renewed faithfulness and commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In anticipation of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement in August, 2008, we will be featuring a highlight from our history in each upcoming issue of the Evangelist.
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The Celebration Has Begun! by Dr. Jim Hollinger FIVE YEARS AGO, when the Tercentenary Planning Committee first began planning for the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the start of the Brethren denomination(s), 2008 seemed like a long time in the future. During this designated celebration time (September 2007-December 2008) it was the desire of the committee that this time not worship the past, but also celebrate what God is doing today, and try to envision what and where God would want the Brethren to be involved in the future.
First Brethren meeting house in the new world (1770). First European-language Bible printed in the colonies.
Christmas Day 1723). Throughout the three worship services, we were reminded of God’s faithfulness to his people. In quite a few ways the Germantown congregation exemplifies the focus points of this celebration.
So on September 15-16, 2007 Brethren gathered from around the nation along the historic cobblestone Germantown Avenue (NW Philadelphia) to remember. There were tours of surrounding historic sites, infor*Germantown Celebration* In the same spirit as the 250th Anniversary mative sessions on various (1958), the 300th Anniversary began with a aspects of our history, sevcelebration held in Germantown, PA. on Sep- eral displays and fellowship. A hymn sing was held Saturtember 15 & 16 , 2007. Why Germantown, Pennsylvania? This is the day evening in the Coventry Church (location of the first area of many Brethren-related firsts. evangelistic outpost outside First baptism by trine immersion in the new of Germantown; home of the The Germantown Meeting House Celebration world, Dececember 25, 1723. oldest continually worshiping Brethren congregation—see picture They understand their historical role, First Lovefeast in the new world. First organized Brethren congregation in the on page 5—and home of the original but also have changed their present six baptismal candidates that were ministry to answer some of the crying new world. baptized in the Wissahickon Creek on needs of a changing neighborhood. They are also in the process of buying the house next to the church in order to expand their future ministry to this community. God is patiently DATES LOCATION reminding us all that he is not done with the Brethren!
Brethren Traveling Historical Display Schedule Feb. 2-3, 2008 Feb. 9-10, 2008 Feb. 15-17, 2008 Feb. 19-20, 2008 Feb. 23, 2008 March 1, 2008 March 14-16, 2008 April 5, 2008 April 12, 2008 April 18-19 April 26, 2008 May 3-4, 2008
Tucson First, AZ* Pasadena, CA* Carson Oaks, CA* Cheyenne, WY* Derby, KS* Waterloo, IA Middlebury, IN* Eagle’s Nest, IN Brethren Heritage Center, OH Berlin Borough Bldg., PA Cross Keys, VA Sarasota First, FL*
*Denotes Historical Display only (District Conference held separately). Please check with district leaders for exact times and locations.
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*Traveling Historical Display* The next major initiative planned for this Brethren Anniversary is a traveling historical display. Just as
Brethren Archives pictures included in Traveling Display
in biblical times, we need reminders for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren about God’s interaction with his people, otherwise we soon forget why there is a Brethren Church. In our fast-paced society we often don’t take the time to read. Further, some of us are “visual learners” remembering more of what we see than what we read or hear. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of Brethren sitting in the pew on Sunday morning will not travel to a Brethren Archives in Ashland or elsewhere. Thus the committee felt that if we could bring some Brethren history to the people of each district, we would effectively multiply the number of Brethren that understand a little more about our roots and the sacrifices our forefathers made so that I (and you) could hear about the personal love of God. The committee is making displays on wagon bases that can travel in a large trailer to the district gatherings. Each station will feature pictures, descriptions, and artifacts about the various stages of this 300 year Brethren journey. These stations will be wheeled into a fellowship hall, allowing all that have gathered to see and understand what principles were so important to our forefathers that they would risk arrest and sacrifice all their earthly possessions for the sake of these principles. The schedule on page 6 represents our best information about the planned stops of the Brethren Traveling Display. Many districts are holding it along with their district conference, however some are holding them at a separate time. Would it be wise for us to take our children/grandchildren out of school for a day every 300 years to learn more about our rich heritage?
Ministering to “Bridgers” by Glenn Black
An old man lived alone in Idaho. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, Bubba, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament. Dear Bubba: I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my potato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me. Love, Dad A few days later, he received a letter from his son. Dear Dad: For heaven’s sake, Dad, don’t dig up that garden. That’s where I buried the bodies. Love, Bubba At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police showed up and dug the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day, the old man received another letter from his son. Dear Dad: Go ahead and plant the potatoes now. It’s the best I could do under the circumstances. Love, Bubba Over the past year I have gotten questions from pastors, youth pastors and church leaders about how to get started in ministry to Bridgers: youth adults between 18 and 30. My answer has typically been to listen, be creative, do something, then evaluate it. In upcoming issues of the Evangelist, we will be offering a “Bridge Spotlight” focusing on Bridge Ministries that are both successfully discovering ways to connect with a new generation of young adults, and discussion on the real ways these men and women represent a major shift in culture. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but more is on the way: 1. Ask. Listen. Learn. Act. Take the time to talk with these men and women, hear their ideas, dreams and thoughts. Allow this discussion to feed your creativity, and then do something. 2. Identify a 20-something in your church or community and ask if you could meet them for lunch once a month for friendship and mentoring. 3. Invite a 20-something to be an ex-officio member of your church board. 4. Write letters or send birthday cards to your church’s college students while they are away at school. 5. Subscribe to Relevant magazine to start discovering this generation (www.relevantmagazine.com).
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BYIc Updates The BYIC has experienced some exciting and challenging changes over the past two years. The BYIC Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), has been at work seeking to live out the mission of “impacting our world for Christ through the BYIC.” Those who serve on YAC have the privilege of following God’s leading as he sets the course for the future of the BYIC. BYIC Convention is an exciting time of spiritual growth and fellowship that young people from across the Brethren Denomination look forward to each year. The 2008 BYIC Convention will wrap up a three-part series that the Lord has been using to shape and mold the hearts of youth and advisors alike. BYIC Convention 2006 kicked off the series with the theme “Broken” and in 2007, we have been “Set Free” so that in 2008, we might recognize all that He wants to “REVEAL in us so that He may be Revealed through us.” The 2008 BYIC Convention goes on the road to Ridgecrest, NC. This beautiful setting was selected back in 2004, and current YAC members have had an opportunity to visit the site firsthand and have begun to piece together speakers and activities for the week of July 28 - August 1, 2008. The BYIC National Project for 2006– 2007 was Puerto Maldonado, located in Peru, South America. The money raised for this project was sent to Italo and Rebecca Abuid to continue the dream of building and opening an orphanage and church for children and youth in the area. The BYIC National Project for 2007-2008 is the Philippines and the church of Jesus Our Firm Foundation. The money raised for this project will go towards repairs for their van, upon which many of the city’s children rely for transportation to and from church activities. In the past the BYIC has utilized Summer Ministries and the National Youth Steering Committee (NYSC) to shape student leaders for the future. Summer
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from the BYIC Youth Advisory Committee
Ministries will continue to be offered to all students of BYIC, with the exception of the National Crusaders program. After much discussion, YAC made the decision to put the Crusading program on hiatus and plans are to assess how the program might be utilized in the future. The NYSC has been a great opportunity for a group of 12 students to serve at the National level each year. However, YAC felt that even more student leaders could benefit if the BYIC resources were shared across the entire Brethren denomination. The Lord began revealing a plan that evolved into the SALT Program (Students Advancing in Leadership Training). This program was piloted by Pastor Ryan Smith, Director of Student Ministries at Nappanee First Brethren Church, who willingly offered guidance to implement the program at the national level. A blog has also been launched as a means of communicating any comments, questions, or concerns regarding the program, the site is www. byicsaltshaker.blogspot.com. Many churches implemented the program this fall and we look forward to seeing how the Lord uses SALT across the denomination. One area of concern over the past couple of years has been the need for more intentional communication between YAC and youth advisors across the denomination. This year each district has been assigned to a specific YAC member who will be responsible for making contact with the youth advisors within the district at least once a quarter. YAC hopes that this will begin to open the lines of communication that will be so desperately vital as the BYIC moves into the future. Over the next two years YAC would like to see that the youth advisors feel connected, supported, and encouraged by those serving at the national level, as they serve “on the front lines as we enter a New Day.” In addition to better communication with youth advisors, YAC plans to continue focusing on the goal of keeping an open ear to the youth of BYIC. This goal
will warrant the need for both direct and indirect contact with students. This will be accomplished in several ways, i.e. Youth Advisors Network (by networking with the youth advisors we can establish direct and indirect lines of communication with students), website/blog, BYIC submissions to the Evangelist, and any opportunities that the Lord provides throughout the year for each YAC member to interact with and listen to our students. The BYIC has indeed experienced changes and achieved many goals over the past couple of years. Each of us knows the work does not stop here. The Brethren Denomination is embarking upon a New Day and the BYIC looks forward with great anticipation to all that the Lord will reveal.
SCHEDULED MISSION TRIPS 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 call the listed contact.
International Missions: Destination
Date
Contact
Argentina
Nov 2007
Kenya
Feb 2008 Grace Com., VA
Philippines
Feb 2008 Cars. Oaks, CA
Puerto Mald. June 2008
Nappanee, IN
Sarasota 1st
Puerto Mald. July 2008 Park Street, OH July 18-26; est. cost $1,700 (incl. airfare); $100 non-refundable dep. due by Dec. 15
United States Missions: Mississippi Missions Trip: December 30, 2007 - January 5, 2008 and January 6, 2008 - January 12, 2008 Contact Tim Garner, Indiana District Pastor at 1-877-768-9185. (See related article on page 8 of this magazine.)
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 2 November/December 2007
The President’s Pen Dear Sisters, Phyllis has asked me to drop you a line for this issue. As I thought on the time frame when you would read this (Thanksgiving/Christmas — gratitude/ giving), my mind wanted to settle on my favorite hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” If you recall, though, Phyllis used this hymn as a frame of reference when she wrote to you in the July/August issue! Nevertheless, I couldn’t seem to head in any other direction! I have read ‘hymn stories,’ many of which are born out of significant events of trial or joy in the writer’s life; but I had never looked into the ‘story’ behind “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Now seemed like a good time to do just that. Kenneth Osbeck, in his 101 Hymn Stories, tells us this hymn from the pen of Thomas O. Chisholm came simply from the “morning by morning realization of God’s personal faithfulness” (based on Lamentations 3:22-23). What a beautiful ‘story’ — God, faithful to me, to each one of us personally. First of all, as we follow the hymn writer, God is faithful to His own character — there is no shadow of turning with Him, He doesn’t change, His compassion does not fail, as He has been He will always be. Second, God is faithful in nature — we can count on the seasons following in order always, night to follow day always, all of nature bearing witness to His faithfulness always. Third, God is faithful to the peak of His creation - mankind. And, not just mankind in general, but to all mankind who would come to Him for that pardon of sin and finding His abiding peace, His presence, His strength, and His blessing.
(continued on page 12)
Missionary Miscellany The international emphasis for NOVEMBER is the radio ministry of Maria and Juan Carlos Miranda. In addition to serving their growing congregation in San Dimas, CA, Maria continues and Juan Carlos assists in the Hispanic radio ministry. Maria’s program is broadcast in more than 700 Spanish-language radio stations in the U.S. alone, plus in many other countries. This is the 29th year of the radio ministry. The national emphasis is the Five Stones Community Church, which meets in Memorial Chapel on the Ashland University campus in Ashland, Ohio. This congregation includes faculty and students, as well as community residents. Members and leaders are from both the University and the community. The DECEMBER international missionaries-of-the-month are David and Jenny Loi in Malaysia, who have recently returned from a 2-week preaching and teaching ministry in China. Your prayers for their good health and safety, especially while they were gone, were needed and appreciated. A detailed report will come in a future Newsletter. New Song Community Church in Union, MI, is the national emphasis of the month. This new congregation is different for Christ’s sake! They explore creative ways to “be” the church. Pray for them as they seek a pastor.
Mark wrote, “We believe God’s economy wins over man’s economy. Although we must leave Ireland because of financial concerns, every investment in God’s economy (the kingdom of God) is a good investment and provides dividends beyond what we can see.” During Mark and Brenda’s service, “Many people have begun a journey of discovering faith in Jesus Christ; many more have been discipled across the country; many young people will go on to become the pastors, leaders, and servants in the church in Ireland, while others are now serving as missionaries abroad.” This is investment in God’s economy. Our national W.M.S. president, Phyllis Roussakis, and her husband Peter were invited to help celebrate the 40th birthday celebration of the Argentina W.M.S. They and another couple from the Burlington congregation visited the Brethren October 8-18, giving greetings from the parent Brethren Church and speaking. Your prayers for them were requested and greatly appreciated. Later Phyllis will relate their joy and some of their experiences in representing us.
Mark and Brenda Ray have made a difficult decision concerning the Hope of Ireland ministry. The rising inflation in Ireland makes it impossible for the Brethren Church and the Rays to continue ministering in Ireland. Other missionary organizations have faced the same problem with the same decision.
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W.M.S. Directory — 2007-2008 NATIONAL W. M. S. OFFICERS President -Mrs. Phyllis Roussakis, P. O. Box 246, 1101 Jackson St., Burlington, IN 46915-0246. Phone: 765-566-3274. E-mail: jsbaklava@ sbcglobal.net Vice President - Mrs. Cheryl Schmiedt, 2415 W. Nina Lane, Warsaw, IN 46580. Phone: 574-238-1097. Email: cschmied@bnin.net General Secretary - Mrs. Lynn Herendeen, 215 W. Walnut St., Flora, IN 46929. Phone: 574-967-3092. Email: Signaturebusiness@hotmail. com Ass’t. Secretary - Mrs. Karen Weidenhamer, 631 Buena Vista Ave., Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419289-0096. E-mail: bandkweiden@ zoominternet.net Financial Secretary - Mrs. Joanne Kroft, 608 Twp. Rd. 1151, RD 5, Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-962-4679. E-mail: jokroft@aol.com Treasurer - Mrs. Janet Rufener, 129 Lilac Lane, Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-289-0465. E-mail: rufeners@zoominternet.net Literature Secretary - Mrs. Mary Lee Stout, 4742 E. State Rd. 18, Flora, IN 46929. Phone: 574-967-3290. E-mail: CLStout@netusa1.net Editor, the Devotional Guide - Mrs. Cheryl Schmiedt, 2415 Nina Lane, Warsaw, IN 46580. Phone: 574-2381097. E-mail: cschmied@bnin.net Editor, Outlook Newsletter - Mrs. Joan Ronk, 1325 Coachman Ct., Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-281-3050. E-mail: jeronk@zoominternet.net Subscription Secretary - Mrs. Joanne Kroft, 608 Twp. Rd. 1151, RD 5, Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419962-4679. E-mail: jokroft@aol.com Sewing and Benevolence Coordinator - Mrs. Joan Merrill, 9300 S. SR 3, Muncie, IN 47302. Phone: 765-2892384. E-mail: joanmerrill@juno.com Mission Council Representative - Mrs. Brenda Blessing, 203 Dorchester St., Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-281-1649. E-mail: lblessing@ zoominternet.net
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DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS Southeastern President - Edith Fabrick, 1041 Hughes Rd., Westminster, MD 21157. Phone: 410-848-7408. E-mail: edith.knight@adelphia.net Treasurer - Jean Burton, 113 Miller Ave., Oak Hill, WV 25901. Phone: 304-465-8751. Northeast President - DeAnn Oburn, 622 Main St., Berlin, PA 15330. Phone: 814267-7050. E-mail: eoburn@wpia.net Vice President - Jane Yoder, P. O. Box 44, Jones Mills, PA 15646. Phone: 724-593-2396. E-mail: valleybc@lhtc.net Secretary - Bonita Chamberlain, 166 Lime Kiln Rd., Saxton, PA 16678. Phone: 814-928-5149. E-mail: boncham@comcast.net Treasurer - Marsha Nulph, 361 Stoney Hollow Rd., Cabot, PA 16023. Phone: 724-352-3528. Ohio President - Brenda Blessing, 203 Dorchester St., Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-281-1649. E-mail: lblessing@zoominternet.net Vice President - Wanda Powell, Beloit Country Gardens, 18391 5th St., Apt. 204 E, Beloit, OH 44609. Phone: 330-938-3291. Secretary-Treasurer - Joanne Kroft, 608 Twp. Rd. 1151, Ashland, IN 44805. Phone: 419-962-4679. Email: jokroft@aol.com Indiana President - Cindy Hanson, 12823 Walnut Hill Dr., Lakeville, IN 46536. Phone: 574-784-8207. E-mail: chanson@unorth.k12.in.us Vice President - Sandy Sharp, 6881 E. May Lane, Leesburg, IN 46538. Phone: 574-834-4601. E-mail: sssharpie@konline.com Secretary-Treasurer - Joy Zook, 250 S. Lincoln St., Bunker Hill, IN 46914. Phone: 765-689-9591. E-mail: gnjzook@comcast.net Assistant Secretary - Treasurer - Jane Stogsdill, 12 Donat Dr., Peru, IN
46970. Phone: 765-473-7204. Email: mystosdill@yahoo.com Financial Secretary - Bev Leiter, 613 W. Syracuse St., Milford, IN 46542. Phone: 574-658-9558. E-mail: jjleiter@earthlink.net Assistant Financial Secretary - Bev Baker, 1719 Brookemede, South Bend, IN 46614. Phone: 574-2911212. E-mail: Bev_baker@hotmail. com Central Representative - Gini Peterson, 5085 Otter Creek Dr., Milledgeville, IL 61051. Phone: 815-225-7956. Midwest President - Helen Arnold, P.O. Box 396, Falls City, NE 68355. Phone: 402245-2056. E-mail: HARNOLD@nev. rr.com Southwest Representative - Iris McKinney, 6717 Calle Mercurio, Tucson, AZ 85710. Phone: 520-747-2253. E-mail: irismck@webtv.net Northern California Representative - Carolyn Bennett, 2023 Edgewater Ct., Stockton, CA 95204. Phone: 209-948-6566.
LOCAL SOCIETIES
Names and Addresses of W.M.S. Presidents Southeastern District Bethlehem - Mildred Gochenour, 2537 Layman Trestle Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 Linwood - Virginia M. Hook, 3046 Old Washington Rd., Westminster, MD 21157. Phone: 410-848-5587 Oak Hill - Jean Burton, 113 Miller Ave., Oak Hill, WV 25901-2546. Phone: 304-456-8751 St. James - Linda Easterday, 17249 Lappans Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 St. Luke - Dawn Keim, 414 Crider Lane, Woodstock, VA 22664-3450. Phone: 540-459-7770. E-mail: adkeim@hotmail.com
Women’s Outlook Newsletter
Northeast District Berlin - Adele Ritchey, 1912 White Horse Rd., Berlin, PA 15530. Phone: 814-267-3880 Brush Valley - Irene Tarr, RD 1, Box 210, Adrian, PA 16210. Phone: 724548-1955 Cameron - Elaine Sampson, RD 3, Box 41, Cameron, WV 26033. Phone: 304-686-2262 Highland - Marilyn Reynard, 583 Highland Ridge Rd., Marianna, PA 15345. Phone: 724-267-3445 Masontown - Nancy Wilson, 204 N. Washington St., Masontown, PA 15461. Phone: 724-583-8117. Email: vonbraum@verizon.net Meyersdale - Lee Ann Yoder, 1362 Mountain Rd., Meyersdale, PA 15552. Phone: 814-634-5107 Pleasant View - Nancy McGraw, 1497 Hancock Ave., Apollo, PA 15613. Phone: 724-567-7235. E-mail: nmmcgraw@yahoo.com Raystown - Nancy Weimert, 10056 Raystown Rd., Saxton, PA 16678. Phone: 814-635-2018. E-mail: nancyjw@adelphia.net Sarver - Debbie Knappenberger, 1177 Cornplanter Rd., Cabot, PA 16023. Valley - Jane Yoder, P. O. Box 44, Jones Mills, PA 15646. Phone: 724593-2396. Vinco - Debbie Walk, 325 Chapel Lane, Johnstown, PA 15909. Phone: 814322-1980 Ohio District Beacon of Hope Community Church - Patti Hudson, 324 Rodeo Cr. Louisville, OH 44641. Phone: 330-8753183 Garber - Joanne Kroft, 608 Twp. Rd. 1151, RD 5, Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-962-4679 Gratis - Ruth Focht, 8947 S. Preble Co. Line Rd., Germantown, OH 453279416. Phone: 937-787-3860 Gretna - Nettie Hudson, 4653 CR 11, Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Phone: 937-592-9163 New Lebanon Afternoon - Pat Boos, 718 Greyhound Dr., New Lebanon, OH 45345. Phone: 937-687-1085 New Lebanon Evening - Lindy Fulton, 808 S. Clayton Rd., Lot 2, New Lebanon, OH 45345. Phone: 937-6873466 North Georgetown Afternoon, Carrie Stoffer - Evelyn Romigh, 26009
November/December 2007
North Georgetown Rd., Homeworth, OH 44634-9520. Phone: 330-5257404 North Georgetown Evening, Evelyn Mercer - Gerry Dorsey, 812 S. Madison St., Salem, OH 44460. Phone: 330-332-0593 Park St. Faith - Bonnie Summy, 502 Sandusky St., Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-289-7978 Park St. Joy - Karen Weidenhamer, 631 Buena Vista, Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-289-0096. E-mail: bandkweiden@zoominternet.net Trinity Jr. - Sharon Dixon, 633 Buckwalter Dr., SW, Massillon, OH 44646. Phone: 330-832-2074 Trinity Sr. - Donna Barnes, 9767 Lafont Cir., NE, Bolivar, OH 44612-8856. Williamstown - Barbara Main, 6782 SR 12 W., Findlay, OH 45840. Phone: 419-422-3069 Indiana District Bryan - Joan Bechtol, 07578 SR 576, Montpelier, OH 43543-9714. E-mail: hugs@williams-net.com Burlington - Jeanette Crum, 12888 W. 200 N., Kokomo, IN 46910. Phone: 765-566-3477 College Corner - Tami White, 8833 S. 300 W., Wabash, IN 46992. Phone: 765-981-4557 Corinth - Lois Thomson, 5751 N. Co. Rd. 800 E., Logansport, IN 46947. Phone: 574-664-2729 Cornerstone - Joan Merrill, 9300 S. SR 3, Muncie, IN 47302. Phone: 765289-2384. E-mail: joanmerrill@juno. com County Line - Chris McIntire, 307 Center St., Argos, IN 46501. Phone: 574-892-5293. E-mail: Chris.McIntire@ColdwellBanker. com Dutchtown - Rebecca Tusing, 9EMS D 22 B Lane, Syracuse, IN 46567. Phone: 574-658-3434 Flora - June Clem, 126 W. Walnut St., Flora, IN 46929. Phone: 574-9673973 Goshen - Tammy Landis, 23709 Ridgemont Lane, Elkhart, IN 46516-5890. Phone: 574-204-8739 Huntington - Marjorie Teusch, 480 N. Broadway, Huntington, IN 46750. Phone: 260-359-1031 Loree I - Jane Stogsdill, 12 Donat Dr., Peru, IN 46970. Phone: 765-4737204
Loree II Charity - Marlene Dunn, 4651 S. 250 E., Peru, IN 46970. Phone: 765-473-7980 Meadow Crest - Jan Farrell, 6812 Wrangler Ct., Fort Wayne, IN 46835. Phone: 260-485-6123. E-mail: AuntJany@Peoplepc.com Mexico - Mary Sue Brooks, Box 411, Mexico, IN 46958. Phone: 765-9852205 Milford - Barb Wuthrich, 208 N. James St., P. O. Box 151, Milford, IN 46542. Phone: 574-658-4451 Nappanee - Benita Shaw, 853 S. Van Buren, Nappanee, IN 46550. Phone: 574-773-3253 New Paris - Eleanor Morehouse, 19195 US 6, New Paris, IN 46553. Phone: 574-831-2286 North Manchester - Linda Immel, 2001 East St., North Manchester, IN 46962. Phone: 260-982-8238. Email: linda_immel@yahoo.com Oakville - Pat Wedmore, P. O. Box 31, Oakville, IN 47367. Roanoke - Sharon Williams, P. O. Box 33, Roanoke, IN 46783. Phone: 260672-3252 South Bend - Bev Baker, 1719 Brookemede Dr., South Bend, IN 46614. Phone: 574-291-1212. E-mail: bev.baker@hotmail.com South Bend Women Meant to Serve - Jan Kary, 17633 Cobblestone Ct., South Bend, IN 46635. Phone: 574272-8528 Tiosa - Dorcas VanDuyne, 2766 E. 200 N., Rochester, IN 46975-7426. Phone: 574-223-7473. E-mail: fdvanduyne@rtcol.com Wabash - Phyllis Meyer, 5866 W. 200 S. Lot 30, Wabash, IN 46992. Phone: 260-563-1238 Warsaw - Cheryl Schmiedt, 2415 W. Nina Lane, Warsaw, IN 46580. Phone: 574-238-1097. E-mail: cschmied@bnin.net Central District Cerro Gordo - Elaine Dresback, 107 Meadow Lane, Cerro Gordo, IL 61818. Phone: 217-763-0223 Hammond Ave. - Carolyn Waters, 2345 Fairway Lane, Waterloo, IA 50701. Phone: 319-234-6910 Lanark Neoma - Pauline Erbsen, 26589 Georgetown Rd., Lanark, IL 61046. Phone: 815-473-2159
(continued on page 12) 11
Directory (continued)
President’s Pen (continued)
Milledgeville Hearts of Praise - Gini Peterson, 5085 Otter Creek Dr., Milledgeville, IL 61051. Phone: 815-2257956
Many years ago, Phyllis told me she often uses (sings or recites) hymns as part of her daily devotion time. As much as I love hymns, that concept had never dawned on me! Anyway, I began doing it as well, and it surely enhances the quiet time. Needless to say, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is one I use often. Our God is many things to us and primary, I would say, is His faithfulness. We can trust Him to be God, we can trust Him with our lives and the lives of our families, we can trust Him to do all things well — even when we may not understand — because He is faithful. Thomas Chisholm, our hymn writer, in looking back on his own life, said, “I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.” May we all have that attitude of mind and heart, not only as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, but every day that, by His faithfulness, mercy and love are ours. How can we not be grateful and giving? As I finish here, I have a wandering thought to share! When you even come upon the end of a work week, perhaps you might exclaim with gratitude, “GITF,” rather than a wearied, “TGIF!” May God continue to faithfully bless us as Women Meant to Serve.
Midwest District Falls City - Linda Berkley, P. O. Box 102, Morrill, KS 66515. Phone: 785459-2539 Mulvane - Lillian Gardner, 1137 Dry Creek, Derby, KS 67037 Southwest District Tucson - Iris McKinney, 6717 Calle Mercurio, Tucson, AZ 85710. Phone: 520-747-2253. E-mail: irismck@ webtv.net Northern California District Carson Oaks Community Church Carolyn Bennett, 2023 Edgewater Ct., Stockton, CA 95204. Phone: 209-948-6566 Manteca - Ilda Blair, 20482 Tinnin Rd., Manteca, CA 95337-8524
General Information
Send to Joanne Kroft, financial secretary: 1. Checks for all dues and offerings made payable to National W.M.S. Dues are $8.50 per member payable in October (dues are designated for publications); 2. Membership list with the names and addresses for whom you are paying dues; 3. Offerings for Ashland Theological Seminary, Home and World Missions, World Relief, Ashland University, and Riverside Christian School; 4. Thank offerings for benevolences and the Project offering, unless they are brought to General Conference.
Lovingly, DeAnn Oburn President, Northeast District
Send to Joan Ronk, Newsletter editor: All materials for publication in The W.M.S. Outlook Newsletter. Send to Joan Merrill, Sewing and Benevolence Coordinator: All requests for Sewing and Benevolence projects, including World Relief patterns, quilt squares, and the Service Guide.
The Editor’s Ending
Dear Friend, Welcome and thanks to DeAnn Oburn, who wrote The President’s Pen while Phyllis traveled in Argentina. You may see other district presidents writing in the future. Thank you for completing the statistical report last spring, giving the needed information for the W.M.S. Directory. As you requested, this information is printed earlier than usual. I hope it continues to be helpful in your communications. In the General Information paragraph, notice the contact people for various items. Although we three have variations of the same name (Joanne, Joan, Joan), we have different addresses! See each address in column 1, under National W.M.S. Officers. All of us are glad to hear from you. Mark and Brenda Ray will continue to minister in Ireland until February or March 2008. Please pray as they conclude their work and then await God’s call for future ministry. If you have financial gifts for them, send those now to Joanne Kroft, for forwarding to the Rays. The national W.M.S. is giving $1,500 to help fund Phyllis’s trip to Argentina. Should you want to help also, send your gift to Joanne. We observe many traditions in the fall. One which is frequently overlooked is National Bible Week, corresponding with Thanksgiving week. Each of us needs to renew the tradition of reading, studying, and practicing the Bible as individuals and as families. November is also World Relief and Peace month and December is Christ’s birthday. One conference speaker requested that you give one-half of your usual “giving budget” to World Relief and other peace organizations serving in your behalf. You and your family really don’t need all that! In addition to sending your dollars, send your prayers, too. Then “Be joyful at your Feast — you, your sons and daughters” Deuteronomy 16:14. Your friend,
November 18 - 25, 2007 Joan
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Puerto Maldonado, Peru 2007 by Fred Miller, Pastor Mt. Olive Brethren Church Mcgaheysville, Virginia
Justina was a teenager in Puerto Maldonado, Peru with a dream. She dreamed of the day that she could get a job and help her parents with the bills. The dream came true when she was offered a job to wait on tables in the mines. The first month went well and the tips were good. She knew that her parents would be proud of her efforts. Her dreams were shattered one night by a man with evil intentions. When Justina put up a struggle to defend herself, the attacker became violent. He beat her severely and left her emotionally bruised and physically broken. She was rushed to the hospital where the doctors performed surgery to repair the broken bones in her legs. Justina is no longer able to wait on tables. She was left crippled by the attack and can only walk with the help of a cane. Every step has become a reminder of a dream that was shattered. The man who attacked Justina remains a threat. An arrangement was made by a local lawyer to put Justina in a Christian home for girls. There she lives under the umbrella of love and respect. Her dream has been shattered, but God is developing a new dream. She is not waiting on tables, but she is waiting on the Lord to help her with the next chapter of her story. Italo and Rebecca Ibuid have a heart for the desperate children of Puerto Maldonado. They are building an orphanage on the outskirts of Puerto Maldonado with the help of the Brethren Church. They want to reach children before they are emotionally bruised and physically battered.
The Mt. Olive Brethren Church sent two teams to Puerto Maldonado in 2007. The first team consisted of thirteen members who arrived in August. They worked through the heat and humidity to move tons of dirt for the front porch. In addition, they started digging a hole for the septic tank. One of the highlights of the week was the children they met outside the hotel each evening. Strong bonds were built through the use of games, an American football, and a trip to the ice cream parlor. The efforts of the team to provide a loving witness brought huge dividends. Ten of the children are
now attending Sunday services in a local church with Italo and Rebecca. The second team consisted of ten members who arrived in September. They completed the large hole for the septic tank. The team had the pleasure of mixing and pouring cement for the floors in four rooms. They poured cement in the two rooms designed for the children, the master bedroom and the laundry room. One of the highlights of the week was the trip to the outskirts of the town where we met the children who will one day benefit from the orphanage. The
Puerto Maldonado children live in shacks made of wooden planks and tin roofs. The children were delighted with the beach balls, juice and cookies that we handed out. We were delighted to see the smiles on their faces and pondered which children may one day find shelter in the orphanage. The first building will house twelve to sixteen boys and girls. It will include a kitchen, laundry room, dining room, and study/chapel area. It will be home to Italo and Rebecca, as well as their son David. Rebecca speaks affectionately of the children who will live in the orphanage as the brothers and sisters of David.
The foundation, walls, floors and roof are now complete. What a joy it was for the team to fly over Puerto Maldonado and see the shiny roof of the orphanage. Yet that joy will be small compared to the joy of one day seeing the children who will benefit from the love and sacrifice of the Brethren. The orphanage needs your prayers, your visits and your financial support. We challenge each church, on a Sunday of their choosing, to receive a “GIVE UP A CUP OF COFFE OFFERING.” Place a basket in the front of the church and give the call for each member to put the money for one cup of coffee in the basket. That small sacrifice by each member will be enough to finish the first building. One day, one cup, one huge victory.
Give Up a Cup
Pastor Italo Abuid
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God at Work by Larry Brown, Pastor Gretna Brethren Church Bellefontaine, Ohio
We recently took a group of eight to Mexico City on a short-term mission trip to see God at work in Mexico and encourage the Ruggles family in their ministry. Our goal at Gretna Brethren is to develop a long-term relationship through short-term mission trips to a location. I feel God leading us to a conclusion that Mexico City is that location for us. Since my arrival at Gretna just 18 months ago we have sent four short-term mission teams to God’s Katrina Kitchen and this was our first international trip. Our trip to Mexico, as well as all our trips to Mississippi, has been a heart-opening experience for everyone involved, including the senders who remain in Bellefontaine. This trip was especially powerful. All of us on the trip experienced the overwhelming power of God. That experience has changed our lives forever. Sometimes we need a change of scenery to open our hearts more. It is so easy to become complacent in our ministry efforts. God is at work in the Brethren Church in Mexico. We were blessed by the hospitality of the Brethren Church in Mexico City and the Ruggles family. But more importantly, we were blessed by God. We have a pastor in Mexico City by the name of Pastor Moises, who has the gift of prophecy and word of wisdom. You see and feel the power of God when you speak with this man and especially when he prays over you. We spent two mornings with Pastor Moises in study and prayer and God touched each and every one of us through this prophet. I personally have always struggled with the concept of prophets and apostles in the church today. But I have no doubt now. I have seen God through this man. I have experienced the power of God in a new way through this man. It isn’t Pastor Moises, but God working through him as an instrument of grace. This man prophesied things over my wife and me that God had laid on our hearts for ministry long before this trip.
in Mexico City He knew things that only my wife and I knew. He spoke words of healing over both of us for hurts that no one knew of but us. The very presence of this man brought the presence of God so strongly that I couldn’t help but cry tears of forgiveness for my doubts. I have always been a skeptic of healing prayer that brings about what is known as being slain by the Spirit. I saw this happen while I was in Mexico and initially I doubted, until my wife and I stood before Pastor Moises in prayer. I told myself there was no way this man was going to knock me down in the Spirit. My pride held on through the first round of prayer and though I felt the power of God I did not let it overtake me. In the second round of prayer later that day, God’s power overwhelmed me. As I stood beside my wife before my congregants I found myself overpowered by God and I fell backwards to the floor. As soon as I was laid to the floor I knew what had happened and I immediately said to myself, “Get up, get up now, before your people think you’re a freak”. But God would not allow me to get up and I broke into tears because of my disbelief as Christ said to me, “Rest in me.” I laid there and cried until I was strong enough to stand. I pray that I will never doubt again the power of God. I will always be alert for false prophets as God’s Word calls us to in Matthew 7. My prayer life has changed forever. In Mark 9 we read Jesus’ reply to the question asked by the man requesting healing for his son. The man says, “If you can help.” And Jesus replied “If you can? Everything is possible for him who believes.” Too often we doubt the healing power of God. Too often we pray with doubt by adding the qualifier, ‘if it is your will God.’ I pray this will never again be true as I ask for healing. From now on I pray for miraculous healing. The answer comes in our belief, according to God’s Word. The call to lead God’s Church as pastor is an overwhelming privilege. I accept this privilege as a great responsibility and it humbles me every
moment of every day. This call on my life is one to grow spiritually in God and go where he calls me and carry out his calling on my life. Too often we get caught up in the intellectual part of our calling and we become doctrinal pastors instead of spiritual leaders of the church. We become so stiff necked with our views and positions that we don’t allow God to work. It is time to take off the neck braces and look for God in our churches as The Brethren Church. Too many of our churches are missing the call of God on their lives. Too many of our churches are falling short of the full potential found in Jesus Christ. It is time to step out in faith and follow Jesus. Mexico is a spiritual battlefield where you can visually see God at work. There are areas all over the world that offer the same battlefield. All we have to do is take off the neck brace and look around. God is going to do great things with The Brethren Church, this I know. God has called me to this point
in my life to serve him with all I have. If you are ready to serve God like never before, welcome to the brotherhood of Brethren. It is time to wake up, church, and start being Jesus to a lost world.
15
The trip to Mexico City has affected my life as a Christian in a number of ways. The number one way that it has affected my life is by realizing that I need to spend more time in prayer and read his Word more often. I was one of those people who was on the computer more than I was with God. I am spending more time with God, which makes me feel whole again. ~Kim Hartzler
How did t h e t rip to Mexico City affe ct you r life a s a Ch risti a n?
The mission trip to Mexico City was awesome! I feel like I was so blessed by the people and their culture. Our church in Mexico City taught me to praise God in a brand new way! I felt and saw the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. As a Christian, I believe this trip was planned by God for each and every one of us. He showed us his supernatural side while drawing us closer to him. As I read the Bible, it seems to make more sense to me. I feel that I am more in tune to hear God’s voice and I will continue to seek him as I go on this journey of life. ~Judy Hartzler
On my mission trip to Mexico, my eyes were opened to a different way of life and worship. Sunday services were much longer than I am used to. That’s mostly because everyone was so willing to pray over every one of us! While in Mexico we were able to pray with a prophet who told us amazing things from God. This whole trip made me believe in things that I never did before, even though it is in the Bible. Some choose not to study or focus on those parts of the Bible that are hard to believe. I now believe that anything is possible with God even if we can’t understand it. ~Tony Hartzler
Mexico City really opened my eyes to the level of my Christian life. As I sat in the church down there during the prayer meeting and church service, I realized how much I keep myself reserved. As they all were singing, dancing, and praying out loud, I just stood there. Though I didn’t know what they were saying, I really could sense their love for God. They were not embarrassed to praise God and didn’t seem to care what the people around thought of them doing so. This made me think; I am not the kind to get up and dance in church or pray out loud or raise my hands. To me I had to realize that we are all serving an amazing God that we should not be embarrassed to publicly praise. I am hoping that since this trip I will be able to devote more time to God and not be embarrassed to show my love for him! ~Christina Jackson
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Missionaries Todd & Tracy Ruggles with Johnathan & Benjamin
Camp Berea Mission Trip by Pastor Paul Stanley, Northern California District
During the first week of August, we were blessed to have a mission team from The Center in Ohio arrive in California for the purpose of working at Camp Berea. Bill and Jennifer Ludwig, Tom and Lindsey Asbury, Amy Van Duyne, Jeremy Williams, Debbie Allmon, Laly Huaman, Eric Kluth, and Jerry English all took time out of their busy schedules (not to mention paying their own way), to come and help us refurbish what we believe is, and will be to even a greater extent, a tremendous asset to the Brethren Church nationwide. Moreover, they came to help us build up one of the primary tools given to us by God that has effectively reached the people of Northern California in the past, reaches out to them now, and I am certain will reach out to them in the future. Camp Berea is located in Twain Harte, California and is nestled in twenty awesome acres of towering pine trees and rugged terrain, covered by the big blue sky of the west. It even has a beautiful mountain stream running through it, where if you are lucky, you might spot a German Brown trout occasionally. It is located just west of Yosemite National Park and is surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Camp Berea has been a part of the Brethren family for over sixty years and has experienced both good and not so good times in its history. Over the years, several things have come along that simply overwhelmed the staff (there are only two), and the difficulty of trying to organize workdays around camping groups and church retreats and youth camps, combined with the amount of work needed, presented a big challenge for us. I think I read somewhere that we have not because we ask not, so when we asked Bill about maybe getting some brothers and sisters to come and help, it was just a matter of a month or two and this group showed up, ready to work, and was willing to work hard! From the very first day, even after a long and tiring flight that got them into the camp after 2:00 a.m., this crew diligently worked to address many of the maintenance and repair issues of the camp. New floors, drain culverts, lighting fixtures, plumbing, painting, tree trimming, cleaning up debris, electrical work, and fixing benches were all getting done in the spirit of brotherhood and love that we as Brethren are called to represent. I am so blessed to have been a part of this crew and get to know them a little better. We had plenty of opportunities (even with shovels in hand at times!) to share testimonies, enjoy devotionals led by Tom and to fellowship and worship together during the week, so it hardly seemed like work at all! Tom and I attended ATS at the same time but I cannot say we really knew each other then, or actually talked with one another that much. I find it so interesting that God was planning even then to use us to work together in the mountains of California for the good of his Kingdom and for the Brethren Church! It makes me wonder how many of us are missing opportunities to form relationships now that will be used later to fulfill God’s plan for his Kingdom. Even as you read this article, perhaps many of you are missing the opportunity to form a bond now with brothers and sisters in the Brethren Church that need to be in place to bring the Brethren up to where we need to be in service to a lost and dying world when you say, “Maybe the next mission trip,” or, “Maybe next year I’ll go.” God needs you now, and there are opportunities now! Will you go? I thank the group from The Center with all my heart for their hard work and brotherhood. I also thank them for the example they set for us as Christians to heed. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” These folks heard of a situation that needed attention, they knew it was what God wanted them to do, and they made the effort to do it! That is exactly what we need to be doing as Christians and as a denomination, not just talking, but doing! That is how we live in the power of God, and that is how we get things done! Thank you brothers and sisters of The Center.
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Ministering to Mississippisharper 2008 A NEW DAY
DEEPER
The missionary efforts of over 170 Brethren in January 2007 in Gulfport, Bay St. Louis and Waveland, Mississippi were life-changing for both the participants and recipients. The three teams invested over 5,400 man-hours, and contributed $8,000 for projects and $17,500 to our host, God’s Katrina Kitchen, for meals and lodging. Needless to say, the rebuilding efforts are far from complete. The people of southern Mississippi continue to need to receive the love of Jesus Christ. So, after prayer and consideration with those who participated in the Mississippi Remembered Reunion in May, plans are being made to return to the Gulfport, Mississippi area. Dates: December 30, 2007 - January 5, 2008 January 6, 2008 - January 12, 2008 Cost per person: $150 for week (meals, lodging & project expenses) and $50 or whatever it takes for travel Meals and lodging: Since the Gulfport city council did not allow God’s Katrina Kitchen to maintain their food tent and “condos”, they have decentralized their ministry to work out of local churches. GKK hopes to continue overseeing rebuilding projects, coordinating work teams and meeting the food and lodging needs of those coming to the Gulfport area.
Two registration options:
1
Complete the form below and send a check for $150, payable to: Brethren Conference of Indiana 9105 W. 275N Shipshewana, IN 46564
OR
2
Go to: www.brethrenchurch org Click on “Events” and then link to “Mississippi Missions.” Follow the directions for a quick and secure registration.
Mississippi Missions Registration Form Please circle the dates of your selected trip: Dec. 30 - Jan. 5 or Jan. 6 - 12, 2008
_____________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Name
Home Church
__________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Address Church Group Contact/Leader _____________________________ City
________ State
________ Zip
___________________________ Phone __________________________________________________ email address __________________________________________________ I can help with:
Tim Garner will be in touch to help coordinate transportation. For further information, please contact him at: 260-768-9185 or tgarner57@msn.com
Registration Deadline - December 10, 2007
Iglesia de los Hermanos Dedicates New Building Puente Alto, Chile Bethel is one of the most remarkable feats of faith that The Lord has allowed me to witness. If you take just two bus rides, a half hour subway and a short walk from the airport in Santiago, Chile, you will find the town of Puente Alto. It is in this town that Carlos and Zulema Quiroga live, leading a group of vibrant foot-stomping, hand-clapping, praying church planters who do not understand the word defeat. Starting in their home a few years ago, they birthed a new idea. A man and woman without any pastoral experience gathered with a few family members and friends and began to study God’s Word and pray. They shared meals together, they shared life together, they became the body of Christ. As they were being led and didn’t even know they were following, it was
nothing more than a simple little Bible study at Carlos and Zulema’s house. As the walls of their house became too close together and the number of friends and family grew, they found a school that would let them meet in the cafeteria. With the move the Bible study transformed into a worship service and the numbers grew and leadership evolved and took root. As talk began of needing their own place to meet, property was secured and a plan put together for what this new House of God needed to look like, not the façade but functionally; they were concerned by how the building could be used to serve their neighbors. The people of the church tithed in bricks and mortar. Together as a church they secured a small loan to speed up the process; the members cosigned the loan without question. The first walls went up. It was a dream becoming reality that soon came crashing down as a few locals decide they did not want the church and pushed over the walls. Without hesitation the walls went back up and more to follow, and then a roof, and then a second floor, and then a door cut, sanded and molded by hand was hung in place. As the crowd gathered for one last prayer at the old school where they met and dreamed, a sense of excitement mixed with a sense of nervousness erupted into a parade that marched one and a half miles
right through the heart of the town with horns beeping, people singing and hands clapping. People began to gather to see what was going on. They came out of the stores, hung out their windows and even left the bars to see what all the commotion was about. If you are familiar with Matthew 21, the multitudes came, there were palm branches scattered around and even a few donkeys to be seen, so no doubt somewhere amongst all the crowd Jesus was there too. I know I personally saw him a few times in the eyes of the people of Puente Alto. As the sea of followers formed at the entrance of the new church, the ribbon was cut and a church service began and continued on the inside. Did I mention that this was on a Saturday not Sunday? To the people of Bethel the day of the week is not important, nor the competition for building of the year. Looking for someone to fund their dream was not even considered, they simply did what they had to do in order to follow the tugging at their hearts. Together they had times of joy and times of extreme suffering; Satan was banging on their door every inch of the way. I was there when they asked if what they were doing was okay and if the Brethren church would consider allowing them to be a part of the organization. Perhaps we should have asked the same of them. ~ Pastor Bruce Wilkinson Pump House Ministries
Pastor Carlos and Zulema Quiroga
Growth Partners Club Call
Growth Partners: Iglesia de los Hermanos
_____Yes, I want to send a gift to this Growth Partners Call for Iglesia de los Hermanos, Chile. Please complete the information below, detach, and enclose with your check payable to The Brethren Church _________________________________________ Name _________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________ Home Church If you prefer, you can make a contribution using your debit or credit card. For personal security reasons, we are no longer asking that you send information in the mail. Please go to our website, click on the contribution tab, and look for the section entitled Support for Monthly Emphasis. You will be directed to a secure PayPal site for input. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Stan Gentle at the National Office.
The Bethel Brethren Church (Iglesia de los Hermanos) in Chile is a new mission of the Brethren Church USA. This initiative was begun through a partnership with the Brethren Church in Argentina. Our new brothers and sisters are mature, joyful, and passionate about their relationship with Christ. The congregation of about eighty dedicated their first church building on October 6-7 of this year. The pastoral family for the Brethren Church in Chile is Carlos and Zulema Quiroga. Their children Carla, Miguel, Maria Jesus, and little Esteban are great helpers in this growing church in Puente Alto, which is the largest suburb to the capital city of Santiago. Located about an hour’s drive east of the international airport, this middle class neighborhood provides many ministry opportunities for our growing church. This is a self-sustaining congregation, so your gifts will be the first expression of our love and support during this historic and important time.
524 College Avenue Ashland, Ohio 44805 www.brethrenchurch.org 1-877-289-1708 Please return this portion with your gift.
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. November/December, 2007, Vol. 129, No. 6
The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805
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