Evangelist THE BRETHREN
DEDICATED TO ADVANCING THE LIFE AND MINISTRIES OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH
Vol 130, No. 5 Sept/Oct 2008
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racing the Footsteps of the Early Brethren
Dale R. Stoffer
By now you are probably aware that the Brethren movement celebrated its 300th anniversary this year. One of the significant events during the year was the joint conference of the Brethren Church and Church of the Brethren held in Richmond, VA, July 12-16 that was reported in the last Evangelist. A second event was the celebration services held in Schwarzenau, Germany, on August 3, 2008. I want to give some details about this special day as well the Brethren tour that I led which visited many of the sites connected with the early Brethren movement in Europe. As soon as conversations started in the Brethren Church about plans for the 300th anniversary in 2001 and 2002, I determined that I would lead a tour of Brethren sites in Europe that was designed especially for Brethren Church people. Having taken a similar tour with the premier historian of the Brethren, Donald Durnbaugh, in 1997, I was aware of the important locations in Europe that should be included in such a tour. I worked with Nawas International to design the tour, which was called Brethren Tour of Europe. Eventually, thirty-six people were a part of the tour, scheduled from July 27 to August 6 (Picture #1, opposite). The design for the tour was to give a brief overview of the two movements which had the greatest influence on the early Brethren: Anabaptism and Pietism. We would then focus on the key locations of Brethren activity in Switzerland, Germany, and Holland. The tour began with our arrival on July 28 in Zurich, the birthplace of the Anabaptist movement. This branch of Anabaptism, known as the Swiss Brethren, began in 1525 when men such as Conrad Grebel and Felix Mantz broke with Ulrich Zwingli, the Protestant reformer of Zurich. The main issues were infant baptism (the Anabaptists insisted on believer baptism) and whether the secular government should decide questions related to the church (the Anabaptists would adopt the model of the free church in contrast to the state church). The next day we traveled through the beautiful Emmental, the valley of the Emme River. Here the Swiss Brethren have been able to continue their existence even to the present, in spite of fierce persecution from the Reformed
(Calvinist) Church from the sixteenth guage Bible in America in 1743 (#4). through the eighteenth century. We vis- Especially moving were small bronze ited a castle where Anabaptists were plaques (#5) placed in front of a numimprisoned, the Trachselwald, and then ber of homes in Ladenburg, listing the the oldest continuously active Anabap- names of Jews who lost their lives in tist church at Langnau. Many surnames German concentration camps during of Brethren and Mennonites have their the Nazi regime. roots in this area: Gerber (Garber, We ended the month of July in Garver), Liechti (Lichty), Graf (Groff), Heidelberg, viewing the ruined castle Steiner (Stoner), Stauffer (Stouffer, and other sites. The castle, beautiful Stoffer, Stover), Aeschlimann (Eshel- even in its damaged state, stands as man), Waelti (Welty, Weldy), Amstutz, a testimony to French invasions durAebi (Eby), and Braechtbill (Brightbill). ing Mack’s earlier years that may have We then traveled to Bern, the capital reinforced the Brethren commitment of Switzerland, where Brethren and to non-involvement in war. We travSwiss Brethren were imprisoned. The eled also to Eberbach, the hometown Brethren leader Christian Liebe was of Conrad Beissel, the founder of the sentenced by the Bernese government Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, to hard labor rowing on a galley ship PA. We hoped to be able to taste some in the Mediterranean Sea and Swiss delicious German pastries at the BeisBrethren were placed on ships and sent down As we made the journey through the countryside the Aare River to the on our immediate approach to Schwarzenau, the Rhine after having their anticipation we all felt was expressed in the singing land and possessions of several of the hymns of the faith. We all knew the confiscated for being words. It was a special moment. Anabaptists. The day ~ Peter Roussakis ended in Basel, Switzerland, where Andreas Bohni, one of the first eight Brethren, was imprisoned in the city gate called the Spalentor (#2). On July 30 we visited Schriesheim, the hometown of Alexander Mack, Sr., and saw the Talmuhle, which originally was the mill owned by the Mack family (#3). It has been added to and renovated over the years. We also saw the inn that had been owned at one time by the Kling family, Mack’s in-laws. The day included a brief tour of Ladenburg, the birthplace of Christopher Sauer I, a prominent figure in colonial America, who published the first European lan-
sel bakery, descendants of the Beissels of Conrad’s day, but they were on “holiday,” the European term for vacation. On August 1 the tour visited the Budingen castle in the lovely medieval town of the same name. The archives contain the only extant letter signed by Alexander Mack. A short distance away in Dudelsheim we saw the home of Peter Becker, who led the first group of Brethren to America in 1719. Becker and others were forced out of the Marienborn area, which included Budingen and Dudelsheim, by the authorities; they settled in Krefeld,
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a major center of Brethren activity in Germa- Church, and Jim Beckwith, moderator of the ny. Our last site for the day was Bad Berle- Church of the Brethren, as well as music by the burg, a center of Radical Pietist activity not McPherson College Choir. Five of the six major far from Schwarzenau. We toured the castle Brethren groups were represented in the proand saw a copy of the Berleburg Bible, which gram, with the Brethren Church represented, incorporated extensive interpretational in addition to Fred Miller, by Dale Stoffer, who notes from a Radical Pietist viewpoint opened the service with greetings, and Brenda I took off my shoes and along with the Luther translation of the Colijn, who read Scripture. socks and stepped into the Bible. We found out upon returning to The afternoon session was described as Eder River. Everywhere America that the daughter of I stepped there was rock the prince at Bad Berleburg under my feet and the water had won a bronze medal at was crystal clear. I made my the Olympics in Beijing in an way to the center of the river, equestrian event. facing downstream; the water Activities associated with the was just above my ankles. celebrations in Schwarzwenau I stood there between the began on August 2 (#6 and covbanks of the river and the er photo). The Brethren moveSpirit moved my spirit to a ment began in Schwarzenau moment of praise. I felt inhibwith the baptism of Alexander ited (Who might be watchMack and seven others early ing? What will they think? one morning in August 1708. Will I offend someone?). We started our day with a tour Yet, I did it anyway: I raised of Marburg, visiting the St. Elizmy arms into the air. It was abeth’s Church and the castle, almost like the moment I got in which representatives of the saved when I knew I had to Lutheran and Reformed church- Lynn Mercer tests the accomodations at the Julich fortress. walk down that aisle; I knew es held a historic colloquy in that I had to raise my arms in 1529. In the afternoon we went to the an anniversary celebration. A significant porpraise to the Lord. It didn’t Huttental, the valley of the huts above tion of the service was devoted to greetings last long, but for a few moSchwarzenau, where Alexander Mack brought by the prince and representatives of ments I stood there, worshipand his family lived. Today there is a state, church, and civic organizations. Both the ping in Spirit and in truth. Mack Museum in the Huttental which Grace Brethren and Church of the Brethren inI was there for my many houses many publications and displays troduced their international delegations which family members who were related to the Brethren. We had a visit were present at the festivities. The keynote Brethren who had gone to from Alexander Mack, a.k.a. Larry Glick, speaker was Marcus Meier, whose recent docbe with the Lord who could while at the museum. The assembled toral dissertation has shed a significant amount not be there. I was there for Brethren tour groups (over ten from the of light on the Brethren during their time in Eumy Brethren family members various Brethren groups) were able to rope. The day concluded with a service along who are still living who could experience the skills of local craftsmen the Eder River. Members of the Old German not be there. I was there for and women and taste delicious German Baptist Brethren Church presented music and those of my home congregapastries in Schwarzenau. At a service we concluded with the Doxology and Lord’s tion and I was there for those along the Eder River we also witnessed Prayer. in the congregations where These events were a most memorable expethe unveiling of a plaque commemoratI have served who could not ing the 300th anniversary of the founding rience as representatives of the major Brethren be there. I was there for them of the Brethren. bodies and of the international Brethren family and they were there in me; in The highlight of the tour for most of returned to their spiritual home. The prince and the river where Brethren, 300 us occurred on August 3. Some five to people of Schwarzenau showed a hospitality years earlier, had gone for six hundred American and internation- and openness to us just as their ancestors had adult immersion baptism in al Brethren and many German guests to our spiritual forebears three hundred years obedience to Jesus. packed out a riding school owned by prior. Throughout the trip we were often reThat was an emotional, the local Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein- minded of the persecution that the early Brethmemorable highlight for me Hohenstein. The school had been ren experienced, but in Schwarzenau we were on August 2, 2008 transformed into a large meeting hall reminded that there have always been some with one thousand seats and a large who were willing to extend tolerance and open ~ Lynn Mercer stage area. The original floor had been arms to others who dissented from the estaboverlaid with a wood floor put in place lished religious norms. Note that at this time it by the Schwarzenau townspeople. The was illegal not to be a member of one of the morning worship service featured sermons by state-authorized and supported churches: LuFred Miller, pastor of our Mt. Olive Brethren theran, Catholic, or German Reformed.
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We traveled west and north on August 4, visiting first the Julich fortress ( #8) where seven Brethren were imprisoned for nearly three years for their unwillingness to renounce their Brethren faith and join one of the established churches. We traveled past Krefeld, the location of the second largest Brethren congregation in Germany (Schwarzenau was the largest). We briefly visited Munster, a city held by a revolutionary group of Anabaptists from 1534 to 1535. Three cages that hang from the tower of the St. Lambert Church attracted our attention (#9). When the Catholic and Lutheran armies put down the rebellion by this splinter group of Anabaptists (nearly all other Anabaptists rejected involvement in warfare), the three ringleaders of the Anabaptists were tortured and killed and their bodies were hung in the cages. The message to other would-be Anabaptists was clear. On August 5 we spent the morning in Surhuisterveen. From 1719 to 1729 this Dutch village was the home for the group of Brethren led by Alexander Mack. Due to a combination of economic difficulties and political pressure during their stay in Schwarzenau, the Brethren under Mack decided to move to Surhuisterveen. Life was also difficult here; they dug peat which was sold as a source of heat. Eventually, continued economic hardship caused most of the Brethren to leave Holland for the religious haven of Pennsylvania. The group of Brethren who had come earlier in 1719 under the leadership of Peter Becker had sent glowing reports to Mack’s group of the religious and economic blessings of their new home. By 1733 America, for nearly all the Brethren, had become home. The movement would die out in Europe but would grow quickly and expand widely in the fertile soil of religious freedom found in America. The Brethren tour left Europe from Frankfurt, Germany, on August 6. Many participants found a new and deeper appreciation for the strong faith and uncompromising commitment to Christ of the early Brethren. We were all chal-
lenged by their willingness to “count the cost” of their newfound faith. Their pilgrimage in Europe was difficult; they had nowhere to truly call home, yet they knew that they had a spiritual home that could never be taken from them (see Heb. 11:13-16). As the heirs of this spiritual legacy, may we also “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith” (Heb. 12:3). They remind us that there is but one person who deserves our full allegiance—our Lord Jesus Christ (see Heb. 12:1-3).
We hope you are able to envision the events described in these stories from Schwarzenau. Truly there was a sense that our steps were being directed from above. This fact was further confirmed by what we consider to be God’s hand in matching us with our highly knowledgeable and witty European tour guide Elizabeth Deane, and our ever-capable and cheerful bus driver Helgo Winkelhake (#7). I know the rest of our group joins me in thanking them for all of their help. It is to them that we dedicate with gratitude and affection these reflections of our heritage, in the hope that they too will personally sense the hand that guided the Anabaptists! ~ Ken Hunn
Right: Dr. Dale Stoffer signing the guest book.of Bernhart, prince of SaynWittgenstein-Hochenstein at the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement in Schwarzenau.
At right: Members of the Old German Baptist Brethren present music during a service on the shores of the Eder River. 5
Reflections on Schwarzenau Reflections on Schwarzenau SO WHAT? Was baptism by threefold immersion worth all the trouble and pain, the hardship and loss these people suffered? They didn’t suffer because of their insistence on threefold immersion. They suffered like and along with the Anabaptist/Mennonites because of their deep-seated conviction that following Jesus in everything must be a conscious choice and an ongoing practice. This they could not surrender, even if it meant civil disobedience, and it did. I WONDER — in 21st century America, where freedom of religion has been part of the charter of the nation, where pluralism is entrenched (effectively privatizing the expression of faith), where political correctness is expected if not demanded — what would it take in our day to get “the attention of the authorities” or even the attention of the citizenry in religious matters? What would an “awakening” in our American context look like? If it was costly, would the American church be willing to pay the price? People walk away for the slightest of reasons now; what if there was a price to pay for being a Christian? ~ Brian Moore, St. James, MD
Although I knew a lot of the Brethren story, “seeing” the sites and hearing Dale’s commentaries really put it together for me and reminded me vividly of the commitment the early Brethren made to living as Jesus did. What a challenge for us. ~ Becky Hunter, Harrisonburg, VA I was truly blessed to have been a part of the 300 th Anniversary tour to Europe. It was overwhelming to see the actual places that I had only read about in books. I believe the part that had the greatest impact on me was seeing the dungeons and cells of Scholss Trachselwald, the Fortress of Julich and The Spalentor as well as the cages of St. Lambert’s Church. Each of these places were where members of our past put the words “Count Well the Cost” into action. ~ Tony Price, Canton, OH
Twelve descendants of Alexander Mack were present at the 300 th Anniversary Celebration in Schwarzenau.
Back row L to R: Laird Bowman, Samuel Bowman, Carol Ingraham, Milton Cook, Maxine Driscoll, DeAnn Oburn, and Mary Helfrich. Front Row L to R: Lori Knepp, Bradley Knepp, Morgan Knepp, Geneva Price, and Jeanne Smith.
After months of planning and anticipation, the Brethren Heritage tour of Europe is now a vivid life-changing memory that is impossible to put into a few words. Yes, we saw cathedrals that reminded us of the magnificence of the God that we worship and the desire down through the ages to somehow build places of worship that would be “worthy” of this awesome God. Yes, we saw birthplaces, homes, and meeting places of early Anabaptists and Brethren. This reminded us that these early Brethren were real people and not just names in the history books. However, two major things were riveted into my innermost being; first, the sacrifices that were willingly made so that I (and others) could hear the resurrected message of the first century church. (This message had been lost in the state churches of the day.) The second inescapable follow up is what difference is this going to make in my life moving forward into this new day, new decade, new century? SACRIFICES. Virtually every day of the trip we were reminded of the sacrifices of spiritual ancestors. Felix Mantz drowned in the river in Zurich. Anabaptists imprisoned in the dungeons of the Trachselwald Castle. Christian Liebe and others sentenced to be galley slaves. Andreas Boni (one of the original eight baptized in 1708) imprisoned in the Spalentor gate tower in Basel Switzerland. Anabaptists placed in cages hung in the tower of St. Lambert’s Church in Munster. Solingen Brethren sentenced to life imprisonment at hard labor in the Julich Fortress. Many were forced to leave their homes and families and inheritance to move where they could practice their faith.
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~ Dr. Jim Hollinger, Goshen, IN
Pump House Ministries Works to Recover from Fire Several years ago, a group of Christ followers found themselves gathered around a central purpose, a longing to show God’s love in practical ways. With such a focus they discerned what the greatest needs were in the community and resolved to transform their community by meeting those needs in Jesus’ name. It didn’t take long for The Pump House Ministries in Ashland, Ohio to make a name for herself as she applied her focus to helping those that the rest of the world had forgotten. Her unique vision for the new life of the community has yielded surprising results. “Meeting people at their point of need and helping them discover their
God-given potential” are the marching orders for the Pump House. To understand this directive it is important to understand the Pump House Ministries’ roots. In 1999, a few families involved in a church restart in central Ohio wanted to dig a little deeper into their faith walk and began meeting at Bruce and Marylou Wilkinson’s home for dinner and a Bible study. Faithfully 13 adults and about 10 children met each Thursday. Thus began a journey that no one could have predicted. A new perspective grew for the lives of lives of those in the study group. It was a well-defined call on the entire group to react to what they had been learning. It became obvious to the group that it was time for them to mobilize and put into practice what the Lord had been breathing into their hearts. They needed to serve those in need! All of them also had begun to realize that Jesus presented his ministry to the people in very practical ways. It wasn’t long before they adopted the mantra “showing God’s love in practical ways.” The group, quickly became a team as it set out to serve an Easter dinner to the underserved of the community. Thus, the ministry of The Pump House began. Over the years, thousands have been fed, clothed,
housed, loved, and delivered both in Ashland and around the world. Many are given chances at a new life through education, employment opportunities, counseling and life coaching, friendship and respect. In foreign fields the cause of Christ is advanced as The Pump House has worked with our brothers and sisters to bring the same kind of hope to their own lands in their own ways. Through this ministry the tide of hopelessness has been stemmed in countless lives, transforming not only this generation but the ones to come. So what does the future hold for the Pump House Ministries? Who can know? However, here is what they do know: they have suffered a debilitating fire costing in excess of three million dollars! Something like this would put a normal business out of business, but the story and history of the Pump House is anything but normal or predictable. They have found themselves more than four hundred thousand dollars in debt with 350,000 square feet of unusable buildings and with 100 less staff on the property than there was before the fire. Even under these circumstances, the strong desire to continue on has not diminished. They continue to operate all of their ministries here and around the world. None of the services which they provide have been cut. Actually, out of the fire has come a growth and understanding of who they are and what changes are needed to press on into the future. The increase in demand for food and shelter in our community
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has doubled since the fire and the Lord has continued to be faithful in providing the resources necessary. The staff has been sifted and looks a lot different than it once did. Many of the changes were hard and for some, unpopular. Many unfortunately are no longer with The Pump House simply for financial reasons. The staff that remains, however, is in for the long haul, ever pressing on with a shovel in one hand and a spatula in the other, digging out of the mess while serving up the needs of the community around them. Founder and President Bruce Wilkinson claims “What we do here is dirty and messy, it is personal in your face, can’t get away from or ignore, called by God, must get it done and never ending, because the Bible tells me so stuff. There are no weekends or holidays, no ‘call me on Monday, sorry the office is closed’ opportunities here. This is simply doing church like Jesus does, a slow walk, listening hard, speaking the truth even when the truth is not popular or easy and answering a need with what resources present themselves.”
The Pump House recently received an incredible donation to its used book sales business. Read about it on page 18 .
From Bruce Wilkinson … Forget what you thought you knew about The Pump House. This is not just our ministry. This thing belongs to all of us and we are all responsible for it. It is not only about Ashland, or Kenya, or Chile, or Indiana, it’s also about Linwood, North Manchester, Winchester, and way out there in California. It is a family thing. It is the training grounds and proving grounds for church and it is a place where lives are transformed. This is a place for you and me to get a little dust on our sandals walking with the Lord, but you don’t even have to leave home to be a part of it. Think about this: the Pump House was designed to be self–sufficient. It was and it is. Sure we have a few very generous and faithful individuals and churches that donate monthly to us and it really makes a difference. 100% of those dollars go directly into ministry work, not a penny to salaries or utilities. All of the dollars needed to fuel the needs of the Pump House Ministries are generated through Micro Enterprise. This is a principle we have proven works and we teach it wherever we go. We generate enough income to cover our day-to-day expenses, but our problem is the debt left behind from the fire. It hit us hard. We can’t dig out alone, we need your help, and we need it now. First, remember that The Pump House was delivered to us by God through prayer. We were born by prayer so please, if you are not already praying for us, start — even now before you finish reading. Second, take a moment to understand who and what The Pump House Ministries really is and the potential it brings to our tribe for growth in this NEW DAY. If after reading all that is printed here you still don’t understand who and what we are
please call me (Bruce Wilkinson) and I will try to fill in the blanks. By now the Lord is probably already tugging at your heart to react in some way. Here are a few options that can help make a direct impact for the ministry. First, commit to really praying for us, not just a “oh-by-the-way Lord …” prayer, I mean really getting down to business kind of prayer for us. Don’t just lift us up in prayer, hold us up. Second, visit our International Gift Shop online at our web site www.pumphouseministries.com. Not only will you find great gift items from around the world, but it also helps us and all of the Brethren missionaries who we support through this ministry. Third, if you are local or just travelling through, visit our restaurant, shop in the International Gift Shop, visit and donate to Revivals, our thrift shop, or visit The Carpenter’s Shop Bookstore, a full line gift and bookstore with new and used books. Fourth, become a partner with the Pump House and support us financially. Whether you give monthly or yearly, we will squeeze ten dollars out of every one dollar you entrust us with. Frankly we are at a juncture where we really need some more-than-generous gifts. Remember even though God entrusts each of us with his riches, they are his to be used for Kingdom work. Please consider partnering with us in this, OUR work.
For more than two years The Pump House has been intimately partnered with The Brethren Church in the areas of church planting and international ministry development. They have supported half of Bill Ludwig’s salary, enabling him to be more fully present in the church planting movement of The Brethren Church as well as developing new economic structures with our ministries overseas. The entrepreneurial leadership which The Pump House has demonstrated over the past few years has led to new opportunities, new ministries and, perhaps most importantly, new ways of thinking about who we are and why we are here. It can be said that much of what God is doing in The Brethren Church is being empowered and catalyzed by the people and ministry of The Pump House as they bring their passion for showing God’s love in practical ways to the rest of this tribe. 8
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 2 , N u m b e r 1 September/October 2008
The President’s Pen Dear Sisters, I’m happy and I feel honoured as I can reach all the sisters from the Brethren Churches of United States through these lines. I want to thank sister Phyllis Roussakis for giving me this opportunity to write and also I want to thank Mariel Tamashiro for translating this letter. It is my desire to bless you in the same way as you bless our country in different ways. In my 51 years of ministry, the Lord has taught me and made me live so many experiences. I was always encouraged and inspired by the book of Esther. Through her life we can discover that God uses good, but also bad situations, in order to perfect and sanctify us. But the most interesting thing is that through the book of Esther we get to know some attitudes and actions that this queen had in order to become victorious. + Esther was obedient and submitted to her authorities. Not only by Mordecai’s directions, but also by the king and his attendants. We can read an example of this in Esther 2:15: When the turn came for Esther (the girl Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. How much we would perfect ourselves if we tried to only do what our Lord has said! + She knew how to wear her royal garments. The Lord changed
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Missionary Miscellany When Phyllis Roussakis visited Argentina last fall, she invited Norma Rodriguez, the national president of the WMS in Argentina, to write the President’s Pen column. Norma’s friend, Mariel Tamashiro translated her letter and gave this introduction to Norma. Mrs. Norma Rodriguez, our WMS President, is in charge of Colon’s Brethren Church. Pastor Eduardo and Pastora Norma have been ministering in Colon for more than 25 years. They had three children: Marisa, Patricia, and Eduardo. Marisa married Luis Yonamine, and they served the Lord as missionaries in Japan for 11 years, from 1985-1995. They are now pastors of Megumi Japanese Church in Buenos Aires. Marisa has been president of the WMS for some years. They have three daughters: Aiko (22), Megumi (18), and Kaori (17). Patricia married in 1986, but at the age of 21 went to the presence of the Lord. Eduardo married Mariela Ulla in 1995. They went to study at Ashland Theological Seminary and returned to Argentina to build South American Theological Seminary in Colon. After a battle with cancer, Mariela went to the presence of the Lord in February 2006, leaving Camila (now 8) and Tomas (now 6). I hope the letter is clear enough and above all I hope it will encourage our beloved American sisters in Christ… May the Lord continue strengthening you and blessing you abundantly. Jose and Norma Rivero in Buenos Aires, Argentina, are the international missionaries-of-the-month in SEPTEMBER. Jose has visited our General Conference several times. He is the national supervisor for the 26 Brethren churches in Argentina. The national missionaries are Bob and Mary Grover
in Medina, Ohio, where they have pastored for eight years. On page 47 in the Devotional Guide, change Bob’s e-mail address to be: bgrover@neo.rr.com. The OCTOBER international missionaries-of-the-month are Marcelo and Adriana Ferreri in Medellin, Colombia. The national missionary emphasis is Riverside Christian School in Lost Creek, KY. Nancy Hostetler sent this report. Hello, from Lost Creek, Kentucky. I truly missed being with you at National Conference. A grandson’s wedding and a family reunion were the only two trips I could manage this summer, so I appreciate this opportunity to share and bring you some updates. Since 1905 the Riverside Christian School has been a beacon of light in this part of the state. Each year brings challenges, rewards, and blessings. Now we have just come through a summer that was very busy, very fruitful, very exciting, very blessed, etc. We had mission teams, ranging in size from 5 to 42, come from nine different churches. Not everyone who has a heart to do mission work can go to South America or Africa or Russia. Many dads, moms, teens, and others welcome the opportunity to be a part of an outreach in the States. Several families came as part of mission teams. Some parents told me they felt it was good that the children could see their parents doing and enjoying mission work. Since our campus includes ten buildings, a pavilion, two ball fields, and considerable landscaping, we never seem to run out of projects needing attention. The folks who came did repairs, paint-
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W.M.S. Directory — 2008-2009 NATIONAL W. M. S. OFFICERS President - Mrs. Phyllis Roussakis, 408 S. Western Ave., Kokomo, IN 46901. Phone: 765-457-6807. 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: lynns-signaturebusiness@hotmail.com Ass’t. Secretary - Mrs. Karen Weidenhamer, 631 Buena Vista Ave., Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-289-0096. 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, 128 Lilac Lane, Ashland, OH 44805. Phone: 419-289-0465. Email: rufeners@zoominternet.net Literature Secretary - Mrs. Mary Lee Stout, 4742 E. State Rd. 18, Flora, IN 46929. Phone: 574-967-3290. Email: 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: 419-9624679. 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
DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS Southeastern President - Edith Fabrick, 1041 Hughes Rd., Westminster, MD 21157. Phone: 410-848-7408. E-mail: edith.knight@adelphia.net
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Treasurer - Jean Burton, 113 Miller Ave., Oak Hill, WV 25901. Phone: 304-465-8751. Northeast Acting President and 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, OH 44805. Phone: 419-962-4679. Email: jokroft@aol.com Indiana President - Cindy Hanson, 131 S. Holiday Dr., South Bend, IN 46615. Phone: 574-204-2379. 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: 574-291-1212. E-mail: Bev_baker@hotmail.com
Central Representative - Gini Peterson, 5085 Otter Creek Dr., Milledgeville, IL 61051. Pho ne: 815-225-7956. Midwest President - Helen Arnold, P. O. Box 396, Falls City, NE 68355. Phone: 402-245-2056. 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 Mary & Martha - Mildred Gochenour, 2537 Layman Trestle Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Phone: 540-433-2549. E-mail: nannygoc@comcast.net Linwood - Virginia 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 Ruth & Naomi - Lindin Easterday, 17249 Lappans Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740. Phone: 301-2238866. St. Luke - Joy Waybright, 560 Old Bethel Rd., Apt. B, Edinburg, VA 22824. E-mail: adkeim@hotmail.com Northeast District Berlin - Eloise Long, 826 Maple St., Berlin, PA 15530. Phone: 814-267-6841. E-mail: longscarpet@yahoo.com 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.
Women’s Outlook Newsletter
Highland - Marilyn Reynard, 583 Highland Ridge Rd., Marianna, PA 15345. Phone: 724-267-3445. Johnstown III - Dolores Golby, 402 Norwood Gardens, Johnstown, PA 15905. Phone: 814-255-5477. Masontown - Peggy Cole, 110 West Church Ave., Masontown, PA 15461. Phone: 724-583-0279. E-mail: stevepeg@atlanticbb.net Meyersdale - Lee Ann Yoder, 1362 Mountain Rd., Meyersdale, PA 15552. Phone: 814-634-5107. Email: racingman@iwon.com 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: 814-635-2602. E-mail: nweimert@comcast.net Sarver - Marsha Nulph, 361 Stoney Hollow Rd., Cabot, PA 16023. Phone: 724-352-3528. Valley - Vera Schroyer, 134 Mountain View Rd., Acme, PA 15610. Phone: 724-593-2364. Vinco - Debbie Walk, 325 Chapel Lane, Johnstown, PA 15909. Phone: 814322-1980. Ohio District Beacon of Hope Community Church Patti Hudson, 3414 Rodeo Cr., Louisville, OH 44641. Phone: 330-8753183. Garber - Mary Jo Horn, 28 Harclay Ct., Hayesville, OH 44838. Phone: 419368-8172. Gratis - Ruth Focht, 8947 Preble Cy. 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: 937-687-3466. North Georgetown Afternoon, Carrie Stoffer - Evelyn Romigh, 26009 North Georgetown Rd., Homeworth, OH 44634-9520. Phone: 330-5257404.
September/October 2008
North Georgetown Evening, Evelyn Mercer - Wanda Powell, 18391 5th St., Apt. 204, Beloit, OH 44609. Phone: 330-938-3291. 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, 6781 SR 12 W, Findlay, OH 45840. Phone: 419-422-3069. Indiana Bryan - Joan Bechtol, 07578 SR 576, Montpelier, OH 43543-9714. E-mail: hugs@williams-net.com Burlington - Susan Gregory, P. O. Box 448, Burlington, IN 46915. Phone: 765-566-2501. College Corner - Tami White, 8833 S. 300 W, Wabash, IN 46992. Phone: 765-981-4557. Corinth - Lois Thomson, 5751 N. 800 E, Logansport, IN 46947. Phone: 574-664-2729. Cornerstone - Joan Merrill, 9300 S SR 3, Muncie, IN 47302. Phone: 765-289-2384. 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 - Waunita Tusing, 4538 N. 375 E., Warsaw, IN 46582. Phone: 574-453-4798. E-mail: ttusing@embarqmail.com 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: 765-473-7204. E-mail: mystosdill@yahoo.com
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 - Marian Bargerhuff, P. O. Box 234, Mexico, IN 46958. Phone: 765985-3560. Milford - Inge Mathews, 609 W. Syracuse St., Milford, IN 46542. Phone: 574-658-4671. Nappanee - Judi Pede, 508 W. Van Buren, Nappanee, IN 46550. Phone: 574-773-5603. 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. E-mail: 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 Brookmede 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: 260-5563-1238. 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.
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The President’s Pen
(continued)
our clothes. Isaiah the prophet says in 61:10: I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Garments of redemption, honour, grace, and mercy. We should get closer to his presence with these spiritual garments. And we’ll get grace to God’s eyes. He will say to us the words King Xerxes told Esther: What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? (5:3) + She looked for her people’s well-being and she was the instrument that brought deliverance to her people. She even risked her reputation to bring deliverance to the ones she loved. God has put different people around us, family, neighbours, work mates, to bless them. The Spirit of the Lord is with us to give deliverance and well-being to those around us. + She left footsteps that prove her passing by the kingdom. We can see that in chapter 9 and the Purim feasts. An orphan girl with these attitudes influenced a kingdom that extended from India through Ethiopia, making of total of 27 provinces. My daughter Patricia left to the presence of the Lord when she was 21, and she left her footsteps of celebrating each day as something special, her passion for reaching the children with the gospel and her passion to praise God. The Lord called my daughter-in-law, Mariela, to his presence when she was 33 years old, and she left the footsteps in the foundation of the South American Theological Seminary, always fighting for her ideals. No matter whether we live a few years or many years, not only Esther but all of us will leave footsteps as we pass by this world. What will our footsteps be? How nice it would be if we were remembered as those who made an effort for the well-being and deliverance of the people around us! With much love from Argentina, Norma de Rodriguez, President
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Missionary Miscellany (continued) ing, and other improvements. Some went out into the community to help families with construction needs or churches with Vacation Bible School. If you would like to read more about these mission teams, find a copy of our newsletter The Beacon, the special summer edition. At least one copy is sent to every church. Our new school year is good. We have 100 students enrolled in K-12. Three elementary classes are full. A special need just now is more scholarship help for needy students. I believe our students are really impressed with our renovated dining hall, our second computer lab, and our hundreds of new library books. We have inducted a new Student Council. Our cross country team ran in two meets. Lower Lights have a new program. We had a good turnout for our first PTF meeting. As always we have a very capable and dedicated staff. Each one carries a full load of responsibility, often wearing different hats. There is a need for another high school teacher and a trained librarian. Thank you, WMS, for asking, for caring, and for supporting. Your cards and notes, gifts throughout the year, and prayers are greatly appreciated. Still teaching, still happy, and blessed to be serving, Nancy Hostetler
W.M.S. Directory (continued) Midwest District Falls City - Mary Arnold, 1922 Stone St., P. O. Box 396, Morrill, KS 66515. Phone: 785-459-2539. 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.
The Editor’s Ending Dear Friend,
Thanks for updating the officers’ information on your statistical report last spring. Lynn Herendeen used that to prepare her part of the directory for this Newsletter. Please use this information in contacting your district officers or any of the national officers. All of us are glad when we hear from you. And to you who are listed, please look at your information. Is it correct? If not, send me a note and I’ll do like our local newspaper — regularly they print “Correction”! The back cover of the Devotional Guide shows a version of the WMS Benediction, according to the New Century Version. I encourage you to pray this. The message is the same as we used in the King James version, but new words will give new meaning to you. Nevertheless, this is the blessing the Lord asked Aaron and his sons to give the Israelites. Likewise, we are blessed to give this to our sisters. Your friend,
Joan
Operation Puerto Maldonado July 2008
by Jennifer Pinto
Just to give you a little background, this trip was originally planned for the senior high youth at Park Street Brethren Church. But as I was praying through the process I felt we could not limit this trip. I needed to open it up to anyone who wanted to go. Park Street had never participated in a short term international trip before so I thought, “Why limit what God may want to do through others?” I want to share some testimonies about how God worked very powerfully in the preparation, while we were in Peru, and how God spoke once we returned home. The details of this trip were first given in December 2007 to the senior high youth group. When I heard that the cost was $1,700 my reaction was there was no way I could afford a trip like that for my daughter, let alone me. She would begin college next year and we would need to save money for that. But Jenn Pinto explained to the kids and parents that they would need to write a letter and ask other people to send them money to support their trip, just like a missionary would have to do. My daughter immediately did this, and received about $1,200 by the end of January! Even though I was interested in going, I could never see myself doing this. At 48 years old, I was better at giving help or money to other people than asking other people to help or give to me. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and JUST DO IT! I wrote a missions letter and the results far exceeded anything I could have ever imagined.
~ Patrick Miller
We ministered to the children and their parents in the poorest section of town. The group had the opportunity to present a powerful drama. Then Jenn talked about it in Spanish and shared the gospel by using the colors of the gospel bracelets we worked so hard to make. Jenn was very much needed on the trip. So was everyone else in their own special way! I have been continuing to pray for the people of Puerto Maldonado, also for Italo and Rebecca Abuid. I encourage you to do so as well. If you ever have the opportunity to go on a mission trip and you know God is calling you, DO NOT HESITATE!!! Words can not describe how much God will change your life for the better.
~ Teresa Arthur See more on the inside back cover.…
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Coach Certification Training Begins Partnership to train coaches for established ministries and church plants. by Bill Ludwig and Gary Diehl A NEW DAY has indeed dawned in The Brethren Church and with it have come new words, new ideas and a renewed passion for our timeless mission. As the sun rises on our next 300 years, we are convinced that at the core of our new reality is a leadership culture that embraces transformation. We have accepted that transformation doesn’t just mean doing things better but that it also requires doing better things. Therefore, we have begun to pursue this conviction together by engaging in strategies specifically suited to bring about transformation in our leaders themselves. The Brethren Church National Office and Ashland Theological Seminary entered into a new era of partnership by launching the first round of coach certification training September 24th and 25th at The Pump House Ministries in Gary Diehl Ashland, Ohio. Under the guidance of author, Church Health & Master Coach and church planter Dr. Bob LoResource Specialist gan, 24 men and women from The Brethren Church and The Sandberg Leadership Center participated in this opening round of training which will wrap up in May of ’09. The purpose of this training is to develop and evaluate men and women who will be certified as coaches within the context of the ministries of The Brethren Church and the Sandberg Leadership Center. Their training will help them facilitate the increasing health of leaders in both established ministries and church plants. Our Church Mobilization Team will deploy coaches to come alongside local leaders and congregations as they engage in a journey towards increasing health and effectiveness in their community. Some will be trained in facilitating the Natural Church Development process, thereby greatly increasing our capacity Bill Ludwig to accommodate the many congregations now Church Planting Coordinator seeking to use this tool to sharpen their focus. Others will connect with congregations and leaders in various transitions and situations. Each coach will be honing and developing skills that will help those leaders and congregations set and achieve their own personal and corporate goals, ultimately leading to greater Christ likeness and kingdom impact.
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The Church Multiplication Team will employ coaches who will develop skill sets and a knowledge base which will be more appropriate for assisting church plants grow from dream to reality. These individuals will be tuned into the unique spiritual, emotional and material needs of planters and their teams as they begin new faith communities from scratch. For the Church Multiplication Team, coaching will be the glue that holds the planting pipeline together and the avenue through which the planter will be connected to the greater resources of the movement. We have begun to realize the power of engaging in coaching relationships for the purposes of personal and professional transformation. Whether we would admit it or not, all of us at some point come to the end of our wisdom, the end of our creativity, the end of our competence, and the end of ourselves. Entering into a well-defined coaching relationship with someone who is gifted and trained to pull out the best in us can not only revolutionize our ministries but also extend the life of what is already healthy within us. The strategic importance of the coaching ministry which is being developed in our tribe cannot be overstated. As we continue to understand what it means for us to live transformed lives we ask that you will join us in praying and working towards this NEW DAY.
Coaching in the Scriptures
Robert E. Logan
The term coaching may not be used in the scriptures, but the principles of coaching are found throughout. We see in the scriptures how the life of Jesus was spent coming alongside of people to help them develop, grow, and realize their full potential. Jesus had the kind of life that impacted the people around him. We see the effects of that in the birth of the early church: people living lives of simplicity, service, compassion, and engagement in community. If we want to pass along similar qualities to those we are teaching to be disciples of Jesus, it’s worth looking at how Jesus taught his disciples. As do that, we see many of the basic principles of coaching at work. Jesus was notorious for asking a lot of questions while giving few answers. Sometimes when the disciples asked him questions, instead of giving them an answer Jesus responded with another question. This approach allowed them to flesh out an idea for themselves, adding greatly to its power. Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah’ (Mark 8:27-29).
Coaching is the process of coming alongside someone to help them discover God’s agenda for some part of their life and ministry, and then cooperating with the Holy Spirit to see that agenda become a reality.
Another way Jesus developed people was by empowering them so they could learn through experience. When he fed the 5,000, he told the disciples, You give them something to eat, and instructed them to distribute the bread and the fish (Matt. 14:13-21). When Jesus was on the mount of transfiguration, some of his disciples tried casting a demon out on their own, and when Jesus returned he helped them (Luke 9). Later, Jesus sent them out in pairs to heal (Matt. 10). In all of these instances, the disciples were forced to engage in the process,
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struggle with obstacles, and learn by doing. That’s the best kind of learning there is. These are still the ways we learn today — by doing and by being asked questions that require reflection — all in the context of relationship. And that’s what coaching does. Coaching is the process of coming alongside someone to help them discover God’s agenda for some part of their life and ministry, and then cooperating with the Holy Spirit to see that agenda become a reality. A good coach asks questions that require people to reflect on their experiences in a way that helps them grow toward all that God has for them. In the church today, we can use coaching skills to disciple new believers, train people in ministry skills, and develop new leaders. The process is holistic, experiential, and relational — just the way Jesus lived. We see the pattern picked up later by Barnabas, by Paul, by Timothy. Paul wrote, For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of
God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). This passage articulates a vision for empowering others. Notice the actions of encouraging, comforting, and urging-- those are the actions of a good coach. And they are passed down from generation to generation through the relational process of coaching. If we choose to continue the pattern today, we can create a coaching culture that will transform the way we relate to each other. By investing in people relationally and through hands-on ministry, we create a cycle of multiplication. And in so doing, we will see a greater extension of the kingdom of God and a greater impact of the life of Jesus on the world around us.
Dr. Bob Logan is president of CoachNet International Ministries. www.coachnet.org
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Ordinations Held Pastor Jim Frado was ordained on September 7th at Park Street Brethren Church. Pastor Arden Gilmer shared a message based on Romans 8:28-39, and the lead staff at PSBC along with Drs. Lee Solomon, Dale Stoffer and Jerry Flora also participated in the celebration service. Prayers and scripture were offered by Jim Hess, Bruce Ronk, Ken Van Duyne, Wende Lance and Mike Frado. Leading the congregation in worship were Sherry Van Duyne, James Frado III and The Crossing band. Jim’s wife, Karen, who is a cancer patient, was anointed during the ordination service. Jim has been serving as associate pastor at PSBC since 2003. In the photo are Jim’s family (Jim is at center back), who traveled from various parts of the country to attend his ordination
Congratulations! Kathleen (Katie) Grace Frank was born on September 5 to Ben and Shannon Frank, church planters at New Hope in State College, Pennsylvania. She weighed 9 lbs. 11 oz. and was 22¾” long. Katie joins big brothers Matthew, Nathan, and Joshua. Pastor Larry Brown was ordained as an elder in the Brethren Church on Sunday, September 14th. Pastor Larry serves as pastor at Gretna Brethren Church in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He served in the United States Army for 21 years, his final 16 years as a Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces. In the year 2000 Pastor Larry received a calling from God to serve him. For three years Larry struggled with what that call meant and where he was to serve. Leaving the Army in 2000, Larry moved his family from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Larry’s home town in Greenwich, Ohio. Larry and his wife Kelly became very involved in a non-denominational church in Greenwich where Larry would eventually become the associate pastor in 2003, following pastor Paul Stanley. That same year Larry began his M.Div. at ATS. Larry had received his undergraduate degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Through much prayer and the moving of the Holy Spirit in seminary, Larry and Kelly found themselves at Gretna on February 5, 2006. Pastor Larry says, “Our vision statement at Gretna is ‘Gretna Brethren Church seeks to deepen our spiritual relationship with Jesus while meeting the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of our local, regional, and global communities through God’s love.’ This is who Kelly and I are in Christ and this is who we are at Gretna. It’s all about Jesus.”
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Around the Denomination
Grace Community Has 10-Year Anniversary
In September 1998, I sat with my family in one of those first services Grace Community Church held … barely a believer, more of a seeker. We were the very people Grace Community Church (Winchester, Virginia) was planted to attract — folks who’d never really liked church and didn’t know much about it. At the time it felt weird to be going to church and the service wasn’t anything like I’d experienced the few times I’d attended church with friends as a teen and young adult. As we began our 10th Anniversary Service on September 28, 2008, this to me was church and doing life together with God’s people as I’d come to experience it over the last ten years. We were in the auditorium of one of the local high schools (our current facility can’t hold all of us in one service) and there was an amazing energy in the room. While we were there to honor what God has done among us during these ten years, it was also an incredible look at the future. The service was packed with music and video testimonies and photos and speakers and teaching from Pastor Mike, including shooting off the confetti cannon as Chris Tomlin’s “Party” ramped up. It was an amazing tribute to the favor Grace Community Church has received from God and our motto of “A different kind of church” was in full swing. As Ken Hunn and Bill Ludwig spoke, it was apparent that we are a little “different”, but that God is here and alive and as Bill said, “I see people doing life here!” Throughout the 90-minute service, we heard testimonies of life change from people in the recovery community, people who described themselves as “weird, but accepted at GCC”; and how small groups have been a powerful part of spiritual growth in peoples’ lives. As senior and founding pastor Mike Woods took the stage, there was a swelling of applause and a standing ovation for the man, who resisted God’s call to plant a church, but with faith, obedience, trust and the gifting God gave him has walked with many people and lead them into the kingdom.
At left: Valley Brethren Church’s first building, built in 1885. Above: a 2006 picture of the current church building.
During his teaching message, Pastor Mike paused to make an international call to Malawi, Africa to reach Rogers Nkoma, one of the pastors GCC supports there. (The wonders of modern technology!) Due to complications with getting a visa, Rogers was not able to make the trip to the US, but was happy to talk to the congregation via the cell. Another surprise was the announcement that GCC is planning its first multi-site location in Strasburg, Va., about 20 miles from the main Roosevelt Blvd. campus in Winchester. Dr. Jeff Earman will be the campus pastor there with plans to launch the first service in April 2009. It was a day that God showed up and blessed the meager efforts of many gifted people who served tirelessly to honor God’s work here in Winchester. The day after, I spent my quiet time out at our land and wept openly at God’s amazing blessings on this church and the part I played to help others get to know Christ and grow in him. If someone had said that day in 1998 that I would still be attending GCC and standing on the edge of newly acquired property and there would be 600 people attending GCC on that weekend, many of whom have traveled the same path from seeker to devoted follower of Jesus, I would have shaken my head in amazement. But that’s how amazing God has been. ~ Juli Ferrell To view a video of the anniversary service go to: http://gracecommunity.com/messages/downloads/Sermon_ Sep_28,_2008.html
Valley Brethren Church Celebrates 125 Years This year marks the 125th Anniversary of the Valley Brethren Church in Jones Mills, Pennsylvania. Elder J. B. Wampler organized the church in the fall of 1883 with a membership of 23. After meeting in schoolhouses and “under the trees,” a house of worship was constructed. The small one-room church building was completed and dedicated on May 18, 1885. In 1973, the congregation stepped out in faith to build a new church building which was completed and dedicated on August 29, 1976, with the late Elder Clarence “Fuzzy” Hesketh presiding. We have been celebrating this milestone throughout this year with a historical display, a commemorative bookmark, “Vintage Valley News” reports, a hymn singspiration, pie and ice cream social, an “Old Brethren” Communion service, a penny collection, and a homecoming celebration.
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Around the Denomination
Sauer Bible Among Book Donations! One of the many entrepreneurial activities of Pump House Ministries in Ashland, Ohio is the sale of new and used books. Recently, an old Bible was discovered among the many books that are dropped off on a daily basis. Not knowing what to do with the old Bible, a phone call notified Bruce Wilkinson that such a donation was made and inquiring if he was interested. Several weeks later Bruce made it over to the bookstore and much to his surprise, immediately identified the donation as a 1763 edition of the Sauer Bible. Christopher Sauer was a part of the new Brethren movement in Germantown, Pennsylvania during this time period. Sauer was a contemporary of, and somewhat of a competitor to, another printer in this region by the name of Benjamin Franklin. Christopher Sauer is known as the first printer of a Bible in America in a European language (German). This Bible is of course prized by historians and book collectors. Currently this Bible is being catalogued and will become a part of the Brethren Archives, located in the lower level of the Brethren Church National Offices, in Ashland. Found in the Bible was a family genealogy, a grade card from 1905-06, of course an old worship bulletin, and even directions for the preparation of some home remedies! Many many thanks to Pump House Ministries for helping to secure this new addition and gifting it to our archives. And, thanks to the anonymous donor!
Annual “Young at Heart” Retreat Held at Shipshewana The Annual “Young at Heart” retreat was held September 8-11 at the Brethren Retreat Center in Shipshewana, Indiana. The retreat is always a good combination of fellowship, activities, and time of catching up on events throughout the denomination. We enjoyed a tour of an Amish buggy factory, dinner at an Amish home, a trip to a water-powered flour mill and the Hostetler Hudson Auto Museum. Rev. Peter Roussakis presented a program of story-telling and beautiful piano playing, ending with “Count Well the Cost”. The original text was by Alexander Mack Sr. and was sung before baptisms. An adaptation and hymn tune setting of Mack’s hymn was composed by Peter and was sung at General Conference. An annual highlight is the auction for missions, which raised $1,614.00 this year. It was divided evenly between Brethren missions and the Brethren Retreat Center. We’d like to invite everyone who is “young at heart” to join us next year for a time of inspiration and fellowship in this beautiful rural setting.
United States Postal Service
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation 1. Publication Title: The Brethren Evangelist 2. Publication Number: 0747-4288 3. Filing Date: 09-15-2008 4. Issue Frequency: SemiMonthly 5. Number is Issues Published Annually: 6 6. Annual Subscription Price: Free for members of the Brethren Church; $15 for others 7. Complete Mailing Address of known Office of Publication: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters of General Business Office of Publisher: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor Publisher: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 Editor: Kenneth D. Hunn, The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 Managing Editor: same as above 10. Owner Full Name: The Brethren Church, Inc Complete Mailing Address: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of Bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax Status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) 13. Publication Title 14. Issue date for Circulation Data below September/October 2007 – July/August 2008 The Brethren Evangelist 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. copies No. copies of single each issue during Issue published nearest preceding 12 months to filing date a. Total Number of Copies (net press run) 7083 7120 b. Paid and/or requested circulation (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail Subscriptions on Form 3541 6987 7033 (2) Paid/In-County subscriptions stated on Form 3541 0 0 (3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street Vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS Paid distribution 0 0 (4) Other classes mailed through the USPS 16 16 c. Total paid and/or requested circulation 7003 7049 d. Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary) 0 0 (1) Outside-county as stated on Form 3541 0 0 (2) In-county as stated on Form 3541 0 0 (3) Other classes mailed through the USPS 0 0 e. Free distribution outside the mail 60 50 f. Total free distribution 60 50 g. Total distribution 7063 7099 h. Copies not distributed 20 21 i. Total 7083 7120 j. Percent paid and/or requested 99% 99% 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: Publication required. Will be printed in the Sept./Oct. issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner : Date: Signed by Kenneth D. Hunn, editor September 15, 2008
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Operation Puerto Maldonado July 2008
People ask why we should go to Peru when we have great need in our own communities. My response to them is as follows, ‘Does the average person in need in our community have clean drinking water? If you answer affirmatively, then that person is still rich compared with the average person in Peru.’ The answer to this situation is not an either/or, do we go to Peru OR serve at home. The answer is a both/and! I honestly hated digging trenches for an orphanage. It was dirty work in a heat to which I was not accustomed. BUT, we were not just digging holes; we were laying the foundation for an orphanage. The difference between the two … VISION. Italo’s vision for Puerto Maldonado and the orphanage sustained us … we were working towards something much bigger than ourselves. We in the U.S. think we deserve everything. We tell ourselves that we work hard for the things we have. Someone in the U.S. receives a luxury and says they deserve it. Someone in Peru receives a luxury and it is a gift from God, a blessing to their life. This absence of entitlement in Peruvian culture will always haunt my conscience. Thousands of miles from ‘home’ and that culture felt like my home. The eyes of the people, the generosity of the workers, the deep love of Italo, these memories are etched deeply into my heart. I cannot shake them. As I look around me, I don’t want to shake them. They stir in me a deep vision, a shift in reality, a capturing of my imagination that begs the question, ‘What if?’ Until we in the U.S. have these deep, spiritual experiences, we will be doomed to status quo. Missions is an overflow and outflow of our love for Jesus Christ. You don’t go on mission trips to change others. You go to be obedient to Jesus. Only in this spirit of obedience can our amazing God change the heart of the giver and the receiver so dramatically that looking back, it’s hard to tell who really filled what role.
~ Jason Barnhart
Growth Partners Northgate
_____ YES, I want to send a gift to this Growth Partners Call to enhance the Northgate Community Church facilities, for missional impact. Please complete the information below, detach, and enclose with your check payable to:
The Brethren Church Name: ______________________________ Address: _ __________________________ City: _______________________________ State: ______________ Zip: ____________ Phone: _____________________________ Church: ____________________________ Amount: ____________________________ If you prefer, you can make a contribution using your debit or credit card. Please go to our website (www.brethrenchurch.org) and click on the Contribution tab. Look for the section entitled:
Growth Partners Club Call
When Northgate Community Church (Manteca, California) moved to its current location in the early 1970’s, they found themselves surrounded by empty fields. 30 years later, they are surrounded with a harvest field of opportunities to serve the community built around them. Located near three apartment complexes, a senior assisted-living facility and several neighborhoods with a diverse mix of people, Northgate has opened their facilities to meet the current needs of the neighborhood. To create a facility ready for this harvest, the church is in need of several renovations: remodeling the restrooms, replacing badly-stained carpet, painting the church inside and out, and new seating for the sanctuary. “Your prayerfully considered donations will help us continue to move forward and expand our vision for sharing the Love of Christ with those whom God places along our path here in California.” ~ Stephen Cole, Pastor
Growth Partner Call for: Northgate Community Church You will be directed to a secure PayPal site for input. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Stan Gentle at the National Office. The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805 1-877-289-1708
The Brethren Evangelist (SSN 0747-4288) is published six times a year by The Brethren Church, Inc., 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 (telephone: 419-289-1708; email: brethren@brethrenchurch.org; fax: 419-281-0450. Authors’ views are not necessarily those of The Brethren Church. Subscription rates: Sent free to Brethren Church members; $15.00 per year to others. Member, Evangelical Press Association. Postage: Paid at Ashland, Ohio. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792. September/October 2008, Vol. 130, No. 5
The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805
Periodical Postage Paid at Ashland, OH 44805