GLOBAL MISSIONS

CAMPBELL FARM – Some History with Grace of Christ

A mere twenty minutes away, yet a world away, Campbell Farm is an outreach to the Wapato community where a great percentage of the population suffers from abject poverty. Campbell Farm works to meet the nutritional, physical and educational needs of their immediate and surrounding community. Located on the Yakama Indian Reservation (2527 Campbell Road), Grace of Christ pastors Curt MacFarland and Alex Rule made the jaunt to the Farm to formally meet Dionna Bennett, the new director of the organization. Former executive director Carmanita (Carman) Pimms passed away on August 21, 2021 at the age of 58, in her sleep. Dionna is Carmen’s daughter who has worked for years in tandem with her mother.

“Barbara and Cragg Gilbert became the founding pastor/ directors of the Campbell Farm ministry after having earned Master’s of Divinity degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1979. Nellie Campbell had willed the 40 acre farm, located within the Yakama Nation, to Central Washington Presbytery, in 1978. Cragg and Barbara directed the Farm from 1980 to 1992.

For Pastor Curt, it was a homecoming of sorts as both he and his wife Kathaleen had served the Farm previously as interns/ directors. Initially, Pastor Curt was an intern at the Farm in 1981, and then again from 1984 to 1985. He then took on the directorship role, following the leave of Cragg and Barb Gilbert who were the founders and original directors. Kathaleen served as interim director during the summer of 1991.

The visit took on a historical bent, as Pastor Curt gave a firsthand account of the property and buildings and shared a few memories of his time on the Farm. “Cragg and Barb Gilbert gave me (many others too) the gift of seeing how Christian faith integrates with our responsibility to live out justice with others and with the earth,” reflects Pastor Curt. “Countless hours bucking hay in the field, picking apples, and talking through the mysteries, wonders, and love of God.”

During the excursion, it was pointed out by Pastor Curt, that the present-day Wellness House and support buildings (Peach Harvest and Spitzenburg Apple) were procured by long-time Missions Ministry Team member and former Campbell Farm board member, Pat Erickson. Ever resourceful and quick thinking, Pat rescued and purchased the two houses that were destined for demolition. Originally existing near Roosevelt grade school in Yakima, the structures were transported to the farm and, to this day, they serve as the primary facilities for the Farm’s programs. This was circa 1990 while the Gilberts were still directors of the Farm. And, to top it off, Pat saw to it to personally re-roof the houses all while keeping a watchful eye on her two-year-old granddaughter Taylor. Skillfully, she would climb up her ladder, hammer the shingles and return to the shady tree below where her granddaughter would be playing alongside another child. The playmate’s parents were Japanese farmers who were expertly sharing their skills, planting gardens on the Farm.

“This was such a sweet time when the dreams and visions of the Campbell Farm were taking hold,” explains Pat Erickson. “Many city kids don’t know what agricultural life is like and the Farm sought to remedy this as well as provide a tranquil and inviting place for retreat and education,” She further explains. “I remember that my husband Fred took a course called Spanish Rapido that helped immensely to be able to communicate with others in the community.”

Time To Visit Campbell Farm

According to Dionna Bennett, director of the Campbell Farm, you too are welcome to visit the farm and see first hand the operations and layout of the beautiful 40 acre grounds. This spring, you will find the Farm bustling with activity as many service groups will be visiting and getting hand-on experience. Groups from Oregon State, University of Washington, Boise State, along with various churches and middle school/ high school groups will be participating. The spring also brings new farm life and spectacular beauty in the gardens and orchard. It’s time for a visit! Please reach out to Pastor Alex with any questions that you may have or for additional information on upcoming serving opportunities or events.

“We are serving over twenty missions and mission partners both locally and globally,” states Pastor Alex Rule. “The Campbell Farm is one that is in close proximity to our church. We encourage you to be a part of this vital mission.”

“Through the practice of hospitality, The Campbell Farm seeks to: Model the just and peaceable kingdom of God; Heal, empower and equip God’s people by the Holy Spirit. Be ambassadors of Christ’s reconciliation; Be good stewards of God’s creation.” – https://www.thecampbellfarm.org/

Spiritual Conversations

A Bible Study for Women

Mondays | 9:30am | Fireside Room | Robin Stuber

Ladies, we invite you to join us on Monday mornings in April, beginning at 9:30 AM, in the Fireside Room as Robin Stuber leads us through Spiritual Conversations

Robin says: Do you have questions? I have questions. Big questions! Like “Where is God when it hurts?” and “Why am I so angry or alone or afraid?” My goal with this four-week study is to gather women around a table and talk about life’s questions. I believe by studying God’s character through the names given to Him in the Bible, we will find an answer to some of our biggest worries. Come and join me as we encounter El Shaddai – the Lord God Almighty!

Bunko Gathering

Our Women’s Ministry is in full swing this spring. We had a Bunko gathering on Sunday, February 26, that proved to be quite lively! Surprisingly, this turned out to be a multi-generational event with an age span from 13 years to women in their 80’s. It was fabulous to come together and connect over snacks and dice. By the way, quite a few women had that dice thing down! How did they get so good? Special thanks to Kathaleen McFarland for facilitating games, gab, and glee! We definitely made a joyful noise to the Lord (Psalm 100).

LET’S MEET FOR COFFEE…

Mark it on your calendar, women. You’re invited for coffee @ Starbucks. Life is busy. Sometimes we can’t make ongoing commitments. But one Saturday a month? To connect over coffee @ Starbucks with women from our church? Now that’s doable! We’re calling it Coffee Connection and we’ve reserved the back room of Starbucks on 59th and Summitview. Your Women’s Ministry team hopes you’ll take this opportunity to connect with one another. Whether you need encouragement, time-out, or a laugh, Coffee Connection is where to be!

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Your Women’s Ministry Team would love to hear from you if you are interested in being a part of the team. Please contact Sarah@yakimagrace.com

DONATE TO THE CLOTHING EXCHANGE SATURDAY | MAY 20 | 9AM – 1PM | GYM

It is time to purge those closets of clothes and shoes that no longer “spark joy” or simply aren’t being worn and are just taking up valuable space. Baby clothes and big size clothes for men and women are always in high demand. Toys, kitchen items, books, bibles and table lamps are welcome as well. (No appliances or furniture pieces can be accepted at this event, but please consider donating those items to one of the local UGM shops!) Thank you in advance for blessing the families in our community!

Visit Our Church Library

Arden Underdal and Sue Januscheitis continue to do a wonderful job as the unpaid church librarians. Thanks goes to them as well as those of you who have donated new books to the library in the last few months. We continue to need books that have been written in the last 10 years.

Recommended Books

Boundaries – Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

“Boundaries” When to say yes, when to say no to take control of your life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. This book helps answer questions such as “can I set limits and still be a loving person? What are legitimate boundaries? What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries? How do I answer someone who wants my time, energy, or money? This book helped to allay my guilt over setting limits.”

My Life Without God –William J. Murray

“My Life Without God” William J. Murray, son of Madalyn Murray

O’Hair. Madalyn loved a good fight: fighting God, her son William, the Baltimore Public School system, and eventually the Supreme Court.

William grew up with the delusional violence of America’s most famous Atheist, who was also a Communist. His conversion to Christ at 33 years of age is an exciting story you don’t want to miss.

Prisoners of Hope – Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer

“Prisoners of Hope” by Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer who tell of their Afghanistan captivity. They came to bring a better life and hope to the poor and most oppressed. They were arrested by the Taliban for teaching about Christ. The September 11, 2001 attacks occurred during their trial. They loved the people and were eventually rescued by U.S. special Forces.

The Emancipation of Robert Sadler –Marie Chapian and Robert Sadler

“The Emancipation of Robert Sadler” by Marie Chapian and Robert Sadler. Over fifty years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Robert Sadler was sold into slavery at the age of five-by his own father. This is the no-holds-barred tale of those dark days, his quest for freedom, and the determination to serve others born out of his experience. It is a story of good triumphing over evil, of God’s grace, and of an extraordinary life of ministry. Find this book in the Biography section.