BMH Editor's Blog

Some quiet time alone with the Lord and His Word began the day as pastors and church leaders participated in the Southwest Focus Retreat at Rancho San Juan Capistrano in southern California. The retreat concludes Wednesday morning with a wrapup session to record insights gained throughout the retreat from Psalm 119. 

Pastor Terry Daniels of the South Pasadena Grace Brethren Church introduced the first morning session of the Southwest Focus Retreat on Tuesday morning. This hour the group focused on small-group study of verses 49-96 of Psalm 119. 

Pastor Roy Polman of the Cherry Valley Grace Brethren Church in Beaumont, California, introduced the third session of the Focus Retreat, which centered on verses 97-144 of Psalm 119. 

Mitch Cariaga, pastor of "Mosaic" Grace Brethren Church in Rialto, California, led off the final discussion session of the Focus Retreat with comments and perspective on verses 145-176 of Psalm 119. He likened it to "found treasure" which is discovered when one is not expecting it, and encouraged participants to look for the "treasures" in this section of the psalm. 

Larry Chamberlain, who heads the Eagle Commission (Grace Brethren Military Chaplains) participated in memorial services on January 26 and 27 for the late Carlton Fuller, who was a retired Air Force chaplain and later pastored Grace Brethren churches.

Chamberlain says, “Carlton was buried among the veterans whom he served as Chaplain for the past several decades. He served at Mountain Home (James Quillin) Medical Center up until his death, faithfully visiting veterans, many of whose families and friends have long since passed.

It was a very high honor to offer tributes in behalf of the FGBC, Carlton’s fellow Grace Brethren Chaplains and members of the Eagle Commission. The VA Chaplain joining me at the funeral service and at the cemetery read a letter from the VA headquarters in Virginia, in which letter he commented on the national award bestowed on Carlton in 1998 in D.C.”


TRIBUTE TO CARLTON FULLER
MOUNTAIN HOME NATIONAL CEMETERY
January 27, 2006
Larry N. Chamberlain


We are here today to honor and pay tribute to a veteran soldier and chaplain who served God and Country with great sacrifice and distinction. It is fitting that we lay him to rest here, among his fellow veterans, men and women who wore the uniform proudly and courageously, defending the cause of liberty on fields of battle around the world.

God gave Carlton the gift of compassion. Following his enlisted service, Carlton served active duty as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. Following active duty, and responding to God’s unique call in his life, he served as a Chaplain for the Veterans, whom he loved without reservation and unconditionally, providing spiritual comfort, courage, and hope.

Carlton served with no desire for earthly reward or praise. He did not serve to gain a better standing with God or to improve his chances to gain a heavenly reward. He served with one purpose and one purpose alone – to bring comfort, peace, and hope to a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.

We are here today to honor a selfless, humble, dedicated servant of Christ, who served God and Country with great sacrifice and dedication. We extend our sympathies to Vivian and to the family. Carlton loved his wife, he loved his family, he loved his God, he loved America, and he loved the brave men and women who wore America’s uniform, often at great peril, at all times at great risk.

This ground is hallowed ground, made more hallowed this day as we lay to rest this great servant of God and Country.

Let us pray . . .

Father, we are so very thankful for Carlton’s life and service. We are thankful for the lessons he taught each one of us - to serve with faithfulness, to serve with humility, to serve with sacrifice, to serve with compassion. We thank you for the promise of the Resurrection, that we will some day be reunited with friends and family through the power of the cross and the sacrifice of God’s Son. Carlton’s body is laid to rest today, but his soul is with you and his spirit lives on in each of our hearts. In the name of Jesus our Savior we pray, Amen.

More than 50 pastors and lay leaders gathered in San Juan Capistrano, CA, this Monday afternoon for the opening session of the Southwest Focus Retreat.

Doug Lee of The Fountain Community Church in Fontana, CA, led the singing to open the session.

The retreat concludes Wednesday morning, and is the third of five such retreats to be held in various parts of the US. 

Pastor Keith Shearer of New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church of Myerstown, PA, is this year's FGBC moderator. He opened the Southwest Focus Retreat with introductory comments on the importance of being "people of the Book [Bible]" and introduced the schedule for studying Psalm 119 over the next two days. 

Pastor Greg Stoever of the River City Grace Community Church in Sacramento, CA, opened the Focus Retreat's first study section with introductory comments on the first 48 verses of Psalm 119. As with all this year's Focus Retreats, the comments and insights produced by the small-group discussions of the psalm will be compiled into a "group-generated commentary" when all the retreats are concluded. 

Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey (pictured), who underwent quadruple bypass surgery a week ago Sunday morning in Rancho Mirage, CA, is still in southern California but sends the following on Monday afternoon:

"Good news! We are released to travel. We fly to Indy tomorrow and drive to Winona on Wednesday.

"I'll not be back to work in the office for a couple of weeks after that.

"Everything is looking good. And I look forward to trying to sleep in my own bed."
 

Services for longtime Grace Brethren pastor Bob Kliewer will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. at Whittier Community Grace Brethren Church.

Robert Carl Kliewer was born April 26, 1930, in Mountain Lake, MN. The family moved to West Salem OR, around 1935 and then moved to Los Angeles in 1944. He attended Culter Academy, where he was student body president and played varsity football, basketball, and baseball.

He graduated in 1948 and entered the Bible Institute of Los Angeles to prepare for full-time ministry. At BIOLA he was active in varsity basketball, intramural football and music, and worked with the student missionary union and served as president of Biola Men.

Kliewer graduated from BIOLA in 1951 and married Lillian in August of 1952. The newlyweds arrived at their honeymoon cottage at Mt. Hermon only to find it already occupied.

Bob supported his bride in a number of ways in those early years: Fuller brush sales, encyclopedia sales, vacuum cleaner sales, janitor, crop picker, TV repair, truck driver, football coach, and assistant pastor. He attended Talbot Seminary where he sang in the Seminary Quartet

Bob served the Lord for more than 50 years. He was a teacher and coach at Culter Academy in Los Angeles and pastored the following churches:

� East LA GBC- asst pastor for brother Al
� North Long Beach GBC- asst pastor for Dr. George Peek
� Bell- Pastor
� Norwalk GBC- interim Pastor
� West Covina- Pastor
� Greenwood GBC, Modesto- Pastor (started the church)
� Seal Beach GBC- Pastor
� Orange GBC- interim Pastor
� Westminster GBC- Pastor
� Cherry Valley GBC- Pastor
� Rialto GBC- Pastor
� Orange Grove Chapel (Redlands)- Pastor. He also served as president of Linfield School in Temecula.

Bob and Lil were blessed with two beautiful daughters Lynne (Steve) and Jan (Les) and four grandchildren-Drew (Kristi), Rachel, Matthew, & Victoria; and one great grandson, Hayden. 

YIB (Your Intrepid Blogger) spent this morning with the Simi Valley, California, Grace Brethren Church (John McIntosh, pastor), where we were able to share about the ministry of BMH in both morning services and also teach Pastor Jerry Kelley's adult Sunday School class.

This evening is the football banquet celebrating the remarkably successful season of the Grace Brethren High teams and coach Terry Gourley.

Tomorrow the Southwest Focus Retreat begins at San Juan Capistrano, and later in the week the Fellowship Council is scheduled to meet in Sacramento. 

During the offering time at the Simi Valley church, parishioners are encouraged to bring a red rose to the front for every person who heard the message of the Gospel this week, and a white rose for each one who accepted Christ as Savior. This photo, taken after the first (9 a.m.) service this morning, indicates that two more individuals are now in the Kingdom of God this week. Praise the Lord! 

The following feature story on a Grace Brethren pastor appeared in today's Sunnyside (WA) Daily Sun News (photo by John Fannin)

by John Fannin

Fear of an oppressive government and a need for family led Juan Marenco (pictured) to leave his native Nicaragua and eventually settle in Mabton, Washington, where he is pastor of Grace Brethren Church's Hispanic congregation.

Marenco fled Nicaragua in 1988 during a war between the Sandanista government and U.S. backed Contras.

Like other pastors in his native land, Marenco was pressured by the Sandanistas to ally with them and turn over the names of young men for conscription in the military.

"They came in the church while I was preaching," Marenco recalled. "They let me finish the sermon but right afterward they said they wanted to talk to me. They wanted to give me a ride to my home, but I told them I'd meet them there."

The talk, as he expected, was an attempt at coercion.

Marenco refused to turn over a list of youths in his church.

He well knew of the jail terms against uncooperative pastors and had heard of the torture employed by the Sandanistas, such as sleep deprivation. One tactic in particular forced men in a pit standing up, with water to their chin. Standing would be torture, to sleep or relax could mean death by drowning.

A carpenter by trade, Marenco sold his business to raise the $1,200 to flee the country.

After obtaining a routine tourist visa to Guatemala, Marenco paid to be brought into Mexico, then the U.S.

He walked into Mexico from Guatemala, then was herded onto a bus with 80 other people for the three-day trip into Texas.

Upon his arrival in the U.S., Marenco obtained asylum and eventually joined other refugees in Florida, where he resumed his carpenter trade.

After five years, he became lonely and moved to Mabton to join his only family in the states, a cousin, Abner Solano.

"I had a good job in Florida, but I needed family," Marenco said.

Solano started the hispanic congregation at Grace Brethren, before starting another congregation.

As it turned out, Marenco followed in his cousin's footsteps by first pastoring a Yakima church and then, nearly five years ago, serving as pastor for Grace Brethren's Hispanic congregation.

During Marenco's time in the Lower Valley he has become a U.S. citizen-"The second biggest day of my life, next to receiving Jesus," he said-and found a family of his own.

He and wife Julia met in Grandview and were married eight years ago. They have two children, a girl and a boy, Juliaday and Juan Francisco, Jr.

Marenco still has relatives in Nicaragua and visited this past summer to see his ailing father. With unemployment running at about 80 percent in Nicaragua, Marenco is the sole support for his family members there.

He has two brothers, both of whom survived the Sandinista/Contra war.

"I see the hand of God in all of this," Marenco reflected while studying in his Mabton church office.

"I know families in Nicaragua who lost three or four men during the war," he noted, adding that an estimated 100,000 youths died during the war. "The only way I survived was because God was protecting me and my family." 

This article, which appeared in today’s Modesto (CA) Bee newspaper, demonstrates how a church can effectively use its library to attract non-church users, and minister to the larger community.

By AMY WHITE
BEE STAFF WRITER

It's Wednesday morning and the Khachadourian family is on its usual routine, stopping to browse at the Big Valley Grace Community Church Branch Library. Seven-year-old Dante scans the shelves for reading material. Three-year-old Malachai flips through a picture book.

The Modesto family has come to the library every Wednesday for about five years. There were two boys in the family when they started. Now there are four, with a fifth on the way.

Mother Debra Khachadourian, who home-schools, learned about the library through a presentation made at a women's Bible study. The family, which attends Modesto's Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church, hasn't looked elsewhere since.

"We are blessed by it," said Khachadourian, 32. "We greatly appreciate it. It's a treasure, like finding a treasure cove, when we come here."

The library — on the campus of Modesto's Big Valley Grace Community Church — opened 10 years ago. Located in an old house that was the former homestead on the property now owned by the church, the library started with about 2,000 items.

Today, it has 20,000 books, DVDs, videos, audiotapes and home-school curriculums in circulation and available to the public. An additional 2,000 items will be added once the library moves to a bigger building this spring.

The library, which is run by volunteers (some affiliated with Big Valley, some not), is open about 11 hours a week. Resources are used by families, adults, teens and home-schoolers. Home-schooling parents can check out a curriculum for a year.

Not all items are Christian; many are simply wholesome movies and books such as "Anne of Green Gables," "Old Yeller" and "Pride and Prejudice." Children can watch movies and play with toys while other family members browse.

"It's a safe place where you don't have to worry about what's out there on the shelf," said Denise Parvis, who co-leads the library with Sandy Popkis, who is also a library assistant at the Stanislaus County library.

Parvis estimated that about 40 percent of her library patrons don't attend Big Valley Grace Community Church. "We've gotten a reputation outside of our church, even with the public library," Parvis said. "When they ask for things that maybe the public library doesn't have very much of, they will refer to us."

Some of the most popular items are Christian fiction. "That stuff flies off the shelf," Parvis said. The library has a standing order for the most popular Christian fiction authors for adults and young readers. Authors include Jan Karon (author of the "Mitford" series), Lynn N. Austin, Karen Kingsbury and Dee Henderson for adults, and Melody Carlson, Lissa Halls Johnson and Nancy Rue for young readers.

Nonfiction offerings range from current best-sellers, Bible studies, concordances, commentaries and religious studies resources to biographies, creation science texts and devotionals.

Popular items include the DVD documentary "Beyond the Gates of Splendor (whose subject, the 1956 killings of five missionaries by Waodani tribesman in Ecuador, is the basis for the new feature film "End of the Spear,"); the book "Let's Roll," by Lisa Beamer, wife of Todd Beamer, who died aboard Flight 93 in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks; and "In the Presence of My Enemies," in which Gracia Burnham tells of her captivity by a Muslim extremist group in the Philippines.

Anything related to "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "The Lord of the Rings" has been hard to keep on the shelf, Parvis said.

'Appropriate' is subjective

Organizers understand that even patrons who seek wholesome material will have different views of what is appropriate. The library has some movies that are rated PG and PG-13, and fiction books are divided between adult and young readers. Some items have stickers warning that material may be objectionable to some readers or viewers.

For instance, PG or PG-13 movies considered to contain moral messages — among them "Remember the Titans" and "Father of the Bride" — may be checked out with a booklet of ideas "on how to use that as an issue to talk to teens about serious spiritual matters," Parvis said.

It's nice to know that the library's materials are previewed and wholesome, Khachadourian said. Her boys — ranging in age from 1 to 7 — like reading storybooks and learning about space, creation, dinosaurs, fossils and lions. Son Dante has served as an intern at the library, shelving and finding books.

Khachadourian checks out audio books for her husband to listen to during commutes; they both like to watch informational videos, such as on spiritual ways to strengthen marriage and family. "They have the greatest supply of creation material I've found in this area," she added.

Emily Bauman, 73, of Modesto, enjoys Christian fiction. A member of Old German Baptist Brethren, she has been coming to the library for about two years. "You know when you get (a book) here that it will be good, not something you don't want to read," she said.

Bauman often previews books for the library at Brethren Heritage School, but had read her way through its books and authors, she said. The Big Valley Grace library has a greater selection and introduces her to new authors.

Library organizers believe theirs is the only church lending library of its size in the area. "A lot of people, especially people who are new to this area, they will walk in and go into one room and say, 'You have a lot of (items), wow,' and will starting asking if you have this or that," Parvis said. "They get pretty excited."

Patrons are thankful for the library's friendly and attentive volunteers, they said. The library has about 25 active volunteers. One volunteer, Pam Bowman, is studying for a master's degree in library science. Many Big Valley library volunteers use their experience at the library, which uses the Dewey decimal system, to work at other libraries, Parvis said.

Growth plans

When the library moves to its larger location, it will have its resources listed online so that people can look in advance if an item is available or checked out. With the move, the library will go from about 800 square feet to up to 3,000 square feet, Parvis said. Organizers hope to have book clubs and story hours at the new site.

The library has grown from 100 patrons its first month to more than 3,000 now. About 900 people actively check out materials these days; the library checked out more than 27,000 items last year.

Knowledge of the library tends to spread by word of mouth, Parvis said. Big Valley hasn't done any outside promotion, and only minimal promotion within the church, she said.

Still, it has flourished. "It's just so amazing when you just let go and do what (God) wants you to do and not get in the way of how blessed you'll be," said Parvis, who was tapped to lead the library more than 10 years ago. "This is not one of those efforts you are able to do on your own. We really believe it's God's library."

Big Valley Grace Branch Library hours are: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, 8 to 11:15 a.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. Fridays and 5 to 5:45 p.m. Saturdays. It is at 4040 Tully Road. For information, call 544-0813 or see www.bvg.org.

Word has been received from Cherry Valley, California, that longtime Grace Brethren pastor Bob Kliewer entered his heavenly home this morning about 2 a.m.

The memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. next Thursday, February 2, at Whittier Community Grace Brethren Church at 11000 E. Washington Blvd., Whittier, CA 90606.

We’ll post details of Bob’s ministry record and his survivors as they become available, but friends indicate that his ministry included pastoral positions at North Long Beach Grace, CA (Assoc Pastor); Seal Beach, CA; Modesto, CA (Greenwood Grace); Westminster, CA; Cherry Valley, CA; and Orange Chapel (his most recent ministry in Redlands, CA).

Bob retired from Cherry Valley church somewhere around 2001 and has been preaching at a small chapel at the location (Edwards Mansion) where he serves as the resident minister for wedding ceremonies.

Bob was exercising back around Thanksgiving when he experienced chest pains and was hospitalized, and then had a stent put in. Since then, doctors said his heart was functioning only at about one-third its normal capacity.

His wife Lil and other family members will appreciate your prayers. Pastor Roy Halberg of the Alta Loma church has faithfully called on Bob during his illness and forwarded e-mail updates so friends around the Fellowship could pray.

Freed from his pain and weakened heart, Bob worships today face-to-face with his Savior and awaits our joining him some day.

The following article appeared this week in the Elizabethtown (PA) college newspaper, telling of an event that will benefit one of our Grace Brethren churches.

Senior honors project benefits Katrina victims

Natalie A. Smeltz
News Editor

When senior Lindsay Rowe considered possible topics to cover for her Honors in the Discipline project, volunteerism was the first thing that came to mind.

"It's important to do community service, especially since it's part of our College's principles," Rowe said.

Over the past four years, she has participated in Into the Streets, helping at the Milagro House in Lancaster and the Activities Fun Fair, and took part in service projects with residence life every semester.

An Occupational Therapy major and music minor, Rowe was inspired to use the theme of volunteerism to organize a benefit concert for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the tragedy that destroyed parts of the South this summer.

Her project consists of a literature review, project execution, reflection and final presentation for faculty and staff.

The Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert, being held tomorrow, will raise funds that go to those in need. In order to make sure this happened, Rowe is donating all proceeds from the event to the Grace Brethren Church of Lititz's Disaster Relief Fund.

"I chose this particular fund because I knew all the proceeds would go directly to the hurricane victims," Rowe said.

The church has already taken two trips to Louisiana to help the victims who have been affected by the disaster. The money raised will be taken by the church and used for supplies necessary for people to rebuild their lives.

"It is important to give them supplies, but to also care for them spiritually and emotionally," Rowe said of the church's efforts. "I am hoping to go along with them on their next trip to the South."

Rowe's goal is to raise as much money and awareness for the cause as possible and make sure victims continue to receive what they need. Tomorrow's concert, beginning at 7 p.m. in Leffler Chapel, will include a story from one Grace Brethren Church member who saw the Katrina destruction first-hand. It will also feature the music of student performers like junior Spencer Butz, junior Niki Tolbard, senior Mike Masters and senior Mia Smith. Melica, Phil Bensen and several Etown alumni will also contribute their talents to the cause.

Since Rowe has planned benefit concerts in the past, she is confident that it will be a success. Her involvement with Melica's annual concert for domestic violence awareness has helped her with organization, professionalism and publicity. The process has encouraged her to continue efforts in planning student-run programs with positive results.

"By doing this, I hope to organize more events to raise awareness for different causes in the future," Rowe said.

She also encourages others to get involved in as many service projects as possible.

"Everything you do to help someone else ends up helping you grow and become a better person," Rowe said, "I have learned so much from organizing this and other events, but the most gratifying thing I've learned is how wonderful people can be."

According to today's e-mail update from the Grace College & Seminary publications office (connect@grace.edu) several important documents are on loan from Grace's Biblical and Ancient Manuscript Center in the Morgan Library for exhibit at The Discovery Place in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Discovery Place is sponsoring a major exhibit February 17-May 29, entitled "The Dead Sea Scrolls." Documents in the exhibit have been lent by Grace and by the Dead Sea Scrolls Foundation.

Dr. Brent Sandy (pictured here with Grace librarian Bill Darr), who chairs the Religious Studies Department at Grace College, says that nine documents have been borrowed from Grace for the exhibit. Among the documents are a 16th century Torah scroll, a Sauer Bible, the first German language Bible printed in North America (1776), and an original leaf from the first printing in 1611 of the King James Bible.

For photos and more information about Grace's Biblical and Ancient Manuscript Center, go to
<<http://www.grace.edu/news-events-articles/012406-exhibit-documents.htm>> 

UPDATE - 1:45 P.M. THURSDAY, WINONA TIME

Tom Avey is now out of the hospital. But early estimates on his return to Winona were a little optimistic.

He sees his doctor for a checkup on Monday, and hopes perhaps to be able to fly by about the middle of next week.

--------------------------

The good word from California this morning is that Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey, who had quadruple bypass surgery on Sunday, is anticipating possible release from the hospital today or tomorrow.

After a few days' stay in local lodging arranged by pastor Tom Hocking of the Bellflower church, Avey hopes to fly home to Indiana, perhaps as soon as Sunday. He and Sandi are grateful for all the prayers and good wishes from the Fellowship.

Meanwhile, retired GBIM missionary Roy Snyder underwent bypass surgery yesterday at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and doctors indicated the surgery was longer and more complicated than expected.

Your prayers for Roy and Ruth will be greatly appreciated.

The southwest Focus Retreat scheduled for Monday through Wednesday of this coming week in San Juan Capistrano will go on as planned, with FGBC Moderator Keith Shearer taking the lead in place of Avey.

The Fellowship Council meeting scheduled for Sacramento later in the week will also go on as planned.

YIB (Your Intrepid Blogger) will be at both these meetings, and we hope to be posting photos and reports as they occur.

Looking for the Yearbook Owner

Today we received an e-mail that contained this message:

"Someone left a 1962 Philadelphia Bible College yearbook at a restaurant in Franconia, PA. The reason I am notifying you is that there was a clipping in it from your blog dated 12/16/2005 'terry-taylor-prepares-to-go-home.'”

If it was your yearbook and you’d like it returned, e-mail me at tdwhite@earthlink.net and I’ll connect you with the finder.

Word has been received in Winona Lake that Rev. (Chaplain) Carlton Fuller died Monday at his home in Tennessee. He was a retired Air Force Grace Brethren Chaplain.

According to the Grace Brethren Chaplain's Endorsing Agent, Dr. John Schumacher, Fuller's service with the Air Force Chaplaincy dates from February 1963, when he reported to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, for the Basic Chaplains Course.

He was then assigned to Stewart AFB, New York. He also served an isolated tour in Shemya, Alaska in 1966-67. He left the Air Force Chaplaincy on or about June 1972 after finishing his tour of duty at Canon Air Force Base, NM. Sometime later began a ministry as a chaplain with the Veterans Administration. He was still active in that ministry at the time of his death on 23 January 2006.

In 1998 Carlton was given "The Secretary's Excellence in Chaplaincy" in the "Part Time Category." Larry Chamberlain and John Schumacher both attended the event of the presentation of the award in Washington, D.C.

Fuller was born on 25 September in 1925, and was married to Vivian Stewart in August 1955. They have two daughters, Ruth and Beth. He received his Bachelors degree from Miami of Ohio and attended Grace Seminary.

The following obituary appears in today's Johnson City (TN) Press newspaper:

Mr. Carlton Jay Fuller, 80, Telford, TN, died Monday, January 23, 2006, at his residence. Mr. Fuller was born in Dayton, Ohio, and was a son of the late Howard and Hazel Fuller. Mr. Fuller was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War, he served as Chaplain in Vietnam.

Mr. Fuller was a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he received a full scholarship as a long-distance runner. He was also a graduate of Grace Theological Seminary.

Mr. Fuller was a chaplain at the Quillen Veterans Administration Medical Center for more than 30 years. He attended Telford Grace Brethren Church. For many years he served as minister for Grace Brethren Churches in Tennessee, Iowa and Virginia.

Surviving: his wife of 50 years, Vivian Stewart Fuller, of the home; two daughters, Ruth Fuller, Hawaii, and Beth Fuller, Telford; a grandson and his wife, Jamie and Elizabeth Hoilman, Telford; two great grandchildren, Catlin Hoilman and Logan Hoilman, Telford; a brother and sister-in-law, Thorald and Harriett Fuller, Cincinnati, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Fuller will be conducted 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2006, at Telford Grace Brethren Church with Pastor Robert Skeen, Chaplain Richard Willis, Mr. Don Meade, Pastor Randy Ryssemus and Pastor Larry Chamberlain officiating.

The body will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the funeral service. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2006 at Mtn Home National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home Wednesday, January 25, 2006, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the Fuller family online at www.dillow-taylor.com. Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 423-753-3821 

Kevin and Holly High and their family (pictured here when they visited BMH offices in Winona Lake last summer) have completed Spanish language study in Texas and have been cleared to relocate to Argentina to begin ministry there. Here is an excerpt from one of Kevin's recent e-mails.

Last Sunday I gave the message at a bilingual church, Encuentro Latino in Coatesville, PA, including a 10-minute testimonial in my best castellano, that is Spanish. Thanks to language school and God's help, they said I had very clear Spanish.

We were tentatively approved today to go Argentina by Stuart Hake, the CFO of GBIM. That means that I was given the green light to purchase tickets to Argentina, gracias a Dios.

However, Amelia needs her tonsillectomy. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Amelia had the tonsillectomy January 16 and is recovering nicely]

I've purchased tickets to leave to Buenos Aires on Tuesday Feb 7th, leaving Philadelphia at 12:20 PM and arriving in Buenos Aires Feb 8th at 7:30 AM.

Pray that Holly and I and the kids are ready to take a new step in faith as we wake up on a plane in a new country with a new language and with new opportunities.

Pray in advance for those people in Argentina that we will be in contact with.

Pray that God would especially protect us from the designs of the evil one during this exciting but challenging time. That we would have focused minds, ready to deal with change.

Pray that we would discover an additional $160/month or $1900/year that GBIM would like us to have. We’ve taken a serious salary cut and probably cannot go lower.

 

Your prayers are requested for veteran GBIM missionary to Africa Roy Snyder, shown here with his wife, Ruth. Roy will undergo quadruple bypass surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, at 6:30 am in Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The Snyders served 35 years with GBIM in Central African Republic, and are now living at Grace Village and are active members at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Roy is well-known for his witty and newsy "Veterans" letter detailing the comings and goings of current and former GBIM missionaries.

Please also be in prayer for the family of Faye Hocking, whose father died this morning in Ohio. Faye and her husband, Jim, are former GBIM missionaries to Africa, and are now involved in developing a new ministry, ICDI, for that region.

Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey continues to recover in a southern California hospital from his quadruple bypass surgery. One of our Grace Brethren pastors visited him, and reported, "We also stopped in to visit Tom Avey at Eisenhower hospital in Palm Desert . . for a guy that had quadruple bypass surgery yesterday morning he looked very, very good. You would never guess he was recovering from such an invasive event. He will stay there in the hospital another 3-4 days and then be released to remain in the local area there for another week."
 

Dr. George Bullard, a Southern Baptist church growth expert whom the FGBC has used as a resource on a number of occasions, is this week featuring the Raleigh, NC, Grace Brethren congregation on his weblog. Reproduced here by permission is his report--quotes about the church are taken from its website.

A View from the Congregation: Hope Community Church, Cary, NC

Although it has grown from 30 people to over 3000 in weekly worship, Hope Community Church at www.GetHope.net is not a congregation about size.

"Hope may seem like a large church, but if you get to know us you'll discover that in many ways we're small. In fact, we're actually a network of small groups. If you'd like to develop authentic and enduring relationships with others, then you'll be glad to know new groups are forming all the time." [web site]

Although it has just this week moved from the gymnasium of a Christian school into its own worship center, it is not a congregation about bricks and mortar. "Our vision is not about bricks and mortar. Buildings are just tools. We [trusted] God to complete this tool where children, teenagers and adults will be impacted by Christ for years to come. This [was] a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something significant for God's Kingdom that will outlast us." [web site]

Although it has all the right staging, video projection, band, singers, and worship leader, it is not a congregation about performance. "Our services are designed for everyone to enjoy--even if you've never been to church before. Whether you're a Christ-follower or a spiritual seeker, we'll communicate the truth from the Bible in a way that's easy for you to understand and apply to your daily life. And when you visit us, you'll meet friendly people who will help you find your way around our facilities and answer any questions you may have." [web site]

February 5th they will take the next step, same journey, as they are calling it, and celebrate the grand opening of their new auditorium. Until then they are practicing in the new worship center by holding their worship services there.

Hope Community Church was founded in 1994 by Mike Lee, his family, and several other families who intentionally moved to the Cary, NC, area from various places around the country.

The congregation is affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. After only 12 years, it has the largest attendance of any Grace Brethren Church.

Mike is a friend of mine. He has a wonderful spirit. He is attempting to lead a congregation that requires boldly going where he, his pastors and staff, and his elders have never been before. They are building their congregation's journey while in flight. And, doing a really great job.

Until now it has done this in rented or borrowed locations, spending the past several years in the gymnasium of Grace Christian School on the same acreage where is has now built its worship center, plus education and fellowship space.

Parking is a real issue with limited parking at its primary site. Many worshipers ride buses from a restaurant parking lot a half-mile away, or walk from an empty lot 100 yards down the road from the church facilities and across a busy street.

With all these barriers, what makes Hope so attractive? It is a serious congregation that loves to worship God. It is an excited congregation that loves to make people laugh in the midst of great fellowship.

It is a doctrinally sound congregation that loves to dialogue about your faith journey as a committed Christian or a seeker. They do this formally in small groups or around a cup of Starbucks coffee in its gathering area.

It is a permission-giving congregation that celebrates the priesthood of believers and supports its congregants in many ministries that touch the lives of hard-to-reach target groups. It is a well-organized congregation that in spite of all its high-tech gadgets is successful because it is a high-touch fellowship.
 

Sandy Barrett, who works with Tom Avey in the Fellowship Coordinator's office, reports having talked with Tom's wife, Sandi, in California at about 3:30 p.m. Monday, Winona Lake, IN, time.

The word is that Tom is now out of ICU after his quadruple bypass operation, has been "unhooked from all machines," and has begun eating.

He will remain in the hospital for several more days, and will be confined to the area for several more, before being cleared to return to Indiana for recuperation.

The Aveys are grateful to all for their prayers, and are praising the Lord for successful surgery and early positive signs of recovery.

The following report was received from Dr. Francois Ngoumape in the Central African Republic this morning:

This is a very encouraging time for us this week after the [national] conference. I went to meet Gert [Puhl] and Wilfried [Dengler] in Bangui. Their flight was delayed several times, but finally they arrived Sunday afternoon, and we drove the whole night from Bangui to Bata.

Pastor John [Pappas] and Mark Sims arrived safely last Saturday by MAF plan from Moundou. They said more than 200 people came to welcome them. They started their class on Raising Children and Foundations on Disciple Life this morning. There are 13 pastors from Bozoum district who came to attend the seminar.

I took them to visit the head commander of the soldiers in Bozoum and the officer of the French soldiers. They were very kind and friendly to them. The head commander is a Christian from our Grace Brethren church, who got his training in Texas and Georgia.

His name is Ludovic. Please pray for him, as he said every Saturday before starting their day they have a time of prayer and Bible reading. I am looking forward to the possibility to share the gospel during this time with them one Saturday. So please pray for this opportunity. We realize that God allows things to happen so that His glory may be seen.

Pastor John gave us a very good sermon on perseverance this morning. Pray for their teaching time with us this week and their trip back to Bangui to teach there too.

A Total Mobilization Support Ministries team has been ministering in Sisophon, Cambodia, January 8-25, and is just about to conclude its ministry and return home.

The team is made up of 30 people from seven churches including California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Missouri and Canada.

Lititz, PA, Pastor Scott Distler included the following update today in his e-mail from Mike and Joan McCracken:

"The team was able to complete all the work we came to do on the building. The last work day was Friday. Saturday morning a dedication service for the building was held. It was great to sing praises and worship God with all the church planters and their families from Battambang, Siem Reap, Sisophon and others that were invited from the area.

"The dedication service consisted of special music from various groups. The children and youth from a Point of Light outside of town participated by singing and the young girls did a traditional Khymer dance. [children's choir is pictured]

"After the special music church planter Beng Ngoun shared the message. Then we had lunch for everyone. Two cows were killed for the event. They were prepared by one of the church planters and roasted behind the Training Center. He started Friday morning and cooked them through the night. There were between 150 and 200 people at the dedication service."

Ted Adomanis has been posting daily reports and photos-to see the updated log of the team's trip and work click here. 

Longtime Grace Brethren pastor Bob Kliewer, who is currently part of the Cherry Valley Grace Brethren Church in Beaumont, California, has been in severely declining health lately, primarily with issues relating to his heart. Pastor Roy Halberg of the Alta Loma church has been visiting him regularly, sending health updates. So that you may pray for Bob and his wife Lil in these critical days, we share with you some of Roy’s comments from Saturday night and today (Sunday, January 22) as he has visited with Bob:

I spent most of the afternoon and evening with Lil at the hospital. Her daughters are both there and their husbands joined them before the evening was over. Dale and Robin Workman from the Long Beach Community church stopped by, as did a few folks from the Cherry Valley Church and the Orange Grove chapel where Bob has been preaching for the past 3+ years.

It appears that the Lord is readying Bob for his mansion in heaven. This afternoon the nurses removed the I.V.s that were provided nourishment and meds; tonight they removed the telemetry equipment and were giving morphine as needed. Bob’s blood pressure was dropping and breathing was labored and difficult . . . expectations were that he would be in heaven soon.

We prayed around his bed and then sang. His favorite song is "Oh, How I Love Jesus" so we sang that and also sang "His Name Is Wonderful." When we finished, Bob seemed to be saying "wonderful" in response to our singing for him.

Pray for Bob's peaceful release to Glory and for Lil and her daughters (Lynn & Jan) . . . they have released him to the Lord, but of course, wrestle with all the emotions of sorrow. Lil is very tired from so little sleep the last few days.


[Sunday] . . . Today after church Andrea and I drove out to see Bob and his family.

They had removed the rest of the meds that Bob was being given so he was a little more awake and even able to speak a little. Several people stopped by so I know he was getting weary but it was good to know he could hear me when I spoke with and prayed for him. He understood that the doctors could do no more and that the end was near. He told Lil, "I'm so glad that Jesus is my savior."

The family is making the most of these final hours and his ability to be at least a little alert. As I left, his one-month-old grandson came by for a visit (yes, he brought his parents with him also) and I know Bob appreciated that.

Thanks for praying . . .

Pastor Charles Ashman sent along this update on Tom Avey's heart surgery late Sunday afternoon:

The surgery on Tom is complete and he will be in the ICU in the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA.

I just received the word and it did turn out to be a quadruple bypass. The doctor said he is doing OK, but will be kept quiet for the rest of today. He will be in the hospital for a few days and then required to stay in the area until he is able to fly back home for further recuperation.

He and his wife Sandi and daughter Brooke who are with him will appreciate your continued prayers for his complete recovery.

The southwest Focus Retreat in San Juan Capistrano which begins a week from Monday, and the three-day Fellowship Council meeting scheduled for Sacramento later that week go on as planned.

Late word received Saturday afternoon through Pastor Charles Ashman is that Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey is scheduled for bypass surgery tomorrow morning (Sunday, January 22) at 7:30 a.m. California time.

Doctors have told him the surgery will be about 2 1/2 hours in length, and he will then need to spend 3-4 days in the hospital, 3-4 days before returning home to Indiana, and no extended travel for about a month.

Further updates as they become available.

Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey, who suffered chest pains on Friday while checking out the site of next summer's Celebration06 national conference in southern California, has been hospitalized, is undergoing tests, and may have to face surgery.

Avey is currently in the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA, the same facility where former president Gerald Ford is recovering from pneumonia.

According to an initial note from Tom, and subsequent information from the FGBC office, Tom had tests and heart catheterization and doctors, who saw no signs of heart damage, nevertheless advised against his flying home. His wife, Sandi, is with him on this trip.

We will keep you posted as further updates are available, including day and time if surgery is scheduled.

Tom will appreciate prayers for his recovery and for FGBC events of the next several weeks, in which he was to be a key player. These include the southwest Focus Retreat in San Juan Capistrano which begins a week from Monday, and the three-day Fellowship Council meeting scheduled for Sacramento later that week. 

This week we received the following unsolicited review of Ed Jackson's self-published book, Faith Stranger Than Fiction, a 342-page paperback published in 2004, from Pastor Jim Franklin of the Flora, Indiana, Grace Brethren Church. Here is Pastor Jim's review:

Recently this writer had the pleasure of receiving a copy of Ed Jackson's Faith Stranger than Fiction: A Fisher of Men. The book was so enjoyable that he thought it fitting to write a review.

Ed Jackson is well-known within Grace Brethren circles. Some who grew up in this Fellowship heard Ed speak to their church, their youth group, or their Grace Brethren Boys chapter. Many remark that they heard Ed speak while dressed in the uniform of an Ohio State Trooper, an organization he served with distinction for over 20 years.

Others know Ed as a tireless and creative church planter. After resigning from the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 1970, Ed served several years as a church planter in Alaska, Ohio, and Florida. Indeed, Ed began the entire Grace Brethren church planting effort in Alaska. All of the current and former Alaskan FGBC churches were either planted by Ed Jackson or by one of the churches he founded.

He founded the Grace Brethren Boys in 1972. He also served as an interim pastor, on several National Organization boards, and as the Director of Church Planting for Grace Brethren Home Missions (now called Grace Brethren North American Missions).

Ed also served as a United States Marine during World War II. He was stationed aboard the attack transport USS Hugh L. Scott, and saw action in the Pacific.

Faith Stranger than Fiction is an autobiography. Ed wrote this book in a conversational style. It reads as if Ed were sitting in your living room telling stories. But the stories are not the typical "There I Was" war stories. Ed writes with a great authority but also with great humility. He writes of his failures as well as his successes. Ed is careful to give glory and thanks to the God Who made it all possible.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect about Faith Stranger than Fiction is Ed's energy. Simply put, he never stops. No matter where Ed served, and he served in many roles, he always found time to proclaim the Name of Christ, serve Him, and serve others.

Another great encouragement to the Christian reader is God's answers to Ed's prayers. Ed carefully details many specific prayers and equally specific answers. One cannot help but be challenged by his faith in God and God's timely answers.

Ed Jackson's Faith Stranger than Fiction is an excellent book. It is easy to read because of its conversational style. It is challenging because the author possesses almost inexhaustible energy.

Faith Stranger than Fiction ultimately glorifies God, because Ed Jackson is truly a man of great faith and wisdom who points the way to the Lord Jesus. The Lord told one of the centurions, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel" (Luke 7:9). Ed is also a "centurion" because of his military and police background as well as his faith.

Faith Stranger than Fiction is privately printed by Evangel Press. It is available through the Powell Grace Brethren Church, 7600 Liberty Road, Powell OH 43065. The book can be ordered at grace@gbcpowell.org. The Powell church suggests a $10 donation for the book.
 

Steve Mitchell, pictured here with his wife, Supriya, has accepted a call to pastor Garden City Grace Brethren Church in Roanoke, Virginia, and will begin his ministry there the first part of February.

Mitchell, who is the son of Pastor Dave Mitchell in Hawaii, is a 1997 graduate of the University of Hawaii with a degree in English, and he has had a variety of church and cross-cultural ministry experiences.

He has ministered on mission trips to Australia and India, and served as a missionary to India with Gateway Ministries from 2000-2003. He has assisted in his father's church in Hawaii, as well, and played with a Christian metal band for ten years.

He has also been active in apologetics ministry, teaching home Bible studies, and has been ordained with Calvary Chapel. 

Yesterday's Akron (OH) Beacon-Journal newspaper carried the following announcement about Grace College and Seminary graduate Knute Larson (pictured) and the announcement of his successor.

Chapel's next pastor former church staffer
The Rev. Knute Larson yet to retire, but the Rev. Paul Sartarelli is new hire scheduled to succeed him
By Colette M. Jenkins

The Akron area's largest church has found its next pastor.

But the current pastor -- the Rev. Knute Larson -- isn't retiring just yet.

In addressing the congregation at Riverwood Community Chapel in Kent, the Rev. Paul Sartarelli said Sunday that he has accepted an offer to join the staff at The Chapel to eventually become its fourth senior pastor.

``God willing, I will be working toward being the senior pastor of the church,'' Sartarelli said. ``I will begin preaching at The Chapel this spring.''

The nondenominational evangelical Christian church, which has campuses in downtown Akron and Green, attracts between 8,000 and 10,000 worshippers to Sunday services. On Sunday, Larson, who is out of the country, addressed The Chapel congregation via video to announce Sartarelli's appointment.

The plan is for Sartarelli, 47, to work alongside Larson, 65, sharing the senior leadership role. In the next two years, Sartarelli is expected to become part of the transition team, moving into a co-pastor role with Larson. He would ultimately succeed Larson, who has not announced a plan for retiring.

Sartarelli, the founding pastor of the nearly 15-year-old Riverwood, is no stranger to The Chapel. Before starting the church, which has grown to attract 1,000 people to its three services on Sundays, Sartarelli was on the staff at the Akron campus. He started as an intern in 1984 and within a year became leader of the sports and singles ministries.

Over the years, Sartarelli, Larson and the Rev. Jim Colledge, pastor of Hudson Community Chapel, have partnered as leaders of The Chapel Consortium and Association. The association is a group of churches sharing resources and providing mutual support.

``We're both on the same page when it comes to ministry and pulpit concerns,'' Larson said from Peru, where he is working with Wycliffe Bible Translators. ``A lot of prayer and a lot of hard work went into our search for the person to fill this position. We searched nationwide and found a diamond in our own backyard.''

The Chapel launched its search for an associate senior pastor several years ago.

Now, a search is under way at Riverwood to find a replacement for Sartarelli. Although no timeline has been established, Sartarelli said he hopes the congregation will have a pastor in place by summer. He will finish preaching at Riverwood in mid-February.

``I have mixed emotions. We're sad to leave the people who we love so much, but we firmly believe this is what God is calling us to do,'' Sartarelli said. ``We trust that God will bring a leader to the Riverwood family who will invoke new vision that will lead to growth and renewal.''
 

The following appeared this week in the Kenai (Alaska) Peninsula Clarion newspaper:

Embroiderers sought for new club
An embroiderers’ club meets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays at Kenai Grace Brethren Church at the corner of McCollum and the Kenai Spur Highway.

Embroiderers are invited to bring machines or laptops to share ideas and helpful tips. The club is open to anyone with any brand of machine. For more information, call Linda Machado at 776-8233.

Representatives of all Grace Brethren national organizations met today at noon with the leadership of Brethren National Youth Conference 2006 to discuss how each organization will be involved.

More than 2,600 teens are expected to attend the event, which will be held on the campus of Biola University in La Mirada, California, July 22 through July 27.

Main speakers for this year's conference include Francis Chan, Shawn McBride, Randy Smith, Jeremy Kinsley, Mike Lee, Lee Stroebel, Scott Distler, and Jeff Bogue.

National organizations will participate with displays, leading sessions, sponsoring special events, judging competition, counseling teens, and in many other ways.

For more information log onto www.bnyc.net. BNYC is a function of CE National and this year's theme is "Rescue," based on Colossians 1:13-14. 

Today's report from CE National is that the young adults in the 412 program from Akron, Ohio, and Sebring, Florida, have arrived in Mexico City, Mexico, where they will learn and be involved in ministries for the next 10 days.

Jay Bell from Grace Brethren International Missions is leading the group. The 412 participants have already received training in cross-cultural ministries, how to relate to people of another culture, how to plant and develop a church cross-culturally, and they are excited about serving.

When the group returns at the end of January there will be some time to evaluate, and then they will leave for a two-week, extensive tour through the Holy Land (Israel) on February 22. Dr. Randall Smith will lead that tour and teach the group as they see the lands of the Bible.

New locations for 412 for next year have been announced for Lititz, Pennsylvania, and Goshen, Indiana. For more information click here.
 

Brian Orme, of the West Milton (OH) church has a link on his January 18 blog entry to a very stimulating ABC Nightline report on the emerging church.

Those interested in studying this movement may see the ABC piece by clicking here.

Three staff members of Hope Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina (Mike Lee, pastor) are doing their part for charity today at noon. A message from the church office yesterday said:

Help three of our ministry staff get out of "lock-up" tomorrow by donating to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

At noon tomorrow, Jan 18, Mike Lee, Karl Moraski, and Jeff Ramsey will be carted away to the RBC Center to be held in an MDA lock-up until enough donations are received on their behalf to allow them to "fly the coop!"

You don't have to go to the RBC to help them with their bail-just donate online. 

Ron and Vivian Weimer from the Waterloo, Iowa, Grace Brethren Church (front row, green shirts) report on the recent success of a GO team in the Philippines.

They report: "The GO Team has been able to pass out 53 cloth bags and over 28 plastic bags filled with gifts for children. They visited more than 20 homes and were able to present the gospel message to over 60 people. They saw seven people make positive decisions to receive Christ."

For more reports and photos log onto www.missionstoday.com.
 

Tom Julien (Winona Lake, IN) sends the following report to those who have been praying for his health:

"I was released this morning (Tuesday), feeling normal and glad to be home. I was told that I could engage in normal activities. A big thanks to those who have been praying."

Meanwhile Roy Halberg reports that Bob Kliewer (southern California), who has been dealing with a weakened heart for some weeks, has gone back into the hospital because of weakness and inability to keep food down.

Bob and his wife, Lil, will appreciate prayers for them at this time.

Many have been praying for the health of former GBIM executive director Tom Julien (pictured), who has been hospitalized in Fort Wayne since last week for observations and tests related to his heart.

Word was received today that the catheterization performed this morning revealed that medication has not produced the desired result of dissolving blood clots located close to the blockage near his heart. Therefore they will not proceed with plans to utilize a stent to open the blockage.

It is likely that he will remain in the hospital under observation for a few more days before being sent home.

Hopes are that the heart will repair itself through forming collateral arteries. The doctor assures Tom that the blockage is not in an area that would make it life-threatening.

Tom and Doris express their thanks for the world-wide network of prayer on their behalf, and reaffirm their confidence that the Lord is answering in the way in which He deems best.
 

Dan Kramer, shown here with his wife, Katie, is joining the Osceola, IN, Grace Brethren Church as youth pastor.  

The Osceola, Indiana, Grace Brethren church (Greg Serafino, pastor) has announced the addition to the church staff of Dave Knight as children's pastor and Dan Kramer as youth pastor, effective immediately.

The announcement said that Knight (pictured here with his wife, Sue) will fill the Associate Pastor position overseeing the Children's Ministries, including all of the Sunday morning programs and staff along with the Wednesday night Awana program for kids up to 6th grade.

Kramer will assume the duties of the Associate Pastor of the Youth Ministry, which includes Wednesday night programs and Sunday morning programs along with retreats and major youth events.

Pastor Knight has spent the last 15 years serving at the Clinton Grace Brethren Church in Clinton, MD, as the Children's Pastor fulfilling many other administrative duties as well. He is married with two children and serves on the CE National Children's Cabinet.

Pastor Kramer graduated from Grace College in Winona Lake with four major areas of study and recently finished his Master's Degree in Youth and Family Ministry at Grace Theological Seminary while serving as a youth intern in Akron, OH, under Pastor Jeff Bogue.

Pastor Greg Serafino said, "The members of the Osceola Grace Brethren Church are excited to see these new additions to their staff and are looking forward to the coming years in ministry together."  

Jeff Bogue, national director for the 412 Commission program that provides a concentrated one-year Bible and ministry study program, reports that two additional sites will be opening in 2006-2007 year.

Those sites are Goshen, Indiana, a Grace Brethren Church pastored by Jim Brown, and Lititz, Pennsylvania, a Grace Brethren Church pastored by Scott Distler.

The 412 program opened this past fall with two locations--Akron, Ohio, (Jeff Bogue) and Sebring, Florida, (Randy Smith).

To learn more about the 412 Commission, which is a ministry of CE National, log onto www.FourTwelveCommission.org.
 

Pastor Jim Franklin of the Flora, Indiana, Grace Brethren Church, is looking for some good used hymnals.

He says, "In an effort to upgrade our church services, I am thinking about replacing our Billy Sunday-era hymnals. These hymnals were bought in 1971."

He could use 70-75 hymnals in used but good condition, and would also appreciate having two looseleaf or spiral-bound versions for the piano and organ, if available.

If your church has hymnals for sale and would like to make Jim a good price, contact Pastor Jim Franklin at jgfamf@kconline.com or call (574) 967-3020 or (574) 967-4715.

The Brethren at Flora thank you!
 

Romans: The Gospel of God's Grace by Dr. Alva J. McClain has just been reissued by BMH Books in a new "facelift" updated format.

The 253-page paperback consists of commentary on the Book of Romans culled from 40 years of teaching notes and edited by Herman A. Hoyt, who succeeded McClain as the president of Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana.

In the foreword to the book, Hoyt points out that McClain first delivered a series of expository messages on the epistle to the Romans in the closing year of McClain's five-year pastorate at the First Brethren Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Then for more than 40 years he delivered essentially the same series to his students at the seminary. McClain outlines Romans in four main sections, each of which deals with a specific subject, answers a great question, and presents a clear revelation of God.

McClain, who died in 1968, taught at the Philadelphia School of the Bible, the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, Ashland College, and Ashland Theological Seminary, where he also served as dean.

In 1937 he directed the fouding of Grace Theological Seminary, where he served as president and professor of Christian theology until his retirement. He was a member of the Scofield Reference Bible Revision Committee, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a charter member of the Evangelical Theological Society.

Romans: The Gospel of God's Grace retails for $14.99, and may be obtained online at www.bmhbooks.com or by calling (tollfree) 1-800-348-2756. The ISBN number is 0884690806. 

Many Grace Brethren people have been praying for the national church conference just concluded in the Central African Republic, with one of the main agenda items being the election of a president who will serve the union of churches for the next six years.

Dr. Francois Ngoumape sent the following report this morning:

"I just came from the end of the national conference. The atmosphere of the conference was very, very good, The Moderator is very sharp and wise.

"One of the main things happening in this conference is the renewal [election] of the fellowship board. Pastor Mboi Andre come to be elected, and Bavon Jonas and Zoungai Robert were elected too."

Ngoumape indicated that Mboi Andre will replace the former president, Dr. Pierre Yougouda, who concluded his term according to the constitution. Speaking of Yougouda, Ngoumape said, "He gave a very good speech in the end, that is very encouraging to everyone here. He talked highly about Pastor Mboi and Bavon Jonas as good collaborators. He really gave satisfaction to every one of the 1,600 people who came."

He concluded, "Praise the Lord for your faithful prayer for this conference and for the new board. I really feel the Holy Spirit worked among us. May the glory be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Watch the Grace Brethren International Missions website for further updates.
 

A two-day prayer workshop featuring BMH Books authors Tammy Schultz and Roger Peugh (pictured) is being held at Grace Community Church on Old National Pike in Frederick, Maryland, (R. Greene, pastor) tonight and tomorrow.

Friday evening's events will be 6:30pm-9:00pm, beginning with a light dinner and then the seminar topic, "You Shall Always Eat At My Table -- What is Prayer?"

Saturday Morning from 8:30am-12 noon, Topic One will be "The Silver Cup: Prayer & Suffering" and Topic Two will be "When The Journey Is Too Much: Prayer & Burnout."

Tammy Schultz, Ph.D., is the Department Chair for the Graduate School in Counseling & Interpersonal Relations at Grace College. Tammy has taught for 10 years. Prior to teaching at Grace College she counseled full-time at Winnipeg Christian Counseling Group and part-time at Providence Seminary in Canada.

Roger Peugh is Associate Professor of World Mission at Grace Theological Seminary since 1989. He was Chaplain at Grace Schools 1991-1998. Prior to that he served for 20 years in church planting in Germany. Pastoral counseling has been a significant and regular part of his ministry. For more than 12 years he has been teaching a course at Grace called "Principles and Practice of Prayer." He is currently pursuing his doctoral studies.

Schultz and Peugh's recently-published book, Transformed in His Presence: The Need for Prayer in Counseling (ISBN No. 0884693007) is available online at www.bmhbooks.com or by calling (toll-free) 1-800-348-2756.

For information on the Frederick seminar call the church at (301) 473-4337 or log onto www.gbcfred.org. 

The prayer workshop at the Frederick, Maryland, church this weekend is based on the book Transformed in His Presence: The Need For Prayer in Counseling by Roger Peugh and Tammy Schultz. More on the book is available at www.bmhbooks.com. 

Bob Pearson, pictured here with his wife, Sharon, will be ordained to the ministry this Sunday, January 15, at 3 p.m. at Crossroads Grace Brethren Church-Frankford on Leiper Street in Philadelphia, PA.

Pearson is pastor of Crossroads GBC-Wissinoming, whose purpose is "to bring people to Jesus and membership in His family, to develop them to Christlike maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and prepare them for their mission in the world in order to magnify God."

Pearson says, "The church in America has become increasingly ineffective (over many generations) because its members often live more like the world than like Jesus.

"I don't want to give our community Christianity; I want to give them Christ. They need a relationship, not a religion. Our community doesn't care much about truth; to them one truth is as good as another.

"We must first show them love before they will hear our truth, and our truth will not be heard unless it is spoken in love--not arrogance."

Updates and further information on the Pearsons' ministry is available on the website of Grace Brethren North American Missions.
 

Word was received today of the death on Wednesday, January 4, 2006, of Leanore "Jerry" Button, who served many years with her husband Bruce in Jewish evangelism.

A feature story on Jerry, written by Barbara Hulse, was published in the September/October 2004 issue of FGBC World (past issues are archived at www.fgbcworld.com).

Saved under the ministry of pastor Art Malles in the Grace Brethren Church of West Kittanning, Pennsylvania, in 1943, Jerry made her commitment to Christ with Bruce and in the fall of 1945 Bruce resigned his position with a railroad company and the family moved to Winona Lake, Indiana, to attend Grace Seminary. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Jerry and my mother, Helen Hooks White, were in the same 1933 graduating class from Kittanning High School]

They ministered among Jewish people in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles for the next 20 years, working alongside Isobel Fraser for much of that time. In 1970 Bruce took the pastorate of the Grace Brethren Church of Albany, Oregon, for eight years.

They returned to Jewish evangelism, working in the Tucson, Arizona, community for the next 20 years. Bruce went to be with the Lord in April of 2001 and Jerry continued her ministry in Arizona. She celebrated her 90th birthday this past November.

Recently she had moved to Sterling, Virginia, to live with her daughter, Melanie Dianne Ballard, and Dianne's husband, Paige. She died in Virginia after a short hospital stay.

The Buttons were always known for their unusual housepets, which included (over time) a rattlesnake, lizards, birds, cats, raccoons, skunks, mice, pigeons, dogs, ferrets, and Rosebud the pot-bellied pig.

Her daughter, Dianne, wrote in a tribute to her mother, "My mom was quite a lady! My brother, sister, our families and myself miss her so much already, but we know we will see her again in Heaven. It is enough to know she is now with the Lord, no longer in her wheelchair, no longer having her fears and spells that came from the dementia, and no longer struggling for every breath as she was at the end. I have a feeling that Heaven has a new zoo in the making, and I bet I know who the zookeeper will be!" 

Sherwood Lingenfelter, chairman of the board of Grace Brethren International Missions, recently spoke and participated in a national meeting to assess short-term mission activities. A portion of an explanatory article is reproduced here-to read the entire article click here.

Lingenfelter has co-authored a book on training leaders for a national church-planting movement with Dr. Bobby Gupta of Chennai, India. The book, entitled "Breaking Tradition to Accomplish Vision," will appear from BMH Books later this month.

Leaders from theological seminaries, youth ministries, mission agencies, and missions-minded churches convened January 9-11 at an annual national forum to ask difficult questions about whether short-term mission trips are effective. The National Network of Youth Ministries convened over 80 Christian leaders for the 2006 Youth Missions Forum Network at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

"We've got a million trips, but is it missions?" asked Sherwood Lingenfelter, provost of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. "We've made very little significant impact."

Four years ago, NNYM launched the Youth Missions Network to develop a coalition of U.S.-based denominations and organizations involved in international and cross-cultural youth missions to work together on issues that confront the American church and are larger than the scope of any one group. Today, over 75 groups are a part of this coalition.

The special forum hopes to stimulate dialogue about youth mission models. It convenes amid a slew of similar forums in Orlando addressing urban ministry and youth ministry - all organized by NNYM. The network represents close to 20,000 ministries.

During the forum at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, attendants pointed out that most of the students who went on the short-term mission trips don't commit to long-term missions.

Case in point is Lingenfelter's short-term missions project in Chad in 1997. The ministry he began didn't spread to the local ministries. And he doesn't know if the Africans they reached for Christ during the trip were ever incorporated into the local church community. In addition, only one out of a team of eight went into long-term missions.

He suggested that more students might have become missionaries if he had only followed up with them after the trip.

"The vision wasn't shared, and that was a mistake," he said. "I was focusing on programs rather than disciples, and when it was done, I thought it was done."

Lingenfelter said he failed to partner with the local initiatives already in place.

"People have a passion and a vision for their own people, but they get 'I think it's important to partner with what God's already doing, not try to start something on your own. We think we're the Americans and we have all the answers.'" 

Will you be in or near Winona Lake, Indiana next Wednesday? Planning on buying--or interested in buying--a car? Grace College has a seminar for you.

What would you like to know about buying a car? Jim Shipley (pictured), director of special events at Grace and veteran of the car sales business, will share facts and tips on how to buy a car. Questions such as How do you know it's a good car, How to research a car online, Should you buy new or used, will be covered, plus much more.

The seminar is open to Grace students, alumni, employees, and friends, and will be held Wednesday, January 18 from 4-5 p.m. at Westminster Hall, Conference Room A. Refreshments served. To reserve your place, or for more information, call Kathy Barnhart at 372-5100, ext. 6472.
 

The report from former GBIM executive director Tom Julien this evening is encouraging. According to reports at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church's Global Prayer Gathering, Tom had his catheterization at midday today as planned at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

The doctors did find some small blockage, but feel it can be treated with medication and Tom hopes to be home soon.

Hawaii pastor Dave Mitchell, whose wife, Betty Lou, was operated on today for a growth inside her head, sent the following (slightly edited) report:

A victory would be won regardless of how my wife's surgery had turned out because we were determined to give God glory. I am thrilled to say that the surgeon completed the operation about two hours ago and called me in the waiting room to tell me, "You'd better go to the intensive care room and kiss your wife. The operation went perfect. There was no cancer and I got every bit of the tumor. I could sense there was a much greater power than myself in the operating room."

Isn't that last statement great? That was our desire--to see God glorified. I'm not so sure he is a true believer but he knew there were many, many praying not only for Betty Lou but for him, and his smile said so much.

Right now Betty Lou is a very sore lady--who wouldn't be? The operation went so well that she could even come home in a day or two. The surgeon said this was a very serious operation and that's what is so amazing to him. Everything worked.

There seem to be no side effects as far as speech and there is some indication that her right leg, which has been weak for some time, has already regained strength. It has only been a few hours but Doc thinks it is safe to tell you all it seems great.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. We have learned so much concerning people's love and care for one another. Some from people who never met us, as well as those of you who do know us. While I do not wish for anyone to go through a tragedy, if it happens, I hope you will give us the privilege of being on your list of people praying as well.

Dave and Betty Lou Mitchell