BMH Editor's Blog

The September/October, 2006, issue of FGBC World, the all-Fellowship publication for Grace Brethren churches, is arriving in homes and churches this week. Here is promotional copy you may use for bulletins, newsletters, websites, and other church communications. Please pass along to your church staff. See the AGBM blog for distribution suggestions.

Week One:

Larry Everett of the Grace Brethren Church of Clinton, Maryland, remembers his “taste of hell” as a firefighter at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Read about how God answered the prayers of this man and has been working in his life since in the September/October issue of FGBC World, now available. Take a copy today or read it online at www.fgbcworld.com.



Week Two:

More than 2,500 teens gathered at Biola University in LaMirada, California, for BNYC July 22-28. The “Rescue” theme for the conference was based on Colossians 1:13-14. Also, the Celebrate06 adult conference, held July 29-August 3 in Indian Wells, California, discussed the theme “Hearts on Fire.” Read more about what happened at conference this year and see the photos in the September/October issue of FGBC World, now available. Take a copy today or read it online at www.fgbcworld.com.


Week Three:

Pike Grace Brethren Church of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, works with the Johnstown Grace Brethren Church to reach the inner city children through VBS. Read about what God did in and through both these churches in the September/October issue of FGBC World, now available. Take a copy today or read it online at www.fgbcworld.com.

From Charles Ashman (pictured), retired FGBC pastor, associate to the Fellowship Coordinator, and coordinator of the FGBC’s Paraclete ministry to churches in transition or conflict:

As many of you have heard, one week ago today I began an unusual journey into the land of WUZTS.

On August 22 I had a carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand. All went well and I was recuperating at home being comforted by my dear wife, Frances, and Vicodin pain pills.

On August 24, while sitting before my computer, I began to phase in and out of awareness. I took my blood pressure and it was very low. My good wife rushed me to the ER at the local hospital. After some tests it was decided that I had a “Silent Heart Attack” and I was rushed by ambulance to the Fort Wayne Cardiac center at Lutheran Hospital.

I spent the next five days in the Cardiac Care Unit getting my blood pressure up, being weaned off dopamine and undergoing EKGs, sonograms, nuclear test and chemical stress tests and ultimately a heart catheterization. The last they did after I signed my life into the hands of God and the cardiologist doctors to do what was necessary if vessels needed to be cleared – rotoroot, scrape, sand, balloon blow, stint or, after further consultation, surgery.

Through all this we were wondering WUZTS HAPPENING?

Since I am sitting here working with my faithful companion, Toshiba Laptop, you are right to conclude that the results of all these tests were most encouraging – no blockage, heart function good with a few minor function adjustments that can be handled with medication. Conclusion: The sudden drop in blood pressure must have been a side effect of the narcotic pain medicine.

In all of this the Lord was so good and literally hundreds of wonderful people were involved in attending to my needs. God gave me and Frances peace of mind knowing that all was in the controlling hands of a loving, gracious and omnipotent God.

I had many opportunities to witness to EMS attendants, the ambulance crew, hospital workers, nurses, and doctors (at least a half-dozen different cardiologists). Sometimes fine Christian nurses and I mutually encouraged one another with God’s Word.

I had many hours to lie and visualize pages of my Bible and gather strength, hope and assurance from the Lord’s words He had privileged me to memorize through the many years of our communing together. When one nurse said to me, “Maybe you’ll get to go home soon,” I said to her, “I know I’m going to one of my homes soon – either my earthly home in Winona Lake or my other home in heaven with the Lord. And I am excited about the possibility of going to either – sooner or later.”

I want to thank all of you who receive this message for your love, concern and especially for your prayers. There is no more encouraging force on earth, except God Himself, than that of a loving spouse, a loving family and wonderful friends who care and let you know via their kind words, and powerful prayers.

I thank God for you all. May He bless you all greatly.

HIS and yours,
Charles Ashman

Jay and Debbie Hocking, who have just completed a year as host couple at the Chateau St. Albain in France with Grace Brethren International Missions, are off on an 81-day walk of the St. James Way between France and Spain.

The blog of Rob and Nichole Plaster notes that the Hockings' "last known where-a-bouts was the Rue Saint Jacques, Paris, France, at 10:15 am Wednesday August, 30th.

"After hearing our intriguing tales of pilgrimage, this adventurous couple decided to head off on their own journey of spiritual reflection. Their quest is to walk from the famous Saint Jacques tower in Paris to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

"Ours may have been the last official sighting of this couple on their trip which they hope to complete in 81 days," say the Plasters, noting that Saint Jacques is the French translation of Saint James and the tower is so named because it is historically the starting point for pilgrims heading to Santiago which is simply the Spanish name for Saint James.

To learn a little more of the walk and to get another perspective, click here. More on the St. James Way Walk is available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_St._James.

The office of Tom Avey, Fellowship Coordinator, has announced that registration for the 2006/07 Focus Retreats are now online.

The theme for this year's focus retreat is "Building Authentic Community." Registrants will recieve a copy of FGBC moderator Tim Boal's BMH book Building Authentic Community, pictured at right.

Dates and locations for this year's retreats are:

October 9-11 at Punderson Manor in Ohio
October 23-25 at Sandy Cove in North East, MD
January 29-31 at Rancho Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, CA
February 26-28 at Florida FFA Retreat Center in Haines City, FL
May 14-16 at Camp Clearlake in White Pass, WA

All pastors and leaders in Grace Brethren churches are invited to enjoy any one of these-48 hour retreats. Register at http://www.fgbc.org/focus/.

Guests planning to come to Winona Lake, Indiana, now have an excellent alternative for overnight lodging--five newly-remodeled guest rooms in the historic Westminster Hall (formerly Westminster Hotel).

Here Grace Special Events coordinator Kathy Gill (left) shows Joan Hoke and Terri Carter of the GBIM staff a sample of the $5 continental breakfast basket available to Westminster guests. An Open House this afternoon permitted area residents to see four of the five guest rooms available and to have questions answered.

Each of the five rooms has a queen-sized bed, private bath, ironing board and iron, cable TV, free internet access, and free local phone privileges. Each room is furnished in a Mission Oak style and each has undergone recent redecoration. One is handicapped-equipped.

The breakfast baskets contain a carafe of coffee or tea, a large muffin, juice, and fruit.

Cost for all rooms is $55 per night, including all taxes. One room also has a rollaway bed available. Cash, VISA, Discover, or Mastercard are accepted for payment.

To reserve a room or to get more information, contact Kathy Gill at (574) 372-5100, ext. 6501 or e-mail her at kgill@grace.edu.

Westminster Hall is a beautifully restored hotel, originally built between 1905 and 1907, located on Ninth Street between College and Chestnut Avenues. It houses the Reneker Museum of Winona History in the office space once occupied by the Rodeheaver Music Company.

About twenty 412 Commission students and leaders had a pizza lunch today in the BMH offices as part of this year's 412 orientation. Here students enjoy lunch and chatting with BMH Senior Editor Jesse Deloe and BMH Operations Manager Ann Myers.

Terry White of BMH and Tom Avey of the FGBC addressed the students, giving background and context on the Fellowship and its operations. Following lunch the students toured the warehouse/shipping areas of BMH Books and had a tour of the Tree of Life bookstore/cafe now under renovation next door to the BMH offices.

The 412 Commission is a ministry of CE National and CEN executive director Ed Lewis accompanied the students on the orientation visit.

Here, in their own words, is how the students described the experience:

"For lunch we went to the Brethren Missionary Herald, (BMH) and had lots of healthy food, for example, pizza, chips and pop. They took us on a tour of the building and showed us where they ship and package the books they sell. We also were able to see where the new Grace Tree of Life bookstore will be. Hopefully that will be opening the beginning of October.

"At the end of our tour, we recieved a bag full of goodies which included the latest edition of the FGBC World newspaper, a couple other pamphlets, and many good books including Childlike Faith by Keith Shearer and Sweeter Than Honey by BMH's own Jesse Deloe."

Many have been praying for Charles Ashman, who has been hospitalized the last few days in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for testing related to low blood pressure.

Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey, with whom Pastor Ashman works, reports, "Charles Ashman had heart cathederization today and they found no significant blockage. If all goes well he should go home tomorrow."

It now seems likely that the blood pressure drop is related to medication balance following carpal tunnel surgery Ashman had earlier last week.

Thank you for your prayers for this wonderful and faithful saint.

The Waipio Grace Brethren Church in Mililani, Hawaii, has what it believes is the "World's Greatest Outdoor Awana Circle" in its parking lot.

Painted by church member Babylon Schoniwitz, the circle used more than 40 gallons of paint and took many hours to complete. It is in the church parking lot behind the church building, facing the parsonage.

Pastor David Mitchell says, “We are seeing some exciting results in kids from surrounding neighborhoods. I was able to lead five kids to Christ (with others sowing the seed) one night in my office and they in turn are telling others. Our new Awana season starts September 8 and we are excited. God has allowed me to pastor a wonderful church over these past 22 years.”

A new Grace Brethren church will launch in 12 days in the Kent State U. area of northern Ohio.

Here are some updates from Jonathan Herron, who is leading the effort to launch the church, which will be named "Catalyst."

"We have already had three child dedications, two believer's baptisms via triune immersion, and 54 people at Catalyst last night - all via word of mouth!

"It can only be God - With the help of the Acts 29 Network and Grace Church in Macedonia, we're launching a new church in the least-churched county in Ohio (Portage County) in its largest city (Kent) that is literally known in occult circles around the globe for overt displays of witchcraft, Native American shamanism, and satanic worship.

"Already we're seeing amazing things happen and Catalyst hasn't even launched yet... Wow. The Unstoppable Force promised by Jesus in Matthew 16 is stirring... Hang on for the ride!"

Advancing the Invisible Kingdom,

Jonathan Herron

More information and updates are available through the Catalyst website at http://www.catalystchurch.cc/

Today's Grace Brethren International Missions website carries the good news that the Jim and Debbie Momeyer family (pictured) have arrived in France to begin language study.

Jim and Debbie Momeyer and their children have arrived in Albertville, France, where they will start French language study next week.

Upon completion of their year of language study, the Momeyers will be moving to Yaounde, Cameroon, where they will be joined by missionary appointees Kirt and Kay Carver.

The Momeyers and Carvers will be the first GBIM missionaries on the ground in Cameroon since early in 2005.

Pastor David Mitchell isn't the only one with a sharp eye for Winona Lake (IN) sunsets.

This classic photo was taken by once and recent BMH editorial intern "Dr. Laura" Bloomingdale, of our Basore Road (OH) church.

Have you been praying for the health needs of Pastor Charles Ashman? They have ruled out a heart attack, but he is still in Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, and was to undergo a heart catheterization this morning at 8:30. We'll share details as they become available.

Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey says, "A stress test on Monday indicated that there may be blockage. Pray for Charlie and Frances as they wait on the Lord in this matter."

Pastor Dean Risser sends along the following update:

Heartland Grace Brethren Church, Mt. Gilead, OH, (Charlie Barnhill, pastor) had their first service and building dedication August 20. About 40 percent of the building is worship area, side rooms, pastor's study, kitchen and rest rooms.

Fifty-one people attended, including Ed Jackson and Dean Risser. Pastor Charlie Barnhill brought a brief message before the people joined in a responsive reading of the dedication vows.

The congregation is planning an Open House on September 10 for the community and interested visitors from other churches.

When the town of Winona Lake, Indiana, wants to put its best foot forward on its website, to what photographer does it go for showcase photos?

To a Grace Brethren pastor from Hawaii, of course! Check out Dave Mitchell's photo here: http://www.winonalake.net/

P.S. (Wonder who taught this guy photography? )

# posted by Terry White @ 11:12 AM 0 comments

Pastor Charles Ashman, shown here speaking at the opening session of Celebrate06 conference in California several weeks ago, has been admitted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with low blood pressure.

Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey, with whom Ashman works as an assistant and as coordinator of the Paraclete Ministries, said, "So far there is no indication of heart attack but he is undergoing more tests today and tomorrow. He is comfortable and under great care."

Your prayers for Charles Ashman will be appreciated.

After a brief prayer time at Grace Brethren International Missions headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana, this morning, Tina Walker (right) and Tim and Ginger Hock left today for missionary service in the Central African Republic.

Tina Walker is returning to Central African Republic as a term missionary. Tina has been part of a team that provided HIV/AIDS educational seminars and utilized "True Love Waits" and "True Love Stays" programs in Africa.

Tina has also been involved in several short-term projects connected with the C.A.R. She attended Grace College where she double-majored in French and Business Administration. She is the daughter of retired GBIM missionaries Dr. William and Donna Walker.

Tim and Ginger Hock, career missionaries to the C.A.R., are key workers in the Project Hope & Charité orphan care ministry. Ginger serves as the liaison between the children and their sponsors, and Tim is one of two builders constructing PH&C's orphan welcome center.

Tim, who was in service/sales in the tire industry, uses his mechanical skills and knowledge to help in any way needed on the field. He has also been very involved in rescue mission work.

Ginger was a teacher and principal at a Christian school and is involved in a variety of music ministry opportunities. The Hocks have two sons and two grandchildren and have been living in Winona Lake while preparing to return to Africa.

Pastors Ivanildo Trindade and Tom Peters of the Wooster, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church will be leading a short-term missions team to the Central African Republic the dates of August 31-September 17, 2006.

Partnering with Integrated Community Development Internationals (ICDI), led by Jim Hocking, the team will minister to orphans, local churches, Bible schools, and will participate in community development projects in the western parts of the Central African Republic.

Members of the team, in addition to Trindade and Peters, will be Tim and Jeana Harley and Dave and Jana Slater.

After arriving in the capital city of Bangui, the group will visit an orphan center and will minister to AIDS patients. In the next several days they will visit a Pygmy village, help install a generator and repair a water pump at the Bata Seminary and Bible Institute, and will visit an agro-forestry development project in Gamboula.

The remainder of their time will be spent ministering in churches, working in Pygmy villages, visiting water well drilling projects, and installing water pumps in villages.

More information is available at http://www.woostergrace.org/images/cartrip.pdf.

A delightful report from Pastor Scott Distler (Lititz, PA) on some post-BNYC activity:

The weather and the water temperature of the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach in Southern California were absolutely perfect. It was spiritually uplifting for me to simply watch as our youth group started their day at the beach by getting in groups of 2 or 3, holding hands, and praying for God’s safety for the day and for ministry opportunities as they spent the day at the beach.

But the real highlight came right after that time of prayer. We had some 12-15 teenagers from our group who had never followed the Lord in water baptism since they had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

One of the High School guys came up to Andy Brightbill, our Pastor of Student Ministries, and asked if it would be possible to be baptized in the ocean that day. Before long, there were all of the others who wanted to do the same thing. How can you say “No” or “You probably ought to wait” to young people who are so eager to take a step of faith? You can’t say “no.” You have to encourage and accommodate their passion and their zeal.

What a thrill it was to watch as the whole Youth Group waded out waist deep into the pacific and witnessed these steps of obedience as Andy had the privilege of baptizing each one of them. As each teen came up out of the water the rest of the group applauded and cheered as we all shared in the excitement of their steps of obedience.

Hallelujah!! What a great morning it was.

Many have been following the exciting story of the church-plant in Sunbury, Ohio, under the direction of Pastor Brian Williams and through support of the Delaware and several other surrounding churches. Here is an update report, edited for brevity, from Pastor Brian:

We are seeing a good flow of visitors through the church each Sunday morning. Please pray that God will cause some of them to stick.

We have a good spirit in the church. God has blessed us with many talented people and with a wonderful sense of unity. We laughed together the other day that the only thing we fight about is who loves the other more.

We are beginning two services September 10 in order to accommodate the growth of the church. This affects the facility (where to put Sunday School Classes, etc.) and the people (more workers for SS & Church). Pray for good solutions and continued growth of the body both spiritually and numerically.

Youth Group restarts September 10 as well. Pray that our teens would be excited about making their youth group great. If they don't assume ownership then it doesn't matter how good your staff and programming are--it will fail.

We have several publicity strategies that we are pursuing this fall. Mass mailing, personalized invitations, newspaper ads, and a feature article are all part of the plan. Pray for a good response.

We are implementing leadership on many levels (an Interim Advisory Task Force charged with establishing membership processes and moving towards an Elder Board, Youth Staff leadership, adult, teen and children's Sunday School Teachers, Teen and Children's Ministry Directors, and more). Pray for wisdom in leader selection and wisdom for the leaders.

We have a work day scheduled for this Saturday, which will be primarily focused on cleaning out the garage and the attic, putting things in the basement for storage or throwing them away, and beginning to create Sunday School space out of the garage, basement, and second floor of the parsonage.

Kathy Gill, Special Events Coordinator for Grace College, invites all to attend a special Open House of the Westminster Hall guest rooms in Winona Lake, Indiana, on Wednesday, August 30, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Westminster Hall (formerly the Westminster Hotel) has guest rooms available for rental use by Grace employees, alumni, parents or students. The Open House will take place in the lobby and first-floor guest rooms of the historic building.

Refreshments will be served. The purposes of the Open House are to inform area residents of the availability of the guest rooms, to enable the public to see the newly-redecorated rooms and upgrades, and to share in a time of fellowship.

The rooms are furnished in Mission Oak style with a queen-size bed, private bath, cable TV, and free internet access. The room rate is $55 per night, including tax. To reserve a room, contact Grace's Special Events Coordinator Kathy Gill at 574-372-5100, ext. 6501 or at kgill@grace.edu.

The stately Westminster Hall was built between 1905 and 1907 and was first known as the Westminster Hotel, serving as a denominational boardinghouse for the Presbyterian church. It was the largest and last of Winona Lake’s four hotels.

The building’s lower level originally contained, among other things, an experimental dairy laboratory, and the upper level contained an auditorium and cafeteria.

During World War I the building was used as a barracks for Camp Winona, a military training center where U.S. Army truck drivers and mechanics were trained.

In 1932, Homer Rodeheaver, a pioneer in gospel music and the renowned songleader for evangelist Billy Sunday, purchased the building to house his music company. In the 1940s the Westminster is credited with being a sort of “launching pad” for several international ministries. Youth For Christ was founded there, and toward the end of 1949 was the famous “Rainbow Room Prayer Meeting” which launched the Los Angeles crusade and ultimately the career of evangelist Billy Graham.

Grace College began using the building as student housing during the 1950s and 60s, and in 1970 the Free Methodist Church purchased the hotel, renamed it “International Friendship House,” and used it to house missionaries and as a denominational conference center.

When the Free Methodist organization moved its headquarters to Indianapolis in 1990, the building was closed and subsequently purchased by Grace College and Seminary in January of 1994. Extensive renovation has restored much of the grandeur of earlier days to the building.

Today it provides a combination of housing, offices, and student grille for Grace College, meeting space for community and corporate events, and it houses the Reneker Museum of Winona History, which features displays and historical artifacts from the history of the town and from the lifetime of Homer Rodeheaver.

Tom Avey, of the FGBC Fellowship Coordinator’s office, has announced a change of location for the Central Focus Retreat, to be held October 9-11. Held for the last several years at Pokagon State Park in Indiana, the retreat this year will move to the Punderson Manor Resort (pictured), about 50 miles southeast of Cleveland, Ohio.

Punderson’s website describes the facility this way:

Located in the natural splendor of Punderson State Park, only 50 minutes southeast of Cleveland, Punderson Manor Resort & Conference Center is a historic English Tudor Style mansion featuring 31 spacious guest rooms, 26 fully furnished two bedroom cottages, a conference center that accommodates up to 100 and an elegant full-service dining room that boasts breathtaking views of Punderson Lake.

Activities abound year-round in this beautiful setting. Enjoy the tranquility of relaxing in the indoor and outdoor pools. Wade awhile at the sandy beach, play tennis, volleyball, basketball or enjoy a challenging round of golf on our picturesque 18-hole championship golf course.

And, with 14 miles of beautiful winding park trails, there's plenty of hiking. When winter saunters in, you can snowmobile, cross-country ski, ice fish or toboggan down our "Fast & Steep" sled hill.

Further information and directions may be found at http://www.pundersonmanorresort.com/Directions-631.html. To register for the Central—or any—Focus Retreat, log onto www.fgbc.org.

The other retreat locations will repeat from the previous years.

The East Focus Retreat will be at Sandy Cove in Maryland the dates of October 23-25, 2006. The West retreat will be at Rancho Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, CA, the dates of January 29-31, 2007. The South retreat will be at the FFA camp in Haines City, Florida, the dates of February 26-28, 2007. And the Northwest retreat will again return to Camp Clear Lake at White Pass, Washington, the dates of May 21-23, 2007.

FGBC Moderator Tim Boal will be focusing attention this year on The Church. Each registrant will receive a copy of Boal’s new book, soon to appear from BMH Books, entitled Building Authentic Community: Enjoying Christ’s Church in a Postmodern Age.

The September/October, 2006, issue of FGBC World is now arriving in homes and churches and is already available online at www.fgbcworld.com. The lead story, about a Grace Brethren firefighter who was a first responder to the Pentagon crash, is especially powerful and poignant in light of the five-year anniversary of 9/11. Read and rejoice that God has His people in all situations.

Larry Everett had a taste of hell that day five years ago.

Everett, a firefighter, was called in to assist when a hijacked Boeing 757 slammed into the 29-acre Pentagon complex on September 11, 2001. Everett vividly recalls entering the third floor of the massive facility and being met with a wall of fire. Temperatures exceeded 2,500 degrees—he and his crew of 25 watched metal desks and file cabinets melt before their eyes.

Wearing firefighting gear rated for only 1,500 degrees, Everett is convinced that God protected him in the inferno.

A member of the elite Fairfax County, Virginia, Fire and Rescue Department, Everett and his colleagues spent nine hours in active firefighting that day.

Their strategy on the upper floors was to push the fire further back into the building where it would starve and be extinguished. But no matter what they did, they could not escape the intense heat.

“This is what hell is going to be like,” Everett remembers thinking. The impact of the airliner and leaking fuel produced intense heat and a smoky blaze that penetrated three of the building’s five rings.

When the firefighters entered the first floor, they found a dark area within the collapsed building. Eighteen inches of water covered the floor—it had filtered down from firefighters on the upper stories.

There in the basement Everett saw his second picture of hell—a darkness that was so complete it established itself as a presence. “You could feel the darkness,” he recalls. “Hell is the complete and utter absence of God.”

“You Start Where You Start”
When he arrived on the scene in truck No. 402, Everett muttered into his microphone, “Where are we going to start?”

His driver, hearing the question, answered, “You start where you start.”

Everett, whose faith in God is strong, uttered a quick two-part prayer. “Please give me wisdom to make good decisions that will get the job done and protect my men,” he asked. “And please protect my eyes—don’t let me see something I shouldn’t, that I don’t need to see.”

God answered both prayers. How did Everett and his men, taking 20-minute shifts, work effectively in temperatures nearly double the rating of their equipment?

“God created a tunnel of wind that left an opening,” Everett recalls. That wind tunnel effectively kept cooler air flowing and enabled them to work in the intense heat.

The second prayer was answered by the 18-inch-deep water on the lower floor. “We never saw a body, we never saw a body part,” Everett recalls. “They were there—but 18 inches of water will hide a lot.” The crash killed about 200 people, including all 64 on the plane and 125 at the Pentagon. Most of the dead were on the first floor. Everett and his men concentrated on the first and third floors.

“There were lots of miracles that day,” Everett recalls. One of them was that American Airlines Flight 77, the plane that went into the Pentagon, was only half-full. On a normal day there would have been twice as many passengers.

“And why, of all the places it could hit, did the plane go into the building at a point that had been under construction for several years and was almost completely unoccupied?” he reflects.

Everett refers to September 11, 2001, as the “second greatest day of my life.” The first, he says, was November 29, 1988, when he gave his heart to Jesus Christ. A fire truck in which he was riding collided with a car full of teenagers, an accident that impacted Everett greatly. He’d been working as a part-time insurance agent, and a client whose portfolio he’d reviewed said, “We’ve talked about life insurance. Now I want to talk about life assurance.”

The friend urged Everett to give his heart to the Lord, which he did. “I was physically different the next morning after that experience,” Everett recalls. “The change in me was real.” Eighteen months later his wife, Andrea, gave her heart to Christ, as well.

John “Larry” Everett, 40, grew up in Rockville, Maryland. He started as a firefighter with Montgomery County, Maryland, for five years, and has now had 20 ½ years with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

From firefighter he was promoted to hazardous materials technician, to lieutenant, to Captain I, then Captain II, and this past June 24 was made Battalion Chief. He is now responsible for 75 people in seven stations, covering 80 square miles in elite western Fairfax County, Virginia.

Hopes to Be in Youth Ministry
Along the way, the gregarious Everett has earned degrees in youth ministry and church business management. After he retires from the fire department, he hopes to be in full-time youth ministry.

He has provided valuable help at Brethren National Youth Conference the last eight years, primarily in public relations and transportation.

Everett first came in contact with Grace Brethren churches while attending the Frederick, Maryland, church, where he led the youth group for seven and a half years.

The Everetts began attending the Clinton, Maryland, church about five years ago. They now live in Clinton, and Andrea works for the Clinton church as the kitchen manager.

The oldest of their three children, Philip, will enter Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, this fall. Rebekah is 15, and Joshua is 13.

Partly because of the 9/11 experience, and partly because of his natural skills in public speaking and human relations, Everett has a blooming career as a public speaker. With his schedule managed by a national speakers agency, he averages several engagements a month to groups ranging from 25 to 3,000.

He often speaks at school assemblies. If they ask for his Christian testimony and a call for salvation decisions, he is happy to comply. He also speaks to business and secular audiences, giving his observations on God’s protection and guidance.

Last year Everett spoke at an 1,100-student high school for a week and there were 175 recorded first-time decisions for Christ and 130 recommitments. He often uses the title “Fingerprints of God in 9/11,” and he may be contacted at eversafe@comcast.net.

This spring he was the speaker for the Ashland County (Ohio) Prayer Breakfast, a citywide gathering sponsored by a consortium of churches. About 450 attended the event and Larry Edwards, pastor of Southview Grace Brethren Church in Ashland, said, “He gave a powerful, clear, and compelling testimony.”

The assistant principal of a Georgia high school said, “Your presentation is phenomenal! You have turned a tragic event into something positive. Your motivational speech was well-received by our student body. You provided them with 'food for thought' in lifelong lessons."

Although he may have seen hell on 9/11, Firefighter Everett also knows—and freely shares—the way to escape a literal hell. He has seen the fingerprints of God in 9/11.

Firefighter Larry Everett was one of the first responders to the Pentagon crash on September 11, 2001, working more than nine hours that day in unbelievable temperatures. He believes God spared the firefighters' lives in a unique way.

Sixty years to the day after groundbreaking at the Pentagon, hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into its west side at 9:37 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, killing all aboard as well as 125 people within the building. The flight penetrated three of the five rings, but because the affected area was under renovation at the time, several offices were unoccupied, saving many lives. (photos by Scotty Boatright of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department)

Kathryn ("Katy") Devereaux, a Grace College English major/journalism minor, began work today at the Brethren Missionary Herald Company as the fall editorial intern.

Each semester Dr. Paulette Sauders of the college's journalism department supplies BMH with a skilled writer/editor to serve in a paid internship. The students work about 20 hours a week and they write, edit, and proofread for BMH's various publications, including FGBC World periodical, the accompanying websites, and BMH Books.

During her working hours this fall, Katy will be the front-desk receptionist and will be the telephone receptionist for BMH, in addition to her journalism duties.

Katy, who is from Jackson, Michigan, has been working this past year as a copy editor and staff writer for the campus newspaper, The Sounding Board. In addition, she has participated in Lady Lancer soccer, went with Grace Brethren International Missions on a short-term trip to Ireland in 2005, and this past summer participated in a short-term missions trip to the Philippines.

Katy's interests are in French language skills, creative writing, world traveling, sports, community service projects, and child sponsorship.

This past summer's intern was Paul Hoard, a Grace journalism student from Ankara, Turkey.

Pastor Scott Distler, who was one of this year's speakers at Brethren National Youth Conference, has painted an excellent word-picture on his blog of the nearly-indescribable worship experience at BNYC. Here are a few of his words, copied from his daily blog at http://www.lgbc.org/gracechurch/about_us/distlersk/blog.htm

What I love best and miss most about BNYC is the worship. I just can’t describe for you what it is like to worship with 2,000 teenagers. When youth are the minority among hundreds of adults in a Sunday Morning Worship Service at church, they are inhibited to a degree. That’s too bad because we could really learn a thing or two about worshipping God from our teens.

When they get all together at BNYC, the inhibitions disappear and pure, unadulterated worship becomes paramount. I love to experience it…I love to participate in it…I love to watch it.

At BNYC, all of the walls come down. Worship becomes what worship is meant to be…a Spirit led response to truths about God. This isn’t like church. These teens don’t just stand on cue and unemotionally sing along with the worship team up front. This is different.

These teens don’t just sing. They focus. They focus on who God is and who they are in comparison. You look around and you see it on their faces. It’s real. They couldn’t care less about who is around them and what others may be thinking of them. Their mind and their motive are on one thing…God.

Many lift their hands. Most clap. Some cry. Still others put their arms around their friends and worship in unity. Some bow to their knees and yes, you might even see a few who dance. Now if that rubs you wrong, you may have a hard time in heaven because I believe we will sing and dance before the Lord.

As a youth pastor, I saw it each and every year at BNYC. Kids break before God. Sin is confessed. Relationships are restored. Abuses are forgiven. Lost friends are prayed for. Spiritual gifts are put into use.

I have seen more teens make life and eternity changing spiritual decisions at BNYC than anything else I have ever been part of in my life. It was the same this year too. Josh McDowell is right. It’s the best youth convention out there!

Pastor Dean Fetterhoff of the Marietta, Georgia, Grace Brethren Church, sends along the following request for construction help:

Construction helpers needed. Wycliffe Associates is an arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators that sends volunteers all over the world to assist Bible translators in their work. Thousands have been involved in this facilitating ministry.

A new headquarters building is being built with volunteer labor at the Wycliffe headquarters in Orlando, Florida. Volunteers are needed for a week or more to help finish this work.

Brent Ropp, Vice-President of Operations for Wycliffe Associates, is a graduate of Grace College and former member of the Grace Brethren Church in Marietta, Ga. Project Manager is Steve Mercier, also a member of GBC, Marietta.

For further information about this great opportunity for ministry e-mail Gene_Gossman@Wycliffe.org.

Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, has announced that the internationally-acclaimed American tenor Don Bernardini (pictured) will join the full-time Grace faculty this month as Director of Vocal Studies and Artist-in-Residence.

Recent highlights of Bernardini’s performing career include the singing of leading operatic roles in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Israel, Mexico, Sweden, and other countries.

His May 2003 performance as Gennaro in Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia performed and recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London with Nelli Miricioiu in the title role was a great success as was his Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni in Boston in the fall of 2003.

Current season appearances include Verdi's Nabucco in Bern, Liszt's La Messe Solennelle in Valencia Spain, Così fan Tutte in Nuremberg, Germany, as well as multiple concert performances throughout Europe. This season he made his debut with Atlanta Opera as Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, will appear with the Duluth Symphony in a concert version of Carmen and will make his debut with Covent Garden Opera in London as cover in the title role of Mitridate.

In North America companies he has performed with include the Opera Companies of Baltimore, Calgary, Chautauqua, Cincinnati, Edmonton, Grand Rapids, Hawaii, Kentucky, Knoxville, Michigan, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, the Opera Theater of St. Louis, Opera Pacific and New York City Opera, to name a few.

He has been guest soloist with the Symphony Orchestras of Columbus, Denver, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Oregon and West Virginia; the Buffalo, Evansville, Oklahoma City and Rochester Philharmonics; the Opera Orchestra of New York and the Brevard Music Festival.

In making the announcement, Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, chair of the Grace College music department, said, “He has produced many excellent recordings, speaks Italian, German, and French, and has earned a number of prestigious music awards, including the Pavarotti Competition and the McAllister Awards.

“Furthermore, Don is a very gifted teacher and conductor. For 25 years he has taught repertoire, diction, technique, and master classes at the Conservatory of Music in Fribourg, Switzerland, Indiana University, the Swiss Musical Academy in Bern, and most recently at the University of Oklahoma.

“He studied voice from the great Nicolai Gedda, and holds degrees from VMI, Lexington, Virginia (Bachelor of Music) and Indiana University, Bloomington (Master of Music).

“Finally, Don is a wonderful Christian man with a passion for singing to the glory of God. He loves his students and sees his teaching as a ministry, helping young people to hone their God-given talents for Christ.”

Pastor Tim Hodge of the New Holland (PA) Grace Brethren Church, has shared with us this news of the homegoing of a well-known member of his church.

On Thursday, August 17, 2006, family and friends of George Platt Sr. were shocked and saddened at his sudden passing. George (aged 74) was a wonderful man who served the Lord wholeheartedly right up until the Lord took him home.

Throughout the years, many lives have been touched through the serving ministry of George and his dear wife Florence. Apart from being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, George was always busy serving others.

The New Holland Grace Brethren Church (Lancaster County, PA), where George and Florence are members, will definitely feel the impact of his absence. A lot of people got to know George through his involvement as a volunteer at Camp Conquest, the Grace Brethren Camp serving the North Atlantic Fellowship. George served as a cook (usually Head Cook) for a minimum of one week per year, plus numerous other camp and church-related events.

George and Florence had only just returned from serving as cooks for the Grace Brethren ministry in Canada. Just before his passing he was preparing to continue his service as a Sunday school teacher, a role that God has used him in for many years.

Throughout his life, George served his country (army), his community (election supervisor & fire company chaplain), his church (teacher, deacon, food service coordinator, etc.), and his family (George was helping his son install new kitchens – something he loved to do – when the Lord took him home).

His passing was sudden and unexpected. His devotion to God was inspiring. His servant heart was remarkable. He will be missed greatly, which in itself is a statement that testifies of a life well-lived.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 21, 2006, at 11 a.m. at New Holland Grace Brethren Church, (415 S. Kinzer Ave), with the Rev. Tim Hodge officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Presbyterian Cemetery.

Viewing will be held at the church on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Memorial contributions in honor of George may be made to Camp Conquest, 480 Forest Road, Denver, PA 17517 or to New Holland Grace Brethren Church.

Arrangements are with Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland. To submit condolences to the family, visit www.groffeckenroth.com

A note in this coming Sunday's bulletin from the Ephrata (PA) Grace Brethren Church (Kim Robertson, pastor) says, "We extend our sympathy to Florence Platt and her family. Her husband George went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 17. He was well-known for his cooking at Camp Conquest and other activities, as well as serving as one of our babysitters during communion services."

Obituary

George R. Platt, Sr., 74, of 1284 Martin Street, East Earl, PA, died unexpectedly Thursday, August 17, 2006. He is survived by his wife Florence E. (Huey) Platt with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.

Born in DuBois, he was the son of the late John C. and Iva V. (Plank) Platt. George was a retired First Sergeant of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. He had been stationed in Japan, France, Germany, Korea and Vietnam.

Following retirement from the Army, George attended night classes at Lancaster Bible College and attained a bachelor’s degree. He was employed with Victor Weaver and Tyson Chicken from 1970 to 1994 as a master plumber and maintenance worker.

George was a member of New Holland Grace Brethren Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Food service coordinator. He was a cook at the Camp Conquest (church camp). He was Blue Ball Fire Company Chaplain and also enjoyed gardening, helping his son, reading and his great-granddaughters.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are his daughters: Rebecca A. Smith of Jemison, Alabama; Deborah L. Whitcraft of Ephrata, and Linda S. Gosnay of Douglassville; his sons: George R. Platt, Jr. of Narvon and Charles W. Platt of Carmel, IN; six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Also surviving are sisters Jane Salada and Betty Dunlap, and brother Richard W. Platt, all of DuBois and brother John C. Platt of Palmyra, VA. He was preceded in death by a daughter Janet Marie Platt and a sister Helen LaBenne.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 21, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Grace Brethren Church, 415 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, with the Rev. Tim Hodge officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Presbyterian Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the church on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions in honor of George may be made to Camp Conquest, 480 Forest Road, Denver, PA 17517 or to New Holland Grace Brethren Church. Arrangements are with Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.

Timothy Young (pictured), associate professor of art at Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, has been selected as the Badlands National Park (South Dakota) Artist in Residence for fall 2006. This is a four-week residency, beginning in early September to early October.

Prof. Young will be interpreting the Badlands National Park environment in painting and drawing. Specifically, he will be exploring color and compositional interests of the surrounding area. This appointment also coincides with his fall 2006 sabbatical.

The Artist in Residence program is a competitive program to which professional artists submit application packets which are then reviewed by a selection panel to determine the resident artist.

Prof. Young joined the Grace College faculty in 1997. He holds his B.F.A. degree from Bowling Green State University, M.F.A. degree from Miami University (Ohio), and has participated in additional studies at Circulor De Belles Arts, University of Madrid.

Prof. Young is accomplished in painting and drawing and has exhibited and sold major works in the U.S. and abroad.

The following story appeared in this evening's Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper:

BY JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer

More than 200 volunteers worked Wednesday to make 22 residences in Kosciusko County more like home.

United Way teamed up with 145 Grace College students from the college’s department of character leadership and development, several committees and churches to participate in the second annual Community Day of Caring.

Volunteers spent the day at 22 homes throughout the county completing many projects such as replacing a shed roof, pulling weeds, painting kitchen cabinets and replacing windows.

Pat Coy, executive director of United Way of Kosciusko County, said the day was special for both the volunteers and homeowners.

“The day was a very rewarding and inspirational event for those who gave and the beneficiaries, and we look forward to next year,” Coy said.

The list of homes worked on included five in Claypool, three in Syracuse, eight in Warsaw, four in Winona Lake, one in Leesburg and one in Silver Lake.

Forms were distributed around the county for homeowners who needed tasks such as home repairs, painting, cleaning and yardwork completed.

White and blue posters were stationed outside each residence that said Day of Caring and volunteers wore blue shirts with the words “Team Work United Way.”

Volunteers wrote notes for the homeowners to read after the projects were completed.

One of the many homes that was worked on was the home of Marge Hansen, Winona Lake.

Hansen had broken her pelvis Tuesday after a fall and was in the Kosciusko Community Hospital Wednesday. Her son, Skip Hansen, was in town from Eldora, Iowa, and advised the volunteers the work that needed to be completed at his mother’s home.

There were six Grace College students at the home who spent the day pulling weeds, trimming bushes, raking and cleaning up trash.

“My mother likes everything to be kept nice and it’s a marvelous gift of service that these volunteers spent the day making her home look better,” Skip said.

Melody Malenovsky, a junior at Grace College, was one of the volunteers at Marge’s home. It was her second year for participating in the event.

“It’s great to be able to connect with our community and help those who aren’t able to complete projects around their homes,” Malenovsky said.

The Walnut Creek Home Repair Group also participated in the day.

Gene Butts, member of the group, helped volunteers paint kitchen cabinets on Second Street in Winona Lake for homeowner Glenn Goldsmith, Grace College baseball coach.

Butts is a retired elementary school teacher who taught for Warsaw Community Schools for 37 years. He also has painted for the past 57 years.

Butts said he enjoyed working with the students painting the cabinets.

“I have been a teacher and love painting so teaching the students painting techniques is right down my alley,” Butts said.

Other volunteers repaired window panes and put sheetrock on the ceiling of a bedroom.

Work also was completed at the home of Eugene and Connie Warrix in Claypool. Chore-Time Brock volunteers and Grace College students replaced an aging shed roof, swept grass and painted outside window trim.

Eugene suffers from heart problems and diabetes and said it has been hard to complete outside projects around his home.

“I think it is wonderful that projects are getting done that I have not been able to do because of my health problems,” Eugene said.

Volunteers removed tar, shingles and nails from the roof and replaced it with new shingles and a drip edge guard.

Kevin Judd, who has been employed by Chore-Time Brock for 8 years, was one of the volunteers who helped replace the roof. Chore-Time Brock employees were allowed the day off from work to participate in the event. There were 23 employees who volunteered at six homes throughout the county.

“The volunteers are like friends to the homeowners who are willing to help and the payment is through dedication,” Judd said.

Volunteers also worked at Retired Tigers, a retirement community in Warsaw, where Herbert and Phyllis Sundheimer live. Grace College students stripped the apartment's kitchen floor linoleum. Phyllis had been in the hospital recovering from a heart attack and came home Sunday.

“Having this help couldn’t have come at a better time,” Phyllis said.

The day concluded with a reflection time at Winona Lake Amphitheater where volunteers and owners reflected on their experiences.

Supervising organizations included Walnut Creek Home Repair Ministry of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church in Warsaw, North Webster United Methodist Men’s Home Repair Ministry, United Way of Kosciusko County, Grace College Department of Character Leadership and Development, Greentree Environmental and Housing Opportunities, Kosciusko Community Senior Services and Chore-Time Brock.

Businesses who donated materials included Lowe’s, Harmon Glass, Carter Lumber and Warsaw Siding, Elliott’s Cars and Carts and Culligan Water of Warsaw.

Syracuse United Methodist Church was in charge of the food for volunteers.

Churches and organizations who supplied food included Claypool Lions Club, Claypool Methodist Church Good Neighbors, Christ’s Covenant Church of Winona Lake, The Salvation Army, Warsaw Community Church, Nazarene Church of Warsaw, Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Winona Lake Free Methodist, Winona Lake Grace Brethren, St. Andrews Methodist of Syracuse, First Christian Church of Warsaw, Winona Lake Presbyterian, New Horizon Community Church of Winona Lake, and First Presbyterian Church of Winona Lake.

Join Dr. Randy Smith, acclaimed Mideast scholar and pastor of the Sebring, Florida, Grace Brethren Church, on a study cruise/tour, "Understanding the Book of Acts and Applying the Teachings of Paul."

The trip begins with the sailing of Celebrity’s Galaxy from Rome on May 21, 2007, and it ends the morning of June 3, 2007. The 11-night/12-day cruise includes 18 hours of seminars with Randy while at sea. Extensive touring at Istanbul, Kusadasi (Ephesus area) and Corinth/Athens are also included. Additional ports-of-call are Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Naples/Capri.

When the ship docks in Rome on June 1, the program continues with sightseeing that day and the next, including two nights of hotels plus breakfasts.

This study cruise/tour is priced from $2,800 per person (based on double occupancy) and includes all ship taxes and tips (airfare is extra.) Unsold cabins must be released mid-September, so deposits are due by September 15, 2006.

Call Christian Travel Study Programs at 888-880-8538, or contact Joan Keane at ipy8@juno.com for more information.

Phil Dick, son of longtime Grace Brethren pastor Paul Dick and former athletic director and coach at Grace College, has been fighting lung cancer for some months. Many are following the updates his daughter, Michelle, is posting on www.caringbridge.com (type in phildick).

Knowing that he would get results of the latest CT scans this week, the Dicks have asked for prayer that the cancer would not have spread, or might even decrease. Here is Michelle's latest entry:

"I just received the best news I've heard in 8 months!!!! Dad had his c-t scans on Monday and they called just a few minutes ago to give him the preliminary results (his "official" appointment is tomorrow afternoon). The spots on his lungs are stable and they've actually seen one decrease in size!!!! This is so fantastic - this tells us that Dad is in the 40-50% response group and they will continue to give him Suten on the cycle he's been on for the past 2 months. This is the hope we've been praying for and we rejoice in God's graciousness to us. He will meet with Dr. S. tomorrow to review the dosage, continued treatment, etc. But in the meantime, please praise God with us and I need to schedule a celebration party! :)

Love, Michelle on behalf of Mom & Dad"

Several months go we posted a photo of the bowling alley facility that the Mount Gilead (Ohio) Grace Brethren Church (Pastor Charlie Barnhill) is remodeling for a worship and fellowship facility.

Comes now this invitation from Pastor Barnhill:

"This Sunday August 20th, Heartland GBC at Mt. Gilead will be meeting in their new building for the first time! We are planning to have a special service of Dedication. Sunday School will meet at 9:30 am and the dedication service will begin at 10:30.

"Our new church address is 140 E. High St., Edison, Ohio, 43320. The building is located right on the Mt. Gilead-Edison line, State Rt. 95.

"On Sunday, September 10th, we will have an open house, 1-3 p.m., for the community to come and share with us. We plan to have chicken and sloppy Joe sandwiches, potato salad, chips, drink, ice cream. Everyone is invited to come!"

Celebrate06 is now mainly memories--you can re-live the experience by browsing through the blog entries from Saturday, July 29 through Thursday, August 3.

But Equip07, set for July 29-August 3, 2007, in Winona Lake, Indiana, is rushing toward us. This exciting week of continuing education opportunities for all ages literally has something for everyone--from the youngest children through senior adults.

Some courses are available for credit, others are not. Some are a week long, others are only a day or so. Some are of special interest to women, others will be primarily for pastors.

Complete information on courses, curricula, instructors, and registration is online at www.equip07.com. Log on today and make your plans--FGBC moderator Tim Boal and Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey look forward to hosting you for this rich week of learning, fellowship, and challenge.

Twice a year Grace Brethren North American Missions and Grace Theological Seminary team up to offer a week-long class in church-planting.

The current course is underway in Winona Lake, Indiana, with Dr. Terry Hofecker as the instructor. Hofecker is, among other things, senior pastor of the Northwest Chapel, a Grace Brethren church in Dublin, Ohio.

To learn more about the class and to hear an interview conducted by GBNAM career missionary Ron Boehm, click on Tim Boal's blog here.

A standout football star from Grace Brethren High in Simi Valley is competing for the starting job as running back this year at the University of New Hampshire. Here is how one sportswriter describes him--the full article may be seen at http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/REPOSITORY/608160350/1007/SPORTS

• Chad Kackert, fr., 5-8, 190. Kackert was at UNH last year but didn't play after a benign tumor was discovered in his right leg. He's fully healed now and his speed and quickness have impressed. He gained a stunning 6,700 yards at Grace Brethren High School in Simi Valley, Calif., including 3,447 yards and 56 touchdowns as a senior.

Judy Daniels, of the communications office at Grace College and Seminary, has shared with us this lovely letter, which we’ve edited slightly, from Margaret “Pill” Sprunger about her parents (pictured). Members of the Bethel Brethren Church in Berne, Indiana (Joe Nass, pastor), they are celebrating their 80th wedding anniversary. Greetings may be sent through Margaret at 317 W. Compromise St., Berne IN, 46711-1419.

My name is Margaret “Pill” Sprunger. I am sending a picture of my folks, Bert W. and Martha Parr, who will be celebrating their 80th wedding anniversary on September 8, 2006.

They have always been active members in the Bethel Brethren church since marriage. Mother played the piano, they both sang in choir (when she didn’t play), Dad sang in Men’s Quartet and was a trustee.

They have four living children and one deceased, 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and two deceased and seven great great-grandchildren. Mary Parr of Warsaw is their niece and Shannon Gause and Rochelle Criss are great granddaughters, also of Warsaw.

Mother and Dad have always been very supportive of Grace College and Seminary and missions of the Brethren. If you look back in an old Brethren Missionary Herald magazine, Dad’s picture is there with his truck and some other members of Bethel who helped move the Missionary Herald equipment from Ohio to Warsaw.

I am their oldest daughter and I and two of my children and families are members of Bethel and take part especially in music and we support Grace College, Seminary and missions also. God has been so wonderful to all of us.

My folks used to come to Winona for Brethren conference and so did my husband and I. He has passed away but we have a lot of good memories of Winona.

I am sure there are people still around that would enjoy this great event to maybe send a card.

Love in Christ
Margaret “Pill” Sprunger

Pastor Richard D. Sellers, 81, of Goshen, Indiana, died at Greencroft Healthcare late Sunday night, August 13, 2006.

He was born January 16, 1925, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Clifford and Fawn (Miller) Sellers. On December 27, 1949, he married Virginia Rose Flora in Dayton, Ohio. She died February 19, 2000.

Pastor Sellers coached and taught at New Paris High School for three years and was a Grace Brethren pastor for 45 years. He was a member of the Calvary Grace Brethren Church of Alto, Michigan.

He is survived by three daughters, Jody (Dennis Bentzler of Kokomo, Indiana, and Sharon (Clark) Wolters and Anita (Tony) Wolters, both of Portis, Kansas; two sons, Bruce (Ruth) Sellers of Goshen and Randy (Priscilla) Sellers of Pendleton, Indiana; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Joan Wilcoxson of Winona Lake, Indiana and a brother, Charles (Bonnie) Sellers of Mishawaka, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his wife, a sister, Dorcas Isham and a brother, Donald Sellers.

Friends will be received 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 17 and 9 to 10 a.m., Friday at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.

A 10:00 a.m. funeral service will be conducted on Friday, August 18, 2006, at the funeral home. Rev. Bob Moeller, retired Grace Brethren minister; Rev. Mick Funderburg of the Calvary Grace Brethren Church, Alto, Michigan; and Rev. Chris Hinshaw of the Elkhart Grace Brethren Church will officiate.

Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Liberty Mills, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be given to New Tribes Mission for LeAnna and Ray Finsaas.

Alexander Eloy Pacheco arrived Friday, August 11, at 11:25 (Central Daylight Time) in Naperville, IL, weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz., 20" long, with lots of black hair and looking a lot like his daddy. David and Esther are both doing well and are understandably ecstatic about this beautiful baby boy.

Grandpa Dan Pacheco (left) is on the teacher education faculty at Grace College, first-time daddy Dave Pacheco recently completed a number of years service at Grace as an admissions representative and is now working with a Christian school in the Chicago area.

Grandma Miriam Pacheco says, “All the black hair and that little nose sure do look familiar. Pray for this new little guy to learn to love God.”

Pastor Roger Mayes of the Grace Brethren church in Yucca Valley (CA)sends along the following information about the homegoing of one of the Lord's choice servants in the FGBC:

Victor Sewell Rogers was born November 16, 1923 to George Walter Rogers and Elma Grace Brumbaugh Rogers in their home in East Freedom, Pennsylvania. He was the middle child of five children. He passed away Thursday, August 10, 2006 in his Sun City, California, home. Vic was 82 years old.

Vic had fallen in his backyard and hit a concrete sidewalk April 23 and broke his neck. He was making good progress and was to come home soon. On July 25th, Victor told family he was ready to be with the Lord. The next day he suffered a massive stroke.

His wife, Vivien Jane Rogers from Sun City, survives him. They were married for 61 years. He is survived by two daughters. They are: Ruth Ann Rogers Mayes and Sharon Louise White, both of California. Eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive Victor.

Victor has two siblings who are still living. They are: Catherine Lingenfelter (wife of Galen Lingenfelter) from Pasadena, California and Levi Ellis Rogers from Sun City Center, Florida.

Vic was preceded in death by his brother, Galen Brumbaugh Rogers, and Lucinda Rogers Meyers (wife of Victor Meyers)

Vic received the Lord when he was seven years old in 1930. That makes him a believer in Christ for 76 years. He was baptized in the Dunnings Creek Hollow beside the Church of the Brethren Church in Pennsylvania. Elders dammed up the river and Victor was baptized.

Vic graduated from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, High School in 1942. He attended Practical Bible Training School in Binghamton, New York, from 1942-1945. After marriage to Vivien Laux from Lorain, Ohio, he attended Biola College from 1945-1948 receiving a Bachelor of Theology degree.

From the time he was born until eleven years old he was a member of the Church of the Brethren. From twelve years old to the present he was a member of theLeamersville Grace Brethren and the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

Victor was the pastor of the North English, Iowa, Church 1948-1952; Jenners, Pennsylvania 1952-1959; Leamersville, Pennsylvania 1959-1969; Albuquerque, New Mexico 1969-1979; Chico, California 1979-1985; Yucca Valley, California 1986-1987; and Dolan Springs, Arizona 1987-February 29, 2004 when he retired from full-time ministry. He was in the ministry for almost fifty six years. He was involved in four building programs in Jenners, Leamersville, Albuquerque and Chico.

He never missed preaching a Sunday in 55 years.

He had the privilege of leading Shimer Darr to the Lord and encouraging him in the faith. Shimer continues as a Grace Brethren pastor today. Roy Glass was often encouraged by his cousin Vic in the early days of ministry. Victor touched many lives in ways only eternity will record.

He was remembered for his involvement at different district camps. He sang in a quartet for ten years in Leamersville. He had a radio broadcast for years. He loved to sing for the Lord. He enjoyed traveling every chance he had. He made seven cross-country trips to National Conference.

He loved to tell stories. Some stories were about his hunting expeditions while others were a little bragging about how many miles per gallon his vehicle achieved.

Victor was the last of four generations of preachers. He leaves behind a legacy of at least seven generations of Christians.

His favorite hymns were "Know My Jesus," "One Day," "Redeemed and How I Love to Proclaim it."

In recent months he has told everyone he met, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. If I don't see you anymore on this earth I will see you in heaven."

A graveside service will be held in Joshua Tree, California, at the Mountain Valley Memorial Park Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 10 AM. A memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church in Yucca Valley, Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 1 PM.

Anyone who would like to share comments regarding how Victor touched their lives may send letters, notes, poems etc to Grace Community Church 6300 Ruth Dr. Yucca Valley, Ca. 92284 and they will be shared during the memorial service.

The complete text of the commendations for the three Association of Grace Brethren Ministers award winners at Celebrate06 (Lester Kennedy, Glen Shirk, and Jesse Deloe) are now posted online.

Click "Grace Brethren Ministers' Blog" at left or click here.

Jim and Debbie Momeyer, who are on their way eventually to Africa as missionaries with Grace Brethren International Missions, send along this pertinent prayer request for the Cameroon:

The church of Cameroon has asked people around the world to be praying this coming Monday, Aug 14th that the government will soon grant official recognition of the church. Monday is not the day the government is deciding, but a rally day of prayer.

This is essential for the future ministry of the church in Cameroon. The government is increasingly concerned about cults coming into the country so this process is getting more and more difficult.

We ask that you take some substantial time throughout Monday to pray for this.

Thanks so much for your work!

Praying with you, Jim and Debbie

From today's Ventura County (CA) Star:

Seminar to help educators, parents improve students' writing potential
By Star staff
August 12, 2006

A seminar aimed at parents and educators who would like to develop their students' writing skills is slated Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at Grace Brethren Church.

The facilitator will be Andrew Pudewa, director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, who will present "Teaching Writing: Structure and Style."

The seminar begins on both days with continental breakfast served at 7:30 a.m., and continues until 3:45 p.m. Registration is $100, which includes breakfast, lunch and all resource materials.

Pudewa is a homeschooling father of seven. Presented throughout North America, he addresses issues relating to teaching, writing, thinking, spelling and music with clarity, insight, practical experience and humor.

His seminars for parents, students and teachers have helped transform reluctant writers and have equipped educators with tools to improve students' skills.

He is a graduate of the Talent Education Institute in Japan and holds a certificate of Child Brain Development from the Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia.

Registration information and forms are available through the school office at 522-4667.

The church is at 2900 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley.

At the delegates’ luncheon at Celebrate06, John McIntosh (Simi Valley, CA) was elected Second Moderator-Elect of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC), which means he will be moderator of the FGBC for the year following Jim Brown. Tim Boal is moderator 2006-2006, Jim Brown will be 2007-2008, and McIntosh will be moderator 2008-2009.

Larry Humberd (Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem, PA) was elected to Fellowship Council from the east, Ron Smals (Mansfield, OH, Woodville) from the central region, and Phil Sparling (Auburn, CA)from the west.

John McIntosh has been the senior pastor of the Grace Brethren of Simi Valley, California, since 1983.

As senior and teaching pastor, John is committed to God’s Word and ministers by the motto, “the Bible, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible.” A pastor for more than 30 years, John came to Grace Brethren from Mabton, Washington.

Earlier he had served in his hometown of Sunnyside, Washington. He was drawn to the increased opportunity for ministry in the Southern California area and wanted to experience the sufficiency of God’s grace in a fast-paced environment. He supervises a staff that touches the lives of hundreds of families in the community.

John received his Bachelors and Masters of Divinity degrees from Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary. Awarded the “Pastor of the Year” in 2004 by the National Association of Grace Brethren Ministers, John currently serves on the Board of Directors of Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana.

Throughout his ministry, John has also served on several district and national boards for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. John and his wife, Carolyn, were married in 1968 and have three married children and nine grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, golf, fly-fishing, and riding his Harley with friends.

Asked about his vision for the FGBC, McIntosh said, "The church of tomorrow stands or falls with the willingness of pastors and church leaders to train and mobilize their successors today. Church leadership has got to be willing to empower and release young men and women into productive ministry. When the power people in the church are driven by what they need to do to protect and expand their own influence, the church begins to die.”

What Does a Moderator Do?

Paul put it this way when he wrote to Timothy …”entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2). Pastors must give priority attention to the leaders and influencers in his congregation. These are the faithful, available, and teachable folks. Effective training must be given to skills in service, teaching and evangelism. Equip ’09 will be a program that helps pastors and elders identify these people and constructively help train them to be the leaders in the church of tomorrow."

The moderator of the FGBC serves in the long and significant tradition of men who play a key role in advancing the Grace Brethren movement. This tradition is of a leader who:
· Has a strong commitment to the Word.
· Models a passion for telling people about Jesus.
· Values relationships with fellow pastors and churches.
· Has a strong vision for the future of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

His reputation in the FGBC and vision for the FGBC serves as both a model and a motivation as we look to the future.

The Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches is a volunteer association of local churches that join together to "to encourage and enable member churches in equipping and uniting the saints in fulfilling the Great Commission (FGBC Constitution)."

The FGBC values biblical relationships, mission and truth over structure. However, this association is a legal corporation with a board of directors called the "Fellowship Council." The constitutional role is the FGBC moderator is to:
· Serve on the Fellowship Council for four years
· Chair the Fellowship Council in the third year of that term.
· Chair an annual meeting of delegates from member churches.
· Deliver a "moderator’s address" at the annual conference of the FGBC.
· Serve as the legal president of the corporation during his year as moderator.

Your continuing prayers will be appreciated for the health of Ed Lewis (pictured), executive director of CE National.

Ed was experiencing severe back pains during BNYC the week of July 22-28, and took medication for the pain to get through the week.

The following week he went to Palm Springs to Celebrate06 but the pain was so severe he was hospitalized briefly there and the next day flew back to Indiana, going straight to the emergency room at Kosciusko County Hospital in Warsaw.

He was then admitted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, but returned to his home in Winona Lake on Saturday. According to doctors, who are reluctant to operate, the problem is a herniated disk, aggravated by strain, and they are seeking to treat it with therapy and non-surgical means.

Ed will be out of work all this week, resting and relaxing, and plans to be back next week half days (if his staff can hold him to that).

The word from CE staff is that it “looks like he has avoided the surgery at least for now, and is on the mend.” Your continuing prayers for Ed will be appreciated, and he prefers at this time not to have a lot of visitors and phone calls.

Workmen this morning dismantled the "Herald Bookstore" sign in front of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. building in Winona Lake, Indiana. A "Herald Bookstore" has operated continuously in the building since the building was constructed in 1956 under the direction of Arnold Kriegbaum, who was then the executive editor and general manager of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co.

The company which has been leasing and operating the store for the last five years opted to close it this spring, and the space has been leased to Tree of Life, a bookstore management firm from Marion, Indiana, which is doing extensive renovations to open the store next month as Tree of Life Books/Music/Cafe.

Four simultaneous construction projects by Grace Brethren organizations are underway this summer in Winona Lake, Indiana.

Here workmen apply new facing to the facade of the Brethren Missionary Herald building on Kings Highway, which is being extensively renovated to house the new Tree of Life Books/Music/Cafe bookstore. When completed, it will include the college bookstore, a cafe with light food menu, free wireless internet, a full-scale Christian bookstore for the community, and more.

Steel girders and trusses now outline the framework for the Orthopaedic Capital Center under construction on the Grace College and Seminary campus. Built on a former brownfield side across Wooster Road from the Morgan Library, the building will house athletic events, convocations, and conventions.

All framing is complete, and roofing shingles are being applied to the Training Center currently under construction on the CE National campus. The building is located high on the hill between the Barnabas Center and the main office building on the CE campus.

The basement walls have been poured for the 20+ unit townhouse dorm which is being built on the site of the former Gamma A Hall on the Grace College campus. The dorm will replace a unit which was destroyed by fire on August 9, 2004. It is located on King's Highway in Winona Lake, directly across from the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. and the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

The 2006 annual conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, entitled this year "Celebrate06," concluded at noon today with a delegates' brunch and business meeting. For the past six days the Fellowship has met at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, California.

The day began with separate meetings of the Women of Grace USA and the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers, which earlier this week passed some major new bylaw changes that will lead to the enlarging of categories of membership and structure for the AGBM.

Various items of business were cared for in this morning's business meeting, under the direction of outgoing FGBC moderator, Dr. Keith Shearer, pastor of the New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church in Myerstown, Pennsylvania.

This coming year the moderator will be Dr. Tim Boal, pastor of the Penn Valley Grace Brethren Church in Telford, Pennsylvania.

One ad hoc all-conference project during the week was to provide (and fill) children's backpacks for use by Hispanic church planter Oscar Chavez, who is planting churches in the Lancaster, California, area. At the conclusion of conference, Chavez was presented with 304 fully-filled backpacks and 77 filled pencil bags, and two boxes of "extra school supplies" to use in his ministry.

As delegates loaded planes, busses, cars, and motorcycles for the trips home, a few post-conference meetings were beginning, including two days of board meetings by the Brethren Missionary Herald Company, which will conclude Friday afternoon.

The 2007 conference of the Fellowship will be "Equip07" held at Winona Lake, Indiana, the dates of July 29-August 3, 2007, and the focus will be on taking courses, workshops, and other "equipping" opportunities. Reports, daily newsletters, and other information about this year's conference may be seen at www.fgbc.org or at www.celebrate06.com.

Dr. Tim Boal (right), president of the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers, presented to Jesse Deloe (left) the 2006 "Excellence in Ministry Award" from the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers in the opening session of today's Celebrate06 meetings. Jesse's wife, Gladys, was also present for the presentation of the award.

Since 2003 Jesse Deloe has been Director of Operations and Senior Editor at Brethren Missionary Herald Company, but his lifetime of service to the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches has touched nearly every church and organization in the Fellowship.

He has been pastor or interim pastor of Grace Brethren churches in Iowa, Ohio, California, and Maryland.

From 1975 to 1982 he was Director of Church Relations with the foreign missionary society of the Grace Brethren church. Then he became assistant to the president (Dr. Homer Kent, Jr.) of Grace College and Seminary for four years, and later served as a field representative for Grace College and Seminary while living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

From 1988 until 1997 Deloe was Director of Administration for the Grace Brethren Home Missions Council (now GBNAM). He has also served as a church consultant, and has been active in his local church, the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church in many roles.

Deloe was also moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches in 1979-1980. He and his wife, Gladys, have been married 50 years and they have two sons, Christopher and Jonathan, and three grandchildren.

Dr. Terry Hofecker, pastor of Northwest Chapel in Dublin, Ohio, spoke today at Celebrate06 Grace Brethren national conference in the 3 p.m. session.

Using a text from Zechariah, Hofecker stressed the importance of "solo pastors," or those who serve as the single pastor of a smaller church. At the conclusion of his message, he asked what he called "backbone pastors" to come to the front with their wives, and they were then surrounded by others who encouraged them and prayed for them as the service closed.

Tomorrow is the final day of Celebrate06, beginning with women's celebration and Association of Grace Brethren Ministers meetings at 8:30 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. the closing "vision brunch" of the conference will occur, along with the annual delegates business meeting.

Next year's conference will be an "equipping conference," when the format will include many courses (with and without academic credit) and learning opportunities. Equip07 will be held in Winona Lake, Indiana, the dates of July 29-August 3, 2007. For more information log onto www.equip07.org.