BMH Editor's Blog

The following letter has been released by the Board of Directors of Grace Brethren North American Missions (GBNAM):

Grace Brethren North American Missions (GBNAM) has had the privilege of serving the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches for seventy years. During that time many lives have been changed and many Grace Brethren churches started as a result of GBNAM, formerly known as the Brethren Home Missions Council.

Circumstances and events in recent years have forced the agency to make difficult management decisions and have placed great strain on the organization. While wonderful church planting opportunities are available, the incessant nature of present events, and the accompanying rumor of these events is draining the agency of energy and marginalizing its abilities to raise funds and to start and establish new Bible-teaching congregations in North America.

As a result, we the Board of Directors of GBNAM have encouraged our staff to find new opportunities within other church planting agencies that will serve the FGBC. This staff will be communicating to you about these other agencies soon and we would encourage our Grace Brethren churches and supporters to direct funds toward these ministries in order to accomplish North American church planting.

As a result of the foregoing, it is with mixed emotions that we announce that GBNAM will be ceasing operations effective December 31, 2007. Your offerings to us through that date will allow us to honor all our obligations, pay all of our creditors, and finish well. Any excess assets will be utilized to further the goals and purposes of GBNAM, either directly, or through a different organization that has among its goals ones similar to those of GBNAM.

The missionaries you support are employees of the GBNAM family until the end of 2007 and need your year-end offerings to finish their support status without deficit. While this is a sad ending, it is also joyous because we know that others who are just as inspired but less burdened, will lead the cause and further the goals that GBNAM has for so long cherished, honored, and nurtured.

It has been a wonderful privilege to serve the FGBC and we know God will provide other means to carry out the Grace Brethren effort to plant churches in North America.

This letter from, and regarding, Pastor Ralph Wiley was shared with us by Dr. Randy Smith, pastor of the Sebring, FL, Grace Brethren Church. Pastor Ralph, who is in south Florida and growing increasingly weaker with cancer, sent this letter dated December 27 to the Sebring church, where he has been ministering. Ralph Wiley served many years as a Grace Brethren pastor, prison chaplain, in pulpit supply, and in other ministries.

Pastor Randy Smith comments, "Ralph’s story continues to amaze us all. What a blessing! I was SO encouraged watching this great warrior finish well."

December 27, 2007

I would love to talk to each and every one of you. To keep in touch, to let you know how everything is going, and to tell you how much I miss you. But I just don’t have the strength, so have asked Ruth to write for me.

I am getting weaker every day and can’t take a step without a walker. I have had two hard falls – you would never believe it. The outer man is wasting away but the inner man is being renewed. God is so good!

Dear Family at Grace

You will never know how much Dad (Pastor Ralph) has enjoyed the cards and notes that you have sent. Each day is brightened when I bring him his stack of mail. And each letter brings him a smile as he remembers the years of friendship that you have all shared. Thank you so much.

The days here in Ft. Lauderdale have been busy as Dad continues to be surrounded by children and grandchildren who are visiting from around the country. Each day he is a little more tired, and his once robust physique is a little more worn out.

His eyes and his taste buds still call him to the dinner table, but his stomach just can’t seem to keep up any more. He still marvels at how healthy he has always been, and he chuckles at the memory of his daily bike rides (10 miles per day) that he was still enjoying just two months ago. Although each day brings more weakness, it is also one day closer to “home”.

Yesterday Dad (Pastor Ralph) had what he calls an “extra bonus”. A dear friend brought her elderly, ill, mother and two other older women to meet him. (Two were believers, but two were not). They had heard, but could not believe, the reports of someone facing death, not just with peace, but also with joy. What was this? How could it be? And could he explain it to them?

Well now, this was something worth missing a nap for! So once again he began to tell the story of his great Savior and the hope that friendship with Jesus brings. This is a job that has always been a joy to dad. However, there were a few more challenges this time.

First of all, it is very difficult for him to talk much, as he gets too short of breath. Second, there was a house full of grandkids here. But the biggest challenge was the fact that three of the four ladies only spoke Spanish. So he did his first ever sharing of the Great News of salvation, thru a translator.

Dad knew right away that God was drawing them by His Spirit and before he was finished a wealthy, 80 year old woman named Cata had found her Savior. From the outside looking in she was a woman who had “everything”. But from the inside looking out she was a woman who had “nothing”. She walked in hollow and empty, but with Dad’s help, she walked out more full-of-life than she could have ever imagined.

So there he was sitting in that recliner with a body that was falling apart and yet with a spirit that was more ready to touch Heaven than ever before. We just never know what surprises God has in store for us. Do we?

Pastor Dale Workman of the Community Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach, California, sends along the following:

The ladies of Community Grace Brethren Church, Long Beach, assisted by Pastor Glen and Cora Sykes of our San Diego Grace Brethren Church, celebrated Christmas by giving to families who were affected by the recent
Southern California fires.

What started out with 5-6 ladies getting together to "Knit, Crochet & Sew for Fire Victims Relief" ended up with what you see in this picture -- a van load of 42 Christmas gift bags of varying sizes filled with large blankets, baby blankets, kitchen towels, sweaters, hats, scarves, slippers, baby toys and more.

There were also multiple large and medium plastic bags filled with donated clothes, bedding, jackets, household items, toys, books and more all to be given to families in the San Diego area who lost all, or most, of their possessions in the recent fires.

Like the loaves of bread and fish, God multiplied our efforts and desire to help to provide much beyond our wildest dreams.

We serve an awesome God!

Here is a short excerpt from a story taken from the Lancaster (PA) News about Grace Brethren International's orphan ministry in Central African Republic. To read the entire story, click on http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/214388
A recipe for profit sharing
African orphans to benefit from jars sold on the Internet

By DENNIS LARISON, Business editor
Sunday News

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa - At first glance, it looks like a formula to increase sales by tapping into people's charitable impulses.

Buy a jar of jam and a dollar goes to support an orphan in Africa.

Sales should soar.

Talk awhile with Keith Walker and Kurt Yordy — who early this month launched the Web site www.FeedYourFamilyFeedTheWorld.com — and the picture changes.

It's common for companies to have a philanthropic component, they say. What sets their company, Higher Call Inc., apart is that it makes philanthropy its core value rather than tacking it on as a secondary goal.

That's not to say there's no profit motive involved.

"We're not tax exempt," Walker said. "We want a viable business. There's no question about that."

Higher Call's main business the past few years has been distribution of the Amish Family Recipes brand of products. It's the same brand that's offered on the new Web site.

Photos of the sponsored children at Project Hope & Charité, a program of Grace Brethren International Missions, appear with the products along with a counter that shows how much money has been collected.

A jar of jam costs $3.75. A dollar of that will support a child for a day, or about 4,900 jars of jam to see a 5-year-old through to adulthood.

Walker said Higher Call intends to keep collecting money for a particular child until the entire $4,900 is in before shifting to another child.

Project Hope & Charité

Higher Call is the first company to direct a portion of its sales to help Project Hope & Charité's orphan center, Barb Wooler, one of the program's founders said by telephone.

"We're a new program, in our third year," she said. "Most of our giving comes through churches."

Wooler, who is based at Grace Brethren International Missions in Winona Lake, Ind., has been spending several months each year in Africa.

She was in Lancaster County last week to visit her parents, who live in New Holland, and to give a presentation at Grace Brethren Church of Lititz on the orphan center.

From the Hagerstown, Maryland, Herald Mail:

Deer trapped in Hagerstown church

The Hagerstown Police Department responded Saturday afternoon to Grace Brethren Church for a report of a deer trapped inside the building.

Officers responded to the church at 837 Spruce St. at 1:51 p.m., Sgt. Chad Woodring said Saturday night.

The deer damaged many of the church's windows and the interior, Woodring said.

Officers tranquilized the deer, he said.

Last fall we posted photos and an article on the destruction by fire of the home that Pastor Robert Smoker and his family were living in as he pastored the Susquehanna Grace Brethren Church in Wrightsville, PA. He now sends this letter of update and thanks:

Psalm 124
"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side," Let Israel now say—
"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul."

Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

There is no one like the LORD! Moses asked, “Who among the gods is like the LORD?” None! He has been our strong tower through a lot of stuff this year – from the month-long mission to Viet Nam in January and February, Bob being hospitalized and Jean being robbed at the bank in March, throughout Mom’s health issues, and now through the fire. The LORD is our strength.

The health issues that we struggled along with Mom over since March convinced us all that living with us was not the best thing for her. She moved into the assisted living home right from the rehab September 11. The fire was September 28. Had she still been with us she would have been in the house and we are sure she would not have gotten out.

God has sustained us through all this and more. To God be the glory! His hand of providence is evident in so many ways. He has sustained us directly through His Spirit and indirectly through the kindness and generosity of His people – our church family as well as people and churches we do not even know!

Our kids have been with us immediately, caring for our needs and helping to search through the ashes. For a brief time (seconds?) we were homeless, but never destitute. We do have times of sadness and pain over the loss of our dog, Zoe, and the loss of irreplaceable family treasures, but we are convinced that God is bringing good out of it all and we give Him glory and praise!

September 28 seems so long ago! And yet in another way it seems like it was not that long ago we would cross the river from Wrightsville and drive to Silver Spring restaurant never imagining that one day we would live just around the corner from it. But here we are.

Through church families, our family, and many many friends the Lord has provided a home that we are settling into and is replacing what was lost. We were tired of shopping way before the Christmas season arrived!

We are in the thick of filing inventory forms for our insurance company.
You wouldn’t believe how much time that takes in addition to all the other responsibilities of work, home, church and family and again, shopping…..Shopping for home and shopping for Christmas, thank you notes that we are way behind on, and now Christmas cards……it sometimes is overwhelming, but God is good, and people are gracious and understanding.

Thank you Lord! Thank you family and friends! We couldn’t have made it through without your prayers and support in so many other ways. We knew we had insurance, but you know, the INSURANCE is really, all of you who have shared with us during this time, and a loving GOD, who constantly picks us up when we’re down and gives us strength.

We hope you never have to go through this ordeal, and many have had worse, but it sure shows you how much we truly do need each other and need to uphold each other in the love of God. We have found that to be so true for us how so many have been there for us. And not to hold tight to what we have here, because it could all be gone in a moment. HOLD FAST TO THAT WHICH IS TRUE AND RIGHT.

We hope you have the best Christmas you have ever had – and hope that your year ahead keeps you working toward “the goal” of His High Calling.

MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU FOR HOW YOU HAVE BLESSED OTHERS!!

IN HIS CARE – BOB & JEANNE SMOKER

Bob & Jeanne Smoker
752 Summit Drive
Lancaster, PA 17601

Ray E. Shirey, 89, the father of Grace Brethren missionary Vicki DeArmey, went to be with his Lord on Christmas eve. Mr. Shirey was a longtime member and leader in the Valley Grace Brethren Church of Hagerstown, where Daniel Pritchett is pastor.

WILLIAMSPORT, MD - Ray Ernest Shirey, 89, of 154 N. Artizan St., Williamsport, Md., passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2007, at the Williamsport Nursing Home, Williamsport.

Born Monday, Dec. 16, 1918, in Hagerstown, Md., he was the son of the late Pearl Cromer Henson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Juanita Shirey, in 1999.

Ray served his country both in peacetime and war from 1938 to 1945. During World War II he was a 1st Lt. in the 106th Infantry Division serving in Germany.

He served his Savior Christ Jesus as a witness, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, financial secretary, head usher and deacon at Grace Brethren Church on Spruce Street, and was a founding member and vice moderator of Valley Grace Brethren Church in Halfway, until a new pastor was called. He taught in D.V.B.S., Church Boys Club and also brought messages at the Union Rescue Mission and in Prison Ministry.

He is survived by three daughters, Rayetta J. Schindel and husband Hugh of Hagerstown, Vicki DeArmey and husband Larry of Winona Lake, Ind., and Rebecca S. Collinson of Hagerstown; one son, Robin L. Shirey of Hagerstown; one sister, Virginia DeLosier of Boonsboro, Md.; three brothers, Newton Henson of Hagerstown, Donald Henson of Hagerstown, and James Henson of Hagerstown; 10 grandchildren, and eight-great grandchildren.

Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, with the Rev. Ray Barger officiating.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28.

Interment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Brethren International Missions, P.O. Box 588, Winona Lake, IN 46590.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com.

Ivanildo C. Trindade, Associate Pastor of Outreach Ministries at the Grace Brethren church in Wooster, Ohio (Bob Fetterhoff, pastor), sends along this summary and these photos of Second Saturdays @ Grace:

It’s Saturday morning in Wooster and the day starts with a little bit of rain. That’s not unusual in these parts, except that on that was supposed to be a big day for us at Wooster Grace.

You see, that Saturday was a second Saturday of the month and our people know this is the day we go out as a group to share God’s love in practical ways with people in our community. In spite of the rain, more than 70 volunteers showed up to serve that morning.

One of the activities we had planned was raking leaves, but with the rains the night before and the rains now, it didn’t look very promising. We headed out anyway and started to work. After all, we had “adopted” an entire street and told the people we would be there on that day.

Soon we found ourselves in people’s yards, racing against the rain to get as many houses done as possible. Then the weather changed, the sun appeared and we were able to complete more than 20 homes.

This is a just a sample of what can happen at Wooster Grace every Second Saturday of the month. We gather at the church at 8:30 a.m., hear our marching orders from the Word, receive our assignments and go into the mission fields of Wooster to spread God’s love in tangible ways.

On that Saturday, November 10, we also did 50 free oil changes to single moms and seniors who are not physically or financially to do it themselves. We gave away 200 donuts at one of the local grocery stores and talked to a lot of people about what it means to receive something totally free of charge.

We cleaned three homes of disabled or elderly people who live in government housing and built a wheel chair access ramp in the home of a lady who lives in our town.

All of that just so we could bless people in need and have the joy of telling them: “No, it’s free, just like the gift of salvation we have through Jesus Christ.”

On a previous Second Saturday we gave away free pumpkins. Jeana Harley, our Outreach Event Coordinator, recalls the story of one family in town: “just minutes before we knocked on their door, a mom had just been explaining to her children that this year they wouldn’t be able to afford to have a pumpkin because the money was short. Then there was a knock on the door. There stood someone from our church with a pumpkin. There were very touched and excited for our ‘random act of kindness’ which, I believe, was really an appointment by God.”

We have discovered it is a lot easier to speak truth of Christ into our community when we are already spreading the love of Christ into our community. People tend to listen to us more attentively. They believe that we genuinely care.

We are working hard to stop being just “this big church in the north end of town,” to being “this church that really cares for people in need.” And we want people to know that we care about them because Jesus cares about them.

We know that ultimately only Jesus Christ can cure the ills of this society and this will only happen when people surrender their lives to Him. But we believe that by giving back to our community we are helping them to see who the Person of Jesus Christ really is and why it is exciting to be called by His Name.

Volunteer Amy Simmons (pictured at right), 18, a River Valley High School grad and student at Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind., mans a Salvation Army kettle out in front of the local Wal-Mart store on Friday. (Marion Star photo by Bill Sinden)

The Marion (Ohio) Star today carries a little feature on a Grace College freshman home for the holidays. Here is an excerpt--to read the entire story, click on http://www.centralohio.com:80/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/BE/20071224/NEWS01/712240321/1002

Amy Simmons could have spent her first holiday break from college catching up with her friends from high school and filling up on home-cooked meals.

Instead she has spent hours standing out in the cold, listening to the incessant ringing of a bell - all in the name of charity.

"It hasn't been too cold, so that's been nice," she said. "People always ask about the bell, but after a while you don't even hear it."

Simmons, a freshman at Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind., has spent her winter break helping with the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, standing outside of area businesses and collecting donations from shoppers. For her, it's all worth it.
"It's a good cause and I've seen a lot of good come from that," she said.

The Waterloo (Iowa) Cedar Falls Courier asked a number of local pastors "What do you think Jesus would want for Christmas?"

Kelvin Cooke, pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Waterloo, said, "It's very relevant to think about what Jesus would want for Christmas," said the Rev. Kelvin Cooke, head pastor at Grace Brethren Church in Waterloo. "It definitely makes us stop and think, not so much about the gifts we are receiving, but what's important to him."

To see what Pastor Cooke thinks Jesus would want for a gift, and to read the entire article, click on http://www.wcfcourier.com:80/articles/2007/12/25/news/metro/d0acaa1590d1ffe2862573bb005d1325.txt

Pastor Greg Stoever of the Grace Brethren church in Sacramento, California, several days ago sent a first report of a horrific traffic accident that occurred on the church's property. Here is a slightly edited update from him:

The last few days have been full and consuming. The vigil on Thursday night was attended by 125-150 people, mostly teenagers and their parents. A number of folks from our church coordinated having refreshments available, along with a few bonfires to help keep people warm.

About a dozen or so people from our church mingled in with the crowd, and there were lots of opportunities for expressing comfort, prayer, concern, etc. Everyone in our church has been mobilized for prayer. Praise God for a church body that moves into action as needed!

The 18-year-old young man who died was named Scott Crouch. He seems to have been a well-liked, outgoing, athletic young man. He lived with his dad (Scott, Sr.), with whom I have now had much interaction. They were not connected with any church, and I’m still getting to know them.

I’m being looked to for the planning and officiating of a memorial service for Scott, which is scheduled for Sat. Dec. 29, at 10:30am. Because the expected attendance is much larger than what our facilities can hold, the service will take place at a larger church near us (they have graciously made their facilities available).

In addition to meeting with Scott Sr. and beginning to get things moving regarding the memorial service, I spent most of Friday visiting the other teens who were injured in the accident.

They had been taken to four different area hospitals, and here is their current status: one young man (Garron Engstrom, the driver of the vehicle) was treated and released the night of the accident. One young woman (Jessica Rosser, Garron’s girlfriend) was released on Friday with significant, but non-life threatening injuries. Four young men (Jason Doverspike, Ian Smith, Ben Harrington, & Mike Hewitt) are in serious, but improving condition – all are expected to survive.

One young man (Bart Kirby) remains in critical condition, as does one young woman (Jessica Mendoza). Two different men in our church accompanied me on these visits, and we were able to meet and pray with many parents, family, and friends, along with the injured. I also had a follow-up visit with one family on Saturday, and plan to do more on Sunday and coming days.

Myself and one man from our church also made personal contact with the husband of the drunk woman who was responsible for the accident. They are co-owners of a bar, which she was driving home from when the accident occurred (their home is close to our church).

He was very broken and open to our contact, and wanted us to meet more in the future, along with his wife (who is currently released on bail from jail, as she is being charged with vehicular manslaughter). They have two daughters, 12 and 8. Obviously, many needs here.

For now, please keep the following needs in prayer:

- For the physical healing of those who remain injured, and for the spiritual condition of their souls;
- For wisdom, strength, gentleness, and sensitive boldness for me and others from our church as we bear testimony of Christ amidst this multi-faceted situation. There are so many impacted people within the immediate orbit of this tragic accident, many of whom appear not to know Christ. It is obviously a very traumatic, grievous, and delicate situation. We want to “show and tell” the love of Christ in wise and sensitive ways. May many come to the saving knowledge of Him.
- For God to be glorified, and Christ to be proclaimed during the Memorial Service for Scott on the 29th.
- For a planning meeting I’m having today at 4pm (PST) with many of the kids and parents who want to be involved with the service. We are meeting at one of their homes. I’ve not met any of them prior to this accident, and now they are looking to me through their grief for leadership and guidance. I’m looking to Christ.
- For God’s true comfort and peace in Christ to be given to all those who are grieving Scott’s death, particularly his immediate family. I’ve been sharing Ps. 46:1 with folks – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”.
- For me personally, as I’m kind of the “tip of the spear” regarding our church’s response and involvement in all of this. I need abundant wisdom, grace, and strength moment by moment.

As you can imagine, this is a consuming matter. God has been faithful to show His power in my weakness, and I know He’ll continue to do so.

In this regard, please remember my wife Laurie and our children Lindsay, Zach, Jordan and Tyler in prayer as well. They are doing great and couldn’t be more supportive, understanding, and helpful. At the same time, Husband and Dad’s availability and physical nearness over the next week (at least) is not going to be quite what we were planning (Prov. 16:9 – “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps”).

- For the young man (Garron) who was driving the car with all the kids. As you can imagine, he is overwhelmed with guilt regarding what has occurred. Sadly, the accident occurred on his birthday. We’ve had a number of occasions to interact with him, and will continue to as God leads.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers. Thank you also to those who have sent brief replies of encouragement – I really appreciate it. I will keep you posted over the next few days. Also, please feel free to forward this to any you know who would share in prayer.

Finally, here are links to a couple of articles from our local paper about the accident, if you are interested:

Article from Friday, 12/21 – http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/583913.html

Article from Sunday, 12/23 – http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/587637.html

In His Mighty Grip,

Greg

It’s not the most glamorous ministry but that doesn’t bother Kork Moyer (pictured at right). He knows he is exactly where he’s supposed to be.

“This is where God planted me,” he says, surveying the room where Still Waters, a Grace Brethren church in Pottstown, Pa., meets. The well-worn community center is owned by the neighboring Lutheran church. Not only is it home to the Grace Brethren congregation, but in the corner is a makeshift office for the Lutheran congregation, a necessity since their former office in the basement of the building was damaged in a flood last summer.

Still Waters deviates from what is generally considered “church” in most American communities. Perhaps that’s because Kork himself is not the typical Grace Brethren pastor. His flowing blonde hair and pierced ears might be out of place in a typical middle class congregation, but for his work among the homeless and disenfranchised in Montgomery County, Pa., he is right at home.

But it’s not always a comfortable or easy situation. Efforts to begin a homeless shelter in the now-renovated basement of the community center have been thwarted by local zoning officials. Even short-term efforts by area churches to provide shelter for those who are less fortunate have been frustrated. (For more information, click here.)

“We are forced to struggle each day to find a way of sheltering them, and not lose any of our friends to the elements,” he says, as he asks for prayer. “We are so tired and brokenhearted when we see people eye-to-eye, and tell them we are not allowed to shelter them. It rips your heart out, and is not something we can do much longer.”

The impending holiday season doesn’t seem to make a difference. “For some of my friends, this is a brutal Christmas,” he adds. “’I guess 2000 years later, there is still no room at the inn.”

He began working with the poor in Pottstown more than 15 years ago, while he was working in the regulatory office of a local utility company. Once a week, he and his wife, Melissa, would take a crate of oranges, sandwiches, and juice from a fast-food restaurant to distribute on the streets.

“We’d set up tables, like a café,” he recalls. “We’d never proselytize,” he admits, “but every week, God would show up!” He says he would find himself engaged in fruitful conversations with individuals who wanted to know more about Jesus.

For Kork, it’s all about being the church. “We are not called to be Christians,” he says. “We’re called to be disciples.” His work in the suburban area about an hour northwest of Philadelphia picks up where many traditional churches leave off.

The ministry in Pottstown centers around a weekly worship service, or tabernacle, as Kork calls it, at the St. John’s Community Center. During the week, house churches meet throughout the community, all led by Kork.

“We want to provide a space that is dignified,” stresses the pastor, noting that many people are without homes because of mental illness or other issues, not because they are lazy. “They see the judgmental attitudes and hear the accusations of many people,” he adds.

He’s not shy about telling those he meets about their need for Christ. “He’s bold,” notes Jim Snavely, former northeast career missionary for Grace Brethren North American Missions. “A number of them have accepted Christ.” He also acknowledges that many of the people involved with the ministry in Pottstown would be considered unreachable by most churches.

Kork feels deeply about the ministry to which he has been called and he hopes to lead others to see people the same way. “If someone knocks on your door and says, ‘I’m cold,’ how can you turn your back on that?” he questions, tears welling in his eyes. “Taking care of homeless people is how we praise Jesus.”

The blog of TK (Timothy Kurtaneck) from CE National alerts us to the following:

Brio magazine is produced by Focus on the Family for teenage girls. In the latest issue (January, 2008) the front cover has a large photo of the 2008 Brio Girl.

The young lady selected is Becky Marras (pictured), a senior from Medina, OH, who was on Operation Barnabas in 2006 and has been a regular attender at CE National’s Momentum youth conference. It’s really neat so see a young lady whom we know picked for this award and that she continues to live for Jesus.

Another neat thing is the way the full-page article starts about Becky. On page 35 it says, “Last summer, 17-year old Becky spent six weeks on a missions trip in Los Angeles and Washington state. ‘It was totally hard-core missions, and it really directed my focus of where I want to serve Christ,’ this Highland High School student says.”

There are also three good-sized photos of Becky. Very special that the whole article starts by talking about her OB experience and the continued impact it has had on her life.

Here is a quote from Becky from the magazine:

Thoughts on reflecting Christ . . .

Being on the junior varsity soccer team has given me the opportunity to stand up for my faith several times. Once before a game, some girls asked me why I don’t swear. My choice of words became an open door to share the Gospel. I said how I want to honor God with my words and that I’m trying to live by glorifying Him.

Also, they thought that going to church was pleasing enough for God. They thought their lives outside of church didn’t matter. I explained to them that I choose to be the person I am because I want to be a constant reflection of Christ and that the lives we live outside of church really do matter; God is watching all the time and wants to see that we’re living for Him.

The Rev. Carl Bert Black, Sr., 72, of Hagerstown, Maryland, went to be with the Lord Sunday December 16, 2007. Carl was truly a "trophy of grace" as he came out of prison on parole, joined the ministry of the Hagerstown Rescue Mission, married the founder's daughter, and eventually became director of the mission himself. His dramatic conversion and turnaround were featured in an "Unshackled" program, which is still occasionally heard on the air. He attended the Grace Brethren church, where he taught the Friendly Bible Sunday School class.

A part of his story is featured in today's edition of the Hagerstown (MD) Herald-Mail, a portion is excerpted here, and it may be read at http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=181817&format=html

The late Jimmy Resh, who founded the Hagerstown Rescue Mission more than 50 years ago, took a chance in early 1959 on Carl Bert Black, the first prison parolee the mission ever accepted.

Even more significant, Resh didn't stand in the way when his own daughter, Dorcas, showed an interest in Carl.

Eleven months later, Carl and Dorcas were married. They marked their 47th wedding anniversary in July with their family, which includes two sons and their own families.

When Carl first came to the mission on North Prospect Street, the Resh family was living in an apartment behind the dining room.

Although Carl was living elsewhere, he had to report to the mission every day to fulfill his parole requirements. Serving prison time for burglary and larceny, Carl met his parole officer every day at the mission.

In time, he became superintendent of the mission, ministering to the men, and even cooking. . .

. . . In a published report on the occasion of Jimmy Resh's death in 1996, Carl said his life was completely turned around when he came to the Hagerstown Rescue Mission.

"I was going to hell and I deserved to go to hell," Carl said then.

But after he came to know Jimmy Resh and accepted Christ in his life, all that changed.

"Carl truly loved the Word of God," Dorcas said. "He left his King James Bible open on the kitchen table when we took him to the hospital."

Longtime Grace Brethren pastor and church planter Tom Inman, pictured here with his wife Geneva in a photo taken in May of 2007, has gone to be with the Lord. Geneva said that after a long time of weakness, Tom died unexpectedly. He had gone into the hospital for a routine procedure and while he was there, his blood pressure kept going down and then he died. Tom & Geneva were planning on flying to their daughter's house in Indianapolis for Christmas. Here is an obituary prepared by the family:

Frank Thomas “Tom” Inman

Tom will be spending his first Christmas with Jesus this year. He was born at home in Beaver City, Nebraska to Nelle & Harry Inman on August 3, 1924 and departed for his heavenly home on December 20, 2007.

He graduated from Beaver City High School and Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas where he met the love of his life, Geneva Pearl Heinrichs. They were married on August 19, 1950.

In 1953 he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grace Seminary.

They moved to Denver, CO where he was the pastor of Denver Grace Brethren Church from 1954 - 1970. In August 1970 they moved with their children to Colorado Springs, where he started a new church, Colorado Springs Grace Brethren. He served there until his retirement in 1994.

After his retirement he continued to serve the church in many areas including helping with the children’s ministry. Tom served on the Board of Grace College & Seminary for 30 years. In addition, he was a substitute teacher for 50 years.

Tom’s passion in life was to lead people to Christ, to shepherd them & encourage them to also serve the Lord.

He used his artistic talents in numerous capacities including sermons with “Chalk Talks”, creative décor for the church sanctuary, oil paintings and in his later years spent many hours designing & creating hand stitched personalized gifts & cards. He will be greatly missed by the many whose lives he has touched.

Tom is survived by his wife, Geneva, his brother Harold, daughters Patty (Kit) Cushenbery, Lyn Nelle (James) Mustard, Laurel (Michael) Fassold and his son Bryce (Lu Ann) Inman, as well as his seven grandchildren, two of whom are married, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4 PM Sunday, December 23 at Colorado Springs Grace Brethren Church, 2975 Jet Wing Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, where Robert Schaffer is pastor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Colorado Springs Grace Brethren Church and designated for the Tom Inman Memorial Fund.

Pastor Greg Stoever of the Grace Brethren church in Sacramento, California (pictured) sent along this report of an accident in the church's neighborhood and ministry opportunities, along with prayer requests. More on the crash may be seen by clicking on http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/583913.html

On Wednesday night, just before 11:00 pm, a horrific traffic accident occurred on our church property. We did not learn of it until Thursday morning.

Our campus is on the corner of a controlled intersection. A vehicle with nine teenagers was struck by an apparent drunk driver who ran a red light. The force of the crash threw both vehicles onto our lawn. One of the teens died instantly at the scene, and a few others are still in very critical condition.

Many of these teens are from a large local high school that is close to our church. In the aftermath of this trauma, many students gathered on our church lawn this afternoon, all of them understandably dazed, grieved, and confused.

They’ve already created a memorial with flowers, balloons, pictures, etc. on a light pole near the crash site. I had opportunity to meet some of them, express care and hurt for what they are going through, and pray for them.

In God’s providence, I also had opportunity to visit the home of the young man (Scott), who died at the scene. He lived with His Dad (Scott, Sr.), but his mom and older sister were also there.

I listened, again expressed care and hurt for what they are going through, shared Ps. 46:1 (“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble”), and prayed. The family has no church affiliation and I know nothing of their spiritual condition. But I made myself and our church available, and they were very receptive. I’ll be visiting Scott, Sr. again tomorrow, and it appears I’ll be directly involved with the arrangements and eventual memorial service.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for tonight on our church lawn at 7:00 p.m. A number of people in our church have mobilized to provide hot cocoa and cookies, and we are also going to have a few fire pits going to warm people. I’ve been asked to share some thoughts and prayers during the gathering.

Please be in much prayer for God’s glory in Christ to be magnified and known in the midst of these events. Pray that God would give wisdom and grace to me and our church body as He enables us to be “salt and light” in this situation (Mt. 5:13-16; Col. 4:5,6).

And certainly pray for God’s will and work to be done in the lives of all the family and friends who are so directly impacted by this event – that those who know Christ would be strengthened in their faith, and those who don’t know Him to be brought to saving faith.

Thank you for your prayers!

Greg

Following a ministry trip to the Central African Republic, Karl Moraski of the staff of Hope Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Raleigh, North Carolina, wrote a song based on verses from Lamentations and composed a YouTube posting of his song and photos from the trip.

Pastor Mike Lee of the Raleigh church introduces the video. To view it, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA5q-0ccbjs

From the Grace Brethren Church in Columbus, Ohio, comes this report from Pastor David Nicodemus (pictured at right), who leads the student ministries there.


Last night at The Rising high school ministry we held a Christmas Party. But this was not your typical youth group Christmas party. Sure we ate, had a game that involved Christmas carols, and had gifts. The gifts, however, were not for us. Each of the students brought in $5-10 that they normally would have spend on a white elephant gift. We pooled the money together, broke into groups, and headed to Wal-Mart with a shopping list and a heart for those in need.

Prior to the party we'd received word of a few families that had needs for their children this Christmas. Two of them will be provided with a gift for their child, but the third family will be receiving many things that we so often take for granted, such as basic household supplies. When I spoke with the mom she was so blown away by the offer that she told me this would be the best Christmas for her family, and that her kids would be to get some things they really needed.

So 40+ students hit Wal-Mart and not only completely filled the mother’s wish list, but also provided gift cards for the store and for gas, plus a gift for each of child. We returned to focus on the Christmas story and wrap the gifts…and of course, eat.

What a great ministry these students had last night! I was so encouraged by their attitudes and generosity. Many of them pitched in extra money as they were in the check-out line because they wanted to give more. And there wasn’t one complaint! As the night came to a close several students commented on how much they were encouraged and blessed to be a part of this night. One student even commented that this was the "best Christmas Party ever!" I have to agree.

A couple of the students and I will be delivering the gifts this afternoon. Please pray for the opportunity to pray with these moms, and even for the opportunity to share the gospel.

One Grace Brethren church in Canada is reaching out to its community through a "re-gifting" concept. This article appears in today's Milton (Ontario) Champion:

Local church gives out $50 to each family at recent service

Recipients asked to use money to perform acts of kindness

By Stephanie Hounsell

Have you experienced a random act of kindness lately? A free coffee? A shoveled driveway?

If you have, you just may have been "re-gifted."

A local church -- the Village Community Church -- recently invested $2,500 to carry out a unique initiative to spread unexpected kindness throughout the community.

Each family that attended the church December 2 received an envelope containing $50. They were asked to use that money in any number of creative ways to brighten someone's day.

"This year we wanted to do something groundbreaking," said lead pastor Rob Stanley.

"The whole idea is an attempt to go viral with the idea of giving."

Along with the good deed, participants were asked to leave behind a "re-gift" card with their first name written on it.

The card explains a bit about the initiative, and asks the recipient to in turn pay forward their own act of kindness, writing their own name on the card and passing it along.

The idea is for each card to be passed along several times -- tangible proof of a good deed being carried forward.

"Instead of adopting a family and helping them, or raising money for other charitable needs, we're trying to take things to a more grass roots level by empowering all of our people to make a difference," Stanley said.

The church has also created a website, www.re-gift.ca, for residents to share stories, get giving ideas and comment on how their lives have been touched by the campaign.

The Village Community Church meets at Galaxy Cinemas every Sunday at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit www.villagechurch.ca.

Pastor Gary Austin of the Grace Brethren church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, alerts us that one of his church's members, Mary Stadtmiller, was on CBS-TV this week, highlighting her volunteer work with the American Cancer Society.

The article is entitled "Road to Recovery" Roadblocks and can be found at http://www.kgan.com/csArticles/articles/000057/005755.htm

What's so phenomenal about Mary, according to Pastor Austin, is that she is a quadriplegic but has the ability to use her computer to make phone calls, write letters, etc.

He says, "She's a great organizer, too. She uses her skills to glorify God. Her faithful husband is Gene. Mary is also the Women of Grace leader for CR Grace."

Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, is pleased to announce that Dr. Nathan S. Bosch will be joining the Grace faculty as director of the Grace College Water Quality Project and assistant professor of environmental science.

Dr. Bosch will serve as part-time director for 1½ years as he completes his post doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. He will begin his full-time role in fall 2009.

He will direct the Water Quality Project (assisted by Luke Hunt and Eileen Boekestein) and plan the college's new degree in environmental science.

Dr. Bosch is a graduate of Trinity Christian College (IL) and the University of Michigan. He has also studied at the Au Sable Environmental Institute in Mancelona, Michigan. He has taught at the University of Michigan and has extensive experience in environmental science projects.

Jason Brown, son of Christine Brown who is marrying Pastor Dave Ogden in Sebring, Florida, later this month, sends along the following update and information:

Our family is overwhelmed with joy. God's providence and His faithfulness w/ regard to my mom & Pastor Dave has been amazing to witness.

We've (family and our church) have been receiving a lot of inquiries as to gifts etc. for their wedding Dec. 29th.

If you would like to send gifts of encouragement, a card shower will be presented to them at the reception after the wedding ceremony--Please send gifts or cards to... The Sebring Grace Brethren Church 3626 Thunderbird Rd. Sebring,FL 33872, ATT Dottie Smith.

It's great to have 'Love Blossoming' here in Sebring and knowing we have two amongst a cloud of witnesses cheering the whole thing on! Thanks to everyone who wishes to be a part of it.

Merry Christmas,

Jason Brown

David Rhoad (pictured), from the Grace Brethren church in Wooster, Ohio (Robert Fetterhoff, pastor), is featured in the current edition of the Wooster Daily Record. Here is a short excerpt--to read the entire article click on http://www.the-daily-record.com:80/news/article/3009681

WOOSTER -- Wooster Community Hospital Manager of Marketing and Public Relations David Rhoad has never let himself forget what it's like to be a kid.

And the 44-year-old father of two is quite thankful for that.

Be it talking about the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, or his work with student ministries at the Wooster Grace Brethren Church, Rhoad's enthusiasm and zest for life often rubs off on those around him.

"He's a good man," said friend and former employer Mike Reardon, president of United Titanium. "He's got all the right values, a good character and a good parent. He worked for us for 10 years doing inside sales and human resources work, and he was hard working, enthusiastic. He's just so outgoing that everybody's attracted to him."

An avid baseball fan of all levels, including the games his sons Andrew (16) and Michael (13) play at Wooster High and Edgewood Middle Schools, Rhoad said sports play a key role in his family.

"Sports in a big deal for our family," said Rhoad, a Cincinnati native and 1981 Indian Hill High School graduate. "Both my kids play baseball, and also both played Upward Basketball at the Grace Brethren Church where we attend. And I've gotten involved in that program doing announcing. My kids don't play anymore -- actually my oldest son coaches now, but I'm still announcing."

Shoppers at the Tree of Life Bookstore and Brethren Missionary Herald Company in Winona Lake, Indiana, are navigating huge drifts and narrow snow tunnels this Monday morning.

Shortly after Saturday evening's combined church Christmas concert ended, the snow began, and by Sunday morning the Warsaw/Winona Lake area was blanketed with 13 inches of snow (18 inches by some reports) with drifts up to three feet.

All church services were cancelled on Sunday, but by Monday morning traffic was moving again.

Dr. Ronald E. Manahan, president of Grace College and Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana, has announced a number of organizational and curricular changes that will take place after several years of analysis and planning that resulted in a comprehensive strategic plan to guide Grace through 2010.

“The most significant changes involve the realignment of the college’s academic programs into four schools encompassing all our undergraduate and graduate degrees,” Dr. Manahan explained.

“They are the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Ministry Studies, the School of Music, and the School of Adult and Community Education, effective for the fall 2008 semester.

“These changes will include the addition of new faculty in some areas and reduction in others,” Dr. Manahan continued.

“The new structure will help us achieve not only new instructional and financial efficiencies, but also significant growth in enrollment in both the undergraduate and graduate programs and enhance academic programs in areas that are growing the most.”

Additional program adjustments may be announced in the next few months. Current students in the majors that are being affected will be given several options and counseled into the plan that is most advantageous for their personal situations.

They may be able to finish their current program or transfer into the newly-designed program at Grace. In a limited number of situations it may be the best option for a student to transfer to another school with the existing major, and in these cases Grace personnel will assist with this process. No student will be required to take more credits in order to finish his or her degree.

The college will add faculty in the Art, Business, Graduate Counseling, English/Journalism/Linguistics, History, Science and Mathematics, and Teacher Education Departments for the fall semester 2008, Dr. Manahan said. An earned doctoral degree is one of the requirements for faculty applicants.

“Our 2006-2010 Strategic Plan,” he continued, “provides for a number of challenging strategic goals for enhancing our structure and academic offerings, increasing diversity and enrollment, and continuing to improve and expand academic majors to prepare graduates for competency and service.

"In addition, we will enhance Grace College’s unique first-year-experience program for freshmen and continue to carefully review and improve structure, facilities, funding, and effectiveness.”

Further enhancements are also planned in athletics, the School of Music, and School of Ministry Studies programs.

Four Grace Brethren churches in the Warsaw/Winona Lake, Indiana, area are combining for a festive Christmas choir concert and pageant to be presented without charge tonight (Friday, December 14) and tomorrow (Saturday, December 15) at 7 p.m. in the Rodeheaver Auditorium in downtown Winona Lake.

More than 100 choir members, actors, dancers, soloists, and pageant cast members will be presenting an upbeat presentation with full costuming, set design, and lighting.

The four cooperating churches are Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church (Bruce Barlow, lead pastor), Leesburg Grace Brethren Church (Tim Sprankle, pastor), New Horizon Community Church (Scott Barger, pastor), and Warsaw Community Grace Brethren Church (Tom Abbitt, executive pastor).

Dave Rank, who directs music and worship at the Winona Lake church, is the coordinating director for the production.

The Grace College Graduate School in Counseling and Interpersonal Relations has announced the appointment of Dr. Scott Edwards (pictured) to its faculty in the fall 2008. Edwards will be assistant professor and clinical coordinator in the department.

He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana, and completed a Master's degree in Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University. After returning to Indiana from Minnesota, where he trained in Child Clinical Psychology and Pediatric Neuropsychology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at Associates in Mental Health in Muncie.

Dr. Edwards has taught as an adjunct at the community college level and been on the undergraduate faculty of Indiana University Kokomo and Taylor University.

He comes to Grace with nearly 20 years experience in the mental health field and has held posts in community mental health centers, church and university-based counseling clinics, hospitals, youth treatment centers, and private practice. He currently serves children and families through his private practice, Lighthouse Family Counseling, in Kokomo.

Dr. Edwards and his wife, Sabrina, have three children.

Dr. Edwards stated, "I have been so deeply blessed through interactions with folks during the selection process; it has felt more like a family reunion than first and second introductions. So, my heart is quickened with the thought of being part of the Grace community. I am eager to join with you next fall in serving our good God through the ministries at Grace."

CE National of Winona Lake, Indiana, has announced the dates and locations for its two youth conferences during the summer of 2008.

Momentum Youth Conference West 2008 will take place at Biola University in La Mirada, California, Monday, June 23-Saturday, June 28, 2008. The conference schedule will combine training and challenges with two days of hands-on ministry.

Cost for the entire week of ministry and challenge will be $329 for students and $299for Youth Workers. Francis Chan will start off the week with worship music by Todd Proctor and his band.

Because of the unique schedule, Momentum West will be limited to 500 participants. CE National will provide opportunities for youth groups to have a two-day mission experience on Wednesday and Thursday and work on projects as youth groups during those two days. An overnight stay may be granted for those in wanting to be part of a Mexico ministry or another extensive ministry.

The ministry options may include building homes in Mexico, ministering to the homeless, ministering to Muslims, working with a women's shelter, or distributing foods to needy people. There will also be ministry opportunities for those who choose to remain closer to campus. Challenging programming will be available Wednesday and Thursday nights with opportunities for testimonies.

Momentum East will be held at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, Monday, July 21-Sunday, July 27. Momentum East will include two major carnival events, one in Columbus, and one in Dayton, on Saturday, July 26, provided through cooperation with Convoy of Hope and networked local churches.

Students attending Momentum East will use part of the day Friday to distribute flyers, set up events, contact people, and spiritually prepare for an effective day of reaching people.

Both carnivals will include free groceries, free dental checkups, school registrations, blood pressure checks, children's games, special programs, and, of course, opportunities to share Jesus. Each carnival will have a prayer tent where students and adults can pray for specific requests people share.

The cost for Momentum East will not increase from last year. The price will remain at $444 for students and $306 for counselors for the entire week which includes all programming, meals, lodging, air-conditioned facilities, and ministry opportunities.

Francis Chan will begin the week at Cedarville and Steve Fee will lead worship. David Nasser will be on the program once again, as will Jeff Bogue and others. For more information and to register, log onto http://www.buildmomentum.org/.

The annual Christmas light show at the home of Richard and Kathy Barnhart in Winona Lake, Indiana, is once again front-page news of a local paper.

The Paper (pictured) currently features them in a lead story. The Barnharts are both employed by Grace College, and their home is directly across from Alpha Hall on the Grace campus.

To read an online version of this latest story, click on http://www.the-papers.com/OnlinePubs/default.aspx?pub=TP&subpub=KOA&pubdate=12-12-07-12-18-07

The Grace Brethren Church of Portis, Kansas (Dave Sarver, pastor) is participating in a community outreach project this Christmas. The following appears on a Portis-oriented blog:

The communities of Portis and Harlan are again planning an event organized by the Community Outreach Project.

This will be a soup and chili supper at the Wolters Auction Building in Portis on December 29th. Food will be served from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, with fellowship and gospel singing to follow. The main courses are being furnished by the churches; attendees are asked to bring a small dessert or relish tray, if able.

Our Portis/Harlan Community Outreach is a combined project sponsored by three local churches: Portis United Methodist Church, Grace Brethren Church in Portis, and the Harlan Church in Harlan.

To: FGBC Colleagues and GBIF Investors
From: Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, Inc.
Larry Chamberlain, CEO and President
Ken Seyfert, VP and Executive Director of Operations
Date: December, 2007

This has been another very successful year of ministry operations. We wish to thank our investors for their faithfulness and for helping GBIF make a significant contribution to the continued growth and outreach of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

This past year, in fact, represents one of the best years in our history in terms of making new loans to exciting and growing churches in the Fellowship. We are very pleased that we are able to respond positively to new loan requests from churches that are eager to reach their communities for Christ. Your investments in GBIF make that possible, and we are very grateful for your strategic partnership in the work of the Great Commission!

Grace Brethren Investment Foundation is a proud and long-standing member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which calls its members to very high standards of financial integrity and fiduciary responsibility.

Our records were recently submitted for a standard review by one of ECFA’s field auditors, and we were pleased with their summary comment: “We found Grace Brethren Investment Foundation in full compliance with ECFA’s Standards. You are to be commended for your continuing commitment to these Standards.”

In addition to ECFA’s recent review, we submit our financial records for annual audit by Capin Crouse, CPA’s, and their reports find us to be in full compliance with the high standards of the accounting profession for a financial institution.

We are grateful for a strong, independent board of directors that provides excellent governance of our ministry. We are grateful, as well, for a quality staff of professionals (pictured) dedicated to integrity and high standards of excellence.

We are most grateful, however, for the faithful partnership of our investors across the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. You make it possible for us to continue to be a viable and strategic ministry in the building of His Church.

Note: This letter of appreciation does not constitute an offer to sell the Foundation’s Investment Accounts. Such an offer is made only to persons affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches and only by means of the Foundation’s Prospectus that provides a detailed description of the Investment Accounts and the Foundation. For a free Prospectus and Account Application, contact the GBIF staff toll-free at 888-340-4243 or email at csoto@gbif.com.

Grace Brethren Investment Foundation staff, left to right: Linda Leonard, Cindy Bushen, Brenda Byers, Ken Seyfert, Judi Rose, Larry Chamberlain, Carol Soto, Susanne Kessler

Dr. Francois Ngoumape, who heads the seminary and Bible schools for the Grace Brethren work in the Central African Republic, has sent a report on a recent youth conference held in the CAR.

"I asked you last week to pray for our trip from Bata to Yaloké and Bangui to Yaloké. God has protected us during the trip. We had a great ministry in Yaloké High School among the students.

"140 people participated in the camp. Sixty made decisions before the Lord,and three came to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. It was a very good time for me and my team to minister together with those young people for three days.

"Now please pray for them, for faithfulness to the Lord in their engagement and perseverance in their confession.

"How great it is to see young people being committed to the Lord. Imagine them becoming one day the ruler of this country! This is our prayer and why it is so important to minister to young people. Thank you for partnering with us in this ministry."

The following obituary was prepared by Betty Poyner's family:

Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Poyner, 71, slipped peacefully into the presence of her heavenly Father after a courageous two-year battle with ovarian cancer on Monday, December 10, 2007, surrounded by her loved ones and devoted husband of 50 years.

Born October 10, 1936, in Waterloo, Iowa, Betty was the youngest of three children of Wert and Violet Van Eaton. After growing up in Waterloo, Betty’s professional nursing career began when she completed her RN degree at Kahler Methodist Nursing School in Rochester, MN.

She then went on to earn her BA Professional Arts degree from St. Joseph College in Windham, ME and a MBA from Frostburg University in Frostburg, MD. From 1991 to 2005, Betty was the director of Flagler Hospital’s Home Health Services in St. Augustine, FL, retiring in December of 2005.

In 2004, Betty was selected to become an elite member of the Certified Home/Hospice Care Executives. After retiring from Flagler Hospital, she continued to work part-time for Parkview Baptist Church located in Palm Coast, FL.

Betty was married on June 7, 1958 to Randall Eugene Poyner of Jesup, Iowa. During these 50 years of endearing companionship, Betty was a devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother.

Because of Betty’s love for her God and innate sense of service, she also embraced the pastoral ministry alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. Randy Poyner, by directing women’s ministry and Christian education in Goshen, IN; Johnstown, PA; Lansing, MI; Fort Myers, FL; Hagerstown, MD; Little Rock, AR; and Palm Coast, FL. Betty’s home-style cooking was just one of her many endless gifts of hospitality.

Survivors include her husband, three children – Susan (Mike) Blackwell (Ft Myers, FL), Timothy (Sue) Poyner (Winona Lake, IN), and Mark (Christy) Poyner (Charleston, SC), seven grandchildren – Keith and Harmony Blackwell, Jordan, Jacob and Karly Poyner, Cameron and Ashley Poyner, siblings – Janie (Lindsey) Russell, James (Helen) Van Eaton, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Poyner will be held Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 10 am at Parkview Baptist Church located at 5435 Bell Terre Pkwy in Palm Coast, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Betty’s name to the Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129. Arrangements are under the care of Clymer Funeral Home in Palm Coast, FL.

thequest, a Columbus, Ohio, urban church network pastored by Mike Jentes, has come up with a unique way to raise some funds using a football autographed by legendary Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel. According to Jentes:

"One of our folks was able to secure a Jim Tressel-autographed football which he designated to be used to be a fund raiser for non-profits....so we are doing a little auction...to raise a little money...and for one of you to have a great present! All proceeds from the auction of this football go to thequest!

"Details: The football has a Certificate of Authenticity. Bids are open today and close at noon on Dec 21st. Opening bid- $75 Suggested value: at least $100. Columbus metro-area will have free delivery. For those outside of the metro area, shipping and handling charges will apply.

"When you bid, you will be added to the list of those who will receive an update when someone bids on the football. Each time the bid raises, everyone on the list will receive an email about the current bid...up until noon on 12/21 when the highest bidder gets the football--and donates to thequest!

"To bid and for questions contact Kathy: kathy@thequestcolumbus.com"

Dr. Paulette Sauders of the Grace College (Winona Lake, IN) English and literature department is leading a tour of London and Oxford, England, open to all friends of Grace College & Seminary, the dates of February 29 through March 9, 2008.

Cost for the trip will be $2550, which covers round-trip airfare, hotels in London and Oxford, breakfasts, entrance fees into all the sites visited, transportation in London, and private bus transportation around England.

Some of the sites on the itinerary include Oxford, Stratford-on-Avon, C.S. Lewis’ home, Shakespeare’s birthplace/home/burial, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Jane Austen home/museum, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Parliament Buildings, British Museum, Charles Dickens’ Home, WW II Cabinet War Rooms, and many more.

Contact Dr. Paulette Sauders at (574) 372-5100, ext. 6154 or e-mail her at sauderpg@grace.edu for more details.

Next year's Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches moderator John McIntosh (center), along with Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey (left) led discussions this morning as gathered leaders of the Fellowship concluded three days of update and strategy meetings at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. Grace Brethren Investment Foundation CEO Dr. Larry Chamberlain is at right.

In the three-day meetings, updates were given by the executives of all the national organizations, along with any plans for the future which will bring change.

Tuesday morning a group of attorneys from the Ice Miller law firm in Indianapolis met with the group to discuss in general litigation in today's society, and in particular, how 501(c)3 organizations can structure themselves and operate in such a way as to operate at maximum legality and with the highest ethics.

Sandy Barrett of the FGBC office was hostess for the meetings. Those participating included FGBC present moderator Jim Brown, past moderator Tim Boal, and next year's moderator John McIntosh.

National organization leaders participating included Ron Manahan and Bill Katip from Grace College and Seminary; Joel Richards from the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers; Janet Minnix and Viki Rife from Women of Grace USA; Larry Chamberlain and Ken Seyfert from the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation; Dave Guiles from Grace Brethren International Missions; Terry White from Brethren Missionary Herald Co; Ed Lewis from CE National; and Tom Avey from the FGBC office.

The leadership group will next meet on Friday, January 25, 2008, at Seal Beach, California, when leaders met with, and give updates to, members of the Fellowship Council.

Dadje Samuel (pictured at right) has a passion to reach people for Jesus.

We have received word from Tim and Sue Poyner about the death of his mother, Betty (pictured here with her husband, Randy), on Monday, December 10, following a recurrence of cancer. Betty and her husband, Randy, a longtime pastor and professional counselor in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, lived in Florida.

Yesterday evening, sometime after 9:00 p.m., my mom left her cancer-ridden body and walked into the presence of the Trinity.

She was at home surrounded by my dad, my sister Susan and the pastor of the church there in Palm Coast with his wife. Mom had deteriorated physically to the point where she was no longer able to communicate much and had stopped being able to eat and even drink anything. My sister said that her pain had increased tremendously over the past couple of days. Right before she passed away, those surrounding her were sharing memories of her and communicating how much they loved her. She went quietly and peacefully—what we had prayed for her.

We're not sure yet when the memorial service will be. We'll be in touch with that information.I feel such a mixture of sadness and gladness. I feel aware of the loss of my mom. I especially feel that for my dad. But I feel such a lifting of a weight I've carried as I've watched her suffer. What a wonderful thing that she is free!

Thank you for the various ways you all have cared for our family during this time. We have been deeply touched by your words, your prayers, and the many ways friends in Florida have stepped in and helped carry Mom and Dad in small and big ways. Thank you just doesn't come close to communicating what our hearts feel. May God's comfort reach to all.

Tim and Sue

The following entry is from the blog of Greg Peters, pastor of Parkview Church where the Poyners attended and where Betty was on staff as a ministry assistant:

Last night shortly after 9:00 Betty Poyner entered into the presence of God and His heavenly host. Betty told me last week that she was not afraid of dying it was just the process that concerned her. I can tell you that I saw the Lord prove Himself faithful, strong, loving and comforting.

With Betty's family at her constant side, she was kept comfortable and was always being immersed in love. Denise, Seth and I were at the house last night until almost 8:45. Before we left we all held hands and prayed one last time - God answered our prayers and heard our cries. Betty, welcome to your new home - we'll be there soon!

Betty's memorial service will probably be next Saturday, Dec 22, at 10:30 am.

Cast members of the Living Christmas Trees pageant at the Grace Brethren Church, Columbus, Ohio, pause for a photo after the afternoon performance on Sunday, December 9. The 21st annual production opened this weekend at the church's Worship Center. It includes music performed by the church orchestra, choir, and ensemble and involves a cast of nearly 200 people in addition to hundreds of behind-the-scenes volunteers. After a two-night break, the pageant continues Wednesday through Sunday nights (with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons). For more information, click here.

David Plaster is the senior pastor at Columbus. The concert is directed by Randy Kettering, director of arts and media, and David P. O'Roark, director of drama ministries.

The Thursday afternoon SMM girls program at Jefferson Elementary School in Winona Lake, Indiana, yesterday decorated Christmas trees to be used as table decorations for the annual mother-daughter tea to be held Thursday, December 13 at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church (WLGBC).

WLGBC (Bruce Barlow, lead pastor) has sponsored the after-school club for several years. After the mother-daughter tea the girls will present their mothers with the trees, which are decorated in part with fruit and dove ornaments, symbolic of the girls' current series of lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit.

The men's basketball team from Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, along with the Warsaw(IN) Morning Optimist Club and Warsaw's Holiday Inn Express, will join forces with the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund (KCCCF) this weekend in the Hoops for Hope Basketball Tourney on December 8 and 9.

The purpose of the tourney is to generate funds for cancer research in Indiana and assistance for local families of the Warsaw/Winona Lake community who are in financial need due to their personal battles with cancer.

Men's basketball coach Jim Kessler says, "With the existing level of interest in basketball in this community and on the Grace campus, such a tournament is a fantastic vehicle to generate awareness of the need and at the same time produce assistance to make a difference for folks in our community.

"Our plan is to donate the entire gate to the KCCCF. As a result we are asking everyone who attends to make a $5 donation as an entrance fee which is good for one or both sessions.

"In an effort to teach and demonstrate the principle of service to others, we are asking our student body, faculty, families, players, and coaching staff, as well as visiting players and coaching staff, to donate as well."

The pairings are:

Friday, December 8, 6 p.m. - Cornerstone vs. Missouri Baptist.

8 p.m. - Grace vs. Indiana University Southeast


Saturday, December 9, 1 p.m. - Consolation Game

3 p.m. - Championship Game

To keep up with Lancer basketball this season, go to http://www.grace.edu/athletics/.

Beth and Philip Bryant, church-planters in Surrey (Vancouver) British Columbia, Canada, give an encouraging report on their newest church launch, Community of Hope, in their latest e-mail update. Here is an excerpt:

It was in December of 2005 that we arrived in Surrey on a rainy night. We didn't know anything about Surrey or the West Coast for that matter. It amazes me how much God has done since then.

It was in June of 2006 that Cedar Grove said they wanted to partner with us. It was in December of 2006 that four families were meeting regularly and dreaming of a future church called Community of Hope. It was in May of 2007 that 25 adults said they wanted to be on the team to see this new church get started.

It was in September of 2007 that over 200 people came to the launch of Community of Hope.

Wow! Now, as of this Sunday, over 100 people have been meeting each week for three months at the Strawberry Hill Cinemas as Community of Hope Church. Just this past Sunday, six adults signed on to join the membership and God continues to build His church here in Surrey.

Five community groups meet each week, a youth group is in its infancy and a young adults group meets on Sundays after services. We have seen up to nine young moms take part in the mom's group on Tuesday mornings and relationships are growing. Life is happening at Community of Hope.

Over 60 of us took part in Cedar Grove's Christmas Dessert Theatre - what a great outreach! There was one first time profession of faith and several of our guest who indicated a desire to know more about God. It is so exciting to see our people loving, serving and growing into a community of Hope.

Many of you have prayed and God has answered your prayers; Community of Hope is off to a great start.

Use your job to launch new missionaries?

Would you like your work to have an eternal impact, to really matter?

Are you an organized person who can handle many details?

Grace Brethren International Missions in Winona Lake has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant working with applicants for missionary service.

For more information see GBIM's web site at www.gbim.org or e-mail or call Joan Hoke: jhoke@gbim.org or 268-1888, extension 21.

Brochures and information packets are now available for the "Brethren Heritage Tour," to take place July 31-August 14, 2008, immediately following the igo08 national conference in Tampa, Florida.

Organized by Grace Brethren International Missions, the tour will be hosted by Dr. David Plaster, a seasoned European traveler and noted scholar of Grace Brethren history. Plaster is senior pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus in Worthington, Ohio.

The first few days of the tour include celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement in Schwarzenau, Germany. Hotel accommodations will be in Marburg, Germany, but the Saturday and Sunday activities will be in Schwarzenau, the little hamlet on the Eder River where Alexander Mack and seven other believers baptized each other in 1708 to give birth to what is today the "mother movement" for six or more Brethren groups.

Following the 300th anniversary celebrations, the tour will move on to a Rhine River cruise and tours of several cities in Germany, including some time with the Grace Brethren Church in Aalen for an evening get-together.

Moving then to France and Switzerland, the tour will include day tours of the Swiss Alps, Sunday worship with the Lyon (France) Grace Brethren Church, and an overnight stay at the Chateau de St. Albain. A tour of Paris will conclude the trip.

Space is limited, so it is suggested that reservations be made early. For more information contact Ted Rondeau at Grace Brethren International Missions at trondeau@gbim.org or call (574) 268-1888, ext. 29.

Pastor Mike Tabor of the Happy Church, a Grace Brethren church in Jackson, Kentucky, sends along these updates and prayer requests:

Our senior high Happy Church Quiz Team this past weekend went to C.E. National headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana, to take part in its first annual national quiz invitational.

There were 10 teams present with two being district teams (quizzers from multiple churches in a district). Our third best quizzer and three others did not make the trip, leaving us with only four quizzers. The quizzes are for up to five. If you leave a seat empty, other teams put their best “chance taker” on seat five so that if they miss, the four-person team does not have a chance at a bonus.

This definitely cost us points but we still came in FIRST! Ed Lewis of C.E. National presented our team with a nice trophy. The best part of the trip however was the great camaraderie all quizzers and coaches displayed for each other and the relationships that were developed.

C.E. National’s quiz program uses the N.I.V. and is open to all churches wishing to participate in the single most important thing we can do with our children – memorize God’s Word.

The teen/youth center (aka “Happy Shack”) is progressing toward completion. There is some drywall and mudding left to do prior to painting and then installation of kitchen cabinets, appliances, e