BMH Editor's Blog

Lititz Church Burns Mortgage

Posted by Terry White on April 23, 2006  |  No Comments

Pastor Scott Distler (second from left, blue shirt) and Dr. Jerry Young participated in a ceremonial “mortgage burning” in both the morning worship services today at the Grace Brethren Church of Lititz, PA.

Distler is current pastor of the Lititz church and Jerry Young is the previous pastor, having retired after 30 years at the Lititz church. FGBC Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey, former administrative pastor at the Lititz church, also participated in the ceremony.

The actual mortgage, marked “paid in full” will be displayed in the church lobby as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the stewardship response of the Lititz congregation. 

215 Attend ‘North of 55′ Conference in Wooster

Posted by Terry White on April 21, 2006  |  No Comments

Pastor Robert Fetterhoff of the Wooster, OH, Grace Brethren Church welcomed the approximately 215 seniors who attended today’s “North of 55″ conference at the Wooster church.

Sponsored by CE National, the day featured lectures, workshops, singing, challenges, fellowship and much more. It is one of a series of “North of 55″ days CE is sponsoring around the country.

Ed Lewis and Bud Olszewski were emcees for the day and program arrangements were by Pastor George Johnson of the Wooster church staff. 

Posted by Terry White on April 21, 2006  |  No Comments

Dr. Randy Smith, pastor of the Sebring, FL, Grace Brethren Church and an expert on Israel and the Middle East, gave the two main talks of the day. One focused on the Book of Ezekiel and the other, based on Romans, included an update and a question-and-answer session on current developments in Middle Eastern countries as compared with biblical prophecies. 

Posted by Terry White on April 21, 2006  |  No Comments

Dr. Duke Heller, a dentist from the Worthington, OH, Grace Brethren church and the author of BMH Books’ How to Start a Kingdom Conversation, gave two workshops on personal witnessing based on the principles in the book. 

Posted by Terry White on April 21, 2006  |  No Comments

Nancy Messner, pianist and recording artist with deep roots in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (her father was Pastor Russell Weber), played piano for the conference, presented several special numbers, and gave a workshop on dealing with grief after having suddenly become a widow. 

Posted by Terry White on April 21, 2006  |  No Comments

Lois Maxson, of the CE National staff, gave a workshop for women on the subject of mentoring girls. 

Posted by Terry White on April 21, 2006  |  No Comments

Bud Barger, of the Brethren Financial Planning services and a member of Calvary Grace Brethren Church of Hagerstown, MD, presented a workshop on estate planning and long-range financial management according to biblical principles. 

Posted by Terry White on April 21, 2006  |  No Comments

The combined choirs from Wooster Christian School gave a short concert in the afternoon session at today’s “North of 55″ conference in Wooster, Ohio. 

Paul Corts to Head Christian College Organization

Posted by Terry White on April 20, 2006  |  No Comments

Dr. Paul R. Corts has been named the fifth president of the 30-year-old Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).

The selection of Corts, who has served as Assistant Attorney General for Administration for the U.S. Department of Justice since 2002, was announced at the CCCU International Forum on Christian Higher Education in Dallas, Texas, on March 31. Succeeding current CCCU President Bob Andringa, who announced his upcoming retirement in April 2005, Corts will assume the office of president in the CCCU headquarters in Washington, D.C. in June 2006.

“I have known Dr. Corts for more than 15 years and have observed with admiration his excellent leadership abilities,” says David S. Dockery, president of Union University in Jackson, Tenn., and chair of the CCCU Board of Directors. “He is a man of much wisdom and godly character, a devoted churchman and a brilliant leader.”

In his role as Assistant Attorney General for Administration, Corts serves on the President’s Management Council, Council of Chief Financial Officers, the Enduring Constitutional Government Coordinating Council, the Executive Board of the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (Department of State), and various other federal organizations. President Bush has also appointed Dr. Corts to serve on the Board of Directors of the Federal Prisons Industries.

Prior to his work at the Department of Justice, Corts served as president of CCCU member institution Palm Beach Atlantic University for nearly 12 years. He also served as president of Wingate University in North Carolina, and he has held administrative and teaching positions at Oklahoma Baptist University and Western Kentucky University.

Corts served many professional organizations in higher education, including a term as president of the American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities, an advisory policy board member for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, as well as chair of the board of directors of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida.

“I have known Dr. Corts for several years and am excited to pass the baton of CCCU leadership to such a highly qualified leader,” says Andringa. “I began with far less relevant experience than Dr. Corts is bringing. He will help us move Christian higher education to the next level.”

Corts holds degrees from Georgetown College and Indiana University. He and his wife, Diane, are the parents of three grown children.

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of more than 170 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world, including Grace College in Winona Lake, IN. There are now 105 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences.

Three Grace College students have been accepted into CCCU (Council of Christian Colleges and Universities) programs for study during the fall term of 2006. Junior Nathanael Smith from Delaware, OH, a biblical studies major, was accepted into The Scholars’ Semester in Oxford.

Senior Tammy Sackett from Waterloo, IA, a double-major in graphic design and illustration, was accepted into the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. Kate Marshall, a sophomore English major, will also study at Oxford under the CCCU program.

In addition, 71 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.  

Zola Levitt Dies of Cancer

Posted by Terry White on April 20, 2006  |  1 Comment

Jewish Christian preacher Zola Levitt died yesterday after battling cancer, according to his ministry website.

Levitt, known for the tagline, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” had a television program seen on several Christian networks, “Zola Levitt Presents.”

He died at home in Dallas, where he led the non-profit Zola Levitt Ministries, Inc.

Levitt was diagnosed with cancer Feb. 10, which had spread from his left lung to his liver and brain, according to his son, Mark Levitt, who posted updates on the ministry website.

Mark Levitt said in a recent post that that in response to the illness, his father was “doubling his efforts to produce extra TV programs and create more informative and outspoken newsletters than ever.”  

Peters to Raise Funds for GBNAM

Posted by Terry White on April 20, 2006  |  No Comments

Grace Brethren North American Missions (GBNAM) today announced the appointment of Nelson L. Peters, of the Grace Brethren Church of Lititz, PA, as the senior advancement officer for GBNAM. Peters will work in the areas of fundraising and donor relations, building and strengthening partnerships for establishing churches throughout North America.

His work experience spans a period of 37 years, and includes corporate employment with a Fortune 250 company, consulting service with a major manufacturer, and a CRM consulting business. He served in leadership roles for strategic projects and operational effectiveness processes, both on the manufacturing and operational levels. This included the oversight of projects for multi-million dollar capital investments and process improvement plans both in North America and Europe.

Peters’ experience enabled him to interact with people in various cultures and leadership levels to build relationships and to achieve success in their business goals and to serve the Lord as a tentmaker in Europe. The tentmaking employment opportunity in England allowed him to further develop a global perspective, a biblical worldview, and a growing passion to serve the Lord and to share His good news.

Peters served as an Elder of the Lititz Grace Brethren Church (1983 – 1987) and after returning from Europe, as chairman of the Missions Committee (1993 -1998). He was a member of Grace Brethren International Missions Board of Trustees (1997 – 2000) and a board member and officer of the Northern Atlantic Missions, Inc. Board (1998 – 2005).

He served with GBNAM’s Northeast Region Coordinator to develop and serve as a member of the Strategic Steering Advisory Board for the church planting initiatives (2000-2005), and was president of the Northern Atlantic Missions, Inc. (2005 – 2006).

He served on the Warwick School District Strategic Planning Team as the co-chair for the Industry and Community Team (1998), served as a community representative on the Warwick School Board’s Education Committee (2003 – 2005), and he currently serves as strategic consultant to the Development Director for the Lititz Community Center, Major Donors (2006).

During his leadership of the mission committee at the Lititz Grace Brethren Church, Peters was significantly involved in the assistance of raising financial support for European mission team members and vision-casting of missions for North America and GBIM. He also assisted in fundraisers for both local not-for-profit organizations and statewide political campaigns.

Peters’ wife, Janet, is a Supervisor, Account Service with Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. Both enjoy the ministry of service at Grace Church Lititz and with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. They have a married daughter, Michele, two granddaughters, and two grandsons. 

The End of an Era

Posted by Terry White on April 20, 2006  |  1 Comment

The sign on the door of the Herald Bookstore in Winona Lake, Indiana, says “Our final day of business will be Friday, April 21. Thank you. The staff of the Herald Bookstore.”

A Christian bookstore has been operated continuously in this location (1104 Kings Highway) since 1956, when the Herald building was built under the direction of then-general manager Arnold Kriegbaum.

The store will be closed for several months. After extensive renovation and re-stocking a new Tree of Life Christian bookstore and cafe is anticipated to open in late August, shortly before the beginning of the fall semester for Grace College and Seminary.

More information on Tree of Life is available at www.tolbookstores.com.  

Ngoumape Reports Bandits Retreat

Posted by Terry White on April 20, 2006  |  No Comments

Dr. Francois Ngoumape (pictured), who directs the Bible schools and seminary for the Grace Brethren churches in the Central African Republic, has been asking for prayer for safety during these difficult times in the CAR. Here is a slightly-edited version of his latest report, which indicates that God has been answering those prayers.

Yes Jesus is living. We have just celebrated His resurrection. Since March 23 we were on Easter vacation, with the opportunity for some of our students to travel to visit their parents and their churches.

Those who went toward the west have been caught by bandits who beat them up, but their life was safe. A village toward the west of the country, named Kaita toward Bocaranga, has been fired on by the bandits. The churches of the Brethren were to meet in this village for their district conference. Fortunately, the damage arrived before the date of the conference. More than 150 houses were burned, and a deacon has been killed.

A student went northbound in Markounda to see his parents. He made the trip by bicycle, 600 kilometers. When he arrived he met a few of his relatives. They were astonished to see him, because all said since the war in this part since last September, he is the first person to make this road.

Praise the Lord all of us came back safely to the campus. Since April 3 until April 16 the bandits were within 150 metres of the campus, but God stopped them from doing anything to us. Thanks to your prayers, since April 17 they moved away from us.

It is true that Jesus lives, and that He watches over His beloved. As Psalm 23 says, �even though I walk in the shade of the valley of the death, I don’t fear any pain.� That is what encourages us and motivates us in the ministry for His glory.

I thank you very sincerely for your unceasing prayers and your letters of encouragement to us in the ministry here at Bata. Please pray that one day we will be able to have a fence around the campus for safety. May God’s grace and peace dwell with you!
 

More on Clinton Bus Torching

Posted by Terry White on April 20, 2006  |  No Comments

From today’s Maryland Gazette online:

The director of Grace Brethren Christian School in Clinton said that the destruction by fire of one of his school’s buses, apparently by vandals, knocked out vital transportation for students to and from athletic events and field trips.

‘‘Until we get another bus, it will be a major inconvenience,” said George Hornickel, head of the school. ‘‘We’ll have to purchase a new bus real soon… this brought down our capacity [for transporting students] by about one-third.”

About 800 students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend Grace Brethren Christian School. Parents are responsible for transporting them to class, but the school provides transportation to and from sporting events and on field trips.

The buses carry about 50 to 60 students. The fire was set the night of April 17.

Hornickel said he might have security cameras and lights installed around the bus lot to prevent further acts of vandalism.

Hornickel said that a new bus would cost about $90,000 so the school would likely try to purchase a used model in the $10,000 to $20,000 range.

Prince George’s County Fire⁄EMS Department investigators have not determined what actually caused the fire.

‘‘All they’ve said is that it’s under investigation,” said Mark Brady, fire⁄EMS spokesman. ‘‘Nothing has been ruled out.”

But Hornickel remains convinced that it was an act of vandalism and points to other acts on the campus that he believed occurred at the same time. He said a storage shed on the campus grounds had been broken into and paint cans were opened and their contents tossed about. A trash can there was also set on fire, Hornickel said.

Parents of preschoolers attending an evening church function found the bus on fire and contacted police and fire units, Hornickel said.

‘‘It’s fortunate they were here or else the other bus [next to the torched unit] could’ve caught on fire,” Hornickel said. ‘‘Fortunately no one was hurt.”

Garwin, Iowa, Church Reports Good Growth

Posted by Terry White on April 19, 2006  |  3 Comments

The purpose of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. (and of this blog) is to “nurture Great Commission teamwork among the people and churches of the FGBC by building bridges of communication.” It delights our hearts to get positive ministry reports from Grace Brethren churches, both large and small.

The November/December FGBC World announced that Howard and June Immel had moved to Garwin, Iowa, for Howard to assume the pastorate of the Carlton Brethren Church there. Here, used by permission, is an update on what God is doing in and through the Garwin church.

Our first Sunday here–Oct. 2, 2005–there were 35 in attendance. We have been steadily growing–this Sunday, April 16, 2006, there were 111. Yes, one hundred and eleven people attended the worship service!

I (June) directed my first adult choir this previous Sunday–quite a scary thing for me! We serve an awesome God. At our communion service last Wednesday evening, several gave testimony as to the spiritual growth they saw happening in the church body and in their own lives. Again–due to the faithfulness of our God.

When we arrived, we did not meet on a weekly basis for prayer meeting. However, the first of the year we began SPRYNT–Special Prayer Reunion with Your Neighborhood Team. We encouraged people in their neighborhood getting together to pray–anytime, anyday, anywhere.

At present we have three such meetings during the week–one in Marshalltown (usually on a Tues. PM), one here at the parsonage (6 PM on Wednesdays.) and one in Garwin (2 PM on Thursdays) God is answering prayer.

Ladies Bible Study (Tuesday mornings) has grown from 4-5 to 14 in regular attendance. At present we are studying the Book of I John. Please continue to pray for us and the church. A small country church on a very dirt(y) road but we are seeing God answer. Praise Him!

Update on Kim Cooke Surgery

Posted by Terry White on April 19, 2006  |  No Comments

When you are asked to pray for someone in need, it is always good to get a report on how God has answered those prayers. You were asked to pray for the heart surgery Tuesday on Kim Cooke, wife of pastor Kelvin Cooke of the Waterloo, Iowa, Grace Brethren church. Here are updates as of Tuesday Wednesday morning from Kim’s mother, Sherrie Clingenpeel:

We are praising God for His faithfulness. Bill and I have been the caretakers today of Isabel and Carson. We began the day by arriving at the hospital around 6:30 a.m. where we were able to spend some time with Kim before surgery. Leaving the hospital was difficult, but Kim’s wish for her children today was that they spend the day in activities that would occupy their minds and keep them from worry. That we have done.

Kelvin called us just about two hours ago and said that he had seen Kim in the ICU and that her vitals were good. The surgery was a success, and all signs are very encouraging. Our hearts overflow with gratitude for all the prayers that have gone to the throne of God on behalf of Kim and her family. She said on more than one occasion that the knowledge of that support has been her rock, and we as her family all concur.

Bill and I paused at the side of an ice skating rink with Isabel and Carson and with tears of joy praised God for the good news following surgery. What a sweet blessing that the next generation is already seeing that our strength comes from above. Even Isabel and Carson have been impressed with the generosity of many and the scope of the prayer circle that has surrounded their family. Thank you all again for all you have done.

LATE-BREAKING NEWS — 5:40 p.m. Tuesday — Kelvin just came out of the ICU. Kim is awake and responded to him by squeezing his hand. If she continues to be alert and responsive, the ventilator will be removed.

Kelvin was with Kim at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening, and she was asking for Seven-Up because the Sprite being offered was too sweet. Less than three hours later she was back in the OR because of internal bleeding. We received the call from the hospital, and Kelvin left immediately to be there.

It is now approximately 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, and Kelvin has just returned from the hospital. The original surgeon, Dr. Everett, was called in to reopen her and discover the cause of the bleeding. He found a small vein, not even associated with the surgery, that had popped (details are sketchy at this point) and was able to repair it with ONE stitch. He said that she is resting comfortably now and that this will not set back her recovery significantly.

As you rise to begin your day we ask that you continue to remember Kim and her family in your prayers, praising God for His faithfulness and mercy and asking for His continued graciousness to this family. The children slept through the crisis; the rest of us will now lie down and rest in the arms of Jesus.

Thanking you again for your concern and love, Sherrie for the entire family

Fire Destroys Bus at Clinton School

Posted by Terry White on April 19, 2006  |  No Comments

The following article appeared in yesterday’s Maryland Gazette online. The school is affiliated with the Clinton Grace Brethren Church, Howard Mayes, pastor.
Prince George’s County Fire⁄EMS investigators are looking for answers in the case of a private school bus that they found burning in Clinton last night.

Fire⁄EMS personnel arrived at the 6700 block of Surratts Road at about 8:20 p.m. at Grace Brethren Christian School and extinguished the blaze.

Investigators have not yet determined a cause of the fire, officials said.

‘‘All they’ve said about this is that it’s under investigation,” said department spokesman Mark Brady. ‘‘Nothing has been ruled out … The damage was significant.”

School officials say they believe the fire was an act of vandalism and point to a broken-in storage shed, tossed paint and a torched trash can as further evidence.

‘‘How does a bus just catch on fire at 8 p.m. at night?” asked school Director George Hornickel.

Florida 412 Team Sponsors Carnival

Posted by Terry White on April 17, 2006  |  No Comments

The Sebring, Florida, Grace Brethren Church (Randy Smith, pastor) put on a carnival this past Saturday under the leadership of Hunter Brewer and other 412 students (Florida 412 team pictured) at the Sebring campus.

Many people saw “Spiderman” (Beniah Kirbwny) on the news or in ads in the paper inviting the community, and about 420 people attended, including about 80 percent of the Sebring Church Day Care people.

The event was considered a huge success, as the community was made aware of the ministries at the church. Several people came to the Easter Sunday services at the church as a result of the carnival.

The 412 Commission, a ministry of CENational, is a one-year post-high-school intensive program of Bible learning, local-church internship and ministry travel. In its initial year there were two sites–Akron, OH and Sebring, FL–but two additional sites (Lititz, PA and Goshen, IN) are projected to open in the fall. For information click here.
 

Norwalk Holds ‘Old-Fashioned Revival’

Posted by Terry White on April 17, 2006  |  No Comments

The CE National website currently carries the following brief report about a recent outreach effort on the part of our Norwalk, CA, church (Pastor Wayne Ayer).

Norwalk, California, Grace Brethren Church had “Old Time Revival” meetings last week. Guest speaker and illusionist Hubert Conway and guest musician/recording artist Charles Graham comprised the “Gospel Team” God used to challenge the church and the community.

In the first two nights alone, 13 people received Christ and 19 rededicated their lives. Pastor Wayne Ayer reports they had to set up extra chairs on the platform because the church was so full.
 

Reccord Resigns as NAMB President

Posted by Terry White on April 17, 2006  |  No Comments

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)–Robert E. Reccord, president of the North American Mission Board, announced his resignation April 17 from the Southern Baptist entity he has led since its creation nine years ago.

Speaking to nearly 200 NAMB staff members at NAMB’s Atlanta-area offices, Reccord said he made the decision, which was effective immediately, with “mixed emotions.”

“I am thankful for the countless numbers of people we have seen come to Christ and the thousands of churches we have seen planted and nurtured,” he said. “On the other hand, I regret we were not able to complete a number of things we have started or dreamed about. I regret that events of recent weeks have created an environment which makes it difficult to lead the organization and to stay on mission.”

The events Reccord referred to resulted from a lengthy article two months ago in The Christian Index, newsjournal of the Georgia Baptist Convention. The article, which was critical of the entity’s accomplishments and Reccord’s leadership, led to an investigation by NAMB’s board of trustees which also was critical of some of NAMB’s more innovative initiatives and decisions under Reccord’s leadership.

During his announcement, Reccord told employees he has found it increasingly difficult to be an entrepreneurial leader within a denominational structure.

Barry Holcomb, chairman of NAMB’s board of trustees, read a statement to the mission board’s employees, acknowledging Reccord’s accomplishments, integrity and visionary leadership style.

Holcomb said, “Contrary to some opinions, Dr. Reccord is in no way being asked to resign, let alone forced to resign. He is taking this step for what he feels is best for Christ’s Kingdom…. I believe that this is one of the strongest evidences of his personal character and integrity.”

Reccord told employees he doesn’t know what he is going to do but has already received several calls asking him to consider various ministry opportunities.

“We will follow God’s leadership to do what is best for the Kingdom,” he said.

Holcomb announced that Reccord will serve as a liaison between NAMB and Promise Keepers as he speaks at 19 PK events across the country from June through October.

“NAMB and Promise Keepers entered into an agreement earlier this year to work together to mobilize workers for the rebuild that continues along the Gulf Coast following last year’s hurricanes,” Holcomb said. “I’m thankful that Dr. Reccord has the opportunity and the desire to challenge Christian men across America to invest their time and talents alongside Southern Baptists.”

Holcomb announced NAMB’s trustees will consider naming an interim president at its upcoming May 2 meeting as well as begin the search process for a new president.

In the meantime, Carlos Ferrer, NAMB’s chief financial officer, who was named the previous week as the interim chief operating officer, would assume all executive leadership responsibilities, Holcomb said.

“Carlos is a man of great giftedness and integrity, and he will provide outstanding leadership during this time.” Ferrer, a native of Cuba, joined the former Home Mission Board in 1992 as controller.