BMH Editor's Blog

Promotional Copy You Can Use

Posted by Terry White on August 31, 2006  |  No Comments

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

Week One:

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

Week Two:

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

Week Three:

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

Charlie’s Journey Into the Land of WUZTS

Posted by Terry White on August 31, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

Through all this we were wondering WUZTS HAPPENING?

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

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

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

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

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

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

HIS and yours,
Charles Ashman

Hockings Out for a (81-day) Walk

Posted by Terry White on August 31, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

Focus Retreat Registration Now Online

Posted by Terry White on August 31, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

Dates and locations for this year’s retreats are:

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

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

Westminster Guest Rooms Available for Reservation

Posted by Terry White on August 30, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

412 Students Have Lunch With a BMH Editor

Posted by Terry White on August 30, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good News From Pastor Charles Ashman

Posted by Terry White on August 29, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Church Has ‘World’s Greatest Awana Circle’

Posted by Terry White on August 29, 2006  |  1 Comment

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

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

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

‘Catalyst’ Ohio Church Launches in 12 Days

Posted by Terry White on August 29, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

Advancing the Invisible Kingdom,

Jonathan Herron

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

Momeyers to Begin Language Study in France

Posted by Terry White on August 29, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

Winona Lake – Double Exposure

Posted by Terry White on August 29, 2006  |  1 Comment

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

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

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

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

Mt. Gilead Open House September 10

Posted by Terry White on August 28, 2006  |  No Comments

Pastor Dean Risser sends along the following update:

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

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

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

Best-Looking Lake East of Hawaii

Posted by Terry White on August 26, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

Charles Ashman Admitted to Hospital

Posted by Terry White on August 25, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

Your prayers for Charles Ashman will be appreciated.

Tina Walker, Hocks Depart for Central Africa

Posted by Terry White on August 24, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wooster Team to Minister in C.A.R.

Posted by Terry White on August 24, 2006  |  No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post-BNYC Ocean Baptism for Lititz Teens

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hallelujah!! What a great morning it was.

Sunbury Church-Plant Moving Forward

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Westminster Hall Open House — You’re Invited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Focus Retreat Shifts to Ohio

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

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

Punderson’s website describes the facility this way:

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

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

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

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

The other retreat locations will repeat from the previous years.

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

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