BMH Editor's Blog

When Your Son is Committed to Missions . . .

Posted by Terry White on December 30, 2006  |  2 Comments

This article about Grace Brethren International Missions appointees Kirk and Kay Carver (pictured)–and how Kirk’s parents are responding to their son’s mission commitment–appeared in today’s The Villages Daily Sun from The Villages, Florida. Article and photo from the Sun.

THE VILLAGES — This Christmas season has been a whirlwind of activity for Bill and Fran Carver. They’ve visited relatives and spent time their son, Kirk and daughter-in-law, Kay.

The Village of Springdale couple know they need to make memories with their only child and his wife — the younger Carvers are planning to leave the country to train to become missionaries in Cameroon later this year.

“We’re very proud, but apprehensive, about them being so far away,” Fran said. “This is their choice, and we are with them 100 percent.”

“We have asked if they can’t be missionaries in the United States,” Bill said, “but Kirk’s answer is that most people in the U.S. have the opportunity to know God. How can you go against teaching the word of God?”

Fran is concerned for Kirk’s health. He’s had a heart valve replaced, and must take daily medication.

“That bothers me,” Fran said. “Sometimes packages do not arrive there.”

Kirk, a chiropractor, and Kay, a massage therapist and former office manager for Kirk’s practice, have been involved with mission work for the past three years, first going on short-term missions to Czechoslovakia.

“We thought we were being called to Czechoslovakia,” Kirk said. “But we went on a short-term mission to Chad. It broke our hearts for the African people. They have no opportunity to hear the word of God.”

The couple returned to their Chesapeake Beach, Md., home and have been methodically preparing for a return to Africa. The first order of business was to sell the chiropractic practice and their ocean-view home. The couple is selling everything, and except for a retirement account, giving all to Grace Brethren International Missions. The couple will receive a living stipend from GBIM.

“We had all the stuff Americans aspire to have,” Kirk said, “and it was completely unfulfilling and unrewarding.”

“It’s been very liberating to get rid of stuff,” Kay said. “The only thing that has me freaked is finding a home for our kitty cat.” Jack the Cat is a 7-year-old neutered brown tabby with a white chest and paws. Kay describes him as “very friendly.”

The couple will receive cross-cultural training in North Carolina, and will attend a missionary language school in Albertville, France, in order to learn enough French to get by in Cameroon, a former French colony. The Carvers are also looking for partners who can offer spiritual and financial assistance. They plan to keep those partners up to date with regular e-mails.

“Some people need to pray,” Kirk said, “some need to give and some need to go.”

Becoming missionaries was the last thing on the minds of Kirk and Kay.

“When we were in college, there were those “born-again Jesus freaks,” Kay said. “I didn’t want anything to do with them. Now I’m one of them.”

“We were saved at a small church with a missionary focus in 1998,” Kirk said. “Right away, we had the experience of a church involved in a mission.”

“That was important, Kay said. “You have the idea that a missionary is some sort of super-spiritual person. Instead, a missionary is a regular person, doing God’s work in another country.”

After their conversion, Kirk began attending classes at Capital Bible Seminary, with an eye toward becoming a pastor.

“I’m glad we’re becoming missionaries,” Kay said with a smile. “I’m not cut out to be a pastor’s wife.”

While in Africa, Kay expects to be involved with a women’s ministry, emphasizing literacy, orphan care and “True Love Waits,” an abstinence program for young women.

Kirk says his duties will involve evaluating and training pastors to spread the word in a mentorship and discipleship program.

“The idea is to train Africans to lead their own church,” Kay said.

While some may feel that becoming full-time missionaries is a big change, it’s natural to Kay.

“People think we’re sacrificing, being noble,” Kay said. “That’s not true. This feels right. It’s easy following God’s will.”

Dog Found: Couple Still Missing

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

From today’s Dayton (OH) Daily News:

Search intensifies for Wenners
Couple’s black Labrador retriever found along property that abuts the Stillwater River.

By Ryan Justin Fox

BUTLER TWP., Montgomery County — Ever since the Christmas Day drowning of Craig and Patricia Wenner, Amy Eber had avoided even looking at the backyard of her Meeker Road home, which abuts the Stillwater River.

“The idea of looking out there and seeing someone is disturbing.” Eber said. “It’s just a horrible thing that happened.”

On Friday morning, the body of the Wenners’ black Labrador retriever, Shadow, washed up on an embankment on Eber’s property. The Wenners died after the dog jumped into the river. Patricia Wenner tried to save the dog, and then Craig Wenner jumped in to try to save his wife.

The search for their bodies intensified on Friday after a break in the weather and river conditions. Over 40 rescue officers from Englewood, Butler Twp., Huber Heights, Trotwood and Five Rivers MetroParks converged on the Stillwater.

Park rangers led the coordinated rescue effort that included cadaver-finding dogs, sonar equipment and dragging operations. Boat and dog teams combed both sides of the dam Friday while ground crews patrolled the banks along the river.

“It’s been difficult for sure,” said Five Rivers MetroParks Chief Ranger Larry Jones. “We just want to get them out of the water.”

Jones said park rangers and personnel have been extra determined to find Craig Wenner, a longtime employee at Englewood MetroPark, and his wife, both 50. Several rangers have canceled vacations to assist in the search effort.

“There is a sense of determination (among the park rangers) to help their own,” Englewood Assistant Fire Chief Ron Fletcher said. “But we’re all maintaining a high level of caution. We don’t want to have to rescue anybody else.”

The search continues today.

A trust fund was established for the couple’s teen-age daughters. Checks can be made to Carolyn and Sara Wenner College Fund and mailed to Montgomery County Credit Union, 409 E. Monument Ave., Suite 105, Dayton, OH 45402.

There will also be a memorial service for Craig and Patricia Wenner on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Brookville Grace Brethren Church on 665 W. Westbrooke Road. For more information, call (937) 833-5562 or brookvillegrace.org

West Milton and CEF Team Together

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

This article from yesterday’s West Milton (OH)Times newspaper refers to Grace Community Grace Brethren Church (Steve Peters, pastor), the sponsoring church for the Good News Club. For further background on the “chicken church” name, see the posting on this blog in archives for 13 September, 2006.

By JOYELL NEVINS
Staff Writer

The “chicken church”, a.k.a. Community Grace Brethren, has taken up residency at Milton-Union Elementary School.

Five years ago, they started holding Good News Clubs after school in the Physical Education room with the sanctioning of administration.

“The principal and administration is really supportive,” praises Jennifer Brumbaugh, Good News coordinator.

The club is a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowships (CEF), a non-denominational, Bible-based international missions agency that reached nearly 4.9 million children in over 150 countries last year. CEF provides the curriculum for the Good News Club, and Community Grace gives the crucial financial, prayer, and work support.

The work support is extremely important. Good News started with a core group of about 25, and now can get up to 40 students at once. Brumbaugh noted that the more children come, the more volunteers they seem to get.

“God has brought a lot of workers out of the woodwork,” she smiles.

There are over 1,300 CEF school-related clubs in the United States. Milton-Union’s club is an offshoot of a CEF group in Dayton. They meet for three different six-week sessions through the year.

Children play games, sing songs, have snacks, and learn a Bible lesson.

“It’s really fun with the hand motions and songs,” shares fifth grader Amanda Black.

The activities are often related to the Bible lesson.

“It’s like miniature Vacation Bible school,” explains Brumbaugh, “They really seem to like it.”

She notes that a lot of children who come don’t attend church on Sundays, so the Good News club is able to be their “spiritual training”.

“Our main goal is to teach the children about the love of God, and the saving work of Jesus Christ, and also to provide them with strong moral training, which will hopefully steer them away from harmful influences they may face both now and in the future,” details Brumbaugh.

Parent volunteer Angie Ditmer agrees, “They’re learning something that can help them through the rest of their life.”

Volunteers also share that they have had several kids make a decision to come to Christ.

“I think it’s a good thing,” smiles Ditmer.

For information about attending or volunteering at a Good News Club, contact Jennifer at 698-3625.

Welcome, Uriah Rodeman!

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

Uriah James Rodeman was born December 27 to 412 Commission coordinators Ryan and Lori Rodeman.

Ryan and Lori Rodeman Have a Son

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

Ryan and Lori Rodeman (pictured), 412 Commission coordinators at the Norton (OH) north campus, are the parents of a newborn son. This e-mail from Ryan gives more detail:

Lori and I wanted to let you all know that Uriah James Rodeman was born on Dec 27th at 9:41pm. After 17 grueling hours of natural labor, the doctors discovered the baby was not turned in the right position. They recommended a C-Section so we followed the doctors’ advice.

Thankfully, everything went great. Lori and I are overwhelmed with the gift of our son. Uriah is a very healthy little guy. He weighs 8 pounds 1.5 ounces and is 21 inches long, he has a full head of hair and looks like both of us.

We are so thankful that God has provided strength and health and victory to our new little man! It has truly been an amazing thing to watch the miracle of birth — please pray for our new son and for a speedy recovery for Lori.

The Triplehorn-Gerald Ford Connection

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

BMH Books is currently editing a manuscript on worship submitted by Bruce Triplehorn, a missionary to Brazil with Grace Brethren International Missions. BMH senior editor Jesse Deloe spotted these paragraphs in the manuscript–it seems timely to reproduce them here in light of the recent death of President Gerald Ford, pictured at right. Bruce Triplehorn writes:

“My great-uncle, Howard Triplehorn, played football for the University of Michigan together with the late Gerald Ford.

“After Ford became vice president of the United States, I found an old program from a football game in 1927 with a picture of my great-uncle and Gerald Ford.

“I sent a letter asking if Mr. Ford would be willing to autograph the picture. To our surprise, we were given an appointment with him. As we entered his office, there was a great deal of formal procedure and security.

“A receptionist personally presented us to the vice president. I was utterly in awe and at a loss for words at being introduced to the second-most powerful man in our country in his own office.

“That is the kind of introduction we have with our Heavenly Father. We can personally come to our Heavenly Father.”

Singing Auctioneer White House Update

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

From today’s Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette (see previous December 19 posting for background):

Auctioneer sings at White House

By Emma Downs
The Journal Gazette

Anyone who knows Dane Bailey will tell you: The man never gets nervous. Never.

For the past 30 years, the Fort Wayne resident – known to music lovers as “The Singing Auctioneer” – has spent an average of 175 days a year on the road, performing for audiences large and small at festivals, churches and concerts.

He’s an old hand at performing, he says. But standing on the Ellipse south of the White House, preparing to sing at the annual Pageant of Peace, Bailey’s anticipation was almost overwhelming.

“Knowing I had been invited to sing at the White House, that was something that gave me pause,” he says. “To be there and see the buildings, the memorials. This is where it’s happening for the whole country. But once the music starts and you’re performing, you’re home.”

From the stage in President’s Park, Bailey could see the lights of the White House. Behind him was the National Christmas Tree, a 40-foot Colorado blue spruce, decorated with thousands of blue lights, stars and red sparkling garlands.

And more than 50 trees – each one representing a U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia – lined the Ellipse, illuminating a pathway toward the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Bailey was honored to be a part of it, he says.

“In the midst of all of this,” he says, “I was really struck with the majesty of the city. I was singing in front of the White House. It was incredible.”

Bailey was one of dozens of musical acts chosen to perform at the Pageant of Peace in Washington, the monthlong annual Christmas event hosted by the National Park Service.

On Dec. 19, he sang a collection of traditional Christmas songs including “Winter Wonderland” and “The Christmas Song” in his bass-baritone to a milling crowd who split its time between listening to music and admiring the holiday decorations.

“The Christmas tree is live, so it grows every year,” Bailey says. “And it’s totally decorated. Inside the fence that surrounds the tree, they’ve got model trains set up. And it’s really quite extensive. And there’s a great big permanent pit with a burning Yule log.”

As a Christian performer, Bailey was impressed with the large Nativity scene in the park, he says.

“That surprised me,” he said. “Because everything has to be so politically correct these days. But I was very glad to see it. Also, because of my heritage as a Christian, it was neat to realize that our nation was celebrating the birth of Christ, which can get overshadowed.”

To be considered to perform at the Pageant of Peace, Bailey submitted an application, a DVD and a 30-minute program featuring music selections. The selections later became the basis for his latest album “Live at Christmas.” (The album is currently available to buy on his Web site, www.singingauctioneer.com.)

In October, he received the phone call telling him he had been chosen.

“I was at a restaurant in Rockville, Ind.,” he says. “And I’m afraid everyone around me knew I’d gotten good news. My voice went up a little bit. That’s been one of the neat things. Sharing with people the fact that I got the opportunity to go to D.C. and sing. They’re pleased. Some people have expressed the fact that they’re proud to know me. It’s a little embarrassing. But nonetheless wonderful, too.”

Dayton Couple Still Missing After Second Day

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

From today’s Dayton (OH) Daily News:

ENGLEWOOD — A second full day of searching failed to turn up any sign of a Clay Twp. couple who were swept away in the Stillwater River on Christmas Day.

The search halted around 5 p.m. Wednesday and will resume today.

Craig and Patricia Wenner, both 50, were walking with their two teenage daughters and the family’s black Labrador puppy in Englewood MetroPark when the puppy apparently fell in the fast-flowing river. Park officials said Patricia Wenner attempted to rescue the dog, and her husband, a longtime Five Rivers MetroParks employee, jumped in to help.

The couple and the dog were swept downstream, apparently into the two large chutes at the base of the Englewood Dam.

One of the daughters ran up the side of the 110-foot-high earthen dam to get help.

At the time, the park was closed for the holiday.

A memorial service for the Wenners will be held Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. at Brookville Grace Brethren Church, 665 W. Westbrook Road, in Brookville. The public is welcome to attend.

Brookville to Host Memorial for Drowned Couple

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

From this morning’s Mahoning Valley (OH) Tribune Chronicle:

Family awaits rescue efforts

By RON SELAK JR. Tribune Chronicle

WARREN — Seeing in person Wednesday the swift moving water that swept away his sister and brother-in-law on Christmas Day, Kevin Cordner says he’s come to this conclusion: Patricia and Craig Wenner couldn’t survive the treacherous water of Stillwater River.

Cordner of Southington said from his sister’s Dayton-area home that rescue crews still were unable to get into the river at Englewood MetroPark to search for the couple due to high water.

‘‘This is such a shock to all of us,’’ Cordner said. ‘‘They were very beloved, two of the most super people you want to meet, and to have them snuffed, snuffed like you would a candle, and plus in front of the girls. They saw it, that just adds to the pain.’’

Former Champion resident Patricia Wenner, 50, her husband, Craig, 50, and their black Labrador retriever, Shadow, disappeared Monday in the river between a low-head dam and the Englewood Dam, about 10 miles northwest of Dayton. The couple was taking a Christmas Day walk with their daughters, Carolyn, 15, and Sara, 13.

The family has scheduled a memorial service for 2 p.m. Sunday at Brookville Grace Brethren Church in Brookville, northwest of Dayton. In the meantime, they wait for recovery of the bodies.

Cordner said family members will be taking responsibility for the girls and are working on arrangements.

Police said the apparent drownings began when the family dog wandered into a part of the river between the dams where the water is described as treacherous and apparently began struggling.

Patricia — a nurse for 25 years at Good Samaritan Hospital — waded into the turbulent water in an attempt to save the dog. Her husband, past director of the park, then went to her rescue.

One of the daughters remained on the bank while the other ran up the side to flag down a motorist on a nearby highway to call for help. Emergency calls went out about 2:30 p.m.

The teen who stayed on the bank told authorities she saw her parents in the water for several minutes before they disappeared. Cordner said it’s hoped water levels will begin receding soon, allowing rescue crews to get in and scour the river, which isn’t a large body of water, but one that flows significantly.

‘‘It’s not odd they haven’t been found yet, but it’s very undetermined as to when,’’ Cordner said.

Cordner said after visiting the river on Wednesday that its water remained high and the undertow heading toward the tubes at the base of the earthen dam was powerful.

‘‘We saw it with our own eyes,’’ Cordner said of river’s pace.

Billy Sunday Documentary to be Filmed

Posted by Terry White on December 27, 2006  |  No Comments

From today’s Warsaw (IN) Times-Union:

BY JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer

WINONA LAKE – The Billy Sunday Historic Museum is working with an Elkhart-based video production company to produce a documentary film about Billy Sunday.

Sunday was a professional baseball player during the 1800s who converted to Christianity in the 1880s. He became an evangelist and spoke to more than 100 million people, according to Bill Firstenberger, museum curator.

Sunday moved to Winona Lake in 1910 and died in 1935. The home where he lived is now the Billy Sunday Museum.

Firstenberger is partnering with Jeremy Pinckert, writer and producer for Explore Media, who will assist in shooting and producing a film based on the life of Sunday.

Firstenberger wrote a book titled “In Rare Form: A Pictorial History of the Baseball Evangelist Billy Sunday” that was published in October 2005.

The book is a pictorial biography with artifacts and images of the life of Sunday that was published by University of Iowa Press. It is available for purchase at the Billy Sunday Museum.

Firstenberger said since the book was written, the museum has been working with production companies to produce a documentary film.

He said the video will be a one-hour production targeted at both secular and Christian audiences.

The film will be shot in Winona Lake with footage of the town and museum as well as interviews with people who live in the town.

Firstenberger said other possibilities where the film also could be shot include Ames, Iowa, where Sunday was born, Billy Sunday tabernacles where Sunday preached, and possibly could include interviews with Billy Sunday scholars and authors across the country.

Pledges have been attained from television stations to air the production from several regional PBS affiliates including WNIT (Elkhart-South Bend), WFWA (Fort Wayne) and WIPB (Muncie).

Firstenberger said several other regional stations are considering airing the documentary.

He said getting commitments from these regional stations will help the museum reach its goal of airing the program nationally on PBS, The History Channel, A&E, Biography, TBN or Angel Network.

He said the budget for the project is $154,000.

Firstenberger said the museum is opening up a private pledge drive to the public to support the film project.

The museum has sent a letter out to museum volunteers and visitors requesting people make pledges to fund the project.

Firstenberger is requesting people not send money at this point, but make pledges that will be used as private sector cash contributions in his grant application.

People have the opportunity to make pledges of any amount they wish to contribute toward the project.

A Sunday scholar from New Jersey who collects Sunday post cards and photographs has already pledged $4,000 to use as money to get the production started.

To be included in the public pledge drive, people may submit their pledge by Jan. 15 to the museum at 1101 Park Avenue, Winona Lake; call 574-268-0600; or e-mail billysundaymuseum@juno.com

Eddie Mensinger’s Mother Dead at 94

Posted by Terry White on December 27, 2006  |  No Comments

Funeral services were held today, Wednesday, December 27, at the New Troy (MI) Grace Brethren Church for Minnie Elizabeth Mensinger, the mother of Grace Brethren International Missions missionary Eddie Mensinger. Mrs. Mensinger went to be with the Lord in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Friday, December 22.

Pastor Arthur McCrum officiated, and GBIM’s Africa regional director, Mike Taylor and his wife, Myra, represented GBIM at the service. Eddie Mensinger and his wife, Linda, recently retired from a lifetime of service as GBIM missionaries in the Central African Republic.

Mrs. Mensinger was 94. Survivors include five children: Edward (Linda) Mensinger of Portland, Oregon, Judy (Gregory) Schei of Gobles, Robert (Lila) Mensinger of New Troy, David (Mary Ann) Mensinger of Three Oaks, and Wayne (Abby) Mensinger of Cumberland, Maryland; eight grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Mensinger, who died in 1974; by one daughter, Carol Mensinger in 1994; one grandson; four brothers, and one sister.

Urban Hope Distributes 325 Holiday Meals

Posted by Terry White on December 27, 2006  |  No Comments

Urban Hope, a ministry of CE National, on December 21 distributed more than 300 meals to residents of the Kensington section of Philadelphia.

In an e-mail, Jason Holt reports, “There was great joy and many happy smiles as we distributed 325 meals to families in our community. The majority of the meals were given to families who have been involved in any of our programs over the past year at Urban Hope.

“Other meals were given to families in need. Forty adults, teens, and children from the church here at Urban Hope helped pass out the food, which had a combined weight of over two tons!

“Most of the families who agreed to watch the Hope video, which clearly presents the Gospel message, and to allow someone from Urban Hope to discuss it with them. Pray that everyone who received the Hope video would watch it and know the hope that Christ brings.

“We are tremendously grateful to all who gave in order to make this outreach possible – thank you for giving and praying.”

More information, ministry reports, and photos are available at www.urbanhope.net.

Creative Christmas Outreach Throughout Europe

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

For a delightful country-by-country and date-by-date roundup of the many creative ways in which Grace Brethren missionaries in various European countries have been using Christmas to touch their communities with the message of Christ, click on Dr. Paul Klawitter’s blog at http://gbimeurope.blogspot.com/2006/12/european-christmas-list.html

Jan/Feb 2007 FGBC World Now Online

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

The January/February 2007 issue of FGBC World, the only all-Fellowship publication for the FGBC, is now online and available for viewing at www.fgbcworld.com.

The paper version of the periodical will arrive in homes and churches this week. The January/February 2007 edition is the 19th issue of the bi-monthly periodical, published by the Brethren Missionary Herald Co., which has been connecting people and churches of the FGBC since January, 2004.

The current issue features articles on creative outreach by southern Ohio church planters, an innovative educational Grace Institute being conducted by two Columbus, Ohio, churches, registration information on the upcoming Equip07 conference, a feature on longtime Navajo missionary the late Angie Garber, and much more.

The online version includes some longer stories and richer information than the paper version.

The paper is available free to any individuals or churches of the FGBC. Click “subscribe” on the paper’s website if you wish to receive it regularly.

Jim Hocking to Speak at Urbana06 Conference

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

Jim Hocking, missionary to Africa and director of Integrated Community Development International, will be speaking this week at the “Open for Business” segment of the Urbana 06 missions conference being held in St. Louis, Missouri.

Urbana06 is Intervarsity’s 21st student missions convention, and this year is being held in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis the dates of December 27-31.

For more information on Urbana06 log onto http://www.urbana.org/_today.cfm. For more information on Hocking and ICDI, log onto http://www.icdinternational.org/index.html.

Columbus Discipleship Conference Feb. 9 and 10

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

Well-known author and speaker Dr. Jerry Bridges (pictured) will be a keynote speaker, along with Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, for the second annual Grace Discipleship Conference to be held at the Grace Brethren Church of Worthington (Columbus), Ohio, on February 9 and 10.

The theme of this year’s conference is “The Power of the Cross” and Bridges and Ferguson will focus on the theological and practical nature of the power of the cross in relation to everyday life issues.

More information on the conference is available on the church’s website at www.gracebrethren.org or by contacting Dr. Glenn McElhinney or Ruth Poupart at the Columbus church.

Worthington Soccer Team Wins State

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

The January edition of “Grace News,” the publication of the Grace Brethren Church of Worthington, Ohio, carries a cover photo and story of the Worthington Christian School’s boys soccer team, which recently won the state Division III championship.

A pdf version of the magazine may be accessed through the church’s website at www.gracebrethren.org

Mary Meyer Obituary

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

MARY MEYER
October 9, 1918-December 14, 2006

Mary Anna Meyer, 88, entered into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, December 14, 2006, after a brain hemorrhage.

She loved music and enjoyed singing in the Worthington, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church choir. The preceding week she had sung in five Living Christmas Tree concerts, and has now graduated to singing in heaven. She delighted in being with her extended family, and had a special bond with her great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Nathan M. Meyer, three siblings, and two great grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Keane, son Paul (Sharon) Meyer; six grandchildren: Heather Keane, Shauna (Alfie) Crim, Lauren (Brian) Lance, Nathan Meyer, Nicholas Meyer, Joshua Meyer; seven great grandchildren, and special friends Chris and Jeanine Zearfoss from Virginia.

Burial was Monday, December 18, 2006, at the Mt. Laurel Church of God Cemetery in Piketown, PA, where she grew up, and where her parents, husband and siblings are buried.

A memorial service was held at the Grace Brethren Worship Center in Westerville, OH, on Wednesday, December 20, 2006. Because she prayed daily for special missionary friends, her family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to Shenandoah Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Robert Mullen, 6520 Williamson Rd, Roanoke VA 24019 in Mary’s memory.

Mary was working on memorizing the first passage that follows, and the others were marked in her Bible.

For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires. II Peter 1:3-4

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:16-18

Roanoke Children Learn to Give

Posted by Terry White on December 22, 2006  |  No Comments

Today’s Roanoke (VA) Times newspaper carries an article on how parents can teach their children to have a giving spirit during the holidays and throughout the year. The following excerpt features children from two families at the Ghent Grace Brethren Church in Roanoke. To read the entire article, click here.

Ten-year-olds Ashmine Minnix and Cary-Grace Clark annually join other members of Roanoke’s Ghent Grace Brethren Church to prepare gift bags and Christmas cards for people who can no longer go to church. They delivered this year’s gifts Sunday, while singing Christmas carols.

“We want to make sure they’re OK, because it’s a nice thing to do,” explained Ashmine, shortly before setting off with the others on her errand.

“It’s a lot of fun,” added Cary-Grace. “Sometimes we get hugs.”

“For us, it’s teaching by example,” said her mom, Sandra Clark, of taking the kids caroling. The Clarks are no strangers to charity work; Clark’s husband, Lee Clark, is development director at the Rescue Mission. “As a family, we do a lot of volunteer work.”

“We want the kids to think about all the people who don’t have families, who are less fortunate,” said another caroler, Tracy Minnix — Ashmine’s mother.

Besides, said Minnix, the kids add a certain something. “We’re not half as cute as they are.”

Grace Creates Provost Position; Seeks Candidates

Posted by Terry White on December 22, 2006  |  No Comments

Grace College invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost. The Provost reports directly to the President and has chief administrative oversight of all undergraduate and graduate academic programs and faculties, and additional corollary duties, providing strategic leadership and oversight of planning, resources, and personnel for programs and services in these areas.

As Provost, this individual will build and sustain effective relationships so that the institution’s mission, educational values, and strategic plan are progressively realized. In addition the Provost serves on the President’s Cabinet thereby assuming a leading role in the institution’s development.

Grace College is an evangelical Christian Liberal Arts College. Located in the resort community of Winona Lake, near Warsaw, Indiana (36 miles west of Ft. Wayne), Grace College offers 52 academic majors (38 minors) and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. Central to the mission is developing character, sharpening competence and preparing for service. Our goal in Christian living and teaching is to make Christ preeminent in all things.

The programs of the college, as well as its community lifestyle, are designed to encourage serious academic inquiry, a biblical worldview, spiritual understanding, and social conscience, all in the context of God’s grace.

Since the mid-1990s Grace College and Seminary enrollment has grown from 800 to 1,400, doubled its number of campus facilities, obtained specialized accreditation in teacher education, social work, business, music, and counseling (graduate), and established the Millennial Scholars Academy (honors program), the Orthopaedic Scholars Institute, and the School of Music.

The 165-acre campus enrolls students (37 states; 17 countries) with entering average test scores of 1120 SAT and 24.1 ACT.

Qualifications: The position offers a challenging opportunity to an experienced senior administrator with energy, a liberal arts commitment, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to strategic institutional engagement. The successful candidate will have:

· An earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher learning and a strong academic record of accomplishment.
· At least 10 years of successful and progressively broadening administrative experience in higher education including such positions as dean, vice president, and provost.
· Demonstrated success developing and sustaining new higher education programs and services which are mission-driven.
· Strong interpersonal skills that engage and lead faculty, staff, and students to growth and accomplishment.
· Commitment to the mission and values of an evangelical Christian institution which values the centrality of Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures in the purpose and life of the institution.

Application Process: All contact information including a cover letter and vitae should be sent to:

Attn: Scott Sharik, Director of Human Resources
Grace College and Theological Seminary
200 Seminary Drive
Winona Lake, IN 46590

Grace College and Theological Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse work environment by encouraging women and minorities to apply.