BMH Editor's Blog

GBNAM Ceasing Operations December 31

Posted by Terry White on December 31, 2007  |  4 Comments

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.

Ralph Wiley Leads Woman to the Lord

Posted by Terry White on December 31, 2007  |  No Comments

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?

Long Beach, San Diego Churches Help Fire Victims

Posted by Terry White on December 31, 2007  |  No Comments

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!

Company’s Profits Help Support Bangui Orphans

Posted by Terry White on December 31, 2007  |  No Comments

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.

Bambi Goes Brethren

Posted by Terry White on December 31, 2007  |  2 Comments

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.

Bob Smoker Reflects on Fire, God’s Blessings

Posted by Terry White on December 28, 2007  |  No Comments

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

Vicki DeArmey’s Father With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on December 27, 2007  |  No Comments

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.

‘Second Saturdays’ Marked by Community Service

Posted by Terry White on December 26, 2007  |  No Comments

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.

Posted by admin on December 26, 2007  |  No Comments

Posted by Terry White on December 26, 2007  |  No Comments

Grace Student Rings for Charity Over Christmas

Posted by Terry White on December 26, 2007  |  No Comments

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.

What Would Jesus Want for Christmas?

Posted by Terry White on December 25, 2007  |  No Comments

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

Greg Stoever Gives Updates on Accident Aftermath

Posted by Terry White on December 24, 2007  |  No Comments

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

Pennsylvania Homeless Ministry Takes Jesus to the Streets

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 24, 2007  |  No Comments

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.”

Medina Teen Selected 2008 Brio Girl

Posted by Terry White on December 23, 2007  |  1 Comment

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.

Carl Black, Sr. Featured in ‘A Life Remembered’

Posted by Terry White on December 23, 2007  |  No Comments

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.”

Pastor, Church Planter Tom Inman With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on December 22, 2007  |  No Comments

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.

Sacramento Pastor Ministers to Accident Victims

Posted by Terry White on December 21, 2007  |  No Comments

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

Raleigh Musician Posts Song Video of CAR

Posted by Terry White on December 21, 2007  |  No Comments

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

"The best Christmas party ever"

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 21, 2007  |  No Comments

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.