BMH Editor's Blog

Speakers for Driven 08 Announced

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 13, 2008  |  No Comments

Sarah Cunningham, author of Dear Church: Letters From A Disillusioned Generation, will be the Saturday morning speaker at Driven 08, the annual young adult conference. A first-time speaker at Driven, she is from Jackson, Mich., where she lives with her husband, Chuck.

Other speakers include:

• Jeff Bogue, who will open the conference on Thursday evening. Jeff is pastor at Grace Church North Campus, a Grace Brethren church in Akron, Ohio and a regular speaker at Driven.
• Kary Oberbrunner, also a returning speaker whose third book is scheduled to be released soon. He is the founder of Redeem the Day Ministries and is a pastor at Grace Church, a Grace Brethren church in Powell, Ohio. Kary will be speaking on Friday morning.
• Kondo Simfukwe will lead the Saturday evening session. Last year, he challenged conference participants to claim a piece of land and overcome the giants. He is on the staff at Christ’s Covenant Church in Winona Lake, Ind.
• Keith Minier will close the conference on Sunday morning. The pastor at Grace Fellowship, a Grace Brethren church in Pickerington, Ohio, he has served as Driven’s MC for the past few years.

Friday evening will be a special night as the conference joins to observe communion, which will be conducted by New Perspectives pastor (at Grace Church North) and Driven band member Tony Livigni.

Driven 08 will be held June 26-29 at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. For more information, click here or here.

Dr. Charles Taber With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on February 12, 2008  |  No Comments

We have just learned that Charles R. Taber, age 78, went to be with his Lord on Friday, October 26, 2007.

He died at his home in Johnson City, Tennessee, after a two-month illness.

Taber was born in Paris, France, of American parents, Floyd and Ada Taber, where he lived until he was nine years old. He then moved to the Central African Republic where his parents served as a missionary doctor and as a teacher.

He left Africa when he was 17 years old and moved to Allentown, PA, to finish the last two years of high school. Charles graduated from Bryan College and attended Grace Seminary before returning to the Central African Republic with his wife, Betty, to serve as a missionary from 1953-1961.

He pastored a church and was principal of the church school for two years in Winona Lake, Indiana, before moving to Hartford, CT, where he earned a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Anthropology at the Kennedy School of Missions.

Dr. Taber was then employed by the American Bible Society first as a researcher and then as a translations consultant in West Africa for five years. Charles co-wrote the translation textbook, TAPOT, with Dr. Eugene Nida that is still used today in the training of Bible translators. He edited a popular missions magazine, Practical Anthropology, and later another, The Gospel in Context. He has written several books and many articles on missions related topics.

Dr. Taber taught at Milligan College for four years, then at Emmanuel School of Religion for 18 years as the professor of World Mission. He has been retired for a decade. He continued to teach, write, and lecture internationally as health permitted.

Charles is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty and five children, Christine Taber, Diana Abbott & her husband, Bob, Kathleen Moisan, Charles Taber & his wife, Sue, and Patricia Taber & her husband, Dan Brewer; seven grandchildren, Jared Abbott, Rebekah Abbott, Charles Abbott, Lukas Moisan, David Moisan, Jamie Taber, and Tony Taber; a sister, Lois Baker & her husband, Dwight; a brother, Allan Taber & his wife, Linda; a sister-in-law, Patricia Buck; a niece, Elaine Spearman; three nephews, Karl Baker, Douglas Baker, and Victor Spearman; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marguerite Spearman, and a nephew, Jonathan Spearman.

Charles was a member of Grandview Christian Church where he served for many years as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and on the Missions Team. His goal in life has always been to glorify his Lord, Jesus Christ. Betty & Charles took Psalms 48:14 as the verse in scripture they would live by: This God is our God, forever and forever. He will be our guide, even unto death.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service was held at Grandview Christian Church on October 29, with Mr. Aaron Wymer, Minister, officiating.

A blogpost tribute to Dr. Taber by one of his former students may be seen at http://aaronwymer.blogspot.com/2007/11/tribute-to-dr-charles-taber.html

Dr. Hibaile’s Brother Freed

Posted by Terry White on February 12, 2008  |  No Comments

From Tom Julien — Wonderful news from Augustin Hibailé this morning:

Daniel has been freed! God explicitly answered our prayers. There was an intervention by a group of armed Fulanis which caused the armed bandits to flee and Daniel took advantage of this to escape and to arrive at the house at Bouar yesterday evening around 5:00. What a miracle!

I was on the phone with Daniel this morning and he said that there were nine bandits, one being Central African and the others Chadian Arabs. They fired on the vehicle, which turned over. Some passengers fled but Daniel was caught in the leg by part of the car. He was therefore taken by the bandits and led with 16 other prisoners into the bush.

According to what he said, the bandits told him he would not be freed because he is a nurse and that he would be kept captive even if a large ransom was paid, in order to care for their health. Since he has not returned (to Bangui) yet, he was only able to give me this brief information.

There was also a case of the kidnapping of three doctors plus three health technicians on the road from Bozoum to Bangui last Sunday. The bandits asked for the sum of 16 million CFAs (around $35,000) before freeing those detained. Pray that God will save the CAR from this growing insecurity.

Daniel asked me to thank all those who have supported him by their prayers. He sensed the power of these prayers and that it is because of this that his life was saved and that he has returned to his family.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you for this important support.

Augustin Hibailé

Join a GO Team to Trinidad in October

Posted by Terry White on February 12, 2008  |  No Comments

Pastor Chuck Davis of the Ocala, Florida, Grace Brethren Church has been involved for years with helping church-plants in Trinidad. Here is an excerpt from a recent e-mail communication he sent:

“It was a joy to have Roger and Kumarie Dabideen visit us in Ocala, FL, and share with the congregation about the exciting church planting ministry in Trinidad. Trin-Grace Ministries is a missions partner with the Ocala GBC in Trinidad and Pastor Chuck Davis has worked with them in church planting in Trinidad for eight years.

“A GO2Trinidad Team is scheduled for ministry in Trinidad October 18-25, 2008. Pastor Chuck and Millie will be leading this team. Interested people from all churches are invited to join Chuck and Millie on this missions adventure.

“The team will be ministering in church services and outreach evangelistic meetings. In addition the team will do neighborhood outreach, widow visitation, grocery box ministry, government school gospel programs and training sessions for the Grace Church, Cunupia teachers and staff.

“But the trip is not all work and no play. There will be time for shopping, sight seeing and an all-day visit to the coast, mountains and Maracas Beach.

“The team will be limited to 12 members. The cost is $1,600 and that includes air fare, food, housing, and all expenses from the time you leave the US until you return (except for snacks, souvenirs, etc).

“If you are interested please contact Chuck for more information and an application. You can reach him at: chuckdavis1@cox.net.”

Urgent Prayer Request–Dr. Hibaile’s Brother Kidnapped

Posted by Terry White on February 9, 2008  |  No Comments

The following prayer request comes from the Central African Republic via Grace Brethren International Missions’ Tom Julien. Dr. Hibaile is a highly-visible leader in the Grace Brethren movement in the Central African country.

My youngest brother Daniel Mbami left for Bocoranga yesterday to see our parents. He was kidnapped with everyone he was traveling with in the vehicle near Bohong and was carried away into the bush. We do not know the outcome of this situation.

Pray, pray for his release.

Hibailé Augustin

Meyersdale to Hold Wild Game Supper, Concert

Posted by Terry White on February 8, 2008  |  No Comments

The following article is from the Somerset County (PA) Daily American. Randy Haulk is pastor of the Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church.

MEYERSDALE — Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church will hold its annual wild game supper at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the church’s activity building.

Guest speaker for this year’s event is Brent Henderson, an avid outdoorsman, martial artist and a professional musician. His travels have taken him to more than 30 countries and 49 states hunting, fishing and touring with his music. Brent also worked on a commercial salmon boat off the Aleutian Islands and has fished all over the U.S. and Canada.

He is an outdoor writer, field tester, and on the pro staff for Whitetail University and God’s Country Camouflage. He is also the director and pro staff member for God’s Country. He has written articles for companies such as Grim Reaper Broadheads, Bear/Jennings Archery, Goldtip Arrows, ATSKO, PolarMAX and many more.

Brent is also a songwriter, recording artist, professional studio musician and an ordained pastor. He has toured and worked with many recording artists including Steven Curtis Chapman, Avalon, Crystal Lewis, Sandi Patti, the group One, Bill and Gloria Gaither and Ray Boltz. His songs have topped the nationwide charts including several No. 1 hits and numerous Top 10s. Brent has also sung on commercials for radio and television companies.

He has agreed to stay over and give a concert at the Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 24. There is no charge for admittance.

Brent makes his home in Anderson, Ind., with his wife, Kathy, son, Garrett, and daughter, Emma.

Reservations for the banquet must be in by Feb. 17, but due to limited space, early reservations (call 634-5980) are encouraged.

Lititz Tornado Survivors Featured

Posted by Terry White on February 8, 2008  |  No Comments

The following is excerpted from an article in today’s Lancaster (PA) New Era, featuring the two young women from the Grace Brethren Church of Lititz, PA (Scott Distler, pastor) who survived the tornadoes which earlier this week hit their school, Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. To read the entire article, click on http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/216301

When the wind howled louder than the tornado sirens, Melissa Leisey knew it was time to take cover.

The Lititz native ran into her dormitory at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., and packed into a first floor bathroom with five other women, waiting for the storm to pass.

She sat on the toilet, praying and holding hands with Laura Spotts, her roommate and fellow Lancaster County native, who crouched on the edge of the sink.

For a moment everything went silent.

Then the pressure dropped so drastically that Spotts felt a heavy weight push her down from the sink. The moment she jumped to the floor, ceiling tiles rained on the six students, who covered their heads with a blanket.

In just 35 seconds the tornado that roared through the university campus around 7 p.m. Tuesday demolished nearly half of its buildings, tore down concrete walls, swirled cars into the sky and trapped two dozen students in the rubble.

“It felt like a really long 35 seconds,” Leisey said this morning from the home of another roommate’s grandparents 30 miles outside of Jackson, where she and Spotts are staying.

When the shaking stopped, Spotts opened the bathroom door and surveyed the damage.

“The furniture was all over the room,” she recalled today. “Windows were blown out. Blinds were all mangled like someone just flew through them.”

The damage Tuesday to Union University, a Baptist college of 3,200 students, was caused by one of a series of devastating storms that killed more than 50 people across the South.

Union University Begins Tornado Cleanup

Posted by Terry White on February 8, 2008  |  No Comments

Grace Seminary alumnus David Dockery, who is president of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, is overseeing recovery efforts from tornadoes that hit the school earlier this week. The following is excerpted from a release by the Baptist News Service:

JACKSON, Tenn. (BP)–Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen toured the tornado-ravaged Union University campus Feb. 7, as the long process of cleaning up debris and rebuilding the campus begins.

“We’re going to be here,” Chertoff said, “to stand shoulder to shoulder with the governor and help you get cleaned up and get back to school…. We’re really glad you’re alive and we’re looking forward to coming back to the campus when it is spic and span and rebuilt.”

Chertoff took note of the university’s preparedness plans, stating, “It’s impressive the fact that the administration of this school and the students were able to get prepared. They really saved a lot of lives.” Buildings, he said, can be replaced; “we can’t replace lost lives.

Tennessee National Guard troops patrolled the Jackson campus the night of Feb. 6 to secure student residences and academic buildings. When the sun came up Thursday morning, they turned their attention to helping students recover their belongings from housing units that weren’t totally destroyed.

“Tennessee Guard members will be working with Union security to retrieve undamaged personal goods from various residence life rooms,” said Union President David Dockery. “Our efforts also will focus on helping students remove their vehicles from the campus.”

The cleanup operation will begin in earnest on Friday, Dockery said.

Bredeson and Chertoff visited the campus as part of a swing through the region to assess damage caused by dozens of tornadoes that raked Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama Feb. 5, killing at least 54 people and injuring hundreds.

President George Bush is scheduled to visit the area on Friday.

Initial estimates place the damage to the university at $40 million or more, but the loss goes beyond just destroyed and battered buildings, with Dockery noting that “the damage to student possessions and belongings has been equally severe.”

Union has established a relief fund for people wanting to help with the recovery. Donations can be sent to “Union University Disaster Relief Fund” at 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305. The university also is suggesting that those who want to help students consider providing gift cards that can be used in stores like Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe’s or Home Depot.

As of Feb. 6, Union staff had recorded 86 storm-related injuries, 51 hospitalizations, and seven people admitted to intensive care at a local hospital, said Greg Thornbury, dean of Union’s School of Christian Studies. By day’s end, three remained in the hospital.

The school has enough volunteers already scheduled to help with the campus cleanup efforts Friday and Saturday, according to the university’s www.uuemergency.com website.

Susanne Kessler Honored for Service

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 8, 2008  |  No Comments

Susanne Kessler, business manager for the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, has been honored for 15 years of service to the Foundation. At right, Ken Seyfert, executive director of operations at the Foundation, presents a service award to her.

“We applaud Susanne for her faithful service in behalf of our investors and borrowing churches,” says Larry Chamberlain, president of the Foundation. “Susanne contributes much to the success of the Foundation and we are very pleased with her passion for excellence and her commitment to this strategic ministry of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches and the work of the Great Commission. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Susanne on a daily basis. We are pleased to note that our staff of professionals has more than 140 years of combined service. This longevity adds considerable strength and expertise to the Foundation.”

Great Commission Students Minister in Haiti

Posted by Terry White on February 6, 2008  |  No Comments

Ben Ogden, site coordinator for the Great Commission Bible Institute, a ministry of the Grace Brethren Church of Sebring, Florida (Randy Smith, pastor) sends along this update about a recent ministry in Haiti:

A group of students and leaders from the Great Commission Bible Institute (www.gcbi.net) recently had the incredible opportunity of serving for eight days in the town of Jeremie, Haiti and its surrounding villages.

They were able to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ with many people as well as deliver much needed supplies to the missionaries working in that area. Many in the group said they were both challenged and inspired by several of the believers they met, whose unwavering faith in God produces strength, hope and joy in the face of so much difficulty.

GCBI is a ministry of Grace Church in Sebring, FL.

Two Lititz Students Spared by Tornadoes

Posted by Terry White on February 6, 2008  |  No Comments

Two young women from the Grace Brethren church in Lititz, Pennsylvania (Scott Distler, pastor) are students at Union University in Tennessee, which sustained significant tornado damage last evening. David Dockery, the school’s president, is a Grace Seminary alumnus, and was interviewed extensively by CNN and other news organizations. Here is an excerpt from an e-mail update sent today by Pastor Distler:

By now I am sure you have heard of the tornados that swept through the south last evening. You may also have seen on the news that Union University in Tennessee sustained significant damage.

We have two young ladies from our church who attend this Christian college. They are Melissa Leisey and Laura Spotts. Both of these young ladies’ moms work here at Lititz Christian School.

Melissa and Laura are fine but their dorm (and most all of their personal items) is gone. They are currently staying in a home off campus. Below is a link to an article on the damage:

http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080206/NEWS01/802060330

Please pray for these young ladies as well as their parents. Melissa’s father, Daryl, wrote this to me this morning in an e-mail:

“I am reminded of the statement, that it is better to be in the center of God’s will in the most dangerous place in the world than to be out of God’s will in ‘the safest place’. We are extremely grateful!!”

Brown Bag Lunch Group Enjoys Kellemen

Posted by Terry White on February 6, 2008  |  No Comments

Author/educator/psychologist Robert W. Kellemen, Ph.D. (right, blue shirt) held an informal chat session and information exchange with pastors, counselors, and others from the Winona Lake, Indiana, community today in the conference room of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co.

Kellemen is the author of two newly-published BMH Books, Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction.

A graduate of Grace Theological Seminary, Kellemen is head of the counseling department at Capital Bible Seminary in Lanham, Maryland. He will be speaking later today for classes at Grace College.

Mississauga Worship Pastor Interviewed

Posted by Terry White on February 5, 2008  |  No Comments

There’s an interesting nine-minute interview online with Bart Blair, worship pastor at the Grace Community Church, the Grace Brethren church in Mississauga, Ontario (Bartley Sawatsky, pastor).

The interview is primarily Blair’s personal story of how the Lord led him from a business career into the full-time music and worship position he currently holds.

To see the interview, click on http://stpreach.blogspot.com/2008/02/bart-friend-from-my-past.html

BMH Author to Discuss Christian Counseling During Brown Bag Lunch

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 4, 2008  |  No Comments

The Brethren Missionary Herald Co. will hold a brown bag lunch on Wednesday, February 6, with Robert W. Kellemen, Ph.D. author of BMH Books titles, Soul Physicians and Spiritual Friends. He will discuss the state of Christian counseling today.

The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. 1104A Kings Highway, Winona Lake, Ind. (next to Tree of Life Bookstore). Beverage and dessert provided. Bring your own lunch. Soup and sandwiches may be purchased at the Tree of Life Cafe next door.

If you plan to attend, please call 574-268-1122 or email natalie@bmhbooks.com

First Chad Evacuees Arrive in Cameroon

Posted by Terry White on February 3, 2008  |  No Comments

According to the website of Grace Brethren International Missions, the first group of GBIM personnel forced to evacuate Chad, Africa, because of civil unrest has arrived safely in the neighboring country of Cameroon.

GBIM’s report says, “At 2:00 p.m. EST GBIM’s staff, Karina Corrales, Melissa McDairmant, and Beate Schlecht, confirmed their arrival at a mission station in N’Gaoundere, Cameroon.

“Bob Steiger, who was in Nigeria with Chadian church planter Samuel Dadje at the commencement of the fighting, will be joining the rest of his team in Cameroon as soon as possible.

“BBC reports that the quick movement of the rebels, arriving to N’Djemena via 250 pickup trucks with mounted submachine gun, prevented the already demoralized Chadian army to mount a defense. Reports say rebels entered the city encountering very little resistence. Twelve-hundred French troops present in the city, are not entering into the fighting, endeavoring to remain neutral.

“There are reports of some looting in some parts of the capital.

“Please pray for the protection of national believers in N’Djemena, and that the fighting will not spread to south to areas where many of our Grace Brethren live.

“Pray for a quick resolution to the fighting, so that the church may continue to spread unhindered in this country with over 126 unreached people groups.”

Rebel Activity in Chad; Mission Staff Instructed to Evacuate

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 2, 2008  |  No Comments

The International Missions Center (Winona Lake, Ind.) has received unconfirmed reports of rebel activity in Chad that may result in armed conflict in the capital city of N’Djamena and beyond. According to published reports from the BBC and sources on the ground, rebel forces are moving rapidly toward the city. While this type of activity is not uncommon in the region, this recent uprising may be more serious.

All Grace Brethren International Missions and National Missionary Partner staff has been instructed to evacuate to neighboring Cameroun. The team is comprised of staff members from the U.S., Argentina and Germany.

Frank Puhl, assistant regional director for the Africa Region, requests prayer for peace and security. Currently there are approximately 192 Grace Brethren Churches in Chad and many Points of Light (new church plants).

Additional information will be posted at at the GBIM website as it becomes available.

Southern District Ministerium Enjoy Fellowship

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 1, 2008  |  No Comments

On January 29, pastors and their wives from the Southern District enjoyed a blessed time of fellowship together at the famous Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, Ga. Present were: Pastors Jim and Wanda Laird Sr., Conrad and Monica Santamaria and daughter, Dean and Billie Fetterhoff, and William A. and Betty Byers, all from the Grace Church at Town Center, Marietta, Ga. Retired Pastor W. Carl and Betty Miller from Flintstone, Ga. were also present. From the Fountain of Life Bible Church in Johnson City, Tenn. were Pastor Victor and Linda Young. Representing the Grace Brethren Church of Aiken, S.C. were: Pastors Steve and Patricia Taylor, Donald and Cindy Soule, and Ron and Thelma Thompson.

Jail Chaplain Named Warsaw Man of Year

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 1, 2008  |  No Comments

At the annual Warsaw, Ind., Chamber of Commerce dinner Thursday night, January 31, Kosciusko County Jail Chaplain John Boren (pictured at right) was awarded Warsaw Man of the Year.

The Warsaw Times-Union and WRSW Radio have sponsored the Man of the Year Award since 1959. In order to be a recipient of the award, one must first be nominated by someone within the community and then judged on the following selection criteria:

• Demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in business.
• Provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
• Assists others in reaching their full leadership potential.
• Has made positive impact on the quality of life in Kosciusko County.

Normally given to business men and politicians, it’s a rare honor for a chaplain to receive the award. But John’s contribution to the community through the Kosciusko County Jail Ministry has been exceptional as hundreds of letters poured in nominating him for the award.

In accepting the recognition, John gave the glory to God by saying, “14 years ago when I was incarcerated I was a thief, a drunk, and a liar… but God touched my life in jail and all the praise goes to Him.”

John’s jail ministry does come out of personal experience behind bars. In 1994, he spent time in the Kosciusko County Jail for conversion (stealing). Those first ten days in February resulted in a different kind of “conversion” that totally changed his life and his destiny. Sitting in a cold jail cell gave John time to think about his relationship with God, and prompted him to receive Christ as his Savior and Lord. John then went about making complete restoration, where possible, for any past sins.

After his release, John was burdened for men and women still behind bars. He soon began returning to the Kosciusko County Jail with the Gideons to share Christ with the inmates. In January of 1995, he became jail chaplain.

Now he leads the team that ministers in the Kosciusko County Jail. Every Sunday morning he conducts services for around 100 inmates–60 percent of the jail population.

Throughout the week, John oversees more church services at the jail and Work Release and counsels inmates. Saturday mornings he meets with his team and others for planning and prayer.

Peggy Owens, CE National staff member and Jail Ministry volunteer says about John, “I’ve never known anyone to better follow Jesus’ greatest commandments to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love others as yourself.”

John’s testimony and example of a heart wholeheartedly sold out to God inspires hundreds within, and without, the walls of the local jail.

John, along with his wife Patti, are members of Community Grace Brethren Church in Warsaw, Ind.