BMH Editor's Blog

BMH Books Participates in IFCA Convention

Posted by Terry White on June 24, 2008  |  No Comments

YIB (Your Intrepid Blogger) has been in Eugene, Oregon, this week participating in the 2008 annual convention of IFCA International, a group of independent churches and mission agencies. The executive director of IFCA, Dr. Les Lofquist (shown at left, with BMH Books publisher Terry White) is a graduate of both Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary.

The main speaker for the convention has been Alex Montoya, senior pastor of the First Fundamental Bible Church of Monterey Park, California, who was led to the Lord in Calexico, California, through the influence of Grace Brethren missionaries who were conducting border missions there.

Montoya’s church, which has about 900 members, has a strong church-planting emphasis and has begun 15 daughter churches. Montoya, who has also been associate professor of pastoral ministries at the Master’s Seminary, preached a series of four stirring, practical messages on church-planting, based on scriptural teaching and his experience. (Russell Berger photo)

Posted by Terry White on June 24, 2008  |  No Comments

Another of the many Grace Seminary graduates participating in the IFCA convention was Bob Provost (right), who is President of the Slavic Gospel Association. Bob was attending, along with his wife, Louetta, and is a newly-elected IFCA board member. Provost received the M.Div. degree from the seminary in 1977 and served as Director of Supporting Services for Grace College and Seminary under business manager Paul Chappell from 1974-1977.

Hispanic Ministry Set to Launch in Canada

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on June 23, 2008  |  No Comments

Last weekend, the elders at Grace Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, officially commissioned Willy Sanchez as the new pastor and church planter of the next Grace Brethren church to launch in Canada.

Willy and his wife, Mary, will be leading a team to plant Manantial (Spanish for ‘well spring’) in September 2008. They will begin house church meetings within the next couple of weeks, and in the fall, they will begin public meetings at West Credit Secondary School.

The Sanchez family, originally from Guatemala, has been attending Grace for more than three years. During their time at Grace they have been small group leaders, have served as hosts on the First Impressions Team and Willy has occasionally played guitar or bass in the worship band. Willy also currently serves as an elder and executive board member. Willy and Mary have been involved at a high level with two previous church plants.

“We are thrilled to be supporting them in this effort to more effectively connect the Spanish speaking community in Mississauga to Jesus and his wonderful love,” says Bart Blair, worship pastor and creative arts director at Grace Community Church.

According to Blair, the Hispanic community is one of the fastest growing in the greater Toronto area. Mississauga, a city of more than 700,000, has only a handful of Spanish language evangelical churches. “We’re really excited about the potential this new church has at connecting with the spiritually disconnected,” he stresses.

Manantial will actually hold their services in the same building and at the same time as Grace Community Church, thereby allowing their children and teens the opportunity to attend Grace’s English programs.

Kenai Church Wants to Communicate–Literally

Posted by Terry White on June 22, 2008  |  No Comments

Here is an excerpt from an article in today’s Peninsula (Alaska) Clarion. To read the entire article, click here.

Alaska DigiTel is planning to erect a cell phone tower in the parking lot of Kenai Grace Brethren Church at the intersection of the Kenai Spur Highway and McCollum Drive, across the street from the Espy’s home.

Initially the company sought permission to erect a 120-foot tower, leasing a portion of the property from the church, according to Roy Espy. The application was denied.

The request was modified by the company, which then asked to build an 80-foot tower. That request is pending.

In a letter to the council members dated June 11, Espy said, “This morning the pastor of Kenai Grace Brethren Church came and knocked on our door to let us know that Alaska DigiTel was sending down equipment to run some tests to determine if it would be feasible to put in a 35-foot tower.”

Pastor Al Kidder said on Thursday, Alaska DigiTel is seeking to install the 80-foot tower.

“The church is willing to donate the property to Alaska DigiTel — without remuneration — if it’s for the benefit of the community,” Kidder said.

During a meeting with the community Thursday night, Alaska DigiTel showed slides of what the tower would look like, painted brown and with cedar fencing around its base.

Tom Hocking Nominated for Moderator-Elect

Posted by Terry White on June 20, 2008  |  No Comments

Tom Hocking (pictured), pastor of the Grace Brethren Church in Bellflower, California, is the nominee for moderator-elect of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. This year’s moderator is Pastor Jim Brown of Goshen, Indiana, and the incoming moderator is Pastor John McIntosh from Simi Valley, California. Hocking’s term would follow that of McIntosh.

Pastor Hocking was selected by the FGBC nominating committee, and he has agreed to serve as moderator in 2010 if approved by the delegates at conference this summer. Hocking’s name will appear on a ballot with nominations open from the floor of conference.

The nominating committee is also in the process of formulating a ballot for Fellowship Council members for 2008-2011. This year’s FGBC business meeting will be at 10 a.m. the last day of national conference, Thursday, July 31, at Innisbrook Golf Resort near Tampa, Florida. For more information, log onto www.fgbc.org.

More Grace Prison Grads From Wabash Facility

Posted by admin on June 20, 2008  |  No Comments

From the Terre Haute (IN) TribStar. To read the entire article, click here.

CARLISLE — In October 1994, the very first Wabash Valley Correctional Facility college semester was under way. Twelve students made up the entire class.

On Thursday, 154 graduates graced the stage at the facility near Carlisle. The Indiana Department of Correction-funded program has now graduated a total of nearly 2,000 people from Grace College, Indiana State University and Ivy Tech.

Each school offered different degrees Thursday. Grace gave associate’s and bachelor’s of science, ISU gave an associate’s of arts and a bachelor’s of science, while Ivy Tech awarded vocational and GED diplomas.

A bachelor’s degree cuts two years off a prisoner’s sentence, an associate’s cuts a year and all other degrees cut three to six months.

At the ceremony, comments were made by several correctional officials and the inmate band The Anointed played before keynote speaker Jeff Pittman, Ivy Tech chancellor, took the stage.

Fetterhoff to Lead Israel Trip

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on June 19, 2008  |  No Comments

Bob Fetterhoff, pastor of the Grace Brethren Church in Wooster, Ohio, is leading a tour to Israel this fall. The 10-day trip departs from Cleveland on November 3. The trip begins in Tel Aviv and winds through Caesarea by the Sea, Nazareth, Capernaum, Qumran, Bethlehem, and many other sites.

Among the many activities, tour guests will experience the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, dine in a Bedouin tent, visit Yad Vashem (The Holocaust Museum) in Jerusalem, walk the 35-acre Temple Mount, and float in the Dead Sea. To see a complete itinerary, including reservation information, click here.

Driven ‘08 Offers Single Day and Commuter Rates

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on June 19, 2008  |  No Comments

Driven ‘08, the conference for young adults, is offering the opportunity to individuals to register for a single day.

The conference will be held June 26-29 at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio.

For $35 per day, an individual may register for Friday or Saturday and also receive an additional Thursday or Sunday session. For instance, Friday participants may attend the Thursday evening session and likewise the Saturday rate includes the Sunday morning session. Lodging is not included in this fee.

Day rate participants may dine in the campus cafeteria, but only a limited number of meal tickets are available. Individuals may purchase these meals on a first-come-first-served basis. There are also a number of restaurants adjacent to the Otterbein campus.

Don’t forget, a commuter day rate is available for $95. This includes all sessions and four meals in the cafeteria for lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, but no lodging.

Registration is still available for these day rates and for the full conference at http://www.drivenconference.com/.

Driven "Big Give" to Aid ClearView Church

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on June 19, 2008  |  9 Comments

Two heart-pounding, adventure-filled, top-thrill hours are expected as the Big Give comes to Driven, the Grace Brethren conference for young adults. On Saturday afternoon, June 28, participants will be given $10 each, formed into teams of five, and challenged to use their collective $50 to make as many contacts for ClearView Church, a new Grace Brethren church that is being planted in northeast Franklin County.

Driven will be held July 26-29 at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. Registration for the four-day event is still open. Click here for more information.

“Young people want to roll up their sleeves and ‘DO’ something,” says Jonathon Wiley, a member of the Driven steering committee who is helping plan the Big Give. “We want to provide a creative outlet for conference participants to tangibly impact people in the name of Jesus.”

“Our desire is that the Driven family will do two things,” adds Wiley, who is on staff at the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus (Ohio). “We want to make Jesus Christ exceedingly attractive to the unsaved world we encounter, that we would spread everywhere the fragrance of Christ, and practically, we want to make contacts to assist ClearView as they minister to bring people into a maturing relationship with Jesus.”

“Pray for a great experience for Driven people and God’s movement in people’s lives as these young adults serve and love in practical ways,” notes Andy Wirt, pastor of Clearview Church.

The funds for the Big Give are being provided by friends of the Driven conference. Participants will not be permitted to use their own money during this adventure.

The long weekend features speakers such as Jeff Bogue, Kary Oberbrunner, Sarah Cunningham, Kondo Simfukwe, and Keith Minier. The conference also includes practical workshops, three-fold communion, and a variety of activities designed for young adults – whether single or married.

For more information or to register for Driven, click here.

Toppenish Pastor Robbed

Posted by Terry White on June 19, 2008  |  4 Comments

From Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey:

Pastor Greg Stamm and family in Toppenish Robbed!

Yesterday, while the family slept, thieves broke into the home of Greg and Sally Stamm and stole many valuable family possessions. Greg is pastor of the Toppenish, Washington, Grace Brethren Church.

Pray for a positive insurance settlement. Also pray for the Yakima valley. Gang activity has risen in recent years. Pray that God would use His people to affect the culture in central Washington.

Chaplain Townsend Retires

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on June 18, 2008  |  3 Comments

Colonel Ken Townsend, Grace Brethren chaplain, has retired from the United States Air Force Reserves following 30 years of faithful service for God and country. Colonel Townsend and his wife, Vicky, were honored at a retirement ceremony on June 8 at March Reserve Air Base near San Bernardino, Calif., with Chaplain Endorsing Agent John Schumacher (Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired) participating. (See photo at right.)

At the ceremony, Colonel Townsend was awarded the Legion of Merit, a prestigious medal awarded to military officers who have demonstrated a distinguished career of service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

As a civilian, Dr. Townsend is associate regional director for the northwest region of the Association of Christian Schools International.

For more information about the Eagle Commission, the organization that supports Grace Brethren military chaplains, click here.

OB Students See 19 Come to Christ

Posted by Terry White on June 16, 2008  |  No Comments

Reports are already beginning to come in of how God is using the Operation Barnabas students this summer, even before their tours begin. Here is a brief excerpt from today’s OB blog. You can see more at www.operationbarnabas.net

The hardest task of the day came when Ed Lewis gave an outreach session and then challenged the students to put their newfound knowledge into action. We drove all three big blue busses into a neighborhood in Norwalk, and the students were encouraged to begin games with children and engage in conversations with adults in the area.

Even though things seemed quiet and people seemed resistant when we first arrived, the Lord worked His power and shocked us all with how many people responded to the gospel. At least 19 people prayed to surrender their lives to Christ tonight, and we spent much time in celebration and sharing of stories when we got back to the church.

Thank you so much for your prayers for the time here in Norwalk. We are all reminded tonight how important it is to make sure we are in a right relationship with God before we ourselves dive into ministry, so the night concluded with a touching time of heart-searching as each individual student spent time alone with the Lord.

Please continue to pray that we will be protected from spiritual attack and from sin that can so easily entangle … especially as we seek to share Jesus’ grace this summer.

South Bend Soccer Camp Concludes on ‘High’

Posted by Terry White on June 16, 2008  |  1 Comment

Tim Boucher, Grace Brethren church-planter at the South Bend (IN) campus of Grace Community Church, just completed a soccer camp that had more than 400 students enrolled.

Here is a bit of the flavor as Tim comes off the “high” of the week. You can read more on his blog at http://bouchersblog.blogspot.com/

I remember at the beginning of the year talking about not wanting to live on 2007’s stories. That I want to be a part of something that God does that is fresh. This week was another one of those times.

We saw A LOT of kids, over 100, make a decision to either walk closer to God or to follow him for the first time…AWESOME! Hundreds more kids heard about Jesus. I just received an e-mail from one of our coaches who said that two of her team of 11 had heard of Jesus…that means that she shared Jesus with nine kids FOR THE FIRST TIME!

We have had so many people serving this week…Over 55 team coaches…eight specialized coaches that helped with 4-5 year olds, five specialized coaches to help with the 6-12 year olds, Papa Murphy’s Pizza giving EVERY KID free pizza, two water people, a closing ceremonies coordinator, the most amazing registration team ever, Wooster-OH students…amazing, Notre Dame players, Grace College players, Bethel College students, Riley High School players, Goshen Campus youth helpers, parent volunteers, high school coach, the big lift truck, childcare workers who freed up our parents with young kids, Etna Green…a local band, Some random guy on a microphone, THE BEST CONNECTIONS TEAM EVER…they met so many parents I can’t even believe it, ball sorters, place placers, snack bag packers, ball donators, guest speaker, SHOULD I KEEP GOING?!?!

I am excited, blown away, exhausted…what a week!

Thank you God for the chance to see something and be a part of something WAY bigger than me and Grace Community Church.

Operation Barnabas Teams Begin Training Today

Posted by Terry White on June 13, 2008  |  No Comments

Members of the summer Operation Barnabas teams, organized and directed by CE National, began their training today at the Norwalk Grace Brethren Church in Norwalk, California.

Operation Barnabas teams are developed to give growing Christian senior high youth such a thirst for ministry, that upon their return, they will have a greater desire to serve Christ in their lives.

At the end of the summer, each “OB” member will have experience with sharing his/her faith, puppets, music, clowning, drama, public performance, testimonies and team relationships. He/she will have learned forty verses of scripture, been a part of a discipleship group, studied a book of the Bible, and done numerous manual chores.

Each young person also receives a personal evaluation from leaders while having an opportunity to learn about the joys of serving in local church ministries. He/she will know what it’s like to sleep on both a floor and a bed … eat church carry-in dinners and McDonalds … work in inner-city as well as rural settings.

Although some teams could be as small as 20 members or as large as 45, the ratio of adult leaders to students is 1:5 to encourage quality training.

To learn more, including the opportunity to sign up for regular e-mail updates from the teams as they travel, click here.

Is Friday the 13th Bad Luck?

Posted by Terry White on June 13, 2008  |  No Comments

The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia , a word derived from the concatenation of the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή) (meaning Friday), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς) (meaning thirteen), attached to phobía (φοβία) (meaning fear). The term is a specialized form of triskaidekaphobia, a simple phobia (fear) of the number thirteen appearing in any case.

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day.

Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed. It’s been estimated that [US]$800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day.

Despite this, representatives for both Delta and Continental Airlines say that their airlines don’t suffer from any noticeable drop in travel on those Fridays.

A British Medical Journal study has shown that there is a significant increase in traffic-related accidents on Fridays the 13th.

But you know. . . if your confidence is in the Lord, all this really doesn’t matter, does it? “Bad luck” is, first and foremost, bad theology!

The Missing Chart–Might You Have It?

Posted by Terry White on June 13, 2008  |  No Comments

One of BMH Books’ most popular publications over the years has been a little catechism entitled Bible Truths, developed by Dr. Alva J. McClain when he was pastor of the First Brethren Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The booklet this past year went into its 13th printing.

We recently received this note from a longtime admirer of Dr. McClain’s work:

“Somehow over the years I have lost the center page that unfolded showing the history of the Bible. Do you have this missing double-sided page?”

None of us in the current management of BMH was aware of a center page foldout showing the history of the Bible. The oldest versions of the booklet we can find do not contain it.

Might there be someone out there in Grace-Brethren-land who has a copy old enough to contain the chart? We would very much like to see it and consider it for inclusion in future reprintings.

What fun–a treasure hunt! Thanks for any help you can give. First one to get a copy to us gets a free BMH book of your choice!

Terry White, Publisher
BMH Books
PO Box 544
Winona Lake, IN 46590
tdwhite@bmhbooks.com
(574) 268-1122
or 1-800-348-2756

An Artist’s Rendering of the Chateau

Posted by Terry White on June 13, 2008  |  No Comments

Didier Millotte, the French illustrator/author who traveled and taught in Africa with us last year in the literature ministry, has posted a drawing of his of the Chateau, the Grace Brethren ministry center in St. Albain, France.

You can see more of Didier’s work at http://dimillotteblog.blogspot.com/

Simi Valley Church Sponsors Bike Rodeo

Posted by Terry White on June 13, 2008  |  No Comments

Quincy Smith, 6, zooms around an obstacle course at the fourth annual Grace Brethren Bike Rodeo, held in the church parking lot last Saturday afternoon. The free event included bike races, games, obstacle courses and vendor booths offering a variety of services to families.

John McIntosh is pastor of the sponsoring church, Grace Brethren Church of Simi Valley, California. (photo IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers)

Fremont Nursing Student Receives Scholarship

Posted by Terry White on June 13, 2008  |  No Comments

From today’s Fremont (OH) News-Messenger:

Brianne Pinkerton, daughter of Kevin and Pam Pinkerton,was one of nine students receiving scholarship awards from the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Fremont. Brianne is a 2007 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. She attends Grace College in Warsaw, Ind., and will receive her bachelor of science nursing degree in May 2010.

Kevin Pinkerton is senior pastor of Grace Community Church, the Grace Brethren church in Fremont.

Pictured scholarship winners were: Brandis Bouyak (front left), Stephanie Clarke, Brianne Pinkerton; Shannon Hickey (back left), Matthew Kwiatkowski, William “Billy” Kupka and Jacob Durdel. Shellie Eakin and Jordan Bliss were not pictured. (Submitted photo)

A total of $23,000 in scholarship money was given away at the annual Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Dinner Meeting May 14 at the Fremont Country Club. There were 44 applicants. Each year the Auxiliary awards these scholarships to eligible Sandusky County residents/students who are pursuing a career in the medical field.

The annual Charity Ball is the primary fundraiser that provides the money for these scholarships. Other monies are raised by additional auxiliary fundraisers, the employees and hospital physicians, and members of the community that support these efforts, the Medical Staff of Memorial Hospital and Al Nichols.

Auxiliary President, Mary Shaffer welcomed some 75 guests to this annual event. She opened with the “auxiliary prayer” and a moment of silence for member Beatrice Fox, who passed away this week. Following dinner, nine students and their families were honored.

Prayer Requested Surrounding Murder Situation

Posted by Terry White on June 13, 2008  |  No Comments

Please pray for the family of George and Anna Stagg, Grace Brethren church-planters in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Here is a slightly edited version of a e-mail from them–their son, Andrew, is 11.

We have just received news that a classmate of Andrew’s and his mom were violently murdered in their home and discovered this morning. Andrew’s taking it very hard and quickly moved into his “demand for justice” mode, which God has given him a strong sense of.

Please pray that Andrew would think and pray through this circumstance well and come out with deeper gratitude toward God and love for his neighbors rather than bitterness. Please pray for wisdom for Anna and me as we help Andrew and the kids process this event.

Please pray that we as a family and church would be able to help in whatever way God leads. Today was their first day of summer break and it’s a tough way to start the summer.

Please pray that God would turn evil into good and that people would come to faith from this event.

Andrew’s teacher is a committed, strong Christian. She has been a tremendous blessing to our family this year. Pray that God strengthens her and her family to minister with wisdom in this situation. These teachers are a huge source of stability for a lot of these kids in these urban schools and her opportunities and challenges are endless.

Andrew and I are going camping with another classmate and his dad next weekend, and I’m sure this will come up as a subject of discussion over the four days. Please pray for eternal fruit to come from this time.

Thanks for your prayers,

George and Anna Stagg