BMH Editor's Blog

Goshen Parishioner Featured on ABC News

Posted by Terry White on January 31, 2009  |  No Comments

A young woman from the Grace Brethren church in Goshen, Indiana (Jim Brown, pastor) was recently featured on ABC’s evening news program, which was focusing on unemployment in the northern Indiana area. Here are Pastor Brown’s comments from a recent blog posting:

“I woke up early this morning around 3:30, after some prayer and some breakfast I turned on the TV . A story caught my eye as I flipped the channel after ESPN highlights. Yes I am an ESPN Junkie. ABC WORLD NEWS had a story about Elkhart.

“I waited to see what they might say, so I could keep myself up to date with our community. It was a story on our high-unemployment. As I was watching, they interviewed Annette Silvers. The really cool part is that she was wearing our brand-new “It’s Time” tshirt. WOW! Wouldn’t it be awesome if that theme encouraged America, and God used it to point people to him? Pray that way with me today.”

To see the ABC piece, click here

Art McCrum Dies in Michigan

Posted by Terry White on January 31, 2009  |  1 Comment

Word has been received of the sudden passing yesterday (Friday, January 30) of Arthur E. McCrum, a 1965 graduate of Grace College and former Grace Brethren pastor in Iowa. McCrum had been pastoring the conservative Grace Brethren church in Troy, Michigan. Further details as they are available.

Women’s Leadership Summit Begins in California

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on January 31, 2009  |  No Comments

The 2009 Women’s Leadership Summit kicked off Friday night at the Ayres Hotel in Seal Beach, Calif. Early arrivals gathered for dinner at a local restaurant (above). It also provided an opportunity for participants to get acquainted with one another.

The theme for the weekend is Paths to Plentiful Grace, or how to get from being a follower to being a leader, and how to help followers become leaders.

After a session on leadership principles led by Chery Boehm, Grace Brethren pastor’s wife Teressa Pierce spoke about the recent journey God had brought their family through. Her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Pierce, was diagnosed with brain tumor shortly after giving birth to her first child in early 2007. Teressa shared principles God had taught her throughout the process.

The Summit is sponsored by Women of Grace USA and open to all women in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. Chery Boehm is the coordinator for the event.

The gathering is designed to offer women the opportunity to process leadership development with others who serve in similar ministries through vital interactions and intentional guided discussions.

Five Columbus-Area Church Plants Underway

Posted by Terry White on January 29, 2009  |  No Comments

Here are five Grace Brethren church-plants currently underway in the Columbus, Ohio, area. Click on image to enlarge (image courtesy Eric Miller)

Day of ‘On Mission Training’ at Orange Saturday

Posted by Terry White on January 28, 2009  |  No Comments

A day of “On Mission Training” conducted under the auspices of Grace Brethren International Missions will be held at the Grace Church of Orange, Calif., this Saturday, January 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome to participate.

The day will feature interactive networking among churches and learning from men and women who lead in missions, including Greg Barshaw, Jay Bell, Clay Hulett, Eric Smith, Ed Trenner, and John Ward. Members of local-church mission commissions and mission committees are especially encouraged to attend.

Participants will learn how to stimulate more interest in missions in their local churches, how to select and prepare a short-term mission team, how to be aware of interpersonal cross-cultural dynamics, how to reach internationals in the schools and neighborhoods, how to present missions to children and youth, and how to mentor people considering a career in missions.

The registration cost of $25, due on registration, covers the cost of syllabus, lunch, and training events. To register, or for more information, contact Ed Trenner at ed@edtrenner.com or call (714) 402-7717.

Coatesville Emergency Aid Continues

Posted by Terry White on January 28, 2009  |  No Comments

Pastor Dan O’Deens of Gateway Community Church in Parkesburg, PA, appears in a current news video clip from the Associated Press, reporting on the rash of fires in the Coatesville, PA, community.

Pastor O’Deens appears in the video seated at a table, giving aid to a victim, as he functions as a Red Cross emergency worker. To see the video click on this link:

http://video.ap.org/?t=By%20Section/U.S.&g=0125dv_pa_house_fires&f=JRC

Focus Retreat in California Ends with Prayer

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on January 28, 2009  |  No Comments

The Southwest Focus Retreat ended this morning at Rancho Capistrano, Calif. as the men gathered to pray for each other. They had spent several days together studying II Timothy.

The retreat is one of several that is held around the country for Grace Brethren pastors and leaders.

Driven Announces Changes for 2009

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on January 27, 2009  |  1 Comment

After prayerful consideration, the steering team that plans the young adult conference known as Driven has decided to not host the annual gathering.

Driven was set in motion by the vision of several young adult pastors and leaders in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC) with a common passion to gather a generation to become catalysts for Christ in church and culture. The first gathering was held in 2005 and it has met each successive year. During that time, Driven has seen God at work through collective efforts and has developed a reputation for the quality experience it provides participants.

Although the normal Driven conference is not going to take place this summer, the steering team has accepted the invitation to sponsor young adult events at Equip 09, the annual conference of the FGBC to be held July 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio. More details will be announced at the website during the coming weeks and months. Look for Driven-oriented training tracks for young adults, as well as late night breakouts to build relationships and equip young leaders.

Southwest Focus Retreat Begins in California

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on January 27, 2009  |  No Comments

The Southwest Focus Retreat, a time for Grace Brethren pastors in California and Arizona to gather, refresh, and spend time with each other and God, began last night (January 28) near San Juan Capistrano, Calif. One of the first activities was to read through II Timothy together (above). John McIntosh, moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches and pastor of the Grace Brethren Church in Simi Valley, Calif., led the discussion.

This morning, Tim Howard, pastor of family ministries at the Grace Brethren Church in Simi Valley, Calif., led the men in singing praises to God, then Tom Hocking, incoming moderator of the FGBC and pastor of the Bellflower (Calif.) Brethren Church, continued the discussion of II Timothy.

The men then split up again, to look at the scriptures and discuss how the Holy Spirit is speaking to them.

The retreat, which is being held at Rancho Capistrano, concludes on Wednesday morning. It is one of five regional retreats that are held annually for Grace Brethren pastors. The next one is in Florida in February followed by the final retreat in the Northwest District in May. Previous retreats this year have been held in Loudonville, Ohio, and in Ocean City, Maryland.

Grace Grad Heads Winona Lake Town Council

Posted by Terry White on January 27, 2009  |  No Comments

Terry A. Howie (pictured), who is a 1968 Biblical Studies graduate of Grace College and later was a staff member of Grace College and Seminary, is the new president of the Winona Lake, Indiana, town council. Here is a brief excerpt of an article on his appointment–to read the entire article click here.

WINONA LAKE – Terry Howie is looking forward to serving Winona Lake’s residents in his position as the newly elected Winona Lake Town Council president.

Howie was elected president during the council’s Jan. 12 meeting, replacing former president Joy Lohse who remains as a council member. Jim Lancaster was elected vice president. Other town council members include Randy Swanson and Sue Gooding.

Howie will serve on the council until January 2010 when a new election of officers takes place. He said he looks forward to continuing the council’s work and has goals as president.

Howie, a Winona Lake resident since 1964, served as a police officer for the town for 25 years and served as town marshal from 1990 to 1995. He has owned and operated his own business, Howie Heating and Cooling, since 1972.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1968 from Grace College, and worked for the college in 1964 in the custodial department. He left the college and worked at Robinson’s Supermarket, Warsaw Locker Plant, Ditto’s Supermarket as a meat department manager, and Duane Gable’s housing construction.

He said serving in these capacities in the community allowed him to get to know the town and its people.

Mark Guiles Surgery Successful–Recuperation Underway

Posted by Terry White on January 26, 2009  |  1 Comment

Dave and Sue Guiles are pleased to inform you of what appears to be the successful outcome of their son Mark’s surgery this morning. The patient is resting and recuperating.

If all goes well he should be released from the hospital later this week and could be back at school by next Monday. The Guiles family thanks all of you for your prayers and requests that you continue to intercede for his full recovery.

Mark Guiles Surgery Set for Monday Morning

Posted by Terry White on January 26, 2009  |  No Comments

The following update on Mark Guiles, son of Dave and Sue Guiles of Winona Lake, Indiana, is currently posted on the Grace Brethren International Missions (GBIM) website. Mark’s father, Dave, is executive director of GBIM.

Mark Guiles is scheduled for a video-assisted thoracoscopy on Monday at 8:00. This surgical procedure is designed to repair any damage resulting from the collapse of his lung last week, as well as to prevent recurrence of the problem in the future.

He should be in surgery for 1 – 2 hours, and, if all goes as planned, should be released from the hospital within 3 – 5 days. Dave and Sue appreciate your prayers for Mark and the family, for a rapid recovery, and that Mark will be able to successfully complete his final semester at Purdue University.

Mark is currently scheduled to graduate in May with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and hopes that this crisis will not postpone his graduation or delay his ability to find employment.

Fellowship Council Concludes Meetings

Posted by Terry White on January 26, 2009  |  No Comments

From Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey. This is an excerpt–to read the entire highlights document, click here.

Fellowship Council Highlights

The Fellowship Council of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches met January 21‐25 in Seal Beach California.

Meetings began Wednesday evening, January 21 for dinner followed by a time for update and prayer.

On Thursday, January 22, the council met to talk about the Commitment to Common Ministry document that was drafted at the 2008 Charis conference in Bad Homburg, Germany. The following significant facts were noted:

• The first Charis conference was held in 1994 in France, the second in 1996 in Toronto, Canada, the third was held in Argentina in 1999. Regional Charis gatherings happened between 1999 and 2008. The 2008 Charis conference was held August 2008 in Bad Homburg.

• The FGBC was represented by Bob Combs, Bob Wagner, and Steve Kern. Keith Shearer represented the FGBC on the Charis conference planning committee. All of these men served at their own (or their churches) expense

• The Commitment to Common Ministry document was a multi‐national document. Sections were originally composed in English, French and Spanish.

• The Commitment to Common Ministry contains three sections: Church Planting, Leadership Training, and Integrated Ministries. A copy of the Commitment to Common Ministry can be downloaded by clicking here.

• Executives of National Ministries have met three times to talk about their support for the Commitment to Common Ministry. The boards of all FGBC National Ministries have endorsed the document and are discussing its implications.

The Fellowship Council took the following action in response to the Commitment to Common Ministry:

To affirm the CHARIS Commitment to Common Mission and encourage participation of the local churches of the FGBC. The council discussed ways to focus resources and opportunities for the next decade more effectively on multiplication, leadership development and integrated ministries.

Coatesville Pastor Asks Prayer, Aid for Fire Victims

Posted by Terry White on January 26, 2009  |  No Comments

Pastor Dan O’Deens of the Gateway Grace Community Church near Philadelphia lives in Coatesville, PA, where a string of arsons has made national news. Here is an excerpt of a news story and photo–to read the entire article click here. Pastor O’Deens gives some of his personal observations and involvement following the excerpt.

COATESVILLE, Pa. (AP) — The latest in a string of suspicious fires in this Philadelphia suburb tore through a block of row houses over the weekend, damaging 15 homes, leaving several dozen people homeless and prompting city officials to declare a state of emergency.

At least 30 arsons have been reported since the beginning of last year, about half of them in the last three weeks. The police said the fires might be part of a gang initiation, but there was no clear information about who was committing the crimes or why.

The latest fire was reported late Saturday at the back of one house, and it quickly spread to adjacent homes.

“This is an arson,” said the Coatesville city manager, Harry Walker. “No question about it.”

Here are excerpts from Pastor Dan O’Deens on his involvement:

After a long day, preparing to move into our new church building I got home late, went to bed only to receive a phone call from the Red Cross. Another FIRE! You have to be kidding me! This is the 29th fire in one year. The 15th fire since January 1st.

According to the Daily Local, ‘the latest in a long line of arsons that authorities say may be linked to gang initiations.” On Saturday evening, 15 more homes were destroyed. Dozens are homeless, over 1.8 Million in damages at ‘first’ assessment. Coatesville has been declared a State of Emergency.

I personally represented the Red Cross throughout the night helping families find hope. We were able to give the people affected by the fires, residence for 3 nights in hotel accomodations and monies sufficient to care for meals and clothing and coates to get them back on their feet. The hard truth is that most of these folks have ‘nothing’ to come back to.

The area churches held a meeting on Sunday evening to consider what we can do to help these families for the long terms. We are early in the process of organizing our collective resources. A fund has been established. If you wish to assist these families specifically you can send checks to “Gateway Church.” 100% of this money will make it to these families.

Many of our families live in Coatesville. They are afraid. They are losing hope in the police and City officials. Prayer is critical. We need to find who is behind this and bring peace back to a community that deserved better than what they are experiencing.

Thanks for your prayers on behalf of these families and all those who are working hard to find solutions to best serve all the families affected by these horrific tragedies.

Catalyst Church Moves Meeting Location

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on January 24, 2009  |  No Comments

Catalyst, a Grace Brethren church in Kent, Ohio, is moving to the Regal Cinemas in Stow on Sunday, February 1! Pastor Jonathon Herron invites individuals to join them for church at the movies including free Starbucks, Catalyst KIDS, and a new teaching series. The service begins at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, see the newly-redesigned Catalyst web site, http://www.catalystchurch.cc/.

The church has been meeting at the Kent Stage since its inception.

Fellowship Council Meets in California

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on January 24, 2009  |  No Comments

The Fellowship Council, the board of directors for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, is meeting this week in Seal Beach, Calif. Much of their discussion has centered around the Commitment to Common Mission, a document that resulted from the Charis international leadership meetings last summer in Germany.

Today, they listened to reports from the various national ministries. At right, Dr. Larry N. Chamberlain, president and CEO of the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, talks about the Eagle Commission, of which the GBIF is the sponsoring organization. The Eagle Commission serves as a strategic link between the people and churches of the FGBC and Grace Brethren military chaplains. Pictured left to right are Greg Howell, pastor of Community Grace Brethren Church, Goldendale, Wash.; Dr. Chamberlain; Jim Brown, pastor of Grace Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Goshen, Ind., and past moderator of the FGBC; and John McIntosh, senior pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Simi Valley, Calif., and current moderator of the Fellowship.

Also reporting were Ed Lewis, CE National; Ken Seyfert, Grace Brethren Investment Foundation and the FGBC retirement plan; Dr. Ron Manaham, Grace College and Theological Seminary; Dr. Tim Boal, Go2 Church Planting Ministries; Janet Minnix, Women of Grace USA; and Liz Cutler Gates, Brethren Missionary Herald Company.

The Council also approved recommending to the national conference the addition of two new churches into the Fellowship. Soma Community Church (David Black, pastor) is located in Springfield, Ohio, and ClearView Church (Andy Wirt, pastor) is in New Albany, Ohio. Three cooperating ministries were also recommended for adoption: GBCanada USA, an organization to support church planting in Canada; Integrated Community Development Inc. (ICDI), an organization that works in central Africa to develop leadership and empower communities to overcome difficult problems on their own; and Grace in Action, an organization that helps bridge the church to the community through education and economic development.

These recommendations will be considered at the annual meeting of the Fellowship in July in Columbus, Ohio.

The Council meetings, which are being held at Grace Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Seal Beach, Calif., end tomorrow (Saturday).

Dave Guiles’ Son Headed for Lung Surgery

Posted by Terry White on January 23, 2009  |  No Comments

Your prayers will be appreciated today by the family of Dave Guiles, executive director of Grace Brethren International Missions in Winona Lake, Indiana. Dave’s son, Mark (pictured), a student at Purdue University, is currently in the hospital awaiting lung surgery. Here are further details, shared by permission, edited from a memo by Dave Guiles:

I am writing you from the waiting room at St Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana. On Tuesday evening, as I was returning from an MTM coaching session at Worthington,Ohio, we received news that our son Mark (a student at Purdue) was experiencing chest pains. On Wednesday he was admitted to the hospital with a collapsed lung. As of last night (Thursday) we were informed that he would either be released today because the lung healed or he would require surgical intervention.

In the Lord’s wisdom the latter has occurred, so we are currently waiting to speak with a surgeon concerning our options. Since it is not an emergency at this point we do not know if the surgery will be now or within a few days. We also need to determine if we will remain at this hospital.

I am grateful that Sue and I were not in far-away lands, as was the case three years ago. At that time we had just arrived in Chile when we received news that Mark’s other lung had collapsed.

While we are assured that the procedure is routine, we cannot help but think back a few years ago when we heard similar words concerning a procedure recommended to correct our son Dan’s heart palpitations.

We appreciate your prayers.

Lead African Well Driller Loses Wife

Posted by Terry White on January 23, 2009  |  No Comments

Jim Hocking, founder and CEO of Integrated Community Development International (ICDI) sends along the following urgent prayer request for a colleague, Albert (pictured) in central Africa.

Yesterday morning, the wife of our lead well driller, Albert, passed away at the hospital in Berberati, Central African Republic. Wednesday night she had been admitted to the hospital, but they weren’t able to do much for her. She had had problems with high blood pressure, but this was very unexpected, and a huge shock to the family.

Albert and the rest of the drill team were drilling near Bouar at the time, but were able to be contacted quickly and returned to Berberati yesterday evening (luckily, one of the well-repair vehicles was in the area to give them a ride, since driving the drilling rig is very slow and expensive). Please be praying for Albert, as this is going to be quite a blow to him.

Church Closes on Property

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on January 21, 2009  |  2 Comments

Iglesia la Esperanza, a Hispanic church in Valrico, Fla. (east of Tampa), closed on 3.8 acres of property this week and the congregation has plans to eventually build on the site. They met on the property on January 11 to give thanks to God for his provision. At right, Pastor Jesus Munoz (in center) prays. Also in the photo is Javier Forero (yellow shirt at left), co-pastor of the church.

The purchase, made at a cost of $212,000, was made possible due to a gift from another church.

Iglesia la Esperanza is a Spanish-speaking church made up of individuals from countries such as Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Mexico, Columbia, and El Salvador, in addition to a number of Anglos who attend. They are already planting other Spanish-speaking churches in the cities of Sebring and Bradenton, Fla.

Wendell Kent Authors Third Book

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on January 21, 2009  |  No Comments

Former Grace Brethren pastor, Wendell Kent (pictured at right), is an author again. His third book, Head for the Hills, was recently reviewed in the Chaffee County Times, near where Wendell and his wife, Pat, live in Buena Vista, Co.