BMH Editor's Blog

Kate From Eight Does the Gate

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

Kate Gosselin (right) of the television show “Jon & Kate Plus Eight” was one of the special guests this past Sunday at Gateway Grace Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Parkesburg, PA (Dan O’Deens, pastor).

Pastor O’Deens reported, “It was a great day. 936 people came out. We saw about 25 decisions for Christ.”

The Parkesburg church will have a grand celebration and dedication of its new facility on Sunday, March 8. For more information, click here.

Gateway Church to Celebrate Opening of New Building

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

Gateway Church, a Grace Brethren church in Parkesburg, Pa., is marking the grand opening of their new building at the corner of Cowan Road and West Lincoln Highway on March 8.

“Our goal has always been to serve people and help them connect to God, each other, and the world,” says Pastor Dan O’Deens.

The 21,000 square-foot-building, constructed as a community center, include a multi-purpose space for services, concerts, and family events; a fountain and baptistry; and space for nursery, pre-school, and elementary-age classes.

The grand opening celebration will be marked at two services… 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. … on March 8. For more information, see www.gcwired.com.

Georgia Gymnast is Aspiring Missionary

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

Friday’s Red and Black, the newspaper for the University of Georgia, carried a story about Grace Taylor, a member of the Grace Brethren Church of Aiken, S.C. She is a member of the University of Georgia women’s gymnastics team that recently took home the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships. Grace is also the 2008 NCAA balance beam champion. To read the complete story, click here.

AMAZING GRACE: Gym Dog Taylor is ‘perfect little ambassador’

Georgia may have its answer for Tim Tebow.

Grace Taylor, the Gym Dogs’ three-event dynamo and all-around good person, is the consummate Christian and the epitome of both parts of the word “student-athlete.” A health promotion major and aspiring missionary, last year’s NCAA beam champ is so much more.”She’s our perfect little ambassador,” coach Suzanne Yoculan said. “

She represents us in every aspect of her life and how she conducts her life.

“Taylor was homeschooled during her childhood in Aiken, S.C., and raised in a tight-knit, Christian family with her two sisters and brother. College has turned her into an Academic All-American with a 3.97 GPA, but it was her experiences at home and in Aiken that have made her who she is, and what she wants to be.

The story also references how her parents, Dan and Lynn Taylor, found the Aiken church, which is pastored by Steve Taylor (no relation).

The Taylor family stopped at a small church, and found a man tending to the yard, pulling weeds and raking. That man was Steve Taylor, the pastor of, appropriately enough, Grace Brethren Church of Aiken. His brother, Mike Taylor, is a missionary to Africa.

“He’s just a [physician's assistant], but he goes over there and delivers babies and saves lives,” Grace Taylor said. “He got to be more than just a physical person, he was there for these people, and knew them. They were his friends and he made a difference in their lives. He’s one of the people that I’ve seen in my life that is the most fulfilled with what he does. I feel like the Lord has just kind of prepared me for it my whole life.”

To read the complete story, click here.

Jackson, KY, Church Requests Prayer for Ministry in Tragedy

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

Pastor Mike Tabor of The Happy Church in Jackson, Kentucky, sends along the following sobering report and prayer request:

Frank was a 19-year-old who accepted Christ at age 18. He met a non-believer young lady and she accepted Christ as her savior and he rededicated his life. They were married on July 3, 2008, and baptized the same day. We counseled and loved them but they recently separated. Frank shot himself yesterday.

John Jacobson held the Wednesday night church service and explained to the parents and children what had happened and shared scripture and the good news. A member who is a licensed counselor was there as well for anyone who needed to talk.

Pray that God gets the glory and many people hear and respond to the “good news” as I speak at his funeral Sunday @ 1:00 pm. Pray for our church family as well. Visitation is Saturday @ 6:00pm at the Deaton Funeral Home, Jackson, Kentucky.

The Happy Church is located in the city of Jackson, county of Breathitt, Kentucky. It is located in the eastern coal field region of the state (Appalachia) which is the poorest region in the country. In 2000 the county population was 16,100 in a land area of 495.19 square miles, an average of 32.5 people per square mile. The average price of a home is just over $20,000.00 (used trailers are the primary homes bought and sold).

The church’s website is http://www.thehappychurch.org/index.html

Dillsburg Collegian Elected Student Body President

Posted by Terry White on February 25, 2009  |  No Comments

Adapted from the e-mail newsletter of CE National:

Todd Shoemaker (pictured), from Dillsburg, Pa., has been elected the Grace College 2009-2010 Associated Student Body President. Todd is currently a junior majoring in youth ministry, the department that CE National oversees for Grace College and Seminary of Winona Lake, Indiana.

Todd has been a Resident Assistant on campus for the last two years and has also served as a freshman break-out student mentor for two years. He serves on the 909 Student Ministries volunteer staff at Community Grace Brethren Church in Warsaw, Ind., teaching junior high Sunday School and leads a small group of high school sophomores.

Todd’s eventual goals include serving the Lord as a youth pastor after he graduates in May of 2010. This summer, Todd will serve as a leader on Operation Barnabas for the first time.

Todd is the third successive ASB President to be connected with The National Institute with this leadership position at Grace College. Matt Simms, (Wooster, Ohio), and current Student Body President Micah Heckert (Ashland, Ohio) served in this role previously.

"Pastor Don" Celebrates 25th Year

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

Don Shoemaker, pastor of Grace Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Seal Beach, was featured on the front page of the Seal Beach Sun on February 12. He is celebrating his 25th year as pastor of the church.

The article notes that Sunday, February 22, was set aside as a day of celebration “hosted by the men, women, and children who make up Grace Community Church to honor their pastor during the worship service.” A tribute dinner will be held in March at an area restaurant.

Pastor Don and his wife Mary have attended the church since 1977 and he served as organist, worship leader, and member of the board of elders before being urged by congregational leaders to become the pastor.

The article notes that Shoemaker is quick to note the “community” in the church name. He serves as senior chaplain of the Seal Beach Police Department and it’s not unusual to find many civic events taking place at the church.

It also noted that Shoemaker speaks on issues both theological and cultural not only in his local church but nationally in speaking engagements, newspaper editorials, and other published articles. (He serves as chair of the Social Concerns Committee in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.)

Maryland Girls Win Conference Championship

Posted by Terry White on February 22, 2009  |  No Comments

From the Prince George’s (Maryland) Gazette:

Grace Brethren captures PVAC crown
Eagles go overtime to beat Oakcrest in title game

by Robert Klemko | Special to The Gazette

The Grace Brethren School girls basketball team won the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference Championship for the seventh time in the past eight years, edging Oakcrest, 63-50, in overtime on Saturday night at Trinity University in the District.

After losing to Grace Brethren twice during the regular season, Oakcrest led for the final 12 minutes of regulation time until Grace Brethren eighth-grader Jade Scaife nailed consecutive free throws to tie the score at 45-45 with 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Oakcrest led by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter until Grace Brethren seventh-grader and tournament MVP Lynee’ Belton engineered a quick turnaround. Belton scored nine of her team-high 21 points in the fourth quarter and shot 11 of 15 from the foul line.

“I have to thank my team for everything,” Belton said. “Our coach [Jeff Perry]’s words turned it around for us in the end. He said that we didn’t come all this way and work this hard for nothing.”

Middle school students are allowed to play for varsity teams in the PVAC, a private school league. Grace Brethren (20-1) will move on to play in the Maryland Christian Schools Tournament against Chapelgate Christian, the only team the Eagles lost to this season.

Florida Focus Retreat Cancelled

Posted by Terry White on February 21, 2009  |  No Comments

Notice from fellowship coordinator Tom Avey:

While attendance at other retreats have increased, registration for the South Focus retreat has been exceptionally light. For many the dates conflicted with some other very worthwhile ministry opportunities in the region.

Those who have registered should contact Sandy Barrett at sandy@fgbc.org for a refund. The FGBC will still have to pay for the rooms that were held so pray that God provides to cover the loss. He always does!

Tom Avey and Dave Guiles will be in Florida during the days of the retreat connecting with pastors and leaders in the state.

North Atlantic District Celebration Set for March 15

Posted by Terry White on February 20, 2009  |  No Comments

The 2009 celebration of God’s work among the North Atlantic Fellowship district will be on March 15, 2009, at New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church in Myerstown, PA.

This year’s theme will build on the district’s previous emphasis toward “Discipling the Nations Among Us …when the world comes to our door.”

The cost is $10 per person and includes our fellowship meal. For those attending the meeting, but not attending the meal, the cost is $3.75 per person.

For more information, log onto http://www.gbnaf.org/celebration09.html

Free Housing Available for Equip09

Posted by Terry White on February 20, 2009  |  No Comments

Free Housing at Equip09!

Grace Brethren churches in the Columbus, Ohio, area are graciously offering free and comfortable housing for this summer’s Equip09 conference. Folks from churches in the area have provided extra bedrooms for you and your family to help make Equip09 a very affordable conference.

Go to http://fgbc.org/equip/?f=hosthomerequest to request your free housing. Local hotel options will be listed on the equip09 web site (www.equip09.com) soon.

Driven Conference Team Announces Research Project

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 20, 2009  |  No Comments

Earlier this year, the team that directs the young adult conference known as Driven announced a partnership with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC) to host young adult events at Equip 09, the annual conference of the FGBC that will be held in Columbus, Ohio this summer.

The Driven team is also planning a research project that will gain a better understanding of young adults and their involvement in the Fellowship. A web-based survey will be sent to Grace Brethren churches during the month of March. It is hoped that the results of the survey will foster a conversation about how to best serve the church and next generation of leaders.

Kyla Zenan, a student at Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind., is the research project manager.

Results of the survey will be presented at Equip 09 and at http://www.drivenconference.com/.

Driven Unplugged, a conversation about the next generation and the church, will be hosted in the Commons at the Grace Brethren Church, Columbus, Ohio, following the Equip 09 evening plenary sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (July 27 to 29). Monday’s discussion will center on the findings of the Driven research project. Tuesday will feature a panel of current and emerging FGBC leaders sharing potential solutions. Wednesday will include a discussion of the question — who are you pouring your life into?

More information on the Driven Unplugged sessions will be released soon.

Cherished Freedoms Bring Joy to Romanian Professor

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 20, 2009  |  No Comments

As a Christian in a socialist country, Tiberius Rata grew up fearing for his life. Today, he is no longer in danger as he shares his faith every day as a professor at Grace College and Theological Seminary. Read more in the January-February issue of FGBC World, which is available at no charge at your local Grace Brethren church and online at http://www.fgbcworld.com/.

FGBC World is an all-fellowship, all-Grace Brethren newspaper that is published six times a year. In its pages you will find stories about the Grace Brethren family around the world – from individuals who are on the front line of ministry to organizations that help impact lives for Jesus. Pick up your free copy of the January-February issue at your local Grace Brethren church, see http://www.fgbcworld.com/, or subscribe online to have your free copy delivered directly to your mailbox.

African Widow Gardening Seminar Well-Received

Posted by Terry White on February 20, 2009  |  No Comments

GBIM missionary Barb Wooler is currently in the Central African Republic and sends back this report:

GARDENING SEMINAR for WIDOWS

This is our fifth year of working with widow care providers of PHC orphans. Development is never an easy task because, in order for true development to happen, things have to change between the ears; thankfully God is good at that.

There was a lot of excitement over three years ago when we told our widows that we wanted them to get organized and working together. But when our help was in the form of a small farm and another piece of land on the other side of town for them to farm, well, not all of them were enthusiastic. Some were hoping for a whole lot more assistance. All we did was give them a chance to work together to make their lives better and provide for their families.

But these ladies have changed a lot in their thinking since then; their response to missionary Roy Danforth’s three-day seminar on gardening was proof of this. Not only were the ladies open to learning new ways of farming – pretty amazing since they have been farming all their lives – but they were excited and enthusiastic. They accepted everything with joy and there was a lot of laughing and even a little bit of dancing throughout our three days together.

For me the icing on the cake was the last fifteen minutes when one of the ladies spoke for the group and was full of praise and thanksgiving to God first and to us. Then they learned we had purchased a machete for each of them. It was so touching to see these widow ladies come up one-by-one when their name was called to get their machete.

Some of them danced up, some shook all of our hands before being willing to receive it, some of them literally came forward on their knees and received their machetes with heads bowed in thanks. One woman who did this kissed the machete when she received it.

Well, it was very touching to say the least. I returned home so proud of them for how far they have come through these years. I know many of these women and the difficulties many of them face each day.

I am just so pleased that among the provisions their wonderful Heavenly Father has made for them is the fellowship of each other, that they are not alone as they face the challenges of raising orphans – grandchildren, nieces, nephews, their own children – without husbands to help.

Kellemen Leads Counseling Seminar

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 19, 2009  |  No Comments

Robert Kellemen, Ph.D. talks about learning and growing as a biblical counselor during a seminar this morning (February 19) at the Winona Lake (Ind.) Grace Brethren Church (Bruce Barlow, lead pastor). Pastors of the Heartland District of Grace Brethren Churches participated, along with Warsaw (Ind.) area pastors and counselors.

Dr. Kellemen, who is the author of the BMH Books, Soul Physicians and Spiritual Friends, also led a question-and-answer time on biblical/Christian counseling.

He is also speaking at Grace College in the Graduate Department of Counseling and Interpersonal Relations’ Social and Cultural Issues class tonight at 6 o’clock in Science Building 210.

Christian school ransacked, burglarized

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 19, 2009  |  No Comments

From the February 18, 2009 OC Register. Brethren Christian Junior/Senior High School is rooted in and continues to be supported by Grace Brethren churches in southern California.

HUNTINGTON BEACH – Employees at a local Christian private school are drying out carpets and picking up trash today after the campus was ransacked and burglarized.

Vandals broke into Brethren Christian Junior/Senior High School through a window Monday, drilled a hole into a school safe to steal vouchers worth $6,000, plugged bathroom sinks with paper and turned on faucets to flood the administration building.

The vandals also smoked cigarettes in the building and left the butts on the ground, smashed outside lights, and shot paintballs on a portion of the buildings, said Janine Ransom, a school director. Trash cans were emptied and waste distributed all over the campus, she said. … Monday’s vandalism comes soon after Brethren Christian announced plans to build a gym and launch a middle school in the fall. The school had also secured a long-term lease last year from Huntington Beach City School District, which owns the campus.

“We are doing a spiritual work here and we are experiencing some opposition,” (Principal Rick) Niswonger said. “We are all very thankful because it could have been a lot worse.”

To read the complete story, click here.

Grace In Action Pilot Program Launches

Posted by Terry White on February 18, 2009  |  No Comments

Students from Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana; a high school tutor; and adult advisors yesterday began a six-week pilot program in an after-school class at Jefferson Elementary school in Winona Lake, Indiana, under the auspices of a newly-formed Grace Brethren cooperating organization, Grace In Action (GIA).

Twenty-two students eagerly participated as the first lesson from DISCOVERING Life Skills for Kids was taught. The total curriculum for children ages 5 through 8 has six units. The pilot program covers Unit One, “DISCOVERING How to Make Choices.” Other units teach Kids with Character, Love Matters, Personal Care, Dollars and Sense, and Personality and Potential.

Two additional sections of lessons are being written: ACHIEVING Life Skills, for children 9 through 12, and LEADING Life Skills for Teens. The lessons are supplemented with many fun and relevant books, games, interactive computer helps, and personal coaching.

The faith-based curriculum, written by Gladys Deloe of Winona Lake and the founder of Grace in Action, is being published as part of the ministry’s purpose, “Preparing children to become productive citizens.” The ultimate goal is to help children in poverty free themselves from the poverty cycle by presenting another way.

As the church bridges to the community, educating and enabling in the name of Christ, some children will find the tools for living and a purpose for their lives.

GiA has received two grants from a local county foundation and has recently been recognized as a cooperating ministry by the FGBC. For more information about using the curriculum, contact Gladys Deloe at gdeloe@comcast.net or 574-527-6160.

Raleigh Team Concludes Africa Ministry

Posted by Terry White on February 17, 2009  |  No Comments

After two weeks and several hundred kilometers of rugged red dirt roads, the seven member team from the Hope Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Raleigh, North Carolina, has returned home from the Central African Republic.

The team included senior pastor Mike Lee, worship director Karl Moraski and newly appointed missions pastor Jean Eloi as well as four other men from the church. In this picture the team prepares for the night flight departure from the Central African Republic. The team spent days doing various work projects and visiting projects sponsored by the Raleigh church throughout Bangui, Berberati and the Bayanga forest.

Hope church has adopted a region in southeastern CAR and is partnering with ICDI to empower community development activity, particularly in water and sanitation. Details of the trip may be read on the team blog at http://www.hopeforthecarnow.blogspot.com/.

Soccer is Ministry for Ashland Father, Sons

Posted by Terry White on February 17, 2009  |  No Comments

An article in the Ashland (OH) Gazette on using soccer as a ministry for Christ includes comments from a Grace Brethren coach and father. Here is an excerpt. To read the entire article, click here.

One of those coaches is Rick Turske, owner of the team’s sponsor, Turske Technologies.

This is the first year Turske, 41, has been involved in the league. Because the league is open to anyone high school age and older, it gives parents the opportunity to build relationships with their children. Turske’s two sons, Jason and Evan, play for their father’s team.

“I enjoy playing with my sons,” Turske said. “That’s kind of what I did this for was to get a better relationship with my sons.”

But the all-important element as far as Turske is concerned is the faith aspect the league offers. The Grace Brethren Church member said that was a make-it-or-break-it part of the deal.

“I wouldn’t be out here without it,” he said. “It’s all about, there’s lots of nonbelievers that are out there. We are here to give them a glimpse of what Christ is all about.”

Frank Gabelein Classic on Truth Republished by BMH

Posted by Terry White on February 16, 2009  |  No Comments

BMH Books of Winona Lake, Ind., announces the re-publishing of a timeless classic, The Pattern of God’s Truth by Frank E. Gaebelein.

At the heart of all thinking about education, whether Christian or secular, lies the problem of integration. Just to adopt a philosophy of education is not the same as integrating that philosophy into all the parts—curriculum, student activities, administration, and more.

This book has been written by an evangelical Christian, committed to high doctrine and a worldview based on biblical truth, whose primary consideration is Christian education. Its pages seek to help educators who are Christian achieve a living union between Christianity and education.

Frank E. Gaebelein (1899-1983) was founder and headmaster of Stony Brook School in New York and an editor for Christianity Today and Eternity magazines. As a Christian educator, visionary, reflective practitioner, concert pianist, mountaineer, speaker, prolific writer, editor, and Bible translator, Gaebelein left fingerprints all over his world.

An amazingly reflective practitioner whose writings on the subject of Christian education demonstrate profound spiritual conviction, enormous erudition, breathtaking breadth of interest, and compelling integrative insight, he greatly influenced private Christian schools, Christian higher education, and congregational instruction.

Gaebelein’s desire for a Christian approach to education blending together liberal and fine arts led to lectures at Dallas Theological Seminary which were subsequently shaped into this book.

The Pattern of God’s Truth retails for $9.99 and the ISBN number is 978-0-88469-170-9. Quantity discounts are available for classroom or church use. Contact http://www.bmhbooks.com/, call (toll-free) 1-800-348-2756, or obtain from your favorite online source or bookstore.

Drive-In Movies are Back!

Posted by Terry White on February 16, 2009  |  No Comments