BMH Editor's Blog

ICDI Seeks Director of Water Operations

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

Director of Water Operations

Integrated Community Development International is looking for an individual to manage the water operations in Berberati, Central African Republic.

ICDI’s vision is to empower Central Africans to give hope to the poor in Jesus’ name. The Director of Water Operations will be responsible to ensure the efficient and effective execution of ICDI’s vision for all water programs including New Water Wells, Well Repair, Water Maintenance, Latrines, and Health and Hygiene training.

Residence is required for ten months a year in Africa.

Send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: ICDI P.O. Box 247 Winona Lake, IN 46590 or via email at info@icdinternational.org. To see a Job Description click here.

info@icdinternational.org

Portis, Kansas, Church Remembers Tragedy

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

This article from the Hays, Kansas, paper reports on a prayer service commemorating the one-year anniversary of a tragedy that befell the town of Portis and the Grace Brethren Church there:

Community looks for closure as trial nears

By RYAN CHRISTNER

PORTIS — At a prayer service Wednesday inside Grace Brethren Church, friends of Jeffery Scott Noel said it was difficult to believe that it had been one year since his death.

For this tiny rural town about 9 miles north of Osborne, whose estimated population in 2007 was just more than 100 residents, the shocking news of Noel’s murder last March was inconceivable and tremendously painful.

Found by his wife, Carol, the 55-year-old Noel suffered a fatal gunshot wound during an apparent burglary of his home.

The disturbing memory of that day, however, was just an afterthought, as community members gathered under a theme of love.

“This past year has been an expression of love toward the Noel family and toward each other in our community as we try to respond to this senseless act,” Pastor Dave Sarver said during the service. “I think it’s a great privilege to be able to go to the Lord tonight and thank him for the love that has been pouring out of this community, toward the Noel family and toward each other.

“The love that God has for us is everlasting,” he said. “Can you understand that what he wants us to practice and experience in this life toward one another is something that will last forever, something that Scott is enjoying right now, just like we’re enjoying it?”

Between the many prayers, hymns and readings of Scripture, some in attendance elected to share their stories of Noel and the effect he had on their lives.

“I could talk all night about Scott,” Osborne resident Bo French said. “Like everybody in here, every day you’re talking about something and it never fails, his name comes up at the beginning of the conversation. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole year since our lives were turned upside down.”

French continued to say he and Noel shared a love for track and field and told of how, together, they qualified a group of Osborne High School girls for the state track meet in 2007 who went on to win the state championship.

Noel, he recalled, said there was no way he would miss the state track meet the next year. “Then it happens,” he said. “March 25, 2008, the first full week of track practice. Somebody cut Scott’s promise short.”

While Noel’s wife was not in attendance, a personal message from her was read to the audience.

“Words can’t begin to express our sincere appreciation to everyone for your continued prayers, calls, visits and cards to encourage us through this difficult first year,” Carol Noel wrote in the note. “I tried to focus on the blessings in my life instead of drowning in my sorrows. I continued to pray that good will come out of this evil.”

Carol ended her message by praying that Kenneth Eugene Wilson, the Salina man who was arrested in August in relation to the case, confesses to her husband’s murder.

In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Wilson, whose trial is scheduled for May 11 to 22 in Osborne County court, is charged with burglary, aggravated burglary and criminal possession of a firearm.

If convicted of murder, Wilson faces the possibility of life in prison, as well as a fine of up to $500,000.

Both burglary charges carry possible sentence lengths of 31 to 136 months in prison and fines up to $300,000, while the firearm charge could add an additional seven- to 23-month prison term and $100,000 fine.

While having lived in Portis for only two years, Sarver said he’s seen a lot more interaction between members of the community since Noel’s death.

“There’s just been a real coming together of the believers in the community,” he said following the service, “a real understanding of the brevity of life and the certainty of eternity.”

The progression of Noel’s case has seemed to bring some closure to his family, Sarver said, but it isn’t over yet.

“It’s been one year and all the sorrows have not gone away, probably haven’t even lessened,” he said. “And the trial is still to come.”

Until the case is officially closed, the best residents can do is continue to pray “all responsible will be brought to justice,” as Carol Noel wrote in her message.

“I know he’s not here in flesh, but I know he’s always here amongst us and is with us,” French said of Noel.

A Corporation Meeting Like No Other–Join Us!

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

The Brethren Missionary Herald Company corporation meeting at this summer’s Equip09 conference will make you flip!

Complete with pancakes, syrup, sausages, door prizes, and the finest servers in the world (BMH employees and board members), the event will be an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast on Monday, July 27 from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

The breakfast is subsidized by BMH and is open to all who are attending Equip09 at the Grace Brethren Church of Worthington (Columbus), Ohio.

All are invited to attend the “all you can eat” pancake and sausage breakfast beginning at 7, followed by the annual BMH corporation meeting at 8:15. Pancakes are by Chris Cakes of Ohio, the Guinness World record holder for “fastest flipper.” Chris Cakes has served four U.S. Presidents and has been featured on the food channel. Servers and helpers will be the staff and board members of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company.

For individuals registered for classes on Monday, breakfast is already paid for and tickets will be included in the registration packets. Cost for others is $5 each for ages 12 and higher, $2 each for ages 2-11, and children up to age 2 eat free.

Following the all-conference breakfast, BMH corporation members and guests will gather to hear financial updates, nominate board members, and conduct the annual corporation meeting. Door prizes will be awarded.

Students Help Feed the Hungry

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on March 30, 2009  |  No Comments

Yesterday’s Cuyahoga Falls Press included a story about students at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy packaging meals to be sent to starving children in Third World countries. The story quoted seniors Cassie Bogden and Joshua Kontur (pictured at right), both who attend the Western Reserve Grace Brethren Church (Jason Haymaker, pastor) in Macedonia, Ohio. Among the adults helping was Je’Rod Cherry, former New England Patriot who last fall raffled off one of his championship Super Bowl rings to benefit numerous charities.

To read the complete story, click here.

Students help feed the hungry / CVCA youngsters collect $17,000 for Feed My Starving Children; approximately 108,000 meals will be sent to Third World countries

Cuyahoga Falls — Students at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy heeded God’s call to feed the hungry, packaging around 108,000 meals to be sent to Third World countries. One of the event’s student organizers said she wanted to take an active role in saving lives.

“It’s a tangible way to know that you’re helping them,” said senior Cassie Bogden of Macedonia. “Instead of just giving money to an organization, you’re actually able to touch the food, put it into a bag and a box and see it shipped. And you know someone’s going to open this bag and feed it to their children.”

Cassie teamed up with an organization called Feed My Starving Children that enables volunteer groups to provide and actually pack life-giving meals for millions of people. As a result, Cassie led the student body of CVCA to raise $17,000. On March 20 this $17,000 turned into 108,000 meals packed by their own hands and sent to Third World countries…

Cassie and senior Joshua Kontur of Macedonia learned about Feed My Starving Children through their involvement with the youth group at their church, Western Reserve Grace Church in Macedonia. Prior to that, Cassie and Joshua had traveled to Africa on a mission trip where they saw firsthand the poverty in that country.

“When we came home and got to pack some food and help out, it was a really good way to help people we saw there while we were home,” Joshua said. “So then we were like, ‘Why can’t we just bring it to school?’”

Cassie and Joshua presented their idea to work with FMSC to Chrise Thompson in the school’s student ministries department, and then to Headmaster Mike Bova. “God just took it all from there,” Cassie said. “He was behind it, and it never would have gone anywhere if He hadn’t been involved.”

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Jay Bell Sends Update, Thanks for Prayer

Posted by Terry White on March 29, 2009  |  1 Comment

Here is a personal update from Jay Bell of Grace Brethren International Missions. He and his wife, Jan, were in an auto accident in west-central Iowa Saturday morning:

Thanks so much for mobilizing so much prayer so quickly.

We are recuperating in the home of Pastor Randy and Dena Todd in Dallas Center, Iowa.

Our accident was one of nine in a localized area going east on I-80. Apparently there was a quick shift in temperature at road level which created black ice. Jan was driving under the speed limit and managed to correct the first spin out (a couple of 360’s) but could not control the second patch of ice. NASCAR here she comes! An eyewitness said we rolled twice in an Enterprise Cargo Van. We both have concussions and Jan has a broken rib on her left side.

As we climbed out the front window (the front window and driver-side window were blown out), it was apparent God was watching out for us and protected us from more serious injuries.

My face is scraped and bruised, but it may be an improvement.

For those of you who prayed for us, we are so grateful.

“Lord, we worship you and praise your name. Thank you for saving our lives. We now ask for your grace to continue to mobilize churches in the FGBC to see the nations in their community and begin to reach out to them. The ‘unreached,’ it’s their turn to hear. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

NOTE: In a telephone update Sunday evening, Jay indicated their plans to rent a vehicle Monday and continue the trip. Please pray for their safety in this travel and continued rapid and complete recovery.

Lyle Taylor of Washington State With the Lord

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

Thanks to Chuck Winter, who has called to our attention the recent homegoing of Lyle Taylor, who was very active in the national Brethren Boy’s ministry. This obituary is from the Yakima (WA) Herald this past Thursday.

Lyle Emmett Taylor

WAPATO – Lyle Emmett Taylor, 83, was born on November 1, 1925, at home in Three Sands, Oklahoma, to Winfred Carl Taylor and Alta Aline (Maddux) Taylor. Dad’s Heavenly Father took him home Monday, March 23, 2009.

Dad and his family moved to the Harrah area in 1941 and Dad was very proud of the fact that he still lived on the “home place.” Except for the time that he was in the United States Army and a short time in Santa Cruz, California, Dad has lived on his corner of the world at Harrah and Progressive Roads.

Dad proudly served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in Boca Raton, Florida. When he returned home, he worked at the Harrah Grade School as a custodian and bus driver where he began his long service to the youth in the area.

Dad then started his own business building custom homes and remodeling. Many of the homes in the Lower Valley show the quality of his work and Dad loved to show his family as he drove around that he worked on this house or that house. He truly was a master craftsman and he passed his construction skills on to his son Ray.

He passed his love of flying on to his two sons who are both also pilots. He was one of the organizers of the Harrah Flying Club that he helped found in 1954 and was a very active 30-year member. He also spent many hours as a flight instructor getting up at dawn to give lessons and returning home just in time to go to work.

Dad fulfilled one of his lifetime dreams in building his own airplane. He built a Starduster II from scratch, except the engine. He and his buddies flew it back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, several times.

Dad’s philosophy on how to live life was if you treat others as you want to be treated, your life will be good and he lived that by example. He dedicated himself to serving his family, church and community.

Dad served 37 years on the Harrah Volunteer Fire Department (Fire District 5, Station 3). Dad took great joy serving the young men in the area as their Boy Scout leader, taking them on many camping trips and teaching them how to survive in the wilderness. Dad also coached both of his sons in Pee Wee baseball for over 14 years and many boys called him “Coach.” Dad also volunteered his time and abilities as the Harrah building inspector.

Dad taught Sunday School at Harrah Grace Brethren Church and he believed that whatever time was spent teaching children was time well spent–he said it would always come back tenfold. Dad devoted untold hours to the Grace Brethren Clear Lake Camp in developing a program for youth.

Dad had a life-changing accident in 2000 and was overwhelmed by the love and support of the Harrah community; and he heard at that time from many young people on how he had impacted their lives.

Dad’s service went beyond his own community, travelling to South America and Africa on mission teams doing construction and maintenance work in remote villages.

Dad met Mom ~ Dorothy Jean Campbell ~ at a Toppenish-Wapato football game and they were married in Pasco on May 30, 1948. At the time of Mom’s death, they had been married 57 years. Without Mom, Dad’s life was just not the same; he just never recovered and we believe he died of a broken heart.

Dad is lovingly survived by his son Lyle Emmett Taylor Jr. (“Buck”) and his wife, Jacque, of Yakima; his daughter, Pam Sandifer and her husband, Harlan, of Grandview; and his son, Ray and his fiancee, Julia Lewis, of Albuquerque. Dad was Gramps to his grandchildren (in birth order) Shelby Hall, husband Dan, daughters Jessica and Taylor; Holly Ohler, husband Joe, children Baylee and Wyatt; Jason Emmett Taylor, wife Melissa, sons Justin and Bryce; Shaun Taylor and wife Lydia, who are expecting their first child in November; and Chad Sandifer and his daughter Talyn; Bobbie Jean Taylor (“BJ”) and Colton Taylor.

Dad is also survived by his daughter-in-heart Marleita Taylor of Snohomish, Washington. Two of Dad’s brothers also survive him – Clyde Taylor of Kingston and Orval Taylor of Yakima. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Glen, and his beloved wife Dorothy. Dad is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer a very special thank you to Dad’s coffee buddies at the Harrah Cafe. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving our Dad.

Services for Dad will be on Friday, March 27th at 1 p.m. at the Harrah Grace Brethren Church with concluding services immediately following at the Wapato Reservation Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Harrah Cafe or to the Harrah Fire Department. Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Pray for Jay and Jan Bell

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

Please pray for Jay and Jan Bell (pictured), who are with Grace Brethren International Missions. The Bells, who were returning to Indiana from relocating their son, Steve, in Colorado, were in an accident Saturday morning in Iowa.

According to reports received in Winona Lake, their vehicle hit an icy patch on Route 80 about 10:30 a.m. Eastern time and rolled several times, landing on its side. Both exited the vehicle through the broken windshield. The airbags did not activate since it was not a head-on collision, but the vehicle was totaled.

The Bells are currently in the Atlantic, Iowa, medical clinic, being examined for cuts, bruises, and any other injuries. They are, understandably, emotionally shaken, and ask prayers for wisdom in next steps, as they are about eight hours away from their home in Winona Lake, Indiana. They are thanking God for sparing their lives and for sparing them from serious injuries.

Preliminary reports indicate that Jay has a concussion and Jan is undergoing tests for the same. The Bells will need to remain for at least 24 hours for observation.

A report as of 2 p.m. Saturday (eastern time) was that the Bells will be released shortly. Pastor Randy Todd of the Grace Brethren Church in Dallas Center, Iowa, is enroute to pick them up and to help. Both Jay and Jan have concussions and have been told to “lay low” for 24 hours before getting another rental vehicle to come the rest of the way home.

They were driving a cargo van when they hit some black ice and lost control. Jan also has a broken and a bruised rib on her left side. Keep them in your prayers, please.

Grace Students Serve Abroad During Break

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

From today’s Warsaw (IN) Times-Union:

Grace College Students Spend Spring Break Serving In Other Countries

Jennifer Peryam
Times-Union Staff Writer

WINONA LAKE – Several Grace College students recently spent their spring break in other countries serving others.

The trip was organized by Grace Brethren International Missions. Teams are sent each year to countries where missionaries are placed and students assist them in their mission work.

Grace College students are required to participate in a cross-cultural field experience either in the U.S. or another country before graduating.

Scott Feather, dean of the chapel and global ministries, took a group of eight students to Central Asia.

The students taught English and participated in a rock-climbing activity to reach people for Christ.

During the trip, students were required to keep a journal detailing their experiences and had a debriefing when they returned to Grace College.

“We were created to serve. The gifts and talents given to us by our creator are not for us, but for others,” Feather said.

Feather said he hopes the students learn that God is at work all around the world.

Andrea Ziegler, a junior business and education major at Grace College, was one of the eight students who served in southeast Asia.

“It was a great and once-in-a-lifetime experience to teach people who didn’t know how to speak English,” Ziegler said.

She said she enjoyed working with the other Grace College students teaching English to southeast Asia residents.

Todd Shoemaker, a junior and youth ministry and counseling major, taught English to business professionals at a bank.

He also worked with the other Grace students to invite college students in the country to a café to teach them English.

The Grace College Chamber singers, led by Professor Ardis Faber, went to Seoul, South Korea.

Dr. Paulette Sauders took a group of students to England where they spent time with Grace Brethren International Missions Missionary Tom Barlow in London.

Professor Jacqueline Schram took an “I-Go-Pray-For-Paris” group to France. They joined Grace alumni Rob and Nichole Plaster in Paris for ministry, interaction with the French and cultural learning.

Dr. Robert Peugh and Dr. Jared Burkholder and senior Peter Yaggi visited Germany for research, teaching and church ministry.

Sound Investment, led by Tammie Robinson, traveled to Florida to minister through music to youth groups, schools and churches.

The drama team Remnant, led by Andrew Jones and Bo Roseberry, traveled to Seattle and Los Angeles to perform for churches and schools.

‘Fireproof’ at WLGBC This Sunday Night

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

FIREPROOF is the movie everyone’s talking about, and it will be shown at Sunday Night Praise this Sunday, March 29 at 6 p.m. in the downstairs Living Room at the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, IN.

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter’s adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.

As he and his wife prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb’s father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment: “The Love Dare.” Wondering if it’s even worth the effort, Caleb agrees–for his father’s sake more than for his marriage. When his father explains the love Christ shows to us, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And with God’s help he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife.

But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever…rescuing his wife’s heart.

Join us this Sunday, March 29, at 6 p.m. ready for the powerful impact this film can bring.

Canada Service Opportunity June 14-20

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

From Herb and Sharon Carr:

We are really getting excited about what God wants to do here in Surrey, BC, Canada. Combining the Teen GCA and the Adult GCA into one week – June 14-20, 2009. It is going to be a great time!

You can come as teams or as individuals and if you register now you can save $25 per person. You will want to get in touch with Herb & Sharon Carr right away and let them know you are planning to come.

Just some things you will need to know if you are considering sending a team to help this June. First of all, everyone will need a passport or passport card from June 1, 2009 and beyond. Information can be found at www.travel.state.gov; for options for children, also check www.getyouhome.gov.

Prices for the week are as follows:

· $300 per person if you stay at Pacific Bible College; $275 if we receive your group’s registration before April 1, 2009.

· $200 per person if you find your own housing; $175 if we receive your group’s registration before April 1, 2009.

· A $50 non-refundable registration fee per person must accompany each person’s registration application.

See www.canadianadventure.org for all forms. All registration checks should be made payable to GBCanada USA. Please send one check for your team if possible. If you are not planning to stay at the college, here are four possible options:

1. King George Inn & Suites, 1-866-502-5025

2. Pacific Inn Resort Hotel, 1-800-667-2248

3. Holiday Inn Express, 1-866-930-8510

4. Days Inn Surrey, 1-604-588-9511

If you register to come for the week, further information will be sent to your coordinator. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Hope to see you this summer in Vancouver!

Herb & Sharon Carr
GCA Summer Teams Administrators
903 Chestnut Street
Ashland, OH 44805
419.289.6434
Email: herb8_44805@yahoo.com

Missions Agency Seeks Receipts Manager

Posted by Terry White on March 24, 2009  |  No Comments

Can God use your accounting skills to take the Gospel where it’s needed most? Do you have skills in data entry and financial reporting? Do you notice details and accuracy?

Grace Brethren International Missions in Winona Lake, Indiana, is seeking the right person to be our full-time Receipts Manager.

For more information see our web site (www.gbim.org) or e-mail or call Janelle Armstrong: jarmstrong@gbim.org or 268-1888, extension 10.

Jesse Humberd Obituary

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

Jesse D. Humberd, 87, of 1 Park Avenue Unit 405, Winona Lake, Indiana, passed away at 6:13 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009 at his residence.

He was born December 21, 1921, in Roann, Indiana, to Anna M. (Black) Humberd (preceded in 1986) and Reverend Russell I. Humberd (preceded in 1965). Jesse was married on August 29, 1942, to Laura (Eastep) Humberd, who preceded him in death in 2007.

A man of great faith, who loved his wife and family, he was an avid fan of the Naval Academy, The Ohio State University, and the Chicago Cubs. He was a professor and chairman of the math and science department at Grace College & Seminary of Winona Lake, Indiana, retiring in 1991 after 37 years.

He received two master’s degrees in Arts & Divinity and his Ph.D. was from The Ohio State University. Humberd served as a Deck Officer in the U.S. Navy on the USS Roe in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. He was a resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana, since 1951, and a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

He will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters: Lenora (husband Dan) Kingery (Dover, Delaware); Margaret (husband Steve) Damer (Howe, Indiana); five grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one brother: James Humberd (Burbank, California); and one sister: Martha (husband Don) Allbaugh (Delphi, Indiana). He was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers, and two sisters.

Visitation will be Friday, March 27, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, Indiana. His funeral service will be Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, Indiana, with Tom Miller officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace College Science Department, c/o Grace College & Seminary, 200 Seminary Drive, Winona Lake, Indiana 46590.

Leonard Rousselow, Waterloo, Iowa, With the Lord

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

Leonard Rousselow, 81, of Waterloo, Iowa, and a longtime leading figure in the Grace Brethren Church there, died Tuesday, March 17, at Friendship Village Retirement Center.

He was born Jan. 31, 1928, in Hudson, son of Clarence and Mary Ingamells Rousselow. He married Lola Deits on Nov. 14, 1947, in Waterloo. She died Aug. 12, 2006.

Rousselow graduated from Orange High School in 1947. He started farming in 1948 in the Cedar Falls and Jesup area, retiring in 1993. He also had worked at Control O Fax for 20 years as a machine operator. He was an active member of Grace Brethren Church since 1945, serving as church elder, usher, Sunday school teacher and youth leader.

He is survived by: two sons, Dean (Judy) of La Porte City and Dan (Lynn) of Waterloo; two daughters, Sarah (Rod) Munro of Bend, Ore., and Judy (Mike) Christian of Chang Mai, Thailand; 10 grandchildren, Shannon Rousselow, Brady, Jesse and Briana Clark, Marisa Foltz, Lori, Bethany and Jenny Christian, and Sydney and Delaney Rousselow; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, LeRoy (Maxine) of Waterloo; and a sister-in-law, Mary Helen Leymaster of Waterloo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Virgil.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Grace Brethren Church in Waterloo, with burial in Orange Township Cemetery. Public visitation from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Locke Funeral Home.

Memorials: may be directed to Grace Brethren Church.

Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralHome.com.

Dr. Jesse Humberd With the Lord

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

Word has been received of the homegoing earlier today of Dr. Jesse Humberd (pictured), longtime professor of math and science at Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind. Dr. Humberd apparently died in his sleep at his residence in the remodeled Winona Hotel on Park Avenue in Winona Lake.

An obituary and arrangements will be published when available. Humberd, 87, was originally from Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. He had earned degrees from Bryan College in Tennessee, Grace Theological Seminary, and his doctorate was from The Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945 and from 1959 until his retirement from full-time teaching in 1991 he served in a wide variety of roles at Grace College and Seminary.

He taught various courses in science and math, designed the college’s science building which was built in the late 1970s, was for many years Grace’s commencement marshal, spent a number of years working on getting the college accredited, headed up an investment club for Grace, and much more, including part-time employment at the Free Methodist Publishing House and as a psychometrist for the Veteran’s Administration.

Dr. Humberd and his wife, Laura, have two daughters, Lenora and Margaret. Laura Humberd, who taught public school for many years in the Winona Lake-Warsaw area, died March 19, 2007, in her residence. The Humberds were longtime members of the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

Many generations of students and faculty at Grace College and Seminary were significantly influenced by Dr. Humberd.

In this photo, Dr. Humberd several years ago sat at the keyboard of the Wurlitzer Model 112 electronic piano in the Fred Myer music company showroom in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1955 Dr. Humberd was the fifth customer who purchased the revolutionary new keyboard from the Fort Wayne dealer. The Wurlitzer Model 112 was introduced to the nation by Steve Allen and Steve Lawrence on the “TONIGHT” Show on NBC television.

ICDI Meets for Planning, Staffing Changes

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

Each quarter the executive leadership team of Integrated Community Development International (ICDI) meets for strategic planning and evaluation. The spring 2009 meetings wrapped up this past Friday, March 20.

ICDI exists to empower central Africans to give hope to the poor in Jesus’ name. ICDI accomplishes this by means of sustainable community development best practices in seven core competency areas: potable water, sanitation, micro-enterprise & finance, orphan care, agriculture, public radio, and AIDS education.

In response to the growth and strategic staffing needs of ICDI some staffing changes and several new additions are being implemented this year. ICDI continues to experience significant growth in program services, partnership and donor support, along with increasing capacity to employ central Africans to bonifide employment and community development roles.

After serving ten months in a senior management role, Dan Thornton is leaving ICDI to pursue other ministry interests. Dan, formerly a senior pastor in Alaska, has helped ICDI understand better the importance of strategic planning and has assisted greatly in streamlining the complex logistics of ICDI equipment and supply chain purchasing and transatlantic transit.

Bob Belohlavek (at left in photo), has been advanced to ICDI Chief Operations Officer. Previously overseeing only ICDI’s Africa operations, Bob will now add to his responsibilities additional leadership engagement with ICDI’s vision and values within the US based operations. This will further enhance the integration of ICDI’s sustainable community development principles in all aspects of ICDI’s operations.

Personnel will be sought for three key roles within ICDI: Director of Water Programs, Logistics & Special Projects Coordinator, and a Short-Term Team Coordinator. These job offers will give the right candidate an opportunity to work in a fast-paced team setting as a part of an up and coming community development organization impacting thousands of central Africans with humanitarian and spiritual relief and development. Stay tuned for more details or contact info@icdinternational.org.

Church Planter Looking for Sound Equipment

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

Andy Wirt (pictured with his family), who is planting a Grace Brethren church in Ohio, sends along the following notice of need. Contact Andy at andy@clearviewgrace.com.

An extra piece sitting around your building might be our treasure!

Hi friend- we’re a new church forming in the New Albany, OH area and are looking to build a sound system from scratch. We’ve developed a list of things we’re looking for and I wondered if you might take a minute, peruse it, and get back to me if you have (or have a lead on) a quality piece of used equipment that might fit the bill.

We’d be happy to compensate you for the item(s). We’re hoping to put something together by Easter, so your input in the next week or so is valuable to us.

Thanks for your help!

*If you don’t handle audio/visual details in your venue, please forward this on to anyone in your organization that might be able to discuss possibilities with us. Thanks!*

Columbus GBC Building Recognized for Craftsmanship

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

The Ohio Masonry Association has recognized the Custer Family Early Childhood Center at the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, Ohio, for its use and craftsmanship of masonry. The Merit Design Award was given at the OMA’s Annual Excellence in Masonry Awards held in Columbus in mid-February. Judges’ comments noted skillful handling of the challenge of giving an existing building both a needed addition and a structural image boost. Exterior elements such as the entry canopy and successful incorporation of canvas awnings were mentioned. Positive feedback was also given about interior elements such as the light-filled atrium and economically created facades (near each room entrance) that give the impression of a large, colorful mural spanning the entire facility.

Medina is Meeting Place for Women of Grace

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

The Women of Grace USA board of directors is meeting today through Saturday in Medina, Ohio.

Board members include Janet Minnix (Roanoke, Va.), Cindy Bushen (Warsaw, Ind.), Chery Boehm (Macedonia, Ohio), Sharon MacMillan (Tracy, Calif.), Kaye Kessler (Medina, Ohio), Linda Michael (Martinsburg, W.V.), Miriam Pacheco (Winona Lake, Ind.), and Viki Rife (Warsaw, Ind.).

Future Events Conference Set for Winona Lake Church

Posted by Terry White on March 18, 2009  |  1 Comment

That Changes Everything! (What the Bible says about tomorrow and why that matters today)is the title for a three-day conference to be conducted May 1-3, 2009, at the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church. Featured speaker will be Columbus pastor Jim Custer (pictured).

A common response to the current economic crisis goes like this: “If I had known this was going to happen, it would have changed everything I did with my money.”

Clearly, insight into the future has the potential to impact our choices today. For this reason, God has given us glimpses into his future plan. An accurate understanding of these “last things” should significantly impact how we choose to invest our lives today.

All are invited to attend this special event–further details will be forthcoming.

New Life in U.S. Brings Ministry Opportunities

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on March 18, 2009  |  No Comments