BMH Editor's Blog

Women of Grace Award ‘Honor Her’ Scholarships

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

Women of Grace USA, the Grace Brethren women’s organization, has announced that Heather Speckman (left) and Julie Shearer (right) have been selected to receive Honor Her scholarships for their ministry in the Central African Republic and the Philippines.(Julie Shearer photo by Scott Feather)

Honor Her scholarships help college-age women explore future ministry possibilities through participating in short-term missions.

The funds come from gifts of women who wish to honor other women who lived lives of faithfulness and service to the Lord and who had a heart to spread the gospel to all people of the world. Gifts can be given in memory or honor of a woman who has died, or in honor of one still living.

Scholarship recipients are selected through interviews with representatives from Grace College and the Women of Grace leadership team.

Heather Speckman is from Dayton, Ohio, where she attends the Basore Road Grace Brethren Church (Skip White, pastor). She will spend four weeks in Bangui, Central African Republic this summer.

She is going with a team through Grace College led by Mike and Myra Taylor, who work with Grace Brethren International Missions, and who served as missionaries for many years in the CAR. This trip is fashioned to offer the team a realistic picture of what cross cultural mission work looks like in Africa, and to mobilize them to serve the Africans in the way that they most need our help.

The proposed schedule for the trip includes two weeks of training and hands-on experience in cross-cultural ministry; one week living individually in the home of Africans with specific cultural and ministry assignments; and one week working with Africans on a ministry project to help the people of Bangui.

Heather asks, “Why do my thoughts so frequently return to this subject? Why is it that no matter how often I try conjure up a ‘sensible’ career, mission work resurfaces its frightening head? Maybe it is because the children call to me. Their eyes pierce my thoughts with their hopeless future. I want to help them…”

Recalling that she was a girl who plastered her wall with pictures of African children and painted her thoughts with daydreams of serving the hurting and the forgotten, she says, “My mindset has changed slightly, but my dream has not. I still hunger to go to this continent, learn from these beautiful people, serve in practical ways, and aid the African church in reaching their community for Christ by meeting physical and spiritual needs.”

Julie Shearer was born and raised in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, where she attends Mount Calvary Church. She is a sophomore at Grace College, studying Counseling and Intercultural Missions. She has served in Honduras, Liberia, Africa; Mexico, and New York City for missions trips in the past. This summer she will serve in the Philippines.

Julie says, “I feel pulled toward orphan care for the future, which is why I chose counseling for my major at Grace. I would really love for God to use me to counsel abused kids and children suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, or other ailments.

“I am so excited to experience another culture, learn from the people, love on the kids, and spend time with the missionaries. Opportunities like these are invaluable, especially for my future, so I’m really thankful for the blessing of this trip.”

More information is available on the Women of Grace USA website at www.womenofgraceusa.org.

Wooster Outreach Sets Warm Tone for Gloomy Day

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 17, 2009  |  No Comments

Daron Butler, pastor of cross cultural missions at the Wooster, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church, announces Tax Relief Day outside the post office in Wooster on April 15, when U.S. tax returns are to be in the mail.

Click here for more information.

May 15 is Deadline to Register for Haiti Missions Trip

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 17, 2009  |  No Comments

May 15 is the deadline to register for the Women of Grace USA ministry trip to Haiti. The short-term team will travel to Port au Prince on July11 and return to the U.S. on July 18. Both women and men are encouraged to participate.

Dan Travis to Lead Tour to Jordan, Israel

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 17, 2009  |  No Comments

Dan Travis, senior pastor at the Palmyra, Pa., Grace Brethren Church is hosting a 14-day to the lands of Jesus and Moses in 2010.

Among the sites scheduled to be visited on the trip are Mt. Nebo; the Upper Jordan Valley, including Caesarea Philippi and Mt. Hermon; biblical sites along the shore of the Sea of Galilee; Jerusalem; the Dead Sea and the wilderness of Judah, including Masada and Qumran; and Petra.

The trip departs the U.S. on October 17 and concludes October 30, 2010.

For more information, click here or call Pastor Dan Travis at (717) 838-5447.

David Sanborn, Father of Prof. Tim Sanborn, Dies

Posted by Terry White on April 16, 2009  |  1 Comment

David George Sanborn, 81, a member of the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church and father of Grace College music professor Tim Sanborn, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, Indiana.

Sanborn was born April 17, 1927, in Ferndale, Michigan to Glen M. and Mary E. (Steere) Sanborn. On August 21, 1954, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, he married Cynthia Joan Stralnic, who survives.

Sanborn dedicated his life to the influence of young people in numerous ways including teaching music in the public schools for nearly 40 years. He taught at Chelsea High School, Chelsea, Michigan, and at Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He also taught preschool music for various Montessori schools near Detroit following his retirement.

Having come from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, to Winona Lake, Indiana, in 2003, David was a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Other church memberships had included Calvary Baptist Church in Roseville, Michigan, and Bethany Baptist Church in Clinton Township, Michigan, where he served as deacon. He belonged to Gideon’s International, Voice of Christian Youth ministry, the Orff-Schulwerk Association, Michigan School Vocal Association, was active in Youth for Christ, taught Sunday School and was in the Civil Air Patrol.

Sanborn played string bass and tuba in the St. Clair Shores Symphony and Ann Arbor Symphony as well as with numerous Detroit area groups. Most recently he participated in the Grace Community Wind Ensemble and volunteered at Jefferson Elementary School, both in Winona Lake. He loved ice cream and dogs. He also enjoyed fishing and camping.

A devoted father and husband, he is survived by his wife, Cynthia Sanborn, Winona Lake; two sons and daughters-in-law: Tim and Ruth Sanborn, Winona Lake and David and Cathy Sanborn of Keystone Heights, Florida; two daughters: Nancy Kilpatrick of York, Maine and Beth Sanborn of Plymouth, Michigan; five grandchildren: Benjamin Sanborn and Michael Sanborn, both of Winona Lake; Joel (and Stacey) Kilpatrick of Northville, Michigan; Daniel (and Laura) Kilpatrick of Loma Linda, California; Andrew Kilpatrick of York, Maine; and one great grandson, Lukas Kilpatrick, Northville, Michigan.

David was preceded in his death by two sisters: Mary Alice Hayes and Betty Higgins.

A time of sharing with the family will take place from 2-3 PM Friday, April 17, 2009 at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church with a celebration of David’s life beginning at 3 PM also at the church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake.

There will be a second service in Clinton Township, Michigan Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 4 PM with visitation one hour prior at Bethany Baptist Church.

Gifts in memory of David may be made to Children of the Nations (COTNI), PO Box 3970, Silverdale, Washington 98383 or at their website: www.COTNI.org.

Conversation With an Urban Church Planter

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

Tom Avey, fellowship coordinator for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, today sat down with urban church planter Jim Brown in Philadelphia and posted this summary of the conversation on his Facebook page.

Here is an edited version of Tom’s conversation with Jim:

Jim has a deep commitment to the city and many years of experience. Jim and I sat in the auditorium of Crossroads Community Church- Northeast as he shared his philosophy of urban church planting. Before the meeting, I asked my Facebook “friends” if they had any questions for Jim. Here are two questions and Jim’s answer…

“What kind of challenges does he face with inner city missions with the tanking economy?”

The economic downturn has impacted the city. Construction has slowed significantly. So, many in that field are looking for work. This particularly affects immigrant groups. The Brazilian church that meets in our building saw many of its members return to Brazil as things slowed down. Some are struggling to keep their homes. Since January, three families on the block next to our church have been evicted from the houses they were renting. City government has been affected, too. Less tax revenue means reduction of city services. Some firehouses and libraries were closed. Churches have generally seen lower offerings as families try to wait out the recession. But, God provides! And, when people face big challenges they look for new answers. We want to help them find the truth by sharing God’s grace!

“What is the single most important piece of advice Jim would give anyone about inner-city ministry in general, not necessarily church planting?”

It’s kind of tough to narrow down urban ministry to one statement, but here goes:

Urban ministry requires an attitude like Jesus where servants are willing to leave behind personal glory in order to become like those they serve, building relationships of trust that are characterized by humility, obedience and personal sacrifice.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross! “

For more information on the Philadelphia ministry, log onto www.crossroadsnortheast.org

Ministry in the Parking Lot

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

The following story comes from Rick Glass who is leading the First Impressions ministry at Grace Church, the Grace Brethren Church in Lititz, PA (Scott Distler, pastor):

This past weekend there was some spiritual meeting and moving going on…not in the service or the pastor’s office for counseling…it was happening in the parking lot!

Saturday evening, soon before service began, one of our parking attendants was ministering in the parking lot, not just directing traffic, but ministering to a hurting lady.

An emotionally distraught woman approached him and asked to see a pastor. He knew we were “half staffed” because of Saturday and both Pastor Scott and Pastor Tim were soon to be a part of the service so he asked if he could help her. She began to share how her husband had recently left her and she needed help. He offered to pray with here right there and encouraged her to attend service and then next week to contact one of our pastors.

Now, we don’t know the whole story, where she was or is spiritually, or the extent of her needs, but she was a crying, hurting woman who was met and moved by the ministries of Grace Church and the servant’s heart of one of our parking lot attendants.

Moody Bible Institute Names New President

Posted by Terry White on April 15, 2009  |  No Comments

Moody Bible Institute Names New President

By Katherine T. Phan

Moody Bible Institute introduced Dr. Paul Nyquist (pictured) as the school’s ninth president to students and staff during a chapel service on Wednesday.

The announcement comes after the Board of Trustees conducted a a nine-month search for a new head to the Chicago-based Institute.

Michael J. Easley submitted his resignation last May citing ongoing back problems, which he felt impeded his duties as president. After nearly four years of service at Moody, Easley ended his role as President Emeritus at Moody Bible Institute on Jan. 1 and joined the pastoral teaching team at Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, Tenn.

Nyquist, 55, comes to Moody after serving as president and CEO of Avant Ministries, an international mission agency based in Kansas City. He also brings 19 years of experience as a senior pastor of First Federated Church in Des Moines, Iowa, and Evangelical Bible Church in Omaha, Neb.

“Being appointed as Moody’s ninth president is both a high honor and a solemn responsibility,” said Nyquist in a statement. “To pick up the presidential mantle from the gifted men who have preceded me is the greatest honor I have ever received. I am profoundly humbled to be selected.”

The school’s Presidential Search Committee, comprised of four trustees and six faculty and staff members, had combed through over 100 recommendations for presidential candidates with plans to announce a new president by May.

The committee, according to a candidate profile, was looking for a president who could “be energetic, an engaging communicator, a strategic thinker with global perspective, and have a reputation for using exceptional wisdom to affect positive change.”

The next president would also be called to develop Moody Ministries’ “existing education, radio broadcasting and publishing ministries.”

“Dr. Nyquist’s skill set and character uniquely match our search committee’s profile,” said Jerry Jenkins, Moody Board Chairman. “He’s a proven leader, team builder and visionary who also happens to be a theologian. We look forward to many years of inspired leadership.”

Nyquist holds both a Master of Theology and PhD in Systematic Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his bachelor of science in Architectural Studies from the University of Nebraska.

He has taught as an adjunct professor at Grace University and Phoenix Seminary.

Nyquist will officially assume his role as Moody Bible Institute president on June 1.

Moody was founded in 1886 by preeminent 19th century evangelist D.L. Moody. In addition to the college, other ministries include Moody Publishers and Moody Radio.

New Grace Brethren Chaplains Introduced

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 15, 2009  |  No Comments

Two have been added to the roster of Grace Brethren chaplains, according to Larry N. Chamberlain of the Eagle Commission, the organization that serves as a strategic link between Grace Brethren people and military chaplains around the world.

Captain John Arnoldbik just completed Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Jackson and is being assigned to Fort Lewis, Wash. He will be joining a combat brigade that is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in August. John is ordained by Grace Community Church (Don Shoemaker, pastor), a Grace Brethren church in Seal Beach, Calif. Pray for the Arnoldbik’s as they move to Fort Lewis and as he prepares for his deployment overseas.

John and his wife, Jensen, is pictured above with Pastor Don Shoemaker at the Chaplains Appreciation Dinner at the 2008 annual conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

1/Lt Charles Pridgen, ordained by the Community Grace Brethren Church, Warsaw, Ind., was approved this month by the accessioning board for active duty in the U.S. Army. Charles sent this note upon receiving the good news of his selection: “I cannot express in words how my family and I are feeling at this moment — overjoyed would be an understatement. I know that you all share in this joy with us. On behalf of my family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you who persevered and prayed for and with us during this long journey. I know in reality that the journey has only just begun. I will keep you all posted as more news becomes available. Please feel free to spread the good news far and wide. God does hear the prayers of the Saints and good things come to those who wait upon the Lord. ( Isa. 40:31).”

Pray for Charles and Ada (pictured at right) and the children as they move to Fort Riley, Kan., following Chaplains School at Fort Jackson.

Cindy Bushen Marks Ten Years at GBIF

Posted by admin on April 15, 2009  |  No Comments

Ken Seyfert, Executive Director of Operations for Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, Winona Lake, Indiana, recently recognized Cindy Bushen (pictured) for her ten years of faithful ministry as bookkeeper and customer service representative at GBIF.

Larry Chamberlain, President and CEO, stated in a letter of appreciation, “The strength of GBIF goes beyond its financial statements. The strength of GBIF is represented in the faithfulness of people behind the scenes who are working daily as fiduciaries of assets entrusted to us by godly people wanting to use their finances for kingdom purposes. It’s a sacred trust, and we are very gratified that you make a significant contribution, every day, to meet and exceed those expectations.”

Congratulations, Cindy!

Stimulus Package at Wooster

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 15, 2009  |  No Comments

Residents of Wooster, Ohio who mail their income tax forms today at the local post office will find a unique “stimulus package” there. Members of the Grace Brethren Church in Wooster are handing out free stamps (purchased from the post office, of course) and refreshments.

“We hope to have a presence and be an encouragement to our community,” Jeana Harley, outreach events coordinator at the church, said on Tuesday afternoon. “One of our high school small groups is also considering taking time … to participate as well. Our prayer is that through these simple touches in our community, we will have the opportunity to be a witness for Christ, plant seeds of the Gospel, and love others as Christ loves us.”

Women of Grace USA Holds Day of Prayer

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 15, 2009  |  No Comments

Iowa Pastors Respond to Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

Posted by Terry White on April 14, 2009  |  No Comments

The following excerpt is from an article on ChristianityToday.com by Jocelyn Green. To read the entire article, click here.

Jocelyn Green, (pictured with her husband, Rob) who grew up in the Grace Brethren Church of Waterloo, Iowa, is a freelance writer and book author.

Iowa Churches: We Need to Be Clear on Same-Sex Marriage

But pastors disagree whether last week’s court decision should mean more activism on the issue.

Jocelyn Green in Cedar Falls

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled April 3 that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, making Iowa the first Midwest state to legalize same-sex marriages.

Iowa does not have a residency requirement for couples applying for a license. Changing the Iowa Constitution requires a resolution to be adopted in the exact same form by the House and the Senate of two consecutive General Assemblies before the issue would go before voters for ratification. The earliest such a resolution would clear that process would be the 2011 session.

In the meantime, Iowa pastors are responding to the Supreme Court ruling.

“This decision has no bearing on the church whatsoever,” says Jeff Gillmore, senior pastor of Parkview Church (Evangelical Free) in Iowa City. “We found that there is no obligation for the church to marry people of the same sex. We can have our own qualifications—and for us, they will continue to be scriptural guidelines: marriage is between a man and a woman.”

Ontario Egg Drop Draws Nearly 5,000 Contacts

Posted by Terry White on April 14, 2009  |  No Comments

Ted and Elise Adomanis of the Village Church in Milton, Ontario, send along an exciting report of their Good Friday egg drop outreach at the Milton fairgrounds. Here, in their words, are part of the report and a supporting video clip.

It was cold but sunny. We had 60 volunteers to handle the 1,000 or so people we were expecting.

The candy bags were ready, the eggs were sealed, the free coffee, hot chocolate and cinnamon buns all waited to be devoured. Our Information and Redemption tents were poised to give out prizes and 1,000 DVDs that the Village Media Team made about life at the church. The gates opened early and a steady stream of people began pouring into the fairgrounds. This went on for two hours until we were overwhelmed with nearly 5,000 people!

We ran out of DVDs and people wanted more, there was a 100-foot line for the free face painting and balloons and we ran out of food and hot chocolate. We were overwhelmed! No one expected this kind of turnout.

Because of the strong winds and pressing crowds, the balloonist decided it was too dangerous to go up and drop the eggs. The fire department obliged and hoisted their extension ladder over the field and dropped thousands of eggs.

Already, four new families came out on Easter morning as a result of the event. That may not sound like much, but God’s ways are always the best. Many conversations of interest were held at the Fairgrounds. The community blogs are all a-buzz.

We are praying and expecting more folks to check us out with a Sunday morning visit or attend another Village community event over the coming weeks and months. Some will just visit out of curiosity after hearing the Milton buzz but others will be prompted by the Holy Spirit. Our prayer is for God to move the heart of seekers in the villages of Milton. People who are looking for peace and a way of life that can only be found with Jesus at the heart and centre.

The Village church family was changed as well at seeing God working in ways beyond all we could ask or think. Thanks for partnering with all of us here in Canada.

Former Grace Brethren Home Missions Board Member Edison Yoder Dies at 100

Posted by Terry White on April 14, 2009  |  No Comments

Edison K. Yoder, 100, of Englewood, Ohio, and formerly of Pompano, Florida, passed away Saturday April 4, 2009, at Grace Brethren Village in Dayton, Ohio.

Yoder was born in West Liberty, Ohio, on January 29, 1909, to Jonas D. and Ida B. (Weber) Yoder. A tool maker by trade, he was the founder & former owner of Yoder Die Casting, retiring in 1954. Edison was a member of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

He was affiliated with the Grace Brethren Church for more than 30 years, serving on the board of the Brethren Home Mission Council from August 20, 1958 to March 1, 1976. He was also a strong supporter of the Navajo Indian Mission in Counselor, New Mexico.

Yoder was a master builder of scale-model live steam railroad engines, life member of the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society, charter member of both the Florida Live Steamers and the Mid-South Live Steam Association. He was also an avid pilot, logging more than 3400 hours of air time.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Shirley Ann and his four brothers, Stanley, Howard, J.B. and Karl. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 76 years, Verda L. (Scheffel) Yoder; two daughters and sons-in-law, Luci & M.C. Jeffries, Linda & Robert Schwenke; two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald F. & Barbara Yoder, Edison K. Yoder, Jr. and fiancée Vicki Eddy; numerous grandchildren, great and great –great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

A private funeral service will be followed by a memorial service at a later date. Interment will be at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Grace Brethren Village, 1010 Taywood Road, Englewood, OH 45322 or the charity of your choice.

Alexander Mack Book Available

Posted by Terry White on April 14, 2009  |  No Comments

A large-format, full-color illustrated book on Alexander Mack, the founder of the Brethren Church movement, is available for those who would like to know more of Brethren history or make an important addition to a church library.

The book, Alexander Mack: A Man Who Rippled the Waters, is written by Myrna Grove of Bryan, Ohio. It was was well received among churches at the joint annual conference of the Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church last summer in Richmond, VA, and at the 300th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Brethren movement in Schwarzenau, Germany last August.

While the book specifically targets children, feedback shows that adults are inspired by Alexander Mack and learn much from his witness in the book, as well.

Features of this anniversary edition hardback of Alexander Mack: A Man Who Rippled the Waters are as follows. It measures 9″ x 11″ in size, is 60 pages in length, and features more than 50 full color oil paintings researched on location in Germany and America by a professional artist.

The book recounts the life of Alexander and Anna Mack with accuracy and grace. Additional pages include: The Brethren denominations, a timeline of Alexander Mack’s life events, a map with critical locations marked, a bibliography and sourcebook list for adults, text notes, and pages about the author and illustrator, both of whom have strong Brethren backgrounds.

The artist is an eighth-generation descendant of Alexander Mack. She was hosted in Germany by Otto Marburger, Schwarzenau’s official historian, in the fall of 2007 at which time they authenticated both research and illustrations before the book went to press.

The book retails for $22 each, plus shipping. For more information, or to obtain the book, log onto www.mgrovebooks.com or contact the author at Graf24@cityofbryan.net or phone (419) 636-3550.

Whittier Community Baptizes Seven

Posted by Terry White on April 13, 2009  |  No Comments

According to a report from Pastor Richard Todd, seven people gave testimony and were baptized at the Palm Sunday baptism service of the Community Grace Brethren Church of Whittier, California. Photos and the YouTube video testimonies of some of those who were baptized are posted at www.whittierbrethren.net.(photo by E. Faranda Studios)

Bellflower Church Blesses the Community at Easter

Posted by Terry White on April 13, 2009  |  No Comments

The Grace Brethren Church in Bellflower, California, and its pastor, Tom Hocking (pictured) are featured in this article in the Long Beach Telegram. Hocking is the incoming moderator for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

Churches keep Bellflower Easter alive

By Pamela Hale-Burns Staff Writer

BELLFLOWER – The economic crisis continues to affect lives, but there are people determined not to let it stop a beloved event like Bellflower’s Easter Egg hunt.

Jane Nishimoto, learning that limited funds had led the city of Bellflower to cancel several community events, including the annual egg hunt, decided to find a way to rescue the Easter weekend tradition.

“We’ve been trying to build a better relationship with the community as a church and this was a good opportunity to show them that we care about the kids in our community,” the Bellflower Brethren Church parishioner said. “So we wanted to provide them with a fun day and also provide them with the Easter message.”

Nishimoto went online and made phone calls, trying to find others to donate time and money for the egg hunt.

Her hard work has paid off, and the hunt starts at 10 a.m. today at Caruthers Park, 10500 Flora Vista St.

“I Googled churches in Bellflower and started calling, and most of the churches already work with Kingdom Causes,” she said.

Kingdom Causes is a nonprofit community mobilizing organization with a mission to be a catalyst that inspires, connects and mobilizes people for personal and community transformation.

“We worked through Kingdom Causes’ director and then we used those people to contact other people and to see if others would be willing to volunteer,” she said.

Ten churches and more than 150 volunteers agreed to donate and fill plastic Easter Eggs for the hunt.

After 29 years in the city of Bellflower, Pastor Tom Hocking of Bellflower Brethren says he has seen a major change in the past four or five years.

“I feel like the city has made some significant attempts to build a stronger sense of community, he said. “The city has sponsored these annual egg hunts as well as (other events throughout the year).”

“Because of the state of the economy,” he continued, “the city is no longer able to fund many of these events. Therefore, what will happen is a powerful statement to other civic groups and clubs about how nongovernmental organizations can `step into the breach.”‘

Although Nishimoto lives in Lakewood, as a member of Bellflower Brethren Church and a Bellflower schoolteacher her ties to the city are strong.

“Jane is both an inspiration and an encouragement to me because of her constant and consistent passion to be both a redemptive influence in our city and to encourage and motivate others to bless the city as well,” Hocking said.

Aiken Pastor Lauded for Helping African Leader

Posted by Terry White on April 13, 2009  |  No Comments

From today’s AikenStandard.com. To read the original story, click here.

Aiken pastor making a difference in Africa

By RACHEL JOHNSON
Staff writer

Aiken residents are helping spread the Gospel in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Ten years ago Aiken Pastor Steve Taylor met Pastor Andre Mboi (pictured), president of 2,040 churches in CAR, at a conference in Toronto where Mboi served as an international representative for the Grace Brethren International Missions. Mboi shared his vision with Taylor to reach remote villages in the northeastern regions of CAR where no churches were present.

Grace Brethren Church in Aiken began a ministry in the CAR by offering financial assistance and sending teams on mission trips. Over the past 10 years, the program in CAR under Mboi’s direction has expanded, adding 50 churches and establishing a teaching institute to prepare evangelists and pastors.

“The average income in CAR is about $300 a year,” said Mboi.

Since the creation of the institute in CAR, the Aiken church has supported 14 families through their three-year training program at the institute, as well as aiding in the building of the country’s fourth Bible institute. Once a year, teams from Aiken visit and work, teaching evangelists and teachers for work in the field.

Once the evangelists complete their training, they are sent out into the eastern parts of the country to establish churches in different villages. In the past, the evangelists walked up to 150 miles to reach their destinations; however, last Christmas the church took up an offering and supplied 22 evangelists with bicycles to aid with their mission work.

Last August Mboi was involved in a car accident and required surgery to regain the use of his wrist and hand. He arrived in the United States about three weeks ago and underwent surgery before visiting Aiken. He spoke to the Aiken congregation about his vision for the ministry in the eastern part of CAR.

“My vision is to take the Gospel to Sudan, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to fill the east with churches. My goal is to start 10 new churches each year,” said Mboi.

From his childhood, Mboi knew he wanted to be involved in the church. He was first introduced to the Gospel and to Grace Brethren Churches as a young boy living with his uncle.

“When I was young, I loved to be in the church and work in the church,” said Mboi.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, the opportunity to attend seminary was presented and his dedication to the Lord grew. Mboi hopes to share the Gospel with as many people as possible. His visit to Aiken has reconnected the ministries and brought new life to the program.

“Since this is the 10th anniversary year of the agreement to partner, we have been talking about bringing Pastor Andre to Aiken,” said Taylor. “While he has been here, he has seen people he met 10 years ago and made new friends. His visit has reinvigorated our congregation’s enthusiasm to continue the work we started 10 years ago.”

11 Find Christ at Sebring Easter Extravaganza

Posted by Terry White on April 11, 2009  |  No Comments

God is using many Grace Brethren churches to bring the gospel to people this Easter. This photo is from Sebring, Florida, where Pastor Randy Smith is “thankful for 11 new followers of Jesus and more than 600 people at the Easter Extravaganza!”