BMH Editor's Blog

Grace College to Offer New MBA Degree

Posted by Terry White on April 16, 2010  |  No Comments

Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind., will offer a Master of Business Administration degree through its School of Adult and Community Education beginning August 30, 2010. The two-year program will provide a curriculum and environment where current and future business professionals will be able to study the discipline from a distinctly biblical perspective.

Emphasizing practical application of knowledge and interdisciplinary perspectives, MBA program topics will be addressed so as to maximize their value in business settings.

Each year of the curriculum culminates with an integrative application project. This project emphasizes a cross-disciplinary approach, as it provides students with the opportunity to use material from at least three of the five courses taken throughout the year in a problem-solving or other application setting. These projects will be evaluated by an advisory council made up of current business professionals.

The degree is in the final process of accreditation approval by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (expected summer 2010). In the meantime, the degree will operate as a hybrid online program, for which limited on-site class work is required to support course work primarily completed online.

The Grace College MBA program is designed for non-traditional, non-residential students. Applicants must have achieved a baccalaureate degree. They will also be required to submit one letter of recommendation along with an official transcript, resume, photos, and formal application.

For more information, please contact MBA Admissions Counselors at 877.607.0012, via e-mail at mba@grace.edu, or online at www.grace.edu/mba.

Grace College Offering Hybrid Master’s Programs in Counseling

Posted by Terry White on April 15, 2010  |  No Comments

Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana,  offers Master of Arts programs in clinical mental health counseling and in interpersonal relationships. Beginning fall 2010, both will be available as hybrid programs, combining online courses with time in-residence at Grace.

The 62-credit-hour Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to begin the process of acquiring a License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) or to pursue doctoral studies. The 37-credit-hour Master of Arts in Interpersonal Relations is a non-licensed degree designed for anyone who requires counseling skills in the workplace (e.g., teachers, human resource directors, pastors, nurses, law enforcement officers, etc).

Applicants for both programs must have achieved a baccalaureate degree with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Along with a formal application, they must also submit an essay, photos, and two letters of reference: one personal and one pertaining to spiritual life.  Applicants are also subject to background checks. Candidates for the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling must have completed the GRE.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which is a specialized accrediting body, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the Grace Graduate Department of Counseling and Interpersonal Relations for the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree.

Those interested in more information about the program may consider a campus visit during which they can speak with professors, current students, and admissions personnel as well as experience classes first hand. Contact an MAC admissions counselor at 877.607.0012, via e-mail mac@grace.edu, or by visiting www.grace.edu/mac.

Medical, Work Teams to Haiti Forming

Posted by Terry White on April 15, 2010  |  No Comments

(Photo of one of the many tent cities in the Port Au Prince Delmas area of Haiti) 

Mike Taylor, from Grace Brethren International Missions, will be taking a medical team to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, June 3-11 to provide a medical clinic for the Delmas area. Taylor is looking for MD’s, RN’s, LPN’s, PA’s & EMT’s or people wanting to assist in the medical area.  

If you have a  building team from your church that would like to work with Haitian workers in repairing damage to the church facilities at Delmas please contact Chuck Davis. Most of this work will be rubble cleanup and repairing damage to concrete walls and buildings. The dates will be June 12-19. 

Openings exist for two ministry teams in Delmas during the weeks of August 7-14 and August 14-21. These teams will minister to the congregation of Delmas Christian Church but they will also reach out into the coummunity surrounding the church.

The ministry of these teams will include VBS, work projects of different kinds, giving out of food bags, visitation of widows, a one-day VBS at an orphanage which also includes an overnight stay at the orphanage which is in the mountains close to Port-au-Prince. In addition the team will be part of the Wednesday and Sunday services of Delmas Christian Church. Chuck Davis days, “This is an experience you will not forget.” 

The cost per person for each of these teams will be $1000 plus round-trip airfare from your home to Port-au-Prince. 

Contact Mike Taylor at mtaylor@gbim.org for information on the medical team and Chuck Davis at 850-249-9092 or chuckdavis.cvm@gmail.com for information on the other teams.

Momentum Registration Now Open

Posted by Terry White on April 10, 2010  |  No Comments

Iowa Churches Focus on Evangelism

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 10, 2010  |  No Comments

Andy Lapins, keynote speaker at the Iowa District Conference, encourages attenders to share their faith with others.

The annual conference of the Iowa-Midlands District of Grace Brethren Churches is being held this weekend at the Grace Brethren Church in Dallas Center, Iowa.

The weekend kicked off last night with a concert by the Loynachans and the Morgans, which was followed by a dessert fellowship.

This morning (Saturday, April 10), the keynote speaker, Andy Lapins, began the first of several sessions on outreach and evangelism. Throughout the day, he will speak on Fighting Fear, The Great American Myth, Hell’s Best Kept Secret, and the Jesus Method. He concludes tomorrow during the morning service at the Dallas Center church, when he will speak on A Tale of Two Sinners.

NCO Teens Worship, Raise $$ for Africa

Posted by Terry White on April 10, 2010  |  No Comments

Mark Artrip, who directs high school ministries for Grace Church, the Grace Brethren church in Powell, Ohio (Rick Nuzum, pastor), has sent along this report.

On Wednesday April 7, Grace Church in Powell, Ohio, was the site of a North Central Ohio district worship night with more than 350 people in attendance.

Youth groups from Grace Brethren churches of Columbus, Grace Fellowship in Pickerington, Northwest Chapel, Grace Church, Marysville Grace, and Lexington GBC all participated.

Music was provided by members of the worship ministry at Marysville including Jeremy and Terra Bury, Chis Solyntjes, the worship director at Western Reserve Grace Church, and Dan Hermiz, worship director at GBC of Columbus.

In the middle of the evening Pastor Clancy Cruise of Marysville shared his heart for Africa and an offering was taken to help support the training of youth workers in the Central African Republic. The offering was doubled and $1250 will be sent to the CAR. The picture with the yellow papers in the air is everyone holding up a prayer guide committing to pray for Africa.

Grace Powell Hosts FCA Event

Posted by Terry White on April 7, 2010  |  No Comments

BMH Accepting Applications for Editorial Intern

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 7, 2010  |  No Comments

The Brethren Missionary Herald Company, publisher of FGBC World, the BMH Editor’s Blog, and BMH Books, is accepting applications for an editorial intern for the summer of 2010. Consideration will also be given to students who wish to work in the fall of 2010.

The internship is designed to give journalism and marketing students practical experience in their chosen profession while working in a Christian environment. Applicants should have completed at least two years of college level work and have a demonstrated skill in writing, editing, and journalism or marketing. Applicants should also have a commitment to excellence and be a self-starter with the ability to work independently. An association with a congregation in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches is also preferred.

Each intern serves as editorial assistant for FGBC Worldmagazine, with responsibility for writing, editing, and proof reading. He or she will also assist with the editorial needs of BMH Books and assists with marketing efforts, as needed. Click here for a complete description of the internship.

Interested applicants should send a letter of application, a current resume, and three writing samples to lcgates@bmhbooks.com.

Dr. Ngoumape Reports 164 Public Confessions at Youth Camp

Posted by Terry White on April 6, 2010  |  No Comments

Dr. Francois Ngoumape, who directs theological training for the Grace Brethren fellowship in the Central African Republic, sends along this encouraging report and request for prayer:

Balao  from Bangui.  I want to thank you for all your prayers and support to our ministry in CAR, through the seminary for the leadership training and youth ministry. Our students are in internships for four months in several churches in town. It is a good experience for them as they have to practice and live what they have been learning in school.

We are seeing more and more the great need to hold Bible study for laymen and young people. We are anticipating that the Lord may provide soon for the James Gribble Leadership Training Center. 

The Lord gave us the opportunity to have our youth camp March 12 -14, 2010, in Pata, a locality that has many Fulanis and lot of youth.  Nine students were involved in the camp. We had 405 youth gather during those days. Through the teaching, sharing and testimonies, 164 made public confession and 104 decided to have Jesus in their life.

We were very moved by Saint Cyr, one of the young who confessed publicly his sin.  He is known in the village as a great thief, under drugs much of the time.  When he confessed it moved everyone in the village.  Praise God for what the Gospel can do in the life of people, even those we think there is no hope for them. 

I want to thank you, too, for your prayers and support to my family.  Remember to pray for me, as I have to deal with several responsibilities, to balance time with family, and be good example for our kids and for people.  Also as you know we are every day exposed to Satanic attack as the ministry is going.  So your spiritual support is welcome for me and my family.

May God bless you according to His grace!

Sunnyside, WA, Sunrise Service Featured

Posted by Terry White on April 6, 2010  |  No Comments

Pastor Chuck Winter sent along this link with a note, “Today’s edition [of the Daily Sun]  has a front page photo/caption about the Easter Sunrise Service yesterday at SGBC. It was held in a large tent erected on the grass beside our Cornerstone building. The photo shows a portion of the early morning congregation and soloist Jenny Jones. (Chuck and Janice Thornton’s granddaughter).

Sunnyside, Washington,  Grace Brethren Church invited the community to an outdoor service this Easter Sunday on the Cornerstone Church lawn. Here, Jenny Jones sings a solo to the congregation during the service, which was presided over by Pastor Nathan Zakahi. The message was one of hope and love, reminding those present of the importance of Easter. (Photo by Emma Fierro/Daily Sun News)

ICDI Vehicles Taken by Rebels

Posted by Terry White on April 6, 2010  |  1 Comment

ICDI vehicles captured by rebels

ICDI Vehicles Taken

Jim Hocking, CEO of ICDI, reports that on Friday, rebel soldiers took two of ICDI’s trucks that were working in the northern part of the Central African Republic (near Darfur, Sudan). The drill rig, water and foam truck and all the workers are fine, but the supply truck (pictured) and personnel carrier were seized by the rebels.

Hocking reported, “We have had good contact with our drill team, who are safe and sound. Government officials and Triangle, our partner in northern CAR, are working with us to find solutions. The northern part of the country has SERIOUS needs but also some significant risks that must be managed. Thank you for your prayers.”

Simi Valley Third Graders Learn About Seder

Posted by Terry White on April 1, 2010  |  No Comments

This article appears in the current Simi Valley, Calif., Acorn newspaper. The featured school is affiliated with the Grace Brethren Church of Simi Valley, John McIntosh, pastor. This is an excerpt–to read the entire article, click here.

Teacher brings Seder to the classroom

AGE-OLD TRADITION—Above, Grace Brethren Elementary School teacher Betty Jones, center, shares the “wine” (grape juice in this case) and traditional foods with her thirdgrade students during a Passover Seder in her class on Tuesday. The Seder is a Jewish ceremonial meal involving eating symbolic foods and reciting the Passover story. ( Photo by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers)

 Betty Jones’ third-grade students don’t eat matzo for lunch everyday, but Tuesday, the teacher at Grace Brethren, a private Christian school in Simi Valley, introduced them to a traditional Passover Seder with all the fixings.

As unleavened bread, Haroset (apples and cinnamon) and wine (Welch’s grape juice) sat on their desks, Jones shared the story of the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt.

Jones has been observing Seder with her kids for the last six years, except when it falls during Spring Break.

 “To me, Jewish heritage and Passover, it all points to Easter,” Jones said. “I totally understand the Jews of Israel don’t believe the messiah has come yet, but as Christians, we do. The two are so closely related to each other, and the stories are so important, I like to teach this to children.”

East Side’s Chip Heim to Minister in Ukraine

Posted by Terry White on April 1, 2010  |  No Comments

East Side Pastor Chip Heim

Pastor Chip Heim of East Side Grace Brethren Church in Columbus, Ohio leaves next Thursday, April 8 to teach at Zaporozhye Bible College and Seminary in Zaporozhye, Ukraine.  He has taught there several times, the last time being in 2008. 

 

This year they have asked him to again teach his course on church leadership, so he has revised it from previous years.  He has added two full days at the start of the course discussing the spiritual formation of a pastor. The students will discuss and reflect on 22 questions related to pastors and their spiritual formation. Here is a sample question with the sub-questions:
Question #5 – What are the vulnerable areas of your life?

If Satan only had three chances to bring you down, what three temptations would he send your way?
How open with his church should a pastor be about his struggles?
Does the typical church in Ukraine expect a pastor to have few struggles with temptation?
How lonely is the pastorate for the typical pastor in Ukraine?
How does the Ukrainian church view human sin?  Is it superficial or does the church have a deep, realistic understanding of sin?

Heim will teach for two weeks and return Saturday, April 24.  Please pray for his time with the students and local pastors.

Chaplain Arnoldbik Reports 40 Conversions, 3 Baptisms

Posted by Terry White on April 1, 2010  |  No Comments

Chaplain John Arnoldbik and his wife, Jensen

Dr. Larry Chamberlain of the FGBC’s Eagle Commission reports that Chaplain John Arnoldbik  is currently deployed to Iraq. 

Arnoldbik recently shared his excitement upon receipt of his Officer Efficiency Report:  “I just got my OER and they gave me an outstanding rating – must promote.  They even commended my evangelism.  By God’s grace, I’ve had around 40 people since I’ve been in the Army pray with me to receive Christ as Savior and Lord, and three baptisms.  So, I want to thank you for your prayers!”

Fall Women’s Conferences Scheduled for Alaska and Ohio

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 1, 2010  |  No Comments

Women of Grace USA is offering two opportunities this fall for women to enrich their spiritual growth or develop their leadership skills. Each will provide an interactive environment that strengthens and enriches the learning process.

The Women’s Transformational Summit will be held September 24-26 in Anchorage, Alaska.  Focusing on personal growth and spiritual formation, the Summit will feature Dr. Christy Hill from Grace Seminary as the speaker on “The Transforming Journey of Grace.”

The Women’s Leadership Summit will be held in Canton, Ohio, October 22-24. Focusing on the theme “My Soul to Keep,” participants will examine the role of soul care in their leadership. The Leadership Summit is “an interactive gathering of existing and emerging leaders that provides a supportive relational environment to process leadership development and to inspire personal spiritual growth.”

For more information, see wgusa.org.

Ohio Church Planting Vision Outlines

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 1, 2010  |  No Comments

A vision document celebrates the future of church planting in Ohio. Read all about it in the March-April issue of FGBC World, which is available online at 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 March-April issue at your local Grace Brethren church, see fgbcworld.com or subscribe online to have your free copy delivered directly to your mailbox.

Grace College Offers Children’s Art Classes

Posted by Terry White on April 1, 2010  |  No Comments

Children’s Art Classes Offered at Grace College

WINONA LAKE, IN—The Grace College Art Department has announced the spring courses in its Children’s Art Encounters program, open to all area students:

How to Build a Sketchbook: In this course for grade 3 and up, students will receive their own sketchbook and explore media such as ink, watercolor, pastel, and pencil, as well as a variety of subject matter from people to the great outdoors.

Be ready to doodle, sketch on the move, make art on scene, and practice individual creativity—all within the pages of a sketchbook! Lead teacher for the class is Leah Holst Damon, senior art education major from Oconomowoc, Wisc., assisted by Elisha Ramey, senior art and French education major from Oakwood, Ohio.

Sidewalk Chalk for Kids: This fun adventure for any student grade K and up will give students an opportunity to express creativity while being outside! We’ll have a hands-on exploration of the media of chalk from landscapes to games to portraits. Be sure to wear old clothes since we’ll be working on the ground!

Team teachers for the class are Haley Bradfield, freshman illustration major from Ashland, Ohio, and Lindsay Devereaux, freshman art education major from Canton, Ohio.  Teaching assistant is Jess Hill, freshman drawing/painting and graphic design major from Upper Marlboro, Md.  

Both courses will meet Thursday afternoons, Apr. 15, 22, 29, and May 6 from 4:00–5:30  pm. Students will share their work at the closing reception on May 6 from 5:30–6:00 pm. Classes will be sub-divided into appropriate age groups and will meet at Mount Memorial Hall on the Grace campus. 

Six hours of instruction and all materials are included in the $49 tuition, and siblings can take $10 off. Take advantage of this great opportunity while Mom and Dad do spring cleaning!

The Art Encounters series has been sponsored by the Grace College Art Department since the spring of 1995. The program offers quality art instruction for area youngsters while providing art education majors with additional classroom experience.  

To enroll your student, contact Amy Keith, CAE Director, at 574-372-5100, ex. 6022 or email keithac@grace.edu with their name and grade.

Lester Pifer Featured in Columbus-Area Paper

Posted by Terry White on April 1, 2010  |  No Comments

David Rea/ThisWeek

Bonnie Pifer offers the first bite of cake to her husband, the Rev. Lester Pifer, who celebrated his 90th birthday and 70th year in the ministry March 27 at Grace Brethren Church.