Student Raises Funds for Haiti

Posted by Terry White on May 28, 2010  |  No Comments

This story is excerpted from ColumbusLocalNews.com.  To read the entire article, click here.

Student sees chance to make difference with ‘Haiti Houses’

By PAMELA WILLIS

Arena, a Powell resident, organized an art project to make refrigerator magnets she called “Haiti Houses.”

Her teacher, Elizabeth Heisey, said Arena made “whimsical” designs of houses, using leftover matboard and other materials.

“She pulled together some recycled art supplies, sequins and glue, then Facebooked her friends and got 125 students interested,” Heisey said. “Sydney hosted two lunches where students created the houses. She got almost all the magnets sold through the office ladies here at school.”

“We were using art to bring together a community of caring,” she said. “Even a young person can make a difference. People are happy to work together, but it still takes one person who is just willing to take a little initiative to make that happen.”

BMH Welcomes Summer Intern Kelsey Warren

Posted by Terry White on May 27, 2010  |  1 Comment

Kelsey Warren

BMH is happy to welcome Kelsey Warren (pictured) of Marion, Indiana, as the 2010 summer intern, working full-time in editorial and office assistance work in the BMH offices in Winona Lake, Indiana.

Kelsey is a May, 2010, graduate of Taylor University, with a B.A. degree in English literature with minors in English writing and studio art. Her concentration was in new media communication.

Kelsey has had extensive publication experience with the art and literature journal of Taylor University, and has worked at the university’s writing center with college students, graduate students, and faculty on their writing. She studied abroad in London, England, in 2007 and she has given a number of presentations at academic gatherings and conferences.

In addition to her literature and academic work, Kelsey is also a runner, having run five mini-marathons, one marathon, and various 5-12K races.

When you call the BMH offices at (574) 268-1122, Kelsey will now be the one greeting you and providing customer service.

Two Ministry Trip Opportunities to Haiti Available

Posted by Terry White on May 26, 2010  |  No Comments

Caribbean Vision Ministries is offering two opportunities to join summer ministry teams to Haiti.

Dr. Chuck Davis says, “Join one of our GO2Haiti Teams and make a real difference in someone’s life. One week working in a special way to minister to some of the world’s most needy people can change people now and for eternity.”  

He continues, “The Haitian people are needy people…they need Jesus Christ, they desperately need health care, they need food & clothing and their churches need help with facilities, training & instructional materials.”

Last summer GO2Haiti Teams ministered to children for a week of Vacation Bible School, and the project for this summer is to rebuild their church facility so that they can receive better spiritual training and a week-day Christian education. Dates of the trip are July 3-10.  

Davis says, “When we are through they won’t have to worry about the rain pouring in on them during worship services or during school hours. They will have lights to see when it is dark and they will have a better opportunity to learn God’s Word and get an education.”

If you can help with resources or would like to be a part of this team please contact Chuck Davis at chuckdavis.cvm@gmail.com or 850-249-9092. The cost per person for the team will be $1,000 plus roundtrip airfare from your home to Cap Haitien.

A second group, focusing on medical ministries, will be in Cap Haitien July 24-31.

Davis says, “We need skilled medical personnel and willing helpers to minister to some of the world’s most needy people. This may be the first time many of these people will have had access to medical care..Most of the people our team ministers to are too poor to see a doctor. They simply can’t pay for services.  

“The situation in Haiti this year is much worse than last year,” he continues. “If  you have medical skills and want to make a serious difference in the lives of needy people then this trip is for you. If you have no medical training but want to assist medical personnel then this trip is for you also. Our team will be working with two Haitian doctors but we are also looking for doctors from the US and skilled medical personnel like RN’s, LPN’s, EMT’s, PA’s, etc.”

English-speaking Haitians will be working with staff to assure the teams’ ability to provide care.

If you can help with resources or would like to be a part of this team please contact Chuck Davis at chuckdavis.cvm@gmail.com or 850-249-9092. The cost per person for the team will be $1,000 plus roundtrip airfare from your home to Cap Haitien.

DesMoines Church Planter Featured

Posted by Terry White on May 25, 2010  |  1 Comment

Josiah Teeple (Liz Cutler Gates photo)

WHO Television in Des Moines, Iowa, recently featured a piece on church-planting and  “simple churches” in the Des Moines area.  One of those featured is Grace Brethren church planter Josiah Teeple (pictured).  Here is an excerpt—to see the entire piece click here.

Another example of how going to church is changing can be seen through The Des Moines Project. Josiah Teeple leads small groups at places like hotels, coffee shops and fast food restaurants. He calls these meetings simple churches.

He thinks by meeting outside a traditional church building, people who didn’t grow up in church will feel less intimidated to ask questions about their beliefs. He says the goal of his organization is to meet people where they are instead of trying to get them into a church.

The Des Moines Project is just a few months old and Teeple hopes to have a so-called simple church meeting every night of the week somewhere in the metro area.

You can find more information about the church groups by going online at ChristCommunityC.org and DesMoinesProject.org.

Students Rejoice One Year After Gribble Center Groundbreaking

Posted by Terry White on May 25, 2010  |  No Comments

Dr.Francois Ngoumape, who directs Bible and theological education for the Grace Brethren fellowship in the Central African Republic, reports that on May 22, 2010—one year after the May 22, 2009 groundbreaking for the James Gribble Leadership Training Center—graduate students gathered on the construction site to pray together and to recommit to the Lord’s work.

Ngoumape says, “We were so happy to join hands . . . we anticipate what can be on this site within months . . . a place that will serve to train many people for the ministry. Thank you for partnering together with us for this eternal investment.”

Bluegrass Brethren at San Diego Church Sunday

Posted by Terry White on May 24, 2010  |  No Comments

The Bluegrass Brethren will be giving a concert at the San Diego Grace Brethren Church (Glen Sykes, pastor) this Sunday, May 30, at 10:45 AM. The concert is part of the Military Recognition Service planned at the church. Those desiring more information can call the church office at (858) 277-5364.

King’s Brass to Appear at Lexington Church

Posted by Terry White on May 22, 2010  |  No Comments

Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass

From the Mansfield (OH) News Journal.com:

The King’s Brass to Appear at Lexington Church

Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass will appear in concert at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9 at the Grace Brethren Church of Lexington, 215 W. Main Street in Lexington (Jason Carmean, pastor).

The band — three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, percussion and keyboards played by professional musicians from around the country — performs hymn classics with a contemporary flair.

The 30-year-old group is introducing its 14th recording, “American Mood” this year. The CD features big band, jazz, spirituals and gospel music — all uniquely American musical styles. It was recorded during King’s Brass Tours between 2000 and 2009. For details, go to www.summitrecords.com or call 419-884-2687.

No ticket needed. A love offering will be collected.

Prison Inmates Receive College Diplomas

Posted by Terry White on May 21, 2010  |  No Comments

This is an excerpt–to read the entire article click here.

Pendleton inmates receive college diplomas

The Herald Bulletin

PENDLETON, Ind. — Christopher Lewis’ walk across the front of his graduating class to receive his college diploma Friday was especially important to him.

The Pendleton Correctional Facility inmate reveled in his chance to graduate cum laude from Ball State University with his bachelor’s of general studies degree, even more so because he missed his high school graduation ceremony while he was incarcerated.

“It feel great,” said Lewis, who was convicted in 2003 of murder, armed robbery, criminal confinement and battery.

Lewis hopes to continue his education by studying for a master’s degree in sociology.

“I want to be an example to my peers,” he said. “I want to be a mentor.”

Lewis was one of 52 associate’s and bachelor’s degree recipients to graduate from Ball State and Grace College on Friday at the Pendleton Correctional Facility. The inmates received their diplomas as their family members proudly looked on in the campus’ religious services building.

Powell, Ohio, Teen Receives Scholarship

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on May 21, 2010  |  No Comments

Eric Osswald

Eric Osswald, a student at Olentangy Liberty High School outside of Columbus, Ohio, and who is involved in the youth group at Grace Church (Rick Nuzum, pastor), a Grace Brethren church in Powell, Ohio, has been recognized as a scholar-athlete in the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch.

“He is as solid as they come,” says his youth pastor, Mark Artrip. “I was able to be one of his soccer coaches and [he] has a great testimony.”

His Q&A interview is in today’s newspaper. Among his responses:

Favorite book: The Bible. I read it every day, no matter what situation I find myself in it always helps. I read it for guidance and to strengthen my relationship with Christ, which is by far the most important thing in my life.

Read the complete interview.

Plaster Grandchild Born

Posted by Terry White on May 20, 2010  |  No Comments

(from the Columbus, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church): Ginny Plaster is the proud grandmother of Brady David Creighton, born Saturday, May 15! Mom (Rachelle) and baby are doing well. 
Congratulations to the Plaster and Creighton families!

From David Plaster’s Caring Bridge website:

Brady David Creighton was born Saturday, May 15th at 11:07 A.M. He was 5 pounds 15 ounces and 19 inches long. Rachelle’s labor was only 2 1/2 hours long from start to finish.  She  was trooper- no drugs at all.  I got to take her to the hospital and be with her the whole time.  It was extra special to be there to see this little miracle be born.  I even got to cut the cord.  He is SO sweet!  Last night was their first night home and he did well.  Big sister, Shelly, adores him and loves to hold him. Thanks for your prayers.

Sixteen to Graduate from Bangui Seminary May 29

Posted by Terry White on May 20, 2010  |  No Comments

Dr. Francois Ngoumape, who directs biblical and theological education for Grace Brethren interests in the Central African Republic, sends along this photo, update, and prayer request for those graduating from the seminary in Bangui this coming week.

“Balao from Bangui, where the weather is unusual in May, the temperature still being high and no rain. I planted peanuts a month ago, but now the leaves are dry.

“I want to thank you for your prayers for our students that are writing their  theses. Praise God, the week of May 17-18 was busy for them with the oral defense of their Master theses.  

We were so thankful for the success, people learning about what they do, and the importance of the subjects they write on, that it will be very helpful to our churches and our ministry in the African context. 

“We are very thankful for Dr. Eddie Mensinger (second from left in photo) that was here to teach in the seminary and participate as jury of the oral defense. Do pray for the graduation of 16 students from the seminary on May 29. Dr. Eddie Mensinger is the special guest to speak at the commencement.

“Again thank you for being alongside us in the important ministry of training good leaders for a strong church and fruitful ministry in Africa.”

Celebrate 2010 Invites You to Take the Plunge!

Posted by Terry White on May 19, 2010  |  No Comments

Celebrate 2010 Invites You to Take the Plunge!

Have you registered yet for the annual summer conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches? To be held July 16-20, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza in Cincinnati, Ohio, it will be a great gathering of Grace Brethren from all around the world.

This five-day gathering is for devoted followers of Jesus Christ who are serious about ministry. Participants will join 2,000 youth from Momentum Youth Conference for a hands-on ministry in the greater Dayton, Ohio area (Miami Valley) followed by a day-and-a-half intensive look at what this kind of ministry can look like back home.

Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey says, “Celebrate 2010 will be very different from any conference you have ever attended.”  Speakers for the plenary sessions include Dr. Mac Pier, president of the New York City Leadership Center; Pastor Tom Hocking, moderator of the FGBC; and Pastor Jeff Bogue of the Grace Church of greater Akron, Ohio.

Registration features three-day and four-day options, with many sessions on hands-on ministry, tools you can use, and “relational zones.”  A special feature will be Vision 2020, a town hall meeting about a new decade of ministry.

Families will love the location for its ease of access and 50,000 square foot indoor waterpark. Childcare is provided. And we will be very near world-class attractions like Kings Island and the Creation Museum.

Registration is now open online at www.taketheplunge2010.com.

Northwest Focus Retreat Held at Camp Clear Lake

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on May 18, 2010  |  No Comments

Tom Hocking leads the opening session of the Northwest Focus retreat on Friday night.

Rain gave way to clear skies as the Northwest Focus retreat began last night at Camp Clear Lake in Washington State. About 20 pastors and laymen from around the state and southwestern British Columbia gathered for two days of fellowship and refreshment.

Tom Hocking, pastor of the Bellflower Brethren Church and moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, led the men in a discussion of John 17. As with other Focus Retreats, the sessions began with 10 hours of solitude and silence.

On Tuesday, the morning began with a discussion of lessons learned during the hours of silence. Then Tom Avey, coordinator for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren churches, spent some time talking about the discipline of fellowship.

The retreat concludes tomorrow at Camp Clear Lake.

High Impact Retreat Slideshow Online

Posted by Terry White on May 17, 2010  |  No Comments

A quick slideshow from the recent Southern California men’s High Impact retreat at Big Bear is viewable at http://www.highimpactmen.com/

The High Impact Men gather together in the mountains above Southern California each year. Their next gathering will be April 29-May 1, 2011 at Pine Summit Conference Center in Big Bear, CA.

BMH Book, ‘Released,’ Gets Good Media Exposure

Posted by Terry White on May 17, 2010  |  No Comments

You’re encouraged to listen in on this 10.5 minute interview BMH author Tom Roy did with the K-Love Radio group on one of BMH’s newest publications, “Released,” which tells the story of God at work in professional baseball.  As Roy and our other author have opportunity to share what Christ is doing through BMH books, we encourage you to pray and ask the Lord to use these kinds of interviews for His glory.   Enjoy. You can hear the interview at

http://www.klove.com/broadcast/playnow.aspx?href=%2fbroadcast%2fstream.aspx%3fhref%3d%2faudio%2fpodcasts%2fklovenews_podcast5053_20100514.wma&title=K-LOVE+Podcast&author=K-LOVE+Radio&onespeed=True&media=listen&bt=1&

or by clicking on “Baseball Ministry Serves Major League Players” at http://www.klove.com/News/

Long Beach Community to Offer Foreclosure Help

Posted by Terry White on May 17, 2010  |  No Comments

HOME HELP
Community Grace Brethren Church, 5885 Downey Ave., Long Beach, Calif. (Dale Workman, pastor) will host a free Foreclosure Counseling Clinic on Wednesday, May 19 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, targeted to homeowners who are or will be experiencing challenges with their loans.

Participants should bring a copy of their mortgage statement and monthly budget. To sign up, call 1-888-895-2647 or email RSVP@lanhs.org. Include name, address, phone number and clinic date in email.

Winona Lake SMM Girls, Dads Learn About Ireland

Posted by Terry White on May 13, 2010  |  No Comments

Roy Angle spoke to the SMM girls and their dads.

The closing activity of the year for the SMM program at Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church was held today in the form of a Dads and Daughters picnic lunch. Because of inclement weather, the event was held in the church’s fellowship hall rather than in the city park.

Following a picnic lunch complete with shamrock cookies to celebrate Ireland, Roy Angle told the story of St. Patrick and how he brought the gospel to Ireland. (Ray Maurer photo).

Go2 to Sponsor One-Day Church Planting Event

Posted by Terry White on May 11, 2010  |  No Comments

Timothy J. Keller

A one-day church planting event co-sponsored by GO2 will be held Thursday, September 30, 2010, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 123 W. 57^th Street in New York City.  GO2’s executive director, Tim Boal, says, “Only 800 spots are being held for this conference and only about 100 are available for FGBC leaders.”

Plenary speakers for the event include Raymond J. Bakke, chancellor of Bakke Graduate University; Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church; Timothy J. Keller, senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City; and Brenda Salter McNeil, President of Salter McNeil & Associates, LLC.

Additional presenters for the day include Matthew Bennett, Founder & President, Christian Union; Rev. Gary Frost, President, Concerts of Prayer Greater New York; Dr. Robert Varney, Sr. Advisor to the President, Campus Crusade for Christ; and  Dr. Lamar Vest, President, American Bible Society.

Full details of the conference are available at  www.movementday.com, including directions, lodging, and more. Cost for the day is $99 per person (includes box lunch) until June 30, and $119 thereafter.

Japanese Gospel Choir to Sing May 15

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

SATURDAY – MAY 15TH

Cornerstone Gospel Concert
Our Long Beach Japanese Gospel Choir

Cecil O’Dell says,  “If you are living in the Long Beach area and enjoy Black Gospel music you won’t want to miss this event.  

“In our ministry we are using Black Gospel music as a way to make contact and develop relationships with Japanese living in the Long Beach/Orange County/L.A. areas.  

“You are invited to join us for a wonderful evening of great Gospel Music and a chance to see how God is using this unique tool to reach Japanese with the GOOD NEWS.

“If you would like to sing two songs with the choir you can join our workshop at 3:30 to learn the two songs.  We are asking $10 for the workshop which includes a dinner, workshop material and fellowship with our Japanese contacts.

Where & When
The workshop and concert will be at the

Norwalk Grace Brethren Church
11005 Foster Rd. Norwalk Ca. 90650
click here for the MAP
 
3:30pm   Workshop & Dinner ($10)
6:30pm   Concert
8:00pm   Reception

Contact:
Junko Saito
562-209-4782
junkop818@hotmail.com

Paul Lauster With the Lord

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

H. Paul Lauster

H. Paul Lauster, 88, of Winona Lake, Indiana, died on 5/9/2010 at 9:09 AM at Kosciusko Community Hospital.

He was born on October 6, 1921 in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania to William P. and Dora (Roney) Lauster. On February 22, 1950 he married Mary E. Cox in Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

He was manager of Lauster Milling Company, a third generation family owned business founded in 1904 for 9 years, prior to moving to Winona Lake. He retired from the Times-Union in 1999 after 50 years. He also was employed at Clausing, Inc. for 15 years.

In Pennsylvania, Mr. Lauster was a former city councilman and chairman of the American Red Cross. He was the elected finance chairman for the National Christian Radio Broadcast (Friends of McIntire) for 22 years.

He served in World War II from 1944 – 1946 in the 6th division of the United States Air Force. He earned the rank of Sergeant and was an armor gunner on a B-17 bomber and later on a B-24 bomber. He was stationed on a U.S. Air Base in the Galapagos Islands; a province of Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

He was a graduate of Rural Valley High School, PA. in 1940 and graduated a salutatorian of his graduating class at Grace College in Winona Lake in 1955. He also graduated from Grace Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity Degree in 1960.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Kittanning where he served as trustee, financial chairman, elder and Sunday school superintendent. He was an original charter founding member of The Bible Presbyterian Church where he was a member and elder. In later years, he attended the Winona Lake Free Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother William Lauster, and half sister Isabel Beyer. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lauster, Winona Lake; two daughters, Leana Allison, and Eileen Smith, Warsaw; six sons, David Lauster, Wesley Lauster, and Chris Lauster all of Warsaw; John Lauster, Leawood, Kansas; Carl Lauster, Winona Lake, and Martin Lauster, Warsaw. He is survived by 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Louise Evick, Youngstown, Ohio; three nephews William Evick and Richard Evick, Austin Town, Ohio and Neal Beyer of Clearwater, Florida; and a niece, Jane Skerl, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Private services are planned at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw with the Reverend Glenn Byers officiating.

Memorials may be made to World Missionary Press, 19168 County Road 146, New Paris, Indiana 46553

Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery – Warsaw, IN.