BMH Editor's Blog

Benefit Saturday for Injured Grace Student

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

From Elyria, Ohio, chronicleonline. To read original, click here.

Benefit Saturday for paralyzed Penfield native hurt in hammock accident

Biblical & Theological Essays Volume Now Available

Posted by Terry White on September 23, 2010  |  No Comments

Biblical and Theological Essays, a selection of articles from the first five years of the theological journal published by Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, has just been released by BMH Books of Winona Lake, Ind., and is now available for shipping.

The 428-page paperback is edited by Dr. William Combs, academic dean and professor of New Testament at the seminary. Most of the authors are Th.D. graduates of Grace Theological Seminary. Authors include Combs, Robert V. McCabe, Rolland D. McCune, David Doran, and others.

The first section of the book, Textual Studies, includes articles on the preservation of scripture and Erasmus and the Textus Receptus. The second section, Biblical and Theological Studies, contains a range of article on individual books of the Bible as well as discussions of the believer’s nature, the meaning of “born of water and the spirit,” implications of the pre-Mosaic tithe, a defense of literal days in the creation week, and more.

The Historical Studies segment features articles on the self-identity of fundamentalism, an analysis of the William Jennings Bryan Scopes Trial, and other issues. The final section, Ministry Studies, includes material on the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching and a historical and doctrinal evaluation of revival and revivalism.

The book is liberally documented with footnotes and original Greek and Hebrew as well as an extensive Scripture index. The book’s ISBN number is 978-0-88469-263-8 and it retails for $24.99.  It is available at www.bmhbooks.com, or from online booksellers and Christian bookstores.

Alexandria Church to Sponsor Fall Fun Fest

Posted by Terry White on September 23, 2010  |  No Comments

Alexandria Grace Brethren Church (Ken Worley, pastor), 1301 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, will host a Fall Fun Fest including face-painting, clowns, prizes, inflatable rides and carnival-style games, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. 703-548-1808   http://www.alexgbc.com.

Update on Grace College Accident Victim

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

The following is an excerpt from a news article updating the progress of  Jeremy Mohr, the Grace College student who was injured in the freak fallen-tree accident that killed Grace freshman Mallori Kastner last week. To read the entire article and to see a video clip, click here.

GRAFTON, Ohio – Jeremy Mohr, 21, of Penfield Township in Lorain County, is in a Fort Wayne, Indiana hospital suffering paralysis after a freak accident this past Saturday night.

Jeremy and 18-year-old Mallorie Kastner, from Wabash, Indiana, were struck by a falling tree, as they sat on a hammock together in Lake Winona. Kastner was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mohr and Kastner are both students at Grace College and Theological Seminary.

Brenda Gerber, of Grafton, Ohio, is a lifelong friend of Mohr. Her son is his roommate at Grace College.  She said Jeremy is a bright, funny, athletic college senior, majoring in sports management.  Gerber said she watched him grow up with her sons and other boys from their area — playing football, volleyball, swimming and riding jet skis.

“He loves people and he loves life… He’s one of those kids that does not have a bad word about anyone,” said Gerber.

Grace College Mourns Freshman Student

Posted by Terry White on September 18, 2010  |  No Comments

Grace College freshman Mallori Kastner died Friday night after a dead tree fell on her and a friend at Winona Lake. (Grace College Photo)

From WSBT-TV, South Bend:

Winona Lake, Ind.  One Grace College student is dead and another is seriously injured after being struck by a tree late Friday night.

The Winona Lake Police Department responded to a call that came in at approximately midnight Friday, according to a press release from Grace College.

Freshman Mallori Kastner was pronounced dead at the scene and senior Jeremy Mohr was airlifted to Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne in critical condition, the press release said. A nursing supervisor at Parkview said that Mohr remains in critical condition at 6:40 p.m.

The two students were hanging out by Winona Lake when a dead tree with a poor root system fell on them, said Craig Allebach, head of campus security for Grace College. Allebach said there was no wind to cause the tree to fall.

Kastner, a graduate of Wabash High School, was a member of the Grace College volleyball team, the press release said.

Grace College is a four-year Christian Liberal Arts College located in Winona Lake, two miles east of Warsaw in Kosciusko County. The college’s counseling office was open from noon until 6 p.m. on Saturday and will also be open from noon until 6 p.m. on Sunday.

In a statement on the college’s website, school president Ron Manahan said that campus officials have met with the parents of both Kastner and Mohr.

Additionally, Manahan said: “For the next period of time, we ask that you pray for the parents and family members of Mallori; Jeremy’s physical, emotional and spiritual comfort and needs… and the ongoing needs of all involved during the coming weeks and months.”

All on-campus activities were cancelled on Saturday, the statement said. Classes will proceed as planned on Monday, the statement said.

Information about memorial services will be released at a later date, the college press release said.

The incident is under investigation by the Winona Lake Police Department and the Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office. The Warsaw Police Department, Winona Lake Fire Department, Multi-Township EMS, Kosciusko County Sheriff Department and the Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene.

Akron Church Hosts Outreach

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on September 17, 2010  |  No Comments

The Ellet Grace Brethren Church in Akron, Ohio, is gearing up for an outreach event that is designed to connect with their neighbors and to encourage people who are hurting. The monthly coffee-house-type ministry is held at the church, located at 530 Stetler Avenue.

“Some people come broken before God and are ready to surrender to Him. Some people come with broken lives, with fears, hurts, and dashed hopes seeking for something greater,” says Mary Shaub, one of the organizers. “We want to encourage the broken before God to continue to pursue Him and those with broken lives to find life in Jesus.”

G3, the praise band at the Akron (Ohio) Ellet Grace Brethren Church, provides music for the monthly outreach, Broken.

The informal atmosphere includes food, live contemporary music, and a brief challenge from God’s word. There is no charge to attend. The food is provided through donations and the church’s praise band, G3, provides the music. Area churches are also bringing their youth groups, according to Shaub, nothing that 70 percent who attend are not from the Ellet church.

West Kittanning Church Sponsors Race

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on September 17, 2010  |  No Comments

The Kittanning, Pa., Paper recently reported on a race that was sponsored by the West Kittanning Grace Brethren Church on September 12. A portion of the story is below. To see the complete stories, race results, and more photos, click here.

West Kittanning Church Holds Evening of Races

The West Kittanning Grace Brethren Church held a 5K run, 2.5 mile walk, and a .5 mile kids’ race yesterday evening which brought in over 100 participants. The overall winner of the 5K race was Jon McCullough, 52, with a finishing time of 20 minutes and 7 seconds. Kaitlyn Myrus, 25, placed first in the 2.5 mile walk with a time of 36 minutes and 59 seconds, and Connor Morris, 7, won first place in the .5 mile kids’ race.

After the races were completed, participants were welcomed to go to Grace Hall where awards and prizes were presented. Ice cream sundaes and other food and refreshments were also provided.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Simi Valley Church Remembers 9/11

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on September 17, 2010  |  No Comments

The Simi Valley, Calif., Acorn reported this week on a ceremony held at the Grace Brethren Church in Simi Valley (John McIntosh, pastor) to commemorate the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The program, held on September 10, honored local police officers, firefighters and military personnel. To see photos and a report, click here.

Betoney Reports on Native American Ministries

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on September 17, 2010  |  No Comments

A church member built a new pulpit for the Native New Life Church in Albuquerque.

Arnold Betoney, American Indian Church Planting Director for GO2 Church Planting Ministries and pastor of Native New Life Church, a Grace Brethren congregation in Albuquerque, N.M., recently sent an update on his ministry. Here are a few highlights:

It has been a busy summer. I thank the Lord for all he does for us in the ministry of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and your partnership is greatly a part of the ministry. We were able to repair our church building’s roof that was leaking with some roofing material called Thermoplastic Polyolefin(TPO). No more soaked ceiling after it rains and much needed repairs were also completed as well. Got a new pulpit build by a member of the church. Thank you guys for all your involvement, you are all a blessing from the Lord.

We had a work team from Wooster GBC here to help with some maintenance. They replaced ceiling tiles, removed old bookshelves, and did some yard work. Bessie and I were able to join them to Counselor, N.M., to do ground work for a multi‐purpose building being made at Cedar Hill Bible Church. We had a great time working together and serving. Thank you Wooster team.

Volunteers from the Wooster, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church help with tasks around the Cedar Hill Bible Church in New Mexico.

We visited several camp meetings on the Navajo reservation this past summer in Counselor, N.M.; and Red Lake and Wheatfiedfield, Arizona. We always enjoy the fellowship and sharing in music, especially singing in Navajo, which is rare in the city. It was good to catch up with friends and family on the reservation. One family member accepted the Lord Jesus. Pray for his spiritual growth. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and answering prayers.

Bessie and I were able to attend FGBC National conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. We were encouraged by seeing friends and meeting new ones. Thank you for your friendship and your prayers, we thank God for you. We started our rug weaving and guitar classes this past Monday, we had a good turnout, pray that God uses the talents of the students to glorify God and to minister within their sphere of influence.

Currently, I’m preaching from the Book of Numbers on Sunday and First Principles Series on Wednesday night. I have been license with AGBM for 14 years and this Thursday 9/16, I will be up for ordination exam with some pastors from Grace Brethren Investment Foundation board.

To see the complete newsletter, send Arnold a note at abetoney@juno.com.

Tom Julien Gives Historic Tour of Chateau St. Albain

Posted by Terry White on September 15, 2010  |  1 Comment

Tom Julien, who along with his wife, Doris, and the first of their three children came to France as Grace Brethren missionaries nearly 50 years ago, gave a guided tour of the Chateau St. Albain to the CHARIS leadership group this Wednesday afternoon.

After several years of frustration when there were very little results from his traditional missionary methods, Julien began searching for a property where he could develop a ministry similar to that of Francis Schaeffer at L’Abri, whom Julien had come to know and appreciate. Eventually the Chateau was found, a massive, rundown concrete and stone facility on about four acres, dating back to the 14th century.

Julien negotiated the sale and bought the property for Grace Brethren missions in 1964 for $28,000. Moving into the unheated, rustic facility, he began opening it to traveling young people and local youth who would come for evenings of discussion.

Over the years the Chateau has been continually upgraded and improved, and now would be comparable to a two-star hotel and will house about 70 people. It is used widely by Christian groups as a conference center, and also has a strong presence in the Burgundy region as a place of Christian witness. Deb and Jay Hocking, from Winona Lake, Indiana, are now the on-site managers and hosts of the facility. The CHARIS group concluded Wednesday’s activity with a threefold communion service alternating languages between English, Spanish, Sango, and French.

Tom Julien, the original purchaser and developer of the Chateau St. Albain, gave a tour and historical lecture to the gathered CHARIS leaders. Here he points out some of the surrounding sites from the parapets atop the tower, which is about 50 feet above ground on the south side of the facility. In the mountain range in the background, Mont Blanc can be seen when the weather conditions are clear. To the right of Julien is his daughter Becky Schwan, who was raised in the chateau and is now living with her husband, David, in England.

Digital Archives Project Moves Ahead

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on September 15, 2010  |  No Comments

Eric Bradley, coordinator of the digitization project for the Brethren Digital Archives, measures a book to ensure that it meets requirements for scanning.

Availability of old Grace Brethren publications such as the Brethren Missionary Herald magazine, Grace Theological Journal, and the Grace Journal is closer to reality as the Brethren Digital Archives moves toward accomplishing its mission.

The Archives committee hopes to create a digital record of documents produced by the various Brethren groups that trace their spiritual heritage to Alexander Mack.

Meeting Monday, September 13, at the Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, Ohio, the committee made further plans to partner to Lyrasis to create an online archive of documents printed in the mid-1800s to 2000. Grant funds make it possible to scan these publications at a rate far below the original $150,000 estimate. Now it is hoped to complete the project, including oversized documents, for approximately $50,000.

Much of this funding needs to be raised before the end of the year, to ensure the project gets underway. The grant which makes the costs so attractive runs out at the end of 2010 and while there is hope the grant will be extended, there is no promise. Gifts to the project may be made through the Brethren Missionary Herald Company, Box 544, Winona Lake, Ind., or the Brethren Heritage Center, 428 Wolf Creek St., Suite No. H1, Brookville, OH 45309-1297. (Be sure to specify Brethren Digital Archives with your gift.)

There are also volunteer opportunities for individuals to help check the accuracy of the documents once they are scanned. If you are able to help, contact the Brethren Heritage Center at 937-833-5222.

The committee requests prayer for the project, as well, asking that the work would be completed well and in a timely fashion. They also want to be good stewards of the funds that have been provided for the work that is to be done.

Plans are being made to scan the following documents and make them available on the Web:

• Ashland Theological Journal
• Bible Monitor (1922-2000)
• Christian Family Companion (1865-1873)
• Christian Family Companion and Gospel Visitor (1874-1875)
• Der Brüderbote (1875-1877)
• Der Brüderbote (1880-1892)
• Der Evangelische Besuch (1852-1861)
• Grace Journal (1960-1973)
• Grace Theological Journal (1980-1991)
• Messenger (1965-2000)
• Schwarzenau (1939-1942)
• The Brethren at Work (1876-1883)
• The Brethren Evangelist (1885-2000) and The Brethren’s Evangelist (1883-1884)
• The Brethren Missionary Herald (1939-1996)
• The Brethren’s Missionary Visitor (1894-1896)
• The Gospel Messenger (1883-1964)
• The Gospel Preacher (1879-1882)
• The Gospel Visitor (1857-1873) and The Monthly Gospel-Visiter (1851-1856)
• The Inglenook (1900-1913)
• The Missionary Visitor (1902-1930)
• The Pilgrim (1870-1871 & 1875-1876) and The Weekly Pilgrim (1872-1874)
• The Pilgrim (1954-2000)
• The Primitive Christian (1876 & 1880-1883) and The Primitive Christian and Pilgrim (1876-1879)
• The Progressive Christian (1878-1882)

In addition, almanacs published by Brethren groups in the late 19th century will be included. So far, this includes:

• The Brethren’s Almanac (Holsinger, 1871-1874)
• Pilgrim Almanac (Brumbaughs, 1873-1874)
• The Brethren Family Almanac (Brumbaughs & Quinter who had purchased Holsinger, 1875)
• Brethren’s Almanac (Brumbaugh’s & Quinter, 1876-1879)
• The Brethren’s Family Almanac (1880-1917, ‘s dropped in 1903)
• Brethren Annual (started by Holsinger about 1884 with almanac format until 1915-1924)
• The Brethren’s Family Almanac, 1875, J. Quinter
• The Brethren’s Annual For the Year of Grace 1885 (Holsinger)
• Our Almanac and Annual Register, 1880, 1883, 1885 (Kurtz)
• The Brethren at Work, Almanac and Annual Register for All The People, 1882, Brethren At Work Steam Printing House

Some of the Brethren Digital Archives committee (left to right): Liz Cutler Gates, Brethren Missionary Herald; Darryl Filbrun, Old German Baptist Brethren, New Conference; Gary Kochheiser, Conservative Grace Brethren; Steve Bayer, Old German Baptist Brethren; Paul Stump, Brethren Heritage Center; Eric Bradley, Morgan Library, Grace College & Seminary; Larry Heisey, Brethren Heritage Center. Seated, Shirley Frick, Bible Moniter.

The Brethren Digital Archives is a collaborative effort of publishers, libraries, and archives affiliated with the various branches of the Brethren movement. Partners in the project are:

• Bethany Theological Seminary/Lilly Library
• Ashland University/Library/Brethren Church/Archives
• Brethren Church/The Brethren Evangelist
• Brethren Heritage Center
• Brethren Historical Library and Archives
• Brethren Journal Association/Brethren Life & Thought
• Bridgewater College/Alexander Mack Library
• Grace College and Seminary/Morgan Library
• Church of the Brethren/Messenger
• Conservative Grace Brethren/The Voice Newsletter
• Dunkard Brethren/Bible Monitor
• Elizabethtown College/High Library/Young Center for Anabaptist & Pietist Studies
• Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches/Brethren Missionary Herald
• Juniata College/Beeghly Library
• Manchester College Archives and Brethren Historical Collection/Funderburg Library
• McPherson College/Miller Library
• Old German Baptist Brethren Church New Conference/The Testimony
• Old German Baptist Brethren Church/The Vindicator
• Old Brethren/The Pilgrim

For more information, see Brethren Digital Archives.

Church Planters Share Vision With CHARIS Leaders

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

(from left) Neil Cole, Mboi Andre, and Walter Testa shared vision and enthusiasm for church planting and expansion with CHARIS leaders meeting in France.

Three gifted, apostolic church planters shared their vision and hearts for expansion of the gospel with the CHARIS group meeting this Wednesday afternoon at the Chateau St. Albain.

Mboi Andre, executive director of the union of Grace Brethren churches in the Central African Republic, reported on the 54 churches recently planted and explained his strategy for expanding the gospel to the north and east of the central African country.

Walter Testa, an Argentine who works with church planting and expansion in Mexico City, shared his vision for 100 church-planting families and for the planting of a missionary couple in every state of the country of Mexico.

And finally Neil Cole, of Church Multiplication Associates, shared how God is using CMA and its associates in planting organic churches all over the world. The purpose in having the three present was to expand the vision and thinking of the CHARIS leaders about evangelism and church planting for the decade ahead.

CHARIS Delegates Endorse ‘Next Steps’ Document, Plan

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

Florent Varak (standing) of France moderated the session this Wednesday in which delegates from Grace Brethren fellowships worldwide endorsed a document outlining implementation next steps for the CHARIS movement.

Wednesday was a “pivot” day in the meetings of the CHARIS leadership at the Chateau St. Albain in France as a document better defining the next steps for CHARIS was adopted.

The worldwide leaders of Grace Brethren fellowships met in August of 2008 at Bad Homburg, Germany, and crafted the original document entitled “Commitment to Common Mission.” That document revealed the intention of Grace Brethren worldwide to progress over the decade of 2010 in the three areas of evangelism and church planting, leadership development, and integrated or holistic ministries.

Since 2008 the document has been processed and endorsed by leadership and organizations representing all 35 countries where Grace Brethren churches or Points of Light exist, and this week’s meeting is for the purpose of deciding next steps and being more intentional about plans for implementation.

 Essentially, the document lays out strategies under three main headings—toward an implementation of the Commitment to Common Mission document, toward an expansion of the vision for CHARIS, and toward a commitment of common identity for Grace Brethren worldwide.

Proposed implementation strategies include forming teams containing expertise in the three areas, to coordinate cross-culture to encourage and resource further activity in the three areas. Leadership has committed to communicating regularly and encouraging each other toward implementation, with a possible next gathering or global fellowship encounter in 2015.

And finally, there is an emerging sense that a better system is needed for the recognition and welcoming of groups of churches who may wish to become Grace Brethren, but have not been initiated by Grace Brethren International Missions. Therefore, without desiring to create more structure and another organization, CHARIS leadership has agreed on a plan that engages proximate fellowships to discuss with potential new fellowship members their commitment to biblical truth, biblical relationships, and biblical mission.

Dr. Keith Shearer, pastor of New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church in Myerstown, Penna., and a past moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches is the official North America delegate to this meeting, representing the US and Canadian Grace Brethren churches.  He will be communicating with the districts, national organizations, and the Fellowship Council as progress moves forward.

The Brethren Missionary Herald Co. has committed to assisting with the worldwide communication needs of CHARIS, and will be continuing to transmit information, build relational bridges, and facilitate exchanges and communications between participating fellowships and their representatives.

To reach the conclusion and finalization of the document approved today, Jorge Nunez of Argentina drafted a number of initial suggestions and Florent Varak of France moderated the meeting and discussion in which the agreement was achieved.

Day Three of Charis Encounter Underway

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

Chateau St. Albain, France

Day three of the CHARIS leadership meetings at the Chateau St. Albain in France got underway as the sun dawned on the ancient chateau which is hosting the event. A highlight of the morning was a gripping and emotional tribute to Dadje Samuel, the gifted evangelist and apostle from Chad, who went to be with the Lord recently. Frank Puhl, Grace Brethren International Missions’ regional director for Africa, showed video clips and historic photos of Dadje and explained the development, life, and impact of this remarkable man.

Dadje died “on mission” April 25, 2010, and shortly before his death he said, “Each missionary being sent is signing his death sentence. He must have a very close relationship with God because his days are numbered. Those with a half-hearted commitment cannot do the work.”

CHARIS Steering Committee

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

Members of the CHARIS leadership committee meeting this week in France include (front row, from left) Francois Ngoumape (Africa), David Guiles (Grace Brethren International Missions); (second row, from left) Jorge Nunez (Argentina), Florent Varak (France), Mboi Andre (Central African Republic); (back row, from left) Keith Shearer (USA), Rainer Ehmann (Germany), Terry White (Brethren Missionary Herald Co.)

CHARIS Leadership Meetings in France Begin

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

Dave Guiles (center), executive director of Grace Brethren International Missions, is the convener for the CHARIS leadership gathering being held at Chateau St. Albain in France this week. Monday consisted of reports from Grace Brethren fellowships in all parts of the world regarding what progress has been made in implementing the Commitment to Common Mission document generated at the CHARIS gathering in Bad Homburg, Germany, in 2008. Monday evening's meetings closed with prayer groups in three languages--English, Spanish, and French--for God's direction on the remainder of the conference.

Friends Gather With Tom Julien for Reception

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

More than 30 "Friends of Tom Julien" gathered at the Chateau St. Albain Sunday afternoon to visit with Tom Julien, who, with his late wife Doris, spent many years as a missionary in France. Julien is participating in the CHARIS leadership meetings at the Chateau this week.

CHARIS Leadership Meetings Commence in France

Posted by Terry White on September 12, 2010  |  No Comments

Nearly 20 leaders of Grace Brethren fellowships from around the world, including regional directors for Grace Brethren International Missions, gathered this afternoon at the Chateau St. Albain in the Burgundy region of France for the first of a set of week-long meetings to discuss strategy for the CHARIS movement over the next ten years.

Based on meetings in Bad Homburg in August of 2008, and considering the document that described a ten-year commitment to church planting, leadership development and holistic ministry, the group has several goals for this meeting.

One is to evaluate the Bad Homburg experience and to determine what good and lasting effects came from that meeting.  The second is to discuss what Grace Brethren fellowships around the world should do now–should additional meetings be held, or just what is the best course of action?  Third, the group will begin evaluating what has happened in each of the world’s regions toward applying and implementing the three initiatives of the Commitment to Common Mission document.  Fourth, Grace Brethren International Missions is looking for input and help concerning its future relationship with the worldwide fellowships as they develop more independent strength. And finally, the role of Brethren Missionary Herald Co. will be discussed as the communication agent to inform the remainder of the Grace Brethren world about progress, ways to implement, and reports on meetings such as the one held in France.

Former missionary to France and GBIM executive director Tom Julien was honored today with a gathering of many of his friends and colleagues from around southern France. Then GBIM’s Dave Guiles called the group to order, and laid out a potential agenda for the week.  After several days of reflection and consultation, the group will be joined by Walter Testa from Mexico, Mboi Andre from the Central African Republic, and Neil Cole from the USA, who are known apostolic church planters, and they will focus specifically on church planting opportunities around the world. 

Reports from the meetings and photos will be posted as they become available.

Whittier CGBC Purchases New Church Campus

Posted by Terry White on September 11, 2010  |  3 Comments

Pastor Richard Todd (pictured) of Community Grace Brethren Church in Whittier, Calif., says “I wanted to let you know that Community Grace Brethren Church of Whittier has a new church campus. We closed escrow a few days ago on the purchase of the former furniture store at 8109 Greenleaf Avenue and I announced to our church family the good news on September 5.

“We are all telling our friends this week the good news of God’s provision and I wanted you share the good new with you. We now begin a conversion process that might take until the new year. I know you rejoice with us and pray for us. Don’t stop now.”

The church’s former campus was sold several years ago and it has been meeting in temporary facilities while searching for a permanent home.

Washington Churches Ready Containers for Africa

Posted by Terry White on September 10, 2010  |  2 Comments

Three Northwest District Grace Brethren churches, Sunnyside, Toppenish and Goldendale,  are linking arms in a project to send two containers filled with equipment to the new ICDI Base in the northeast part of the Central African Republic.

Equipment and tools are needed to equip an ICDI repair facility being built there under the direction of Jim Hocking, founder and CEO of ICDI.   The repair shop will be used to refurbish trucks and other equipment during the rainy season when travel is restricted at best and well drilling and maintenance cannot be done. Vehicles will be torn down and rebuilt to maintain them for the usual heavy wear and tear they experience during the construction season.

An early October, 2010,  date has been set as the goal to have the two containers loaded and ready to be trucked to a shipping port.