BMH Editor's Blog

Health Updates on Roberts, Gillis, and Nesbitt

Posted by Terry White on July 31, 2011  |  No Comments

Here are updates on the health issues of three who have ministered prominently in the FGBC.

Please pray for former Grace Brethren pastor Roy Roberts, who has been hospitalized in Portland, Oregon. This past week one leg was amputated below the knee and further surgery is anticipated.

Please pray for retired pastor John Gillis, who will undergo back surgery tomorrow (Monday, August 1) near his home in northern Alabama.

Prayer was requested last week for Dr. James Nesbitt, of the Grace College and Seminary faculty, who experienced a stroke while traveling in Illinois. Nesbitt is now back in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he is undergoing therapy in the rehabilitation unit of Grace Village Retirement Center. He anticipates being able to return home this coming week with only minor effects from the attack. He and his wife, Nancy, appreciate your prayers for them during this time.

Brethren Historian, Author, Editor Bill Eberly With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on July 30, 2011  |  No Comments

Dr. William Eberly

Dr. William Robert Eberly, 84, North Manchester, Ind., died Thursday, July 28, 2011 at his summer home on Big Chapman Lake, Warsaw, Ind. Eberly was a prominent historian, writer, and editor in the Brethren movement, having been for many years the editor of the monograph series for the Brethren Encyclopedia Board. He is also editor of The Complete Writings of Alexander Mack, published by BMH Books of Winona Lake, Ind.

Eberly was born in North Manchester, Ind., on October 4, 1926, to John H. & Ollie (Heaston) Eberly.  On June 30, 1946, he married Eloise Whitehead.  She survives. 

Also surviving are three daughters, Diana (Barry) Bucher, North Manchester, IN; Brenda (Tom) Horein, Elkhart, IN; Sandra (John) Wenger, Harrisonburg, VA.  Ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Two brothers, Wayne (Wilda) Eberly, Palmyra, PA and J. David (Ann) Eberly, Hagerstown, MD. 

He graduated from Huntington High School in 1944 and received his Bachelors degree from Manchester College in 1948.  Following graduation, he taught music and science in the public school for five years.  He received his Masters Degree and Ph.D.from Indiana University and in 1955 joined the faculty of Manchester College as a professor in the biology department.  

In 1963 Eberly was invited as a visiting scientist to the Institute of Limnology at the University of Uppsala in Sweden.  He also served as past president of Indiana Academy of Sciences.  He started the Environmental Studies program at Manchester College in 1972 and served as its director until his retirement 1992, developing a program for outdoor education at the Koinonia Nature Preserve for public school and college students. 

He served on the Indiana Pesticide Review Board representing limnologists of the State of Indiana and received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Gov. Robert Orr in 1983 for his strong advocacy for environment concerns. 

Dr. Eberly was a member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren.  As an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, he had served many congregations, including Pleasant View Church of the Brethren in South Whitley, Roann Church of the Brethren in Roann, and Buffalo Church of the Brethren in Buffalo, Indiana.  He also served on the Church of the Brethren General Board for two terms and was Annual Conference Secretary for ten years.  In 1980 he served as moderator of the denomination.  He was also a former instructor in church history for Bethany Seminary. 

He had a passion for genealogy, history, and research.  As a result he had authored and edited many books, most recently, The Story of the Natural Sciences at Manchester College.  He was a member of the Brethren Encyclopedia Board of Directors from 1985-2008.   He was a member and immediate past president of the North Manchester Historical Society where he played a significant role in developing and expanding the Center for History on Main Street in North Manchester.  In addition to his many life accomplishments, Dr. Eberly was an avid fisherman, photographer, and collector.  He loved his family and his church.  He will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle demeanor, and his strong faith. 

A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. William Robert Eberly will be held Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 3 p.m. in Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, IN.  His family will receive friends at the church following the service.  Private burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester, IN. Final care has been entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN.  

For those wishing to honor the memory of Dr. Eberly, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. William R. Eberly Scholarship Fund at Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962;  The Center for History, 120 E. Main Street, North Manchester, IN 46962;  Heifer Project International, PO Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 7220; or Timbercrest Senior Living Community Charitable Assistance Fund, PO Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962.  To send a private condolence to the Eberly family, click the Condolence link on the home page.

Medicine Hat Church Plant to Host Skateboard, BMX Clinic

Posted by Terry White on July 29, 2011  |  1 Comment

According to the Medicine Hat (Alberta) News, Grasslands Church, the new Grace Brethren church-plant being led by Oliver Shane Edwards and his family,  will be hosting a free introductory skateboard and BMX clinic at Medicine Hat’s Inland Skate Park (near the entrance of Kin Coulee) Park on Tuesday, Aug. 2 and Thursday, Aug. 4.
Special guests of Grasslands from California will be leading the clinic, which is open to all ages. Helmets must be worn.
In addition to the clinic at the skate park, there will also be other activities going on in Kin Coulee including crafts, balloon animals, and a sing-along. Everyone is welcome. Events run from 1 to 4 p.m. both days.

Grace Brethren Ministers Honor Three

Posted by Terry White on July 28, 2011  |  No Comments

Each year at the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches annual conference, the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers honors three of its number for their excellence and longevity in ministry. AGBM president Joel Richards announced the awards during the conference this past week.

Keith Shearer was named Pastor of the Year

Pastor Keith Shearer of the New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, was honored as the Pastor of the Year. The citation was read by Dan Jackson of the New Beginnings staff noting, among other things, that Shearer has not only distinguished himself as a pastor but also has significant service with the Grace Brethren International Mission board (chair),with adjunct teaching at Grace Theological Seminary, and other ministry opportunities.

Dave Guiles was presented the excellence award by Steve Bailey of GBIM.

The Excellence in Ministry award was given to David Guiles, executive director of Grace Brethren International Missions. Guiles, who is the son of a Grace Brethren pastor and who is a former missionary to Argentina with GBIM, has been leading the organization for the past decade and is currently involved in leading the mission agency to a number of innovative and adaptive steps to enhance its ministry and impact into the future.

Don Shoemaker (left) was presented the award by Dr. John Teevan.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Donald Shoemaker, longtime pastor of the Grace Brethren church in Seal Beach, California.  In addition to his pastoral work there, Shoemaker has chaired the Social Concerns Committee of the FGBC since 1985 and also has been quite active in his community in police chaplaincy work. To see a video tribute to Shoemaker, click on 

http://youtu.be/Qgsf9m53wYg

Dates for 2012 Conference Announced

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on July 28, 2011  |  No Comments

Vision2020 West, the national conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, is July 27 – August 2, 2012, in Indian Wells, Calif. Mark your calendar and make plans to come! For more details, see the video below.

Vision2020 West Promo Video

Conference Video Recap Posted

Posted by Terry White on July 28, 2011  |  No Comments

Here is a quick (3 minute, 19 second) video recap of this past week’s Vision2020 national conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches held at the Grace Brethren church in Wooster, Ohio. Randy Moomaw of the Wooster staff has prepared the video.

http://vimeo.com/26972236

Business Meeting, Custer Address Conclude 2011 Conference

Posted by Terry White on July 27, 2011  |  No Comments

A wide variety of official business matters were cared for quickly and efficiently at the annual business meeting of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches held the final day of the Vision2020 conference in Wooster, Ohio, and conducted by Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey.

Robert Fetterhoff, pastor of the Wooster church, was elected by delegates to a two-year term as moderator of the fellowship. Six new churches were voted into membership: New Horizon Church of New York (Pastor Michael Faulkner); Fuente de Vida Grace Bilingual Church of Elkhart, Indiana (Pastor Brian Baughman); Awaken Church of Virginia Beach, Virginia (Pastor Michael Pumphrey); Sterling Grace Brethren Church of Mt. Sterling, Ohio (Pastor Mac Cordell); The Bridge of Tipp City, Ohio (Pastor Ron Sheranko); and Greensboro Grace Brethren Church, Reidsville, North Carolina (Pastor Daniel Pierce).

Caribbean Vision,  a ministry largely devoted to Haitians and Haiti and directed by Dr. Chuck Davis, was recognized as a Cooperating Ministry with the fellowship.

Social Concerns resolutions were introduced by the retiring chair of the Social Concerns Committee, Dr. Donald Shoemaker. Continuing resolutions include sanctity of human life, religious freedom, personal commitment, and homosexuality. Resolutions new this year and passed by the conference delegates included statements on Seeking “The Peace of the City”; The Middle East, Heterosexual Monogamous Marriage; Religious Freedom and Same-Sex Marriage; Religious Liberty; God’s Creation; Prayer for Peace and for All in Authority; Concern for Suffering Humanity; and The Persecuted Church.  Following passage of the resolutions, Shoemaker was honored by the conference for his leadership as chair of the social concerns committee since 1985.

An operating budget was approved for the coming year, and those elected to the Fellowship Council included Richard Todd (Western Region–pastor of Community Grace Brethren Church in Whittier, California); Jason Carmean (Central Region–pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Lexington, Ohio); and Dan Thornton (Eastern Region–executive pastor of Maranatha Brethren Church in Hagerstown, Maryland).

Jim Custer, longtime now-retired pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus (Polaris), Ohio, gave the closing address on “Vision and Prophecy.” Because of the sudden, unexpected death of a relative in Florida, Custer was called away and gave his address to the conference via video.

National Conference next year will be held July 27-August 2, 2012 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells, California. A special room rate of $89 per night has been secured, so early registration is encouraged for those planning to attend next year’s gathering of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

Last Full Day of National Conference Concludes

Posted by Terry White on July 26, 2011  |  1 Comment

Tuesday, July 26 was the last full day of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches national conference, being held in Wooster, Ohio. The final meetings of the conference will be an 8:30 a.m. brunch and FGBC business meeting Wednesday morning, and a final address by Ohio Pastor Jim Custer at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday’s schedule began with a breakfast sponsored by G02 Ministries in which executive director Tim Boal gave updates on church planting and a number of church planting pastors gave testimonies. Following a full slate of seminar offerings at 9 a.m., the 10:30 a.m. general session featured Pastor Jim Brown of Goshen, Indiana, as the speaker.

Among the featured church planters were Daniel and Teressa Pierce (pictured), who are planting a Grace Brethren church in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tim Boal is at left and surrounding the Pierces and praying for them are pastors of the Blue Ridge District.

The Association of Grace Brethren Ministers had a luncheon meeting, followed by network meetings, and an evening meal function at which the Grace Brethren military chaplains were honored. Larry Chamberlain and John Schumacher of the Eagle Commission conducted that meeting, and a number of chaplains from several branches of the military service gave updates and testimonies. The speaker for the evening session was Pastor Stephen Joyce from Washington, D.C., who spoke on “A Vision for the City.”

Bangui Seminary Builder Has Heart Attack

Posted by Terry White on July 25, 2011  |  No Comments

Heidi Sisson, Grace Brethren International Missions missionary in the Central African Republic has posted this prayer request:

Please pray for Berno who has been overseeing the building of our seminary here in Bangui. He was due to fly back to Bangui tomorrow and on Saturday he had a massive heart attack and is in the hospital in Germany and unconscious. Please pray for him and his family during this time.

Jim Nesbitt Suffers Stroke, Irma Stoll With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on July 25, 2011  |  1 Comment

Here are several brief news/prayer items. The first is that Dr. Jim Nesbitt, of the Grace College and Seminary faculty, is reported to have suffered a stroke while in Champaign, Illinois, and he is hospitalized there. Please pray for his wife, Nancy, and for all the immediate issues, as well as long-range recovery for Jim. The Nesbitts live in Winona Lake, Indiana, and are members of the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

The second item is to note the passing of Irma Stoll, wife of Dr. John Stoll, who served many years as head of the Bible department at Grace College and Seminary.

Irma I. Stoll, 81, of Brooklyn Center, MN, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, 7/19, while quietly resting at home. She is survived by her husband, John H. Stoll; children, Sieg and Hans Aurich; stepchildren, Kenneth Stoll, Jane Smoker, Kevin Stoll and Carolyn Shanklin. Memorial service 7 PM WEDNESDAY, Albin Chapel, 6855 Rowland Road, Eden Prairie, MN with visitation 1 hour prior. Memorials preferred to ASK, Inc. www.askstoll.org , 1618 Amy Lane, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. www.albinchapel.com Albin Chapel 952-914-9410

Randy Poyner Memorial Service Set for Waterloo, Iowa

Posted by Terry White on July 25, 2011  |  No Comments

The following information comes from Timothy Poyner, son of the late Dr. Randy Poyner, and gives details about a memorial service for Randy that is scheduled to take place in Waterloo, Iowa:

A graveside memorial service will take place this Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. at the Poyner Township Cemetery in Waterloo Iowa (located in Poyner Township Section 15, on the corner of Gilbertville Rd and Indian Creek Rd, South East of Waterloo, off of Indian Creek Rd, http://www.satelliteviews.net/cgi-bin/g.cgi?fid=463639&state=IA&ftype=cemetery ). Anyone who attends should dress casually given that it may be warm.

Following the service at the cemetery, there is an open invitation to join the family for lunch at the Pizza Ranch (1900 1st St., Independence, IA, 50644, 50644, 319-334-9000, http://www.pizzaranch.com/locations-menu/index.php?store_id=3100&id=9 )

For those of you that may be looking for local lodging, some of the family is staying at the Country Inn & Suites (2100 Swan Lake Blvd., Independence, IA 50644, 319-334-6400). Waterloo has many hotels from most hotel chains. There is a Days Inn in Elk Run Heights—which is closest to the cemetery. There are others along LaPorte Road which is not too far into Waterloo.

 A slightly abbreviated obituary has been run in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier: http://wcfcourier.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/dr-randall-eugene-poyner/article_705855c4-b47c-11e0-ad15-001cc4c002e0.html

 We look forward to seeing any of you that are able to attend. Please feel free to forward this to anyone that you think may be interested.

Moderator’s Address Opens Vision 2020 National Conference

Posted by Terry White on July 24, 2011  |  No Comments

The combined Operation Barnabas teams (pictured) opened the 7 p.m. Sunday session of the Grace Brethren national conference, hosted by the Grace Brethren church in Wooster, Ohio. Wooster’s pastor, Bob Fetterhoff, is set to give the 2011 moderator’s address later in the evening.

The pre-conference activities opened prior to the weekend and the first official meeting was the Saturday evening dinner and corporation meeting of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company. At that meeting, Tom Julien’s newly-published book The Three Princes was introduced.

The Associaiton of Grace Brethren Ministers held its annual meeting at 3 p.m. Sunday, led by AGBM president Joel Richards of Modesto, California, and at 5 p.m. CE National had its annual corporation meeting, highlighted by reports from the recent Momentum youth conference and Operation Barnabas tours.

James Sweeton Dies

Posted by Terry White on July 23, 2011  |  No Comments

Rev. James C. Sweeton, of Chicago, IL passed away on July 15th surrounded by his family.

Reverend Sweeton was born in Los Angeles, California and spent his high school years in Long Beach, California. He attended Poly Tech High School in Long Beach and excelled academically as well as in the sports of track, baseball and football. He set a California State High Jump Record while a senior in high school.

He continued his education at the University of California Los Angeles, John Brown University where he attained his Bachelors Degree. He then attended Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana and received his Masters of Divinity. He received his doctorate in Religious Philosophy at the University of Chicago.

He served as Pastor at Grace Brethren church in Mansfield, Ohio; Wheaton, Illinois; and Johnstown, PA. While in Wheaton, IL he taught religious theology at Wheaton College. He was considered a leader of his denomination in the United States. In addition he was a published author including Trine Immersion in the Light of Scripture and Church History. His Master’s thesis at Grace is still required reading in religion classes at Grace Seminary

Later in life he started many businesses including James Sweeton Associates, Public Relations Firm in Chicago, Illinois.

He was an accomplished violinist, singer and choir director. He had a great love of music which he shared with everyone.

His sense of humor carried many people through difficult times. He was an extremely compassionate person and made an everlasting impact on everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kent Sweeton, his first wife Marilyn Sweeton and their children; daughters, Pam (Byron) Miller, and Lisa (Patrick) Burke, sons Tim (Peggy) Sweeton, and Jeff (Dina) Sweeton, all of the Chicago area; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A Worship Celebration Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 23 at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 29W260 Batavia Road Warrenville, IL 60555; 630-393-4400. Reverend Alva Steffler officiating. A private interment service was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva, IL.

In lieu of floral tributes, Memorial Gifts may be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780 New York, NY 10008; or call 800-708-7644; or on line at www.michaeljfox.org or to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Home Hospice Program, 312-926-4600.

For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.

Storm Rolls Through Winona Lake, Downs Trees

Posted by Terry White on July 22, 2011  |  No Comments

Today's storm blew a large tree onto the Fifth Street home of Joann Wilcoxson, doing damage to the front of the house. Tom Avey, Fellowship Coordinator, lives in the house to the left.

A strong storm rolled through Winona Lake, Indiana, at about 2 p.m. today, Friday, July 22, doing much damage to trees and houses. To date, there have been no personal injuries reported that we know of. (Gordon Austin photo)

The storm blew down a number of large trees along the Winona lakefront and up Park Avenue in the vicinity of the Rodeheaver Auditorium, in front of the town park and city hall, and even further up along Boy’s City Drive. Thirteenth street was closed for a time because of a large tree that fell in the street, and a large tree on the lakefront by the BoatHouse restaurant was uprooted and fell back toward the parking lot.

Electrical power to the area was off for about an hour, with an estimated 3,000 customers affected. All stoplights along Rt. 30 throughout the Warsaw/Winona Lake region were out for a time, as well.

More Than 1,600 Youth and Adults Attend Momentum Conference

Posted by Terry White on July 22, 2011  |  No Comments

CENational recently created a summary report from the Momentum youth conference, held last week in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Momentum 2011 saw 1,625 students and adults be challenged to impact ONE person for Christ this year. Through main sessions, Power Trax, youth group times, outreach activities, and more, God moved in an amazing way through the lives of those who attended.

Everyone was called to make a commitment to reach ONE person for this next year.

During the first main session on Tuesday evening, Greg Speck opened the conference by giving students three steps to reach their friends. “It’s important to multiply our lives,” said Greg. “We need each other. Each believer should be focusing on developing, teaching, and releasing one person.”

Using two doors on stage as his main illustration, Jim Brown, senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Goshen, Ind., gave a powerful salvation presentation on Wednesday. Many students came forward to receive Christ.

Chuck Bomar, pastor of Colossae Church in Portland, Oregon, began his message on Thursday by telling students, “You’re Better Off Without Jesus.” Deeper into his message, he clarified this statement by showing students that, in place of Jesus continuing to live on the earth, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit. “That’s why Jesus left the Holy Spirit so you can live a life worth living in the midst of a broken world,” said Chuck.

David Nasser spoke twice on Friday, sharing how God has guided him through many difficulties in just the past year. David took students to Isaiah 41:9, explaining how God is with them, so they shouldn’t fear.

In other main sessions, Mark Cahill challenged students that “You plus the Holy Spirit is a majority,” and Jeff Myers encouraged the conference to “Pick up the baton.”

Before communion Saturday night, Jeff Bogue helped the conference process and take home what they learned and experienced at Momentum 2011. “Many of you dumped junk out of your locker,” said Jeff. “I don’t want you to take it home in your backpack.”

After main sessions, students entered into Power Trax, giving them the opportunity to learn more in smaller groups. Afternoons were filled with outreach opportunities, NAC and Quizzing, on-campus events and more.

There were many outreach opportunities and students brought items such as school supplies and hygiene products for “Acts 1:8-crates” to help the people in Johnstown. During Momentum WaSH packs were assembled to be shipped to Haiti, an offering was given to benefit Haiti and Urban Hope, and more. Lancaster Bible College, one of Momentum’s sponsors, even donated 300 backpacks.

The entire conference was involved in Saturday’s outreach called “Acts 1:8.” Students and adults took the love of Jesus to the surrounding Johnstown community, to areas an hour or more away from Johnstown, and to Haiti through food packing.

Momentum 2012 will be at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, July 17-22, 2012. Buildmomentum.org and facebook.com/buildmomentum will have details as they come available.

Winona Lake Women of Grace Host GBIM Family Reunion

Posted by Terry White on July 21, 2011  |  No Comments

Viv Ruiz, from the Philippines, shared how Filipinos are creating personal and church support through the "Woven Joy" program. The bracelets and other wearables which the Filipinos manufacture are sold in the US and around the world.

Each year, during the pre-conference Grace Brethren International Missions “Family Reunion,” when many of the worldwide GBIM family gather in Winona Lake, Indiana, for sharing, strategy,and fellowship sessions, the Women of Grace unit of the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church (Bruce Barlow, lead pastor) hosts them for an evening dinner.

This Thursday, July 21, a number of missionary couples were given the opportunity to fellowship, to share a meal, and to share prayer requests with the WLGBC ladies and their families. In all, nearly 50 GBIM personnel from around the globe are attending the meetings in Winona Lake this week.

Greencastle Church Offers Heat Relief

Posted by Terry White on July 21, 2011  |  No Comments

Pastor Paul Hutchison of the Greencastle, PA, church, has announced, “We have the church open for those in need of relief from the heat tthis weekend..if you know of anyone let them know Community Grace Greencastle 17 N Washington St phone 717-830-2261.”

The church is air conditioned, is serving lemonade, water, and a light lunch. The facility will also be able to accommodate overnight guests, if they bring linens and pillows. The church is located at 17 North Washington Street in Greencastle.

Moderator Discusses Future of FGBC with BMH Board

Posted by Terry White on July 21, 2011  |  No Comments

FGBC Moderator Bob Fetterhoff (center, yellow shirt) is meeting today with the board of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company to discuss communication issues relating to the future of the FGBC.

Pastor Bob Fetterhoff (top center of photo, yellow shirt) is spending some time today with the board of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company discussing ways in which BMH can assist the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches with its mission to connect and inform churches and Grace Brethren people about each other’s ministries.

Fetterhoff is the current moderator of the FGBC and is hosting the annual conference of churches at his Wooster, Ohio, church this week. Discussion today centered around storytelling efforts to inspire and motivate effective communication. Also joining the conversation was Keith Minier, pastor of the Grace Brethren congregation in Pickerington, Ohio, who gave perspective reflecting his young, fast-growing congregation’s issues and needs.

Scanning for Brethren Digital Archives Begins

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on July 18, 2011  |  No Comments

The 1954 edition of the Brethren Missionary Herald, along with others, are now available on the Internet.

Scanning for the Brethren Digital Archives has begun and among the first publications to be completed are issues of the Brethren Missionary Herald magazine and Grace Theological Journal. They may be accessed at http://www.archive.org/details/brethrendigitalarchives.

When complete, the Archives will include a digital copies of publications produced by the various Brethren groups that trace their spiritual heritage to Alexander Mack. Publications slated to be digitized include periodicals from the mid- to late-1800’s as well as theological journals, such as the Grace Seminary Journal, which was published from 1980-1991, and denominational magazines, such as the Brethren Missionary Herald, which was published from 1940 until the mid-1990’s.

They have partnered with Lyrasis, the nation’s largest regional membership organization for libraries and information professionals, to see the venture completed. It is hoped to scan 22 periodicals and 10 almanacs that are attributed to the Brethren movement as part of this first phase.

New Tom Julien Book on Unseen Spirits Now Shipping

Posted by Terry White on July 18, 2011  |  1 Comment

An important new book on the unseen world by Tom Julien has now arrived in the BMH Books warehouse and is available for shipping.

The book purports that throughout history, three princes have exercised authority over the earth. The three princes—Adam, Satan, and Jesus Christ—are discussed in detail in The Three Princes: Lifting the Veil on the Unseen World by missionary statesman Tom Julien. The book will be featured on Saturday, July 23 at the BMH corporation meeting in Wooster, Ohio, and author Julien will be speaking that night about the book and will be available for autographs.

Skillfully combining scriptural teaching with his own experience as a cross-cultural missionary leader, Julien portrays the short rule of the first prince, Adam, and then graphically unfolds how Satan, as the second prince, stole Adam’s authority but ultimately is defeated through the triumph of the third prince, Jesus Christ, who became a man in order to win back what the first man had lost.

Dr.Jerry Rankin, formerly the head of international missions for the Southern Baptist Convention, says, “The Bible is prolific in alerting us to be vigilant regarding our adversary, the devil…in this book the reader will find a comprehensive panorama of this biblical conflict and discover that the victory over our subtle and devious enemy has been procured by the Lamb of God.”

Dr. Timothy Warner, former president of Fort Wayne Bible College and professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, says, “Tom Julien has done the church a great service . . . in a very readable, balanced manner, Julien provides the needed spiritual-conflict dimension to the worldview that is essential for the understanding of both the Old and the New Testaments.”

The author, Tom Julien, is a graduate of Bob Jones University and Grace Theological Seminary. With his late wife, Doris, he served as a missionary in France for 28 years, during which time the Juliens began the ministry of Chateau of Saint Albain, which has become a center for evangelism, training, and church planting. From 1986-2000 Julien was Executive Director of Grace Brethren International Missions in Winona Lake, Indiana. He is currently involved in leadership training, including serving on the staff of his local church. He is the author of a number of books, including the highly-acclaimed missions book, Antioch Revisited, also published by BMH Books.

The Three Princes is a 190-page paperback, and retails for $16.99 wherever Christian books are sold in stores or online. The ISBN number is 978-088469-278-2. For more information log onto bmhbooks.com or call (toll-free) 1-800-348-2756.