The Brethren Evangelist May-June 2012

Evangelist The Brethren

May/June 2012

2012 General Conference July 18-22

Conference Is Coming!

The Manual of Procedure gives a comprehensive purpose statement regarding our upcoming annual gathering…

“The purposes of the General Conference shall be: the promotion of a sense of comradeship among the membership of The Brethren Church; to bring about increased efficiency and a profounder spirituality and a missionary and evangelistic spirit in all the churches; to consider and provide for missionary, educational and literary activities of the denomination as a whole; and to acquaint the church with the moral and spiritual welfare of society and to encourage activity looking toward the moral and social uplift of all people through the application of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

When we consider these words written many years ago, several things seem abundantly clear…

• This statement easily passes the missional eye test. It is clear that our forebears were intentional about the “application of the gospel.”

of a go-it-alone attitude, especially in regard to our commission. And that’s where you and I come in, as we celebrate this truth in our July event. It would do us well to be in focused prayer for ourselves and all of those who will participate. Many years ago I realized how my own pride and self-serving interests are so difficult to keep in check when I am among my peers.

When we gather, our attitude comes with us; for better or worse. Additionally, I’m sure you’ve heard that just showing up is half the battle. It’s true. We are all besieged by myriad reasons to simply stay home, play it safe, beware of over-extending, etc. And most of our reasons are good ones. However I think we often severely underestimate the power of community. When I rehearse the make or break intersections of my life, I quickly realize that without the gathered church I would have suffered terribly. We all owe so much to each other, and we owe it to the one who redeemed us to do all we can to draw closer to one another. This was his prayer for us.

“I think we often severely underestimate the power of community.”

• The vision of General Conference also had in mind the need to “acquaint” the churches with societal issues so relevant to that application. This indicates their desire to understand the dynamics that shape our efforts to each succeeding generation.

• In addition to a clear missional orientation, this event was also intended to focus on the fitness of the church to engage in such an endeavor.

Words like “comradeship,” “efficiency,” and phrases like “profounder spirituality,” and “evangelistic spirit,” speak to the concern that churches take seriously their capacity to faithfully embrace the Great Commission.

Of course all of these hopes highlight the truth that we are better together. The Scriptures know nothing

Please take a close look at the opportunities highlighted in this issue; the times of worship, reflection, fellowship, equipping and instruction. Make plans. It all focuses on this long-standing vision that we gather regularly, and make it count!

Ken Hunn, Executive Director

General Conference Featured Speaker

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Hugh Halter wisdom. Breathe out anxiety and know that your life is being guided by someone who actually cares.

As I sat there, my face in a pool of sweat, I was blown away by the peace that came over me as I pondered Jesus because of this New Age instructor. After the class, I walked by the desk where she was sitting and said, “Wow … you really helped the pastor focus back on God today. Thank you very much.”

“You’re a pastor?” she asked, followed quickly by “And I helped you focus on God?”

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’m often asked what we should do if someone is interested in spiritual things but seems to believe in God outside our own Christian way of seeing God. “How should we confront them?” they ask. I usually respond, “Don’t confront them. Instead, encourage their search. At least there is wind in their spiritual sails. Naturally they’re sailing a little off course (like all of us), but fervency in a slightly immature direction is better than apathy in the right direction.”

I’ve met Muslims who came to faith in Jesus by reading the Qur’an. I’ve know HIndus who found the Savior through botched self-mutilation attempts. I know quite a few New Agers who came to Christ when I encouraged them to keep seeking. Our scriptures seem to indicate that even if we mess it up, the rocks will cry out and donkeys may start talking in English! Jesus is the one who converts people and reorients the disoriented.

Jesus interacted with those who were unclear about their spiritual leanings, so you can be sure we all need to learn to help people process questions, opinions, and assumptions with grace, truth, tact and patience. The deeper you and your communities engage the culture, the more colorful, the more honest they will be. The problems and issues people deal with cannot be kept nice, neat and tidy. The world is confusing, and issues of faith are no different.

The other day, during another yoga class I was taking, I was enjoying what students call “the child’s pose”. Essentially you lay on your face with your arms outstretched, palms up. After a long, hard workout, it’s a welcome resting pose. As you quiet your heart and open you hands, receive

Just because you may have been walking with Jesus for twenty or thirty years does not mean that your friend without faith or friend with a different faith will not also have spiritual truths to teach you.

“Yep, you did. I have staked my whole future on the life of Jesus, but I fail in faith all the time and get stressed out.

This one hour with you every couple days is a place that really helps me center back on what I know.” She smiled and so did I, and our conversations are getting deeper and more focused on Jesus all the time.

I have learned so much about God from doubters and others who are not Christians, sometimes in surprising and shocking ways. Listen deeply to others with whom you are sojourning in faith. Just because you may have been walking with Jesus for twenty or thirty years does not mean that your friend without faith or friend of a different faith will not also have spiritual truths to teach you. By taking a sincere posture of back-and-forth sharing of what you are both learning about God in your daily lives, you’ll be earning a relational right to be heard.

Meekness will be the inner quality of a true apprentice, and it is a quality without which we can’t help people to see and find God This excerpt is from Hugh Halter’s latest book: Sacrilege - Finding Life in the Unorthodox Ways of Jesus

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General Conference Featured Speaker

Taken from Barefoot Church - Serving the Least in a Consumer Culture

by Brandon Hatmaker ment and disdain. I live in a really nice neighborhood; why in the world do I always seem to end up living next to the only house that looks like this?

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Brandon Hatmaker

…you’re so self-centereded that you didn’t even see her need, and this is exactly what you need to do to change your heart. …after a few more unexplainable “God” moments and some hours spent volunteering downtown with the homeless community, I was standing

in my front lawn absorbing our impending journey. I realized for the first time I was really beginning to care about the homeless. I never had. I had always seen them as lazy, most likely criminals, and probably drug addicts. But after serving for several weeks, I began to put names with faces and hear stories that could derail any of us. I began to realize that my stereotypes were not only unfair, but it was untrue. My heart had begun to change toward them. Bottom line, I was changing. Finally. It was incredibly refreshing.

Right at that moment, I was distracted by my neighbor’s lawn. It was about knee high, and it was annoying. The only thing more annoying than their grass was their landscaping.

The only thing more annoying than their landscape was the worn-out tire marks in the middle of the lawn where their twenty-four-year-old son (who still lived at home) parked when he came home in the middle of the night.

I quickly became distracted from my noble, righteous journey, and my pious thoughts were replaced with judg-

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God: “That really bugs you, doesn’t it?”

Me: “Heck yeah, it does. What did I ever do to deserve this?”

God: “Why don’t you do something about it?”

Me: “Why would I? It’s not my lawn.”

God: “Because she’s a widow who lost her husband five years ago to cancer and she doesn’t know how to start a lawn mower. Because she’s got a loser son who takes advantage of her day after day. Because not only are you a Christian, you’re a pastor. Because you’re so self consumed that you didn’t even see her need, and this is exactly what you need to do change your heart.”

Okay, maybe God didn’t call her son a loser. That was me. But he certainly made his point. So I got out my lawn mower and started cutting. And I wept. Again. Even harder than I did at the altar where I gave up my boots. And I did it every week—both cut her grass and cried. It took a whole five minutes. Quite the sacrifice! God made his point.

One day I noticed a plate of homemade cookies sitting by my front door. With it was a note from my neighbor that read, “Brandon, I just don’t know what I’m going to do with you. Thank you so much for cutting my grass. I only hope one day I can repay you for your kindness.”

She already did. I’ve been paid back sevenfold.

Mother Teresa lived by a belief that there is physical, emotional and spiritual need in every community. Need is everywhere, yet we too often fail to see it. If we don’t see it, we won’t be bothered by it. If we’re not bothered by it, we won’t engage it. By our neglect, we become the oppressor.

Jesus knew exactly what he was doing when he told us to serve the least. He knew that if we could serve them, we would become agents of change. Despair would change to hope. The reputation of his bride would change. And along the way, our hearts and minds would change. We need that in the church today.

General Conference Featured Speaker

Ron Vandergriend

From Motivation to Mobilization

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wise grandmotherly friend once told me when your kids say “No I don’t WANT to!” it really means, “No, I can’t.” And when they say, “I CAN’T!” it usually means, “I don’t want to.”

Great ideas often fail to get implemented not because we lack the will but because we lack the skills. We don’t know how to begin and we don’t know what to do next.

Over the last 20 years I have had the opportunity of interviewing hundreds of church planters and pastors who had good intentions and great ideas but failed. Their most common lament was, “I did not know what to do next!”

Formal education tends to deliver book-knowledge, and conferences highlight motivators, but there is a gap at the level of practical, skills-oriented training. The con-

Mental Map Behavioral Definitions Measurable Goals ventional wisdom of conferences and conventions is that 50% of attenders are not likely to implement anything, 15% would have done so even without the conference, and the remaining 35% walk away highly motivated, likely to start, but unlikely to succeed without follow-up, accountability or coaching. If that is so, how do we increase the likelihood of success and design “skills-based” training methods that will provide the results we actually want? At its core, it involves three things: a clear Mental Map, Behavioral Definitions and Measurable Goals.

The Mental Map is a vision of the destination and the road map leading to it. In our post-modern world, the idea

of a linear series of steps or stages is not always popular, but much of what we learn is a process of adding skill to skill until we achieve mastery. My father used to say, “measure twice, cut once!” The skill of measuring is a prerequisite for moving on to the skill of cutting. A Mental Map for church planting or pastoral leadership lays out the set of key skills and an order of acquiring these skills so that new workers and leaders will know the answers to: “What do I DO next?”

Behavioral Definitions (science calls these “operational definitions”) translate concepts into simple actions. Think of the movie “The Karate Kid.” Picture Daniel-san approaching Mr. Miyagi in order to learn karate. He got neither an instruction manual nor a motivational talk. Instead, he was schooled in the elemental behaviors on which almost all karate skills depend: “wax-on, wax-off,” “paint the fence” and “sand the floor”. In leadership training, for example, we often quote Hebrews 3:13: “Encourage one another daily.”

Do we DO encouragement well? Is it because we don’t WANT to, or because we don’t know how?

A Behavioral Definition describes those simple acts that can be put into immediate practice. Here is one example; encouragement is to SEE the good and SAY the good TO someone. Simple as that. Look for something good daily and say it immediately.

Behavioral Definitions also clarify what not to do. The opposite concept of “encouragement” is discouragement, but the opposite behavioral definition is to see the BAD and say the BAD. Our action word for that is “accusation,” and we know who lies at the heart of that behavior! An accurate Behavioral Definition is central to skills-based training because it makes it possible to use role-play and demonstration as teaching strategies. Once the simple skill is mastered it becomes the foundation on which a learner can improve and develop their individual style of being an encourager.

“You can only expect what you inspect.” Results matter and results can be measured. This does not take anything Continued on page 6

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From Motivation to Mobilzation

away from the Spirit, but only introduces discipline into the training process. No matter what evangelism method or strategy you try, for example, at some point you actually have to talk to people about Jesus. Having a Measurable Goal can be as simple as setting a goal of having, say, one interaction a day where you talk about Jesus and you go home and journal the attempt. Measurable Goals help us focus on the critical activities that ultimately put skills into practice.

Countable repetitions can eventually lead to mastery of those skills.

Interviewing church planters and pastors who did not achieve the results they longed for was both enlightening and heartbreaking. They had abundant knowledge and deep spiritual motivation, as do most of the emerging workers in our churches and schools. If we desire to see the outcomes change for those we lead, we must be prepared to answer their question, “What do I DO next?” Mobilization means action. Let’s move beyond motivation to mobilization and start practicing those behaviors (actions) that will lead us to the results we desire: growing disciples and more new churches!

Ron Vandergriend has trained over 15,000 church planters - starting more than 30,000 churches in 30 difficient countries. Ron’s unique approach to training, equipping & releasing leaders into the world will challenge your viewpoint of global missions, church planting and what it looks like to create a disiciple.

Jonathan Reitz has been CoachNet’s Chief Executive Officer since 2009.

Jonathan has worked as a church planter, speaker and workshop presenter, and as a strategic planning partner for congregations and denominations across North & South America.

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What is Coaching?

Jonathan Reitz explains

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aybe you’ve heard of Coachnet… someone you know may be being coached, or going through coach training within the Brethren system. But what is this CoachNet thing/And what is coaching/Who are those people? Well, here are 10 things you should know.

1. CoachNet is a multiplication organization. We are all about helping you make more of the things that are key to God’s kingdom. And we do this with an intentional process we call coaching. You only work on what you want to accomplish.

2. CoachNet (and coaching in general) is built on the belief that you already have what you need to get started. An effective coach draws out what you want to do and focuses on doing it with what you’ve got.

3. CoachNet — and the best coaches — take a posture of listening first. We work really hard to make sure we’re hearing exactly what you’re saying. Where else does that happen? (You should try it. It’s fun!)

4. After all that listening, a good coach — the only kind CoachNet has — follow up with powerful questions… you know, the kind of questions that make you stop and think. You can’t answer a powerful question with an easy answer.

These questions will stretch you.

5. Working with CoachNet — or one of our top-quality coaches keeps you focused on what’s most important. You’re probably not going to write a five-year plan, but you WILL make progress toward your goals. One leader recently said, “I get more done as a result of one, one-hour coaching conversation that in a year of meetings.” How about you? Making progress?

6. You can be coached toward any measurable destination. If you can break down the journey into measurable steps, a coach can help you get there.

7. Coaching is a relationship first. Imagine a person who helps you find the answers. And is all about your success. We call that person a coach.

8. The old saying goes “two heads are better than one.” Jesus sent the disciples our two by two. You and a coach, working together, making things happen. See a pattern?

9. It’s fun. Ask any coach (or anyone who’s been coached effectively).

There’s a serious joy about figuring out what you’re on earth to do (and then actually doing it!)

10. Bottom line: coaching works. Got something you need to get done? Got a change you need to make? Need someone to journey alongside of you? Try getting a coach.

Now that you’re armed with all this new information, why wouldn’t you consider coaching? CoachNet would love to help you find a coach… or maybe help you get started coaching yourself. The BCNO can help too. There’s plenty of training options available for you! What do you think?

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4 By the Numbers: 2 6 Why Plant Churches?

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hose of us who lead or have led established churches don’t like to hear it. Those of us who attend and serve and sacrifice in and for established churches don’t like it much either. It’s not a very popular thing to say in some circles, but experience and numbers paint a fairly clear picture. No methods, no campaigns, no amount of spiritual maturity in your leadership team can advance the Kingdom of Heaven faster or more effectively than planting new churches. The operative word is advance.

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Ed Stetzer, a church leader and researcher repeatedly says that starting new churches is “the single most effective evangelistic methodology under heaven.” The statistics from one significant North American denomination show that churches 10 years old or older baptize an average of 2.5 persons each year per 100 active members. Churches 10 years old or younger baptize an average of 10.8 persons each year per 100 active members. Respected church leader Lyle Schaller says that “dozens of denominational studies have confirmed the average new church gains most of its new members (60-80%) from the ranks of people not attending any worshipping body, while churches 10-15 years of age gain 80-90% of new members by transfer from other congregations”. Research also shows that new churches reach more people per dollar invested in ministry than do churches 10 years old and older. By the numbers, church planting should be one of the most passionate pursuits of established churches in order to fulfill the Great Commission.

The research and the numbers, however, do not create a negative commentary on your church…or your leadership. This does not suggest that established churches and their leaders are inferior to those of new churches. In fact, this data doesn’t say anything negative about your church at all. It merely points the way to the most effective method of accomplishing the kind of world-changing transformation that should be the heart’s desire of every congregation.

The research also doesn’t suggest that established churches should stop trying or investing in working the harvest themselves. Your church still reaches people! Your church still obediently makes disciples who make disciples who make disciples. This is, after all, part of our privilege and our role in the world. What it does suggest, however, is that we should all make the founding of new churches part of our overall evangelistic strategy.

Bill Ludwig

How and what your church does to contribute to this movement can take on as many unique forms as there are unique churches. The first best step is to start with something you know you can do. Contact your District Mission ministry or someone on the MissioChurch team to ask about what is going on in your area and how you and your church can contribute. Here are some ideas of what Brethren churches, groups and individuals are doing to participate in this powerful evangelistic movement.

Pray - Join MissioPrayer and receive specific requests from planters, regional coordinators, Mission Boards and others involved in church planting.

Connect - Local churches and individuals are beginning to connect with one another to discuss what their intentional efforts to multiply disciples, leaders and churches might look like. Find out the who and where and join them in the conversation!

Give - Individuals, churches and Districts are beginning to understand that if we are going to be prepared for what Jesus wants to do in us it is going to take all of our contributions to be prepared to step out in obedience with the resources to meet the need. Several churches and districts have built church planting and MissioChurch into their yearly budget.

Look Out - For individuals who have a heart for starting new things that will advance his kingdom. Some churches and districts are asking for more specifics on how to steward the callings of persons they are connected to towards church planting.

Your church and your established ministries are the stable platform from which these new missionary endeavors spring into life. What does Jesus want to do in and through your ministry related to advancing his kingdom in these ways?

Pray, connect, give and LOOK OUT! May our tribe increase!

Bill Ludwig is Church Planting Coordinator and Lead Catalyst for MissioChurch. Bill is involved personally in planting churches in Northeast Ohio and providing leadership development and internship opportunities for ministry leaders in the region. He has worked in the National Office since 2006.

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Non-Violent Peacemaking Phil Lersch for Brethren Peace Initiative

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t this writing, even during Holy Week, there is no shortage of violence and non-peace examples in our society that come to mind — close to home here in Florida and far away. Trayvon Martin’s shooting by George Zimmerman is still a number one news story; seven are killed by a student gunman at a religious college in Oakland, CA; six or more city policemen have been killed while on duty in the Tampa Bay area during the past year; a prominent citizen murders his wife because she has an incurable disease, and then commits suicide — plus the war in Afghanistan continues. That’s enough evidence to make my point: There is no shortage of violence all around us!

Therefore, it’s appropriate and newsworthy for followers of the Prince of Peace to focus attention on the other side of the coin — true examples of peaceful instruction and inspiration. Not just feel-good stories, but wise, mature, practical, compassionate examples of peaceful resolutions to deep-seated turmoil or desperate needs in people’s lives.

But first, we can do no better than recall a few examples and directives for genuine Christian living from God’s Word, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (you know the facts), the Matthew 25:34-40 “inasmuch” passage, also: Bless and don’t curse our persecutors Feed our enemies and give them a drink Conquer evil with good Seek peace and pursue it Put away your sword Never repay injury with injury See that your conduct is honorable in the eyes of all Owe only the debt that binds us to love one another Love your neighbor as yourself Love your enemies Strive for peace with all, and for that holiness without which no one can see God … and honor the admonitions in I Peter 3:8-9: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless — that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing (The Message).

Now, some examples: When I need some inspirational stories of Christian Living, I frequently turn to my copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul – STORIES FOR A BETTER WORLD,(available online, Amazon, 2005). Section 2, entitled “Love and Kindness,” relates details of these real-life experiences:

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*How a visitor to one of the homes of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India, spontaneously sang to a dying woman and created peace for both of them. *How a third grader secretly gave her lunches to a sadlooking new classmate. *How a special gift a little girl received from her grandfather disappeared, but it replaced her inner turmoil with peace that has lasted every day of her life. *How a woman, abandoned by a husband she had loved for many years, eventually found joy, peace, and happiness through the patience, wisdom, and practical counsel of an old codger. *How a patient and understanding preschool teacher’s assistant brought lasting peace to a frightened little girl from another culture. *How a mother, distraught, angry, and strongly unforgiving, eventually met her son’s murderer in prison — changing her life and bringing a peace she never, ever thought possible. *How an abused kindergarten boy, who refused to speak to a skilled and very, very patient teacher month after month, finally emerged from his shell and then surprised her even more on the last day of school. *How an older female hospital patient, preoccupied with crying out loudly about her terrible pains, was shocked into gentleness and love and peace at the presence of a oneyear-old baby girl placed in front of her. *How one kindergartner’s comforting touch and words to another classmate, whose father had committed suicide, brought more power and peace than anything the teacher could have done or said. *How a mother, totally frustrated with the unacceptable behavior of her 16-month-old daughter one morning and her own ineffective disciplinary actions, finally resorted to loving words and compliments — only to be thankfully surprised with the big hug she received!

It’s obvious that we are also to be channels, conveyers, promoters, practitioners, examples, and of course “instruments” of God’s Peace. This means not only learning about such noteworthy examples of peaceful and caring lives, but may they prompt us to “go and do likewise” right where we live and work. And when we take such suggestions and motivations seriously, it’s like expanding the Beatitudes to include “Blessed are the encouragers, the comforters, the inspire-ers, and yes the peacemakers… for they are faithful servants of the Lord.” Peace, nonviolent peacemaking, works Brethren. Jesus and Paul knew what they were proclaiming and demonstrating.

I Had No Idea I Was So Tired!

Pastor Lynn Mercer Pleasant Hill, Ohio

recently returned from a week-long spiritual retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico followed by the Brethren Pastors and Spouses Retreat in Phoenix, Arizona, plus a few vacation days with family in Dallas, Texas. As I told those present at our congregational business meeting recently, “I had no idea I was so tired! I think I came back with more life than I’ve had since Glen died.”

Our son Glen died in July of 2008, near the end of his education at Ashland Theological Seminary. It was a sudden, unexpected death. He had epilepsy. His death sucked the very life right out of me.

Oh, I’ve taken vacation time. I’ve been on other spiritual retreats, but this extended three weeks away did more for me than I could have imagined! My energy level is back!

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Pastors don’t have to lose a loved one to become exhausted.

A church member recently stated, “I think of a pastor’s life being like that of a farmer’s; on call 24/7!” Yes, there are always more things to do in a day than there are hours to get them done. The stress, the pressure, the spoken and unspoken expectations, and the anxiety that goes with fulltime ministry can be overwhelming!

The deacons at Pleasant Hill First Brethren Church graciously offered me an extra week of spiritual retreat in 2012.

I would encourage all congregations to offer spiritual retreat to their pastors and I strongly encourage pastors to take it!

On the Sunday morning before I left, I told the congregation what was going to be happening. I also notified them in a newsletter article. If you don’t tell them what’s happening, some people may think that you and your spouse are having marital problems. Just tell them what’s going on! If anyone in the congregation has a problem with your being gone that long, you’ll have others in the congregation who will defend you.

While on an intentional spiritual retreat you’ll have the time to position yourself to nurture a deeper relationship with the Lord. You’ll have time to pray, read, reflect, journal, rest, relax, and refocus. When you return, the people back home will likely notice the difference!

Although you may know others who have experienced different retreat locations, you may choose to contact one of the following: Broom Tree Ministries provides five day spiritual retreats for pastors and their spouses, free of charge, in either Michigan or Wisconsin. You can reach Dwayne or Rita Hanon at

262-646-7774 or broomtreeminisries.org. They do provide a self-directed guide that has no schedule other than directed conversation around the dinner table with other couples.

A Quiet Place is located near Bryantsville, KY. Rick and Teresa Jenkins offer a retreat facility for full time Christian workers. You may attend with or without your spouse. You can reach them at 859-548-9513 or agaperetreat.org. They offer a five day, self-directed spiritual retreat, free of charge.

Inn Keeper Ministries, located in Lewisburg, Ohio, offers free of charge housing for those in Christian ministry. Bob and Jan Hartenstein can be reached at 937-962-8312 or innkeeperministries.org.

Feel free to contact me at 937-676-2802 or firstbrethren1@ windstream.net if you have specific questions about housing, meals, etc.

These intentional times of spiritual retreat are not vacation. It is a work assignment. Studies have shown that healthy churches and ministries are marked by stability and longevity in their leadership. There is great value in granting those in leadership spiritual retreat time. The hope is that at the end of the retreat, you’ll feel refreshed and more closely connected with the Lord, ready to continue serving with a renewed spirit.

In the NEW DAY in The Brethren Church, we’ve been talking about transformed leaders. This is one way to help those in Christian ministry to position ourselves to be transformed by the Lord Jesus Christ!

If your leaders are too busy doing ministry to get away and hear from God well, they are too busy! If you value your pastors, please consider offering retreat and sabbatical opportunities for them to be refreshed and strengthened while they allow the Spirit to lead them.

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In Memory Leona M. Long Leona M. Long, 86 of LaGrange, Indiana, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Miller’s Merry Manor in LaGrange.

Mrs. Long was born December 3, 1925, in LaGrange County to Weldon J. and Marie Larimer. They preceded her in death. Living her lifetime in LaGrange County, she was a homemaker and a registered nurse at the former LaGrange County Hospital On October 27, 1946, she married John L. Long in Orland, Indiana. He preceded her in death October 18, 1997 Mrs. Long was a member of Brighton Chapel Brethren Church in Brighton, Indiana,

where she was organist and a member of the Women’s Missionary Society.

Surviving are a daughter, Barbara Ann Long of Fort Wayne, Indiana; a son and daughter-in-law, Bruce A. and Kathleen Long of Aurora, Illinois; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by two sons, John Douglas Long in 1947 and Robert Charles Long in 1954; a sister, Louise Damer; and a brother, Wayne Larimer.

Funeral services were held on April 7 at Brighton Chapel.

H. Francis Berkshire Harry Francis Berkshire, 89, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on March 31, 2012 due to complications arising from Parkinson’s disease. He was born on March 1st, 1923, in Masontown, Pennsylvania to Harry and Eva Berkshire. His father, Harry L. Berkshire owned and operated the Masontown Lumber Company. He had three brothers, Edgar, Clayton and Charles, all ordained pastors in the Brethren Church.

Clayton and Edgar are deceased. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy Berkshire, sons Mark Berkshire and John Berkshire and two grandchildren.

Francis was a WWII veteran of the US Army. He served in the 736 Tank Battalion as a medic throughout the war in France, Belgium, Austria and Czechoslovakia. He came home to marry his college sweetheart and complete his studies at Ashland University in Ashland Ohio. He also attended seminary at Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville,

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Kentucky and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary and later he received a Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Francis pastored Brethren churches in Udell, Iowa, Lanark, Illinois and a church plant, Papago Park Brethren in Tempe, Arizona.

In 1970 he began working for the Arizona Department of Economic Security as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. He retired as a manager and auditor.

A lifelong interest in genealogy led him to write the Berkshire Family Album, a genealogical study of the Berkshire family going back to the 1700’S. Francis also loved to fish, talk on amateur radio and to work in his garage. In his retirement, Francis and Dorothy volunteered at the Family Attic, a thrift store.

Francis cleaned and repaired items for sale. Francis and Dorothy attended Scottsdale Bible Church.

A memorial service was held in Scottsdale on April 27th.

May/June 2012

A Publication of the Women’s Missionary Society

The Missionary in Your Backyard

Press On “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

I feel like a broken record most of the time: When asked how I am, my reply is always “Too busy!” We are busier at work than we have ever been and it seems like my job responsibilities increase daily. Weekends are busy with our children and grandchildren, trying to keep things somewhat caught up at home, paying bills, running errands, grocery shopping, church activities etc., etc., etc.

Oh, did I mention time with and for my husband? Are you tired yet? Sometimes I feel like that old cliché, “The hurrier go, the behinder I get!” I have a hard time saying no. I want to do it all and do it all well. I need a vacation!

One-two week vacations never really worked for us. There was never enough money, time off work, kids’ schedules to work around and to be honest, I really don’t like to be away from home for a long period of time. The mini vacations, long weekends, etc. serve as mini vacations and retreats for me to help me regroup, so I am always looking for these kinds of opportunities. I just returned from Indiana District Conference and it was just a wonderful day. I learned a lot and came home encouraged and refreshed.

I am looking forward to National Conference in July and would like to really encourage you to consider attending. I want to share some of the reasons to take advantage of this opportunity. We all get Continued on p. 13

The Church Planter’s Wife

Jennifer Ludwig

Being a church planter’s wife is not an easy job. To make things even more challenging we’re not a typical church planting family in that Bill has another full time job (Church Planting Coordinator for the Brethren Church). Add to that our two kids (Noah, 11 and Emily, 9) are becoming more active after school and my full time job at Ashland University; we have a whole lot on our plate!

It’s challenging for most families to find the time to do everything they need to do (jobs, school, church meetings, soccer, swim team and Sunday worship) while making time to be a family. This is an especially challenging dynamic for our family. One big reason is the distance from Ashland to Medina. Even though it’s only about 50 minutes away, when you add up both ways and then add that time to the time involved with meetings, Bible studies, or other events, that means a late night. This makes it difficult for me to be in a Bible study or small group at our church plant. With the kids being in sports and music activities, we’re pretty much not doing anything together at church except for worship. This is really a challenge for me because it takes me a while to warm up to people and get to know them. It’s difficult to get to know people when you only see them on Sunday morning. This could be more challenging as the kids get older and get more involved with other things close to home. It may be difficult for them to be

in a youth group or other church activity for kids.

As for worship, we were trying to split time between City Center in Medina and Five Stones in Ashland. When Bill first started with City Center, we were going to Five Stones. The kids and I continued going to Five Stones and Bill would come with us once a month and the kids and Iwould go to City Center once a month. That way we’d be together for church half the time. However, with Bill’s traveling and other things going on, this plan hasn’t worked out well. It’s not an easy thing to be split up on Sunday mornings, so recently we’ve been trying to always be together in Medina. We’re still making adjustments though. It’s also a challenge for me because I love having a powerful, intense worship time. Since City Center is just establishing itself, we don’t have all the equipment and a large band to help Continued on p. 12

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Planter’s Wife continued deliver an intense worship. I know that my need is secondary to the mission of what we’re trying to accomplish at City Center, but I do miss that.

The time is also a challenge. Bill works a full time job as church planting coordinator, so anything he does for City Center for the most part is done on weekday evenings and on Sundays. Currently he devotes one late afternoon/evening on location at City Center. The challenge is that as City Center is evolving, he needs to devote more time and energy. Honestly, I have a hard time with the impact this has on our family time, but I understand why it’s needed — it’s like being caught between a rock and a hard place.

On the other end of the challenges are the blessings! One of the biggest blessings is the people at City Center.

They’re very aware that Bill has another full time job and also a young family. A few of them are regularly “checking in” with me to make sure Bill isn’t overextending himself at the expense of our family. What an amazing blessing this is! I grew up as a PK and it’s easy for a pastor to put his family in the “back seat” because he’s involved with ministry. It’s not a traditional job that needs them to 12 its people work overtime at the office, but and ministry that need help, direction, and support. It’s a challenge for pastors to say “no” to people. Bill is no different, but even though he has a hard time saying “no”, he’s been proactive about empowering and enabling people at City Center to do things. He doesn’t try to do everything himself. He knows that the best way for people to grow spiritually is by growing them into leaders and empowering them to do what God is leading them to do. Bill has a team of people (some interns, some members of the congregation) he’s working with to develop their gift of preaching and he has them on a regular rotation to preach.

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Karen Little has been a blessing! She’s a member of Park Street’s Joy Circle, WMS. Some of their members have chosen individual wives of church planters and their churches to pray for. She also made a “goodie bag” for me to take to City Center. She brings little things to fill it with about once a month (suckers, little bottles of lotion, etc.). This fulfills those “little unspoken needs” that nobody thinks about.

God is moving in City Center and as a result, we’re growing relationships in Medina. Not only are we growing relationships with people, but also relationships with businesses that see needs in the community and want to partner with us to meet those needs. We’ve opened a thrift store (alongside Pump House Ministries) to reach people. Our vision is to add a Food Pantry to that space as well. We’re partnering with a local farm to raise produce which will help supply the food pantry. City Center volunteers will regularly visit the land, weeding and harvesting. We’re also partnering with Love Inc. (In the Name of Christ) to reach people in the community. Love Inc. acts as a clearinghouse, taking phone calls from people with needs and connecting them with ministries who are best equipped to meet those needs. Lives continue to be changed as people begin and continue journeys with Jesus!

I’m still new to this process (I think it’s been a year now); our family is continually evolving in this process of church planting. While it’s exciting to imagine where God is going to lead us, the unknowns we’ll encounter on the road sometimes worry me. It’s challenging for me to not be in control and just give it to God. In closing, I’d like to ask for prayers from those reading who feel led to . . . for direction for our family; for us to discern how we can integrate our family life into the Church life at City Center; for strength for Bill and I to work together to effectively manage the family time we have and to be effective leaders both in the Church and within our family.

Oak Hill WMS Busy with Service Projects Tammy Thompson The ladies of the Oak Hill First Brethren Church WMS have been busy as usual. In addition to our regular monthly meetings, we have been fundraising and working on service projects.

In December we prepared and distributed gift bags to our shut-ins. We do this each year in hopes of being a blessing to those who can’t be with us on a regular basis, but of course, we always receive a blessing as well. We served cookies and hot cocoa to the community during the annual town Christmas parade and to our BYIC after their evening of Christmas caroling.

In January we began participating in two additional projects. We restarted a canned food drive to help our local food pantry. We bring items to each WMS meeting and leave a collection box in the church entryway so the entire congregation can participate. So far we have delivered a trunk load each month. We also started participating in another local project called the Backpack Ministry.

This program provides take-home healthy snacks for local school children who do not have food to eat over weekends or other school breaks. We began by giving a donation, then we decided to make this an ongoing project for our group. We plan to collect a special offering once a month and hopefully get some of our ladies to help with the food packing. We placed a decorated backpack in the church entrance to serve as a visual reminder of our commitment to this program We are looking forward to upcoming events such as our second annual Ladies & Girls Tea held at the end of April and our WMS family picnic this summer.

It’s good to be Women Meant to Serve.

Friends, Fellowship & Lunch with Fanny Crosby Ladies! In July during General Conference we will gather to share stories, hear reports, learn, laugh and worship our Lord. It’s the ONLY chance we have to be all together each year. The support, encouragement and love we receive and bestow are not things to be taken lightly.

The women of the Brethren Church from all areas of the nation, different stages of life and even around the world GET to meet in Ashland! It is a privilege and the WMS Executive Board feels the responsibility. We are working and praying to have a very strong program to bless ALL

women — current members or not! Join us on Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:00 at Park Street Brethren Church in the Worship Center and on Thursday from 2:004:00 in the Family Life Center (after the Luncheon). The church is located just one short block from the Hugo Young Theater and offers adjacent parking.

WMSLuncheon

Press On continued

E

physically tired because of our schedules, but more importantly, we get spiritually tired and National Conference is just the kind of mini vacation/or retreat that I am talking about. In the verse above Paul tells us to PRESS ON. Maybe this little acrostic will help you see why National Brethren Conference is “just the ticket” to be able to “Press On” when the going gets rough.

P

LUNCHEON for ALL LADIES Family Life Center of Park Street Brethren Church Thursday, July 19, from 11:30-1:30 What makes a successful luncheon???

Since I, Sherry Van Duyne, am responsible, I’ll answer this to show you my goals for our time.

Friends, great food, fun and fellowship, an enjoyable program and Jesus is honored.

R: Reconnect/Reflect/Refresh - Conference is a time to reconnect with friends, Reflect on where we’ve been spiritually, where we are now and where we want to be. It is also a time just rest and let the Lord refresh us.

I really, really hope to see you there!!!

Pre-registration is required through the Brethren Church General Conference Registration form available on-line at www.brethrenchurch.org and in the Evangelist.

O: Opportunities - Conference acquaints us with the opportunities for ministry that are available and suited to our giftedness. As we listen and learn about the work, our hearts are stirred and we begin to discover where our passion for ministry lies.

N

S: Staying Power - The inspiration, camaraderie, teaching, and motivation we receive at conference gives us the resources we need to have staying power and not get weary and discouraged in doing what God has called us to do.

S

R

Ladies, I can pray and plan and work really hard to make these goals a reality and I will. BUT, I cannot provide one part… friends.

So here is my deal. You do your part (bring friends) and I’ll do my very best to do mine. I guarantee great food, fun, fellowship and moments to honor Jesus! I also think that our program is very special – Fannie Crosby, beloved poet and hymn writer, will delight and challenge us through song and her life story.

O

E: Encourage/Equip - It is a time to be encouraged and become better equipped to go back to our local WMS societies to share new ideas and motivate our ladies to reach out to other women and work to make our societies stronger.

S

P: Purpose - God has a plan and purpose for us. In the day to day of life, we sometimes neglect what that purpose is. God, speaking to us through the conference speakers, musicians, church leadership and representatives from various ministries of the Brethren Church, who motivate and help us remember and redefine our purpose.

Sherry Van Duyne National WMS Vice President

S: Stand in the Gap - Conference is a time to learn about what is going on! As we hear about all the new work, whether it be with new church plants, foreign missions, the student ministry at Ashland University, expansion of Ashland Theological Seminary, various camp ministries with kids or the directions the Brethren Church in general, we learn how we can better pray and stand in the gap for those involved.

N: Networking - Conference give us opportunity to spend time with and share ideas with people with whom we are like minded.

Ladies, besides all of the above mentioned benefits, you won’t want to miss the WMS Luncheon on Thursday of Conference. Sherry Van Duyne, our Vice President, has a wonderful afternoon planned especially for you! Come, reconnect with old friends, meet some new ones. Let’s learn what WMS is about and become excited about the direction in which God is leading us.

Gloria Radcliff National WMS President

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Remembering Pauline Winfield National WMS President 1967-1975 Pauline A. Winfield November 21, 1916 - April 14, 2012 The hymn “For All the Saints” was written for Pauline Winfield. Well, not really, since William How wrote it in 1864, long before Pauline was born!

But, based on Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, the words are appropriate for her: “For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest, Alleluia! Alleluia!”

Pauline was a saint. She was loving and kind, a faithful worker in God’s kingdom wherever she was planted. She expressed the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. She and her husband, Howard, exercised these gifts in rearing four children; among them was Dick, a missionary to Nigeria. Dick and his wife, Kitty, became teachers in the Kulp Bible School.

Perhaps Pauline wrote “I am Happy in the Service of the King,” although it is publicly attributed to Alfred Ackley in 1912.

Pauline received much pleasure in serving her King in her local church, the New Lebanon (Ohio) Brethren Church. Over a period of several years, she taught the Sunday School class for high school juniors and seniors, directed the Carol and the adult choirs, was a deaconess, and was president of the local WMS. Mrs. Winfield’s abilities were evident on the district and national levels, also. She was president of the Ohio district WMS and in 1965 became the national vice president of WMS. This position she held for two years, becoming president when Mrs. Russell Rodkey retired. Pauline was national president of the

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Women’s Missionary Society eight years, from 1967-1975.

She prefaced every decision concerning finances with comments similar to “If giving our offerings is not a joy, we are not planning it properly!” This enthusiasm carried through the membership because these were the national projects successfully supported during her tenure: * ATS housing, * Revolving Loan Fund for the Argentine churches, managed by the Missionary Board, to purchase land, build churches and/or parsonages, * Established a fund with the Brethren Missionary Board for opening a new mission field. Eventually the chosen site was Colombia, South America, with Ken and Jeannette Solomon as the pioneer leaders in 1973. * The Ronk Memorial Chapel at ATS, * The Brethren Bookstore (The Carpenter’s Shop) Pauline’s philosophy regarding goals was “not to work for the goals alone, but for the good they accomplish.” Another time she said, “Goals are intended as a ‘target’ for accomplishing our purpose and not a scale by which we measure our good deeds.” She recommended we change the name of the public service to an allchurch program, in an effort to create new ideas both in planning and promoting our purpose. WMS is a channel for Christian growth and service; therefore, we should encourage and invite new people to work with us.

She suggested we seek ways to increase the effectiveness of our purpose; then, finding them, implement them wholeheartedly! Their implementation will add purpose and meaning to every WMS activity and activity to every WMS woman for a more effective witness (service) for Christ.

Terminology was adjusted during Pauline’s presidency. “Goal” was changed to “commitment” because being committed to Christ indicates we are also committed to follow His instructions and example. Goals are an aid for developing a Christ-centered life. And making definite goals for one society might not fit another society so the commitments are quite general, giving only suggestions.

Pauline derived great pleasure in reading the New Testament epistles of St. Paul, especially in the Living Letters, a paraphrase by Kenneth Taylor. She considered each chapter as a letter written to her personally.

Because of her love of music, Pauline probably joined the saints (vs. 7): “From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl stream in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!”

We who knew Pauline Winfield are blessed. She was a woman meant to serve, and she did. Her ministry among us continues. ~Joan Ronk

Helping Hands WMS Reflects God’s Love Esther Mishler In February the Helping Hands ladies (New Paris, IN) collected 130 stuffed animals and donated them to a distribution center that gives them to children facing some trauma. We have an ongoing blanket project that provides a gift for each newborn in our church family. We try to keep a couple in stock for emergencies also. On Easter Sunday our ladies provided a breakfast buffet following sunrise service. About 80 attended and it created an enjoyable fellowship time.

In May we will host a Mother/Daughter dinner party and plan inspirational entertainment.

Our main focus is to reflect God’s love and show concern for others by prayer and mailing greeting cards. When we learn of a woman or family in need we try to do something to ease their situation.

Our evening meetings were not drawing good attendance, so we now meet in the afternoon and use evening time only for special occasions. Regular meeting attendance varies, yet we always find volunteers willing and ready to help when announcement of a need or project is made to the congregation.

General Conference Schedule

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continued on page 16

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Registration for the 2012 Engage Youth Conference can be found online at BYIC.org. The cost for registrations received after June 1 is $350, with full payment due

by July 16. Registration cost for advisors is $295.

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YOUTH 2012

2012 General Conference Registration Wednesday, July 18 - Sunday, July 22 @ Ashland University Name: __________________________________________

Home Phone: (____) _____ - _________

Address:_________________________________________

City, State, Zip:_____________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________________ Complete and Mail, or Register Online at www.brethrenchurch.org

What to expect:

General Conference is an opportunity for Brethren Church leaders around the country to gather together to make strategic decisions, celebrate what God has done, be refreshed with old and new friendships and take part in leadership development training that will guide us for the next chapter of our story. 2012 General Conference main sessions will feature Brandon Hatmaker, Ron VanderGriend, returning guest Hugh Halter, Executive Director Ken Hunn and Moderator Ron Waters. Beyond Main Sessions, General Conference features various workshops, a ticketed events to celebrate the ministry of Malaysian missionaries David and Jenny Loi, a chance to deepen friendships, leadership training opportunities, Business Sessions and plenty of opportunities to be encouraged and challenged by one another.

General Conference also provides an ideal way for your church leadership to be exposed to all the ways the Brethren Church’s Church Health Team & MissioChurch Team can come alongside your unique ministry. Whether you are currently stuck in ministry, ready for something different, or excited to plant a new daughter church - wherever you fall on the spectrum we want to walk with you.

We look forward to hosting you and assisting in reconnecting you with the vision and mission God has for us. We hope you and your team will join us.

Conferences Cost & Delegate Credentials Early Registrations submitted before June 18, $60.00 per person.

Regular Registrations submitted after June 18, $75.00 per person.

Delegate credentials are obtained from your pastor and have been billed to your church. A limited number of district and cooperative credentials may be available through your district organizations. Credentials do not need to accompany your registration but need to be submitted by June 18.

Registration fee does not need to be paid if you are only attending a Ticketed Event.

Total for Registration: $__________

Bringing a group or leadership team with you?

Email brethren@brethrenchurch.org before June 18 to discuss discounted group rates.

Housing

Housing is available on the campus of Ashland University in the dormitories (no air conditioning) for attendees of General Conference 2012. There are also several area hotels and bed & breakfasts available. We recommend that you make arrangements for housing as soon as possible to assure your stay. Housing at Ashland University includes a linen packet for sheets, towels and washcloth.

Some area hotels offer a discounted rate if you mention “Brethren Conference” while booking your reservation.

Days you will be staying in a dorm: Tuesday ___ Wednesday ___ Thursday ___ Friday ___ Saturday ___ Cost per room is $45.00 per night.

I prefer to be on a floor with: Women’s restroom/shower _____ Men’s Restroom/shower_____

Total for Housing: $__________

Continue on other side

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2012 General Conference Registration Wednesday, July 18 - Sunday, July 22 @ Ashland University Ticketed Events Elders & Spouses Gathering w/ Dinner Dinner

Free Event x No. of tickets _____ = $_________

Free Event x No. of tickets _____ = $_________

Thursday, 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - 5 Stones Quarry

Wednesday, 6:30 - 8:30 - Location TBA

Brethren Ministry Wives - Reception and Fellowship Fellowship

Ladies Luncheon

Global Dinner - Loi’s Celebration

$12.00

x No. of tickets _____ = $_________

$15.00

x No. of tickets _____ = $_________

Thursday, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Park Street Brethren Family Life Center Center

Global Paradigm Lunch & Workshop

Thursday, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Park Street Brethren Family Life Center Center

$5.00

x No. of tickets _____ = $_________

$20.00

x No. of tickets _____ = $_________

Friday, 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Location TBA

Hugh Halter & Brandon Hatmaker - Lunch & Seminar Seminar

Saturday, 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Location TBA

Total for Events $__________

Ticket sales will end on June 30. Ticket sales will not be available during the week of General Conference.

Kid’s Conference & Nursery Nursery for children up to 4 years old will be available throughout the conference starting on Wednesday night and concluding on Saturday evening. Kids Conference, ages 5 -11, will be provided Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon of General Conference. Cost for the nursery or kids conference is $75 for your entire time at General Conference. Nursery and kids conference includes lunch and snacks for all ages. If you are bringing more than 2 kids, contact brethren@brethrenchurch.org to discuss discounted rates. Please go to www.brethrenchurch.org for more details regarding Kid’s Conference & Nursery care.

Child name(s): ___________________________________________________________

Age(s): ________________

Important Information

Total Cost

¥ Registration rates change on June 18. Be sure to register early.

Registration Fee :

$_____________

¥ Delegate credentials can be obtained from your pastor, district or

Housing:

$_____________

organization. Please submit your credential before June 18.

Ticketed Events:

$_____________

¥ Updated information regarding 2012 General Conference can be

Kids:

$_____________

obtained by visiting our website: www.brethrenchurch.org

Total Registration: $_____________

¥ Ticketed Event sales will end on June 30th. ¥ If you are bringing a group or leadership team to the conference for the week or even a session, contact brethren@brethrenchurch.org to find group rates before June 18. ¥ Stay connected to brethrenchurch.org to learn how individuals from your church can watch parts of General Conference through our live broadcast.

Payment Options: I am paying by check which is enclosed.

Please make checks payable to The Brethren Church.

I am going to pay by credit card.

Please send a bill to my email address.

I will be paying the full amount before July 1.

Please send a bill to my registration address.

PLEASE MAIL REGISTRATIONS AND FEES TO:

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Brethren Church General Conference 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805

Viseth Hou Ordained I, Viseth Hou, am a survivor of “the killing field” as a child in a time of terrible war in Cambodia. I was growing up and attending school when the Vietnamese Invaded Cambodia. I went to school during the country’s civil war until I graduated from high school and after that, I joined the army for to help stop “the killing field” and to turn back control to my country. In 1993 the war ended and I was released from the army, but because my family was quite poor; I ended up going nowhere except hanging out with old friends and doing crazy things in the inner city of Phnom Penh.

At Christmas 1993, I attended a Christmas Service where I heard the Four Spiritual laws and accepted Jesus. I joined with Campus Crusade for Christ teams and joyfully served God by sharing our faith through the Jesus Film and planting church new life groups in the community.

In 1996, I married Socheata Ten, who was involved with the Student Ministry actively. We were invited to train for ten months in Singapore. We came back and started by extending our student ministries in all the colleges and universities in Cambodia. In 2000 I was challenged by Campus Crusade leaders to be the National Coordinator; I was invited to train and practice in Jakarta, Indonesia to work and serve the Lord among the leaders, professionals and business people. I was invited to United States in 2004 to share a testimony how God’s hand used me among these influential people. On this particular trip I came to know about Ashland Seminary in Ohio.

In August 2005, I received a letter from Ashland Seminary to come and study. It was a great joy that God answered our prayers of many years for equipping us with a degree in God’s Word. I spent four years in Ashland, Ohio to finish my M.Div. In Ashland, my wife was not just a full time student, but we began searching for Cambodian communities in the Midwest and on the East Coast so that we could help them with training in God’s Word and to share God’s love with Cambodian unbelievers. In my third year of seminary I was called by a student friend of mine, Garry Castro, to meet Rev. Ken Hunn, the Executive Director of the Brethren Church, to share my vision with him; then I had several appointments with Rev. Bill Ludwig, the MissioChurch Director of Church Planting for the Brethren. It became a time when

From left to right: Rev. Ken Hunn, Rev. Bill Ludwig, Rev. Viseth Hou, Rev. Steven Cole, Socheata Hou, Rev. Paul Stanley

Bill and I carefully sought the will of God for Cambodian church planting and, at last, we knew California was where we should start.

In 2009 we arrived in Stockton, California, serving under Rev. Paul Stanley. We worked in the Carson Oaks Community Church as the Cambodian outreach representatives and we did an outreach program, called Khmer Lives College, every Saturday night. Those nights we were able to give testimonies and preach the gospel to hundreds of Khmer People in Stockton. The second year we were able to get visas, so we decided to have our own Khmer language service. It was a time that attracted many older Christians who felt called to help us in this particular ministry.

In the third year now, we thank God we have more families that are coming to church service. We have seven new families coming to the church. We plan to baptize them soon. On May 20, 2012, I was ordained as an Elder of the Brethren Church to minister in God’s Purpose Church. Please continue to pray for this new ministry. May the Lord continue to bless you all richly.

A Memorial to Pastor Hector LaBanca

by Juan Carlos Miranda “Welcome, Pastor Labanca.

Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Rosario, Argentina: For those of us who knew and worked with Hector, there is no doubt in our minds that he heard those words in the early hours of Friday morning May 4, 2012, when he was called to his eternal reward. Hector Labanca was a man of the Word and of faith.

I first met Hector in 1948-49 soon after he was saved and joined our Brethren Church in Rosario, Argentina. The following year he was called to the ministry and began attending the Buenos Aires Bible Institute. Pastor Labanca was a recognized and respected evangelist, pastor and leader, not only in our denomination but by everyone who benefited from his influence and ministry.

For many years he led our congregation in Rosario, one of the first churches planted by pioneer missionary Dr. Charles F. Yoder when he returned to Argentina in 1941. In that congregation Pastor Labanca met and later married Esther Lembo. Her family was a product of the first missionary efforts of Dr. Yoder, and also invited my parents to visit and join that church in June of 1941 when I was only eight years old. They were the parents of five children, most of whom are heavily involved in God’s work.

Argentine National Coordinator José Rivero communicated the news of Labanca’s departure; “We are sorry to report that this last Friday in the very early hours of the morning, our beloved Pastor Hector Labanca went to heaven. His funeral service was conducted in the church that he pastored for many years. The very next day, Saturday, he was buried in the Protestant Cemetery. The presence of so many pastors from the Rosario area churches who came to express their condolences and give testimony of Pastor Labanca’s ministerial influence was very noticeable. His family was strengthened with the security of a well-deserved mansion prepared by our Lord for a servant well honored for his fidelity.”

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Thrift Shop Serves Community and Missions Eloise Long On June 12, 2010, the First Brethren Churcn of Berlin, Pennsylvania opened a Thrift Shop in the garage of the Brick Coffee Shop (formerly the parsonage). We were open on Wednesday and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

In November the church acquired a new property and began renovating. The new location opened on December 1. After a break in January and February, the shop resumed and by April was open three days a week. The annual yard sale at the church brings in many people for half price clothing (most things are just $1.00).

We jave a good group of volunteers. They enjoy working together and we are very blessed with donations every week. God has certainly blessed us beyond what we ever imagined. We have been passing some clothes on to a church in Shanksville. They have a ministry where once a month they give clothes away and we are glad to help them out. We also give to victims of ďŹ res, school children in need, or anyone else that we hear has a need.

At our one-year anniversary our total proďŹ t for the year was $7000. All of the money goes into the mission fund. We feel we are not only helping the mission fund, but more important, providing a service to the community.

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Shopping for Missions Goshen Indiana First Brethren thrift store raises $22,000 for charity in first year It’s the little thrift shop that could. On the property of Goshen (Indiana) First Brethren Church is a small, brick outbuilding housing a ministry that has raised $22,000 in its first year for local charities.

The church had a thrift shop previously, but in October 2010, church members decided to revamp the purpose of the store to make it entirely missions focused. Instead of paid staff, they called for volunteers to run the store, launder and sort the merchandise and pick up items. The project is headed by a store board and by four directors, Karri Miller, Sue Bowman, Mary Metzler and Carol Clemens. Several other volunteers help staff the store. Because of the tight space, a church member volunteers the use of his offcampus warehouse for storage.

According to Bowman, one of the main goals of the thrift shop project was to make everything as affordable as possible. Many items are 25 cents, with an “expensive” item, like a winter coat, around eight dollars.

All of those quarters and dollars added up to $22,000 profit in the first year — 99 percent of which went to ministries and mostly local ministries at that.

have to provide any kind of income-related paperwork to buy the items. They are just restricted to one of each item per household.

“We wanted to do something for the community to shop affordably, but at the same time, we had a mission mindset,” Bowman said. The money comes in and quickly goes out to charities. “That was our new goal,” said co-director Mary Metzler, “to have the money stay here.”

The church also donates used blankets to a person who works with the homeless. Donated yarn goes to volunteers who make scarves and hats for cancer patients. Some of the proceeds from the store also provide trolley tokens to people with transportation needs.

Along with gently used items, the thrift store has a paper and sundries pantry where people can purchase inexpensive personal care items that aren’t covered under food stamps. Most items are from 25 to 75 cents. Buyers do not

The shop organizers have a “use it all” philosophy. The church has partnered with Cross Bars Ministries in Mishawaka, and Pumphouse Ministries in Ashland to take items not suitable for sale at the thrift store, many of which are recycled.

According to the directors, the success of the store is all His doing.

“For years we have not been able to give to missions like this,” Miller said. “This is all for His glory.”

Information for this story excerpted from the Goshen News, March 10, 2012

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General Conference Workshops Thursday Budget Discussion Ken Hunn & Stan Gentle Interested in learning more about the Brethren Church’s national budget? Questions, conversation and dialog are all welcome with Ken Hunn and Stan Gentle. Learn how finances are allocated and how they support the NEW DAY Vision for the Brethren Church

Leading from the Moderator’s Chair Pat Gravatt - Mt. Olive, Virginia Join local Moderator Pat Gravatt for an informal discussion of leading as a Moderator in a local church. Did you know there are resources that can help guide your meetings? Did you know there are tools that can empower you to make your church healthier? Join Pat for this conversation and to meet other Moderators in the Brethren Church.

Nuts & Bolts — Financial and Child Protection Finances and children. Two topics that seem simple at first — but are they really? How does your church handle its finances? What accountability practices do you have? How do you protect children while they are at your church? Do you provide background checks on volunteers and staff? Find out some helpful hints for both of these topics and how your church can be better protected.

Friday Global Paradigm Shift (Ticketed Lunch Event) Ron Vandergriend Do you think church culture has only changed in the United States? What’s happening in the rest of the world?

Join Ron Vandergriend for a look at disciple-making around the world and what our role can be in helping these ministries more effective.

Global Partners Updates Ken Hunn Are you curious about how our Brethren Church Global Partners are doing in their efforts? Come hear from Ken Hunn and Ministry Team leaders as they update you on all the exciting activities taking place around the world.

Missional Panel Is your whole church not ready to do this “missional” thing yet? What if your women’s ministry, men’s ministry, children’s ministry or youth ministry was passionate about doing something different... could they make a difference? Hear a few stories of Brethren churches having a dramatic impact on the Kingdom even with just a handful of people.

Generis Ron Leeper Generis is a team of experienced guides who walk with churches and ministries of all shapes, sizes and personalities to develop generosity – a generosity that permeates the culture. Ready to challenge your congregation to give more, to become a people of generosity? Most individuals will benefit from a workshop and conversation that is focused on general giving and how to encourage, promote & sustain increased tithing & special giving.

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Friday Coaching and Leadership Jonathan Reitz Explore the practical aspects of coaching and identify leaderhsip characteristics important for congregations today.

Saturday Church Unique Kevin Wilson Clartiy isn’t everything, but it changes everything. Yet clarity is rare in leadership because the chaos of process is required to achieve it. Clarity is worth it. It creates simplicity, which is beautiful to experience. It creates focus, which is amazing when you sustain it. Clarity enables movement. Movement is waiting for you and is God’s plan for his people.

Intentional Interim Vickie Taylor & Todd Ruggles Are you or your church currently in transition? Discover a different way to handle the time in between pastors or during a difficult season of your church. Join other churches currently in transition and individuals who are specifically trained to help you through this season for discussion and questions.

Spiritual GPS Bill Johnson - Park Street, Ashland This interactive workshop is designed to help you identify where you are on the spiritual journey so you have an idea of what is coming next, and it is even more specifically designed to help you be a better disciplemaker byunderstanding how faith matures across the decades of life with Christ. You will learn to identify seven stages of maturity in Christ-likeness, and you will marvel at the mystery and magificence of the spiritual journey.

Join us on Thursday evening for the Global Dinner as we celebrate the ministry of David & Jenny Loi in Malaysia and China.

Tickets may be ordered until June 18. Tickets are $15/person.

NO TICKETS will be available during General Conference.

“…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20a

The Brethren Evangelist (SSN 0747-4288) is published bimonthly except July/August by The Brethren Church, Inc., 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 (telephone: 419-2891708; email: brethren@brethrenchurch.org; fax: 419-281-0450.

Authors’ views are not necessarily those of The Brethren Church.

Subscription rates: Sent free to Brethren Church members; $15.00 per year to others. Member, Evangelical Press Association. Postage: Paid at Ashland, Ohio or addional mailing office at Mansfield, Ohio. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792.

May/June2012, Vol. 134, No. 3

The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805

Please let us know when you are moving.

This will save us much-needed funds for ministry.

Conference Offering Momentum continues to build in our church multiplication movement! While we celebrate the three new churches planted over the last several years, we are pleased to report that:

My gift for the General Conference Offering: $ _______________

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Two new churches have been approved for deployment by the Ohio District; Mission Church and pastor Josh Coffee in Columbus, Ohio and City Center Church and Pastor Bill Ludwig in Medina, Ohio. Several additional plants on Ohio are on the drawing board as well!

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Additional new church plants are in the foreseeable future for the Northeast, Southwest, and Northern California Districts. And, several other districts are in preparation for a plant!

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Regional Church Planting Coordinators are in place and/or being identified for Northeast, Ohio, Indiana, Southwest, and Northern California Districts!

_______________________________ Name __________________________________ Address __________________________________ City, State, Zip __________________________________ Phone # __________________________________ Home Church Please complete the information above, detach this form, and mail it to the address below, or call the toll-freenumber. Secure contributions may also be made online through PayPal by going to www.brethrenchurch.org/contributions.

Thanks for contributing to the offering!

The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805

1-877-289-1708

Each potential new church plant represents another $25,000 startup grant that may be needed to get things underway in each locality. God is blessing our vision and efforts to establish new churches. Now is a time to pray for more workers in the harvest.

And now is the time for all of us to sacrificially give to ensure that we do our part.

As an individual, church group, or congregation, consider today what you might be able to contribute to this year’s General Conference offering for another start-up grant to support Church Multiplication in the Brethren Church. Respond now or with your generous donation at this year’s General Conference!