- Apostolic Christian Church of America

Transcription

Vol. 68, #7
July 2013
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be
praised in the city of our God, in the
mountain of his holiness. - Psalm 48:1
Inside this Issue
The Faithful Church: Serves Others
page 3
Monthly Sermon
page 4
Oklahoma Disaster Response Update
page 6
Fishers of Men in Prescott
page 8
Biblical Financial Stewardship
page 10
Our Spiritual Heritage
page 70
Into Subjection
page 71
To Our Readers
Correspondence
For August Issue
(news from June 16-July 15)
Due: July 20, 2013
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus!
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2
SILVER LINING July 2013
Writings based on God’s Word
Light from the Word
The Faithful Church: Serves Others
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all
men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
(Galatians 6:10)
In the midst of a self-serving world, true believers
have an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Jesus
Christ by serving others. It is too easy to get caught up by
the whirlwind of activities that surround us nearly every
day as we fulfill our earthly pursuits. Although we need
to provide for our families, it is not necessary for God’s
children to get caught in the web of materialism and
entertainment. There is no end to the fleshly desire for
more of the “good” things that the world has to offer.
One of the ways we can escape the trap of
materialism is by serving others. We only have a fixed
number of hours in a day and in our lifetime. If we spend
too much time on self interests, there may not be enough
time to serve others.
The fourth pillar in the Mission Statement of our
church is “To offer loving, humble deeds of service to
fellow believers and all mankind in the name of Christ”.
As we look to the Bible for instruction to fulfill this
mission, we find ample instruction from Jesus about
serving others.
When asked by a lawyer what he should do to inherit
eternal life, Jesus confirmed to him, and to us, that the
two great commandments are to “…love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.”
(Luke 10:27) Trying to justify himself, the lawyer asked
“Who is my neighbor?” Jesus pointed out very clearly that
the true neighbor was the one who served in time of need.
(Luke 10:30-37). Mercy was shown by lovingly serving
the injured traveler.
To learn true service, we must look to Jesus’ example.
If we carefully consider what Jesus said and did, we can
learn how to apply the two greatest commandments.
Although He was the Master, He was here to serve. “I
am among you as he that serveth.” (Luke 22:27). The Son
of God, who truly is our Lord and Master, and had the
authority to require others to serve Him “made himself of
no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and
was made in the likeness of men.” (Phil. 2:7). He taught us
that if we think we “…have done all those things which are
commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have
done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10).
As Lord and master, He was willing to humble
himself. On the way to the cross He still modeled to all
His love for and submission to the Heavenly Father, even
though He knew one of His disciples would betray him,
one would deny that he even knew Him, and all would
for a time desert Him. (John 13:4-5). He still looked
into the hearts of His disciples and loved them with deep
compassion as He continued to teach truth and to lay the
foundation for Holy Communion. Jesus went beyond
providing for the needs of this life. He fulfilled the
ultimate act of service for each of us by giving His life on
the cross and shedding His blood for our sins.
As believers in Christ, we want to follow His example
by serving Him and His children. How can we serve
Him when He is not on earth? We can worship, honor
and praise Him, and glorify His name by following His
commandments. A natural response from those who love
and serve Him is to perform loving deeds of kindness to
His people and to all who are in need. When we serve His
people, we serve Him. Jesus told of those who could not
remember when they had fed, clothed, visited and given
him drink. He said “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt.
25:40).
We know that individually we cannot help everyone.
Where do we start? Jesus often reminded us to serve the
poor: “…call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and
thou shalt be blessed because they cannot recompense thee.”
— Continued on pg. 69
July 2013 SILVER LINING
3
Monthly Sermon
Sermon by Bro. Tony Manz
Junction, OH
Numbers 3 & 2 Corinthians 9
I’m thankful for the many expressions of prayers and
support as we were able to have this noon recess. I’m
thankful a mighty God who holds in His hands, not only
today, but tomorrow and each day that would come our
way. So we understand, don’t we, that while we live in the
present we have our challenges that we’re facing, but we
are also preparing for the future. That’s part of daily life.
One of those ways that we prepare is we eat, and
don’t we appreciate so much that the Lord lays a banquet
before us as we come into His house – a spiritual feast.
I think you probably find it as I do that as we go away,
we’re filled to overflowing. Perhaps we don’t appreciate
so much the goodness of the food realizing that God has
met our needs so many times and answered prayers so
many times that we’ve come to count on it. I think that’s
ok, but we do need to continue to pray. We do need to
continue to understand that there is a journey to be faced,
and we do need to take new sustenance. So to that end we
open the Word together prayerfully and let God lead us.
It would good to keep in mind as we read this
together that this was brand new to the people as God
was revealing His will and order of worship to them. This
is something that wasn’t handed down from generation
to generation. They didn’t know any of what they were
supposed to do, and so understandably they were pretty
attentive trying to understand what was expected of
them. They had a tradition of faith that was established
through their fathers, but it wasn’t an ordered way of
worship. They did what their fathers had always done, but
now God was asking them to do it His way. Let also pay
good attention.
We can see with this new way of worship that we
understand when God saves us from disaster, as a right
then, we are His. That is reinforced in the New Testament
4
– it says we are purchased with a price (1 Corinthians
6:20). Jesus came to redeem us, but in that redeemed
state, we are not our own anymore. We no longer have the
ability to order our own life. We don’t have the right, so
to say, to make our own decisions. Since we were destined
for death, that which was or that which would have been
is dead – our own ability to make decisions, our own
ability to set our future course. We die in Him and then
we live in Him as it said in the New Testament: we die
daily but yet I live and the life which I now live I live
through the faith of the Son of God who gave Himself for
me (Galatians 2:20).
When we think about that, this principle that was
reinforced by our Lord here in this life was established
already in this first covenant – that we are not to be our
own. We’re to be God’s. We’re to do it His way or allow
Him to set aside the pattern and the order of worship.
Then we also see that God had chosen according
to His own way, His own timing, His own wishes, that
instead of redeeming on the promise that every firstborn
would be His, [as we read back in the story of how they
were saved by the shedding of blood. The lamb’s blood
was put on the lintel of the doorpost and as a result they
were saved from death, a death that was as certain as life
was. As a result, God said now all of the firstborn are
holy. They are mine. (Exodus 12 & 13, Numbers 3:13)],
instead of claiming that promise or that right that God
had, He said instead take one tribe in twelve and set them
aside for my purposes to carry about the needs of the
tabernacle, the needs of the ways of worship (Numbers
3:5-8). Because the numbers didn’t add up exactly, there
was a specific accounting given that for every excess
firstborn there was compared to the men of the Tribe of
Levi, there was money to be given as well (Numbers 3:4451), and then it was God-pleasing. He was satisfied at that
point. But then they had to take up these new duties, and
as we said they didn’t know what those were. They didn’t
know what kind of worship God wanted. One of the
principles that we see as we read through some of these
chapters that are perhaps a little bit difficult to get through
is that purity was a requirement. Those who were going to
be in the service of God had to make themselves pure.
So we take that to the New Testament and we’re told
the heart is the temple, the tabernacle, the place where
God dwells, the place where He puts His name, and it’s to
be pure (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). It’s supposed to be clean.
It’s supposed to be a place set aside for the purpose of
worshiping God. We call that term ‘set aside’ consecrated.
We’re to have a consecrated heart. So all of these things,
and there are many others that perhaps God will reveal to
us as time would go on, but the pattern of worship in our
New Testament church was established as a longstanding
pattern of worship by God Himself. God wrote these
things for our benefit to help us to understand that when
He chooses a soul to work in His vineyard, He will bless
both those who send and those who are sent equally. Each
has a role, but God blesses each one.
Just a few other thoughts from the Old Testament
Scripture before we consider the New Testament teachings
contained in many different places on charitable giving.
I had to think as God was establishing this new way of
worship, He was disappointed by the way in which it
was actually carried out. Unfortunately that’s part of the
human experience – God trusts us to do the work, and
we don’t do it perfectly. But the amazing thing isn’t that
we fail; the amazing thing is that God continues to trust
us with doing that kind of work. I think it’s a pretty good
lead-in to this thought of giving with a cheerful heart.
Levi and Judah were called out. It was first given by
their father as he addressed each of his sons. They were
given a special role. It wasn’t until these many years later,
if we read from the Scriptures somewhere around four
hundred years later, that it was actually carried out. Then
the actual job that Judah was to take, which was to be
the lawgiver, was perhaps another several hundred years
until the first king of Judah was established on the throne
of which God had said forever there would be one. There
would always be a king sitting on the throne of Judah.
But Levi was called out, and from what little we can
read in the Scripture about Levi’s qualifications, they
weren’t very good. He and his brother Simeon were some
of the ones that treacherously dealt with their brother-inlaw because they were upset with how he had treated their
sister (Genesis 34). It wasn’t a very godly way to react, but
nevertheless God called out his family to serve Him.
As we read this together about Moses and Aaron
taking their different roles, I just had to wonder – from
an earthly sense we would have probably said they had
the roles backwards. If we remember the time when the
burning bush happened, Moses said I don’t know how to
talk. I’m not very good at it, and God said your brother
Aaron will meet you. He knows how to speak well so
I’m going to send him with you. He can speak for you.
(Exodus 3 & 4)
As it turned out, God knew what He was doing. God
didn’t, as we often hear, call the qualified. He qualified
the called. Moses turned into the one who did the
speaking. Moses was the learned one. He’s the one that
had spent the time in Egypt perhaps studying religions,
perhaps understanding the various different issues that
would arise. He was the son-in-law of a priest. It seems
Moses perhaps was better suited, from our viewpoint, to
be the spiritual leader and Aaron the administrative one,
but God didn’t call them that way.
As it works out, God’s needs were met. He was able to
teach His people. He was able to lead His people. While
sometimes it went contrary to nature, it went. God was
able to bless them for their efforts, and the people were
satisfied. Their needs were met.
Then as we would think further, God had established
that for Moses and his children the administrative role
would not be hereditary, but the spiritual one would
be. Again that seems backwards. It seems different than
what the world would do. A hereditary kingship is very
common, and a hereditary priestship isn’t. Even to this
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As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them
who are of the household of faith. – Galatians 6:10
Oklahoma Disaster Response Update
It’s been a little over a month since a series of devastating
tornadoes ripped through the Oklahoma City area.
Thousands of homes were destroyed and more than
twenty lives were lost
in this disaster.
World
Relief responded
immediately by
partnering with
an organization to
provide Family Food
Boxes. Thousands
of food boxes were
distributed to victims
of these storms who
lost their homes and belongings. Thousands of food boxes
were given to victims of these storms. Each box contains
food and personal hygiene items to sustain a family of
four for 4 to 5 days. A Bible is also included to provide
the spiritual sustenance required in this difficult situation.
In addition, World Relief provided financial support
to an organization that specializes in first response. By
studying weather patterns, they are able to anticipate
when and where the next disaster may hit. They position
their rapid response team near storm locations and, when
alerted to potential disaster, deploy immediately with
their fleet of specialized disaster response equipment.
They were on the scene in Oklahoma promptly to provide
assistance to municipalities and local first responders in
the wake of the devastation.
cooperative effort seeks to identify those families who
cannot recover without help from others.
This process requires time for victims to apply for
assistance and for case managers to review applications
and verify financial need. Typically, this process takes
a minimum of three to four months to complete. At
the time of our visit, we explained the scope of our
capabilities and assured them of our desire to serve.
Identifying families who need help
Critical to the implementation of a disaster-rebuilding
project, is the need to locate a suitable facility to house
our volunteers. The search for such a facility began on our
first visit to the Moore area.
Since that time, a facility has been located and a
tentative agreement has been reached regarding the use of
Two weeks after the massive EF5 tornado hit Moore,
members of the World Relief USA Committee traveled to
Oklahoma to survey the damage and to explore ways to
be involved in the recovery of this community.
Contact was made with several organizations who
are involved in the case management process. This
Rebuilding projects
As the process moves forward, the rebuilding projects
and the prospect of future volunteer needs is becoming
clear. Within the next several weeks, another trip to
Oklahoma will provide an opportunity to meet with case
management workers to review the needs that have been
identified. Through past experiences, we have found this
process to be of great value in directing us to those most
in need.
Mobilizing our volunteers
6
...The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. – Matthew 9:37-38
AC Publications Overview
It is the mission of Apostolic Christian Publications
to promote spiritual growth and religious training by
developing, publishing and disseminating Christian
materials relating to the needs, purposes and functions of
the Apostolic Christian Church of America.
Publications Committee
The Publications Committee currently consists of
sixteen brothers from various churches throughout the
country. Brothers, including two Elder brothers, serve
ten-year terms. All churches are welcome to be on the
rotation to serve on this committee. If your church is
currently not involved, please call or e-mail Apostolic
Christian Publications and you will be added to the list.
The committee typically meets twice a year in January
and June, but is in communication on issues and ideas
throughout the year.
Scope of services
•
•
•
•
Provide retail distribution for Christian material sales
Maintain inventory for the brotherhood needs.
Preserve availability of doctrinally sound materials.
Review potential additions to materials offered as
directed by the Communications Committee.
Merging operations
Recently the decision was made to bring the operations
of the Bluffton Bible Distribution under the umbrella of
Apostolic Christian Publications. Each year thousands
of Bibles, Bible story books, and tracts are either sold
or given away freely through the efforts of volunteers.
Offerings are made through hospitals, prison ministries,
food pantries, truck stops, doctors’ offices, newspaper
advertisements, and many other avenues.
New building plans
Publications Committee has received support to build
a new bookstore and warehouse. The new site is on the
property of the Goodfield World Relief Distribution
Center. The current location in Eureka has served us well
since December 1989, but with the additional duties, the
Committee felt the need for increased space.
Having the bookstore on the site of the Distribution
Center will benefit both organizations, as it provides
an opportunity to make effective use of the collective
resources already available. Final permitting and plans are
under way, with construction at the new site expected to
begin around mid-year 2013.
Bible study materials
Now available on our website and in the bookstore are
Bible study materials developed under the direction of the
Bible Study Development Committee. Three studies are
currently available with more studies under development.
Please check the website or visit the bookstore for new
material.
PDF articles
Archived PDFs of the Silver Lining starting with the
June 2010 issue are available for free download on the
Apostolic Christian Publications website. These are
complete copies of the Silver Lining publication. Light
from the Word articles are also available on the website.
Church practice booklets
There are eight booklets describing various aspects of
church life. The historical origins of each practice have
been traced and explained. These are available in booklet
form or as free PDF downloads on our website. These are
great for teaching our students and informing those who
have a lack of understanding of some of our practices.
As a result of the need for additional space arising from
the Bible Distribution merger, the Apostolic Christian
7
...The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. – Matthew 9:37-38
Fishers of Men in Prescott, AZ
The first sermon by an Apostolic Christian minister
was preached in Prescott on May 4, 1986 by Elder Bro.
Richard Schupbach from Phoenix, with approximately
forty six people in attendance. At that time, they met in
a modified mobile home situated behind the office of a
chiropractor, Ray Massner. Bro. Harvey and Sis. Ethel
Smith, a relative of Ray’s, had moved to the Prescott area
to live.
An encouraging footnote to Ray’s generosity of
letting the Prescott gathering use part of his facility for
many years is that Ray found grace to repent shortly
before passing into eternity.
Families enjoy the area
Many of the current families were drawn to the Prescott
area by the wonderful four-season climate, including the
changing of the leaves in the fall and snow in the winter,
as they are at approximately 5,000 feet elevation.
The area includes many small but growing towns,
while still offering the relative closeness of large city
services. Innumerable opportunities for outdoor activities,
full services for retirement and education for younger
people, also continue to be attractions to the area today.
Prescott is an easy 100-mile drive north of Phoenix
and 100 miles southwest of Flagstaff. It is the county
seat of Yavapai County and has a population of 40,000.
With nearby small towns, the total population is about
100,000.
Opportunities for service
For a number of years thereafter, an average of 45
people attended services, which were held once a month
by Phoenix ministers. In 1995, services were started
weekly, with ministers continuing to support them from
Phoenix and Tucson. In 1998 the congregation was able
to purchase land, and in February 2000 a new church
building was constructed in a subdivision on the north
edge of Prescott.
Recently, Bro. Stan Schambach has been called to the
ministry in Prescott. He and his wife, Sis. Norma, will
also continue serving as the contacts there. Prescott has
and will continue to enjoy support from ministers across
the country as part of the national minister rotation.
They are also blessed to be supported by the Phoenix, AZ
church. Bro. Jon Kokanovich has oversight of the church.
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you
fishers of men.” Matt 4:19
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father
is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,
and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27
To fulfill the commands, to be “fishers of men” and
to take care of orphan children, three families from the
Prescott, Arizona church are embarking on an outreach
ministry called Redemption Hill Ranch. Two of these
families have moved there for this purpose. Their mission
is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where
children and families can learn about the saving hope
of Jesus Christ, and acquire practical skills such as car
mechanics, carpentry, concrete, landscaping, gardening
and livestock.
To assist at the ranch, two single members have also
moved from the Midwest. This gives Prescott church
a total of eleven families, seven singles, and seventeen
children who live and worship in this area. Many of these
families and singles were also drawn to the area through
8
Continued Articles
Fishers of Men
— Continued from pg. 8
the Lord’s leading to support a small
church and foster outreach into the
community.
In addition to the ranch, the
Prescott church family is active in
spreading the gospel in their areas of
employment and with neighbors and
friends. They serve meals monthly at
the Prescott Area Woman’s Shelter
and provide World Relief activities
that involve everyone, ages four and
up.
Come worship with us
The church family invites everyone
to come and worship with them.
Please pray for the growth of their
congregation and God’s continued
blessings. If it is in His will,
prayerfully consider moving to the
Prescott area.
Services are held at 10:00 am and
12:15 pm (MST) every Sunday. In
addition, Bible studies are held one
Wednesday night per month. See the
Apostolic Christian Churches and
Ministers book for additional details
and contacts for planning purposes.
The church is located at:
5675 Foxglove Place
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 777-0425
Oklahoma Update AC Publications
this facility for the three month time
period. This facility offers sleeping
areas for both men and women, a
commercial kitchen with large dining
area, a chapel and adequate parking
space for the fleet of World Relief
vehicles and equipment. We are
thankful for the Lord’s direction in
locating this facility.
Combined hymnal
Worship services
A number of Spanish materials
have been made available as free
downloads or can be ordered from
the store. Included among these are
a Church Welcome booklet, Himnos
de la Iglesia, Statement of Faith, God’s
Perfect Plan of Salvation tract, and La
Manana Gloriosa, a CD of acappella
hymns from Himnos de la Iglesia.
Consideration will soon be given
to the options for Sunday worship
services. With the closest Apostolic
Christian Churches around three
hours away, this may require services
to be held on site. Volunteers would
also have the option of attending
services in Kiowa or Wichita before
driving to Oklahoma City. These
small churches would appreciate the
opportunity for more fellowship.
Volunteer opportunities
Please pray for the Lord’s continued
direction as we seek to do His
will as we serve the needs of these
disaster victims. As plans become
more solidified, opportunities for
volunteers will be communicated
through the World Relief email.
For more information contact:
Les Schambach
(630) 377-5271 Home
(630) 247-5271 Cell
usa@acwr.org
This is a combination of the
Hymns of Zion and the Tabernacle
Hymns in one book. This hymnal
as well as the Hymns of Zion,
Tabernacle Hymns, Gospel Hymns,
and The Children’s Harp are all
available for order.
Spanish materials
Contact info:
Apostolic Christian Publications
805 W Cruger St
Eureka, IL 61530
Phone and Fax: 309-467-3611
Email: office@acpublications.org
www.acpublications.org
Hours:
Mon - Fri 8:30am – 11:30am
(CST)
9
Biblical Financial Stewardship
Part Three of Three
How much a person should give to charitable causes is
a very personal and confidential decision. There are so
many organizations that depend on donations to finance
their ministries. Clearly, the needs are unlimited but our
resources are limited. One would receive a wide variety
of answers to the question, “How much should I give?”
Fortunately, God’s Word gives us clear direction on this
all-important matter of giving.
There is no question or doubt that God desires His
children to place a high priority on giving. Jesus told His
disciples, “ freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew
10:8) The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that
“God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) And in
Acts, Paul tells the elders of Ephesus that they should,
“remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is
more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
An attitude of giving is simply a natural consequence
of living out the principle that we do not own our
possessions – we are stewards of that which God owns
and has entrusted us to manage. Perhaps we were
accustomed to asking God the question, “Lord, what
should I do with my money?” But once we acknowledge
that He owns it all, our prayer changes to, “Lord, what
should I do with Thy money?” That’s stewardship versus
ownership.
Attitudes for Giving
We first need to understand that God’s Word tells us
“how” we give is just as important as “how much” we
give. Without a proper attitude, our gifts – no matter
how large or small – will not bring the intended blessing.
And although our motivation for giving can be hidden
from men, it is well known to God because His Word
is a “ discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
(Hebrews 4:12)
a. Our giving should be done willingly and
cheerfully.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so
let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a
10
cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The word “grudgingly” in this verse means “with
sadness, grief, sorrow, or heaviness.” It describes one who
gives with a reluctant attitude, preferring rather to use his
gift for personal pleasure. What’s interesting here is that
the recipient still receives the blessing of the gift, but the
giver’s blessing is reduced.
b. Our giving should be with humility and pure
motives.
In order for our giving to receive the greatest blessing,
our motivation must be with the purest of intentions.
Jesus Himself taught this very important principle:
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be
seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father
which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms,
do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in
the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory
of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But
when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy
right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and
thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee
openly.” (Matthew 6:1-4)
(Note: the word “alms” in this passage means “acts
of compassion or beneficence toward the poor” and is not
restricted to just the giving of money.)
The principle can be simply stated as follows: When
we give the resources that God has bestowed on us to
help others, we can have as our reward either the glory
and praise of men or the blessing of God; we cannot have
both.
c. Our giving should be a high priority.
In the Old Testament, God instructed His people
that the firstfruits of the harvest were to be given to
Him: “The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring
unto the house of the Lord thy God.” (Exodus 34:26) This
theme is repeated and extended to all our “substance” in
Proverbs: “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with
the firstfruits of all thine increase.” (Proverbs 3:9) The next
verse reveals the blessing that will come from obeying this
command: “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy
presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Paul gave the Corinthians a simple yet effective
method for applying this principle in their daily lives:
“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay
by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no
gatherings when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Setting a priority on our giving means “taking from
the top” instead of “surrendering the leftovers.”
first be submitted to God and His will for us. We also
need to be discerning of God’s leading through the still,
small voice of the Holy Spirit. Finally, we need to ask for
God’s specific direction in giving and to open the doors
that will show us His direction for our giving.
Crown Financial Stewardship Bible Study materials
can be purchased from www.acpublications.org.
How Much to Give
Have Thine Own Way Lord
Even among those who have a heart to give, there is a
wide diversity in the answer to the question above.
In the Old Testament, God commanded His people
to give a tithe, or ten percent, to the Lord. This was so
important that He condemned them for not tithing
properly:
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye
say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this
whole nation.” (Malachi 3:8-9)
The noteworthy characteristic of a tithe is that it is
systematic and equitable. Whether an individual has
little or great wealth, the tithe results in giving that is
proportional to his or her material resources.
The teachings of the New Testament do not
command God’s people to tithe. In fact, Jesus used the
word “tithe” in rebuking the scribes and Pharisees for
their self-righteous acts (see Matthew 23:23). And, when
Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and the publican,
the self-righteous Pharisee proudly mentioned his fasting
and tithing in his prayer (see Luke 18:12).
What the New Testament does offer are these two
recommendations:
a. Our giving should be in proportion to the
material blessings we have received.
b. Our giving should be done willingly,
cheerfully, and sacrificially.
To answer the above question, it is critical that we
“Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay!
Mold me and make me after thy will
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way. Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only,
always, living in me”
“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;
he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest
in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zeph. 3:17
“And Jesus looking upon them saith,
With men it is impossible, but not with God:
for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
“My God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19
11
Congregation Updates
Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped
achh.org
A Volunteer Dinner was held
thanking those who have donated
time and talent to the mission
of Apostolic Christian Home for
the Handicapped. Our volunteers
include those who have been active
in supporting the Home since Day
1, even before the Timber Ridge
building was constructed. Many
volunteers have come on board
over the years since 1971, using
their skills to improve life for our
residents. There are young people
who volunteered for the first time this
past year.
The labor done by skilled
tradesmen is valued highly. A resident
in one of our homes would put a very
high value on the young person who
spent an evening playing games with
them. Each volunteer is a blessing to
us.
Speakers at the Volunteer Dinner
told of God’s amazing provision
through volunteers and donors for
the renovation of the Jefferson Street
office for the CILA program. Not
only did this provision benefit the
ACHH agency, but it was also a
wonderful testimony of Christ’s love
to staff who watched it all unfold.
It took the willingness of drivers
to drive the bus and teachers to teach
for a mother’s prayers for her child’s
spiritual nurturing to be answered.
Hearts were touched as she gave us
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an inside look at the years and miles
of God’s provision for her daughter
with special needs.
Everyone who is interested in the
mission of Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped can contribute
by continuing to pray for us. And we
thank you for that.
Gateway Woods Apostolic
Christian Children’s Home
Janice Beer, Foster Care Secretary
Gateway Woods Annual Auction!
What is the first thing that comes
to your mind—the great fellowship,
the yummy food, the fun of bidding?
Before I came on staff at Gateway
Woods, those were the things I
enjoyed too.
Let me tell you what the
Gateway Woods Annual Auction
means to me now. Encouragement.
Yes, encouragement! The fellowship
is truly great. The food is indeed
yummy. The proceeds raised from
the items bid upon provide crucial
funding, but an “invisible” benefit of
the Auction is the encouragement it
gives Gateway Woods staff. There is
no dollar value for encouragement.
Gateway Woods Family Services
is a ministry to needy, hurting
children and families. Because Jesus
is the answer, and we follow Him in
meeting the needs of our clients, we
work on a spiritual battlefield. Satan
tries to use all sorts of “weapons” to
deter us from God’s work. I believe
one of his most successful tactics is
discouragement.
Often we don’t get to see the end
result of our labor. We don’t know
if the seed of Truth that was planted
has yielded any fruit yet. Satan
likes to make houseparents or foster
parents feel like they are alone in the
fight with these young people. Some
of us sit in offices behind computers
all day and wonder how our work
has any impact. Other staff members
see their clients refuse the Truth
and continue on in their ungodly
lifestyles. Discouragement creeps in.
At last year’s Auction,
the overwhelming feeling of
encouragement from all who
attended moved me to tears. It had
been a difficult year in the Foster
Care Department, and the sight of
the huge crowd of people attending
the Auction gave me an indescribable
feeling of encouragement. Satan
wanted me to think that we were
in this battle practically alone,
but the sight of all the people who
came to the Auction killed his lie.
Houseparents have told me that
they have felt this same refreshing
encouragement when seeing so many
people attend the Auction to support
this mission.
On some of these gray Indiana
days when Satan tries to bully me,
I quickly remember the sight of the
huge crowd of people who attended
the Auction. I feel humbled and
encouraged to carry on His work.
Thank you for the support of your
attendance.
News:
Mark your calendars! The
Annual Gateway Woods Auction is
coming this year on Saturday, August
3. Come join us and nearly two
thousand others for a wonderful day
of fellowship with loved ones, good
food, giving and so much more! Also,
if you are interested in donating an
item for this year’s auction, please
contact your local representative or
contact Ross Feller at 888.443.4283
or ross.feller@gatewaywoods.org.
Gateway Woods is seeking
a dedicated individual to serve
as the Executive Director for the
organization. If you feel that God has
gifted you to lead an organization,
and you have a passion to serve
children and families, please see the
notice at the back of this issue.
We are looking for summer
volunteers! This is a great opportunity
for brothers or sisters of any age
to serve children in need, spend
time with old friends, and get to
know some new people. If you are
interested in volunteering, please
visit gatewaywoods.org/supporters/
volunteer or contact Bro. Derek
Steffen at Derek.Steffen1@gmail.com
or via phone at 616.822.8409.
We are so thankful to
welcome two new sets of Alternate
Houseparents to the Gateway Woods
residential team! Bro. Jon & Sis. Beth
Ringger (Leo) and Bro. Paul & Sis.
Leanne Fischer (Leo) will all join the
staff in late June/early July! Please be
prayerful for them as they transition
into their houses.
Currently our campus is
completely full! This is a wonderful
opportunity to serve more children
and families, but it also is stressful
for everyone involved. We would be
thankful for your prayers, especially
for the houseparents and teachers.
We are grateful to God for
providing us with wonderful Staff.
We have several career positions
available: one opening for a
Development Coordinator, and an
opening for a Foster Care Program
Manager. For more information
please see the notice at the back
of this issue or visit the Career
Opportunities page on our website at
www.gatewaywoods.org/supporters/
career-opportunities. We trust
that God will continue to provide
qualified, mature brothers and sisters
who will serve Him in a ministry
that is ‘Turning Lives Around’.
Perhaps this includes you!
You are an important advocate to
help us spread the word about God’s
work at Gateway Woods. Please
continue to lift us up in prayer, check
our website www.gatewaywoods.org
and our Facebook page at facebook.
com/gatewaywoods often for updates,
and make sure that you are on our
mailing list. If you would like be
added to our mailing list, please
contact us at 888.443.4283 or send
an email to info@gatewaywoods.org.
Finally, if you would like to receive
a monthly email detailing how the
work at Gateway Woods is bringing
help and healing to those in need,
please consider joining our Restoring
Hope email list. You can do so at our
website or by emailing ross.feller@
gatewaywoods.org.
Apostolic Christian
Preschool Athens, AL
Susan Koch
June 2013 seemed to fly by. Then
we had a solid week of rain which
rejuvenated everything. The grass
and gardens are green once again.
We enjoyed spending time with the
Indianapolis Sunday School kids who
came down on a work team. They
were so willing to work and a joy in
fellowship. Thank you so much for
your hard work and the love you’ve
shown us here at the preschool.
Ms. Kalla’s students are learning
how to be cowboys and cowgirls on
their Wild West Roundup. With this
theme, they are learning just how
much they are “Wanted by Christ.”
Ms. Louise’s class is reviewing
their letters and numbers. They also
made lighthouses to “Shine for Jesus.”
Each student was represented by a
sea gull flying around the lighthouse.
It makes me think about how some
animals are attracted to light. We
need to shine our lights before men
so all can see Jesus in us.
My kids have learned about
different modes of transportation.
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We learned about work trucks (dump
trucks, semis), vehicles with wheels
(cars, jeeps), and vehicles without
wheels (boats, planes, etc.). Hope
your summer is going as well as ours!
Alabama, Athens
Roger and Becky Roberts
We were once again blessed by those
who traveled many miles to join
us for Memorial Day Weekend.
Bro. Leland Plattner (Zapata, TX)
encouraged us on prayer. Others
ministering to us were Elder
Bro. Andy (Sis. Roberta) Stoller
(Smithville, OH), Elder Bro. Tom
(Sis. Sue) Waldbeser (Atlanta,
GA), Bro. Mark (Sis. Sue) Steiner
(Smithville, OH), Bro. Roger (Sis.
Judy) Sauder (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
and Bro. Fred (Sis. Diane) Funk
(Morton, IL).
Also sharing God’s Word with
us this month were Bro. Duane (Sis.
Kay) Reutter (Rockville, CT) and
Bro. Bill (Sis. Miriam) Brake (Sardis,
OH). We appreciate each one’s
willingness to serve.
We are keeping Sis. Mae (Bro.
Doug) Haggenmaker in our prayer as
she grieves the loss of her father.
A guest apartment is available
in the Fellowship Hall across from
the church. Reservations can be
made by contacting Sis. Susan
Koch (309)202-4897 or Sis. Kalla
Knobloch (309)231-1755 .
When traveling to the Fellowship
area using a GPS, use Frankewing as
14
the final destination. Once you turn
off Hwy 64, the Fellowship area is
the first drive on the left.
Arizona, Phoenix
Heather Hinrichsen
We thank Bro. Doug Wagenbach
(San Diego) and Bro. Matt Steffen
(Princeville) for ministering to us
this month.
The Jr. and Sr. Bible classes
spent a week serving those in
Magdalena, MX. Houses were
started, concrete was poured,
painting was done and friendships
were made all in the name of our
Lord and Savior. We are grateful
and thankful for a safe and blessed
trip.
Our prayers and sympathy
are extended to the families of Ed
Greenbank (Leslie) and Bro. Bud
Hartman.
“Fear Not” was the theme of
VBS this year. Bro. Jeff Fischer (Fort
Scott) instructed us on what fear
is and the causes of fear. Bro. Matt
Steffen (Princeville) instructed us on
what we should and should not fear.
We thank these brothers and all the
teachers and those who helped make
VBS a blessed time for the children
and adults.
Arizona, Tucson
Lisa Knapp
We congratulate Nicholas Bauer
on his graduation from high school
on May 23. Nick is the son of Bro.
Brad and Sis. Sandy Bauer and the
grandson of Bro. Don and Sis. Glo
Bauer. Nick plans to stay in Tucson
and continue his education in the
fall.
We enjoyed a visit from Bro. Jeff
Neihouser (Morton) on Father’s Day
weekend. He and his wife, Sue, were
here to visit their daughter, Kendra,
who is in Tucson for a month in
conjunction with her work at the
Magdalena orphanage. We appreciate
their visit and thank Bro. Jeff for his
service on the pulpit.
We officially hit the 100 degree
mark in June. It’s not our favorite
event of the year, but bound to
happen nonetheless. This is the time
of year where we start to look forward
to monsoon season and the relief it
brings from the dry, intense heat.
California, Altadena
“For me to live is Christ and to die is
gain.” Philippians 1:21
We are sorrowed at the passing of
Bro. Laszlo (Sis. Maria) Cser on June
14, 2013. He was a godly example
and will be sorely missed by his
family and church family.
We continue to pray for Marian
(Dick) Hecker as she battles illness,
Ann (Aaron) Yaussi ‘s recuperation
and for Bro. Bob Crockett’s
upcoming surgery.
The Sunday School picnic was
enjoyed by the church in June.
We are grateful to: Bro. Scott (Sis.
Shayna) Mangers, Bro. Dave (Sis.
Janelle) Klotzle, Sis. Elaine Graf and
Sis. Robin (Bro. Justin) Moser for
their faithfulness in teaching the
children.
We also had two graduates to
celebrate with this month. Sis. Alyson
(Bro. John and Sis. Shirley LuthiCox) Luthi graduated from Biola
University and Justin (Bro. Dave and
Sis. Janelle) Klotzle graduated from
Royal High School in Simi Valley.
He plans to attend college at UCLA
in the fall. We are grateful they both
will still be nearby!
We are happy to welcome back
Bro. Jonathan and Sis. Kali Sauder
to worship with us. They have been
travelling on business for the past few
months.
California, San Diego
Janelle Brewer
We were blessed this past month
by the visit of Bro. Justin Moser
(Sis. Robin, Altadena, CA) and his
family. We pray a blessing upon him
for filling our cups with the Living
Water.
“But whosoever drinketh of the water
that I shall give him shall never thirst;
but the water that I shall give him shall
be in him a well of water springing up
into everlasting life.” John 4:14
The engagement of Sis. Lizzie
Fulop (Bro. Dennis and Sis. Joy) and
Bro. Todd Gasser from Smithville,
OH (Bro. Ken and Sis. Sue Ellen
Maibach) was made known on May
27. May God continue to bless them
as they prepare for life together.
We have enjoyed having Andrew
Metzger (Lester, IA) with us this
summer as he works in the San Diego
area! We are also thankful to have
Bro. Brent Wagenbach and his fiancé,
Sis. Alisha Gutwein, back safely from
Haiti.
Many from our congregation are
traveling this summer. We lift them
up in prayer that God will bring
them back safely.
As summer is upon us with busy
schedules may we always “Take Time
to be Holy”.
“Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone –
By looking to Jesus,
Like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in they conduct His
likeness shall see.”
Hymns of Zion #112, v.2
Canada, Kitchener,
Ontario
Johanna Fortenbacher
We had a wonderful group of
ministers who came throughout
this month. They were Bro. Tim
and Sis. Joni Ramsier along with
Bro. Ron and Sis. Ruth Steiner from
Rittman. Three of the brothers that
came with them were so kind to us
and supplied the lunch for the whole
church. So, thanks again for that.
Then there was Bro. Arlen and Sis.
Denise Leman from Forrest and also
Bro. Fred and Sis. Diane Funk from
Morton. God bless all you ministers
that have come.
Bro. Vladimir and Sis.
Margaretha Fortenbacher’s
granddaughter, Sis. Julia Zollinger,
got married to Bro. Greg Gasser both
from Rittman. We wish them God’s
blessings in their marriage.
Our Sunday school children did
a wonderful job when Bro. Wayne
Saddler recorded some new songs and
some songs we already knew. It was
all done in such a short time, but the
children did a good job regardless.
God has blessed each one of them
with wonderful singing talent.
“Sing unto the LORD. Sing unto the
LORD a new song, and praise in the
congregation of saints.”
Psalms 149:1
Colorado, Denver
Lily Zarkovacki
Saturday, June 22, was our annual
Sunday School picnic. We are so
thankful for the children, and
appreciate our teachers who teach
them!
Vacation Bible School was held
the week of June 24. May God bless
all those that put forth effort to
organize and bring it all together. It
was a blessing to all who participated.
Also, this past month our young
men held their annual “Young Men’s
Retreat” in Lake George, CO. It was
a time of sharing, fellowship, and
enjoying Gods’ creation.
15
Our young ladies also held their
annual “Kanarado” camping trip.
It was held in Kansas this year. It is
always a blessing when we can get
to meet others from our different
churches.
Connecticut, Rockville
Lauren Gottier
Sheila Gerber
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in
the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth
in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the
seat of the scornful. But his delight is
in the law of the Lord, and in his law
doth he meditate day and night. And
he shall be like a tree planted by the
rivers of water, that bringeth forth his
fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not
wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper” Psalm 1:1-3
We were blessed to have visiting
Elder Bro. Steve Sauder (Sis. Mary
Tremont, IL) with us over the
weekend of May 26 to share God’s
Word. On this day it was also made
known to the congregation that our
convert, Courtney Wheeler (Bro.
Burt and Sis. Cherinne), has found
peace with God and man and desires
baptism. Lord willing, she will give
her testimony and be baptized the
weekend of June 22-23.
We extend our sympathies to
the family of Leona Lanz DeCarli
who passed away on May 26. Leona
was the sister of Sis. Charlotte
Limberger, Sis. Eloise Webb, Sis.
Alma Luginbuhl, Dick Lanz, Sis.
16
Florence Kloter, and Howard Lanz.
Also, mourning a loss is the family of
Sis. Phyllis Lanz. Those left behind
are her son, Keith, and brothers:
Henry (Elaine) of Costa Rica, and
Bro. Ralph (Sis. Diane) of Rittman,
OH. We pray that God will provide
for these families in the time of their
loss.
We are thankful and wish much
grace to our two new converts Justin
Gottier (Guy and Sis. Beth) and
Stephen Schneider (Bro. Dave and
Sis. Kim). We pray that God will be
near unto them and they will rely
fully on Him as they begin their new
walk.
We wish many blessings and
God’s nearness to our recent high
school graduates as they begin a new
chapter in their lives. Graduating this
year are John Bahler (Bro. Dave and
Sis. Peggy), Eric Bahler (Bro. Vern
and Sis. Jean), Evan Beutel (Bro.
Gene and Sis. Lynne), Logan Garrow
(Bro. Ed and Sis. Cindy), Sis. Leah
Gerber (Bro. Ron and Sis. Sheila),
Heidi Hoffman (Bro. Arlo and Sis.
Lynn), Victoria Koch (Bro. Joe and
Sis. Sandy), Joey Kratzke (Scott and
Joan), Harmony Luginbuhl (Bro.
Brian and Sis. Cyndi), Joe Schneider
(Bro. Dave and Sis. Kim), Sis. Taylor
Welti (Bro. Pete and Sis. Jill), and
Courtney Wheeler (Bro. Burt and
Sis. Cherrine).
District of Columbia,
Washington
Henrietta Meyer
Our caretakers for May were Bro.
Ron and Sis. Kayleen Heiniger
(Bloomington, IL). Our caretaker
schedule is booked for 2013. We
are currently taking reservations for
2014. If you feel led to support one
of our small churches, this would be
a wonderful way to do so. If you are
interested and are free to spend 3-4
weeks in the DC area, please contact
Sis. Doreen Steffen at dkgsteffen@
gmail.com or 302-540-6574.
Our minsters this month were
Bro. Ron Heiniger (Sis. Kayleen,
Bloomington, IL), Bro. Jerry Meeks
(Sis. Christy, Sabetha, KS), Bro.
Kevin Banwart (Sis. Sandy, West
Bend, IA) and Bro. Mark Hoffman
(Sis. Luella, Clarendon, VT). Other
visitors this month were from
Rockville, CT and Bloomington, IL.
We are truly grateful for the ministers
and families that travel, sometimes
great distances to be with us.
If you are planning to visit
Washington, D.C. area for vacation
or business, please contact Bro. Joe
and Sis. Holly Bohart at jbohart@
gmail.com or Sis. Henrietta Meyer at
(703) 904-8301 for assistance and to
let us know how many to expect for
Sunday services.
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale
Renee Mangold
We were grateful to have visiting
ministers Bro. Tim Hohulin (Sis
Cathy, Roanoke, IL) and Bro. Clark
Stoller (Sis. Cindy, Gridley, IL). We
pray our Lord will bless them for their
service.
Our prayers for safety and
guidance are with Andrew Mangold
(Bro. Mike and Sis. Renee Mangold’s
grandson) as he begins his military
career.
“Wherefore take unto you the whole
armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt
about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness.
And your feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace.
Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked.”
Ephesians 6:13-16
attended by many eager children
who could not wait to learn about
the armour of God. They memorized
Ephesians 6:11, sang songs with
cheerful voices and dug right into the
stories, crafts and service projects.
I am not sure who learned more,
Florida, Sarasota
the teachers or the students, but all
Kim Ott
concluded the week knowing much
“While we look not at the things which more about the use of God’s armour .
are seen, but at the things which are not “Stand therefore, having your loins
seen; for the things which are seen are
girt about with truth and having on
temporal, but the things which are not the breastplate of righteousness…”
seen are eternal.”
Ephesians 6:14
2 Corinthians 4:18
We are very thankful for
In the beauty of quietness we are brothers and sisters that are willing
able to reflect on God and all that
to be servants to teach our youth in
He has designed for our lives. There
Sunday school. They certainly rely on
are many things that battle for our
their belts of truth in order to teach
attention throughout our day, but
the youth about the breastplate of
spending time with God is a valuable righteousness, which will protect their
investment, one that benefits us in
hearts against the wiles of the devil.
this lifetime and has eternal impact.
Sis. Peg Anliker was elected as the
We are thankful for the visiting
3rd-5th grade Sunday School Teacher
Florida, North Ft. Myers
ministers this past month who shared and Bro. Sam Bachtold was elected as
Victor Beer
of their talents to provide us insight
the Jr. High Sunday School Teacher.
Our church family has been greatly
on the Bible and heavenly wisdom.
Our prayers are certainly with them
blessed by the many visitors from up
May God bless the efforts of Bro.
and with the teachers that have served
north. Some are with us in the winter John Wiegand (Sis. Jane, Silverton,
over the prior years as they work with
time too. Our usual summertime
OR) and Bro. Dan Beer (Sis. Deb,
the tender hearts of our children.
rains haven’t cut down on the
Milford, IN) for sharing the Gospel. “And your feet shod with the
swimming and fishing (according to
preparation of the gospel of peace …”
Illinois, Belvidere
some of them).
Ephesians 6:15
Doreen Moser
It was good to have Bro. Fred
With his feet shod with the gospel
Witzig (Sis. Nancy, Washington, IL), Shayla Steffen
of peace, Bro. Barry Dietz (Bradford
who brought us a blessing through the “Put on the whole armour of God, that IL) brought forth the gospel message.
ye may be able to stand against the wiles We are thankful for all the family that
Word.
of the devil…” Ephesians 6:11
An old hymn that simply brings
came with from Bradford and Elgin,
Our Vacation Bible School was
about God’s love to our hearts,
IA. We appreciate each one of you
has become a weekly-appreciated
song—“Jesus Loves Me”. The New
Beginnings children have learned
it well and sing it with lots of
enthusiasm. They are new life to our
Sunday School.
17
and hope you could feel the love of
the Belvidere brethren.
Bro. Troy and Sis. Ellie Steffen
have willingly shod their feet with
the gospel of peace and are the
correspondents for the Mauston
gathering in Wisconsin. Please
contact them if you are interested in
meeting in the Mauston area. There
is a blog spot at, maustonac.blogspot.
com or email Bro. Troy Steffen at
tsteff32@gmail.com.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked…”
Ephesians 6:16
As a nation, we celebrate Father’s
day this month. We are truly grateful
to have our earthly fathers to raise
us in God’s love. They have tried to
shield us from evil and teach us the
way so that we may be able to deflect
the fiery darts of the devil.
Our Sunday school children are
in Jamaica this week. We lift them
up in prayer and hope they are able to
be a light to the children, each other
and anyone around them. Hopefully,
they may also be able to share with
others how to use their shield of faith.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God…” Ephesians 6:17
As we spend time in Bible studies
and attend church on Sundays, may
we always have on the helmet of
salvation and may we be able to use
the Bible as the sword to reach out
to those that need to hear the good
18
news of Jesus.
As we read the stories in VBS,
the biggest part of each story,
whether it was David and Goliath,
Paul and Silas in Jail or Noah and
the ark, it was their FAITH that
stood out! Without faith they had no
hope. In our world of many trials and
tribulations, disappointments and
heartache, we need to have the faith
that the Lord will carry us through.
The Lord has supplied us with much
armour, we just need to use it and
celebrate the JOYS the Lord gives us
along the way!
Illinois, BloomingtonNormal
Gina Hodel
Terri Huber
Excited for their first baby, Whitney
and Jeff Mersman of Chicago
welcomed Dexter William on May
17. Grandparents are Bro. Jerry and
Sis. Tami Koehl, Maureen Mersman
of St. Louis, and Christopher and
Christine Mersman of Philadelphia.
A precious addition in the form of
little Anna Louise was added to Bro.
Aaron & Sis. Bekah Kaufmann’s
family. Big brother, Titus, welcomed
her home. Grandparents are Bro.
Dennis & Sis. Bonnie Kaufmann
(Bloomington) and Bro. Howard &
Sis. Kristen Plattner (Alto, MI).
Congratulations of a different
sort are offered to Shelby Koehl, who
graduated from Olivet Nazarene
University with a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Nursing.
The Bible Class has returned
safely from a week-long mission trip
to Tennessee. About sixty people
went and were blessed themselves,
even as they desired to bless others
with their construction work and
Sunday School lessons. Our entire
congregation was able to participate
by praying for the travelers, both
individually as prayer partners and
for the group as a whole.
Another body-builder was the
week of Vacation Bible School.
In fact, the theme was Building
God’s House. We learned about the
Architect, the structural components,
the tools of the trade and the laborers
needed. It was a good opportunity to
work together building relationships,
serving others, and acting as the
Body of Christ. Many thanks to all
who participated, planned, taught
and sang. The children now know
that God’s House is more than just a
physical building! Visiting ministers
speaking on the above topics were
Bros. Frank Sauder (Roanoke),
Jeff Wiegand (Goodfield), Daren
Metz (Gridley), and Eric Givens
(Princeville).
Several in our congregation have
lost loved ones recently. Sis. Betty
Nussbaum of Fairbury went to be
with the Lord. She was the mother of
Bro. Jay (Sis. Ann) and grandmother
of Bro. Will (Sis. Lexi). Rosella
Mowery of Fairbury has also left this
life. She was the mother-in-law of
Sis. Elaine Mowery and grandmother
of Teri (Sam) Wenger. Virginia
and Robert Lockwood’s daughter,
Katherine, passed away after a long
fight with cancer in Madison, WI.
The sympathy and love of your church
family is extended to you all in this
time of loss.
parents are Matt and Becky Elsasser.
Bro. Richard and Marilyn
Tanner are thankful to have a new
granddaughter. Julia was born to
Craig and Kate Tanner.
First-time parents, Jordan
and Jerrica Blakey, are excited
to have Tryson join their family.
Grandparents are Joe and Geri Kieser.
Illinois, Bradford
Bro. Paul and Sis. Marilyn
Roseann Stahl
Nenadov have a new granddaughter,
Sandi Joos
Ruth Kathleen, to hold and cherish.
“Lo, children are an heritage of the
Her parents are Art and Joy
Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his
Kellenberger.
reward.” Psalm 127:3
Along with the growth of our
Our congregation is growing,
church comes the responsibility of
which we count as a blessing. Ellie
teaching our youth. Bro. Weston
Caroline was born to Bro. Ben and
Stahl (Sis. Jill), Bro. Adam Endress
Sis. Katie Endress. Welcoming her
(Sis. Brittany), and Sis. Kay
home are siblings: Corbin, Marissa,
Kellenberger have been called upon to
Maria, Mallory, Elijah, Libby, and
teach and instruct the children. We
Aubrey. Grandparents are Bro.
want to thank Bro. Greg Johnson (Sis.
Richard and Sis. Marilyn Slutz and
Kristin), Bro. Robb Kieser (Sis. Kelly),
Bro. Larry and Sis. Becky Endress.
and Sis. Lana Stoller for their time
Bro. Steve, Sis. Betsy, and Lexi
spent in Sunday School.
Endress had Josie Shae join their
Our church rejoices along with
family circle. Grandparents are Bro.
the angels as Shannon Gudeman (Bro.
Larry and Sis. Becky Endress and Bro. Brad and Sis. Teresa) has answered
Roger and Sis. June Schulz (Oakville/ the invitation to come unto Him
Mediapolis, IA).
in repentance. Our prayers are with
Bro. Phil, Sis. Beth and Autumn Shannon as he makes a beginning.
Endress are thankful for the arrival
Sharing the Word with us this
of Caleb Tristan. Bro. Larry and Sis.
month was Bro. Glenn Steiner (Sis.
Becky Endress and Bro. Kurt and Sis. Rachel, Winthrop, MN.) We are
Connie Christ (Princeville, IL) are his always thankful for the willingness of
grandparents.
visiting ministers to bring forth the
Bro. Jordan Elsasser (late Sis.
message.
Sharon) welcomed granddaughter,
Lilly, into the family circle. Her
Illinois, Champaign
Sarah Drake
Greetings from Champaign-Urbana!
This has been a busy but exciting
month for our church, as we had the
opportunity to host two weddings.
Sis. Sydney Eisenmann (daughter
of Bro. David and Sis. Jackie
Eisenmann) and Bro. Amit Parkhe
(son of Dr. Surendra Parkhe, India)
were united in marriage on May 19.
They will be making their home in
St. Louis. Three weeks later, on June
9, we were blessed to witness the
marriage vows of Bro. Joel Furrer (son
of Bro. Sam and Sis. Pam Furrer) and
Sis. Laura Tucker (daughter of John
and Mary Tucker). We wish God’s
richest blessings on these dear couples.
We rejoice with Cortney
Eisenmann (daughter of Bro. David
and Sis. Jackie Eisenmann) as she
has expressed her desire to seek the
Lord’s direction through repentance
and conversion. We offer our love and
prayers as she takes this important
step.
Our annual Vacation Bible
School took place June 3-6. The
week was based on lessons of Godly
stewardship. Thank you to all who
contributed to make VBS a success.
We welcome Bro. Joel and Sis.
Mindy Stickling to Champaign. We
are excited to have them in our church
family. We are also excited for Bro.
Joel and Sis. Mindy because they
added a new little one to their family,
Leo Robert Stickling, on June 17.
19
Congratulations!
We are thankful for our visiting
ministers this month, including:
Elder Bro. Brad Eisenmann (Sis.
Cindy; Chicago, IL), Elder Bro. John
Lehman (Sis. Connie; Bern, KS),
Elder Bro. Kent Heimer (Sis. Jan;
Taylor, MO), Bro. Loren Shrenk (Sis.
Betsy; St. Louis, MO), Bro. Chris
Wuethrich (Sis. Carla; St. Louis,
MO), Bro. Calvin Schneider (Sis.
Jeannie; LaCrosse, IN), Bro. Gary
Anliker (Sis. Edie, Elgin, IL), Bro.
Dennis Kaufmann (Sis. Bonnie;
Bloomington, IL), Bro. Mark Gerber
(Sis. Barb; Bluffton, IN), and Elder
Bro. Randy Kellenberger (Sis. Karen;
Kansas City, MO). Thank you for all
you do!
Illinois, Chicago
Rachel Meyer
Greetings from Chicago. Several
in our church family have medical
issues and we are reminded to pray
for them. Our Sis. Carla Rassi (Bro.
Greg) had surgery and is recovering
well. Sis. Ella Mae Stoller (Bro.
Charles) had cataract surgery and
Bro. William Art’s daughter, Sandra
Art, had surgery and remains
hospitalized. Sis. Christine Eckel’s
daughter, Janet, continues to receive
treatment and we pray that she, and
all of those listed, will call out to
our Father for comfort during these
uncomfortable situations.
On May 19, many of us joyfully
witnessed the wedding of our
20
Bro. Amit Parkhe and Sis. Sydney
Eisenmann in Champaign, IL. May
God lead them as only He can.
We thank our ministering Bro.
Matthew Rassi for presenting a
Topical Bible Study on “Amazing
Grace” on May 22. May God bless
him for the effort and time he took
upon our behalf.
Two of our own were welcomed
home from college for the summer!
Sis. Julie Eisenmann (Elder Bro.
Brad & Sis. Cindy) returned from
her semester in Spain and Ian Knapp
(Bro. Randy and Sis. Heather) is
home from Indiana. It is great to
have them safely with us.
June 1 provided an opportunity
to do World Relief Activities and
June 2 was our Sunday School Picnic.
Thank you to all who were involved
in making those events a success.
We warmly welcome Tiera
Wiegand from Silverton, OR, to
Chicago for the summer as well as
Bro. Michael Luthi (Lamont-Gridley,
KS). Bro. Michael has relocated
for employment and we are pleased
to have both of these loved ones
worshipping with us.
Note of Thanks:
We want to thank you for the
cards, gifts, and expressions of love
and compassion we have received
during the months of illness and at
the passing of our dear husband, dad,
and grampy. It meant so much to us
to hear from so many of you. May
the Lord bless you. Judy Eisenmann,
Brad & Cindy, Todd, Luann, and the
grandchildren
Last night I was driving to
VBS and I was behind a car on the
highway that had a bumper sticker
that had the word “God” in it. It
caught my eye so I looked closer and
read: “Dear God, please protect me
from your followers.” My stomach felt
like it had been punched. What was
the background story of the driver?
What had the driver experienced?
Specifically, what kind of Christians
had the driver been exposed to
that would be the impetus to such
vehemence??? I wanted to interact
with that driver. I think I would have
learned a lot, but I probably would
not have been comfortable. But
we’re not called to lives of comfort as
Christians. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy
2:3, “Thou therefore endure hardness,
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” The
life of a soldier is hard, but he wants
to please his commanding officer by
enduring the battles and emerging
triumphant. As soldiers of our leader,
Christ Jesus, may we take courage in
the promise…
“Now unto him that is able to keep
you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory
with exceeding joy, to the only wise
God our Saviour, be glory and majesty,
dominion and power, both now and
ever. Amen.” Jude 24 & 25
Illinois, Cissna Park
We have several in our
Janie Waldbeser
congregation who have experienced
Tina Walder
the loss of loved ones. Sis. Doris
Our Vacation Bible School was held
Knapp’s sister, Lorraine Dorman,
June 3- 7. We had a week filled with
of Champaign, IL has passed away.
God’s blessings. May the time spent
Arlene Greiner from Morris MN has
in God’s Word with these precious
gone to her reward. She was a sistersouls bring honor and praise to our
in-law to our Sis. Vi Greiner and an
Almighty God. Visiting ministers
aunt to Sis. Sandy Rudin.
for our Bible Class/Young adult VBS
Also, Adeline Kaeb from Fairbury
were: Bro. Todd Sinn (Latty, OH),
has reached her heavenly home. Our
his topic was the question, “Where
prayers are with her family. She was
are you going?”; Bro. Les Kaeb
mother to Bro. Steve & Sis. Bonnie
(Francesville, IN) spoke on the topic Kaeb, sister-in-law to Bro. Elmer &
of “The Holy Spirit”; and Bro. Neal
Sis. Mary Lou Kaeb, and numerous
Widmer (West Lafayette, IN) spoke
nieces & nephews from our church.
on “Our Church History”. We pray
May God grant peace and comfort as
God will bless them for their efforts.
only He can.
We were thankful to have several
We rejoiced when we heard the
other visiting ministers bring forth the announcement of Bro. Ben Kaeb and
Word also. Bro. Jeff Bahler (Wolcott, Sis. Bethann Kafer (Fairbury). Their
IN), and Bro. Arlen Leman (Forrest). parents are Bro. Max & Sis. Beth
May they also be blessed.
Kaeb and Bro. Ben & Sis. Carol Kafer
Marissa Wilkening (Mark & Sis. (Fairbury). We are so thankful for
Dinah) graduated from college this
God’s divine guidance as they make
year. May she feel God’s presence as
their wedding plans.
she looks to Him to guide her into the
Illinois, Congerville
next chapter in her life.
Erica Steffen
We have loved ones who spent
Maria Currier
time in the hospital this month. Sis.
Gratefully, Bro. Steven Pamer (Sis.
Sharon Eisenmann & Sis. Lucille
Knapp are in our prayers as they trust Arliss, Akron), Bro. Roger Aberle
(Sis. LaVonne, Sabetha), Bro. Galen
in the Lord to heal and strengthen
Rokey (Sis. Nancy, Bern), Bro. Merlin
them. We each have a calling to be
faithful in praying for our loved ones Meyer (Sis. Marilyn, Lester), Bro.
Jacob Kuntz (Sis. Brooke, Croghanwho are in need.
Naumburg), and Bro. Frank Sauder
“Weeping may endure for a night, but
(Sis. Kathy, Roanoke) were willing
joy cometh in the morning.”
to minister to us recently. We pray
Psalm 30:5
God will bless these laborers to be “an
example of the believers, in word, in
conversation, in charity, in spirit, in
faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Illinois, Elgin
Amy Gasser
We thank Bro. Alan Schambach
(Remington, IN) for ministering to us
recently.
Sis. Lucille Kellenberger passed
away in Sabetha, KS on June 6. We
extend sympathy to her siblings in
Elgin, including Sis. Pat (Bro. Howie)
Schifferer, Bob (Eleanor) Weiss, and
Bro. Paul Weiss.
We also extend sympathy to
Larry (Sis. Jeanne) Hintz in the loss of
his mother, Betty Hintz, who passed
away on June 11.
Prayers for healing and comfort
go out to Bro. Ken (Sis. Vicki)
Kellenberger who had surgery
resulting from his recent injury. Bro.
Ron (Sis. Nancy) Schambach became
ill while he and Sis. Nancy were in
Washington, D.C. as caretakers for
the church for the month of June.
Bro. John Moser (Bro. Gene and
Sis. Libbie Ann) was also a medical
patient. We are thankful that all are
improving.
“But unto you that fear my name shall
the Sun of righteousness arise with
healing in his wings...” Malachi 4:2
21
Illinois, Eureka
Debra Blunier
Linda Rocke
We enjoyed all of the visiting
ministers who broke the bread of life
with us this month. They were Bro.
Gary Endress (Sis. Evelyn, Bradford),
Bro. Dale Frank (Sis. Christine,
Oakville), and Bro. Randy Mogler
(Sis. Evie, Washington).
Our thoughts and prayers go out
to Bro. Brent Blunier (Trudy) who is
recovering from extensive surgery.
It is always a joy to hear an
engagement announcement, and to
see how God is working in the hearts
of two dear souls. Sis. Livy Anliker
(Bro. Art and Sis. Carol) is engaged
to Bro. Gabe Knapp (Bro. Steve and
Sis. Lori). May God’s blessings and
guidance be with you as you begin
this new journey in life.
Note of Thanks:
I wish to express my heartfelt
thanks to all who have made my 95th
birthday so special. I enjoyed all the
cards very much. God bless you. In
His love, Dorothy Ginzel
Illinois, Fairbury
Angela Herr
Janelle Stoller
“Farewell, farewell, my morning
dawns, Farewell, my rest I see. The
strife is o’er, my morning dawns, The
Master calleth me.”
Hymns of Zion #194 verse 1
Elder Bro. Rick Plattner (Sis.
Mary) said farewell to his father,
22
Bro. Pete Plattner on May 23. Sis.
Betty Bittner passed away on June
2. Wayne (LaVerne) Bittner, Merle
Bittner, Cynthia (Clyde) Donelson,
Emma (Peter) Schaffer, Sis. Jean
Bittner and Sis. Darlene Bittner are
her surviving siblings. Sis. Laura
Knapp’s brother, Fred Knochel,
passed away on May 16. Bro. Morris
Kaeb’s mother, Adeline Kaeb, went
to her rest on June 11. Rosy Mowery,
mother of Sis. June Slagel (Ron) took
her last breath on June 12. On June
14, Sis. Janice Nussbaum’s sister-inlaw, Sis. Betty Nussbaum, passed
away. We extend our sympathy to
these families in the passing of their
loved one.
We appreciate Bro. Dennis Rassi
(Austin, TX) ministering God’s
Word to us the past month. We also
appreciate and thank the ministering
brothers who came and shared with
our Bible Class during Vacation
Bible School. May God bless Bros.
Ryan Hoerr (Princeville, IL), Mark
Zimmerman (Eureka, IL) and Dana
Nieman (Remington, IN) for taking
the time to come and speak to our
young people.
Bro. Warren Zehr (Sis. Dolores),
Sis. Betty Wiegand (Bro. Dick) and
Sis. Mary Beth Maurer were surgical/
hospital patients, and our prayers are
with them as they recover.
We are thankful to hear that
God continues to work in the lives
of His children. Sis. Bethann Kafer
(Bro. Ben and Sis. Carol) is engaged
to Bro. Ben Kaeb (Bro. Max and
Sis. Beth, Cissna Park, IL). The
engagement of Sis. Heidi Fehr (Bro.
Randall and Sis. Janis) to Bro. Ben
Kuntz (Bro. Rollyn and Sis. Brenda,
Forrest, IL) was also announced. May
God bless and provide for them as
they prepare for their life together.
We extend a sincere thank you to
the Tremont congregation for hosting
our Fairbury congregation for a meal
and singing on Sunday, June 9. The
fellowship we share with one another
is truly a blessing of our precious
faith.
Illinois, Forrest Lisa Aberle
Molly Zimmerman
What a blessed weekend we had
as we gathered to listen to the
testimonies of four dear souls and
witness their baptisms. Our new
brothers and sisters in Christ are
Mitchell Lanz (Bro. Troy and Sis.
Kathleen), Tyson Stork (Bro. Reuben
and Sis. Devra), Shannon Teubel
(Bro. John and Sis. Lavonne) and Zoë
Koehl (Bro. Joe and Sis. Marie). We
were blessed to have Elder Bros. Steve
Ringger (Bluffton North, IN) and
Rick Plattner (Fairbury, IL) helping
our Bro. Marvin for this weekend.
Other ministers this month were
Bro. Trent Meiss (Eureka, IL), and
Bro. Ned Bahler (Fairbury, IL). We
are so thankful that these brothers
were willing to serve.
We have had five more new
additions to our congregation this
month. Bro. Tim and Sis. Myra
Mueller welcome Olivia Jo to
their family. Excited big brothers
are Conner and Cody. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Ray and Sis.
Shelly Steidinger and Bro. Ron Sr.
and Sis. Loida Mueller. Bro. Nathan
and Sis. Heidi, and big sister, Amyla
Bachman, welcome Whitney Lyn
home. Her grandparents are Bro.
Marvin and Sis. Nancy Dotterer and
Bro. Larry and Sis. Donna Bachman.
We are so thankful for the safe return
from Poland of our Bro. Bryan and
Sis. Lisa Aberle. They welcome, with
open and loving arms, David and
Roksana into their home. Their new
grandparents are Bro. Dan and Sis.
Kathy Banwart and Bro. Mark and
Sis. Laverne Aberle. Ted and Teresa,
Kinzey, Naomi, and Sydney Bachtold
also welcome home Bryson Daniel.
Grateful grandparents are Bro.
Marvin and Sis. Mary Bachtold and
Ralph and Martha Fehr. We pray that
God will lead them as they raise these
precious souls.
Engagements announced this
month are Sis. Wendi Kelson (Bro.
Paul and Sis. Sherri) to Bro. Philip
Kaeb (Merlin and Ida Lou of
Arrowsmith), and Bro. Ben Kuntz
(Bro. Rollyn and Sis. Brenda) to Sis.
Heidi Fehr (Bro. Randall and Sis.
Janice Fehr) of Fairbury. Our prayers
are with these two couples as they
start a new chapter in their lives.
We had a couple of weddings
this month: Sis. Jenna Dotterer (Bro.
Dan and Sis. Kathy Banwart) to Bro.
Darwin Sinn (Bro. Tom and Sis.
Edith) of Silverton OR; and David
Kuntz (Bro. Rollyn and Sis. Brenda)
to Brittney Helmers (Doug and
Brenda of Cropsey). May they find
God’s continued guidance as they
begin their lives together.
As the angels rejoice over one
sinner who repents, we also rejoice
with Levi Kaeb (late Bro. Eldon and
late Sis. Stephanie) who has answered
the call of God. May he continue to
seek the Lord and feel His love and
grace.
We thank our Sis. Jill Wenger
who has fulfilled her term as a Sunday
School teacher. Taking her place
is Sis. Paulette Zimmerman. Our
prayers and support also go to three
brothers who will be teaching our
children in Sunday School. They are
Bro. Matt Zimmerman (Sis. Kim),
Bro. David Mueller (Sis. Holly), and
Bro. Stan Mueller (Sis. Kristen). We
also thank the ministering brothers
who came to help with Vacation
Bible School this month. They were
Bros. Nathan Walder (Cissna Park,
IL), David Eisenmann (Champaign,
IL), Tom Schambach (Elgin, IL) and
Barry Dietz (Bradford, IL).
Our prayers have been with Bro.
Duane Schneider and Sis. Lynelle
Steidinger (Bro. Colin) as they have
spent time in the hospital this month.
May they continue to feel God’s
healing hand and His unbounded
grace.
“Beyond the sunset, no clouds will
gather, no storms will threaten, no
fears annoy; Oh day of gladness, O day
unending, Beyond the sunset, eternal
joy!” Hymns of Zion #172
We give our prayers and
sympathy to the dear families that lost
loved ones. Adeline Kaeb, mother of
our Sis. Jean Knapp (Bro. Harlen),
and grandmother to many in our
congregation, has passed away. Also
finishing her earthly pilgrimage is our
Sis. Betty Nussbaum. Our prayers are
with her husband Bro. Dean and their
children, Bro. Terry and Sis. Debbie
Nussbaum; Sis Luann and Bro. Jerold
Endress (Dunlap, IL); Bro. Jay and
Sis. Ann Nussbaum (Bloomington,
IL); and Sis. Elaine and Bro. Lynn
Stoller (Gridley, IL). Sis. Betty also
has many grandchildren in our
congregation that she loved dearly.
Our prayers and sympathy also extend
to Sis. Laverne and Bro. Mark Aberle
and family, as her brother Harold
Martin has passed away. May each of
the bereaved find comfort in our dear
Lord during this sad time.
Illinois, Goodfield
Melissa Rokey
Kayla Wiegand
On Wednesday, May 22, we
witnessed the testimony and baptism
of Cecil Nohl. We are so thankful
that God worked in Cecil’s heart and
that he was able to surrender his will
and life to God’s service at age of 95.
23
We give our encouragement
and blessings for the future to
our graduating senior class which
include: Bro. Matt Grimm (Bro. Jeff
and Sis. Ruth), Sis. Maria Berardi
(Bro. Randy and Sis. Elli), convert
Brad Cook, Whitley Gregoire (Rob
and Diane), Sis. Marisa Wiegand
(Bro. Brad and Sis. Karen), and Jake
Lowery (Ken and Sis. Jaci).
On May 28, Trent Robert
blessed the home of Bro. Robert and
Sis. Melissa Rokey. He was welcomed
home by his excited sister, Merideth.
Trent’s grandparents are Bro. Jim
and Sis. Barb Kuenzi (Silverton, OR)
and Bro. Kenneth and Sis. Phyllis
(Goodfield, IL). We are so thankful
for Trent’s safe arrival.
“But Godliness with contentment is
great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6
Vacation Bible School was June
3-7. On Monday night, Bro. Jon
Zeller (Morton, IL) spoke on “The
battle of Contentment”. We were
encouraged in song by Kindred Spirit
from Peoria, IL. On Wednesday
night, Bro. Tom Bolliger (Tremont,
IL) spoke on “Influences on our
Contentment”. The group 15:6 from
Bloomington, IL shared God’s Word
in song. On Friday night, Bro. Trent
Meiss (Eureka, IL) spoke on “Our
Attitude”. We were blessed in song
by some Goodfield brothers. It was a
wonderful week of learning how we
should be more content. May God
grant us the grace to realize how
blessed we are and that we can truly
24
count our blessings. May God bless
each one that was involved during
the week and gave of their time to
the service of our great Lord and
Redeemer.
We continue to lift Bro. Randy
and Sis Elli Berardi and their
family in our prayers as his nephew,
Cory Lane, passed away at the age
of 16 years old. May God provide
comfort through this difficult time.
Harold “Bud” Hartman from
Glendale, AZ passed away. He grew
up in Deer Creek and went to church
in Goodfield in his youth. His sisters
are Sis. Loretta Hess and Sis. Vi
Wagner. We are so thankful that
he had acknowledged his need for
a Savior, made confession and was
baptized before God took him home.
Praise God!
We are so thankful that God
is still patient and calling souls to
repentance and conversion. We plan
to have testimonies and baptisms July
20 and 21 for Zach and Whitney
Wiegand (Bro. Brad and Sis. Karen),
Jamie Wiegand (Bro. Wayne and Sis.
Rosemary), and Cole Steffen (Bro.
Dirk and Sis. Deb).
Sis. Jill Wagner (Bro. Greg), Bro.
Daniel Wiegand (Sis. Verla), Sandi
Wiegand, Bro. Keith Leman (Sis.
Dort), and Bro. Tony Monfre (Sis.
Deonne) have all been hospitalized
this past month. We continue to pray
for their health and healing in the
days ahead.
Illinois, Gridley
Perry Klopfenstein
We have several visiting ministers
lately and appreciated their efforts:
Bros. Curtis Kaufman, Tucson,
AZ; Earl Beery, Rittman, OH;
Mark Wettstein, LaCrosse, IN;
Troy Leyse, Bluffton, IN; Randy
Mogler, Washington, IL; James Fehr,
Tremont, IL; Jon Zeller, Morton, IL;
and Trent Meiss, Eureka, IL.
Sis. Gerry Sievers has returned
home after surgery.
Bro. John Funk is recovering
from bile duct surgery. We surely
commit him to God in this serious
illness.
Bro. Bob Hock had surgery after
a fall, and is recovering.
Judy Valentine, a daughter of Sis.
Lucille Wagner, had brain surgery in
June. May God help her.
Keegan Douglas Dohman was
born on May 30. He is the first
child of Bro. Doug and Sis. Kendra
Dohman. Grandparents are Bro.
John and Sis. Judy Dohman and
Bro. Charlie and Sis. Paula Knapp,
Bloomington. May God grant much
grace to these new parents as they
raise this child in the nurture of the
Lord.
A son of Lorraine Clark, who
attends our church, has died. We
surely extend our sympathy to the
family.
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers
and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with
the saints, and of the household of God;
and are built upon the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being
the chief corner stone; in whom all the
building fitly framed together groweth
unto an holy temple in the Lord.” Eph.
2:19-20
In the above scripture, it is
comforting to know of our standing
(fellowcitizens with the saints) and our
foundation (the apostles and prophets,
Jesus being the chief cornerstone).
Thanks be to God. By God’s grace, let
us maintain our standing and preserve
our foundation.
“Victory Over Anxiety, Frustration
and Discontentment/Impatience,
Irritability, and Anger”. Our Theme song then revealed
that through the Precious Blood of
our Risen Savior we have “A New
Name Written Down in Glory and
YES It’s Mine!” What an Inspiring
and Encouraging Week to reveal to us
that we CAN be Victorious over the
human sins that we want to call
“Subtle”. Lord Jesus, help us to not
grieve your Holy Heart!
Our gratitude also goes to our
faithful singing groups that blessed us
Illinois, Morton
in song: The Morton Ladies Group,
Annette Tanner
Testify Quartet, Mortonaires, The
Julie Bahr
Goodfield Choir, and Hearts of
Once again God granted us an
Praise. What an added blessing to our
awesome week of His teachings
VBS Evenings!
during our Adult Vacation Bible
Our thanks and appreciation also
School Week. Our Theme being
go to visiting ministers who served
“VICTORY-Over ‘Subtle’ Sins”! On us this month: Bro. Virgil Kaeb (Sis.
Monday, Bro. Howard Plattner
Suellen, Sarasota), Elder Bro. Steve
(Sis. Kristen, Alto) taught on “SinSauder (Sis Mary, Tremont) and Bro.
What Is It? Who Has the Remedy?”
Tom Hoffman.
Tuesday, Bro. Tim Drayer (Sis. Gwen,
Bro. Jeremiah Psinas has been
Bluffton North) taught on “Winning given the responsibility to assume the
the Battle Over Ungodliness and
duties in the Ministry of the Gospel
Unthankfullness”. Wednesday, Bro.
to our Morton Church. Bro. Jeremiah
Ed Sauder (Sis. Bonnie, Roanoke)
covets the prayers of our church. He
taught on “Victory Over Pride and
is the son of Bro. Gary and Sis. Heidi
Selfishness, Envy and Jealousy, Lack
Psinas.
of Self-Control”. Thursday, Bro. Jeff
Our love and sympathy is
Waibel (Sis. Margo, Leo) taught
shared with our Sis. Marlene and
on “Overcoming Judgmentalism,
Sis. Jean (Bro. Jim) Metzger in the
Sins of the Tongue, Worldliness”.
loss of their husband and father Bro.
On Friday, Bro. Craig Stickling
Richard Seidel. We also extend our
(Sis. Jackie, Peoria) taught on
heartfelt sympathy to the dear family
of Bro. Lloyd Pflederer (the late Sis.
Margaret) who passed from this life
June 13. God is our Refuge!
Bro. Mark and Sis. Cheryl
Wuthrich welcomed a new
granddaughter, Hazel Jane, born
to their son, Luke; wife, Leisa; and
big brother, Silas Wuthrich, who
just recently moved to Australia for
his work. Maternal grandparents
are Randy and Sis. Dawn Maloney,
Goodfield.
Illinois, Peoria
Pam Fritzenmeier
We are thankful to report a new
convert, Billy Waibel, son of Bro.
Matt and Sis. Lisa, and pray for him
as he starts his journey as a child of
God.
Bro. Pete (Sis. Ella) Plattner,
ended his life’s journey as a child of
God on May 23. He was the father of
Sis. JoAnn (Bro. Tom) Rieker.
Vacation Bible School is looked
forward to each year by our church
family. Thank you to all who helped
make it a memorable, spiritually
uplifting week. Visiting ministers
for the week included Bro. Ron
Bollier, (Indianapolis), Bro. Clark
Stoller, (Gridley), Bro. Frank Sauder,
(Roanoke), Bro. Justin Koch,
(Washington), and Bro. Doyle
Frauhiger, (Bluffton North). Bro.
Doug (Sis. Janelle) Brewer (San
Diego) came “home” to visit and
shared himself from our pulpit for the
first time June 9. May God bless each
25
one.
Illinois, Princeville
Congratulations on the April 20
wedding of Jolyne Scholl to Brendon
Kaar in Chicago. Jolyne’s parents are
Bro. Bill and Sis. Joanne Scholl.
Bro. Spark and Sis. Rhonda
Meister are grandparents to a
precious baby boy, Charlie Paul,
born May 5 to Jake and Andi (Gerst)
Meister.
There is always a list of those
needing prayers for health issues.
Included this month are Sis. Kathy
(Bro. Dave) Obergfel, Bro. Ed
(Sis. Bernie) Meister, Sis. Maria
Graham, Allison Stickling (daughter
of Chris and Sis. Marsha, who is
awaiting a kidney transplant), Bro.
Dan (Sis. Miriam) Messerli, Sis.
Kathy Wiekert, and Rosalie (Bruce)
Johnson.
Please keep our church family
serving far from home in your prayers
also. These include Bro. Tim and
Sis. Joan Reinhard and family and
Sis. Kelsey Klopfenstein in Haiti;
and Bro. Jonathan and Sis. Bere
Aupperle, Bro. Zach and Sis. Daniela
Knobloch, and Bro. Jason Grassi in
Magdalena, MX.
Note of Thanks:
What would we do without our
church family? Where would you
find so many who really care? God
bless you all and thank you for your
prayers for Harry, his counts are
getting better. Love, Bro. Harry and
Sis. Loretta Eisenmann
Gloria White
Renee Herrmann
We were reminded recently of the
privilege we have to share the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 2:4) We
thank Bro. Craig Stickling (Sis.
Jackie, Peoria, IL) and Bro. Brad
Eisenmann (Sis. Cindy, Chicago,
IL) for ministering to our church
family. We also appreciated Bro.
Doug Brewer (Sis. Janelle, San Diego,
CA) and Bro. John Bradle (Sis. Jill,
Roanoke, IL) for sharing with our
young students at VBS.
We rejoice with God’s gift of life
and the opportunity to extend His
love through another generation.
Bro. Kurt and Sis. Connie Christ
are again grandparents. Bro. Phil
and Sis. Beth Endress (Bradford,
IL) are the parents of Caleb Tristan
Endress. Bro. Dana and Sis. Martha
Kay Regier have also welcomed a
grandson. Israel John Sceggel was
welcomed by Bro. David and Sis.
Stephanie Sceggel (Peoria, IL).
We congratulate Sis. Katie
Schick (Bro. Stan & Sis. Margie)
and Bro. Landon Isaia (Bro. Rich
Isaia, Roanoke, IL and Deanna
Herrell) as they have announced their
engagement. We are thankful that
God continues to establish Godly
homes to further His work.
We ask “the God of all comfort”
(2 Cor. 1:3) to comfort those who
have recently said goodbye to loved
ones. Our sympathy is extended to
26
Sis. Carolyn Banwart for the loss of
her brother, Frank Banwart, of Lake
Mills, IA. Sis Luann (Bro. Jerry)
Endress has said an earthly goodbye
to her mother, Sis. Betty (Bro. Dean)
Nussbaum, Forrest, IL. Sis. Frieda
Feucht has also finished her earthly
race. Her daughter is Ardeane (Gary)
Ruckle.
It was recently shared in our
congregation how the meaning of the
word love has changed in our culture.
In times past, it would have been an
indication of how much we would
be willing to give up for the object
of our love. Today, we tend to “love”
that which gives us pleasure. We
were also reminded that Zacchaeus
probably gave up considerable dignity
when he climbed the tree to see Jesus.
We were asked what “tree” we were
willing to climb to see Him.
Illinois, Roanoke
Jamie Hodel
Barb Schwind
Josh Hoffman (Bro. Mike and
Sis. Nancy) and Jenny Mattern of
Bloomington have announced their
marriage engagement. Jenny’s parents
are John and Marsha Mattern of
Washington. We wish Josh and
Jenny the Lord’s blessings during this
special time in their lives.
We rejoice with Bro. Landon
Isaia (Bro. Rich Isaia and Deanna
Harrell) and Sis. Katie Schick
(Bro. Stan and Sis. Margie) from
Princeville, who announced their
engagement on June 9.
Shelby Ott (Bro. Jim and Lorna)
and Mitch Rogers of Roanoke
(son of Darren and Tina Rogers of
Bloomington) were married May
25. May Shelby and Mitch feel the
Lord’s nearness as they begin their life
together.
Jeremy and Amber Hilton
welcomed precious little Declan Dean
on May 21. Happy grandparents
are Sis. Jane Hilton, Steve and Deb
McCann (Roanoke), and Bob and
Roxie Hilton of Indiana.
Haley and Laney Hodel are
excited to have a baby brother. Cooper
James was born June 5 to Bro. Nate
and Sis. Jamie. Bro. Brent and Sis.
Marge Hodel and Bro. Jim and Sis.
Kay Knochel (Bay City) are Cooper’s
thankful grandparents.
Our prayers are with Andrew
Mangold (Bro. Matt and Sis. Jennifer)
as he leaves for service to our country.
We appreciate the godly example
of love and Christian marriage shown
by Bro. Ray and Sis. Carol Luginbuhl
and Bro. Les and Sis. Judy Luginbuhl.
Both couples recently celebrated 50
years of marriage.
On June 3, our church grieved
the death of Lora Braker Wuethrich,
a 45 year-old mother with 4 precious
school-aged children. We extend
our love and sympathy to Olivia,
Alex, Isaac, and Emma Wuethrich,
Sis. Martha Braker, Sis. Kim (Jim)
Bucher (Indianapolis), Rachel (Greg)
Braman, Sis. Rena (Jason) Hodel,
and Reggie Wuethrich. May the Lord
comfort their hearts and give them
strength for the days ahead. We will
remember Lora’s radiant smile and
love for her children.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the
thoughts that I think toward you,
saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and
not of evil, to give you an expected
end.”
VBS was held June 3-7 for young
and old. We studied God’s gifts as
shown through the life of Joseph.
Bro. Dennis Kaufman (Bloomington)
spoke on “God Gives Us Hope,”
encouraging us to look to Jesus,
the anchor of our soul for hope.
He shared the story of Viet Nam
P.O.W. Jim Stockdale, who knew he
would prevail and use his experience,
because he never lost faith in the
end of the story. We who know Jesus
know that He prevails in the end of
the story and He is worthy of our
hope and trust. Bro. Erik Givens’
(Princeville) topic was “God Gives
Us Special Abilities.” He shared the
story of a Texas rancher who lived
like a pauper until he discovered the
oil on his land. He encouraged us
not to live as spiritual paupers, but
dig deep, discover our gifts, and use
them for God’s glory. Bro. Randy
Mogler (Washington) spoke on “God
Gives Us Wisdom.” He used the
acronym JOSEPH: J - just have a
right relationship with God, O - open
your heart to knowledge of God and
experiences He has placed around
you, S - survival plans are good, E enduring presence of God glorifies
His name, P - pit to prison to palace
- most opportunities come from
challenging situations, H - heavenly
mercy and hope is revealed. Bro. Ted
Witzig Jr. (Morton) discussed “God
Gives Us Forgiveness.” Bro. Ted
encouraged us not to let bitterness
rot our soul. Not forgiving is like
swallowing poison and waiting for
the other person to die. God can
bring beauty for ashes and restore
the years the locusts have eaten. Bro.
Daren Metz (Gridley) ended the
week with “God Gives Us Family.”
Bro. Daren shared 4 important
family components: completeness,
encouragement, prayer, and love. He
used examples from the life of his
grandpa’s family, whose father died
leaving a widow with 11 children,
the oldest age 13. He expressed
appreciation for the church family
who reached out to help his grandpa’s
family. Bro. Daren encouraged us not
to break the family circle in heaven
and to come to Jesus now if you are
not part of God’s family. We thank
these visiting ministers, the VBS
planners, teachers, craft helpers, song
leaders, lunch volunteers, and all who
helped make the week a wonderful
time of learning for our church.
We thank our visiting ministers.
On May 22, Bro. Steve Baner
(Gridley) presented the topical Bible
Study on the “Uncertainties in Life.”
Elder Bro. Kent Heimer (Taylor)
27
and Bro. Tim Lehman (Taylor)
ministered to us on June 2.
New Sunday School teachers are:
intermediate- Bro. Sam Bertschi, Bro.
Nate Hodel, Bro. Jason Rassi, Bro.
Brad Sauder; and Bible Class – Bro.
Nate Fehr and Bro. Chad Martin.
Gary Wettstein II and Andy and
Rebekah Wettstein have begun their
walk with the Lord. We rejoice with
Bro. Gary and Sis. Elna and their
family.
Prayers continue for those in our
church battling illness or recovering
from accidents: Sally Achtenberg,
Bro. Bill Hodel, Bro.Gene Metz, Sis.
Sally Blunier, Bro. Todd Harris, and
Sis. Dorothy Sauder.
Illinois, Tremont
Teresa Rowell
Janice Sauder
How thankful we are to have many
visiting brothers on the pulpit this
past month. We are so blessed to
have humble brethren willing to
speak the words of God. Bro. Brian
Waibel (Sis. Wendy, Champaign, IL)
was here on a Wednesday evening
for a topical lesson on “Purpose of
Marriage and Family”. We enjoyed
having Elder Bro. Tom Hoffman
(Sis. Kathy, Roanoke, IL) and
Bro. Virgil Kaeb (Sis. Sue Ellen,
Sarasota, FL) here for baptisms.
Bro. Fred Witzig (Washington, IL)
spoke to our high school children
at Vacation Bible School, and the
entire congregation was invited to
28
listen in on the topic of “Teen/Parent
Relationship”. Elder Bro. Ben Walder
(Sis. Juanita, Congerville, IL), Bro.
Joe Gerst (Sis. Connie, Iowa City,
IA), Bro. Dewayne Dill (Sis. Larae,
Minneapolis, MN) and Bro. Dan
Moser (Sis. Ann, Elgin, IL) were are
in attendance at a wedding .
We had many visitors for the
wedding of Sis. Christy Gress (Bro.
Cloyce and Sis. Carol, Detroit, MI)
and Bro. Ryan Schrock (Bro. Ken
and Sis. Janet, Congerville). We
wish this dear couple God’s richest
blessings as they begin a new life
together, bound by that three-fold
cord.
We rejoice with Bro. Kappy, Sis.
Gayle and son, Bro. Ryan Koch, as
they brought their testimony to the
church on how Jesus has changed
their lives. We welcome them as our
brothers and sister in Christ.
We extend our congratulations
to Bro. Greg and Sis. Mary Beutel
on the birth of their son, Griffin
Edward. He has three excited
siblings: Max, Nora, and Tirzah,
and grandparents: Bro. Curt and Sis.
Kathy Rassi and Bro. Dean and Sis.
Karen Beutel, to welcome him home.
As we celebrate life, so we sorrow
with death. Our sympathy is upon
Sis. Arlene Heutte’s family as she
passed into Eternity. We pray God’s
comforting hand upon each of her
family members.
We have several graduating
seniors who will be taking a big step
out into the world. We wish them
the Lord’s leading as they move into
a new phase of life. They are Sis.
Katy Beutel (Bro. Dean and Sis.
Karen), Sis. Lucy Wagenbach (Bro.
Marv and Sis. Paula), Sis. Carly
Ehnle (Bro. Russ and Sis. Terry),
Corey Rollins (Bro. Marty and Sis.
Karla), Judah Blunier (Bro. Greg
and Sis. Julieanne), Bro. Jesse Kaiser
(Bro. Tim and Sis. Ruth), Luke
Wagenbach (Jeff and Heather), Bro.
Ryan Koch (Bro. Kappy and Sis.
Gayle), Bro. Ben Sauder (Bro. Greg
and Sis. Cindy), and Bro. Caleb Rassi
(Bro. Curt and Sis. Kathy).
Illinois, Washington
Marlene Prather
Jodi Fehr
We extend our heartfelt thanks
to Bro. Bill Schick (Sis. Joan) of
Magdalena, MX and Bro. Glen
Steiner (Sis. Rachel) of Winthrop,
MN for ministering this month. We
appreciate their willingness to travel
and share the Word.
We rejoice with Isaac and Rachel
Wofford along with their children:
Sam, Caleb, and Grace on the birth
of Anna Ruth. We welcome Anna
into our church family.
Our thoughts and prayers go to
Sis. Jan Sigafus in the passing of her
mother, Viola Sigafus. We enjoyed
the time that Viola was able to attend
our congregation with Sis. Jan.
We just completed a week
of VBS and were blessed by the
students’ enthusiasm to learn and
participate. Following VBS, the high
school students and teachers left to
spend a week in Magdalena. We pray
that the Lord blesses their work and
time spent together.
cancer. Bro. Zach understood what it
meant for God to get all the glory and
to do whatever to gain just one more
soul in heaven. Do we get it?
We also extend our love and
prayers to Bro. Zach and Sis. Jenny’s
families: Bro. Mike and Sis. Carmon
Indiana, Bluffton
Bertsch, Bro. John and Sis. Janice
Suzie Fiechter
Ruefner, Jenny Fosnaugh, Bro. Ryan
Kim Meyer
and Sis. Jessica Bertsch, Bro. Brad and
With summer upon us, our eyes are
Sis. Sonja Bertsch, Bro. Aaron and
turned upon Jesus as we see flowers
Sis. Cassie Gerber and Bro. Danny
blooming and gardens growing. Here Bertsch.
at Bluffton we had a blessed two
Al Isch (Carole – dec.) also passed
weeks of turning our eyes upon Jesus away. We pray for his family as well
during our Vacation Bible School. It
as they go through this time of saying
was another wonderful year for the
goodbye to their dear father.
students and teachers.
We are rejoicing with three new
During VBS, we had a very
converts: Maddie Isch (Bro. Doug &
special weekend. We had testimonies Sis. Tonia), Desiah Reinhard (Bro.
and baptisms for Whitney Isch (Bro. Kent & Sis. Jodi) and Kevin Green.
Jim & Sis. Rachel), Sophie Isch (Bro. What joy fills our souls when we hear
Doug & Sis. Tonia), Alyssa Bertsch
of someone turning their heart to
(Bro. Tom & Sis. Brenda), and Tianne Jesus!
Fiechter (Bro. Don & Sis. Suzie). We
Bro. Clint & Sis. Amy Gerber
rejoice with these four young ladies
along with Hudson, Cline, and
and pray for their continued growth
Sunny welcomed home their baby
in Jesus.
sister, Wren Suzanne. She is also
For our Sunday morning service, embraced with the loving arms of her
we had the funeral for our Bro. Zach grandparents, Bro. Keith & Sis. Kay
Bertsch (Sis. Jenny). The love and
Gerber and Bro. Don & Sis. Suzie
support for this dear young family
Fiechter.
was overwhelming. We only pray that
Bro. Joe Leman (Bro. Jeff & Sis.
as a church body we can stand in the Val. Bluffton North) and Sis. Lisa
gap for Jenny, Zion, and Moriah as
Frauhiger (Bro. Lynn & Sis. Jenny)
God leads this family into the future. were united as one in the Lord. We
One thing that really stuck out to me rejoice with these families as these
during Bro. Zach’s funeral was why
two hearts are brought together as one
God used Bro. Zach in this battle for to better serve the Lord.
We were blessed to hear from
Bro. Jeff Waibel (Sis. Margo) and
Bro. Steve Stieglitz (Sis. Jane) of Leo.
We were given some great principles
from 1 Thessalonians 2 for Father’s
Day. The love and examples we have
in our fathers is a very precious thing
that, unfortunately, a lot of children
are missing in this world. Thank you,
faithful fathers. We were also visited
by Bro. Jeff Leman (Sis. Val) and
Elder Bro. Steve Ringger (Sis. Myra)
for the wedding.
As a church body, we continue to
lift up Bro. Jack Schwartz (Sis. Diane),
Bro. Charles Zorio, Bryan Aschliman,
and Bro. Steve Reinhard (Sis. Renee)
in prayer. Physical ailments, surgeries,
and hospitalizations can be wearing.
But we rejoice in the fact that every
day as our physical bodies die, our
spiritual bodies are renewed day by
day! What hope and joy the Lord can
bring to our situations in life that
sometimes seem too hard to bear.
We also sent prayers said tearful
goodbyes to Bro. Jon & Sis. Amy
Gerst along with their girls, Jada and
Adia, as they departed for Ethiopia.
As they are being faithful to God’s
calling to “Go” and spread the
Gospel, we pray we will be faithful
in “Sending” them with our ongoing
prayers and support.
Indiana, Bluffton North
Amy Moser
Jessie Longenberger
Prepare for Survival
29
Pray for Revival
Ponder His Arrival
We rejoice with Bro. Kellan
Kershner (Bro. Dan and Sis. Jacki)
as he has recently announced his
engagement to Sis. Elisabeth Conzo
(Jerry and Becky Repasky, Bradford,
IL). We wish them God’s richest
blessings as they prepare to become
one in Christ in September.
Our Sunday School students
came together for two weeks of
Vacation Bible School. This year’s
theme was “Turn your eyes upon
Jesus.” The children learned songs,
listened to stories from the Bible,
developed new friendships, did
a good deed, made a craft, and
memorized Bible verses. The last
day of Bible School was an evening
program to glorify God. Thank you
for all who helped to share the love of
Jesus and taught about his return.
Our visiting minister this month
was Bro. Duane Rocke (Sis. Bonnie;
Minneapolis, MN). We are thankful
for their labors on our behalf and for
the precious Holy Spirit of inspiration
which guided his words.
We offer our sympathy and
prayers to Bro. Ryan Bertsch (Sis.
Jessica) and his family in the passing
of his brother, Bro. Zach Bertsch (Sis.
Jenny, Bluffton). May the Lord grant
comfort and peace to the hearts of
those that trust in Jesus Christ.
Our thoughts have been with
Bro. Brian Brewster (Marcia) as he
has undergone surgery this month.
30
Thankfully, his surgery went well and
we lift him up in our prayers that he
can be granted a full recovery.
We welcome convert
Terry Murray (Darrell) to our
congregation. She has heard and
heeded the call of the Savior.
Indiana, Francesville
Jacki Huber
Mildred Clauss
“Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of
daylight in the mind and fills us with
a steady and perpetual serenity”!
(Addison)
Sis. Leah Kaeb (Bro. Les &
Sis. Christine) has returned home
after spending several months doing
mission work in Haiti. We are happy
to have her back, but we are thankful
she could experience this time of
serving.
Sis. Elizabeth Rayburn (Bro.
Jim & Sis. Barb) and Bro. Brett
Gerber (Bro. Bob & Sis. Luann) from
Wolcott, IN, exchanged marriage
vows on June 16. Visiting ministers
for the occasion were Bro. John
Reinhard (Sis. Pam) from Bluffton;
Bro. Jeff Bahler (Sis. Heidi) from
Wolcott and Bro. Neal Widmer (Sis.
Kris) from West Lafayette. We pray
for the Lord’s blessing on this dear
young couple as they continue to
look to Him for direction and grace!
Bro. Mark Wettstein (Sis. Karen)
from LaCrosse and Elder Bro. Dan
Kilgus (Sis. Jenna) from Remington
have also visited our congregation.
We are indeed thankful for all of our
ministering brothers who willingly
share the truths of God’s Word.
Hospital patients during the past
month include: Sis. Ruth Wuethrich
(Bro. Chris Lee), Sis. Diane
Clevenger (Jon), Sis. Eldora Bonges
and Bro. Eugene Huber.
Bro. Leon Wuethrich has gone to
his eternal rest at age 91. We extend
our sympathy to his children: Susan
Koebcke, with whom he made his
home for the past year; Larry (Carol)
Wuethrich; Marcia (Tom) Hale;
Carol (Michael) Appleby; and also
to his surviving siblings: Sis. Nancy
Klopfenstein; Sis. Bernice Houk and
Marjorie (Fred) Hess.
Sympathy is extended to Bro.
Harold & Sis. Sherry Fritz at the
death of her mother, Sis. Ruth
Heinold of LaCrosse. Sis. Ruth had
resided at Parkview Haven for the
past several years and often assembled
with us here.
We also extend sympathy to
Bro. Burt & Sis. Karlene Isch in
the passing of his father, Al Isch of
Bluffton.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the
death of his saints” Psalm 116:15
Indiana, Indianapolis
Katy Frantz
Gail Bradford
It is always a precious moment when
we learn of dear ones who have
declared they have peace in their
hearts and are looking forward to
baptism and a renewed life in Jesus.
They are: Leah Baumgartner (Bro.
Greg and Sis. Missy), Ashley Creigh
and Lance Schwab. We rejoice with
them!
Several of us volunteer at the
Midwest Food Bank. This month Bro.
Glen and Sis. Nancy Pfeifer opened
their home (and yard) for a time of
fellowship and opportunity to support
its mission of feeding Indiana’s
hungry.
Bro. Chad Hoerr (Sis. Heather)
is leading us in a Bible study of
Revelation.
Baby Wells Jacob was born on
May 24 to Bro. Sam and Sis. Kaitlin
Kaufman. Happy grandparents are
Joel and Sally Kaufman (Japan) and
Bro. Ed and Sis. Annette Bahler
(West Lafayette, IN).
Also, we celebrate with Bro.
Morgan and Sis. Kyra Langhofer on
the joy of Chelise Renae being born
on June 17. Grandparents are Bro.
Erik and Sis. Cynthia Langhofer
(Phoenix, AZ) and Bro. Wayne and
Sis. Carol Klopfenstein (Peoria, IL).
On the fifth Wednesday nights,
a special presentation is generally
planned. This month we were blessed
by Bro. Troy Leyse’s (Sis. Kelly,
Bluffton, IN) interesting talk about
Loving Shepherd Ministries. We
were especially touched by their work
to permanently place orphans with
indigenous families in Haiti and
Ethiopia.
The first week of June brought
children, teens and adults together at
Vacation Bible School for an exciting
journey with Paul and Silas on the
road to Damascus and beyond. The
fellowship area was transformed into
the city of Athens, as its “citizens”
heard the Gospel message from one
of Christianity’s greatest and most
courageous preachers. Funds were
collected for the Sunday school
mission trip to Athens, AL (not a
coincidence!).
We welcome several newcomers
this month who have moved here
for work: Sis. Tianna Stieglitz (Bro.
Lynn and Sis. Leonda) from Leo, IN;
Bro. Jackson Troxel (Bro. Tom and
Sis. LuAnn Troxel) from Lacrosse,
IN; and Bro. Bryce and Sis. Andrea
Westfall from Alto, MI. We are glad
that Nicole Steiner (Bro. Kurt and
Sis. Robin) of Smithville, OH will
worship with us during a summer
internship here.
As believers, it is our privilege
and responsibility, as Bro. Ken said
recently, “having received the Word
and such a great salvation, to live it
out and share it with others.”
Indiana, Lacrosse
Julie Rocke
Meagan Frank
“Be still, and know that I am God…”
Psalm 46:10
The length of this article attests
to the fact that summer busyness is
upon us. This past Sunday, Father’s
Day, Bro. Dan Stoller (Sis. Deb,
Remington, IN) encouraged us with
this verse to stop and spend time with
our fathers, our families, and, most
importantly, our Heavenly Father.
We thank Bro. Lucas Frank
(Sis. Crystal, Detroit, MI) who also
gave of himself on Father’s Day, and
Bro. Chris Wuethrich (Sis. Carla, St.
Louis, MO) who ministered to us
Memorial Day Weekend.
It saddens us to announce that
Bro. David & Sis. Margene Peasley
are relocating to Lester, IA for Bro.
David’s employment. While we are
thankful for the Lord’s leading and
answered prayer, we will sorely miss
this dear couple.
Sis. Ruth Heinold (the late Bro.
Virgil) recently passed from this life,
giving us more reasons this month
to grieve as well as rejoice. Her
children Sis. Sherri & Bro. Harold
Fritz of Francesville, IN, Jim &
Karen Heinold of Pensacola, FL, Jill
& Jay Plattner of Bend, OR, and
Vic & Sue Heinold of Covington,
LA along with her grandchildren,
great grandchildren, a great-great
grandchildren rejoice that she is
now in her long-awaited mansion
in Heaven, but will miss her joyful
enthusiasm for life in the Lord. What
a beautiful legacy of faith she, and
many others, have preserved for us
with the responsibility to carry on!
Also mourning the loss of a loved
one are Sis. Betsy Virkler (Bro. David)
and her family as her grandmother,
Adeline Kaeb, of Fairbury, IL recently
31
went to be with the Lord.
We rejoice in the arrival of new
life with Bro. Glen & Sis. Sandy
Heinold as they received another
granddaughter, Lucy Megan, who
was born to Mark & Katie Heinold
and big sister, Libby.
We pray for recovery for Sis.
Bobbi Ann Heinold (Bro. Eric) who
recently had knee surgery, and for
Bro. Owen Gudeman (Sis. Nicole)
who is again in the hospital. As of
this writing, he has had surgery and
we pray for healing for Bro. Owen
and grace for his family during this
time.
Our annual Sunday School
Picnic was held at the beginning of
June. Despite the cold weather, the
fellowship, good food, and singing
were thoroughly enjoyed. The picnic
also signaled the arrival of Vacation
Bible School week. As always, the
children enjoyed their lessons and
activities, and we thank our Sunday
School teachers for their many
efforts. The adults and Bible Class
were blessed to have Bros. Chris
Wuethrich (Sis. Carla, St. Louis,
MO), Randy Beer (Sis. Deb, Milford,
IN) and Chris Laukhuf (Sis. Erica,
Latty, OH) expound on the topics
of “Trusting in God; Letting God
Lead”, “The effects of Social Media”,
and “The Results of True Fellowship”;
all with the overriding theme that
‘God is Enough’. We thank these
brothers for giving of themselves and
pray that God will bless them richly!
32
We thank young and old that
participated in our annual days for
church cleaning and landscaping, as
well as the brothers spending extra
time felling some trees around the
church. What a blessing to work
together as a church family for the
Lord’s house.
Indiana, Leo
Kirby Reutter
If Christ had preached the Sermon
on the Mount at Gateway Woods,
He might have said something like
this: “Blessed be the teachers, for you
shall be taught from the Word of
Life. Blessed be the adoption workers,
for you too shall be adopted by our
Father who art in Heaven. Blessed
be the house parents, for my father’s
house has many mansions. And very
least of all, blessed be the counselors,
for you too will be consoled by the
Comforter when you can’t even figure
out yourself, much less someone
else. Blessed are you when probation
officers don’t understand you either;
when caseworkers misrepresent
you; when judges don’t follow your
recommendations; and when parents
yell at you on the phone. Blessed
are you, for great is your reward in
HEAVEN—so in other words, stop
looking for your respect, recompense,
reinforcement, or recognition on this
side of the grave.”
Sometimes the only way I can
keep track of the current Gateway
staff is to write an article about them.
Just in the last month or so, Bro. Jon
and Sis. Beth Ringger (from Bluffton
North) joined us to serve as House
Parents; Bro. Brian Wenninger (also
from Bluffton North) joined us to
serve as the new Math Teacher;
and Bro. Derek Steffen (from Alto)
joined us to serve as our summertime
Volunteer Coordinator. In addition,
our very own local homegrown Bro.
Phil Fischer (from Leo) quickly rose
the ranks from intern to Top Quality
Manager.
Speaking of interns, Sis. Emily
Wiegand (from Philadelphia) has
also joined us for the summer.
Incidentally, Emily is one of at least
five elder’s kids currently on staff.
Thank you so much dear elder
brothers for sharing and entrusting
your children to labor with us in the
Lord!
Perhaps most noteworthy of all,
Bro. Paul and Sis. Leanne Fischer
also re-joined us to serve as house
parents—again. This is a unique
situation. Paul and Leanne originally
left Roanoke to serve as Gateway
house parents in 1981. Now 32
years (and 8 children of their own)
later, they have recently decided
to serve another tour at Gateway.
What a testimony to those of us who
think we are entitled to a leisurely
retirement!
Incidentally, Paul and Leanne are
also the parents of aforementioned
Bro. Phil, as well as the parentsin-law of Sis. Emily Fischer (our
secretary). This recent influx of
Fischer’s prompted one nameless
staff member to wonder aloud if the
Fischer’s were taking over the place.
That point aside, hasn’t the Master
called ALL of us to be Fishers of Men?
(And NOT pursuers of property
or possession, position or prestige,
pomp or pleasure, power or privilege,
pride or prejudice, promotion or
presumption, predominance or
preeminence—or any other earthly
paraphernalia.)
Finally, our dear Bro. Joe and
Sis. Heather Beer (Hannah, Cooper,
Connor) recently moved on after 5
years of dedicated house parenting,
bequeathing us with these final
parting words: “We have enjoyed
working alongside each of you over
the past five years. We’re sure it gets
said all the time, but Gateway has
changed our lives in more ways than
we expected when we began our
service here. For those of you in the
office, thank you for your support and
keeping things running, and thanks
for your bright smiles. Thanks also
to those who faithfully pray multiple
times a week. I know that’s a big
reason why houseparents are able to
do what they do. For the school staff,
thank you for your commitment to
your students and holding a line of
structure and love. We’ve seen many
kids flourish under your teaching.
You’ve given many kids a confidence
in their learning power that they
never had prior to Gateway. For the
houseparents, thank you for your
tireless investment in the kids God
has placed in your homes. Thank you
for the times you came along side our
family during times of crisis. Thank
you for the wisdom you’ve shared and
for being willing to be open when you
disagree. Thank you for your servant
hearts and your desire to share Jesus
with a hurting population. You have
been an inspiration to us. And thank
you for your ability to find humor in
a work that can be far from humorous
at times! Our prayers will continue
for this ministry and the work that
goes on here. Keep the faith. Hold the
banner high. We love you all deeply!”
We will deeply miss Joe and
Heather and their three precious
children at Gateway—but we are SO
thankful they plan to stay in the Leo
area. We will also deeply miss Sis.
Katie Kauffman (the current Math
teacher who is also moving on)—but
we are SO thankful that she likewise
plans to stay in the Leo area. For the
rest of us that remain in the labor, we
are quite likely the very least worthy
of your prayers (at least speaking for
myself). And that is precisely why we
need them.
our area from Atlanta, GA. We are
thankful to have them with us.
We appreciated having our
Elder Bro. Bill Schlatter (Sis. Emily,
Junction, OH) visit and minister
to us. We thank him for having the
graduation service for our 2013 High
School graduates.
We had a very blessed week of
VBS. Our theme was “Lord Help Me
Live.”
Bro. Dave Zehr (Gridley, IL) “The
Subtlety of Sin.”
Bro. Jeff Bahler (Wolcott, IN)
“Crossing Your Red Sea”
Bro. Ron Kipfer (Bluffton, IN)
“Validating God’s Way”
Bro. Ken Wuethrich
(Indianapolis, IN) “I Am Not
Ashamed”
We thank these visiting ministers
and their wives for coming and
speaking God’s Word.
We are rejoicing with Anne Beer
(Bro. Randy and Sis. Deb) as she has
turned to the Lord in repentance. We
pray that God will richly bless her
with grace and peace.
Indiana, Remington
Jenni Honegger
Marcella Tyler
Indiana, Milford
We are thankful to several visiting
Janie Price
ministers this month. Bro. Gary
Jodi Beer
Tonner (Sis. Diann) from Bluffton,
We welcome Bro. Larry & Sis.
Bro. Chuck Kellenberger (Sis. Debbie)
Melinda Gramm and their daughters: from Elgin, and Bro. Steven Frauhiger
Nikki, Cassie and Jasmine to our
(Sis. Irene) from Bluffton North all
congregation. They have relocated to shared the Word. We are thankful
33
for their time and effort. In addition,
Bro. Todd Sinn (Sis. Janet) from
Latty, Bro. Brian Waibel (Sis. Wendy)
from Champaign, Bro. Dale Stoller
(Sis. Sandra) from Fairbury, Bro.
Mark Wettstein (Sis. Karen) from
LaCrosse, and Bro. Todd Graf (Sis.
Lydia) from Akron each gave a talk
to our Vacation Bible School students
this year. The theme was “The
Salvation Plan” and each brother did
a wonderful job of laying out the
steps to God’s perfect plan for our
young people. This year the Wolcott
congregation hosted VBS. We are
thankful to each one for the many
hours they spent to make the week
both a glory to God and a fun time
for the children.
Bro. Andy Zickmund (Sis. Mary)
recently had surgery. We pray for his
speedy recovery and healing.
Our prayers go out to Dale
(Roberta) Greenbank on the passing
of his brother, Ed Greenbank (Leslie)
of Republic, Missouri. May God
comfort the hearts of the family in
each one’s grief.
We celebrated Father’s Day this
week. The fathers among us were
challenged to follow the example
given in Deuteronomy when
teaching the ways of the Lord to their
children.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is
one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thine heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And these words, which I command
34
thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently
unto thy children, and shalt talk of
them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way,
and when thou liest down, and when
thou risest up. And thou shalt bind
them for a sign upon thine hand, and
they shall be as frontlets between thine
eyes. And thou shalt write them upon
the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-9.
How thankful we should be to
our earthly fathers who diligently and
prayerfully show us the way to our
Father in heaven!
Lost & Found:
We are repeating the following
announcement in the hopes that
someone will claim this suit jacket.
During our recent church cleaning,
there were several items that were
discovered. One was a man’s suit
jacket that has evidentially been there
for several months. Since no one
here has claimed it, we decided to let
others know that it is here in case a
visitor accidentally left it. The name
brand is “Cellini Collection”. The size
is 40 Long and it is a darker blue/gray
with a lighter blue pinstripe. Please
call Marcella Tyler at 219-261-2539, if
you think this could belong to you.
Indiana, South Bend
Joshua Martinez
“And, behold, there was a man in
Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon;
and the same man was just and devout,
waiting for the consolation of Israel:
and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the
Holy Ghost, that he should not see
death, before he had seen the Lord’s
Christ. And he came by the Spirit
into the temple: and when the parents
brought in the child Jesus, to do for
him after the custom of the law, Then
took he him up in his arms, and blessed
God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou
thy servant depart in peace, according
to thy word: For mine eyes have
seen thy salvation, Which thou hast
prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the
glory of thy people Israel.”
Luke 2: 25-32
The South Bend church family
joyfully welcomes another future
Mighty Man of God. Simeon Ray
Schafer was born to Bro. Caleb and
Sis. Laura Schafer on May 21. Happy
grandparents are Bro. Scott and Sis.
Gigi Schafer and Bro. Lynn and Sis.
Valerie Kipfer (Austin, TX).
We are thankful for the many
visitors from near and far who shared
a time of fellowship and worship
with us this month. We are especially
grateful for the words of Truth and
Life shared with us by Bro. Thomas
Troxel (Sis. LuAnn, LaCrosse, IN
) and Bro. Alan Schambach (Sis.
Sarah, Remington, IN).
Our prayers were answered for
the safe return of loved ones from
travel abroad. We are happy to have
Bro. Bob and Sis. Sue Beebe back
from Haiti and Chip and Kasha Iacob
from Romania.
Our South Bend children enjoyed
a time of learning and fun at the
joint Vacation Bible School with our
Milford, IN brethren. May the Lord
bless the efforts of all involved in
planting seeds of the Good News in
our children’s hearts.
We appreciate the work and
sacrifice of all Sunday School teachers.
Special thanks go to outgoing
teachers, Sis. Gigi Schafer, Sis. Rachel
Langhofer and Bro. Otto Schlatter for
being shining lights to our children.
Our prayers go with Sis. Samantha
Gramm, Sis. Janelle Steffen and Bro.
Joshua Martinez who will assume
their places in the next school year.
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for
ever and ever. And all the people said,
Amen, and praised the Lord.”
1 Chronicles 16:36
Indiana, Valparaiso
Marguerite Hoerr
Sherry Meiss
What a weekend we had in Valpo
church! We heard the testimony of
LaToya Thomas, ably assisted by
Elder Bro. Curt Frank (Sis. Lyla)
and our own Elder Bro. Dan Kilgus
(Sis. Jenna). LaToya is the youngest
daughter of our ministering Bro.
Mike Thomas and Sis. Claudia.
Her baptism followed the next day
and there was rejoicing in the Valpo
church over the addition of another
member to our little flock. I’ve always
appreciated her friendship, despite
the difference in our ages. Now I will
appreciate it even more, because now
we are united as sisters in the body of
Christ.
The following Sunday, we
were totally blest with the visit of
ministering Bro. Joe Gerst (Sis.
Connie) and their daughter, Sis. Ruth
of Iowa City. They came to be with
their two daughters: Sis. Sharon (Bro.
Jon Pratt) of Valpo and Sis. Amy
Troxel (Bro. Joel) and their baby son
of LaCrosse. Bro. Joe blest us, by
proclaiming God’s Word from the
pulpit both morning and afternoon.
Having both daughters close by, we
look forward to more visits from
them.
Isaiah Thomas graduated from
high school. We are all looking
forward to attending his open house
later this month. Isaiah (son of Bro.
Mike and Sis. Claudia) has been a
blessing to all of us. His cheerful
personality lights up our church
family each time he’s with us. We
wish him God’s blessings as he
pursues his college days in Southern
IN. We will miss his warm handshake
and welcome smile.
Former ministering Bro. Carl
Wyss and his wife, Sis. Lydiann
(Washington, IL) visited Valpo in
June, along with 35 members of their
family. They were vacationing on Lake
Michigan. Among them were Elder
Bro. Randy Kellenberger and Sis.
Karen from Kansas City. Bro. Randy
ably and with inspiration, fed our
congregation. Bob and I were unable
to be there, but we were told about all
the blessings derived from their visit.
We didn’t have to be disappointed
for long, though because the first of
the week, Sis. Lydiann called us and
invited us to be with them for their
family’s midweek services. Bro. Lyle
and Sis. Marilyn Zeltwanger were
with us as we sat in the vast room of
their lodge and benefitted from the
Bible lesson and the singing during
these services. We received so much
love and inspiration that our hearts
were filled to overflowing. We can’t
express our gratitude enough for the
loving invitation to join them. May
God bless them all for sharing with
us. The older Bob and I get, the more
we appreciate fellowship such as this.
I want to thank Sis. Sharon Meiss
for posting last month’s Valpo news.
She has a willing heart that is so
appreciated. She has been a blessing to
our church in so many ways.
Don’t forget, we’re just 2¾ miles
south of U. S. 30 on S.R. 49. We love
visitors and invite you to worship with
us if you are in the area. Remember
we’re at “the Crossroads of the U.S.A”.
Indiana, West Lafayette
Katie Widmer
Bro. Ben Stoller, and my dear cousin,
is missed as he is now bringing even
more sunshine to Yellow Street in
Francesville, IN. “Blessed be the Tie”
has been sung a few too many times
35
in West Lafayette, but we are excited
for Ben as he follows where God
leads. Thanks for your partnership
in writing the Silver Lining this year
too!
We enjoyed a week of God’s
Backyard Bible Camp, learning how
the Holy Spirit can make us more
like Jesus.
We welcome Semaj Barrett
from Kingston, Jamaica. She is
staying with Bro. Kirk and Sis. Keri
Plattner during her summer break
from college. She is already actively
jumping in and serving. We love
having her with us for the summer.
We wish God’s blessings on Bro.
Brett and Sis. Elizabeth Gerber as
they begin their lives together!
Happy Father’s Day and thanks
to all Dads who are actively leading
your family to a closer walk with
Christ.
Indiana, Wolcott
Michelle Earney
Beckie Lehman
June has passed by in a rush of
activity. The children are enjoying
being out of school for summer
vacation. Our congregation was
blessed to once again share Vacation
Bible School with the Remington
congregation. Wolcott hosted the
week of activities. The theme this
year was “The Salvation Plan”. We
want to thank each of the visiting
ministers who came and gave of
their time to share a topic with the
36
Bible Class and congregation. Those
brothers were Bro. Todd Sinn, Latty;
Bro. Brian Waibel, Champaign; Bro.
Dale Stoller, Fairbury; Bro Mark
Wettstein, Lacrosse; and Bro. Todd
Graf, Akron. May God bless them for
their efforts.
Mike and Sis. Nancy Scott
welcomed two new grandchildren
into their family circle in the past
month. Nick and Niki Pilotte are
thankful for the arrival of Gage
Harris who joins his sister, Viola.
Myles Tyler joins his sister, Lily, and
parents, Tyler and Megan Bryant.
We pray for God’s blessings on these
growing families.
Last month we failed to
include Sis. Leah Lehman with our
graduates. We pray God will bless
her as she takes the next step into her
future.
Iowa, Bloomfield
Teresa Schock
Our sympathy to Sis. Teresa (Bro.
Dale) Schock and Sis. Rita (Bro. Jon)
Wettstein as their mother, Sis. Arlene
Huette, has gone to her eternal
reward.
We rejoice with Bro. Bill
Wuthrich (the late Ernestine) and Sis.
Gloria Frieden (Elgin, IA) as they
were united in holy matrimony. May
their union be blest and may Sis.
Gloria feel at home here.
Bro. Jon and Sis. Rita Wettstein’s
daughter, Jacki, was married to Craig
Amstutz on June 8. His parents are
Keith and Gail Amstutz.
On Fathers’s Day, Bro. Matt
Wettstein (Bro. Jon and Sis. Rita)
was engaged to Sis. Emma Fehr
(Bro. Cory and Sis. Jennifer, West
Bend, IA). We also heard that God
places us in a place where He sees
best—where He can best use us. Our
thoughts and prayers are with Bro.
Matt and Sis. Emma as they follow
God’s will for their lives.
Iowa, Burlington
Marilyn Anderson
Monica Eisenmann
With thankful hearts we welcome
Bro. Dallas and Sis. Christy Massner,
and their children: Caleb, Sophie,
Lillian and Naomi to our church
family.
We held our Sunday School
election on June 2. New teachers
will be Sis. Josie Wulf and Bro. Brett
Wulf. We wish them the Lord’s
direction as they teach the children.
Bro. Gary Schulz and Sis. Tami
Banwart have completed their terms
and we wish to thank them for their
dedication in serving.
We were blessed with many
visitors this past month, among them
were Elder Bro. Jon Schmidgall and
Bro. Mark Schmidgall.
Iowa, Elgin
Maria Rocke
“And they called onto Rebekah, and
said unto her, Wilt thou go with this
man? And she said, I will go.”
Genesis 25:11
On June 2, Bro. Bill Wuthrich
and Sis. Gloria Frieden were united
in marriage. It is such a blessed
occasion to witness, a marriage in the
Lord! Among the many visitors were
Elder Bro. Wayne Grimm (Sis. Rose,
West Bend, IA), Bro. Brad Funk
(Sis. Laura, Garden Grove, IA), Bro.
Ron Joos (Sis. Christy, Bloomfield,
IA), Bro. Ryan Schock (Sis. Melanie,
Bloomfield, IA), and Bro. Leland
Plattner (Sis. Mary, Zapata, TX). We
had an encouraging weekend. May
God bless Bro. Bill and Sis. Gloria
in their walk together and those who
served us from the pulpit.
Michael and Nikki Schupbach
(Spirit Lake, IA) were blessed with
a baby boy, Knox Curtis, on June
11. They have certainly been in
our prayers as little Knox has a
heart condition that will need to be
corrected by surgery. We wish them
God’s blessings as they enjoy their
precious bundle of love. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. John and Sis.
Janet Schupbach.
Listening so tenderly.
Now we’ve come to know the Savior,
And the riches of His Love.
Oh, how sweet to think that we’ve
been Taught the straight and narrow
way.
Lord, we thank Thee for our parents;
Bless and keep them, Lord we pray!
Oh, how truly we do love them, For
their kind, unselfish ways.”
We have celebrated Mother
and Father’s Day. What would the
condition of our soul be if our parents
had not taken time to show us God’s
love and take us to church?
Welcoming Kristopher James into
their heart and home is Kris, Britany
and Lydia Braun. Grandparents are
Bro. Tom and Sis. Dawn Moser.
Bringing God’s Word to Garden
Grove over the past few weeks were
Bro. Ed Stoller (Denver, CO), Bro.
Galen Rokey (Bern, KS), Elder Bro.
John Lehman (Bern, KS), Elder Bro.
Jim Plattner (Princeville, IL), Bro.
John Steiner (Oakville, IA), Bro.
Wes Moser (Lester, IA), Elder Bro.
Ted Witzig (Morton, IL) and Elder
Bro. Doug Schock (Bloomfield, IA).
Iowa, Garden Grove
If our ears and understanding were
Laura Funk
open and our heart empty, many
Our Parents - A Gift From God
teachings, admonishments, lessons
“Lord, we thank Thee for our Parents, and encouraging words were spoken.
Who have reared us in their care.
Did we hear and take advantage of
Gently, they’ d sing “Jesus Loves Me”, the free offerings?
As they’ d rock us in their arms.
Elder Bro. Jim Plattner gave the
Soon, around their feet we’ d scamper; exhortation for Holy Communion.
Curious as we could be.
Elder Bro. Ted Witzig and Elder Bro.
Patiently they’ d answer question;
Doug Schock served Communion.
As several new lambs have been added
to the fold here, some from moving
here and some from baptism,
Communion was a special blessing to
share with these new souls.
Iowa, Iowa City
Diana Butikofer
Congratulations to our high school
graduates! We wish Michaela
Landherr (Ron & Audrey) and Joshua
Snodgrass (Bro. Wayne and Sis.
Becky). God’s blessings as they pursue
future education or occupation.
Bro. Luke Gerst (Sis. Michelle)
graduated from the University of
Dubuque. We trust they will be a
blessing to the Columbus, OH church
since moving for a job (Luke) and
college (Michelle).
We pray for God’s care and
guidance for Matt Landherr (Ron and
Audrey) as he moves to Hawaii for
his residency following his graduation
from University of Iowa medical
school.
Iowa, Lester
Audrey Metzger
Joyce Moser
Memorial Day weekend brought
many visiting ministers and brethren
to our congregation: Bro. Mark
Schmidgall (Oakville,IA), Bro. Chris
Laukhuf (Latty, OH), Bro. Darren
Fehr (West Bend, IA), Bro. Bruce
Frank (Cissna Park, IL) and Bro.
Virgil Metzger (Chicago, IL). On
June 2, we were thankful to have
37
Bro. Roger Aberle (Sabetha, KS)
and Bro. John Baumgartner (Bern,
KS) here to minister the Word. We
were blessed by their willing service
and appreciated the kind and loving
exhortations.
The wedding of Bro. Nate
Knobloch (Bro. Dan & Sis. ReJean)
and Sis. Ashley Fehr (Bro. Gary &
Sis. Sandy, Morris, MN) was June
2 in Morris, MN. We rejoice with
them as they begin their married
life together in the Lord. We
welcome Sis. Ashley to our Lester
congregation.
It was a beautiful evening on
June 5 for our annual Sunday School
picnic, which was enjoyed by all the
children and our church family.
“Flourishing youth, Thou our hope
and our fond expectation, Hark
to the voice that is calling in kind
invitation! That hand obey which
oft has pointed the way, to the dear
Saviour’s salvation!”
Zion’s Harp #168, vs. 1
This year was Lester’s turn
to host the Sunday School Youth
Fellowship weekend on June 8 & 9.
Elder Bro. Paul Messner (Winthrop,
MN), Elder Bro. Wayne Grimm
(West Bend, IA), Elder Bro. Duane
Rocke (Minneapolis, MN), Bro.
Gary Sinn (Latty, OH), and Bro.
Kevin Wulf (Morris, MN) were here
to minister the Gospel. Bro. Gary
shared an inspirational message to
the youth on Saturday evening and
the elders, along with our Elder Bro.
38
Rod, addressed questions from the
students on Sunday afternoon. It was
a very blessed weekend for all who
were involved. We want to thank
our Sunday School teachers for all of
their labors on behalf of our children
who, Lord willing, will become the
future church.
Our sincere sympathy goes out
to Jim and Ronda Thielen as Jim’s
mother, Ramona Thielen, passed
away on June 10. May God provide
comfort to them in their time of
sorrow.
With Father’s Day here, the
Word reminds us to “ honour thy
father and mother; which is the first
commandment with promise; that it
may be well with thee, and thou mayest
live long on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:2-3.
representative is Bro. Jeff Wagenbach.
We are thankful for Bro. Tom
Steiner’s years of service.
Bro. Travis, Sis. Kenna and Ava
Frank were happy to welcome Cohen
Reilly into their family on June 14.
Grandparents are Bro. Curt and Sis.
Kathy Frank and Bro. Brad and Sis.
Teresa Kellenberger (Sabetha, KS).
On June 9, we witnessed the
baptism of five dear souls: Bailey
Lanz (Bro. Ron and Sis. Timna),
Austin Frank (Bro. Curt and Sis.
Kathy), Claire Lanz (Bro. Regan and
Sis. Tricia), Carrie Carruthers (Fred
and Korkee) and Erika Massner (Bro.
Troy and Sis. Joni). Visiting ministers
were Elder Bro. John Laukhuf
(Latty, OH) and Bro. John Hartman
(Fairbury, IL).
Iowa, Oakville
Yvonne Bruellman
Becky Virkler
Our sympathy is extended to Sis.
Bernice Banwart, Sis. Betty Wirtz,
Sis. Phyllis Banwart, Sis. Marilyn
Banwart and Becky Banwart on
the loss of family member, Franklin
Banwart.
We have blessed with many
visitors this month. Among them
were visiting ministers: Bro. Wes
Moser (Sis. Esther, Lester, IA),
Bro. Larry Bahr (Sis. Julie, Fort
Scott, KS), Bro. Ron Isch (Sis. Jane,
Lamont-Gridley, KS), Bro. Wayne
Banwart (Sis. Charlen, Champaign,
IL) and Bro. Galen Rokey (Sis.
Sharla Wiegand
Graduation weekend was May
19. Visiting ministers were Elder
Bro. Rod Bajema and Bro. Dale
Wulf (Lester IA) and Bro. Michael
Wagenbach (Wolcott IN).
Our Sunday School election
was held June 2. New teachers
are Bros. Kent Schmidgall, Mitch
Schulz and Jeremy Steiner and Sis.
Kelsey Banwart, Sis. Tami Lanz.
We thank the outgoing teachers for
their service: Bros. Brent Frank, Dave
Stoller, Colin Wagenbach and Sis.
Charlene Gerst, Sis. Kelly Lanz.
Our new Gateway Woods
Iowa, West Bend
Nancy, Bern, KS).
On the evening of Memorial Day,
the church gathered for a singing to
wish Bro. Dallas, Sis. Christy Massner
and family well on their move to the
Burlington congregation.
On the weekend of June 8 and 9,
our Bible Classes attended the annual
youth fellowship weekend in Lester.
Once again the students enjoyed
fellowshipping and worshipping
together with the surrounding
churches. We thank God for his
guiding and protecting hand and to
the Lester congregation for hosting
this event for our youth.
Our best wishes go to Tyson
and Autumn Wirtz on their recent
marriage. Tyson is the son of Bro.
Chuck and Sis. Trela Wirtz. May God
bless them as they establish their lives
together.
This time of the year reminds us
of faithful fathers who have led by
example and faithfulness. May the
fathers that are sojourning at this
present time be willing and able, by
God’s grace, to pass this onto their
posterity. We are so blessed.
We rejoice with Sis. Emma Fehr
(Bro. Cory and Sis. Jennifer) and Bro.
Matthew Wettstein (Bro. Jon and
Sis. Rita, of Bloomfield, IA) on their
engagement. May God bless their
hearts as they make future plans.
God’s goodness has been
showered on our two recently
hospitalized patients. Bro. Ken
Banwart (Sis. Marlene) is home
God for creating opportunities for us
to experience the beautiful world that
He has created. I would encourage
any who are feeling led to support a
small church to consider Japan—you
will be greatly blessed!
I’d like to thank my Japanese
Japan, Tokyo
family, not only the brothers and
Manuela Denes
sisters, but also those friends who
Marie Inoue
faithfully come and worship on
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all Sundays. My prayer would be that
the world, and preach the gospel to every their hearts would be touched enough
creature.” Mark 16:15
that they would one day be able to
We were very interested to hear
humble themselves and give their lives
of a group of believers living in the
to the Lord. God be with you ‘til we
Philippines. Brethren from Tremont, meet again!
IL have been assisting them with
“I thank my God upon every
their material and spiritual needs.
remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3
Bros. Akito Inoue and Akihiro Ito
Kansas, Bern
flew from Manila to the island of
Jill Meyer
Mindanao to meet with a small
group. What a blessing it is to be able Rita Menold
to travel safely and share the Gospel! We rejoice with three new souls who
have buried their sins in the watery
We pray for continued growth in
grave! Bro. Jordan Rokey (Bro.
faith and that God can continue to
Galen and Sis. Nancy), Bro. Marcus
help and support this small group of
Baumgartner (Bro. John and Sis. Lori)
believers.
and Sis. Jessalyn Strahm (Bro. Faron
It is hard to believe that I am
and Sis. Jana) gave their testimonies
writing my last article for Tokyo. I
am so thankful for the two years I’ve and were baptized the weekend of
June 8 and 9. We are thankful Elder
had to worship with our loved ones
Bro. Mike Leman (Sis. Deb; Denver,
in both Tokyo and Shioda. There
CO) came to share in this work, as
have been many challenges, not the
least one being away from my family. well as visiting ministers Bro. Duane
Metzger (Sis. Ruth; West Bend, IA)
The Lord provides us with many
opportunities to grow in faith and I’m and Bro. Roger Aberle (Sis. Lavonne;
Sabetha, KS).
thankful and so blessed for all that
He has provided for not only me, but Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God
which passeth all understanding, shall
for my family as well. Praise be to
recovering from surgery. Dexter
Knobloch (Bro. Denton and Sis.
Rose) is home recovering from injuries
sustained in a farm accident. We
thank God for the avenue and power
of prayer.
39
keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus”.
We are so thankful that Kara
Goodman (Mike and Sis. Luci) has
found peace with God and man! We
rejoice with her and look forward to
hearing her testimony of faith in the
near future.
Our theme this year for Vacation
Bible School was “The 8 P’s of
Jonah”: Preach, Proclaim, Powerful,
Patience, Purpose, Prophet, Pray,
Promise. Even though it seems that
the parents are exhausted after the
week, it is so refreshing to see the
overflowing joy and excitement in the
children. Our prayer is that as each
one grows older, they will continue
to have a love for Jesus and a desire to
learn about God and his perfect ways!
Bro. Wayne Strahm has met
with some afflictions of the flesh,
and spent some time in the hospital
healing.
If your family is traveling close
to our area for vacation, we warmly
welcome you to worship with us.
We love having visitors! One thing I
appreciate so much about our church,
is that we can stop and visit any
Apostolic Christian church and feel
a warm welcome from the brethren –
what a Blessing!
Love, joy and peace to each of
you.
Kansas, Fort Scott
Teresa Bahr
Two new babies have arrived to
40
join our fellowship. On 6/13/13,
Jaxon Lee Banwart was born to Bro.
Tim and Sis. Nicole. His siblings
are Jonah, Jayden, and Jordon.
Grandparents are Steve and Beverly
Scott and Bro. Lon and Sis Debbie
Banwart. Then on 6/17/13, Anika
Rose Banwart was born to Bro.
Trent and Sis. Kristi. Her siblings are
Benjamin, Josiah, Noelle, and Chloe.
Grandparents are Bro. Rick and Sis.
Karen Kellenberger and Bro. Lon and
Sis. Debbie Banwart.
Vacation Bible School was held
June 17-21 with the students excited
about learning Bible truths and doing
arts and crafts. We offer special
thanks and blessings to the teachers
and others who gave of their time.
Sis. Aleta Banwart (Bro. Don)
and Darcy Sinn (Doug) are both
recovering from surgery and we
are thankful they are both able to
assemble with us.
Kansas, Kiowa
Janice Bahr
Jenny Stewart
“Let both grow together until the
harvest: and in the time of harvest
I will say to the reapers, Gather ye
together first the tares, and bind them
in bundles to burn them: but gather the
wheat into my barn.” Matt. 13:30
It’s harvest in our area. It is so
interesting to watch the wheat being
cut, and see the chaff (tares) being
cast out the back of the combine,
while the wheat is collected in the
bin. God in His infinite wisdom used
this example (though using reapers
instead of a combine) to compare to
the end of the age when the children
of God will be separated from the
children of Satan - God’s children to
live eternally with Him in Glory, and
Satan’s children to live forever with
Satan in eternal torment. May we be
ready for God’s harvest that we not
be caught sleeping and be cast out as
the chaff.
We recently had the privilege
of Elder Bro. Mike and Sis. Deb
Leman and Bro. Jake and Sis. Tifani
Leman (Denver) for a weekend. We
so appreciate the effort given and
miles traveled to share the love of
fellowship, and the precious Word of
God. May God bless each of you who
give of yourselves for the Lord’s work.
“Jesus loves me this I know, for the
Bible tells me so; little ones to Him
belong; they are weak, but He is
strong: yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus
loves me, yes, Jesus love me, the Bible
tells me so.”
Hymns of Zion #176
We would like to thank everyone
who recently took part in our
Bible School. We especially thank
our Wichita Church family, who
joined us for the day of fellowship
and teaching of God’s Word to our
precious youth who are God’s joy and
ours also.
We still seek prayers for our dear
Sis. Kathleen Miner, who has had
surgery and is undergoing further
treatments for cancer. May our Great
Physician put healing hands on her
and be her constant companion
during this trying time.
Our sympathy is extended to Sis.
Phyllis Strahm (Bro. Elmer) as her
brother, Franklin Banwart of Lake
Mills, IA, passed away.
Prayers and sympathy are also
Kansas, Lamont-Gridley
with Bro. Calvin Weiss and his wife,
Sarah Somerhalder
Sis. Dena, as they bid an earthly
On May 31, the Sunday school
farewell to Bro. Calvin’s sibling, our
students enjoyed Vacation Bible
dear Sis. Lucille Kellenberger (late
School where they learned about
Bro. Freeman). Sis. Lucille’s bright
“Creation”. May God bless the
smile and quick laughter will be
teachers and the others who assisted
missed by many.
with the students.
We gathered at the Fellowship
Center last month to learn of our
Kansas, Sabetha
role as a church family in sending
Dawn Strahm
Bro. Rick and Sis. Komari Aberle
Sally Strahm
and their children, Mara, Krae
Salome Hartter (Bro. Tim and Sis.
and Selah as missionaries to Haiti.
Charleen) has made a beginning in
Bro. Kirk Plattner (Sis. Keri, West
repentance. We thank God that hearts Lafeyette, IN) presented information
are still being moved to serve Him.
on ways we can support the Aberles
Sis. Ruby Grimm (Bro. Gerald)
in their time away. Bro. Rick and Sis.
has been in our prayers as she
Komari’s move will leave a void in
contends with physical pain and
our congregation, but we know they
undergoes surgery.
are still part of our home church and
Bro. Marc and Sis. Julie Wenger
need our prayers as they continue to
became grandparents when little
serve God in a different capacity.
Crew Wenger Kellenberger was
June 1 was our annual Sunday
born. Crew’s parents are Travis and
school picnic. We enjoyed an evening
Erica Kellenberger. Our Sis. Marian
of food and fellowship with our
Kellenberger (late Bro. Gene) is
precious children. These times spent
happy to welcome another new
together are a blessing to be cherished.
granddaughter, Ruth Kathleen. Baby
Kansas, Wichita
Ruth is the daughter of Art and Joy
Glen Funk
Kellenberger.
Sharing God’s Word this month “Can any hide himself in secret places
that I shall not see him? saith the Lord.
was Bro. Scott Wegman (Sis. Dawn,
Taylor, MO). We thank Bro. Scott for Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the
Lord.” Jer. 23:24
his willingness to serve.
I’m sorry it seems we’ve fallen off
the map. We regret deeply our dear
Sister Emma Miller has advancing
Parkinson’s conditions and is unable
to continue our correspondence. She
still is brought lovingly to church by
her daughter, Jane, and son, Chris.
We have each month received
such blessings as in April, Bros.
Chuck Kellenberger and Les
Shambach (Elgin, IL) with their wives
came to evaluate the need for church
parking lot renovation. We felt they
were truly God-sent. Bro. Chuck
filled the monthly minister rotation
which we appreciate so much! In May,
Elder Bro. Doug Shock (Bloomfield,
IA) rotated and also helped our Elder
Bro. Jay Luthi (Lamont/Gridley, KS)
serve Communion. The weekend of
June 2, Bro. Jay and Elder Bro. Gary
Hertzel (Sabetha, KS) came and
shepherdly interviewed our church.
How uplifting it was as they found in
conclusion a peaceful, loving attitude
with unity. We appreciated both
their ministry. Father’s Day, Bro. Eric
Givens (Princeville, IL) blessed us
with ministry along with his wife and
daughters.
We have two 8th grade graduates,
William Setser and Hans Schrader.
Katy Carnahan received an associate
degree. The Sunday school children
enjoyed youth gatherings at Ft. Scott
and Kiowa. They were excited to
tell me they met my twin cousin,
Bro. Tony Funk (Sunday school
teacher, Garden Grove). For a Father’s
41
Day gift, I received a beautiful
inspirational photo book of America.
In it, Calvin Coolidge, U.S. President
(1923-1929) is quoted “the strength of
a country is the strength of its religious
convictions”. “Finally, brethren”, may
we as a nation this Independence Day
“be strong in the Lord and in the
power of His might”!!
Mexico, Ixtlán
Matt Gerber
“Ye are the light of the world. A city
that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put
it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;
and it giveth light unto all that are
in the house. Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is
in heaven.” Matt. 5:14-16
Preparations are being made
for the Ixtlán fellowship weekend
June 28-30, and for VBS in Barra
Vieja/Lomas, Morelia, and Ixtlan
scheduled for the month of July.
Please be prayerful for God to be
glorified through these activities.
As the current school year comes
to a close, we thank God for His
patience and faithfulness, and for
providing several new teachers for
this coming school year.
Mexico, Magdalena
Stephanie Rinkenberger
“And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what
42
is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
We are thankful for the teams
and helpers who have arrived this last
month in preparation for our summer
here in Magdalena! As usual, it is a
busy time, but one in which we can
rejoice as we see God’s work in our
lives unfold and feel renewed as we
daily choose to trust in Him and
believe His promises.
We are excited to announce
the birth of Bro. Jonathan and Sis.
Berenice Aupperle’s daughter, Camila
Faith, born on May 31. Children are
a blessing from the Lord!
This month we also welcomed
several new arrivals to our Magdalena
congregation: Sis. Belinda Frank
(Cissna Park, IL), Bro. Denver Slagel
(Silverton, OR), and Sis. Kendra
Neihauser (Morton, IL) will be living
and working at the orphanage here.
We are thankful for their servant
hearts!
We also welcomed several of
the short-term summer staff who
have devoted their time and efforts
to the mission here: Bro. Zach
Romersberger (Gridley, IL), Sis.
Larissa Metz (Bloomington, IL),
and Sis. Madison Kuperschmidt
(Gridley, IL). We are also grateful for
the attendance of Bro. Joe Klotzle
(Altadena, CA) and Bro. Andrew
Steiner (Morris, MN) who are
interning in Magdalena this summer.
Two teams worshipped with
us this month; the first from
Phoenix, AZ and the second from
Washington, IL. We were grateful for
their labor of love and the sharing of
fellowship!
We also were thankful for the
visits of Bro. Mike and Sis. Deb
Leman (Denver, CO) and Bro. Jose
and Sis. Cathy Cervantes (Tecate,
MX). We are blessed to hear the
Word of God preached!
Thank you for your continued
prayers for the church here. We
would ask specifically for your prayers
concerning the many single mothers
who attend with their children – that
they would know the love, support
and care of their Heavenly Father.
Michigan, Alto
Melissa Blough
“With the Lord as your Shepherd
You have all that you need,
For if you follow in His footsteps
Wherever He may lead,
He will guard and guide and keep
you
In His loving, watchful care,
And when traveling in dark valleys,
Your Shepherd will be there…
His goodness is unfailing,
His kindness knows no end,
For the Lord is a Good Shepherd
On whom you can depend…
So when your heart is troubled,
You’ ll find quiet, peace and calm
If you’ ll open up the Bible and
Just read this treasured psalm.”
Helen Steiner Rice
Sun rays, camping and
watermelon…it must be summer.
And with summer comes a new set of
busy. Things are in full swing here in
Alto and yet we feel the comfort and
guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings have come in all shapes
and sizes this month. From birth to
marriage union; graduates to converts.
Anna Louise was received into
her loving family: Bro. Aaron and
Sis. Bekah Plattner and big brother,
Titus. Thankful grandparents are Bro.
Howard and Sis. Kristen Plattner as
well as Bro. Dennis and Sis. Bonnie
Kaufmann (Bloomington, IL). We
pray for them as they raise their
children after the heart of God.
Our congregation witnessed
the beautiful union of Bro. Bjorn
Taba (Bro. Laszlo and Sis. Marion,
Breidenbach, Germany) to Sis. Tasha
Steffen (Bro. Ted and Sis. Sandy).
Prayers are lifted as they start a new
three-cord journey.
“For this cause shall a man leave father
and mother, and shall cleave to his
wife: and they twain shall be one flesh.”
Matthew 19:5
High School graduates this year
were Nicole Steffen (Bro. Ted and Sis.
Sandy), Conner Blough (Gordon and
Trisha) and Travis Sixberry (Jason and
Angela). May God bless and guide
these dear hearts as they seek to learn
and grow in this next chapter of life.
We rejoice with Peggy Vasvinder
as she has sought the Lord in
repentance. We are thankful and
blessed to welcome her into our body.
Among the blessings of the past
month was the traveling of loved ones
across the miles. We were touched
by the service and labor of dear Bros.
Matt Steffen (Sis. Deanna, Princeville,
IL), John Lehman (Wolcott, IN),
Mark Wettstein (Sis. Karen LaCrosse,
IN), and Laszlo Taba ( Sis. Marion
Breidenbach, Germany).
Our earthly shell is weak, but
we have a hope of our eternal being,
were pain no longer corrupts. We
pray for Bro. Ott Schlatter (Sis. Pat)
as he recently had surgery. May he
experience a smooth and fast recovery.
Our annual business meeting
was held. With much appreciation
we thank all those brothers and
sisters going out from their terms
of service. Each part of the body is
important. Entering into service are:
Sis. Donna Oesch, Sis. Laurie Steffen
and Bro. Aaron Plattner as Sunday
school teachers; Bro. Jim McCormick
as trustee; Sis. Luanne Kaeb and
Bro. Ed Sanders on World Relief;
Bro. Tom Oesch as Sunday school
superintendent; Sis. Sue Daniels and
Sis. Julie Sanders on food committee;
and Bro. Eric Spangler as usher.
May God bless each heart for their
willingness to serve.
Michigan, Bay City
Sarah Knochel
Janelle Ramseyer
Memorial Day Weekend our
congregation hosted an Invite-aFriend Weekend. Elder Bro. Mark
Streitmatter (Sis. Sara, Bloomington,
IL) and Bro. Ron Kipfer (Sis. Linda,
Bluffton, IN) were among our guests
for the weekend.
Our prayers are with Sis. Della
Erismann as she spent time in the
hospital recently.
We rejoice with Bro. Jim and Sis.
Kay Knochel as they welcomed their
first grandson, Cooper James, on June
5. Cooper’s parents are Bro. Nathan
and Sis. Jamie Hodel (Roanoke, IL).
He is also welcomed by two older
sisters: Haley and Delaney.
During the week of June 17-21,
we hosted our annual Vacation Bible
School. This year’s theme was “Let
This Mind Be In You” (Philippians
2:5). Throughout the week, we hosted
approximately 100 students for our
daytime program. We also hosted
two evening programs. Bro. Craig
Stickling (Sis. Jackie, Peoria, IL)
spoke about “The Mind of Christ”.
On Friday evening, Bro. James Fehr
(Sis. Brenda, Tremont, IL) shared
the topic, “Nurturing the Spiritual
Mind”. It is such a blessing to work
and interact with the students and
to see their enthusiasm and desire to
learn more about Christ. We pray that
this desire would remain with them
throughout their life.
Michigan, Detroit
Krista Wieland
Bro. Abraham Nolan and Sis. Sarah
Nolan shared their testimonies of
faith in Jesus Christ on a Saturday
43
evening followed by a baptismal
service on Sunday. It was a wonderful
time for the church. We rejoice that
God has brought them into our
church family.
Last month’s article contained
news about a tragic house fire at
the home of Bro. Pat Allen and
his daughter, AnnMarie, along
with her sons, Cody and Luke.
The Allen Family has recently
relocated into a rental home back
in the neighborhood which will
allow the boys to be able to play
with their friends this summer
and will allow Bro. Pat to monitor
the reconstruction and restoration
activities of their damaged home.
Before the rental house became
available, the Allen family had been
staying with Bro. Tom and Sis.
Cindy Hitz and their daughter, Sis.
Kristen. In the words of Bro. Pat:
“We are grateful that God opened
the door to live at their home and
we have been blessed by their warm
hospitality. With no prior planning,
four of us arrived at the Hitz home in
the middle of the night with only the
clothes on our back. As we begin the
next phase in our rental home, it is
appropriate to acknowledge how kind
and welcoming the Hitz family has
been. We will never forget how much
you made us feel at home and loved.”
We are thankful that Sis. Mary
Kaisner is back in church after
surgery and a period of rehabilitation.
Kim Smith has continued with
44
difficult chemotherapy treatments for
cancer and our prayers and support
continue with Kim and her husband,
Ray, and their three children: Devin,
Kaitlyn and Aaryn.
We pray for the Lord’s blessings
on Laura Kujawa and David Stevens
as they have recently announced their
engagement. Laura is the daughter
of Bro. Bill and Sis. Darlene Kujawa
and David is the son of Greg and
Marcia Stevens of Novi, MI.
Visiting ministers this month
included Bro. Nick Gutwein (Sis.
Suzanne) from West Lafayette, IN
and Bro. Doug Harmon (Sis. Lana)
from Toledo, OH. We thank them
for their willingness to share their
gifts and allow the Lord to speak
through them.
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw
nigh to you.” James 4:8
Our church family is looking
forward to sharing Communion
together this next weekend. Elder
Bro. Paul (Sis. Jan) Messner from
Winthrop, MN plans to be with us.
We have found the promises in the
Word so true in the past that when
we draw nigh to Him, He will draw
near to us. We know that it will be
the same again as we remember our
Lord and Saviour’s sacrifice for us.
On behalf of the Detroit Choir,
we would like to extend a warm
welcome to all to join us for the 25th
Annual Livonia Choir Benefit for
the support of our church-sponsored
Woodhaven Retirement Community.
All activities will take place at the
church starting with a pork chop
dinner at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday,
July 13, followed by the Choral
program at 7:00 p.m. Please make it
a weekend to remember by accepting
our invitation to stay overnight and
worship with us on Sunday. For
overnight accommodations, please
call or text Bro. Scott Bahr at (248)
924-7547 or email him at spbahr@
yahoo.com.
Minnesota, Minneapolis
Brenda Messner
Betty Rassi Lindwall
We extend our sympathy to Bro.
Dewayne and Sis. LaRae Dill in the
loss of LaRae’s uncle, Bro. Marion
Meiss (Fairbury, IL).
We were blessed with many
visiting ministers this month:
Bro. Glen Steiner (Sis. Rachel) of
Winthrop, MN; Bro. Robert Beebe
(Sis. Sue) and Bro. Scott Schafer (Sis.
Gigi) of South Bend, IN; Elder Bro.
Randy Kellenberger (Sis. Karen) of
Kansas City, MO; Bro. Jim Koehl
(Sis. Hilde) of Morris, MN.
Our high school graduates this
year are Thomas Messner (Todd and
Sis. Renee) and Mikayla Jacobson
(Tim and Sandy). We also give
congratulations to Courtney Gramm
(Morris) as she graduates from
college. We pray for God’s blessings
on each of these young people as they
move forward in their life.
As we celebrated another Father’s
Day, our thoughts were about what a
Christian man’s responsibility in the
home should be: Proverbs 22: 6 “Train
up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from
it.” We offer our prayers to all of the
father’s across the nation.
Zeltwanger and Bro. Doug Moser.
The presentation of the Four
Pillar Mission of the Church (Present
the Gospel, Teach and Nurture,
Preserve Sound Doctrine, and
Service) was given to our church
family by Bro. Ted Witzig Jr. Special
thanks for the educational evening.
Minnesota, Morris
The Gospel message is for ALL.
Amy Ekren
Medical patients this month were
Heidi Pfaffmann
Sis. Steph Knobloch (Bro. Damon)
We are thankful for ministering
and Abram Schmidgall (son of Andy
Bros. Curt Walter (Sis. Elizabeth,
& Amy Schmidgall). May GOD bless
Mansfield, OH), Wayne Fehr
each one with his healing mercies.
(Sis. Kathy, Portland, OR), Dale
“Putting on the Armor of GOD”
Minnesota, Morris North was the theme for Vacation Bible
Zeltwanger (Sis. Rachel, Morris
North, MN), Dale Wulf (Sis. Becky, Lois Schmidgall
School. Thanks to everyone who
Wanda Gramm
Lester, IA), Mark Schmidgall (Sis.
helped with this special event for our
“Of a truth I perceive that God is no
Sally, Oakville-Mediapolis, IA), and
youth. May GOD bless each one
Dana Nieman (Sis. Lea, Remington, respecter of persons: But in every nation for giving of your time and talents.
he that feareth him, and worketh
IN) who have come to share the
Also, the youth in grades 8-12 were
righteousness, is accepted with him”
Word.
invited to attend the Youth Fellowship
Acts 10:34-35.
We are also grateful for Elder
Weekend in Lester, IA. We thank the
Do we follow this instruction
Bros. Jon Schmidgall (Sis. Julie,
Lester church for hosting this special
and give equal priority to each person event.
Oakville-Mediapolis, IA) and Rod
Bajema (Sis. Sue, Lester, IA) who were we come in contact with, regardless
Abby Ascheman (Bro. Tony &
of their possessions, financial status,
here to share in a beautiful wedding
Sis. Peggy) has announced that GOD
weekend. We wish Bro. Nate and Sis. looks, or behavior?
has given His peace in her heart and
We appreciate to the visiting
Ashley (Fehr) Knobloch God’s richest
anxiously awaits baptism. We are so
ministers this past month who were:
blessings as they begin their life
thankful for her and pray that we can
Bro. Steve Ringer (Sis. Myra, Bluffton continue to encourage her on this
together as one in the Lord.
North, IN) and Bro. Jeff Waibel (Sis. important decision she has made in
“Heart with heart in love united,
Margo, Leo, IN) whom also gave our her life.
Seek upon God’s heart repose. Let
congregation a brief informational
your love, to flames ignited, To the
Minnesota, Rochester
presentation on Gateway Woods.
Savior upward flow. He the Head
Mark Stork
Thank you brothers for your
and we His members; He the light
We are again thankful for those
dedication in the service of the
and we the glow; He the Master, we
willing to travel here to share God’s
Lord and for assisting our ministers
His brethren, In true fellowship we
Word. Here for our Wednesday
Eld. Bro. Paul Messner, Bro. Dale
grow.” Zion’s Harp #33, vs. 1
We extend our congratulations
to our high school graduates: Kaitlin
Koehl (Bro. Chris & Sis. Shelly) and
Connor Metzger (Bro. Dick & Sis.
Gail).
Our prayers are with Sis. Minnie
Kussatz, Bro. Howard Goll and Sis.
Pam Fehr, as they have spent time in
the hospital this past month.
We realize our lives do pass
away as we gathered to pay our last
respects to Arlene Greiner (Emil-dec.).
We are trusting God will wrap His
comforting arms around her family.
45
evening service was Bro. Dale Moore
(Sis. Cheryl, Elgin, IA). We enjoyed
the fellowship even though we were
small in number.
We are in the process of redoing
the deck at the Guesthouse. Many
thanks to the Minneapolis brothers
who have spent time on this project.
We hope to complete the deck after
we finish the rest of the landscaping.
The Guesthouse was quite busy
the month of June. We had visitors
from Bradford, Tremont, Winthrop,
and Louisville, KY. It is a blessing for
us to meet and greet those who stay
here.
We currently have openings at
the Guesthouse. Information is in the
back of this issue.
Editor’s Note:
Last month’s article was
accidently a reprint of last year’s
article and apologize for any
confusion it created. Our humanness
comes out too often!
Minnesota, Winthrop
Lindsay Schmidt
“And, behold, I am with thee, and
will keep thee in all places whither
thou goest,” Genesis 28:15
Our hearts and prayers go with
Sis. Heather Steiner (Bro. Glen & Sis.
Rachel) as she follows God’s leading
to move to Tremont, IL. We will miss
her here in our congregation, but
wish her God’s richest blessings as she
begins a new journey.
“Honour thy father and mother;
46
which is the first commandment with
promise;” Ephesians 6:2
The Lord has so commanded it
and our country has set aside a day to
recognize and appreciate our fathers
and mothers. We’re thankful for their
love, guidance and support. However,
more importantly, we want to thank
them for teaching us about God and
Jesus, and the way of truth.
“A man that hath friends must
shew himself friendly: and there is
a friend that sticketh closer than a
brother.” Proverbs 18:24
Our 8-12th grade students and
teachers were invited to Lester, IA
for the Youth Fellowship weekend.
We want to thank the Lester Church
and Sunday School teachers for
their efforts in hosting. Hopefully
many memories and friendships were
formed over the weekend.
As this Sunday School year has
ended, we extend heartfelt thanks
to the teachers who have taught our
precious students this year.
“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give
ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at
my tears:” Psalm 39:12
Our hearts ache for Bobbi Jo
Schmidt (Ben) and her family in
the loss of her father, Bob Nelson
(Becky). May God grant comfort and
fill the void with His love.
Missouri, Lamar
Venetta Banwart
Our visiting ministers this month
were: Bro. Ed Fritz (Sis. Sally,
Washington IL), Bro. Dale Frank
(Sis. Christine, Oakville, IA), Retired
Elder Bro. Don Braker (Sis. Eileen,
Kansas City, MO), Bro. Dale Stoller
(Sis. Sandra, Fairbury, IL) and Bro.
Kim Sutter (Sis. Vonette, Taylor,
MO). Many thanks for being a
willing servant and feeding us from
God’s living and holy Word. May
God richly bless you always.
May God grant our hospital
patient his healing blessing: Bro.
Martin Hohulin (Sis. Edith).
Missouri, St. Louis
Kary Mangers
Not enough thanks can be expressed
to those from Taylor and Roanoke
who came down to help with the
tornado cleanup at our church
property. As I looked out on the
workers toward the end of the day,
I was reminded of Titus 2. Several
older brothers came down with the
young people to help with clean-up.
They gave direction and instruction
as they worked alongside the younger
people. By the end of the day, they
may have had a little less energy than
the younger people, but the job was
done, because they lead by example
and passed on their wisdom and
knowledge and then let the younger
people finish the task.
Such a spiritual analogy of how
both age groups should interact
and encourage one another. Again,
we were so blessed by all the hands
that physically supported us and the
hearts that had the desire to help us.
Thank you!
Our thanks also go out to Bro.
Matthew and Sis. Bridget Rassi
(Chicago) for supporting us during
our monthly rotation and Elder
Bro. Kent and Jan Heimer (Taylor)
for their visit. Jesus served in both
physical ways and spiritual ways while
He was here on earth and because of
His disciples, our congregation was
blessed in both ways this past month.
is now feeling some better and is able
to attend church. Bro. Roy and Sis.
Dona are being assisted with their
care at home by their children and
grandchildren.
Sis. Phyllis (Bro. Kenny) Knapp
had back surgery and is recuperating
at the Maple Lawn Nursing Home.
We pray that she is able to go home
soon.
Vernon (Sis. Judy) Huber
continues to have health problems.
We miss him when he is unable to
Missouri, Taylor
come to church.
Marcia Sutter
A special thanks to Bro. Norman
Bro. Jeff and Sis. Carrie Rocke and
and Sis. Jan Rechkemmer for all the
their children are moving to Prescott, work they do and for time they spend
AZ for a new job opportunity. Sis.
coordinating our local World Relief
Carrie’s sister and brother-in-law,
activities.
Jared and Jen Haas and Sis. Megan
Those of us that still have our
Kieser are also moving to Prescott
fathers here on earth are so blessed.
with them. We will miss them, but
Many of our forefathers have gone on
wish them God’s very special blessings to their reward to be in the presence
and protection until we see them
of our Heavenly Father. It is so
again.
important for fathers and mothers, as
Bro. Dean (Sis. Carol) Steffen was well as grandparents, to pass on the
our visiting minister on May 19. We
importance of salvation and the legacy
appreciate his willingness to serve us
of our precious faith to their children.
when they come to visit family.
“...but as for me and my house, we will
Our June 5, Bro. Arlen (Sis.
serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Denise) Leman from Forrest, IL
presented our monthly Bible study on New York, CroghamNaumburg
Genesis 1 about the creation. It is so
Hope Graves
amazing what God created in those
seven days and continues to do every It was a blessing to be able to sing
with Sis. Louise Purvines and Sis.
day in our lives.
Anna Mellnitz on Sunday evening,
Sis. Dona Grimm (Bro. Roy)
June 9. We were able to gather
had surgery several weeks ago for a
compression fracture in her back and together for the evening at the Lewis
County Extended Care and were
thankful for each resident who could
join us.
We thank God for bringing
Elder Bro. Dave Graf and his wife,
Sis. Barb, from Akron, OH. We
were blessed to be able to share Holy
Communion together on Saturday
evening, June 16, after a potluck
together. This was also the weekend
that our Rockville, CT church served
us lunch. We are so thankful for the
Lord’s provision for our earthly and
spiritual bodies! What a reminder of
His love and mercy and grace. May
the Lord bless each one for their
service to us, but most of all their
service to our Heavenly Father!
We pray that the Lord will be
with Josh Herzig and Jessica Young
who were married on June 8. May
the Lord also guide the following
graduates as they move into the next
phase of their life: Shirley Hellinger,
Gregory Panowicz, Melissa Vallenti
and Joshua Himmelstein.
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be
found, call ye upon him while he is
near: Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the LORD,
and he will have mercy upon him; and
to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon. For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways, saith the LORD. For as the
heavens are higher than the earth, so are
my ways higher than your ways, and my
thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah
47
55, 6-9.
This is a beautiful chapter. May
we all prosper in the will of God that
we may “go out with joy” and be “ led
forth with peace.”
Ohio, Akron
Erika Gal
God has richly blessed our small
congregation with three precious
babies born within a week of each
other! We hope they grow up to
be special friends! Kanaan Mark
was born first on May 21 to Bro.
Mark and Sis. Megan Steidl. His
big brothers, Conner and Maverick,
are excited to welcome him home.
His grandparents are Bro. Don and
Sis. Nan Steidl and Bro. Ken and
Sis. Carol Rupp (Rittman). Ashton
Jonathan was born next on May 24
to Bro. Justin and Sis. Lisa Gherian.
His happy siblings are Reagan, Cole
and Cameron. Sis. Sharon Gherian
and Bro. Steve and Sis. Jenee Rufener
(Rittman) are Ashton’s grandparents.
On May 25, a sweet baby girl, Marta
Rose, joined the family of Bro. Andy,
Sis. Mary, Mya, Naomi, Gwen,
Amos, and Grant Steidl. Bro. Don
and Sis. Nan Steidl and Bro. Jerry
and Sis. Martha Bauman (Rittman)
are the grandparents. We thank God
that each of these babies arrived
safely. We pray that God will also
provide the needed grace and wisdom
to bring them up to fear Him!
We wish to share the news
of two engagements. Sis. Octavia
48
Demrovsky was announced to Ryan
Andras, a brother in the West Akron
(Nazarean) congregation. She is the
daughter of Bro. Andy and Sis. Vera
Demrovsky. Sis. Rebecca Pamer was
announced to Bro. Matthew Stoller
from Rittman. She is the daughter of
Bro. Steve and Sis. Arliss Pamer. He
is the son of Bro. Ken and Sis. Lori
Stoller. We wish both of these couples
God’s blessings and joy in their lives
together.
Our thoughts and prayers are
often with Bro. Al (Sis. Mary Ann)
Weigele as he has been hospitalized
recently. We trust he can feel our love
and God’s nearness through it all.
Ohio, Columbus
Lauren Rufener
“For we ourselves also were sometimes
foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
diver lusts and pleasures, living in
malice and envy, hateful, and hating
one another. But after that the
kindness and love of God our Saviour
toward man appeared, not by works
of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us,
by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he
shed on us abundantly through Jesus
Christ our Saviour; that being justified
by his grace, we should be made heirs
according to the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:3-7
We will miss Bro. Andreas
Schlatter as he has moved back
to Bay City, MI. May the Lord
continue to guide him.
We appreciate visiting minister,
Bro. Mark Masters (Mansfield, OH),
for sharing God’s Word.
Ohio, Junction
Vicki Boroff
We were thankful to have several
visiting ministers this month:
Bros. Dan Goric (Sis. Mary-Lou,
Rockville), Warren Zahner (Sis.
Bonnie, Rockville), Matt Feucht
(Sis. Jennifer, Roanoke), and Dana
Indermuhle (Sis. Joy, Sardis).
Aric and Jessica Mericle are firsttime parents to little Rebeka Nichole.
Pleased grandparents are Sis. Verginia
Manz and Mike and Deb Mericle.
Ohio, Latty
Carmen Stoller
Mindy Stoller
Greetings of love! We had several
visiting ministers this month. They
included Bro. Dale Wulf (Sis. Becky,
Lester, IA), Bro. Dan Stoller (Sis.
Deb, Remington, IN), Bro. Randy
Gasser (Sis. Sue, Detroit, MI),
and Bro. Justin Koch (Sis. Marcia,
Washington, IL). May God bless
these brothers for their labor of love.
We are thankful to report
that Zach Sinn (Bro. Tim and Sis.
Marlene) and Jared Klopfenstein
(Bro. Lee and Sis. Desma) have
turned to the Lord in repentance and
are seeking out their soul salvation!
May God bless them with grace,
mercy, and joy.
Ohio, Mansfield
Elizabeth Walter
We extend our sincere thanks to Bro.
Matthew Manz (Sis. Deanna, Toledo,
OH) for visiting and bringing God’s
Word to us this month.
Our prayers are with Bro. Phil
Keiper (Sis. Theresa) as he has moved
to the Rittman Nursing Home. May
God provide during this time of
transition. We remember Bro. Larry
Bocka as he continues to receive care
in the hospital.
The beginning of the summer
season is always a blessing as we share
a week of Bible School together. We
thank all of those who lent their
time and talents to make the week
special. We also extend a heartfelt
thank you to the visiting ministers
who took time to come and share
from God’s Word: Bro. Ned Stoller
(Sis. Heidi, Alto, MI), Bro. Matthew
Manz (Sis. Deanna, Toledo, OH),
Bro. Bob Riggenbach (Sis. Lorie,
Rittman, OH), Bro. Warren Schlatter
(Sis. Cindy, Junction, OH), and Bro.
Mark Ramsier (Sis. Alice, Sardis,
OH). May we be encouraged to grow
in wisdom and knowledge of the
truth!
Ohio, Rittman
Julia Zollinger
Anna Bauman “But when Jesus saw it, he was much
displeased, and said unto them, Suffer
the little children to come unto me,
and forbid them not: for of such is the
kingdom of God. Verily I say unto
you, Whosoever shall not receive the
kingdom of God as a little child, he
shall not enter therein.”
Mark 10:14-15
We have been blessed this month
with quite a few new babies in our
congregation. I wish to apologize
for missing the recent addition to
our church, Tess Diann, adopted
daughter of Bro. Mark and Sis. April
Dotterer. Her new older siblings are
Max and Morgan. She was born
October 1, 2012 and was adopted
March 2013. Grandparents are Bro.
Rick and Sis. Dawn Dotterer and
Bro. Mark and Sis. Diane Miller
(Smithville, OH). On May 21, Bro.
Mark and Sis. Megan Steidl of Akron
welcomed Kanaan Mark. Older
siblings are Conner and Maverick.
Grandparents are Bro. Ken and
Sis. Carol Rupp and Bro. Don and
Sis. Nan Steidl (Akron,OH). On
May 24, Bro. Nate and Sis. Morgan
became first-time parents with the
birth of Avery Lynn. Grandparents
are Bro. Virgil and Sis. Lois Gasser
and Dave and Shelly Colvin. On
the same day, Bro. Justin and Sis.
Lisa Gherian welcomed Ashton
Jonathon. Older siblings are Reagan,
Cole, and Cameron. Grandparents
are Sis. Sharon Gherian and Bro.
Steven and Sis. Jeneé Rufener. Marta
Rose was born to Bro. Andy and Sis.
Mary Steidl (Arkon, OH) on May
25. Older siblings are Mya, Naomi,
Gwen, Amos, and Grant. Bro. Don
and Sis. Nan Steidl (Arkon, OH) and
Bro. Jerry and Sis. Martha Bauman
are thankful grandparents. Also this
month Jeremiah Daniel was born to
Roanda Ramos. Miguel Ramos is a
thankful grandfather.
We are thankful for the new
convert in Rittman. Jacob Blough
has begun seeking the Lord in
repentance. We wish him the Lord’s
grace and nearness.
The engagement of Bro. Matthew
Stoller (Bro. Ken and Sis. Lori) to Sis.
Rebecca Pamer of Akron (Bro. Steve
and Sis. Arliss) was known recently.
We wish them the Lord’s blessings as
they prepare for marriage.
There were quite a few weddings
this month as well. Jacob Zimmerly
and Megan Hanzie were married
May 25. Jacob is the son of Michael
and Diane Zimmerly and Megan
is the daughter of Tim and Sis.
Kim Hanzie. Bradley Hartzler and
Emily Starkey were married May
26. Parents are Dick and Sis. Karen
Hartzler and Brad and Bette Starkey.
Bro. Jeremy Steiner and Sis. Lois
Steiner were united in marriage on
June 2.Parents are Bro. Rod and Sis.
Jill Steiner and Bro. Matt and Sis.
Gail. On June 16, Bro. Greg Gasser
and Sis. Julia Zollinger became one
in the Lord. Parents are Bro. Jim and
Sis. Janice Gasser and Bro. Arlyn and
Sis. Barbara Zollinger. We wish all of
these couples the Lord’s blessings in
their marriage.
In the hospital this month were
49
Cameron Stoller (Bro. Jordan and Sis.
Joy), Sis. Clara Jenkins, Sis. Margaret
Calame, and Bro. Stan Winkler (Sis.
Marge). May the Lord be with them
as they recover.
Visiting ministers this
month were Elder Bros. Andy
Stoller (Smithville, OH) and Ken
Indermuhle (Sardis, OH); and Bros.
Dean Messner (Winthrop, MN),
Randy Gasser (Detroit, MI), Mark
Steiner (Smithville, OH), Clint
Schmidt (Winthrop MN), and Todd
Graf (Akron, OH). We thank these
brothers for bringing forth His Word.
Note of Thanks:
Thank you for your prayers,
cards, gifts and notes of
encouragement during the time of
Phyllis Lanz’s stay at our nursing
home and her recent death. We pray
the Lord will bless you for your
thoughtfulness.
Bro. Ralph, Sis. Diane Lanz and
family
Ohio, Sardis
Faith Beard
“My little children, of whom I travail
in birth again until Christ be formed
in you…” Galatians 4:20
Can there be any greater calling
to a parent as this? To teach and
nurture those children whom God
has entrusted in our care in such a
way that Christ may be formed in
them as they grow? Even though this
is a lifetime travail, it can be both a
joyful and fulfilling work. Another
50
dear child was born to Bro. Joel
and Sis. Heidi Beard on April 24 as
Rachel Lanae entered their family.
She was eagerly welcomed by siblings:
Loren, Katie, Luke, Leah, Raelynn
and Carson. Grandparents are Bro.
Ed and Sis. Dee Beard and Greg and
Jill Stoller.
We give our thanks to Bro.
Matthew and Sis. Bridget Rassi
(Chicago, IL) as he preached the
Gospel during a recent visit. May
God bless their travels and their
efforts.
We always enjoy our yearly
Sunday School picnic as a time when
we, as a church, can interact with
the children on more of their level.
Speaking to us that evening about
the Sower and the Seed was Bro.
David Hartter (Sis. Beth, Sabetha,
KS). We so appreciate his efforts on
behalf of our children, and also as
much the next day, when he preached
the Word during our Sunday service.
“Seeds of goodness we are sowing
In the hearts of man today.
Bless it Lord, that it may prosper,
And bear fruit for harvest day.
Children come the grain to gather,
While the morning sun doth shine;
And ere long, beloved brethren,
It will be your harvest time.”
Hymns of Zion, #46
Ohio, Smithville
Sara Crist
Kara Stoller
Congratulations to Bro. Ron and
Tammy Marty on the birth of a new
grandson, Logan Warner! He was
born June 4, 2013 to Patrick and
Rhonda Gowin of Wooster, OH.
We rejoice that two more souls,
Trinity Walder (Bro. Michael and
Sis. Susie) and Nicole Steiner (Curt
and Robin), have seen their need for
repentance for their sins and have
surrendered their lives to Christ.
We praise God for His goodness in
drawing souls unto Himself!
We are thankful to announce
the engagement of Bro. Todd Gasser
(late Bro. Greg Gasser; Bro. Ken and
Sis. Sue Ellen Maibach) to Sis. Lizzie
Fulop (Bro. Dennis and Sis. Joy of
San Diego, CA). It is a joy to witness
God bringing two souls together, to
walk as one in the Lord.
Those hospitalized this month
are Sis. Gail Riggenbach (Bro. Don)
and Bro. Corbin Riggenbach (Sis.
Jessica). We pray for healing as God
wills and that He will strengthen you
in your time of need.
Our prayers and love go out to
the recent high school graduates as
they begin this new stage of their
lives. Graduates are Jessica Gray (Bro.
Ron and Sis. Carrie), Neil Stoller
(Bro. Jeff and Sis. Millie), Nelson
Stoller (Bro. Scott and Sis. Charlene),
Trent Weber (Bro. Myron and Sis.
Darlene), and Carla Zollinger (Bro.
Marvin and Sis. Pam).
“That ye might walk worthy of the
Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in
every good work, and increasing in the
knowledge of God;” Colossians 1:10
We thank our visiting minister
this month, Bro. Mark Ramsier (Sis.
Alice, Sardis, OH), for his service
in the ministry of God’s Word.
May God bless you richly for your
willingness to labor for the Kingdom.
Ohio, Toledo
Deanna Manz
Jenny Manz
This month we were thankful for the
opportunity to have several visiting
ministers preach the Word. Elder
Bro. Mark Masters (Sis. Jeannine,
Mansfield, OH), Bro. Todd Stoller
(Sis. Pam, Latty, OH) and Bro. Mark
Ramsier (Sis. Alice, Sardis, OH) were
willing servants. We appreciate their
efforts and trust the Lord will richly
bless them.
We welcome another precious
baby girl to our congregation. Paiton
Collette Tucker was born to Bro.
Luke and Sis. Shari on Father’s Day
morning. Excited grandparents are
Bro. Doug and Sis. Lanna Harmon
and Dan and Sis. Barb Tucker
(Mansfield, OH). May the Lord
guide them as they began this new
journey together as a family.
Our prayers are with those
who have spent time in the hospital
recently. Bro. Gale Stoller (Sis. Janet),
Bro. Howard Harmon (Sis. Emily),
and Heidi Kipfer (Sis. Janet) are all
recovering from surgery. We pray
for a swift recovery. As we think of
physical illness, we are also reminded
that God is able to heal our spiritual
ailments as well. How wonderful it is
to have access to the Great Physician
whenever we are in need! May we
always remember to pray for those in
need of His healing.
Oregon, Portland
Liz Jones
Many thanks to ministering Bro.
Gary Anliker (Sis. Edie, Elgin, IL)
for sharing the Word and fellowship
last month. A big thank you also to
Elder Bro. John Wiegand (Sis. Jane,
Silverton) for the same.
Congratulations to our high
school graduates, Shane Gallup
(Bro. Mark and Sis. Louisa) and
Maris Leman (Bro. Mike and Sis.
Lisa). Our thoughts and prayers
are with these two as they make
decisions regarding their future. It
is also a blessing to add that Maris
has professed peace with God and
man and awaits baptism. What a
wonderful beginning to adulthood!
Oregon, Silverton
Kelsey Walder
Ann Kuenzi
The weekend of May 18 was a joyful
one, as we were able to listen to the
testimonies and witness the baptisms
of Wendi Roth (Bro. Jim and Sis.
Deb) and Clinton Sinn (Bro. Don
and Sis. Linda). Elder Bro. Rick
Plattner (Sis. Mary) from Fairbury,
IL came to help in this work. Also
here for this occasion, and sharing in
the pulpit, was Bro. Les Kaeb (Sis.
Christine) from Francesville, IN.
A new bundle of joy has arrived
to Bro. Jeremy and Sis. Kristy
Kuenzi. Maria Kay was born May
22, and is welcomed home also by
Micah, Drew, Kate, Russ and Angela.
Grandparents are Jim and Joan
Dietrich, and Bro. Terry and Sis. Ann
Kuenzi.
Sis. Becky Von Flue has been
hospitalized in Portland, for several
surgeries on her leg. She has also
spent time at Benedictine care center
in Mt. Angel. She came home for a
short time, but is now back in the
hospital, due to infection. She pleads
for prayers that she can heal, as she
has had problems with this leg in the
past.
Memorial Day, the single
brothers hosted a breakfast at the
Pratum Gym. It was a wonderful
time to visit, as it was raining outside.
Bro. Ben and Sis. Carolyn
Bolliger are grandparents again.
On May 2, Alex and Katie Bolliger
added Cole Stephen to their home.
Big sister, Brynn, is excited for a new
playmate.
Also Bro. Jim and Sis. Barb
Kuenzi are rejoicing at being
grandparents again. Bro. Robert and
Sis. Melissa Rokey (Goodfield, IL)
have a new son, Trent Robert, born
May 28. Also, big sister, Meredith, is
glad for a little brother.
Sunday, June 2 was the
celebration potluck for our high
51
school graduates. We wish the very
best for all of them. Listed are the
graduates and their parents.
• Jessica Kraft- Bro. Richard and
Sis. Marianne
• Annaleise Kuenzi- Bro. Troy and
Sis. Sherri
• Cole Kuenzi- Mark and Carly
• Maris Leman- Bro. Mike and Sis.
Lisa (Portland)
• Sis. Lydianne Metzger- Bro. Kurt
and Sis. Koreen
• Erinn Sinn- Bro. Tom and Sis.
Edith
• Trever Stadeli- Bro. Nick and Sis.
Lori
• Paul Tribbett- Bro. Mark and Sis.
Ann-Marie
Other visiting ministers this
month were Bro. Wayne Fehr (Sis.
Kathy) from Portland, OR and Bro.
Brandon Emch (Sis. Maria) from
Kansas City, MO. We appreciate
their labors of love.
Our sympathy is extended
to Bro. Loren and Sis. Marlene
Dettwyler and their family, in the
recent loss of Sis. Marlene’s mother,
Adeline Kaeb (Forrest, IL).
Bro. Darwin Sinn and Sis. Jenna
Dotterer were united in marriage
June 16 in Forrest, IL. Darwin’s
parents are Bro. Tom and Sis. Edith.
Jenna’s parents are Bro. Dan and
Sis. Kathy Banwart and the late Bro.
Wendell Dotterer. We rejoice with
them and look forward to having Sis.
Jenna in our Silverton church.
Broken bones seem to go in
52
two’s. Caleb Dettwyler (Bro. Kevin
and Sis. Jill) and Kathryn Walter
(Bro. Chad and Sis. Megan) are both
in casts. Sis. Shirley Zollinger (Bro.
Ed) had recent surgery on her ear.
We hope for a speedy recovery for all
of them.
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia
Laura Isch
We congratulate Tanner Metzger
(Bro. Shawn and Sis. Sandy) and
Brittany Lanz (Bro. John and Sis.
Kay) upon graduating from high
school. We pray God will bless both
of them as they move forward with
their lives.
On June 9, we were thankful to
have Bro. Daryl and Sis. Norma back
with us from Haiti for a blessed time
of fellowship. It was wonderful to be
with them again and to hear of God’s
faithfulness in their lives. We wish
them a safe trip back.
Our prayers are with Kierstyn
Lanz (Bro. John and Sis. Kay) as she
was hospitalized after an accident.
We are thankful she is recovering
and we will continue to pray for her
throughout the rest of her recovery.
We were thankful that retired
Elder Bro. Ron Shambach (Elgin, IL)
was willing to share the Word this
month.
May God bless each one and
keep them in His care.
Tennessee, Nashville
Mike and Monica Fritz
We have enjoyed many blessings
this past year in Nashville with Bro.
Adam and Sis. Jami Luginbuhl and
their children: Simon, Reigan, and
Evan, but now they are returning
to the Philadelphia, PA area for
employment. It is hard to say
goodbye, but we wish them the
Lord’s richest blessings as they move
on to this next opportunity.
We are thankful for the Lord’s
rich blessings from His Word
through the service of our recent
visiting ministers: Bros. David
Eisenmann (Sis. Jackie; Champaign,
IL), Dale Stoller (Sis. Sandra;
Fairbury), Brad Gudeman (Sis.
Teresa; Bradford), and Nelson Beer
(Sis. Minnie; Milford), as well as
Elder Bro. Elder Bro. Rick Plattner
(Sis. Mary; Fairbury). We have also
appreciated the fellowship of those
visiting from Bradford, Champaign,
Fairbury, Forrest, and Gridley, IL;
Milford, IN; and Elgin, IA.
If you are traveling to or through
the Nashville area, please plan to
worship with us. The following
churches are scheduled for services
in the near future: Fairbury (7/21),
Smithville (7/28), Rockville (8/4),
Taylor (8/11), Leo (8/18), and Morton
(8/25). If you plan to worship with
us, please call ahead to confirm
our schedule. Often we gather on
Saturday evenings for fellowship, and
all are heartily welcome. Contacts are
Bro. Don and Sis. Faye Sauder, (615)
373-8928; and Bro. Mike and
Sis. Monica Fritz, (615) 8665543, fritzmb.family@gmail.com.
Texas, Austin
Serenity and Jasmine Ringger
Congratulations to Bro. Lynn
and Sis. Val Kipfer on their new
grandson, Simeon Ray! Simeon was
born to Bro. Caleb and Sis. Laura
Schafer from South Bend, IN.
We welcome Trevor Meiss (Bro.
Jim and Sis. Candy) to Austin for the
summer. Trevor has an internship
in Austin and we hope he enjoys his
time here. May God lead him in the
future.
We were blessed with ministering
Bros. Chuck Kellenberger (Sis.
Debbie, Elgin, IL), Mike Leman
(Sis. Lisa, Portland, OR), and Leland
Plattner (Sis. Mary, Zapata, TX) who
came and preached the Word of God.
Visitors also came from Fairbury.
The following is the minister
schedule for August: (4) Rockville,
CT; (11) Remington, IN, (25)
Minneapolis, MN.
Please refer to the minister’s
directory for directions and contacts.
Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth
If we are becoming weary, we are
spending more energy fighting the
enemy than we are seeking God’s
presence, “Seek the Lord and ye shall
live…Seek Him that makes the seven
stars and Orion…” Amos 5:6-7
Services are being held generally
the second Sunday of each month at
the Holiday Inn Express, 4450 W.
John Carpenter Freeway, Irving TX.
Please call ahead to verify.
• Leland & Mary Plattner
956-265-0351 or
• Dennis & Diane Rassi
512-321-2345
Vermont, North
Clarendon
Nathan and Miriam Reutter
We have had a very busy few months.
“How beautiful are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things!”
Romans 10:15b
We are thankful to God for
His word being expounded each
Sunday. To help in this work, Bro.
Kevin Ryan installed our Bro. Mark
Hoffman (Sis. Luella) to the ministry
on May 5. We so appreciate the
presence of a local minister in our
church. It helps to feel (in many
respects) more settled and permanent.
We praise God for his evident
provision in our time of need!
To help Bro. Mark in the
ministry, many other ministers and
their wives and families came to be
with us. The ministers that came
from the Rockville, CT are Bro.
Tom Bahler, Bro. Kevin Ryan (Sis.
Cheryl), Bro. Brent (Sis. Naomi)
Walder and family, Bro. Jeff (Sis.
Carol) Gerber, and Bro. Warren (Sis.
Bonnie) Zahner. We also enjoyed the
fellowship and ministry of Bro. Jerry
(Sis. Linda) Isch and their family
from the Philadelphia, PA on May
19.
On June 9, we enjoyed Holy
Communion with Bro. Kevin Ryan
and Bro. Warren Zahner officiating.
We appreciated the time of reflection
from the time of our Communion
exhortation until Communion, and
the spiritual renewal felt during the
Communion service.
We are hopeful for a renewal of
the spring in Sis. Luella Hoffman’s
step as she submits herself to a hip
replacement in early June. We pray
for her speedy recuperation.
If you are interested in
fellowshipping with us here in
Vermont, and would like information
about dates of services, please
contact Bro. Nathan and Sis. Miriam
Reutter at 802-447-2426. We love
to fellowship with believers whether
it is during the week or on the
weekend. Please let us know if you
are planning to be in our area so we
can accommodate you.
Service times are as follows:
• Mid-week services (Contact local
brethren)
• Sunday Morning Service 10:10 AM
• Sunday Afternoon Service
12:15 PM
• Sunday school held during the
morning service.
53
News & Notices
Light from the Word
Now available by downloadable PDF from the
Apostolic Christian Publication website:
After entering the website, click on the
item located at the left hand frame entitled,
“Light from the Word Reprints”. The entire
set of editorials are available in a complete
download (June 1987 to current).
Interested in receiving a
printed sermon?
To order, contact:
Printed Sermons
P.O. Box 154
Forrest, IL 61741
(815) 848-5113
printedsermons@gmail.com
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN
ORDER ONLINE AT:
A set of hymnals makes a
great gift for the new couple
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS
Bibles & Other Christian Resources
805 W Cruger St., PO Box 52, Eureka, IL 61530
STORE HOURS
M – F, 8:30a – 11:30a (CST)
Phone & Fax: 309.467.3611
HOW TO ORDER: Order Online at www.acpublications.org. During Store Hours call 309.467.3611. After hours fax a form
to the same number or leave a message. Order Forms are available at your local church, for printing off our website, by
calling AC Publications, or by emailing office@acpublications.org
54
E
F
Independent Living Units Available
at The Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka
Important Notice to Americans
Crossing the Canadian Border
by Land
All adults will need just ONE of the following
documents:
• Regular U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• Enhanced driver’s license
• Any Trusted Traveler Program (for example, Nexus
card)
U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under the age of 19
if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group)
may present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth
Abroad, or a naturalization certificate. Birth certificates can
be original, photocopy, or certified copy.
For more information or to
schedule a tour, please
contact the Eureka Home
today at 309-467-2311.
E
A limited number of duplex (1,000 sq. ft) and condo (800 sq.
ft.) units are now available on the Eureka Home campus. These
living options are great for seniors who enjoy good fellowship
and the independence of community living without having to
worry about any maintenance issues on their home or grounds.
Many amenities are included.
Bible Distribution
Sharing the Word in Love
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that
keepeth the law, happy is he. Prov 29:18
Bibles in English and other languages, plus Bible
Story Books approved by the Apostolic Christian
Mission Committee, are available for those who wish
to distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ. The
inventory is computerized. These materials can be
drop-shipped do nearly any address.
To order, contact:
Apostolic Christian Church
Bible Distribution
P.O. Box 30
Bluffton, IN 46714
Ph/Fax: (260) 824-5587
bibledist@adamswells.co
July 2013
SILVER LINING
55
World Relief Informational Meetings
Opportunities to
Serve One Another
presentations scheduled by the
church holding the conference.
For more information, go to
the World Relief web site (www.
acworldrelief.org) and check under
Informational Meetings.
T
he mission of World Relief is to
provide humanitarian aid and
volunteer labor to alleviate human
misery and suffering throughout the
world, first to the household of faith,
and then to others as much as we
are able, in a way that is a Christian
witness and brings glory to God.
We thank God for the various
opportunities to help the needy
of the world made available to
our congregations through World
Relief, not only with funds, but with
volunteer labor by our brethren.
One way to hear about these
opportunities is to attend one of
three presentations held throughout the year.
Next meetings
Schedule
The Western Meeting is held the
second Saturday of March and
is rotated between the Apostolic
Christian Churches west of the line
between Indiana and Illinois.
The Eastern Meeting is held on the
second Saturday of November and
is rotated between the churches in
Indiana and all churches eastward.
Also, Thursday before the
conference in August, there are
Before Conference:
Fairbury, IL Fellowship Hall
August 8, 2013
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Eastern Meeting:
Latty, OH
November 9, 2013
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
www.acworldrelief.org
Short-Term Teaching Helpers Needed this Summer at Athens Preschool
Are you a college student needing to actively participate in a classroom setting to fulfill
Early Education school requirements?
Or are you someone simply wanting to influence small children and make a difference?
If so, here is an opportunity for you and it is just
a day’s drive from our Illinois, Indiana and Ohio
churches!
The Apostolic Christian Preschool of Athens, AL is
seeking volunteers who will work Mon. – Fri. for 1 to
4 weeks between May 20 and August 16. Help “train
up” our children, who are ages 2-5.
56
Housing is provided at no cost, in a 2-bedroom apartment on church grounds.
To reserve your spot in our summer schedule, or to
get more information please contact:
Sis. Susan Koch, Program Coordinator
acpreschool@att.net or 309.202.4897 or
Bro. Duane Reutter, Administrator
duanebreutter@gmail.com
Give a Child Hope
Child Sponsorships
T
To sponsor a child
hose in the child sponsorship program have several things in common. They are very poor, desire to learn
and they have an undying soul.
To sponsor a student fill out this form
and send to the office. A student will
be assigned to you and you will be sent
further information.
The goal of this
program is to
provide an education to help
these children
learn life skills to improve their standard of living, and also to provide
spiritual training to address the true
need...the need for a knowledge of
and a personal relationship with God
through Jesus Christ.
Name _________________________
And all thy children shall be taught of
the Lord; and great shall be the peace
of thy children. IsaIah 54:13
Mr.
Mrs.
Miss
Spouse ________________________
Address _______________________
City ____________St ___ Zip _____
Home Ph ______________________
Cell Ph ________________________
Email _________________________
Please check preference:
Haiti
Guatemala
Jamaica
Mexico
Zambia
Wherever needed
If possible I would prefer:
Boy – Age
Girl – Age
No Preference
Cost: $25.00/month
For details: www.acworldrelief.org
Send to:
ACWR Child Sponsorship
PO Box 36
Morton, IL 61550
Phone: 309-266-6080
Fax: 309-266-5281
E-mail: childsponsorship@acwr.org
www.acworldrelief.org
English Teacher Needed in Ixtlan, Mexico
T
he Ixtlan church has started
a private elementary school
that presently teaches first through
fourth grades, with plans to add
a fifth grade in August 2013 and
a sixth grade the following year.
We are looking for a replacement
English teacher who is available to
begin teaching in late March 2013.
Classes continue through July 5 and
begin again in mid-August for the
2013-2014 school year.
If you are a graduating college
senior who would like to apply for
the position, but cannot come down
until after graduation in May or
until the beginning of next school
year, we would be open to that
possibility. We also would consider
applicants to just finish out the
2012-2013 school year.
• Willing to be sent by the AC
Mission Committee and to work
together as a missionary team in
Ixtlan.
Counselling Elder for Ixtlan:
Mike Leman
Qualifications:
• Member in good standing of the
Apostolic Christian Church.
• A degree in Education and/
or TESOL is preferred but not
required.
• Ability to communicate in the
Spanish language.
• Enjoys being with and working
with children.
Please contact:
Grant and Hannah Herrmann
Current English Teacher
grantandhannah11@gmail.com
Matt Gerber
School Administrator
magerbe@gmail.com
www.acmission.org
July 2013
SILVER LINING
57
Mexico Work Teams
Location
Year 2013
Coordinator
Juarez
Medical
Sep 18-25
Cheryl Herrmann
cherrmann@frontier.com
Magdalena
Construction
Nov 2-9
Vance Snook
503-580-3419
vanceliz56@gmail.com
Magdalena
Construction
Nov 23-30
Rod Schmidt
303-774-7913
rschmidt@acosta.com
Location
Year 2014
Coordinator
Magdalena
Construction
Jan 4-11
Karl Edelman
815-657-7385
karledelman@cawi.org
Magdalena
Construction
Jan 11-18
Steve Kaeb
217-781-4709
kaebsb@myfrontiermail.com
Magdalena
Construction
Feb 15-22
Jon Baner
309-532-9435
jon.baner@watershedfoods.com
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 8-15
Caleb Hoerr
ISU
309-370-3153
calebhoerr@me.com
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 22-29
Mike Fiechter
Bluffton/BN Senior Class
260-597-7330
mfiechter@onlyinternet.net
Questions?
Contact Mike Fiechter
mfiechter@onlyinternet.net
260-597-7330
58
Haiti Construction Work Teams
Project
Year 2013
Coordinator
Capacity
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Oct 19-26
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
darylluginbuhl@gmail.com
12
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Nov 2-9
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
12
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
Nov 8 - 15
Maurice Schaefer
309-253-9003
schaefs2@gmail.com
4
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Nov 15-20
Jon Zeller
309-266-9009
jczeller1972@gmail.com
ACWR-CC
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Bluffton
Construction
Dec 6-13
Lane Gerber
260-241-4099
lane.gerber@gmail.com
12
Les Cayes
Haiti Trade Schools Vocational School
Dec 12-19
Rick Wuethrich
219-863-4163
rick@wuethrichfarms.com
4
Year 2014
Coordinator
Project
Capacity
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Ohio
Construction
Jan 3-10
Ron Palitto
330-336-5373
Ronp@palittoconsulting.com
12
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
Jan 10-17
Maurice Schaefer
309-253-9003
schaefs2@gmail.com
4
Simone Orphanage Francesville
Construction
Jan 24-30
Rick Wuethrich
219-863-4163
12
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Jan 25-Feb 1
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
12
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Silverton
Construction
Jan 31-Feb 7
Richard Kraft
503-364-3103
richard@kraftmasonryinc.com 12
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Feb 22-Mar 1
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
12
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Mar 8-15
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
12
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Peoria
Construction
Mar 14-21
Steve Leuthold
309-645-2208
sleuth@speerbank.com
12
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
Mar 21-28
Maurice Schaefer
309-253-9003
schaefs2@gmail.com
4
Les Cayes
Haiti Trade Schools Vocational School
Mar 21-28
Rick Wuethrich
219-863-4163
4
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Roanoke
Construction
Mar 28 - Apr 4 Rich Bertschi
309-467-2351
lemangm@mtco.com
12
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Maintenance
Apr 15-22
Jon Zeller
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Apr 15-22
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
12
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Apr 24-28
Jon Zeller
309-266-9009
jczeller1972@gmail.com
ACWR-CC
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
May 17-24
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
12
Year 2013
Coordinator
4
Haiti Medical Work Teams
Project
Capacity
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Medical
Sept 14-21
Alice Widmer
330-939-0083
alice.widmer@jmsmucker.com 8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Medical
Oct 5-12
Alice Widmer
330-939-0083
Year 2014
Coordinator
Project
Capacity
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Medical
Jan 11-18
Alice Widmer
330-939-0083
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Medical
Feb 8-15
Alice Widmer
330-939-0083
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Medical
Mar 22-29
Alice Widmer
330-939-0083
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Medical
May 3-10
Alice Widmer
330-939-0083
July 2013
SILVER LINING
59
Development Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
With Bro. Tim Sauder stepping away after over 27 years of service, Gateway Woods is now seeking to fill his position with a brother or sister desiring to tell our story of helping broken children and reuniting families to supporters. The Development Coordinator position is open to full-time or part-time applicants, and offers responsibility,
creativity and unique challenges. This position also offers unique flexibility as applicants can live and work from
either Leo, IN or the IL area. If you have a passion for helping troubled children and families, versatile interpersonal relationship building abilities and strong communication skills, and are a motivated self-starter, please
contact one of the brothers listed below for more information and a job description.
Mark MaibachLynn Stieglitz
Business ManagerCounseling Elder
PO Box 15115417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell: 260.466.6712
mark.maibach@gatewaywoods.orglynnstieg@gmail.com
Foster Care Program Manager Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods has an opening for a brother or sister to manage our Foster Care Program. We are seeking
someone who desires to serve in a ministry that serves troubled and broken children and families. The Foster Care
Program Manager is a key full-time position that offers responsibility, management and creativity. If you have a
dedicated interest, love and sensitivity for youth and families, at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling
or a related field, and possess good motivational, organizational, teaching and communications skills please
contact one of the brothers listed below for more information and a job description.
Ed GrafLynn Stieglitz
Residential Program Manager
Counseling Elder
PO Box 12515417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell:260.466.6712
ed.graf@gatewaywoods.orglynnstieg@gmail.com
60
Executive Director Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is seeking a dedicated individual to serve as the Executive Director for the organization. A
Masters Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field is preferred, with a Bachelor’s Degree acceptable in
certain circumstances. In addition, four years of supervisory experience in a child welfare agency or therapeutic
setting that serves children is required.
If you feel that God has gifted you to lead an organization, and you have a passion to serve children and
families, please prayerfully consider applying. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2013. A complete job description is
available upon request.
Please prayerfully consider this rewarding opportunity to serve; you may contact Bro. Jeff Banwart (Gateway
Woods Family Services Board Chairman) or Bro. Lynn Stieglitz (Counseling Elder) for further information.
Jeff BanwartLynn Stieglitz
Gateway Woods Family Services Board Chairman
Counseling Elder
Cell: 309.303.4220Cell: 260.657.1033
jbanwart@mangoldford.comlynnstieg@gmail.com
Christian Guesthouse and Worship Services in Rochester, MN
Accommodations for Mayo Clinic outpatients and families:
Three bedrooms with private baths, laundry, kitchen and family room area.
Sunday Service: (held monthly at guesthouse residence) 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
For schedule, see: www.acmission.org/minister-rotation
For information and reservations, contact caretakers:
Bro. Mark and Sis. Sandy Stork
4733 Birdie Lane NW
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-0072
Mid-week Service: (held on 3rd Wednesday in Rochester area)
For information, contact:
Bro. Jim and Sis. Deb Tilbury
(507) 281-2875
July 2013
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61
Summer Worship Services - Breckenridge, Colorado
Lord willing, in addition to our regular worship schedule in Aurora, CO, we plan to hold services
July 21 and July 28
Breckenridge River Mountain Lodge
100 South Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Office: (970) 453-4711
Breckenridge is located in Summit County.
If you take the Frisco exit on Interstate 70, Breckenridge is about 9 miles past Frisco on Highway 9.
It is less than 2 hours from Granby, Glenwood Springs, Denver, and Buena Vista.
There is free parking available in lots north and south of the entrance that are only about a 5 minute walk away.
Morning song service will begin at 10:15 A.M.; worship service at 10:30; followed by lunch and afternoon service. Ministering Brothers from the Denver congregation will be supporting the service, however we welcome and encourage visiting
ministers to support this effort also if your travel plans bring you out west this summer. The intent of these services is to
alleviate some of the crowding that we tend to experience during the busy summer travel season. (We don’t want all our
visitors to avoid Aurora!) We welcome all our visitors and deeply appreciate the fellowship that we share in Christ, whether
in Aurora, or at the optional locations.
For more information, and to help us plan more effectively, please notify Bro. Tom Leman if you will be attending
services on any of these dates. (303) 696-1540 E-mail: lemantom@comcast.net
Apostolic Christian Church Services – Mauston, Wisconsin
In 2010, Bro. Nathan and Sis. Marilyn Steffen began a retirement relocation near Mauston, WI (from Elgin, IL). Mauston
is located on Interstate 90-94 about 25 miles northwest of Wisconsin Dells and 45 minutes south of Tomah, WI. It is approximately halfway between our Minneapolis, MN and Elgin, IL churches. Mauston is a town of 4,500 people with new
schools, library, and hospital located in a grain and dairy farming area.
Details of the vision and mission of the Steffen’s for moving to this area can be found at the following address: maustonac.
blogspot.com. While building their house, they included a room in which church services could be held for those passing
through or anyone living in the area. Occasionally brethren from some Midwest churches, while vacationing or meeting
with families for reunions or holidays have called and made arrangements for services. The Steffen’s would welcome anyone
passing through to worship with them.
Services are held 10:30 AM followed by lunch and an afternoon service. Dates for scheduled services for summer 2013 are
listed below. Bro. Troy Steffen from Belvidere will be the correspondent to anyone interested in services or the area. One
may also contact Bro. Nathan or Sis. Marilyn directly.
May 26 (Elgin, IL minister), June 16, June 23, July 7
Contact by email or phone:
Troy and Ellie Steffen (Correspondent)
Nathan and Marilyn Steffen
Troy’s Phone: 847.833.1215
Home phone: 608.462.4344
Ellie’s Phone: 309.229.8821
Address: N2816 Overgaard Rd.
Email: tsteff32@gmail.comMauston, WI 53948
62
Monthly Sermon, continued
day we see examples of those who
come into power. They’re still called
kings, and their sons continue to
be the ones that are ruling. In some
cases dictatorships are set up the
same way. As we think through the
different religious heads, it is very
unusual for there to be a father-son
passing of the responsibility.
But God knew what he wanted.
He knew that the temptation for
power and for the people to be
misled was going to be very real,
and so history has borne it out. The
hereditary kingships always run into
trouble because eventually there are
those who have no merits of their
own other than they happen to be
born into the right family. They are
not suited for the task, and so the
people suffer.
On the other hand, in a spiritual
sense, every one of us has a desire
to pass on to our children practical
matters of faith, and spiritual things
are more learned perhaps than
administrative talent. For that special
role, there are those who have better
qualifications for it, but each one
of us has the opportunity and the
ability to be priests as we are called to
teach the Word to our children. Each
one of us is given that responsibility.
It can’t very well be filled by anyone
else outside the home. If the teaching
in a spiritual way isn’t inside the
household, the children are going to
suffer. So God laid down a pattern,
and we see the benefits of it.
As we said, people get involved,
and they make mistakes. Here were
two sons called for this purpose
– Nadab and Abihu. They didn’t
want to do what God asked them
to do. They felt they had a better
way, something that would be more
flamboyant, something that would
impress the people. So they brought a
strange fire – something perhaps they
had observed. Perhaps not. Perhaps
they made it up. They thought this
would be a good thing to do, and
God was displeased. (Numbers 3:4)
We find what God has asked
us to eat and drink from – the
manna from heaven, spiritual water,
the Word of Life – it should be
satisfying. It should be enough. It
shouldn’t have to be that we do it a
different and new way, that it’s always
got to be something unusual, not
said before, not thought of before.
That’s not the way it ought to be. We
should be satisfied with plain food,
nourishing food, reinforced so that
we understand it.
It’s not something where we have
to follow the curve and understand
how to keep up. Instead God teaches,
as He says, a line upon a line, here
a little bit, there a little bit (Isaiah
28:10). 99% of it is the same thing
you’ve heard before. Perhaps it is
something that’s a bit of a revelation,
something that sticks a little deeper.
But for the most part it’s just
reinforcement time after time after
time that we come to believe it so
when God calls us into situations,
our response is predictable, it will
be Christlike, it will follow the same
footprints, and we’re not off here
trying to figure out, ok now what am
I supposed to do in this particular
situation? It becomes Spirit lead. It
becomes predictable.
As we read in this New
Testament Scripture about giving
with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians
9:7), all we’re hearing is what’s been
told through the entire Scriptures up
to this point. The Apostle Paul wasn’t
saying anything new. If we would
read in the Scriptures, we could
probably corroborate each point one
sentence at a time, finding plenty of
substantiating evidence for why we
should do it this way.
Perhaps the individual thoughts
that he strung together were a little
different when he admitted that he
overstepped his bounds and boasted
a little about how well this particular
congregation was doing and was just
human enough to reinforce them
in saying don’t disappoint me now.
I’ve told people how well you are
doing. Keep it up. (2 Corinthians
9:3-4). But what he was asking them
to do wasn’t something shameful. It
wasn’t something that was better kept
hidden. No, this was something that
the Scriptures have encouraged from
the beginning to the end – that we
would give.
Now if we were able to say that
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the things we have – and it’s probably
good to just call them things –
happens to be a number of different
items: money, both in a real and an
electronic sense, it’s also time, it’s
talents, it’s abilities, it’s words, it’s
thoughts, it’s prayer time, it’s many
different things. If we could say that
by reason of the labor we exerted,
by the innovation we applied, by
the talents we created in ourselves,
studied, were able to develop on our
own by trial and error, if we were able
to say with confidence that everything
we have was created by ourselves and
we take ownership of it, that nobody
else gave us a boost, nobody else
made it easier, we had to go against
the stream the whole way, and now
all of these things are ours and with
them we can then do what we want.
If that was our situation and we really
believed it, it would be difficult for us
to say I’m going to give it up.
We think about it – if we would
really be honest, that’s God’s position.
He did make it all. Nobody else
contributed. We’re told nothing that
we see was made out of materials.
Nothing that we see was made out
of anything that we can see. God
created it. It wasn’t before. If we can
see it, God made it. The elements, the
atoms, across the board God did it.
God made all of these things. He has
ownership of it. He has ownership
of us. He created the power, the
wealth, the achievement, the mind,
everything, and God gives freely.
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So we understand that there’s
underlying this whole chapter a
principle about God – God doesn’t
have to, but He does. So then if we
find ourselves in the same situation,
and obviously it’s silly to think that
all of this was our own creation but
if it were and we are to follow God’s
pattern, we would give it away.
Then we stop and think what it
is really like. The conditions that we
find ourselves in – good homes, loving
homes, stable communities, protection
of our government, the combined
knowledge of those who have gone
before making improvements in
various areas of our lives, we have
a printed Word, we have physical
examples. We have many things that,
if we stop and think about it, many
of us are hard pressed to see where
our energy and efforts made any
difference at all to change whether
we have excess resources or we don’t.
If we’re really honest, we would say
perhaps we have all of these things
in spite of ourselves, and the external
conditions have a lot more to do with
the fact that we have these resources
than anything we’ve done.
So if that’s the background and
if that’s the way we approach this
chapter, which is the way we should
approach it, then we understand we
don’t own any of it. We don’t own our
time. We don’t own our talents. We
don’t own our money. We don’t own
any of our possessions. It’s all God’s.
It’s all meant to be for His purpose.
Perhaps our biggest challenge is for
us to keep to ourselves as little of it as
possible.
Now for many of us, that’s hard
because we worry. We have anxieties.
We have things that could happen.
We want to be able to be wise and
good stewards of what God has given
us. We don’t want to be reckless.
That’s ok for us to have that mindset
until it gets to the point where we
keep too much of it or we consume
too much of it. Again, it could be
any of those things. If we consume
too much of our own time, we could
be called to account for that. Are we
really using it? Time wasn’t meant to
be used in a selfish way. There’s too
much to do, and too few are willing
to do it. Remember the stirring call
that Jesus put to His disciples and
said look around you and see. You say
it’s a few more months until harvest.
You’re not looking at it the right way.
It’s harvest time right now. There
are many people who need the Lord.
They’re white. (St. John 4:35) They’re
ready. There’s loss because it’s being
delayed too much.
So there is that work to be done,
and how could we then say that the
best use of our time is to spend it on
us? We could go through each one
of these different areas. Do we really
need to spend that much money? I
lay that to each of your hearts. It’s
hard for me to look on and answer,
but in this prosperous time that we
live, we really have to answer in a way
we feel comfortable with in a deep
spiritual sense. Am I spending too
much money? Is too much of it being
consumed on me? It’s something
that troubles me as I look at the way
and standard of which we live. Yes,
we give, and we doing it cheerfully.
I believe that with all of my heart.
When I look at myself, I still have
to ask the question – am I giving
enough? Am I keeping too much is
perhaps the better question.
We understand and it’s alluded
to here. Jesus spent quite a bit of
time on this subject because holding
onto riches is a human dilemma. It’s
a problem. So He spent some time
talking to the rich people. He sent
His apostles to follow up on that
theme. He told us in no uncertain
terms – it’s easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than it is
for a rich man to enter the kingdom
of heaven (St. Matthew 19:24). Now
we could look at many different
ways and I’ve heard several of what
the camel is and what the eye is. It
doesn’t make any difference. It’s a
hard thing to do.
We’re told woe unto you rich
because you have your reward (St.
Luke 6:24). So when we think about
it that way, the risk of keeping too
much, the risk of holding onto the
riches is pretty serious. So we have
to think about it truthfully and
honestly. Am I keeping too much?
Am I looking at it the right way?
Assuming all of us are reminded
to give and to share, Jesus covered
that also. He said woe unto them
who sound a trumpet before them as
they go to give that others can see as
they cast in their offerings. Yeah, I
say unto you, they have their reward.
(St. Matthew 6:2) If we think about
that, it’s a comment that just gives
me the shivers to think I’m going to
all this work, I’m doing what I think
is right, I’m doing what I think God
wants, and there isn’t a single reward
in heaven being created by my doing
it that way. Again, the risk is great so
we have to think about it.
Jesus went further and said
don’t let your right hand know what
your left hand does (St. Matthew
6:3). What did He mean? Perhaps a
number of different things. He didn’t
clarify it overmuch, and so it was left
for us to ponder motives since we
can’t simply just say action on the
list, not on the list, good or not good.
Jesus meant for us to look deep.
What do the right hand and the
left hand do? For the most part they
work together, don’t they, but one is
better at certain tasks than the other.
I think most of us find one is more
skilled at small detailed work, and
one is a little stronger. Usually they
are separate in those things.
That sounds a lot like a marriage,
and that’s how we often interpret it.
In a marriage one is better at certain
things than others. Is that to say that
husband and wife shouldn’t know
what’s being given? No, I think that
goes a little bit too far, but if we start
thinking about it in those types of
things, what is it that each of us
needs to know? Do we puff each
other up by the amount of money we
give? Do we together as a husband
and wife feel pretty good about the
amount of money we set aside? If so
maybe we need to think about that
relationship in our marriage. Perhaps
we need to be reminding each other
that God gave us this. Maybe we
need to be giving a little more rather
than to take credit for what we are
doing.
Then as it gets outside of the
marriage, we start to get to the
point where, I think it is true, the
less we know the better. If God is
able through whatever means He
chooses to enable one couple to give
more off the same income because of
lifestyle choices, that isn’t meant to
have others going around down in
the mouth because they can’t do the
same. Since that would be the likely
outcome of sharing information,
perhaps that’s what Jesus meant as
well – that we should each do as
much as we can, as much as God
moves us to do with the sharing of
our time, our talents, and the money
He’s given us; we shouldn’t have all
these facts and figures available so
that we can rank ourselves among
those that we’re around and then
take some credit. The specific
thought comes to mind that when we
compare ourselves among ourselves,
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that isn’t considered wise in God’s
sight (2 Corinthians 10:12).
So what does it mean? I thought a
lot about this, not with any intention
of sharing it this afternoon. It feels
like the thing we’re called to do the
most is to take stock of our life, to
take a look at how we use 24 hours
a day, how we use the money that
flows into our household, how we use
the talents He’s given us, and to just
ask ourselves on a continual basis,
is there any way that those could be
used better? Is there any way that God
could use it better? Is there any way
that I am holding onto any of those
areas so that God has to pry it free
from my grasp before He can use it?
I think if we’re asking those
questions, God will lead us in
the right way, and it won’t be
uniform. We don’t have all the same
resources. We don’t have all the same
calling. We don’t have all the same
opportunities. But if we put all of it
at God’s disposal then He can get
His work done, and isn’t that what
we really want to do? Besides all of
that, since there is great risk in being
rich, we’d rather not be. We’d rather
that God found a way to keep us, in
whatever sense He needs to, poor,
needy, humble people.
Now with that said, there are
some administrative needs in the
church. We can’t all participate
fully in knowing the financial
needs, the needs for time visits,
all of those things that the church
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has, and so there are those who are
called out. Often with that calling
there is additional knowledge, and
it’s a burden. I think we could say
that without question. Knowing
about needs and knowing about the
charitable heart of others is perhaps
more of a burden than it is a blessing.
Now that isn’t to say that we
aren’t blessed when we serve. God
takes care of that part. There are
needs in the church, and the Apostle
Paul took precious letter time to make
various congregations know about
needs. That same practice continues.
We do have to share information.
Sometimes the knowledge we have
where a need is exceeds our ability
personally to meet the need, and so
we have to call in the resources of
others. We have some methods to do
that. We have local charity funds and
those types of things.
Perhaps the greatest need – I
think all of you know it, but it bears
repeating – the biggest need we have
is for prayers of each other that God
would bless us because when we
think about it, it isn’t the amount of
money or time that we move around
and share with each other that really
makes the difference. God had said
and we often come back to this in
Malachi: just try me out; prove me
now; give me the tithes and see what
I can do with them. God told us you
won’t be able to hold it. I’ll give you
a reward that if you get together all
of the containers you have, you can’t
hold the blessings that I can give.
(Malachi 3:10)
So it really isn’t that God needs
our money. God doesn’t really need
our time. God doesn’t need our
talents. He made them all. He can
make more. But, He does want them.
Not only does He want them so He
can use those resources to meet the
needs of others, but He knows it’s
good for us. He knows it’s good for
us to give up what we’ve been given.
It reduces the pride of ownership that
we’re subject to.
So there’s this principle – it says,
“He which soweth sparingly shall reap
also sparingly;” and we could turn
that around, and it says, “and he
which soweth bountifully shall reap
also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6.
We could misuse that. We could say,
well if I give money, I’ll get more back
than I give. That’s not the point. It
isn’t always in like-kind. What God
gives is precious, and the things of
this earth… they’re just that; they’re
things of the earth. That isn’t what
treasure is made up of. That isn’t what
we want more of, but we do want
more of the blessings of God, the
treasure that He can lay up for us.
As I read this Scripture I’m often
reminded of the verse that is turned
into a song. It says he that goeth
forth with weeping bearing precious
seed, shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing bearing his sheaves with
him (Psalm 126:6; Hymns of Zion
#297). So what is it that we should
sow bountifully? Isn’t it that precious
seed? Isn’t it faith and things of faith?
Isn’t it spiritual needs that are the
greatest? Isn’t that where God has
given the most resources? So we can’t
forget – putting enough money in
the box isn’t all there is to giving.
We need to give spiritually. We need
to give, perhaps, until it hurts some
times because the needs of others are
so great.
Then it goes on to say, “Every
man according as he purposeth in his
heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,
or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful
giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7. If you
think it’s a good idea, if you know
it’s a good idea, follow through on
it. I think that’s what this Scripture
is plainly saying. When you feel
moved in heart to do something, do
it! God will take care of you. God
will meet your needs. Perhaps that
thought was put in your heart by
Him, and that’s what He wants you
to do. Good intentions aren’t what
we’re asking for. We’re asking for
the following through. So it says as
a man purposeth in his heart. When
we understand that this is something
that’s a worthy purpose, a worthy
cause, let’s go ahead and do it.
But God loveth a cheerful giver.
If we love the things we’re giving
away, it will be very hard to give
them away cheerfully, but if we love
the things we’ll get in return more,
we’ll gladly give it away because
we understand that we’re getting
something worth more than what
we’re giving. Grudging gifts are not
God-pleasing.
Then it’s interesting as we think
about this. We summarize it, and
we go to 1 Corinthians chapter 13,
don’t we. It says though we give our
body to burned, though we bestow
our gifts upon the poor, if we give
all these things but don’t have true
charity – not money but godly love
– there’s nothing gained. There’s no
profit. We aren’t going to get more
than we give.
So we’re called, as we consider
these things, that first of all we have
a heart of compassion toward those
who have a need. That’s not easy. It
really isn’t. If we have been in the
particular condition ourselves it’s
perhaps a little easy, but for us to be
sitting warmed and filled with our
needs met and to see someone who’s
cold and hungry, again we’re talking
about in a spiritual sense, for us to
leave that place of comfort and go
where there’s depravity, it’s hard. It’s
uncomfortable. It’s something we
don’t want to do, but we are called to
do it. It doesn’t do us any good to go
with the wrong attitude. It says not
grudgingly or of necessity.
It’s ok to know that we should.
It’s ok to know that we need to. It’s
ok to know that God commands it,
and we should follow through. But
the blessing is in looking at it as an
opportunity, as a calling, as a special
privilege to be able to do these things
and to be put in a position where
we can share of the abundance that
God has given us. That’s where the
real blessing comes – in that attitude
where we look at this as something
that I get to do. I’m glad I can.
“And God is able to make all
grace abound toward you…” 2
Corinthians 9:8. So we understand
that it’s contrary to human nature.
We understand it’s going to stick
a little, and so God is able to give
us power to do what we can’t do
ourselves. That’s what grace is. God
is able not only to give it but to give
it abundantly. What is abundance?
Abundance is more than we need.
So God’s able to give us more than
we could possibly use. That means
there’s no fear of running out or
that somehow we’ll meet up with
a situation and it’s beyond God’s
ability. That won’t happen. That’s
what we’re assured here. God is able
to make this happen. “…always
having all sufficiency in all things…”
that if we are in that state, we “…
may abound to every good work”. 2
Corinthians 9:8.
So one of the principles that we
need to understand from this is we
all have something to give away. It
doesn’t matter what set of needs we
face. It doesn’t matter how destitute
we feel that we are. We all have
something to give away. We’re all
called to this responsibility. Now it’s
not all the same thing, and it’s not
all to the same degree. That’s clear.
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But we do have a requirement that
we have a giving heart and that we
should be doing this.
“As it is written, He hath dispersed
abroad; he hath given to the poor: his
righteousness remaineth for ever.” 2
Corinthians 9:9. It still brings back
to mind the question why does God
ask this of us? Couldn’t He just meet
the needs of the world? The answer
is yes! Resoundingly yes! He could
do that, and He has chosen not to
do so. It’s not for us to question even
though we do have questions at times
why He did it this way, but Jesus said
a lot when He said, “It is more blessed
to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. It’s
good for you to give things that you
could hold onto too tightly.
Summing that up, He said it
all. We need to give more than God
needs us to do it. It says, “Now he
that ministereth seed to the sower both
minister bread for your food, and
multiply your seed sown, and increase
the fruits of your righteousness”. 2
Corinthians 9:10. This is perhaps just
a little mini prayer, and I appreciate
it. We talked about the seed that
was being sown. It’s good seed. Jesus
reinforced that time and time again
with parables. This was good seed.
This was precious seed. This was
the Word of God. It should be dealt
with accordingly. It says “now he that
ministereth that seed” – so He who
supplies all of what you need to be
able to distribute to others, He’ll take
care of your needs too, and at the
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same time He’ll “increase the fruits
of your righteousness”. The fruit
of the Spirit will abound more the
more you give them away. Isn’t that a
wonderful thing?
Some of the things we don’t
like to give are what we term finite
resources. Perhaps the one that’s the
hardest for me to give is time because
we only have so much of it. We can
think of more ways that we could
spend it than we can get it, but if we
give it away, God adds the blessing,
increases the fruits, so that we eat
of the same. It’s one of the things I
so appreciate about the fruit of the
Spirit. We probably don’t have time
to go into that thought very much,
but the more we give those fruits
away, the more we live by them, the
better our life is, the more we reap a
blessing, the sweeter our life is. God’s
able to make that increase happen.
Then toward the end here it
says, “Thanks be unto God for his
unspeakable gift.”
Spiritual Heritage
but withdrew it under a stream of
profanity. Finally, he tore his clothes
and emptied his pockets, in order to
find his books. Then he ordered the
gendarme to put him into prison.
When Froehlich appealed to the fact
that the magistrate at Aragau had not
arrested him, he was finally allowed
to go free.
Outside, two brethren awaited
him, who had followed him from the
meeting at Leutwil to Lenzburg, to
see what would happen. He greeted
them like angels from heaven,
and they accompanied him on his
wearisome journey to Brugg.”
– by Perry Klopfenstein
Next Issue: Froehlich’s second
missionary journey.
Isaiah 43:1-5
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee,
O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel,
Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire,
thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable,
and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
Fear not: for I am with thee...”
Continued Articles
Light from the Word
(Luke 14:13-14). There does not seem
to be a down side to helping the very
poor. The poorest of the poor will not
complain that our help was not good
enough.
There are many organizations
not of our denomination that do
very good work and are worthy of
support. However, we are blessed
to have a very sound structure in
our brotherhood that enables us to
reach many who are in dire straits
with minimal administrative costs.
Through our brotherhood it is
possible to give and “…let not your
left hand know what thy right hand
doeth: That thine alms may be is secret:
and thy Father which seeth in secret
himself shall reward thee openly.”
(Matt. 4:3-4).
We may think that by serving
others we are giving more than we
receive, but we receive many blessings
by serving others. Service to others
allows us to glorify God by letting
our “…light so shine before men, that
they can see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
(Matt.5:16).
We are blessed by encouraging
others to serve as we show “a pattern
of good works” (Titus 2:7) and
by considering “…one another to
provoke unto love and good works.”
(Heb. 10:24). Service to others also
provides evidence of faith. James
wrote “…faith, if it hath not works,
is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17).
Service will enrich our lives. “That
they do good, that they be rich in good
works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate.” (1 Tim. 6:18).
We may be concerned that we
cannot do enough, and what we do
is so small that it is not of any value.
The parable of the talents helps us
understand that God only expects
from us what He has given us. He
does, however, expect us to use wisely
what we have. (Matt. 25:15-28). Even
very small deeds of service are not
forgotten by God. “For whosoever
shall give you a cup of water to drink in
my name, because ye belong to Christ,
verily I say unto you, he shall not lose
his reward.” (Mark 9:41). The poor
widow only gave two mites, but her
“give all” servant attitude is still
remembered nearly 2000 years later.
Our service must be done
willingly and with a godly attitude.
When we do so we find that “It is
more blessed to give than to receive.”
(Acts 20:35). This is made clear in a
hymn we sing:
“Seeds of goodness we are sowing,
In the hearts of men today.
Bless it Lord that it many prosper,
And bear fruit for harvest day.
Hasten gladly to the labor,
Consecrate to God your heart.
Say this day unto your Savior,
Lord, I’ ll gladly do my part.”
Hymns of Zion, #46, verse 1.
Into Subjection
Lord. To be in subjection is a sign of
strength and self-control, it is not a
sign of weakness.
Referring again to 1 Peter
5:5, it is written, “Yea, all of you be
subject one to another.” This would
seem to exhort us to invite others
to admonish us, and to make
suggestions as to how we can follow
the Bible more closely, and more
faithfully serve Christ. I invite you to
admonish me and I appreciate your
concern for me. But, please admonish
with love. Do we all welcome
admonition given in love? The Bible
says we are to bring our bodies into
subjection.
– by Willis Ehnle
“Now unto him that is able to do
exceeding abundantly above all that
we ask or think, according to the power
that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church
by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end.” Eph. 3:20-21
“Now unto him that is able to keep
you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory
with exceeding joy, To the only wise
God our Saviour, be glory and majesty,
dominion and power,
both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24-25
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Learning from our history
Our Spiritual Heritage
In the next few issues we will be focusing on the “missionary journeys” of Bro. Samuel H. Froehlich in Switzerland
as, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he worked to revive a true faith that was based on the Word of God. His
intent was to re-establish a faith (and practice) that was rooted in God’s Word. It is important to know how he
began his work, because with God’s help he established a spiritual course that has affected thousands of souls
over the generations, including us yet today.
Samuel H. Froehlich was dismissed from the
Swiss State Church for views that differed with that
organization, that is, he was too evangelical in his
thinking, and his doctrinal outlook varied from the
Reformed doctrine of that time. He left that organization
in 1831. He had to decide what to do, as he wanted to
serve the Lord. The term “missionary journeys” was one
given by Herman Reugger in his book, “Apostolic Church
History, Volume 1,” published in 1949. At the outset, it is
likely that Bro. Froehlich did not see himself so much as a
missionary, but more so as one who was testing the waters
to see who would respond to the gospel as he traveled
and preached, and churches were thence established. An
enduring motto of Bro. Froehlich and his early followers
was they would serve the Lord, “whatever the cost might
be.”
Froehlich’s Attitude
On January 9, 1836 (after five years of spiritual work),
Samuel Froehlich wrote in a letter, “It never entered my
mind that I should found a sect here on earth, rather
it was and is my purpose to gather children (potential
believers) to God. If I could not place my confidence
in the Lord my God, I would indeed repent to have
begun something on which the Lord could not place His
blessing, or with which He could not be pleased. Now,
however, I placed myself wholly into His hands, that He
might lead me according to His good pleasure.”
First Missionary Journey
Author Herman Reugger describes Froehlich’s first
journey: “On the first of April, 1831, Froehlich began his
missionary work in Leutwil on Hallwilersee, his former
70
congregation. Hardly had the news spread that he was
there when from two to three hundred people gathered
every evening in order that he might preach to them the
Word of Christ. Some came to spy on him (government
authorities); the majority, however, came from desire.
Within eight days many hearers, whom he had
instructed before and in whom God had prepared the
way, requested baptism. Froehlich examined them
carefully to be convinced of the uprightness of their faith
and of their knowledge, and admonished them to count
the cost of following Christ. Then, he baptized them
according to the instruction of the Lord, and on Palm
Sunday he could, for the first time, celebrate the Lord’s
Supper with 38 members.
Meanwhile, the foe was not idle. On the evening
of April 13, 1831, when many were gathered together, a
gendarme (policeman) appeared and ordered that all who
had sheltered Froehlich must appear before the district
magistrate. As Froehlich did not permit himself to be
intimidated, he continued to preach the good tidings, and
a summons followed.
He was told to leave the village at once and to return
to his native Brugg. In vain, he referred to the highest
Aarau court and traveled to Aarau to the magistrate. He
was dismissed with a warning. (Note: Aarau is the capital
city of the northern Swiss canton of Aargau).
On May 6, a gendarme dragged Froehlich out of
a meeting and brought him to the district magistrate
at Lenzburg. In answer to the question: ‘Who had
commanded him to preach,’ his reply was, calmly:
‘Christ.’ The angry official raised his hand to strike him,
The Light of Hope
Into Subjection
Do we relish being in subjection to God, or do we want
to be our own boss? My thinking is that we grow up
wanting to be our own boss, without being in subjection
to anyone. However, we do want the protection and
security that comes from our own parents and our
own home. In Exodus, chapter 20, we have The Ten
Commandments given to Moses, and number 5 reads,
“Honor thy father and thy mother.” We honor them by
being in subjection to them, although it is not always easy
even if they are following the teachings of the Bible as
true children of God.
The words “Into Subjection,” are written in 1
Corinthians 9:27. The Apostle Paul writes, “But I keep
under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by
any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should
be a castaway.” The apostle indicates that it is necessary,
in order to avoid becoming a castaway, or becoming
disqualified, to keep his body in subjection to what the
Holy Spirit tells him.
To say that you must bring your body into subjection
indicates that it takes some doing, that you have to
work at it. If a person is used to being in subjection to
his parents, to his school teachers, and Sunday school
teachers, he or she will find it easier to be in subjection to
God. It is a good thing to be subject to authority, unless
that authority contradicts the Word of God.
In Hebrews 12:9 we read, “Furthermore we have had
fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them
reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto
the Father of spirits, and live?” Here a willingness to be
in subjection to God, the Father of spirits, is given as a
qualification of living spiritually and eternally.
Wouldn’t you say that the teaching of being in
subjection to God, and keeping our bodies in subjection
to the Holy Spirit, is closely related to being humble?
Peter writes of humility in 1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise, ye
younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be
subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Romans 13:1 reads, “Let every soul be subject unto the
higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers
that be are ordained of God.” The Bible teaches us that we
should be in subjection to, and obey, the laws of the land,
as long as they do not conflict with obeying God. If there
is a conflict, then we do well to say with Peter and the
other apostles as recorded in Acts 5:29 “We ought to obey
God rather than men.”
For all of us to be in subjection to the laws of the
land, brings order and safety to society at large. For all
of us to be in subjection to the guidelines of our church,
brings order and safety to our church. If everyone wants
to be his own boss, it brings lack of order.
Even Christ is in subjection to the Heavenly Father.
John 3:16 informs us that God so loved the world that he
gave, or sent, His only begotten Son. 1 Corinthians 15:28
reads, “And when all things shall be subdued unto him,
then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put
all things under him, that God may be all in all.” That we
should all be willing to be in subjection is an important
part of the teachings in the Bible. May none of us get or
maintain the idea that we can and will be our own boss.
In Titus 3:1, Titus was instructed by Paul to, “Put
them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers,
to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.” The
government of the Roman Empire which was in power
during the time of the New Testament, was not a
Christian government. Nevertheless, Christ was obedient
to it and so were the disciples of Christ, so long as it did
not conflict with God’s teachings. We would do well to
follow their example (and I believe we do). Where we
tend to fall short is in a willingness to be in subjection to
the church guidelines based on God’s Word. Let’s try to
be more humble and meek. We can still be strong in the
— Continued on page 69
71
THE SILVER LINING
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

- Apostolic Christian Church of America

Transcription

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