The Brethren Evangelist 2013 Spring-Summer

Spring/Summer 2013

This issue of the Evangelist is all about looking out for the next generation and what it means for all generations to come together. You will see young adults who are feeling the call to do service around the world. There is a piece where people of three generations are asked about the “most defining” moment of their generation. At the end, Nathan Bebout, Director of the Religious Life Network at Ashland University, shares a closing devotional that summarizes this issue beautifully.

The message: Brethren have always been a people who looked out for the next generation. Generations can and do work well together.

I am saddened to hear of Dorman’s passing. He was a wonderful man who was nothing but encouraging to me during my time at Park Street. He and his wife were (and are) pillars of what it means to be Brethren. They embodied a people on pilgrimage for Jesus who always looked out for the next generation. I’m eternally grateful for them. I dedicate this issue of the Evangelist to them both.

Blessings and Peace, Jason Barnhart

The Evangelist Spring/Summer 20132

STORY OF THE WEEK Aly Pflugfelder

“Poison Ivy, Leprosy and Middle School,” by Tim Bordeaux

General Conference Registration Form and Schedule

CLOSING DEVOTIONAL “A Generation Abnormally Born,” by Nate Bebout

RESOURCE PAGE Generation iY, by Dr. Tim Elmore

WMS OUTLOOK

BITS & PIECES

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Feature Stories In Every Issue...

Hope for Haiti, p. 6

A good friend of mine recently passed away. Many of you knew Dorman Ronk, a long-time member of the Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio. I was on staff at Park Street from 2005-2012. While there I was a part of a very contemporary service/community of Park Street known as “The Crossing.”

There was no shortage of grumbling about The Crossing. Sound like a church near you battling over worship styles? Nobody at Park Street was ambivalent towards The Crossing. I remember Dorman and Joan, his wife, coming to my friend and me who were leading this “radical” service.

They shared how they didn’t agree with the loudness, music choice, dress code, etc. It started off like a normal complaint session about the Crossing. As a rookie on staff I felt I knew where the conversation would end. Neither side would be happy!

Then they said, “Even though we don’t agree with the Crossing, we trust you.” I’ve told that story over and over again to articulate how generations can work well together if they trust one another. I share it here to show how a senior couple trusted and valued a generation sixty years their junior.

My Amazing Grace

Spring/Summer 2013 The Evangelist3

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? Who are you? What have you experienced in life that makes you who you are? These are the questions that have plagued my life for years. I didn’t want to share my story with anyone. It wasn’t a happy one. It wasn’t glamorous. I felt like a failure. I was ashamed of who I was.

At thirty-one years old I was a college dropout, I had just experienced my fourth miscarriage within three years, I was slowly drowning in the sorrow I had for the babies that should be in this world, but I pressed on for the sake of our newly adopted daughter from Ukraine. Just when I thought life couldn’t get any messier my OB/GYN found a mass in my uterus and sent me to an oncologist for further testing. For weeks I felt like a lab rat. Tests results came back with not only a mass in the uterus but a small tumor on my pituitary gland. The only conclusion that made sense to all the doctors was an immediate hysterectomy. I was devastated. This is a surgery for old ladies, I thought, not women in their thirties!

In one of many conversations about this, James, my husband, came to me tenderly one day. I had wanted a horse of our own now that our boys were taking riding lessons. He cautiously listened as I presented what a good thing this would be for our family. This is what he said, “If you make it out of this surgery cancer-free, I will buy you a horse.”

Six weeks after surgery and deemed cancer-free, we owned our very first horse. He was a young horse and not the best fit for our family of green riders. We tried for a year, but time showed us he was a danger to keep. I was encouraged to sell him and look for a safer horse. Those inadequate feelings from my past began to bubble up to the surface and again I felt like a failure. So began the search for a new horse.

There she was, to my amazement! She was the most beautiful horse I had ever seen. One phone call later and she was ours! I had named her “Gracie” before she ever walked off the truck that day. She was mine and I was hers.

“Aly, this horse isn’t for you,” is all I remember him

saying. How could this be? This horse entertained girl scouts. Why wouldn’t she behave? I lay awake that night going through every scenario with this horse. With only a few hours of sleep under my belt I quietly snuck out the back door with my boots in hand, insistent to ride this horse for myself. The sun was just beginning to peek out over the mountains.

I didn’t want to get caught in case I got bucked off. The last thing I wanted was any “I told you so’s!” Putting my foot into the stirrup I whispered, “It’s okay,” reassuring not only her but me that everything was just as it should be. One step. Two. A “whoa” to check for brakes and I was on my way!

God and Gracie have carried me over many a mountainside and dirt laden trail. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t thank the Lord for sending me my big yellow horse! I may still be a sapling in God’s eyes but I’m okay with that. I grow new leaves each day. My story….well, it’s still not all that glamorous or fun to tell, but it’s my story. I’m just glad I get to tell it with my favorite four-legged friend at my side. I have thrown off the cloak of sadness and mourning and chosen to stand like a great oak for his glory.

TO FIND OUT MORE about James and Aly Pflugfelder’s ministry, Grace Falls Farm, check out the website at

www.gracefallsfarm.com

My Amazing Grace

by Aly Pflugfelder, Oasis Community Church,

Phoenix, AZ

Last summer, I came down with poison ivy. Not sure where I got it and not sure I’d ever had it before. But I had it bad.

With all of the amazing breakthroughs in the medical community, it’s somewhat surprising how much mystery still surrounds poison ivy. I received some conflicting advice from family, friends, Google, and my doctor on how to treat it, whether or not it was safe to scratch, and whether or not it could spread or was contagious.

I failed miserably in the not scratching category, and I opted not to pour gasoline on the affected areas and strike a match. Each day for several days new spots showed up, so once I had self-diagnosed that this was more than a case of “itchy acne,” we assumed it was contagious and the safest route was for everyone to stay far away from Daddy.

Easier said than done. My three kids are still young, and rough housing, reading books and snuggling are more regular than mealtimes.

But now, for their sake, we tried to convince them to treat me as if I had leprosy. While we didn’t explain to our kids what life was like for a leper in Bible times, like how a leper could no longer contact his friends or family and had to live in a special area away from everyone else, we did remind them of these new parameters and how important it was to not touch Daddy.

By Tim Bordeaux

POISON IVY, LEPROSYAND MIDDLE SCHOOL


A few days of being told to stay away was more than my son Levi could take. I remember I was sitting on the couch, and he came over, plopped himself down, scooted over to me, gripped my arm tight, and rested his head on my shoulder. I’m not sure exactly what he was thinking, but his actions said, “I’ve had enough. I’ll risk getting poison ivy so I can hug my dad.”

One of my favorite stories from the Gospels is in Mark 1. A leper approaches Jesus, kneels and begs Jesus to make him clean. Jesus is moved with compassion, and responds by touching him first, then healing him.

Here enfleshed is the God who risks, the God who makes himself vulnerable to the point of death on a cross due to his deep obedience to the Father and his odd commitment to humanity. Here also is the God who makes everything new. Jesus reaches out and touches the unclean man. Instead of uncleanness transferring from the leper to Jesus, healing and wholeness and newness spring from Jesus to the man, removing his disease and defilement.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be like him. To step out of our comfort zone and into another’s mess. To not only bring better, but to bring new. To put aside our own interests (and schedules and to-do lists), and look to the interests of others. In some ways, we do a good job of this. But there are still modern-day lepers in society. Whether it is the homeless or the homosexual, certain people are deemed untouchable.

Do you know who else tends to be overlooked?

Middle schoolers.

Being in middle school is rough. They are awkward years for everyone. It’s a time of life that no one looks back on and wishes they could have one more go at it.

To be fair, it’s not always easy to be around middle schoolers. They are loud and strange, some of them smell funny, and they all seem to have chronic ADHD. They are the one group within the church that most people avoid like the plague. Those stuck in the middle need help not to stay there. They are at a highly critical, formative stage in life, and they need the church to step closer in, not further out.

What do they need, not just to survive, but to thrive and grow into men and women of God? They need non-parental, non-pastoral adults who are godly, friendly, trustworthy, and aren’t going anywhere. They need us to know their names. They need us to ask them questions, to take an interest in their interests. They need us to be their biggest fan.They need us to pray for them. They need us to encourage them to be involved in the life of the church. They need us to challenge them to love Jesus.

If the next generation fails to follow Christ, it will not be because they are failures. It will be because we have failed them.

Let’s take a risk and ensure that doesn’t happen.

Tim Bordeaux is Pastor of Youth at North Manchester First Brethren Church (Indiana). He and his wife, Kelly, have three children: daughter, Addi, and twin boys, Levi and Micah.


IN FALL 2011, I took part in a Christmas Challenge through a Christian magazine for teen girls called “SISTERHOOD Magazine.” They partnered with the Global Orphan Project to raise money for teen girls in Haiti. I have always had a heart for missions so I thought it would be nice to help less fortunate girls that were my age. I ended up raising $420 for them. I was so excited! Then, in March 2012, I received an e-mail saying that anyone who took part in the Christmas Challenge was invited to go on a mission trip to Haiti. The best part was that it was a mother and daughter trip.

As I was trying to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for this trip, a couple Bible verses were my inspiration. One was 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” I wanted to inspire teens and kids. We get put down in our society so much that we start to think we can’t do anything because we are young. Nothing, though, is impossible with God. Philippians 4:13 reads, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

As we all walked into the first orphanage in Gonaives, Haiti we were overwhelmed by the politeness. Twenty-five boys lived there and they were just happy that we were there. We saw the same thing with the next two orphanages we visited. We played games, made crafts, sang together, and loved them unconditionally. Even though we blessed them, there is no doubt that we were blessed even more by them.

We spent three days in Gonaives, Haiti visiting three orphanages. These orphanages are run directly by the local churches. You could see the love of Christ in each orphan’s eyes. Some of my favorite times with the kids were just sitting there holding them. They are amazing singers and loved singing for us. One time we sang a Bible song in

English and they sang in French Creole at the same time. There wasn’t much of a language barrier between us. Hugs, smiles, and playing ball all have universal meanings: somebody loves and cares about me.

As my mom and I traveled home, I decided that I could not keep what I had learned and seen to myself. In Haiti, there is a law that requires children to wear a uniform to school. Many families cannot afford to send their kids to school because of the huge expense of a uniform, which is only twenty American dollars. We have the opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Christ who are less fortunate than us. That is why I started "Changing Lives 4 Haiti," where I am raising money for school uniforms through the Global Orphan Project.

I hope this little part of my story has inspired you to follow God’s will in whatever it is he asks you to do. No matter your age, with God, you can overcome anything. You have the chance to change the lives around you every day.

Kristen Derflinger is a teenage member of the Windhaven Church in Mt. Jackson, VA. Kristen is currently raising money to buy school uniforms for Haitian children. If you would like to help, email her at [email protected] or visit the cause’s website at www.windhavenchurch.com/community-outreach/changing-lives-4-haiti

Hope for

Haiti

Why is it that we warn kids against wanting to grow up too soon? Is it because our lives as adults are that awful? Is it that we long for the carefree days of adolescence? Or is it simply because we realize the responsibilities and hardships that come with maturity?

As a teen, I remember thinking that life couldn’t be as hard as adults said it was. I mean, all you have to do is go to work, right? What else could there possibly be? As I’ve grown older, I realize that those carefree days are quickly overshadowed by the daily duties which creep into our lives unexpectedly.

Even a day off work is filled with errands and cleaning that was overlooked. As adults, we no longer just have school to worry about, but oftentimes school and work and kids and bills and time constraints and volunteer commitments. And in the midst of these duties, we forget to turn to the Lord. Grownup problems habitually overshadow God’s solutions.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 states, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble

Jamie White and husband, Dustin, are co-church planters of Radial Church in Canton, Ohio. Radial Church is a unique young adult church plant. Check out their story at www.radialchurch.com.


by Jaime White

come…” If we hold a firm grasp on the Lord in our youth, and teach our children to do so as well, then we may not run into the trouble of forgetting to rely on the Lord in adulthood. A solid foundation on him inevitably will carry through maturation. Teens especially have the power to impact their friends and a multitude of others if only they have the right influences throughout their adolescence.

PRAYER: Lord, help us to refocus on you as in the days of our youth and invest in the lives of adolescents we know. Guide us all in your ways to impact society for your glory.


G LO BA L PA RT N ERS S POT LI G H T

Zach Heffner Ireland & Rwanda

Ryan OttoWorld Racewww.theworldrace.org

Abby (Massey) Mkhwanazi

South Africa

KATIE GARNER Peru

The Brethren Church has been a global movement for centuries. This map shows how a new generation is responding to the call, “Go Ye.”


Kendra LentzMiddle East

Carly Cronin Nepal

Jeremiah TreinNepal

exisiting GLOBAL partners


Teens and young adults born after 1990 truly live in a different world than most. They are a generation that has never known a world without the internet or computers; they are Generation iY. They are a generation that for all intents and purposes has been raised and shaped with and by technological influences. Dr. Tim Elmore shows how this technological upbringing is a two-edged sword. On one hand they are more connected than ever and technology exposes them to global concerns of which we were

Generation iYby Dr. Tim Elmore

once ignorant. On the other hand, technology has shaped an entire generation in emotional, spiritual and physiological ways that are harmful. How will the church respond to such a reality?

The resource of the week highlights a reinforcing resource for further reflection and application for kindgom movement.

This is the one book every parent, teacher, coach, and youth pastor should read. This landmark book paints a compelling—and sobering—picture of what could happen to our society if we don’t change the way we relate to today’s teens and young adults. Researched-based and solution-biased, it moves beyond sounding an alarm to outlining practical strategies to:

• Guide “stuck” adolescents and at-risk boys to productive adulthood

• Correct crippling parenting styles

• Repair damage from (unintentional) lies we’ve told kids

• Guide them toward real success instead of superficial “self-esteem”

• Adopt education strategies that engage (instead of bore) an “i” generation

• Pull youth out of their “digital” ghetto into the real world

SIGN UP!

The Resource Page highlights a reinforcing resource for further reflection and application for kingdom movement. To sign up for weekly stories and resources email [email protected].

• Employ their strengths and work with their weaknesses on the job

• Defuse a worldwide demographic time bomb

• Equip Generation iY to lead us into the future

Dr. Tim Elmore is the founder and president of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Since founding Growing Leaders, Elmore has spoken to more than 300,000 students, faculty, and staff on hundreds of campuses across the country. In addition, a number of government offices in Washington, D.C. have utilized Dr. Elmore’s curriculum. From the classroom to the boardroom, Elmore is a dynamic communicator who uses principles, images, and stories to strengthen leaders.

ECOMMENDED

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A Publication of the Women’s Missonary Society

Spring/Summer 2013

Just some ramblingsby Corky Fisher, Editor

Recently, I attended the funeral of one of the “Senior Saints” of my church. It was a touching experience—a “good” funeral, if there is such a thing. What has stayed with me were the memories people expressed—especially those of her grandchildren who are adults, both in their 40’s. Recollections of cookies after school, and cuddling on Grandma’s lap were shared. The grandson sang “In the Garden” because he remembered it as a favorite hymn of his grandmother. The granddaughter talked about the herb garden she has because her grandmother let her help in her garden when she was a child. Both of them remembered that their grandmother had always loved Jesus and shared that love with them.This really gave me food for thought. What will my grandchildren talk about at my funeral? Will they remember the overnights? Will Kerry remember baking Christmas cookies? Jonathan too? Will Zach and Jonathan remember the garage sale when they sold cold drinks and each of them earned spending money—one a quarter more than the other? Will one of them want to sing my favorite hymn? Do they even know I have a favorite hymn? More importantly, will they remember that their grandma loved Jesus and shared that love with them? Our children and grandchildren are our legacy—a gift from God. If we are to be good stewards of this gift, we must become Lois and Eunice to them (2 Timothy 1:5).

Then I thought of my own grandmothers. For a period of time I lived with my maternal grandparents—not because of any family dysfunction—it’s just the way things happened. My grandmother practically lived at the church, and very often took me with her. Sundays were not an option. I was there. I remember cocoa, Cream of Wheat, Bible reading and prayer every morning before I left for school. The only thing in that scenario that changed was the cocoa and Cream of Wheat became juice and Cheerios as the weather got warmer. God’s Word and prayer never changed. That really was the beginning of my faith journey; I just didn’t realize it at the time. My other grandmother was not a church goer, but I have no doubt that she knew Jesus. I remember her gentle spirit, even as she cried out to him when the pain of cancer overtook her.

Then I thought of some of the other ladies who have walked with me on my journey: The cancer survivor who visited me almost every day when I was recovering from my surgery just so I would know that the same Lord who worked in her life was working in mine; the neighbor who always had a cookie jar full and shared them with all the kids in the neighborhood; because I don’t drive, the many, many friends who have been willing to drive me on my errands as we share what Jesus is doing in our lives.

Just some ramblings that began with a funeral, but end with this: We are instructed to be examples to the younger women (and men) in our lives (Titus 2:3-5). This is my prayer for you all as you continue to serve him. I leave you with this thought: What memories of you will your grandchildren share?

Valentine GreetingsOne of the blessings of living in Ashland is the opportunity to minister to the University students. For the second year, Park Street’s Joy Circle WMS has given Valentines to our college students. For the members who attend Ashland University, we fill “goodie bags” and deliver them to their campus mail boxes. Mostly we fill the bags with food items—candy and other munchies, microwave popcorn, microwave mac and cheese. Some other items might be pens, pencils, toiletries. This year the girls each received a pair of Valentine themed socks in their bags. We also include a Valentine card. For the members who attend colleges other than Ashland University, we send a Valentine card & include a bookmark or some other little memento to let them know that we love them and are praying for them. It’s fun to see how creative our member can be when they shop for this project, and we have a great time filling the bags. It’s a blessing for us as we bless “the next generation.”

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Afew years ago, my pastor encouraged me to become a mentor. Really!? I literally laughed in his face! I think I came up with every possible excuse I could from inadequacy to inability and so forth. You get the idea; many of you probably feel the same way and have made similar excuses when the Lord begins to place a call on your life. Pastor Bill did not give up on me, and the Lord didn’t either. He even used Facebook to convince me this was what he had in mind for me! Within a short period of time one of the young married women at church popped up in the chat box and told me Pastor Bill had suggested she get in touch with me. The daughter of friends who was an AU student at the time, and also a Facebook friend, posted a request for a mentor on her Facebook wall one day—these within days of each other. And so it began! These two young women have moved on—the AU student is now in the work force in another state, and the young married to another church—but we still communicate, and yes, mostly by Facebook. They remain a very special part of my life.

I still meet with a young married and an AU student. Two more special young ladies the Lord

has brought into my life. The young married has a toddler and a young baby, and works a freelance business from her home. She is an amazing young example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her time is limited, but we get together when we can. The AU student is now student teaching in South Carolina and will be finishing her student teaching in Florida. Fall semester we tried to spend as much together as we could, creating lasting memories. We had lunch or dinner together at least once a week; we had some fun Christmas shopping trips, and we went hiking in the woods near my house several times. I will attend her graduation in May alongside her parents, and I will shed tears—tears of joy and thankfulness for the gift the Lord has given me by allowing me to be a part of her life.

All of these girls have blessed me with their friendships, with their trust, and with their love. We share our faith in Christ. They are my spiritual daughters and I love them and pray for them just as I do my own family. I would encourage anyone to become involved in the life of a younger

person. The blessings are countless!! These girls have given me a new ministry. I can’t even begin to imagine what my life would be like without them.

The San Francisco stories that follow were written by Val Grosso. Val is the AU student I mentioned above. Her story is one of obedience to God’s call and one of faith and endurance. She had a mission trip planned for last summer, but God shut that door—at the time it felt like he had slammed it shut. But as he is wont to do, he opened a far better door. Val served as a team leader with YWAM this summer. I encourage you to read these stories and share in the blessings Val offers.

by Corky Fisher, Editor

13Val’s Story, continued on p.14

San Francisco StoriesI have always believed that every person has a story to tell. This summer I spent 12 weeks in San Francisco serving the Lord and learning the stories of hundreds of homeless by living and working in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. The Tenderloin district has the most homeless people, per capita, in the United States. I went out there, hoping that I could be a blessing and a light to these people. I came back knowing that God has used these people to change my life. One of the promises that I made my homeless friends was that when I came back to Ohio, their stories would come back with me and I would share those stories with everyone around. Below are a couple of stories that have really stuck with me.

Trina’s StoryEvery Monday afternoon at the YWAM base in San Francisco, there is a nail day where any woman can come in from the streets and get her nails done. The first nail day I worked, I met a woman named Trina. I had just walked into the base and there was a woman standing by the door, trying to figure out if she should stay or leave. I immediately felt like I needed to talk with her. I introduced myself and she showed me her hand and told me that everyone said that she

couldn’t get her nails done because she had a cut on her finger. I told her this was true, unfortunately we couldn’t touch any open wounds, but at that moment I really felt like I had to make her stay in the base with me. I invited her to come sit down and talk with me and she did. Once we sat down, I asked her where she was from and she told me that she was newly homeless in San Francisco as of today. After she told me this, I asked her if she wouldn’t mind me asking where she came from. She told me Oakland, right across the bridge. Her family was all crack users and last night she decided that she was done with using and knew that in order to stop she needed to leave her house. At that point, I asked if I could bring someone else into the conversation, who knows more about resources in the area than I do and she said that was ok. Trina shared with us what drove her to a crack addiction in the first place and how she wasn’t even sure it was possible for her to get better. She wanted to spend her life serving the Lord and then this happened. It absolutely broke my heart to hear her say this and at one point I cut her off and I said to her, “nothing is too big for God. It may seem impossible right now, but let me tell you, the God I serve is a God full of miracles. Three years ago I was diagnosed with a medically incurable nerve disease, and I was told that I was never going to be able to walk again. Look at me now; I am walking as well as anyone else! I know this doesn’t change the situation currently, but don’t give up.” After I said this to

her she began to cry and so I asked her if we could pray for her and the coolest thing happened. She said, ”no let me pray for you guys.” And so we let her. When she was finished, we told her to come back in the morning and we would start calling around to rehabilitation centers. She got up to leave, but then she doubled back and gave me a hug. Trina looked me in the eyes and said to me that God had given her a miracle today by meeting me. It took 5 days for us to find a rehab center for Trina. Five days, where each time she left the base, I wasn’t sure I would ever see her again.

She could easily turn back to drugs being out on those streets. But each day she came back to try again. I wasn’t at the base that day when they finally found her a shelter and after that we lost touch of her until about a month ago. Trina came back to the base to find a phone number where she could call me to say thank you. She has made it 7 months, clean of drugs, and is now holding a steady job. Trina is hoping to start volunteering at the YWAM base soon. I am so blessed to have meant this woman, who in our hour meeting impacted my life. I truly am blessed by the best.

Val’s Story, Continued from p.13 College Corner WMS News by Cindy Wilson

It is always quite a challenge to make something from nothing! The ladies at College Corner have been on a mission the last few months, right here in our own community. Our local Lighthouse Mission provides us with used sweatshirts that have been cut into squares ranging from 9 to 14 inches. We bring these to the church and have been keeping our sewing machines and hands busy by sewing squares and tying knots to make over 35 blankets for the homeless and families in need of our community! Not only do we try to reach out to them by keeping them warm, we attach a bookmark that reveals the plan of salvation to them. It is our prayer that we may have planted a seed in someone’s life and that they may be encouraged to know that someone cares.

We have been blessed to have a very active group in our church, and I have to give credit where it is due to the faithfulness shown by some of our long-time members. They have been shining examples to all of the younger ladies. We recently had the joy of planning a surprise birthday party for our oldest member, Imogene Barton, who turned 84 on February 25. Imogene loves flowers, dolls, and making doll clothes and doll houses. Imogene is a survivor, in more ways than one. She grew up in an age that faced many challenges, and yes…is a cancer survivor. She has experience making something from nothing, and one example of that was when she took an old piece of canvas from farm equipment and stretched it onto a frame. There is a beautiful painting of how our church once looked on that canvas! She attends every meeting and comes to sew whenever she possibly can. She is known for the wonderful caramel rolls she brings to sewing days!

When we were asked to share how we reach out to the younger generation, I wanted to use Imogene as an example. Each time a new baby is born in our church, she makes a baby quilt and gives it to the baby, from our WMS. That truly is an example of the oldest member of our church reaching out to the youngest! We have members that range from their 20’s to their 80’s, and we all enjoy spending time with each other working for our LORD in the church. We look forward to having wonderful and exciting programs for all of the members of the church to attend, focused on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We give them all group photos of their families when they come to these programs. We try to have a prayer walking hour each week, which is open to the church.

As many of you know, it always seems like we carry that burden to find ways to bring new life to the WMS. We thank God at all times for his presence in our group of ladies. We see his hand in all that we do, and we pray for his guidance to continue to do his work in our church. So when it seems you have nothing…just keep looking up, He has something for all of us!

Footwashing in the Tenderloin DistrictUrine, weed, needles, garbage, and dirt. That is exactly what I first saw and smelled when I walked through the streets of the Tenderloin for the first time. I was taken aback and greatly saddened by what I saw. How can this happen in the United States? It isn’t fair. After the initial shock that I had coming to the area, I soon realized that the people on the streets had hearts of gold. But their living conditions saddened me constantly. During the first couple of weeks I was there, God laid it on my heart to go out and wash the people’s feet on the streets. At first, I tried to push this idea away. I was scared, I saw what conditions they lived in and I wondered if it would even be safe for me to touch many of their feet. Most of the men and women did not have socks and shoes, so their feet were not a pretty sight. As I continued to walk the streets and talk with the people I realized that most people, even the people that help them, do not view them as equal to them. I continued to pray into the foot washing idea more and God really burdened my heart to do it. It was a tangible way for me to show these people that I really see myself on an equal level with them and it was also a way for me to be able to bless them. Two other people from the base accompanied me; we probably washed approximately 30 people’s feet that day. It was one of the most humbling things that I have ever done. When people would ask me why I was doing it, I would simply say I am just doing what Jesus would have done. I will never forget the look in their eyes or the hugs that I got afterwards. Once I was finished, I couldn’t believe I ever questioned whether or not I was going to do it in the first place. After all, Jesus says in Matthew 25: 45, “Truly I say to you, whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me”.

Conference Cost & Delegate CredentialsEarly Registrations submitted before June 17, $60.00 per person.

Regular Registrations submitted after June 17, $75.00 per person.

OPTIONAL:

Pre-conference Workshops (6/17, 9:00a-1:00p):

Choose one if you would like to attend:

Global Partners, add $30.00 per person

Soul Care, add $30.00 per person

Delegate credentials are obtained from your pastor and have been billed to your church. A limited number of district and cooperative credentials may be available through your district organizations. Credentials do not need to accompany your registration but need to be submitted by June 17.

Registration fee does not need to be paid if you are only attending a Ticketed Event. Total for Registration: $__________

Bringing a group or leadership team with you?

Email [email protected] before June 17 to discuss discounted group rates.

HousingHousing is available on the campus of Ashland University in the dormitories (no air conditioning) for attendees of General Conference 2013. There are also several area hotels and bed & breakfasts available. We recommend that you make arrangements for housing as soon as possible!

Some area hotels offer a discounted rate if you mention “Brethren Conference” while booking your reservation. Be sure to book before July 1.

Days you will be staying in a dorm:

Tuesday ___ Wednesday ___ Thursday ___ Friday ___ Saturday ___ Cost per room is $45.00 per night.

I prefer to be on a floor with:

Women’s restroom/shower _____ Men’s Restroom/shower_____

Total for Housing: $__________

Continue on other side

Name: __________________________________________ Home Phone: (____) _____ - _________

Address:_________________________________________ City, State, Zip:_____________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________________

Complete and mail, or register online at www.brethrenchurch.org

What to expect:General Conference is an opportunity for Brethren Church leaders around the country to gather together to make strategic decisions, celebrate what God has done, be refreshed with old and new friendships and take part in leadership development training that will guide us for the next chapter of our story. 2013 General Conference main sessions will feature Brandon Hatmaker and Executive Director, Ken Hunn. Beyond Main Sessions, General Conference features various workshops, a ticketed Global Dinner with Sudhir Kumar, a chance to deepen friendships, leadership training opportunities, business sessions and plenty of opportunities to be encouraged and challenged by one another.

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

New this year is the opportunity to join us for pre-conference workshops. Come spend Wednesday, June 17, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, in one of two tracks. One track will explore the shift that is occuring in and with our global partners and global strategy. The second will explore how to take care of your own soul.

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

2013 GENERAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Wednesday, July 17 - Saturday, July 20 @ Ashland University

Ticketed Events

Elders, Spouses and Staff Dinner Free Event x No. of tickets _____ = $_________Wednesday, 6:30 - 8:30 - Location TBA*Followed by Elder’s Gathering at Dave & Amy Sherwood’s

Brethren Ministry Wives - Reception and Fellowship Free Event x No. of tickets _____ = $_________Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. - Five Stones Quarry

Ladies Luncheon $12.00 x No. of tickets _____ = $_________Thursday, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Park Street Family Life Center (FLC)

Global Dinner - Sudhir Kumar $15.00 x No. of tickets _____ = $_________Thursday, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Park Street FLC

ATS Luncheon $15.00 x No. of tickets _____ = $_________Friday, 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Seminary Campus

Brandon Hatmaker - Lunch & Seminar $20.00 x No. of tickets _____ = $_________Saturday, 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Park Street FLC

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

Kid’s Conference & NurseryNursery for children up to four years old will be available throughout the conference starting on Wednesday night and concluding on Saturday evening. Kids Conference, ages 5 -11, will be provided Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon of General Conference. Cost for the nursery or kids conference is $75 for your entire time at General Conference. Nursery and kids conference includes lunch and snacks for all ages. If you are bringing more than two kids, contact [email protected] to discuss discounted rates. Details regarding Kid’s Confer-ence & Nursery care will be posted at www.brethrenchurch.org soon.

Child name(s): ___________________________________________________________ Age(s): ________________

Important Information• Registration rates change on June 17. Be sure to register early.

• Delegate credentials can be obtained from your pastor, district or organization. Please submit your credential before June 17.

• Updated information regarding 2013 General Conference can be obtained by visiting our website: www.brethrenchurch.org

• Ticketed Event sales will end on June 30th.

• If you are bringing a group or leadership team to the conference for the week or even a session, contact brethren @brethrenchurch.org to find group rates before June 17.

• Stay connected to brethrenchurch.org to learn how individuals from your church can watch parts of General Conference through our live broadcast

TOTAL COST

Registration Fee : $_____________

Housing: $_____________

Ticketed Events: $_____________

Kids: $_____________

Total Registration: $_____________

PLEASE MAIL REGISTRATIONS AND FEES TO:Brethren Church General Conference

524 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805

Total for Events $__________

Payment Options:

I am paying by check which is enclosed. (Please make checks payable to The Brethren Church.)

I am going to pay by credit card. (Please send a bill to my email address.)

I will be paying the full amount before July 1. (Please send a bill to my registration address.)

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, CONT.

Wednesday, July 179:00 am-1:00 pm Pre Conference Workshop12:00 pm Check-In Opens (located at The National Office)2:00 pm-4:00 pm WMS Meeting NABCE Meeting4:30 pm-6:00 pm Evening Worship - Location: Hugo Young Theatre6:30 pm Elders, Spouses & Staff Dinner: Location TBD8:00 pm Elder Gathering8:00 pm Spouses Gathering @ The Quarry

Thursday, July 188:00 am-9:00 am Team Processing Time at Breakfast9:00 am-11:00 am Worship & Business Session 1 Location: Hugo Young Theatre11:00 am-12:00 pm Budget Workshop12:00 pm-1:30 pm Ladies Luncheon2:00 pm-3:30 pm Workshops Session 12:00 pm-4:00 pm WMS Meeting NABCE Meeting4:30 pm-6:00 pm Evening Worship6:30pm-8:00 pm Global Dinner featuring Rev. Sudhir Kumar

Friday, July 198:00 am-9:00 am Team Processing Time at Breakfast9:00 am-11:00 am Worship & Business Session 2 - Location: Hugo Young Theatre12:00 pm-1:45 pm ATS Luncheon2:00 pm-3:25 pm Workshops Session 23:35 pm-5:00 pm Workshops Session 36:30 pm-8:00 pm Evening Worship - Location: Hugo Young Theatre8:30 pm MissioChurch Gathering @The Quarry

Saturday, July 208:00 am-9:00 am Team Processing Time at Breakfast9:00 am-11:00 am Worship & Teaching - Location: Hugo Young Theatre12:00 pm-1:45 pm Brandon Hatmaker Lunch2:00 pm-3:25 pm Workshops Session 23:35 pm-5:00 pm Workshops Session 36:30 pm-8:00 pm Evening Worship - Location: Hugo Young Theatre


125th General Conference of The Brethren ChurchHugo Young Theatre, Ashland University :: Ashland Ohio July 17-20, 2013

Brandon Hatmaker

This year’s conference offering will be for a MissioChurch start-up grant. Please be in prayer about how God may want you to contribute.

The Evangelist Spring/Summer 201318

I THINK ONE OF THE GREATEST MOMENTS that impacted my generation was the attack of 9-11. Like most, that morning is permanently etched in my memory. I was in an emergency room of a hospital ministering to a parishioner as I saw the terrible scene of those two towers collapsing, planes crashing, and the Pentagon being hit unfold on TV. Death and mayhem had come to America.

The America we knew as children suddenly changed. We realized that we were vulnerable and that we too could be attacked by an enemy. We thought we lived in an untouchable nation that no one would dare attack and that morning proved us wrong.

It put this country on edge and they cried out for an answer. Some turned toward God, others turned away from him. It permanently changed the face of this nation by stealing an important part of the American spirit; something that I think we will never get back, and that I miss.

Paul Stanley, 50

AS I PONDERED what the most defining moment of my generation was, I found myself struggling to narrow it down to one moment. Things that came to mind were 9/11, Katrina, Haiti, and other natural events that occurred. These are significant events but are they really “defining” of my generation?

Then I started to question for what my generation will be remembered. A sense of community has been instilled into my generation because of the overwhelming needs of the world. I think, with this in mind, that the most defining moment in my generation will be the moment when they start to become aware of the needs of others; the moment when they begin to have a want for community and look past the irrelevant desire of the world.

There is no set date for this “moment,” however this will be what defines my generation. The “moment” they look past themselves, even with all that is surrounding them, will change the world. The community of which they speak so much must become a reality they experience and share.

Nathan Garrison, 19

A Defining Moment for my Generation NEARLY 91 YEARS OF LIFE makes it difficult to select only one defining moment. My first thought was the Great Depression; however, I believe the automobile for the common person was the most defining moment.

I was born at home on the Harris farm (in Wayne Country Ohio), now Camp Bethany, in 1922. Dad bought our first car in 1923. The children drove the horse and buggy to school when the roads were muddy, otherwise George, a senior, drove our car.

The automobile made it possible for me to meet many great spiritual leaders of my generation: Genevieve Parkhurst, Agnes Sanford, John Sanford, Derek Prince, Frank Laubach, etc. When my husband, Roy developed an incurable disease, we drove to meet Genevieve. God used her for instantaneous healing.

As a result, Roy went into ministry. We sold everything, moved to Ashland, graduated together from Ashland College then eventually received our Masters. Our four children also received their degrees from Ashland College.

My parents responded to the Depression: “God provides!” I too have learned that God is my provider. The way to my heavenly home is Jesus. He paid my ticket on the cross. I believe that Jesus is the most defining moment for all generations.

Wava Amstutz, 91


HERE IS A BRIEF REPORT of a significant change that brought inward and outward peace to a young boy who had just survived Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana last August. It took place in a Children’s Disaster Services center, where children could stay while their parents took care of recovery business.

A 7-year-old boy came to the center, quiet and withdrawn. He spoke softly, didn’t say much, and looked at the floor when he said anything. He tended to play alone the first day. When asked if he would like to paint, he painted a chaotic picture with lots of blue.

“Tell me about your picture,” the CDS volunteer suggested. “That’s water,” he replied. He added green streaks. “Those are sharks. They can eat you.” He added blue streaks. “That’s whales, but they can’t eat the sharks.” Finally he added red. “That’s blood.”

For the next 3 days, this boy continued to paint anytime he could get a chair at the painting table, more pictures than anybody else. On the last day when he was painting, he was asked what he was painting. He grinned. “A rainbow and race cars.”

What an extraordinary difference in the emotional content of the two pictures, painted two days apart in a caring setting! (From BRIDGES - Church of the Brethren) Regardless of the setting or circumstances, attempt to be alert

to bringing a similar sense of peace to a troubled child you might encounter. Worth a try?

A PLEDGE TO SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT

Because we follow the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, who promised that peacemakers shall be called the children of God, we shall seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

Because God calls us to beat swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks until nation does not lift up sword against nation, we shall seek peace and pursue it.

Because war violates the very foundation of our faith in God, who insists that genuine security is possible only when we love our enemies, we shall seek peace and pursue it.

Because our faith teaches us to live in solidarity with the poor and the suffering and to share in God’s boundless compassion and mercy, we shall seek peace and pursue it.

Because war breeds violence and despair and visits suffering on the most vulnerable of people, we shall seek peace and pursue it.

We follow Jesus, who taught by word and deed his conviction that we must show courage, love those of whom we are most afraid, and build right relationships across any boundaries of

suspicion, hostility, and fear. (Adapted from Presbyterian Peace Fellowship.)

PUBLIC PEACE WITNESSING

One of the peacemakers, with whom I “corner” (holding up peace signs) every Wednesday afternoon at different intersections in St. Petersburg, related to us this memorable encounter a few years ago:

“Last Wednesday a fine young man stopped in a nearby parking lot and walked over to me to thank us for being there. He was on R & R from Iraq, soon to go back.”

I must confess, I’d been having some doubts about our continuing to corner and the value of it, in spite of my ongoing contact with veterans young and old at the Veterans Administration (where she worked). Meeting that young man has reaffirmed my commitment to the beautiful lives in the balance – American and Iraqi and Afghani. We must continue!

PEACEMAKING QUOTE

“Making one enemy is burdensome, but making friends with a thousand persons is too few.”

(Buddhist monk in Indonesia)

KEEPING PEACE IN MIND!

Phil Lersch, Facilitator

Brethren Peace Initiative

See back cover for information on how to financially contribute to the next generation of the Brethren Church.


JULY 17-21, 2013ASHLAND, OHIO

ENGAGEYOUTH CONFERENCE

JULY 22-26, 2013MARION, IN


CAROLYN BRANDON, of Bryan, Ohio passed away on February 13, 2013. Carolyn is survived by her husband Fred and three children; Jeff (Mary), Julie Brandon and Cathy (Jon) Reich.

OTIS “JUNIOR” IRA FRIEND JR. 84, of Marianna, Pennsylvania died Thursday February 7, 2013. Junior was a lifelong member of Highland Brethren Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee and teacher.

SARAH A. GARRETT, 76, of Yorktown, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. She was born March 16, 1936. She was a pastor’s wife for forty-three years, and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Surviving are her husband, Buck D. Garrett; her four sons, Jerry Garrett (wife, Penny), John Garrett (wife, Kerry), James Garrett

(wife, Elizabeth), and Joseph Garrett (wife, Deliah) all of Muncie; thirteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

NANCY GRUMBLING, 76, of Hickory, North Carolina passed away on Sunday January 20, 2013. She is survived by her husband Pastor Glenn Grumbling and two sons, Wayne (Jayne) and Thomas (Jennifer), a son in law, Jesus Munoz (Rebecca preceded her mother’s death) and a daughter, Cheryl (John) Black.

In MemoryREV. JAMES C. KOONTZ, 58, of Louisville, Ohio, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013. Jim was a former pastor of the First Brethren Church in Sarasota, Fla., Fort Scott Brethren Church in Fort Scott, Kan., and the Beacon of Hope Community Church (First Brethren) in Louisville, Ohio. Jim is survived by his wife, Cynthia; a daughter and son-in-law,

Hannah and Andrew Greene; a son, Drew Koontz; and his granddaughter, Mishka Rose Greene.

DORMAN RONK, 89, of Ashland, Ohio passed away on Tuesday March 19, 2013. Dorman served as president and secretary of the Benevolent Board of the Brethren Church, helping denominational districts establish nursing and retirement centers. Brethren Care in Ashland was the first and was built in 1972. He was a member of Park

Street Brethren Church and served in several roles. He served as a deacon since 1967 until his health necessitated his inactivity.

Dorman is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan (Riddle); four children, Bruce (Sue Ellen), Nancy (Jeff) Lentz, Margaret (Donald) Matthews and Joyce (Philip) Michael.

VERNON H. WILKINS died December 30, 2012. Vernon along with his wife, Mable, were founding members of the Newark, Ohio Brethren Church.


And the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” And they remembered His words. -Luke 24:5-8

Growing up on a farm in a sleepy town in Southeastern Ohio my father only had one method of teaching me how to do things his way. First he would show me how to do something once, and then he would let me try it. The problem with his method, however, was that he would invariably lose patience if I did not do it perfectly the first time. He would often end up redoing the project or just pushing me aside to finish the job.

When he passed away a month after my seventeenth birthday, I had no idea how underprepared I was for the future that was ahead of me. Later in life I would be forced to sheepishly ask friends to show me how to change the oil in my car, how to start a fire, and how to fix a leaky sink. I’m turning twenty-eight this year and thanks to my friend Chris, I

just recently learned how to drive a vehicle with a standard clutch.

As a college pastor on the campus of Ashland University, sometimes I fear that an entire generation has completely missed out on some of the most important lessons that would have prepared them for the monumental calling that God has in store for them. But these college students aren’t simply without carpentry skills and automotive proficiencies, today many college students are lacking leadership… and often because no one has ever let them try it for themselves.

So here’s the real question: is the Brethren Church doing all that it can do in order to prepare young people for the leadership roles that they will inherit once their elders pass the torch to them? Is this generation ready for the work that is waiting for them once we step aside and hand them the keys?

Upon hearing news of Christ’s resurrection, the Scriptures say that the original disciples remembered all the things that Jesus said about his death and resurrection. That was not the case for the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians Paul refers to himself

as one who was “abnormally born” into the ministry. Unlike the other disciples, Paul did not walk alongside Jesus and see how he ministered, how he taught, and how he loved people in the midst of their brokenness and sin. He was at a disadvantage because he never had the chance to be discipled by Christ like the remaining eleven.

This generation may well be one abnormally born. Many have not been given chances to lead within their families and congregations because we feel that they are too young, too inexperienced, and far too uncommitted. And yet sooner or later these young people will be leading us. The question is simply have we prepared them for the task? Here’s the good news: as we see in the case of Paul, sometimes it is those who are abnormally born that God uses for the greatest good. May we all seek to better Christ’s Kingdom and our world by deeply investing in the abnormally born generation… because Christ longs to use them to brings His hope and healing to our broken world.

by Nate BeboutAshland, OH

A Generation Abnormally Born

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and

filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that

separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Acts 2:1-4, NIV

23Spring/Summer 2013 The Evangelist

The Brethren Evangelist (SSN 0747-4288) is published quarterly by The Brethren Church, Inc., 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 (telephone: 419-289-1708; email: [email protected]; fax: 419-281-0450. Authors’ views are not necessarily those of The Brethren Church. Subscription rates: Sent free to Brethren Church members; $15.00 per year to others. Member, Evangelical Press Association. Postage: Paid at Ashland, Ohio or additional mailing office at Mansfield, Ohio. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792. Spring/Summer 2013, Vol. 135, No. 2

Please let us know when you are moving.This will save us much-needed funds for ministry.

The Brethren Church524 College Ave.Ashland, OH 44805

Imagine yourself week in and week out, pouring deeply into the lives of teenagers; often times at the expense of your own self, your family, and even your sanity. The task of a youth worker — whether they be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid — can be exhausting and without much reward. Yet we are blessed to have so many in the Brethren Church who have heard clearly the call to do this for us; for our youth. One of the greatest blessings a youth worker can receive is to see that the work they are doing is producing kingdom fruit in the lives of young people. We want to help ensure that those who serve the Brethren Church and the Kingdom as youth workers be equipped well to continue producing fruit. A simple, easy and effective way to see that this happens is to give financially to help sponsor a youth worker to attend the 2014 Simply Youth Ministry Conference, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio March 7-10. This past year we saw 25 youth workers from around the denomination make their way to Indianapolis to attend the 2013 SYMC. Why? Partly because they were receiving great training, encouraging and equipping, and partly because they were sharing an experience with family. James Hunt of Muskoka Community Church in Huntsville, Ontario Canada said it best, "I didn't come to this conference for the teaching, I came to be with my family." Brethren, you can help ensure the future health and kingdom success of our youth by generously giving to the many who serve as youth workers. Will you consider giving today?

GIVE @ brethrenchurch.org/get-involved/contributions

Documents

The Brethren Evangelist 2013 Spring-Summer