BMH Editor's Blog

Multnomah Co-Founder Aldrich With the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 03:08:00 +0000

Chuck Winter out in the Northwest has alerted us to the following:

Dr. Willard Aldrich died November 27, 2009, in Camas, Washington. He was 100. One of the founders of Multnomah School of the Bible, he served as president for 35 years and as a faculty member for 40 years

He was the speaker for the ground breaking for the Harrah Grace Brethren Church and later for the dedication of the new facility.

There is a link to his full obituary at the following Multnomah link. It appears on the home page.

www.multnomah.edu/

Dennis Holsinger, Rittman, Ohio, With the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:18:00 +0000

Dennis Holsinger of the Rittman, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church, has gone to be with the Lord. His pastor, Bud Olszewski, described Holsinger as "a very active member of Rittman Grace: Moderator and Vice Moderator, Finance Officer, Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, worship leader and incredible soloist for our choir." Holsinger is the brother of Terry Holsinger, former board member of Grace College & Seminary and Pastor Bud also reminds, "They are also distant (time line) relatives of Henry Holsinger - the great progressive of our movement many generations ago."

Dennis V. Holsinger, 75, of Wadsworth died Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Magnolia Village.

He was born July 28, 1934 in Akron to Wilbur V. and Lucille (Romesberg) Holsinger and lived in Wadsworth since 1958.

Dennis was employed at the Medina Gazette and retired as advertising director in 1996. He graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1952 and attended Kent State University and Manchester College.

He was an active member of the Grace Brethren Church in Rittman where he was a song leader and soloist. Dennis was past-president of the Ohio Newspaper Classified Clinic and was a former member of the Medina County Fair Board. He enjoyed his family and traveling.

Surviving are his wife, Janet (Brickel) Holsinger; children, David (Lori) Holsinger of Copley, Gail D. (William) Adley of Wadsworth, and Marilyn (Robert) Mick of Stuart, FL; grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Patterson, Lori (Jeremy) Williams, Tracy (Dustin Glass) Adley, Franklin Adley, Sam, Melissa and Andrew Mick, Austin Holsinger and Amber Payton; 7 great-grandchildren; a brother, Terrell (Sandy) Holsinger of Hurst, TX.

Graveside services and burial will be at 9:30 A. M. Tuesday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wadsworth. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Brethren Church, 44 S. First St., Rittman with Pastor Bud Olszewski officiating. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28 at Gillman Funeral Home, 360 W. Sunset Dr., Rittman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Brethren Church, 44 S. First St., Rittman OH 44270.

Church-Planting Vision Takes Shape in Twin Cities

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Cutler Gates) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:47:00 +0000

George Stagg has a big vision for a big metropolitan area. Learn more about new Grace Brethren ministries in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. in the November-December issue of FGBC World, which is available at no charge at your local Grace Brethren church or online at fgbcworld.com.

FGBC World is an all-fellowship, all-Grace Brethren newspaper that is published six times a year. In its pages you will find stories about the Grace Brethren family around the world – from individuals who are on the front line of ministry to organizations that help impact lives for Jesus. Pick up your free copy of the November-December issue at your local Grace Brethren church, see fgbcworld.com or subscribe online to have your free copy delivered directly to your mailbox.

Help Needed Now for CAR Literature Project

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Greg Burgess, who works with the literature ministry in the Central African Republic, sends this urgent request:

Immediate need--Literature Ministry Printing Machines At A Standstill

With its two printing machines irreparably damaged, the work of “The Foyer,” the Grace Brethren publications ministry in the Central African Republic, has nearly come to a halt.

Usually, at this time of the year the Foyer team would be would be in full swing producing the documents for their biggest sales event in the year, the C.A.R.’s Grace Brethren national conference attended by the leaders of 900 churches. This year they have been forced to outsource a few documents to a local Catholic printer.

However, the bulk of what the pastors, women and young people depend on in terms of Christian literature will not be available. This in turn means that the Foyer will not have the revenue it needs to provide the capital to purchase new equipment and to produce essential Christian literature. It’s a vicious circle. Such is life in this landlocked nation, one of the top ten of the world’s poorest.

An Opportunity To Get The Foyer Back In Business

The Foyer produces thousands of women’s Bible study books, youth group manuals and Bible study books and commentaries each year. To get them back to where they have been in the last six years is only a matter of funding the purchase and shipping of some new machines.

To purchase two new Risograph printing machines costs approximately $3000. Joe Sands of Sands Office Equipment in Warsaw, Indiana, has been helping to find the appropriate equipment at a reduced cost. He has even arranged for a third Risograph to be donated to the Foyer.

Shipping equipment from the United States to the C.A.R. is a challenge. Currently there is an opportunity to get the machines to the Foyer quickly through ICDI who will be sending a container in January. Unless the machines are purchased and sent now, the Foyer’s work will be crippled for many long months.

Pray--Foyer Director Seeks To Groom Young Leader

Pastor Marc Dounia (pictured) is one of Central Africa’s faithful church leaders. He is the director of the Foyer, as well as the pastor of the Chypre Church in Bangui. His ministry has spanned four decades, though it has not been without hardship.

While he was leading the literature ministries in 2003, war broke out. The work was devastated. Books, machines and buildings, all was lost, except for Pastor Dounia’s heart for the Lord. A lesser man would have thrown in the towel, but he moved to Bangui and started over from scratch.

Pastor Dounia’s current challenge is to find his successor. He is praying that the Lord will provide a dedicated young man to follow in his steps. Would you pray that God would provide this godly new leader?

Opportunity To Give

$6,300 are needed to get the Grace Brethren Literature Ministry in C.A.R. up and running again:

• $3,000 for printing machines ($1,500 per machine)
• $3,300 for shipping from Indiana to C.A.R.

For this equipment to be sent this January, funds are needed now. Even if only one machine can be purchased and shipped, this will help the Foyer get on its feet again. Would you consider helping?

Please send your gift to:

GBIM
Project #8028
P.O. Box 588
Winona Lake, IN 46590

GBIM is a qualified tax-exempt organization. All gifts will receive a tax-exempt receipt.

Wooster Worship Team Releases CD

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Cutler Gates) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:48:00 +0000

The music team at the Grace Brethren Church, Wooster, Ohio, has released their first CD --

grace:worship, As We Wait.

Eight of the ten songs are original to Wooster Grace, according to Matt Carter, director of contemporary worship, who authored seven of them. It also features the hymns Jesus What a Friend for Sinners and Be Thou My Vision.

The CD was recorded by Drew Murray at New Dimension Studios in Wooster and produced by Murray and Carter.

It is available from the Wooster Grace Brethren Church, 4599A Burbank Rd., Wooster, Oh 44691. The cost is $10 for one, $35 for five, plus shipping.

Wooster's Lawson Receives Volleyball Honors

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:36:00 +0000

From the Wooster, Ohio, Daily Record. Stephanie is the daughter of David and Julie Lawson--David is the administrative pastor for the Grace Brethren Church of Wooster.

By CHRISTY JOHNSON, Daily Record Sports Writer

Steph Lawson (pictured), a Triway High School graduate, finished her sophomore season playing volleyball for Grace College in Indiana. Lawson, a middle hitter, led the Lancers, and the Mid-Central College Conferences, in aces with 54.

Lawson also led the team with 322 kills, averaging 2.93 kills per set, and was second on the team in digs with 238.

The sophomore received second-team honors from the Mid-Central Conference this season, and was also named to the 2009 NCCAA Mid-West Volleyball All-Region team.

Friday Feature: Learn to Share Christ with Those Closest to You

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Cutler Gates) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:18:00 +0000

Now on sale through Monday, December 28!

Challenged by a patient who said he was a fake, Dr. Duke Heller found himself on a journey of self-examination. The experience changed his relationship with God and led to a lifestyle of wanting to help others share their faith.

How to Start a Kingdom Conversation is the result of Duke's many years of sharing his faith in Jesus Christ and teaching others to do so effectively and without fear.

How to Start a Kingdom Conversation is now available for just $9.59 (regularly priced at $11.99). Order now! Or call 1-800-348-2756 and ask for the Friday Feature.

This price is only good through Monday, December 28, 2009.

ICDI Makes Plans to Expand Operations

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Cutler Gates) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:01:00 +0000

Jim Hocking (pictured above), founder and director of Integrated Community Development International (ICDI) updated friends and donors this morning at breakfast in Warsaw, Ind. In addition to reporting on the varied programs of the organization, Jim announced that ICDI is making plans to move into Chad and Congo, and in order to do that, is developing a new base of operations at Grimari in the Central African Republic.

Jim also introduced Nanga Kaye, a Chadian who has just joined the ICDI staff as agricultural specialist. An agronomy graduate of the University of Nebraska, Kaye is responsible for helping the Africans learn to effectively grow nutritious food.

"We work with about 100 Central Africans -- we've poured our lives into them," Hocking said. "We've seen the impact they've made on thousands of their countrymen," he added, explaining that the goal of ICDI is to help the Africans help themselves. "We've also watched God bring people to himself through our programs."

Waterloo, Argentine Churches Team Up to Help Filipinos

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Viv Weimer (Waterloo, Iowa) has alerted us that a number of the Grace Brethren ladies in Berazategui, Argentina (pictured) have teamed up with the Waterloo church to sew clothes for the many children who were affected by the recent flooding in Manila, Philippines.

Viv says, “I think this is an awesome idea to have GBC women in the US and GBC women in Argentina helping to meet needs in the Philippines. Through technology, we were able to communicate with them what type of clothing, fabrics etc. to use and we all are off and running with this.”

The Weimers’ son, Jason, will be one of a group from the Waterloo Grace Brethren Church who will take the clothes to Manila the end of January as part of the Philippines Coalition through GBIM.

The clothes will be given to the local GBC pastors in the Marikina, GBC and Pasig, GBC to distribute as part of their community outreach following the devastating floods.

Gary McCaman, who works with GBIM in Argentina, says, “It's always rewarding to see churches work together to help others who have been affected by calamity. The international collaboration on this project makes it particularly exciting!”

Columbia City Calls Lead Pastor

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:14:00 +0000

Community of Hope Grace Brethren Church, Columbia City, Indiana, has announced the appointment of Steve Adriansen as the church's lead pastor.

Steve and Kathy Adriansen currently live in Commerce, Michigan, where Steve has served as a pastor for the past 18 years. Their son, Dan, is a freshman at Cedarville University and their daughter, Rachel, is a senior at Lakeland High School. The Adriansen family enjoys serving together, traveling together, and having fun together in a variety of ways.

Steve and Kathy met at Grace College and married shortly after Steve finished his studies at Grace Theological Seminary. After focusing their time and energy on student ministry from 1984 until 2000, they have been focusing on "adult ministry" for the past nine years.

The Adriansens are passionate about connecting with other Christ-followers while at the same time pursuing those in their community who do not yet have a relationship with Christ. Their hearts are most excited when they see the church function like a family and when they "team-up" with others in the church to reach out to those outside the church family.

God has used a variety of people and experiences to shape Steve and Kathy's ministry over the past 25 years. They possess a unique passion for helping those in their church family experience the one-anothers of the New Testament within smaller, more intimate settings.

The Adriansens have also led many mission teams, which have been comprised of people of all ages, to a variety of locations and ministries. Whether sharing life together within God's family or inviting others to join God's family, Steve and Kathy deeply desire to see lives and relationships changed as people experience God's love more and more deeply.

Steve will begin his ministry at Community of Hope on January 3, 2010. Jeremy Wike will continue his excellent ministry at Community of Hope under Steve’s leadership. Pray for Steve and Kathy as they engage in ministry at Columbia City and deal with common transition issues such as a house sale and the completion of their daughter, Rachel’s last year in high school.

Grace's Coach K Reaches 600 Wins

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:39:00 +0000

by Zane Gard

After 33 years, Coach Jim Kessler (pictured) of the Grace College (Winona Lake, Ind.) Lancers basketball team has finally reached 600 wins. Kessler made the 600-victory milestone Friday, December 11, against then-ranked No. 11 Cornerstone University.

“I think that Coach Kessler is a man of God that genuinely cares about strengthening his own relationship with Christ as well as helping his players become men that seek after God in all we do,” said senior captain David Swanson. “He taught me to play the game for something bigger.”

Kessler, who has coached more games than any other active MCC coach (1,069), has a 600-469 career record and a .561 winning percentage. After being NCCAA Coach of the Year in 1982 and 1992, Kessler was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame in 1994. He was also named the 1992 NAIA Coach of the Year and has won nine MCC titles.

“It's a product of two things," Kessler said. "You have to have good people around you and you have to be at a place for a long time. I've had great assistants and great players through the years. When you have young men of character around you, you will win your share."

Zane Gard is a Sports Management and Journalism Major at Grace College.

Christy Hill's Mother With the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Marilyn J. Morr, the mother of Grace College and Seminary faculty member Dr. Christy Morr Hill, is now with the Lord. Marilyn J. Morr, age 72 of Ashland, OH., passed away at her residence Monday, December 14, 2009.

On July 2, 1937, in Long Beach, California, Mrs. Morr was born to the late Roger and Marguerite (Garrison) Sherman. She had been a resident of Ashland most of her life. Mrs. Morr was a homemaker and pre-school teacher formerly at Grace Brethren Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and most recently at Park St. Brethren Church. She loved her children and grandchildren and was known by most as “Nana”.

She had been an active church volunteer over the years at many of the local churches, Grace Brethren, Trinity Lutheran, Park St., and most recently Evangelical United Methodist Church. She served her Lord and enjoyed everyone she met.

On August 31, 1962, Marilyn married Harold F. Morr who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons and daughters-in-law: David H. (Jennifer) Morr of Ashland, Andrew (Lulu) Morr of Garden Grove, California; 2 daughters and sons-in-law: Barbie (Brett) Martin of Ashland, Christy (Jim) Hill of Winona Lake, Indiana; 7 grandchildren: Addison, Lindsey, Lauren, and Julia Morr, Aleesa, Elizabeth, and Anthony Martin; 1 brother, Douglas (Kathy) Sherman of Long Beach, California; and 1 sister, Roberta (Keith) Neely of Granger, Indiana.

Services will be held 11:00 am Friday, December 18, 2009, at Heyl Funeral Home, 227 Broad St., Ashland, OH., with Pastor John Guliano officiating. A private family graveside service will be conducted at Ashland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Sam Hornish, Jr., Lives Out His Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Here's an interesting article about how a well-known sports figure from another branch of the Brethren church lives out his faith. Thanks to Dunker Journal for pointing us to the article. This is an excerpt--to read the entire article, click here. (Sam Hornish Jr. photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Hornish living out his faith behind the scenes

By Lee Warren

KANSAS CITY, Kansas (BP)–Three-time Indy Racing League champion and current NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Sam Hornish Jr. is known for being a shy, mild mannered, behind-the-scenes kind of guy who is always aware of the needs of people around him.

West Milton Hosts Christmas Gift Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:35:00 +0000

The following article appeared on the WDTN website today. Steve Peters is pastor of the West Milton church.

Church hosts Christmas gift giveaway

Chelby Kosto

WEST MILTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Community Grace Brethren Church in West Milton is working hard to make Christmas special for hundreds of children in the Miami Valley.

The church is giving toys away to dozens of less fortunate families for the second year in a row. Associate pastor Brian Orme said this year the need is greater than ever.

"Obviously there are lots of people that have a great need during this economic crisis and with the holidays its a really tough time." He said.

Belinda Gillard was at the church Thursday night and picked out toys for her great nieces and nephews.

"They are going to be thrilled. Overjoyed." She said.

In addition to the free gifts, each family also went home with a bag of groceries.

Orme said helping others gives the church a sense of the true meaning of Christmas

" We want to bless people in our community and serving people is a great way to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The church will hold one more gift giving night before Christmas, Thursday December 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

It is located at 2661 South Miami Street in West Milton.

Winona Lake Holds 'We Care Warsaw' Event

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:26:00 +0000

From the Warsaw (IN) Times-Union for Saturday, December 12:

'We Care Warsaw' Event Today In Winona Lake

Jennifer Peryam
Times-Union Staff Writer

WINONA LAKE- Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church and many local businesses are teaming up today to help those in need.

The church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, is holding its second annual "We Care Warsaw" day today from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at the Gordon Recreation Center, 100 Rupe Drive, Winona Lake, and at the church.

Dave Rank, Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church assistant pastor, came up with the idea for the event to serve the community and is the event's coordinator.

Last year was the first year for the event when 250 people attended, and the church is preparing to serve 400 people in need today.

"The purpose of the day is to encourage those in our community who are hurting in these tough economic days," Rank said.

Services that will be provided today to those in need include haircuts, manicures, makeovers, HINI flu shots, family photos, oil changes, free bags of groceries, cookie decorating, children craft tables and a kids zone with inflatable games, pedal car races, balloon figurines and face painting.

Participating businesses include Fiesta Hair Salon, Expressions Hair Salon, J-Three, professional photographers Karen Geswein and Mary Beth Hanniford, World Compassion Network, Elliott's Heating & Air Conditioning, County Health Clinic, Ab & Tom's Auto Care and Grace College.

A hot dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church by church members. The dinner will include ham, au gratin potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls and butter, red jello salads, apple or pumpkin pie, cookies, brownies, lemonade and water.

There will be door prizes every 10 minutes for gift cards to Owen's, Marsh, Aldi, Wal-Mart and gas cards.

There also will be Christmas dinner in boxes available to 30 people with canned ham, ingredients for green bean casserole, au gratin potatoes, sweet potatoes, cake mix with frosting, toys, small appliances, towels and blankets.

There also will be grand door prizes at the end of the evening with a $75 gift card to Marsh and two $100 gift cards to Wal-Mart.

Aiken Students Serve the Community

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:12:00 +0000

From the Aiken (SC) Standard. Steve Taylor is pastor of the Aiken church.

By ROB NOVIT
Senior writer

Kaitlyn Lawless, an Aiken Christian School sophomore, recently joined her high school classmates on a trip to Charlotte, N.C., to work with the Operation Christmas Child project.

"We packed boxes to send all over the world," she said of the collection of toys, school supplies and hygiene items to donate to low-income children. "It's good to go out and help others."

Soon after he formally joined the school staff as headmaster last June, Pat Deveney introduced the Alpha Service Project. Students are required to contribute a minimum of 30 hours of community service during the school year.

"I've been doing this in schools I've worked at for many years," Deveney said. "We'll do a number of things throughout the year. We've served our whole campus here at Grace Brethren Church, cleaning up the grounds and even pouring concrete to help with a building project."

The middle school students recently visited the Head Start Center in Aiken to spend time with the 3- and 4-year-old children.

"We read to the kids, including Christmas books, Dr. Seuss and books about colors," said sixth-grader Ally Jones. "They listened well to us and enjoyed it, and that made me feel good. I probably would like to do that again sometime."

Bookkeeper Laura Foreman is providing coordination for many of the service projects.

"It's teaching the children the act of service for the community for those who are less fortunate," she said. "It gives them the opportunity to serve, and the kids love it."

The students are also expected to do good work on their own in the community. Lawless said she has helped out at church.

"We have students who are already in the 160-hour range," Deveney said. "Many will go over 100."

Waterloo Seeks Worship Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:15:00 +0000

Worship Leader

Waterloo,Iowa, Grace Brethren Church is seeking part-time Worship Leader.

Music degree or two years experience preferred. Qualifications should include ability to read music, play piano and/or guitar and sing solo quality vocals. Must have a working knowledge of MS Office programs, i.e., PowerPoint. Regular duties to include planning musical aspects of service along with Lead Pastor and Worship Ministry Committee, preparing for and leading Worship Team and Band rehearsals and leading congregation during corporate worship times.

Interested candidates should mail resume and references to:

gbcwloo@gracebrethrenwaterloo.org Attn: Worship Ministry or Grace Brethren Church Attn: Worship Ministry 1760 Williston Ave Waterloo, IA 50702.
gbcwloo@gracebrethrenwaterloo.

Wooster Church Concerts Scheduled for Next Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Cutler Gates) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:20:00 +0000

The Wooster, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church (Bob Fetterhoff, pastor) is hosting their annual Christmas concert next weekend. Beginning December 11 and continuing through the 13th, the church's Celebration Choir and Orchestra and Drama Team of Grace with the Children's Choir will perform First Christmas, a musical including five orginal dramas based on true stories from families in the congregationa and spectacular Christmas music including three original songs written by Randy Moomaw, associate pastor of worship ministries.

Below is a part of a story that appears in today's (December 4) Wooster Daily Record. To read the complete story, click here.

Home-grown production depicts ‘first’ Christmases

They decided to go a step further this year, creating their own holiday performance almost from the ground up.

That doesn’t mean the vignettes are invented, however. Each one represents a true story and most of those stories come from within the congregation.

“First Christmas,” to be presented at Wooster Grace Brethren Church next weekend, tells stories of families experiencing change and stress at Christmastime.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Happy Birthday, Boss!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Cutler Gates) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:01:00 +0000

Today, the fearless leader of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company, Terry White, celebrates a birthday. The staff of BMH and the FGBC offices gathered in our Winona Lake, Ind., conference room for some celebratory razzleberry pie and ice cream.

Business as Mission Challenges Methods of International Evangelism

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Cutler Gates) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Business as mission challenges traditional methods of international evangelism. In the November-December issue of FGBC World, read about Stuart and Debbie Hake as they explore economic development while furthering the kingdom of God. It is available at no charge at your local Grace Brethren church or online at fgbcworld.com.

FGBC World is an all-fellowship, all-Grace Brethren newspaper that is published six times a year. In its pages you will find stories about the Grace Brethren family around the world – from individuals who are on the front line of ministry to organizations that help impact lives for Jesus. Pick up your free copy of the November-December issue at your local Grace Brethren church, see fgbcworld.com or subscribe online to have your free copy delivered directly to your mailbox.

Armerding, Former Wheaton College President, Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:59:00 +0000

This is an excerpt from an article in the Daily Herald from the western Chicago suburbs. To read the entire article, click here.

Former Wheaton College president Hudson Taylor Armerding dies

By Robert Sanchez

Hudson Taylor Armerding, who led Wheaton College during years of social unrest and the Vietnam War, died on Tuesday. He was 91.

The Carol Stream resident served as Wheaton College's fifth president from 1965 to 1982. On Wednesday, the school's current leader remembered Armerding as "a great inspiration."

"Hudson was not only a scholar, teacher, and college president; he was also a pastor who shared biblical truths from his heart," Wheaton College President Duane Litfin said in a statement. "He wrote countless sermons, addresses and articles during the course of his life. He served the Lord so faithfully and so long, and challenged Wheaton students to understand a Christian's death is walking into the sunrise."

Praise Him With the Stringed Instruments

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:57:00 +0000

Cool idea from Los Altos (CA) Grace Brethren Church (Phil Helfer/Mike Jentes, pastors):

GUITAR CHOIR

Attention Guitar Players:

December 20th will be Guitar Choir Sunday during the main worship service. We will be playing Christmas music. Any and all guitar players are welcomed regardless of skill level. The only requirements are

1. You have your own guitar
2. Can play at least three chords
3. The ability to tune your instrument ( by ear or with a tuner)

It should be a fun time to worship the coming of our King. Any questions, please contact Jim Wille. We will have one rehearsal at least.

Argentines Make Clothing for Filipinos

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Here is a short excerpt from an e-mail by Gary McCaman, who works with GBIM in Argentina:

When the churches of Macedonia heard of the famine crisis in Judea, even in their “severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity” begging to be permitted to help (2 Cor 8:1-4).

In like manner, when the church in Berazategui heard of the crisis in the Philippines, they wanted to help. So, the new sewing ministry is making shorts and shirts for the crisis-stricken children of the Philippines. Praise God for their compassion and sacrifice.

Newest Grace Brethren Chaplain Called to Active Duty

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:27:00 +0000

“All of my life I have felt the desire to serve hurting and less fortunate people. I believe God has called me to this task so that I may be His hands in war, His expression of kindness, and His desire to seek out those who are lost and cannot find their way.”

This is how Dr. Richard Hurst expresses his passion to serve the men and women in the U.S. Army. “Jesus measured greatness in terms of service, not status,” Richard adds. “Being a full-time missionary in uniform, ready to serve all walks of life as a U.S. Army Chaplain, nothing matters more and nothing will last as long for His kingdom.”

Richard and his wife, Star (pictured), received news of his call to active duty November 18 and will report to Chaplain School at Fort Jackson, SC on January 10. Richard and Star are members of the Sebring, Florida, Grace Brethren Church, where they were introduced to the FGBC by Pastor Randy Smith.

John Schumacher, FGBC Chaplains Endorsing Agent, assisted with Richard’s application for active duty. “God certainly linked us together,” Richard comments about his relationship with Col. Schumacher. “He is more like a father to me than an Endorsing Agent.”

Chaplain Hurst envisions his future service for God and Country: “I want to always be the one who encourages, to bring a smile on a sad face, to ignite the spirit inside. I want to be the kind of Chaplain that no matter what the soldier is facing in life they will know that Chaplain Hurst has an “always on call” policy, earning their respect as a side-by-side soldier and as a friend.”

Dr. Larry Chamberlain, coordinator for the Eagle Commission, encourages, "Pray for Richard and Star as they embark on this exciting venture at the front-lines of the Great Commission!"

Waterloo Church Welcomes New Pastor

noreply@blogger.com (Terry White) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:44:00 +0000

The Grace Brethren Church of Waterloo, Iowa, has announced that Pastor Rob Borkowitz has accepted the invitation from Waterloo GBC to be its new lead pastor.

Pastor Borkowitz and his wife Karen (pictured) have most recently ministered as senior pastor of West-Plex Community Church in Foristell, Missouri. He is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Moody Bible Institute. Rob and Karen have three children, Savannah Joy (9), Autumn Hope (6), and Alexandra Grace (4). Pastor Borkowitz is beginning his duties at Waterloo GBC in early December.