- Apostolic Christian Church of America

June 2013
SILVER LINING
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Silver Lining Counseling Elders’ Letter
Greetings in the Savior’s name!
The Silver Lining is an important publication to us as a brotherhood. It
fosters relational connections by sharing news from congregations, keeps
us informed of our national outreach organizations’ activities, publicizes
volunteer opportunities, and provides spiritual support and teachings. We
are blessed to have it.
We are thankful for all of you who contribute to make each issue come
together, whether it’s as a correspondent, article writer, page designer or
proofer. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.
To make the Silver Lining even better, the layout team is working on an
enhanced look for the magazine that will make it more attractive and much
easier to read. Look for that starting in the July issue. We hope you like it.
In His Love,
Silver Lining Counseling Elders
Sermon by Bro. Ron Palitto, Akron, OH
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Due: June 20, 2013
Psalm 79 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
“The Magnet.” That was the title of
the hymn (Zion’s Harp #63). We’re
all matured, aren’t we? We all know
what magnets do. The magnet can
repel, or the magnet can draw. So we
have faith to believe that we’ve gathered this afternoon because of the
drawing of the Magnet – the Word
of God, the Truth, inspired and
encouraged and strengthened by the
love of God Himself. In the hymn
we sang about true fellowship and
true communion. It’s in that fellowship and communion that we have
gathered together this afternoon.
Sometimes I wonder if we really
truly understand and appreciate the
communion we have with the Holy
Spirit and the fellowship we have
with holy brethren. So trusting that
it will please God, we look to Him
to open His Word and inspire It to
you and to me. Let’s be sure, Brethren, that the magnet that is within
us is turned in such a way that we
are not repelled by the love of God,
we’re not repelled by the truth of the
Word, but that we’re turned in such
a manner that it draws us with great
strength.
We might wonder what does it
mean to be repelled by God the Father and His Holy Word? God gives
grace to the humble, Brethren. He
gives grace to the humble, but what
happens to the proud? (James 4:6)
So may it be that the pride within
us is lost as we heard this morning. It’s subdued. It’s set aside. What
comes forth then is the love of God,
that fellowship with the children of
God, that inspiration and communion with the Holy Spirit that you
and I can be truly rejoicing today
in the goodness, in the mercy, and
in the love that God is extending to
us. May we not be in such a manner that we’re repelled, but may it
be that we find ourselves closely
entwined, absorbed, completely
involved, and covered by the love of
God.
It’s such an encouragement, isn’t
it Dear Ones, to read in the Psalms.
David and those who wrote the
Psalms must have had a very special
heart and a very special closeness
to God. Not everyone could write
words such as are penned down for
Sermon continued on Page 47
The Silver Lining (Vol. 68, #6)
1523 County Road 400N
Congerville, IL 61729
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Published Monthly by the Apostolic
Christian Church of America.
Counselors:
Tom Stock, Rick Plattner
Official Apostolic Christian Church
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June 2013
SILVER LINING
“Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate,
saith the Lord, and touch not the
unclean thing; and I will receive
you” (2 Cor. 6:17).
3
Light from the Word
The Faithful Church:
Separated from the World - Part 2
The Faithful Church: Separated from the
World-Part 1 focused on what constitutes
worldliness (carnality, ungodliness, being
spotted by the world), the misuse of wealth,
and the abuse of technology. This article
will focus on modesty and relationships.
Modesty will include attitudes of the heart
(pride/humility), lifestyles/entertainment
and appearance.
Modesty is motivated by a love for
Christ. It includes good moral behavior,
wholesome appearance, appreciation of
values, such as: submission, humility,
kindness, and a lack of sensuality or desire
for power. Modesty is sometimes called
“sweet reasonableness”. Modesty and
moderation go hand in hand.
We may struggle to put the works of
the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) in proper
perspective with modesty. However, Jesus
had no problem with that. He went to the
core of the matter: the attitude of the heart.
“And he said, that which cometh out of
the man, that defileth the man. For from
within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil
thoughts, adulteries, fornication, murders,
thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,
lasciviousness, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
All these evil things come from within, and
defile the man.” Mark 7:20-23
Jesus didn’t distinguish which of those
sins were the most serious. Throughout
His ministry He seemed to stress the
importance of the heart (attitude) of man.
We must be careful that we do not take
lightly some inappropriate behavior while
condemning others. All of them are evil.
Although pride in and of itself may not
be worse than the other issues, pride seems
to lay the foundation that other heart issues
build upon. What is in the heart will be
revealed by our actions. Jesus recognized
this and helped us understand that if our
heart is not separated from the world
(pure), our actions cannot be separated
from the world. Pride is a feeling of the
heart that causes us to be deceived and to
think more highly of ourselves than we
should. There are many scriptural warnings
against pride and many examples where
pride caused the downfall of the proud
person.
“The wicked in his pride doth persecute the
poor: let them be taken in the devises that
they have imagined” Ps. 10:2. “Pride goeth
before destruction, and a haughty spirit
before a fall” Prov.16:18. “For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust
of the eyes and the pride of life is not of the
Father, but is of the world” 1 John 2:16.
Among the many examples of those who
were overcome by pride are Haman (Esther
6:6) and the Pharisee who was so “thankful”
for how good he was (Luke 18:11-12).
Humility is very different from pride
and draws us closer to God. Humility
demonstrates meekness of spirit and
helps us to think neither more nor less
of ourselves than God would have us to
do. We are God’s creation and should not
think of ourselves as having no value.
(Matt. 16:26). Neither should we lift
ourselves above others and think ourselves
to be more than we are. Many scriptural
references encourage us to strive for
humility. “Better is it to be of a humble
spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil
with the proud” Prov. 16:19. “Whosoever
therefore shall humble himself as this little
child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of
heaven” Matt. 18:4.
Although there are many examples of
humble men in the Bible (David, 1 Samuel
7:18; John the Baptist, Matt. 3:14; the
Centurion, Matt. 8:8), there is no greater
example of humility than Jesus Christ. He
did not strive for physical beauty (Is. 53:2),
for popularity (Matt. 8:20), for rank (Matt.
13:55) or for worldly possessions (Matt.
8:20).
The attitude of the heart, whether proud
or humble, will impact our life style and
how we use our time. It has been said that
our checkbook and our personal “calendar”
reveal much about our attitude toward God.
It is not evil to allow some entertainment
in our lives, but we must avoid those things
which increase the likelihood that we will
fall into activities that Christ said would
defile us.
We also need to be careful that we do not
fill our schedules to the point where we do
not have enough time to devote to God.
We should think about how our choice of
activities is looked upon by Jesus Christ.
Writings based on God’s Word
How uncomfortable would we be if Jesus
saw how we use our time and resources?
We were reminded at the Rockville
conference that there are activities that for
many years, we have been cautioned to
avoid. We were also reminded that these
warnings are based on the scripture and
we cannot change the scripture. Therefore,
we should pay attention to these kind
admonitions. When we are tempted to do
something that we are advised to avoid,
perhaps it would be helpful to ask ourselves
if we would do them if Jesus planned to be
with us for the day.
If Jesus came to our home for a short stay,
what impact would it have on our lifestyle
or those things that would occupy our
time? Would we take Him where we planed
to go or would it be necessary to adjust our
schedule? Of course, we realize that He is
indeed with us at every moment and sees
not only our actions, but also our thoughts
(1 Chr. 28:9).
Our outward appearance is often a
reflection of what is on the inside. We
do not ask our brothers and our sisters
to make themselves unattractive or
undesirable to be with. We simply need
to avoid being sensual or trying to attract
inappropriate attention to ourselves. A
humble appearance is one of the ways we
can separate ourselves from the world and
bring glory to God (1 Pet. 3:3-4).
“Relationships” relate to how we interact
or are interconnected with other people,
and more importantly, with God. With
whom do we chose to spend our time?
Do we love the Lord with all of our heart,
soul and mind? Are we able to keep the
commandment that we love our neighbor
as our self? (Matt. 22:37-38).
Do we seek relationships with those who
encourage us to live more godly lives, or
do we choose those who draw us to more
worldly behavior? Most of us spend some
time with those who may have a faith
different from ours. In these circumstances,
we must maintain a close walk with God
and not be drawn toward the world.
(Eph.4:14).
If we are truly successful in separating
ourselves from the world, we will be drawn
closer to God.
An editorial committee of elders prepares articles for this section of Silver Lining to address some special needs of our times.
Suggestions for subjects are welcome and can be sent to:
Silver Lining Editorials, 1523 County Road 400N, Congerville, IL 61729 or [email protected]
June 2013
SILVER LINING
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...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
Serving in Ft. Myers
F
about October, the brethren from
the North begin to arrive, and their
numbers begin to grow steadily.
January, February, and March are
the big months for worshipping
together. Often there are as many
as 225 present.
Two local ministers, Bro. Marvin
Steffen and Bro. Bill Masters serve
the Ft. Myers church. The Elder is
Bro. Ed Schwartz from Bluffton,
Indiana. Sunday Services are at
10:30am and 12:30pm. Wednesday night services from November
through April start at 7:30pm.
t. Myers, Florida is a small
church that desires to grow in
number and closeness to God as
they seek to fulfill the mission of the
Apostolic Christian Church.
In 1979, it was decided to have
a place of worship in the Fort Myers area because of the increased
amount of brethren living and wintering there. A place was rented in
the Charlotte Harbor area. In 1983,
with continued increase of northern
brethren and friends coming in the
winter, it was decided that it was
time to build a church in North Fort
Offering deeds of service
Myers.
The church family is active in supporting their local ministry, “The
New Beginnings,” which helps
young single mothers turn their
lives around and become selfsufficient. The ministry is located
about 35 minutes from the church
and consists of a six-unit apartment
building. Each unit has two bedThe site chosen was along Route rooms, two baths, kitchen, dining
41. Dedication of the new church room and front room. It also has a
was March 11, 1985. They are cur- duplex with the same accommodarently in the process of building a tions and a large playground area.
new, larger church south of the current location.
Edifying the body of Christ
The Scripture teaches to encourage
a sanctified life and faithfulness by
God’s grace and through His Word,
“teaching every man in all wisdom;
that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col 1:28) “for
the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Eph 4:12)
Seven families, five singles and
five children worship together at the
church on a typical summer Sunday.
They also get vacationers during
the summer months. Beginning
Three mothers and their children
presently live at New Beginnings.
There is room for one more mother
and her children. A mentor couple
lives in one of the apartments and
helps guide and nurture the mothers
and children as they seek to change
their lives.
www.acmission.org
The ministry is in need of another
mentor couple to live there, as well
as two young sisters in the faith. If
you have a heart and a calling to
help change lives for Christ, please
contact them for more information:
The New Beginnings
4807 Tudor Drive
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Bill Masters: 309-824-3981
www.thenewbeginnings.org
Small church living
A small church has unique dynamics. First, it is easy to have an allchurch potluck. Second, everyone
gets involved with what is going on
or needs to be done. For the most
part, everyone can get to the church
in 30 to 45 minutes. The weather
is great, with no snow or ice to
hinder outdoor activities. There are
numerous employment opportunities, especially with education and
healthcare.
The other two churches in Florida
are Sarasota and Ft. Lauderdale, and
they are only a little over an hour
away. Ft. Myers is approximately
1,200 miles from the Midwest
churches. There is an excellent
major airport. The church is also
located near Interstate 75 at the following address:
2801 Rustic Lane
Trail Dairy Circle NE
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Invitation to visit
You are invited to visit Ft. Myers and
see what it is like in sunny Southern
Florida. They would love to show
you around and share their hospitality with you. Who knows, you might
want to stay. There are plentiful
opportunities to share God’s love
with others for the Kingdom’s sake.
June 2013
SILVER LINING
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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
Changed Lives
A Child-like Faith
A
t two years old, Jorge arrived at
Casa Vida y Esperanza (CVE)
in Magdalena, Mexico with a badly
broken leg. Child abuse was suspected, and to compound the matter
further, the absence of good medical
care had produced a leg severely
shorter than the other. Without
surgery, Jorge would walk with
a severe
and lifelong limp.
A Bloomington,
IL doctor
examined
the Xrays and
agreed to
perform the needed surgeries, after
which long-term therapy would
begin.
Upon arrival to Illinois, new Xrays revealed a miraculous change.
The doctor said he had never seen
anything like this before. Jorge's
leg was miraculously healed, and
surgery was unnecessary.
Back in
Mexico,
this amazing news
spread
throughout the
CVE campus. Two
of Jorge's housemates, Osmara and
Keyla, received the news joyfully
and expectantly. They had prayed
daily for Jorge's leg to be healed.
Although just months earlier they
knew nothing of Jesus, their simple
request, asked in childlike faith, was
miraculously answered.
A Journey of Faith
Most of us enjoy reading stories
that conclude with happy endings and clear demonstrations of
God’s power in swift and physical
manifestations. But more often, the
journey at CVE is long and arduous,
especially with the older children.
It can be a bit of a “bouncy ride.”
Walking with young adults who
have been emotionally or spiritually wounded often requires many
years, or even a lifetime of love and
hope demonstrated to see the fruit of
changed lives. The power of Christ
comes slowly to those who have not
yet learned to respect others, often
because respect has never been
modeled in their own life.
It requires loving as Christ loved,
especially when love is scorned.
The patience of Christ is needed
when respect and kindness are rejected, often because of fear and a
lack of trust. Through the grace of
Christ, we will not take rejection
personally, and choose to show
forgiveness when hurting words
are spoken. With the compassion of
Christ, there is the strength to smile,
and offer a hug, a word of love and
encouragement.
This journey is not a sprint. More
often it is a marathon. But, there is
much hope in a safe, loving environment where needs are met and
children can begin to grieve their
losses, face the profound hurts from
their pasts and find healing through
Jesus Christ. Every step is worth it
because there is great rejoicing in
heaven over one soul that comes to
repentance and experiences a true
conversion and a new walk in faith.
under that protective authority and
depend upon the resources from the
brotherhood. Here is how you can
be involved:
Prayer – Through your prayers,
the brothers and sisters are strengthened and encouraged. There are
specific emails sent monthly to
those who would wish to pray more
specifically. To subscribe, send a
request to [email protected].
Financial – With growth in campus population (50 children), the
school (65 students), and the church
(attendance of 180), financial help
is needed. The monthly budget is
over $70,000 and donations, small
or great, are received with gratitude.
Financial contributions can be
made for CVE by making a contribution through your local church
World Relief representative or
online at www.acworldrelief.org/
donate-online.
People – CVE is short staffed and
there is a specific need for more
“seasoned” couples to serve both
short term and longer. One should
not be deterred by the Spanish
language barrier. The language of
love is universal and the campus is
largely English-speaking. But over
time, the acquisition of language
proficiency becomes essential.
Operations Director – As the
workload has increased significantly, an Operations Director is
needed to come alongside the Administrator and share the load. The
Operations Director is responsible
for the day-to-day operations of the
organization and coordination of
construction activity on the campus.
For more information contact:
Participation of the Church Bill Schick - [email protected]
CVE is an extension of the Apostolic Christian Church. They live
www.acworldrelief.org
Kirk Plattner - [email protected]
CVE website: www.cvemx.org
6
Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped
achh.org
“But grow in grace and in knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:18a
As springtime has approached,
our residents have been enjoying
the warm weather and the ability
to be outside more often. Many of
them have been assisting in planting
the gardens at their respective
homes. They plant flowers and
some vegetables including:
tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers,
and pumpkins which they enjoy
eating in the summer. The residents
really enjoy watching the plants
and flowers grow throughout the
spring and summer months. God
has blessed the home with people
who volunteer to assist our residents
during this task.
In addition to watching God’s
creation grow throughout the spring
and summer months, our residents
will be doing some growing and
changing as well. Some of our
residents have already moved to
their new homes in early spring, and
they really seem to be enjoying their
new surroundings. There are others
who will be moving in the summer
to new homes as well. We are all
excited about watching them grow
in their new home. We are looking
forward to what God has planned
for their lives in the future. God has
blessed us with some new staff that
will help those residents continue to
grow in His grace.
As the summer continues, our
residents are looking forward to
growing their relationships with
their friends and family. With
Memorial Day approaching, our
residents are planning on spending
time with their family and friends,
enjoying their day off from work.
They are also looking forward to
June 2013
SILVER LINING
spending time together during
their Independence Day celebration
together watching the Morton
fireworks display.
Please continue to keep us in your
thoughts and prayers as we continue
to serve our residents as they
continue to grow in Him.
GATEWAY WOODS
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN
CHILDREN’S HOME
Philip Fischer, Counseling Intern/
Top Quality Coordinator
“For the LORD seeth not as man
seeth; for man looketh on the
outward appearance, but the LORD
looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Since becoming an intern at
Gateway in January, I have realized
just how superficial my view of
myself and others can be. I grew
up in Leo, so I’ve met quite a few
residents over the years. I didn’t get
to know many of them very well,
but I assumed they had their life
pretty well together from the way
things appeared. Since getting more
involved in the Counseling Program
over these past few months, I
have seen the depth and breadth
of problems many of the children
faced in the past and are currently
struggling to overcome. Problems I
saw varied from drug abuse starting
at a very young age, to severe abuse
perpetrated by parents or siblings,
to systems of dysfunction that teach
aggression as the only way to resolve
conflict.
What I realized with these
kids—whose stories would likely
horrify any who heard them—is
that you wouldn’t be able to learn
much about them from casual
conversation or even relationships
that continued over several years.
The more personal and far-reaching
implication is that just as these kids
do, I hide much of who I am. My
brothers and sisters in Christ, whom
I know and love, may have their
own secrets that would make me
tremble. The important point is not
that we should be alarmed by each
other’s depravity and brokenness,
but that we would understand that
we are all sinful, and needful of
grace and mercy. The universal need
for a Savior to cover the penalty
and power of sin is absolute. From
the greatest to the least, grace
is completely undeserved and
completely essential. As Christians,
it is not our duty to show pictureperfect presentations to the world
around us, because we’re not
perfect. What we can do is point to
the One who is.
“So when they continued asking him,
he lifted up himself, and said unto
them, He that is without sin among
you, let him first cast a stone at her…
they which heard it, being convicted
by their own conscience, went out
one by one, beginning at the eldest,
even unto the last… And Jesus said
unto her, neither do I condemn thee:
go, and sin no more.” John 8:7-11
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 call Ross Feller at
888.443.4283.
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
June 2013
passion to serve children and
families, please see the notice in this
month’s addition of the Silver Lining.
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
make new acquaintances. 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.
Gateway Woods welcomed one
new resident to campus this past
month. Please pray with us as
she becomes accustomed to her
new home. It can be a difficult
adjustment for new residents as
they discover a very different
living situation than they have
experienced before. We are excited
to work with these new children
and their families. Also, please keep
the teachers, houseparents and
counselors of these children in your
prayers.
We are grateful to God for
providing us with wonderful staff.
We currently have several career
positions available: one opening
for Alternate Houseparents,
an opening for a Development
Coordinator, and an opening for
a Foster Care Program Manager.
For more information, please see
the notice in this month’s edition
of The Silver Lining 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.
SILVER LINING
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
[email protected].
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN
PRESCHOOL
Athens, AL
Susan Koch
Our themes for May were review,
graduation, and the colors, black
and white. We had our preschool
graduation on May 17. It was so
encouraging to see our assembly
room packed with family and
friends of the students. Each class
got to perform a few songs/poems
and everyone did an excellent job!
This year we did have some shy
students who didn’t want to perform
for their audience, so the teachers
sang a few solos. We had two special
guests this year with a surprise visit
from Ms. Sarah (Sis. Sarah Hodel,
Roanoke, IL) and a planned visit
from Bro. Duane Reutter.
We had nine graduates this year.
Congratulations to the class of 2013:
Braylen, Steven, Allison, Amari,
Madysen, Malia, Natalie, Brooklyn,
and Haley! Our theme verse, I
believe, captures the essence of the
preschool.
“Train up a child in the way he
should go, and when he is old he will
not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6
7
We would LOVE to have
volunteers come down this summer
(or really any time throughout the
year) and teach, cook, aide, etc.
There are accommodations at the
Guest House, so please call or email
me if you have questions or would
like to volunteer:
[email protected] (309) 202-4897
Alabama, Athens
Roger and Becky Roberts
Recently the question was posed:
“Are you a fan or follower of Jesus?”
What is the difference? A fan will
know all about Jesus; where he
was born, who his parents are,
the miracles he has done, who his
disciples are, etc. If Jesus would
come face to face with his fan,
he would not recognize him. A
follower has a deep relationship
with Jesus. He is a personal friend
and has an intimate relationship
with Jesus. Which are you; a fan or
follower?
We were thankful that Bro. Randy
(Sis. Evie) Mogler (Washington, IL)
came and ministered to us. We were
able to have sweet fellowship with
them at a supper at Bro. Mark and
Sis. Rebekah Klaus’. Also serving
us from the pulpit this month was
Bro. Mike (Sis. Susan) Walder
(Smithville, OH). We were blessed
that they could join us for a cookout
Sunday after church at Bro. Matthew
and Sis. Kristy Moore’s.
We now have a guest apartment
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
the final destination. Once you turn
off Hwy 64 the Fellowship area is
the first drive on the left.
June 2013
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8
Arizona, Phoenix
Heather Hinrichsen
“I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the
faith; Henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous judge, shall
give me at that day: and not to me
only, but unto all them also that love
his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
We remember in sympathy and
prayer the families of Sis. Shirley
Mohrmon, Bro. Harold Meiss
(Washington, IL) and Carl Steffen as
they have entered into their eternal
rest.
A graduation reception was held
May 5 in the fellowship hall. The 8th
grade graduates were Elijah Baum,
Grant Katich, Daniel Knochel and
Alyssa Witzig. The high school
graduates were Jessica Baum, Mark
Hand, Fredric Hoerr, Bro. Nathan
Huette, Bro. Philip Huette, Kelsey
Katich and Sis. Kristin Knochel.
The college graduates were Whitney
Baum, Bro. Tyler Knochel, Camille
Steffen and Sis. Laura Wiegand.
The Single Group served lunch on
Mother’s Day and we thank them
for their willingness to serve.
ARIZONA, PRESCOTT
Denise Steidinger
Arizona, Tucson
Lisa Knapp
Our annual business meeting was
held on Friday, May 10. Elder Bro.
Ben Wiegand was here to oversee
the meeting. Bros. Dean Knobloch,
Tom Koch and Doug Bauer were
elected to new terms in office and
Bro. Chris Hattan has finished his
3-year term as the Sunday School
Superintendent. We thank Bro.
Chris and Sis. Sara for all their hard
work and ask God to add his richest
blessing. We are praying for Bros.
Dean, Tom and Doug as they begin
their new jobs.
We also want to thank Bro. Ben
for making the trip to Tucson to be
present at our meeting. We know
it was a sacrifice for his family to
be without him on Mother’s Day
weekend. May God bless his willing
efforts.
We congratulate Sean Keller
(Stephanie) on his recent graduation
from the University of Arizona
with a Master’s Degree in optical
engineering. Sean is the son-in-law
of Steve and Maria Bauer and the
grandson-in-law of Bro. Don and
Sis. Glo Bauer.
Our days are getting warmer. We
have not officially hit the 100 mark
yet this spring, but we’re getting
pretty close! Any year we can head
into the 3rd week of May without
hitting 100 is a great spring and we
are very thankful indeed!
California, Altadena
Spring has arrived and quickly
turned to summer here in Altadena
area. We would love to have visitors
to enjoy it with us. So, keep us in
your travel plans!
Our congregation was blessed
to celebrate Communion together
and remember our Lord’s sacrifice.
Elder Bro. Tom Hoffman (Sis. Kathy,
Roanoke, IL) was willing to come
and assist. We were also grateful for
Bro. Doug Wagenbach (Sis. Lillian,
San Diego, CA) for sharing the
Word with us later in the month.
Our prayers are with Bro. Laszlo
and Sis Maria Cser as Laszlo is
recovering from an operation. We
are also thankful to have Aaron and
Ann Yaussi return to our fellowship
after a long absence due to illness.
Bro. Bob Crockett is recovering
from some health complications
also.
California, San Diego
Janelle Brewer
We are thankful that the Lord is
still calling souls as Sarah Fulop
(Bro. Dennis and Sis. Joy) has come
in humble repentance to the foot of
the cross. We rejoice with her and
continue to pray for more to come
in repentance while the door of
grace is still open.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall
be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety
and nine just persons, which need no
repentance.” Luke 15:7
“
Our congregation was blessed to
partake of Holy Communion on
May 4. It was beneficial to reflect
on the body that was broken and
the blood that was shed for us
at Calvary. We thank Elder Bro.
Marvin Dotterer (Sis. Nancy,
Forrest, IL) who came to share
in this special work. May God
richly bless him for allowing God
to use him in His service. We are
also thankful that Bro. Joe Klotzle
(Sis. Sue, Altadena, CA) and Bro.
Mike Rieker (Sis. Carol, Peoria,
IL) recently visited us. We pray a
blessing upon them for bringing
forth the Word.
The funeral service of Sis. Joanne
Varga was held on April 23. Elder
Bro. Bill Schlatter (Sis. Emily,
Junction, OH) was here for that. We
appreciate his part in the funeral
service.
We bid farewell to Sis. Jenna
Dotterer as she moved back to
Illinois before her wedding. We
enjoyed her presence in San Diego
for the short time she was here. We
hope that she will come visit again
after she gets married. We wish her
God’s blessings!
Our prayers go with Elder Bro.
Peter Petrovic as Lord willing,
he plans to travel with a group to
June 2013
Eastern Europe for World Relief. We
trust that God will keep them in His
care as they travel.
“God be with you till we meet again;
‘Neath his wings protecting hide
you, Daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.”
Hymns of Zion #216, vs. 2
CANADA, KITCHENER,
ONTARIO
Johanna Fortenbacher
“He that giveth to the poor shall not
lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall
have many a curse.” Proverbs 28:27
Over the years there have been
many people who have not hid
their eyes from doing good to us
in Kitchener. This month we had
minister Bro. Tom and his wife, Sis.
Lanae Bahler, from Rockville who
came to share God’s Word. Then
we had minister Bro. Todd Graf
from Akron and a whole vanload
of hard-working boys. It was spring
cleaning time and they helped with
that as well as accomplish a major
construction project that we could
not have done without their help.
From Detroit there was a group who
came to help with spring cleaning.
All this help was much appreciated
by us all. God bless you!
We also want to thank Bro. Wayne
Saddler who has been working so
much on different things here and
there at church. The most important
thing he did was install a new sound
system which is equipped to receive
call-in services.
Colorado, Denver
Lily Zarkovacki
“O, Spirit of God’s strength and
might, Create in us new life and light;
O, join us all in heart and mind, That
access to God’s throne we find
With in Thy light!”
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Zion’s Harp #200 vs. 1
We thank Elder Bro. Steve Sauder
(Sis. Mary, Tremont, IL) for assisting
our Elder Bro. Mike Leman on May
18 as we shared Holy Communion
together. It was a humbling evening
as we remembered our Lord’s
suffering and death that He endured
for us!
On May 4 we were blessed
to listen to Bro. Danny and Sis.
Carolyn Andrej and Bro. Douglas
Andrej share their testimonies of
faith.
Connecticut, Rockville
Sheila Gerber
Lauren Gottier
“But as many as received him, to
them gave he power to become
the sons of God, even to them that
believe on his name.” John 1:12
Over the weekend of April 2728, we were privileged to hear
the testimonies and witness the
baptisms of three souls. We rejoice
with Bro. Sam Schneider (Bro. Tim
and Sis. Dana), Bro. Seth Bahler
(Bro. Ronnie and Sis. Bonnie), and
Bro. Ben Luginbuhl (Bro. Scott
and Sis. JoAnn). We appreciated
the labors of Elder Bro. Gerry
Hertzel (Sis. Ellen, Sabetha, KS) as
he assisted with the baptisms and
serving Holy Communion.
We entreat the Lord to grant grace
to Janelle Gottier (Guy and Sis.
Beth) as she has turned her life to
the Lord in repentance.
We welcome Bro. Ian Maibach
from Smithville, OH as he has
recently moved here for work. We
wish Bro. Tom Gerber Godspeed
as he will be attending the church
in Fort Lauderdale, FL for a few
months to pursue his education.
Our sympathies are extended to
Bro. Will Whitman (Sis. Fredricka)
9
as his brother, Ken Whitman, has
recently passed away.
Note of Thanks:
Thank you each one in the
Rockville congregation for the
love you have given me. I am so
thankful for the opportunity to
spend time among the brethren here
and feel the love of God. May God
richly bless you for your love and
kindness. Sis. Edith Funk
District of Columbia,
Washington
Henrietta Meyer
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale
Renee Mangold
We were grateful to have a few
visiting ministers this month.
The visiting ministers were Bro.
Tony Manz (Sis. Denise, Junction,
OH), Bro. Mark Gerber (Sis. Barb,
Bluffton, IN), Bro. Rich Aberle
(Sis. LaNae, Atlanta, GA). We are
thankful that they came to share
God’s Word and to fellowship with
us. We pray they will be blessed.
Bro. Tom Gerber will be attending
our church while serving an
internship in our area. We welcome
him to our church family.
Bro. Rodney and Sis. Sally Gress
are in our prayers at the passing of
his mother, Marie Gress, in West
Bend, IA.
Our prayers for comfort are also
with Sis. Doris Huber at the passing
of her sister-in-law, Sis. Marie
Huber, in Illinois.
Congratulations to Andrew
Mangold (Bro. Mike and Sis.
Renee Mangold’s grandson) on his
graduation from Roanoke-Benson
High School. Andrew will be leaving
for basic training in the Army in a
few weeks. Our prayers are with him
and that God will keep him close
and watch over him.
10
Florida, north ft. Myers
Victor Beer
On and during the Memorial Day
and weekend, most of us are feeling
very thankful for God’s rich blessing
on our United States. Wounded
servicemen returning home from
the current war and others that
served in other wars remind us
forcefully how dear life and liberty
are. We realize they come from
God, our Heavenly Father. These are
some of our thoughts.
“My country, tis of Thee, sweet land
of liberty, of Thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of
the pilgrims’ pride,
from every mountain side let freedom
ring.
Our fathers’ God, to Thee, Author of
liberty, to Thee we sing:
Long may our land be bright with
freedom’s holy light;
protect us by Thy might, Great God
our King!
Hymns of Zion, #573
Our church was richly blessed by
the service of Bro. Jon Zeller (Sis.
Christine, Morton, IL). He blesses
us as he passes through from Haiti,
where he does electrical work at
Hospital Lumiere.
News from the New Beginnings
Our young ladies are fully engaged
in summer classes at Edison
College. It is somewhat of a lighter
load than during regular semesters.
But, the classes are more condensed
and cover more material in a shorter
time. This program wants to ensure
that these young mothers get job
training that will enable them to be
self-sufficient.
After reading another tragic
story in the newspaper, I began
to wonder, “why do so many evil
things happen day after day? Is there
anything we can do to reverse this
tide?
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Ephesians 5:14-16 “Awake thou that
sleepest, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light. See
then that ye walk circumspectly, not
as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the
time, because the days are evil.”
At the end of the chapter, it talks
of us members of Christ’s body.
Reflecting on all of this, are we
being useful members of Christ’s
body? Are our limbs paralyzed by
our excuses? I’m too busy. I’m not
adequate. I don’t have the training,
etc. If we are the body, are our arms
reaching? Are our hands healing the
hurts? Are our feet going where the
hurting live? Are our lips preaching
the Good News?
Brothers and sisters, there is a
sin-sick and hurting world out
there. We have seen lives that have
been ravaged and are spinning in
dysfunction and confusion in just
the short time that we have been
open to single mothers who need
help. There is much work to be
done.
John 4:35 “Say not ye, There are
yet four months, and then cometh
harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift
up your eyes, and look on the fields;
for they are white already to harvest.”
What function of Christ’s body are
we filling?
FLORIDA, SARASOTA
Kim Ott
“This book of the law shall not depart
out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that
thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then
thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good
success.” Joshua 1:8
We wish to congratulate our two
high school graduates this year
as they end one chapter of their
life and begin another. We wish
June 2013
God’s nearness and His direction
for the lives of Jeff Streitmatter
(Elder Bro. Jeff and Sis. Lynne)
and Julia Roscher (Bro. Bill and
Sis. Beth). With their outstanding
achievements in their schooling
thus far, may they have continued
success along their journey of
life. We are thankful that God has
outlined success in His Word, the
Bible. We pray that this outline
would be part of our new grads’
desires and goals.
As we think on the meaning
of success our hearts turn to our
Retired Elder Bro. Dale Eisenmann
(Sis. Judy, Chicago, IL) who recently
passed away after a courageous
battle with cancer. His life spent
walking side by side with God
along with his servant heart gives
a living definition to the word
success. What a wonderful feeling
he must have had to cross the finish
line of life’s race and know that he
had completed his journey here on
this earth. Not just to simply have
finished, but to have kept God’s
love and the cross of Jesus Christ
in focus all the way to the end. We
are thankful for Bro. Dale’s loving
example of Jesus and for God’s grace
to allow this special brother to live
the successful life that he did. He
has been an inspiration to us all. All
glory to God for the strength He
will give us if we will only turn our
hearts to Him.
We are thankful to announce that
Ben Barth has looked to God in
repentance of his sins and confesses
his need for our Savior. We will
continue to lift Ben up in our
prayers as he begins his walk with
the Lord.
Our hearts were stirred with the
sermons of Bro. Chris Huber (Sis.
Sharon, Francesville, IN) as he
visited our church. We wish God’s
many blessings on this dear couple
June 2013
for their efforts in sharing God’s
love to us.
We continue to pray for Sis.
Lorane Martin as she has recently
been hospitalized. May she feel
God’s healing strength as He wills.
GEORGIA, ATLANTA
ILLINOIS, BELVIDERE
Doreen Moser
Shayla Steffen
“Ready to suffer grief or pain, Ready
to stand the test; Ready to stay at
home and send others, if He sees
best.” Hymns of Zion #124
In May we once again spent time
in reflection of the many mothers
who spent their time at home
offering their love and time for us in
the service of the Lord.
“Ready to go, ready to bear, Ready to
watch and pray; Ready to stand aside
and give, Till He shall clear the way.”
Our prayers are with Jesse
Darlington as he graduates from
high school. We never know what
the way will hold, but we know who
holds the future and we encourage
all who are at crossroads in their
lives to watch and pray for God’s
direction.
“Ready to speak, ready to think,
Ready with heart and brain; Ready
to stand where He sees fit, Ready to
stand the strain.”
We were thankful to have Bro. Ed
Sauder (Sis. Bonnie, Roanoke, IL )
ready to speak the Word. A group
from Roanoke joined us one Sunday
to bring Christian fellowship and to
help encourage us here at our small
church.
“Ready to go, ready to stay, Ready my
place to fill; Ready for service, lowly
or great, Ready to do His will.”
Are we?
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Illinois, BloomingtonNormal
Terri Huber
Gina Hodel
Communion is always a special
time for our church. We were
blessed to have elder Bro. Tom
Waldbeser (Atlanta, GA) with us to
encourage us to keep our focus on
the cross. We thank him for serving
and preaching again on Sunday.
As another school year draws to
an end, we want to congratulate
our High School graduates. They
are Sis. Elizabeth Balch, Bro. Joshua
Robinson, Brett Greiner, Joshua
Schumacher, Benson Rabe and
Travis Keiser. We pray they will
continue to seek God for direction
as they move into a new phase
of life. Knowing God has a plan
for our children we were recently
challenged on Mother’s Day to ask
ourselves “Do I want what GOD
wants for my child more than what I
want for my child?”
Gage and Rachel Lyons from
Clinton welcomed Benjamin Gage
into their hearts on April 14. Excited
and thankful grandparents are Bro.
Randy and Sis. Ann Anderson and
Jeff and Pam Lyons from Clinton.
We are excited for Bro. Adrian and
Sis. Melodee Rabe as they welcomed
Levi Jaxon into their family on
April 17. Emma, Jayden, Jesse, and
Kylie are his siblings. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Derek and Sis.
Julie Rabe and Bro. Marvin and Sis.
Mary Bachtold (Forrest).
Thankful souls continue to
surrender their lives to God. Sam
and Teri Wenger and Grace and
Lydia Zimmerman (Bro. Dennis
and Sis. Pam) have taken this step in
faith. May God’s Spirit grant them
peace and joy as they walk with
Him.
11
ILLINOIS, BRADFORD
Sandi Joos
Roseann Stahl
“And I heard a voice from heaven
saying unto me, Write, Blessed are
the dead which die in the Lord from
henceforth:Yea, saith the Spirit, that
they may rest from their labours;
and their works do follow them.”
Revelation 14:13
Bro. Vernon Stoller (Sis. Bernice,
Princeville, IL) found rest from his
labors. We extend our sympathy to
his family including his brother, Bro.
Nate Stoller (Sis. Martha) and his
grandson, Lucas Herrmann.
“And let them sacrifice the sacrifices
of thanksgiving, and declare his
works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107:22
We are thankful for the goodness
that God has shown to our hospital
patients this month: Clayton Kieser
(Bro. Robb and Sis. Kelly) who had
surgery for a serious neck injury,
Bro. Clarence Bruell (Sis. Sharon)
who had open heart surgery, and
Bro. Ray Klumpp who had a stent.
Hopefully, they will soon be able to
assemble with us again.
Bringing the Word to us this
month, along with our home
ministers, was Bro. Ron Isch (Sis.
Jane, Lamont-Gridley, KS). We are
thankful for his willingness to visit
and preach the Word.
We have several graduates who are
moving on to the next stage of their
life. As they move on, may they
remember the teachings of God’s
Word. Graduating from high school
are: Brendan Endress (Bro. Bill and
Sis. Renee’), Eden Endress (Kevin
and Marina), Megan Eble (Rob
and Angie Joos), Amy Hausmann
(Bro. Fred and Sis. Sue), and Kaleb
Wagenbach (Bro. Kevin and Sis.
Sara).
12
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, and obtaineth favour of the
Lord.” Proverbs 18:22
We rejoiced to hear of the
engagement of Bro. Chad Joos
(Bro. Ralph and Sis. Jenny) to Sis.
Joanna Stoller (Bro. Nathan and
Sis. Sherrill). Sis. Elizabeth Conzo
is also engaged to Bro. Kellan
Kershner’s (West Lafayette, IN). Sis.
Elizabeth’s parents are Jerry and
Becky Repasky and Bro. Kellan’s
parents are Bro. Dan and Sis. Jacki
Kershner (Bluffton North, IN).
We look forward to Sis. Elizabeth’s
return from China where she has
been for work. We pray for God’s
continued nearness and blessings on
these couples as they plan their life
together.
“I say unto you, that likewise joy
shall be in heaven over one sinner
that repenteth, more than over ninety
and nine just persons, which need no
repentance.” Luke 15:7
We rejoice and pray for Leah Knobloch (Bro. Daryl and Sis. Deb) as she
has begun her repentance.
Illinois, Champaign
Sarah Drake
Greetings from ChampaignUrbana!
Our annual business meeting
took place on April 25. In addition
to being a useful time to discuss
practical matters, the meeting was
also a good opportunity to reflect
on God’s provision throughout our
church remodeling project this past
year. We are thankful for all that
God has given us.
On May 1, we enjoyed our annual
Student Appreciation Dinner.
Our college students contribute
significantly to our church year
after year. The dinner is a good
opportunity to communicate how
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much of a blessing they are to us.
We are always excited to hear of
college students who are moving to
Champaign-Urbana!
We lift up Sis. Karen Kaiser in
prayer, as her brother, Gary Kaiser
of the Indianapolis area, passed
away on April 23. May God be with
the family during this difficult time.
On May 8, we had the opportunity
to share the Lord’s Supper.
Communion is a wonderful chance
to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice on
the cross, as well as to consider our
unity as brothers and sisters of Jesus.
We were blessed to have Elder Bro.
Tim Funk (Sis. Debra, Peoria, IL)
for the occasion.
We are thankful for all of our
visiting ministers this month,
including: Bro. Jedd Rocke (Sis.
Marsha, Goodfield, IL), Elder
Bro. Ron Messner (Sis. Pam,
Washington, IL), Bro. Chris Huber
(Sis. Sharon, Francesville, IN),
and Bro. Frank Sauder (Sis. Kathy,
Roanoke, IL). Thank you for all you
do!
ILLINOIS, CHICAGO
Rachel Meyer
We thank Bro. Frank Sauder
(Roanoke, IL) and Bro. Chris
Wuethrich (St. Louis, MO) for
ministering to us this month. May
God reward you for your service.
Janet Eckel, daughter of Sis.
Christine Eckel, has finished her
chemotherapy and is beginning
radiation treatments. Please pray
for her as her health challenges
continue.
Ministering Bro. Matthew Rassi
had emergency surgery and is,
thankfully, recovering.
The engagement of Bro. Ryan
Eisenmann (Elder Bro. Brad and
Sis. Cindy) to Sis. Sarah Drake from
Champaign was announced April
21. Sis. Sarah is the daughter of
June 2013
Allen and Rita Drake from El Paso,
IL. We rejoice with them as they
begin this new life chapter. May
God continue to lead.
On April 24 we had a Topical
Bible Study entitled, “Dare to be a
Daniel,” given by Bro. Frank Sauder
of Roanoke, IL. We thank him for
taking the time to study and present
on our behalf.
Congratulations are extended
to Bro. Ryan Eisenmann upon his
graduation from the University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
He received a Bachelor’s Degree in
Architecture. Well done!
We mourn with Bro. Al
Montgomery (Sis. Jaron) upon the
sudden loss of his step-father, Bro.
Marion Meiss, of Fairbury, IL. May
God comfort this dear family as
only He can.
On April 23, our Retired Elder
Brother Dale Eisenmann (Sis. Judy)
passed away in Florida. He was
dearly loved and respected and his
loss is keenly felt. Many ministers
and elders along with others filled
our church at his funeral. We thank
God that Bro. Dale could reach the
ultimate victory in Jesus – death lost
its sting.
During the funeral service, Elder
Bro. Kevin Ryan (Rockville, CT)
shared how Bro. Dale always backed
up his words with scripture. As I
pondered what I could write that
would be sufficient to express the
love we felt for Bro. Dale, I decided
it was appropriate to model Bro.
Dale’s trademark of always going
back to the Bible. So I leave you with
the words of 1 Corinthians 4:15.
“For though ye have ten thousand
instructors in Christ, yet have ye not
many fathers…”
June 2013
Illinois, Cissna Park
Janie Waldbeser
Tina Walder
Bro. Rod and Sis. Beth Steffen
rejoiced in the safe arrival of a new
grandson. Madden Jeffery was born
to Jeff and Gretchen Moser. He was
welcomed home by brothers: Joah,
Crew, and Oakley.
The young Sunday School
students were delighted to deliver
flowers and sing songs to the
residents at Heartland Health Care
on Sunday, May 18. While the
students were singing, one resident
joined in. A student commented
that we are making their day, and
he just made mine. What a blessing
children are and a good reminder
to us to keep God’s pure love in our
heart.
Our congregation hosted ACYF
Day this spring. Bro. Randy Mogler
(Washington), Bro. Tim Hohulin
(Roanoke), and Bro. Darren Plattner
(Champaign) shared the Word that
day. Other ministers who gave of
themselves for us this month were
Bro. Joe Gerst (Iowa City) and Bro.
Ned Bahler (Fairbury). We thank
our Bro. Bruce Frank for doing
our final topical Bible study on
Communication. May God bless
them for their labors.
We rejoice with our converts
Aaron Kaeb (Bro. Hartzel and Sis.
Denise) and Heidi Waldbeser (Bro.
Mark and Sis. Janie) as they have
found peace with God and man and
await baptism. The weekend of July
6 and 7 has been set aside for this
joyous occasion.
“And the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus.” Phil. 4:7
We welcome Sis. MaryAnn Mann
back home after an extended stay in
Florida. She has been battling with
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health issues through the winter,
so we are thankful she is doing
better again. Sis. Lucille Knapp went
through surgery also this month.
We also continue to lift up in prayer
those with continuing health issues
in our congregation. May God grant
His healing hand upon each one.
Congratulations to our high
school graduates: Kaleb Waldbeser
(Bro. Mark and Sis. Janie), Maria
Wilkening (Mark and Sis. Dinah),
Nathan Kaeb (Bro. Todd and Sis.
Val), Stephanie Kaeb (Bro. Eric
and Sis. LouAnn) and Andy Stock
(Elder Bro. Tom and Sis. Karol). We
pray for them as they are faced with
decisions for the future. May they
look to God as they make each step!
Whatever the ages of our children,
they need our prayers in this
troubled world. Sometimes the
stresses of life weigh on our hearts.
But as another Mother’s Day comes
and goes, we are reminded of the
tremendous responsibility to train
our children up in His ways.
ILLINOIS, CONGERVILLE
Maria Currier
Erica Steffen
Joy was brought to Bro. Brandon
and Sis. Corin Stickling, as they
became parents to a daughter, Kylin
Sue. Also rejoicing are grandparents:
Bro. Scott and Sis. Jan Stickling
(Congerville) and Bro. Jerry and Sis.
Bonnie Wagenbach (Oakville, IA).
On May 5, Congerville had the
blessing of hosting ACYF Day. We
were all blessed by the beautiful
hymns of praise that the students
had prepared to sing. We pray that
the students felt this blessing, as
they lifted up their voices in song.
This month we had many
ministers labor in the Word on our
behalf, which included: Bro. Dale
Stoller (Sis. Sandra, Fairbury, IL),
Bro. Tom Stock (Sis. Karol, Cissna
13
Park, IL), Bro. Bruce Frank (Sis.
Bonita, Cissna Park, IL), Bro. James
Fehr (Sis. Brenda, Tremont, IL), Bro.
Clark Stoller (Sis. Cindy, Gridley,
IL), Bro. Brian Waibel (Sis. Wendy,
Champaign, IL), Bro. Ned Bahler
(Sis. Anna, Fairbury, IL), Bro.Gary
Brown (Sis. Jane, Forrest, IL), Bro.
Barry Dietz (Sis. Rachel, Bradford,
IL), and Bro. Ed Fritz (Sis. Sally,
Washington, IL). We are thankful
for the working of the Spirit through
these brothers and their willingness
to serve.
“This Shepherd ne’er forsakes His fold
In joys nor yet in sorrow,
But shares to us His love untold
Each day and each tomorrow.
Then let us follow to the end
And with Him enter heaven’s land.”
Zion’s Harp #116, vs. 7
Illinois, Elgin
Amy Gasser
We thank Bros. Dale Frank
(Oakville, IA) and Scott Schambach
(Columbus, OH) for their services
in the ministry.
We are thankful for two more
converts, Jay and Jen Cox, who
recently started their repentance.
Three of those that are repenting
have found peace and are looking
forward to baptism. They are
Anthony Eason (Bro. George and
Carole), Nathan Moser (Bro. Dan
and Sis. Anne), and Angela Steffen
(Elder Bro. David and Sis. Linda).
On April 27, a graveside service
for retired Elder Bro. Dale
Eisenmann (Chicago, IL) was held
at our Elgin church cemetery after
the funeral at Chicago church. We
extend our sympathy to his wife, Sis.
Judy, and their children, Elder Bro.
Brad (Sis. Cindy), Bro. Todd, and
Sis. Luann Eisenmann.
We also extend sympathy to Sis.
Cindy (Bro. Rick) Schmidgall in
14
the loss of her mother, Sis. Vi Wulf
(Morris, MN), who passed away on
May 12.
We pray for Bro. Ken (Sis. Vicki)
Kellenberger, who was hospitalized
after being injured in a fall.
Congratulations to Ryan Moser
(Bro. Dan and Sis. Anne) on his
high school graduation!
ILLINOIS, EUREKA
Debra Blunier
Linda Rocke
As we enjoy the coming of Spring,
we are reminded to remember
that some among us face a more
challenging Spring and will
appreciate our prayers. Also, we
remember that these earthly Springs
are just a foretaste of Heaven, where
the sun is always shining!
We extend our sympathy to the
family of Sis. Norma Pfaffman (Bro.
Fritz, deceased), whose funeral was
May 9. Her many nephews and
nieces will long remember the kind
role she played in their lives.
Appreciating his faithful visits, we
thank Bro. Randy Mogler (Sis. Evie,
Washington) for sharing the Word
with us one Sunday this month.
Sis. Kathy Rocke (Bro. Mike) had
an eye surgery, but is recuperating
well. We are also thankful that Sis.
Charlene Schumacher (Bro. Bob)
was able to return home after a
month-long hospitalization.
Note of Thanks:
We wish to express our thanks for
the love and support of our faithful
loved ones shown us during the past
six months of my bout with cancer.
Your gifts of love, food, flowers,
cards, etc. were very uplifting. We
are so thankful for our church
family and the many prayers given
on our behalf. May God bless each
of you. Bro. Gene and Sis. Caroll
Zobrist, Sis. Dawn and Randy
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Maloney, David and Lisa Zobrist,
Sis. Jacki and Bro. Craig Stickling.
ILLINOIS, FAIRBURY
Angela Herr
Janelle Stoller
We thank Bro. Dave Hartter
(Sabetha, KS), Bro. Wayne Hartzler
(Rittman, OH), Bro. Dennis Rassi
(Austin, TX), Bro. James Fehr
(Tremont, IL), and Bro. Nathan
Walder (Cissna Park, IL) for
ministering to us this past month.
“In sorrow and pain Thy trust do
retain in Jesus the merciful Saviour.”
Zion’s Harp #46, verse 1
We extend our deepest sympathy
to Bro. Jim Walter (Sis. Juanita) and
Sis. Rosetta Edelman (Bro. Walt)
in the loss of their mother, Helen
Walter, on April 21.
We bid farewell to Sis. Marie
Huber who passed away on May
5. Our sympathy is extended to
her husband, Bro. Reuben, and her
children: Bruce (Joyce, Morton, IL),
Grace (Chicago, IL), Steve (Bonnie,
Carmel, IN), Jean Wathen (Stephen,
Highlands Ranch, CO), Donna
Eater (Sheldon, Port St. Lucie, FL),
Bro. Jim (Sis. Jean, Peoria, IL), Ray
(Julie, Normal, IL), Ross (Becky,
Shelbyville, IL), Susan Shields
(Bryan, Gibson City, IL), and Janice
Elliott (Richard, Springfield, MO).
Bro. Marion Meiss suddenly
passed away on May 13. Our
thoughts and prayers are with his
children: Jack Montgomery, Bro.
Adrian Montgomery (Sis. Jaron,
Chicago, IL), and Peggy Whitson
(Marty, St. Charles, IL) and his
siblings: Bro. Carlos (Sis. Jane), Sis.
Dolores Zehr (Bro. Warren), and
Sis. Rosemary Hartman (Bro. John)
at this time of loss.
Our prayers have been with
Sis. Barb Mashburn (Bro. Billy),
Bro. Jim Walter (Sis. Juanita), Sis.
June 2013
Betty Wiegand (Bro. Dick), Wade
Steidinger (Bro. Wes and Sis. Erinn),
and Bro. Morris Kaeb as they have
recently spent time in the hospital.
May God’s healing hand be upon
each one according to His will.
The engagement of Bro. Kirk
Steidinger (Bro. Martin and Sis.
Trish) and Sis. Jeana Leman (Bro.
Ernie and Sis. Carol, Forrest, IL) was
announced on May 12. May God
continue to guide and bless them as
they prepare for a life together.
Our high school graduates this
year are: Ashley Bahler (Bro. Neil
and Sis. Tami), Drew Fehr (Bro.
Darren and Sis. Kendra), Austin
Goad (Ed and Sue), Jenna Hale
(Troy and Sis. Annette), Trevor
Hartman (Bro. Mark and Sis. Judy),
Leighton Moser (Bro. Kevin and
Sis. Kara), Sis. Sadie Moser (Sis.
Julia and late Bro. Doug), Jacob
Perry (Randy and Hope), Carrie
and Cassie Rinkenberger (Bro.
Doug and Sis. Beth), Tami Steffen
(Corey and Sis. Beth), Sis. Candice
Steidinger (Bro. Randy and Sis.
Dawn), Bro. Brandon Stoller (Bro.
Dale and Sis. Sandy), and Thadd
Waldbeser (Jim and Sis. Renae).
Amber Steidinger (Bro. Keith
and Sis. Kristine), Bro. Reid Zehr
(Bro. Quinn and Sis. Joan), Kaleb
Steidinger (Bro. Keith and Sis.
Kristine), and Sis. Tess Zehr (Bro.
Quinn and Sis. Joan) are graduating
from college. We rejoice with them
at this special time in their lives and
pray that each one may seek God’s
guidance and direction.
ILLINOIS, FORREST
Lisa Aberle
Lynn Dotterer
Thankful first-time parents,
Bro. Jeremiah and Sis. Larissa
Rinkenberger, welcomed Trevor
Jeremiah into their family. Trevor’s
grandparents are Bro. Glen and Sis.
June 2013
Holly Steidinger and Keith and Sue
Rinkenberger.
We extend our congratulations
to Waylon Knapp (Bro. Harlan and
Sis. Jean) and Ashton Lanz (Bro.
Troy and Sis. Kathleen) on their
engagement. Also announcing their
engagement are Sis. Jeana Leman
(Bro. Ernie and Sis. Carol) and Bro.
Kirk Steidinger (Bro. Martin and
Sis. Trish) of Fairbury. We wish
these couples God’s guidance and
blessings during this special time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
Bro. Pete and LaRae Walter, Keith
and Jackie Walter, Bro. Duane and
Sis. Marlene Walter, and Sis. Cindy
and Warren Edelman at the passing
of their mother, Helen Walter. Helen
has many grandchildren, nieces,
and nephews in our congregation
and our prayers are with them, too.
We also extend loving sympathy to
Bro. John and Sis. Bev Eisenmann
and their family at the passing of
his brother, retired Elder Bro. Dale
Eisenmann of Chicago.
May God grant His healing to
convert Mark Kuntz (Emily) and
Marjorie Stephens as they both
spent time in the hospital this
month.
Kimber Edelman (Bro. Ken and
Sis. Carol), Bro. Trevor Edelman
(Bro. Karl and Sis. Bethany), Shelby
Hall (Bro. Don and Barb), convert
Jenna Kaeb (the late Bro. Eldon and
the late Sis. Stephanie), Jensen Lanz
(Bro. Troy and Sis. Kathleen), Sis.
Laura Ricketts (Sis. Marie and the
late Bro. Brian), Eliza Roth (Bro.
Ken and Sis. Deb), Jason Wenger
(Sam and Teri), and Sis. Jessica
Wenger (Bro. Rich and Sis. Jill) are
graduating this year. May each one
look to God for His direction as
they begin this new phase of life.
“If any man speak, let him speak
as the oracles of God; if any man
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minister, let him do it as of the ability
which God giveth: that God in all
things may be glorified through
Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and
dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1
Peter 4:11
We are thankful God has led our
congregation clearly and peacefully
through the process of selecting a
new minister. Bro. Jason Dotterer
(Sis. Lynn) has been chosen for this
responsibility. May God grant the
grace, courage, understanding, and
humility of heart needed for this
new duty. We thank Elder Bros. Ben
Walder (Congerville, IL) and Rick
Plattner (Fairbury, IL) for helping
our Elder Bro. Marvin throughout
the entire process.
We are thankful Bro. Ryan Schock
(Bloomfield, IA), Bro. James Fehr
(Tremont, IL), Bro. Darren Fehr
(West Bend, IA), Bro. Jeff Leman
(Bluffton North, IN), and Elder
Bro. Curt Frank (Lacrosse, IN) were
willing to be used of God to teach us
from His Word.
Illinois, Goodfield
Melissa Rokey
Kayla Wiegand
“I belong to Jesus; I am not my own;
All I have and all I am, Shall be His
alone.” Gospel Hymns # 464
We are so thankful that God is
still patient and calling souls to
repentance and conversion. Four
precious souls have come by faith
with broken, repentant hearts and
have expressed peace with God and
man. They are Zach and Whitney
Wiegand (Bro. Brad and Sis. Karen),
Jamie Weigand (Bro. Wayne and
Sis. Rosemary) and Cecil Nohl. We
encourage each of you to be mindful
of them in your prayers. We are
planning to have Cecil’s testimony
and baptism Wednesday May 22.
15
A date will be set for the others at a
later time.
Brad Cook has begun his walk
with the Lord in repentance. Please
pray for him and encourage him on
this new path.
Bro. Dan Wiegand (Sis. Verla) and
Sis. Jill Wagner (Bro. Greg) have
had hospitalizations this month. We
pray for healing and recovery for
each of them. Please keep Bro. Keith
& Sis. Dort Leman in your prayers
as Keith will be having some surgery
done in the near future.
“…Thou art with me; Thy rod and
Thy staff they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4
We hurt for those in our
congregation who have lost
loved ones from this life. We
want to express our sympathy
and remember them in prayer.
Please keep Bro. Brent & Sis. Abby
Schmidgall in your prayers as her
grandpa, Bro. Carl Hoerr ( Sis.
Evelyn, Peoria, IL) passed away on
April 26.
Thanks to the many who helped
with the cemetery clean-up. What
a blessing to count on the church
family to help out when needed.
Note of Thanks:
Thanks to everyone for
remembering me with cards,
prayers and deeds of love during
my hospitalization and recovery at
home. May the Lord bless you. Bro.
Ben Tanner Sr.
Illinois, Gridley
Perry Klopfenstein
One of the oldest brothers in our
Gridley congregation passed away
on May 1. He was Bro. Art Kuerth,
92. He is survived by a brother,
Henry Kuerth, San Leandro, CA,
and two sisters, Anna Lou Kuerth,
Laguna Woods, CA, and Judy
16
Erdman, Eureka; and many nieces
and nephews. Bro. Art was a man
of gentle personality, and was good
natured. During his days as a farmer
he was a hard worker. He always had
a kindly smile when being greeted at
church.
Cora Rae Campbell was born to
Bro. Seth and Sis. Jen Campbell.
She has a brother, Truet, 2.
Grandparents are Sis. Colleen and
the late Bro. Stan Ringger, and Bro.
Mark and Sis. Marcia Campbell.
May the Lord be with these parents
as they strive to train up their
children in the ways of God.
Bro. John Funk has contracted
bile duct cancer, and we surely pray
for him. May it be God’s will that he
recover.
We had several visiting ministers:
Elder Bro. Kent Heimer and Bro.
Scott Wegman, Taylor, MO; Bro.
Bro. Tom Lanz, Oakville, IA; Bro.
Troy Leyse, Bluffton, IN; and Bro.
James Fehr, Tremont, IL. We are
thankful for these brothers and the
messages they brought from on
high.
Bro. Preston Klopfenstein has
moved to Sioux Falls, SD. He has
found employment at a bank in that
city, and is attending the Lester, IA
church.
We offer our sympathies to Sis.
Wilma Kuntz over the loss of her
sister, Sis. Violet Wulf, of Morris,
MN.
As of this writing, our farmer
brothers are very busy planting their
corn and soybean crops. Because
of rainy weather, a shorter span of
time has resulted in long working
days and bodily weariness, but God
provided an adequate window of
opportunity to complete planting.
Man can plant, but it is God that
gives the increase, and for our
ongoing supply of plentiful food, we
surely give Him thanks.
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Illinois, Morton
Annette Tanner
Julie Bahr
We have four 2013
graduating high school seniors!
GRADUATION acronym: G-going
Forward, R-ready to, A-accept
God’s will, D-Determined to,
U-understand His Word, A-alert
to, T-temptations, I-interested
in, O-others, N-never forgetting
that Christ is my Helper! Elder
Bro. Ted Witzig, Sr. gave the
evening exhortation to the graduates
on Family Worship Evening. Our
prayers and congratulations to
those who graduated are: Sis. Marla
Heinold, Rachel Schrock, Bro. Cody
Zeller and Bro. Cole Zeller.
Our thanks to Bro. Greg Rassi
(Sis. Carla) for sharing God’s Word
with our Morton Church.
Congratulations to Bro. Alan, Sis.
Natalie and Jovie Zimmerman who
welcomed a new baby girl, Delaney
Mae, into their hearts on April 20.
Thankful grandparents are Bro.
Doug and Sis. Jane Zimmerman
and Bro. Dave and Sis. Jean Martin
(Elgin, IL).
On April 22 a sweet little boy,
Asher Daniel Wuthrich, entered this
world several weeks early. Prayers
are offered up on his behalf and
also for his family: Bro. Daniel, Sis.
Diane; and big sisters, Lana and
Leia. Prayerful grandparents are
Bro. Lawrence and Sis. Annette
Tanner and Bro. Mark and Sis.
Cheryl Wuthrich all of Morton.
We extend our loving sympathy
to our Sis. Jackie Barton who bid
farewell to her dear mother, Sis. Vi
Barton (Detroit).
Congratulations on the
engagement and forthcoming
marriage to our Bro. Fred Roecker
and Sis. Carol Sauder (Tremont).
Bro. Fred is the son of Joann
Bowton of Brownsville, TX. Sis.
June 2013
Carol is the daughter of Bro.
Howard and Sis. Janice Sauder
(Tremont). Let God be praised!
We bid farewell to our Sis. Kendra
Neihouser who has chosen a
journey in God’s leading to serve
with CVE in Magdalena, Mexico.
We will miss seeing her, but look
forward to communicating with her
via emails to see how God is being
glorified! We continue to intercede for
those in our congregation who are
experiencing health concerns! May
God bless each one of you with
renewed strength during these
difficult times!
ILLINOIS, PEORIA
Pam Fritzenmeier
We are so thankful to report that
God has been at work in the hearts
of Dale and Melinda Thomas, as
they have recently made known
their desire to walk with Him along
with our church family.
Elder Bro. Mark (Sis. Sara)
Streitmatter (Bloomington) spent
Wednesday evening, May 8, with
us. We thank him for his time and
ministry.
Congratulations to our graduating
class of 2013! These include: Tyler
Hohulin (Bro. Mark and Sis. Jan),
Chase Ramseyer (Bro. Dean and
Sis. Holly), Sis. Jessica Sauder
(Bro. David and Sis. Rachel), Sis.
Bethany Reinhard (Bro. Tim and
Sis. Joan), Sis. Shelby Waibel (Bro.
Matt and Sis. Lisa), Sis. Lexi Thomas
(Bro. Dean and Sis. Teresa), Lesley
Dingledine (Bro. Ed and Sis. Sara),
Chelsea Knobloch (Bro. Paul and
Sis. Lynne), and Sis. Cassie Feucht
(Bro. Tim and Sis. Robyn). They
were honored at the annual senior
breakfast May 19.
We extend our prayers and
sympathy to the families of three
loved ones who were laid to rest this
June 2013
month. April 26, Bro. Carl Hoerr,
Sr. (Sis. Evelyn) passed away. His
children are Sis. Ruth (Bro. Tom)
Schmidgall of Morris, MN, Bro. Carl
II (Sis. Debby), and Joel (Tania).
Bro. Jim (Sis. Jean) Huber’s mother,
Sis. Marie (Bro. Reuben) Huber,
passed away May 6. Sis. Bernice
Otto passed away May 16. She is Sis.
Velma (Bro. Don) Hoerr’s sister.
Please remember in prayer those
struggling with health issues. Chris
and Sis. Marsha Stickling’s 15 yearold daughter, Allison, has kidney
failure and will need a kidney
transplant in the near future. Others
needing our prayers include Sis.
Maria Graham, Bro. Harry (Sis.
Loretta) Eisenmann, Bro. Dan (Sis.
Miriam) Messerli, Bro. Ed (Sis.
Bernie) Meister, Bro. Dean (Sis.
Teresa) Thomas and their son,
Drew.
Those serving far from family in
the mission field desire our prayer
support also. These include Bro.
Jonathan and Sis. Bere Aupperle,
Bro. Zach and Sis. Daniela
Knobloch, and Bro. Jason Grassi,
Magdelena, MX; and Bro. Tim and
Sis. Joan Reinhard and family and
Sis. Kelsey Klopfenstein, Haiti. We
are happy to have the Reinhard
family here now for their annual
summer furlough.
Donation: Recently, one skid
containing 800 white ceramic
cups was donated. If any church,
fellowship hall, etc. would have need
for them, please call Bro. Ed Meister
at 309-637-7746.
Illinois, Princeville
Renee Herrmann
Gloria White
Bro. Bob and Sis. Nancy Wieland
are thankful to be grandparents
again. A baby girl, Priya Lou,
was born to Shankar and Tiffany
Annamalai (McAllen, TX) on May
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5. Priya was welcomed home by big
brother, Naveen.
Our graduating seniors this year
are Karl Christ (Bro. Kurt and Sis.
Connies), Aaron Herrmann (Bro.
Doug and Sis. Angie), Sis. Brianna
Streitmatter (Bro. David and Sis.
Crystal) and Ethan Wieland (Bro.
Brian and Sis. Renee). We wish
them God’s guidance and direction
in their future endeavors.
May the hope that lies within us
sustain us in our time of need. On
April 26, Sis. Bernice Stoller lost
her dear husband, Bro. Vernon. The
family includes Sis. Donna (Bro.
Ted) Blunier of Eureka, Sis. Deborah
(Bro. Peter) Aberle of Tremont, Sis.
Lavonne (Bro. Marvin) Herrmann
and Sis. Terri (Bro. Craig) Martin.
Let us be prayerful for the family.
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songs of worship by the Prairie
Choristers & the Youth Choir, as
well as offerings of prayer for our
community and nation, the lost,
and the hurting. What a blessing to
be able to approach our Father in
prayer as a Church Family.
May 11 was our Mother-Daughter
Luncheon at the Fellowship Hall.
It was themed “Growing in the
Garden of God.”
On May 19, the Baccalaureate
Service for our high school
graduates was held. Our 2013
graduates are: Nolan Blunier, Josh
Byrd, Colton Durand, Emma
Fischer, Hayley Gastman, Sis. Joy
Hinrichsen, Sis. Rachel Hodel,
Grant Leman, Sis. Elisabeth Leman,
Andrew Mangold, Bro. Bradley
Moser, Kevin Pfister, and Sis.
Hannah Sauder. Our prayer for
“In sorrow and pain Thy trust do
each of these students is Ephesians
retain In Jesus the merciful Savior”
3:16-19 “That he would grant you,
Zion’s Harp #46
according to the riches of his glory,
Our sympathy goes to Sis. Marlene to be strengthened with might by his
Spirit in the inner man; That Christ
Seidel (Morton, IL) in the passing
may dwell in your hearts by faith;
of her husband, Bro. Richard on
that ye, being rooted and grounded
May 22. The children are Sis. Jean
in love, May be able to comprehend
(Bro. Jim) Metzger of Morton, Rita
with all saints what is the breadth,
(Ralph) Seward of Peoria, Shirley
and length, and depth, and height;
(Dave) Bauman of Roland, AR and
And to know the love of Christ, which
Karen Fletcher of Wyoming.
passeth knowledge, that ye might be
Illinois, Roanoke
filled with all the fulness of God.”
Jamie Hodel
Notes of Thanks:
Barb Schwind
I am humbled by the love, prayers,
On April 24, Bro. Clark Stoller
cards, meals, gifts and every kind
(Gridley) was with us for our
deed extended to me the past 23
monthly topical Bible Study. He
months. I love my Roanoke church
spoke on “Commitment to the
family and God has truly blessed
Church”.
me by again allowing me to be back
Philippians 4:6: “Be careful for
to church on the prairie. God bless
nothing; but in every thing by prayer
each and everyone from Roanoke
and supplication with thanksgiving
and other numerous congregations.
let your requests be made known
Sis. Ann Hodel
unto God.”
My wife and I were overwhelmed
by the love and support of our
On May 2, our National Day
beloved church family during my
of Prayer program was held with
18
recent fall and heart problems. We
thank everyone for their prayers,
cards, gifts, and meals brought to
our home. Our hearts are filled
with gratitude for all your love and
kindness. God Bless you!
Bro. Bill Hodel
ILLINOIS, TREMONT
Teresa Rowell
Janice Sauder
Once again, our church wants
to thank the visiting ministers this
past month: Bros. Craig Stickling
(Peoria, IL), Dan Beer (Milford,
IN), and Chuck Kellenberger (Elgin,
IL). Also, on May 5, the Sunday
Schools from Morton, Peoria, and
Fairbury, IL; and Taylor, MO joined
Tremont’s Bible Class for ACYF
day. Bros. Tom Lanz (Oakville, IA)
and Randy Beer (Milford, IN) were
invited to be with the young adults
and their teachers. We were blessed
by the song service and inspirational
message following afternoon
church.
Congratulations to Andy and
Jade (Venovich) Wagenbach as they
are newly married. Bro. Si and Sis.
Lavonne Wagenbach are Andy’s
parents. May God bless their home.
Best wishes to Bro. Brad Huette
(Bro. Dave and Sis. Susan) and Sis.
Sarah Frank (Bro. Doug and Sis.
Cheri) on their upcoming wedding.
Sis. Sarah will be coming home
the end of May, after teaching in
Magdalena, Mexico for almost two
years. Also newly engaged to be
married are Sis. Carol Sauder (Bro.
Howard and Sis. Janice) and Bro.
Fred Roecker of Morton, IL. Bro.
Fred’s parents are Mrs. Don (Joann)
Bowton, of Texas, and the late
Fred Roecker. May God bless these
two couples as they prepare for
marriages in the Lord.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is
the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
June 2013
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We extend sympathy to Bro. Pete
and Sis. Debbie Aberle (and their
family) at the death of her father,
Bro. Vernon (Sis. Bernice) Stoller of
Princeville, IL. We also remember
Bro. Marty and Sis. Karla Rollins
(and their children) at the passing
of his mother, Linda (John) Rollins
of Port St. Lucie, FL. May each feel
God’s comfort at this time of sorrow.
Those needing prayers were
hospital patients: little Kenna Rocke
(Bro. Galen and Sis. Betty) and Sis.
Frances Koch. We also pray for
God’s healing for Bro. Maurice (Sis.
Marge) Schaefer as he undergoes
treatments.
Three couples report a new
grandchild: Bro. Pete and Sis.
Debbie Aberle welcome Ayden
Timothy, baby son of Rodney and
Staci Aberle of Morton, IL. Bro.
Jerry and Sis. Kathy Zuercher
welcome Zachary Adam Callan,
new son of David and Tammy of
Clarksville, TN. Steve and Sis. Sara
Garman have a little granddaughter,
Quinn Michelle. She is the daughter
of Zach and Carmen Garman of Mt.
Vernon, IL. Bro. Greg and Sis. Mary
Beutel have baby Griffin Edward to
bring home! Max, Nora and Tirzah;
along with grandparents Bro. Dean
and Sis. Karen Beutel and Bro. Curt
and Sis. Kathy Rassi; will all help
care for this little boy! May God
keep watch over all these little ones
as they grow up to serve Him.
Illinois, Washington
Marlene Prather
Jodi Fehr
“Who can find a virtuous woman?
For her price is far above rubies. The
heart of her husband doth trust in
her, so that he shall have no need of
spoil. She will do him good and not
evil all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:10-12
As Bro. Ron Messner shared with
us on Mother’s Day, we are to honor
our mothers. We are so thankful for
all of the dear godly mothers, who
have given so much of their love,
time and direction in helping us to
trust in the Lord.
Visiting ministers who served
us this month are: Bro. Mark
Schmidgall (Sis. Sally, Oakville, IA)
and Bro. Greg Stieglitz (Sis. Lisa,
Indianapolis, IN). We thank these
brothers for sharing with us.
On April 21, our Washington
congregation hosted invite-a-guest.
We all enjoyed the fellowship and
appreciate all who came to visit.
Our Bible Class held their
annual Senior Dinner on April
28. We appreciate all of our young
people and teachers. We want to
congratulate our 2013 high school
graduates. They are Bro. Daniel
Dreste, Sis. Kristen Fehr, Bro. Seth
Hoerr, Zach Jones, Evan Knapp,
Patience Ledford, Sis. Janelle
Ricketts, Kirk Streitmatter, Bro.
Noah Teubel, Sis. Rachel Witzig,
and Troy Wyss. May God direct
these dear young people as they
make decisions for their futures.
We were saddened to hear of the
passing of our dear Bro. Harold
Meiss on May 1. He leaves behind
Ron (Julie) of Phoenix, AZ, Rich
(Barbara) of Excelsior, MN, Sis.
Carole (Bro. Ron Kellenberger) of
our Washington church, Bro. Jim
(Sis. Candy) of Austin, TX. We will
miss Bro. Harold’s warm smile and
love.
May we continue to be prayerful
for Bro. Doug Hoerr (Sis. Peg) as
he has had to battle back issues for
several months. We pray that God
will help him through this.
Note of Thanks:
We would like to thank you all
for the love and kindness shown to
June 2013
Dad while he was in the Home and
after his passing. The family of Bro.
Harold Meiss
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Bro. Doyle and Sis. Jane Frauhiger
and Bro. Bill and Sis. Betty
Longenberger. Heaven becomes
sweeter and more real as more of
INDIANA, BLUFFTON
our loved ones travel on before us!
Kim Meyer
It’s wonderful to see Sis. Evie (Bro.
Suzie Fiechter
Bob) Gerber back in church after
The Bluffton young group hosted
her knee replacement. Our prayers
a “World Invite” on the weekend of
are with Bro. Jack (Sis. Diane)
April 20-21. What a blessing to see
Schwartz, Bro. Steve (Sis. Renee)
our future church gathered together Reinhard, and Sis. Etta (Bro. John)
praising God, sharing His love and
Steffen as they have each had major
learning more of His ways. Thank
health concerns.
you, Bro. Gary and Sis. Paulette Sinn
Our Sis. Jenna Runion married
(Latty) and Bro. John and Sis. Pam
Bro. Marcus Schwab (Bro. Mark and
Reinhard for your instruction and
Sis. Sherry of Wolcott). Sis. Jenna’s
involvement! On Sunday, we had
parents are Wendy Runion and Rich
greetings from 48 churches. We pray Runion, and her grandparents are
God will bind us together in love,
Bro. Rich and Sis. Rosie Kipfer. We
unity and truth!
pray the Lord will constantly be
On April 25, God gifted Bro.
their unseen guest!
Ryan, Sis. Jessica, Elly and Tate
Several visiting ministers and
Bertsch with little Oakley Jo. She
their wives blessed us by traveling to
joins the extended families of Bro.
join us that special day. Thank you
Mike and Sis. Carmon Bertsch
to Bro. Steve and Sis. Jane Stieglitz
and Bro. Jeff and Sis. Peg Yergler
(Leo), Bro. Jeff and Sis. Heidi Bahler
(Bluffton North). Sis. Wanda Moser (Wolcott), Bro. John Lehman
welcomed grandson, Madden Jeffery (Wolcott), and Bro. Nick and Sis.
Moser, born to Jeff and Gretchen.
Suzanne Gutwein (West Lafayette).
Bro. Ryan and Sis. Jamy Steffen
Our semi-annual “Love One
rejoice in the birth of their firstAnother” supper and singing
born son, Leo Trace. Grandparents
was held on April 28 for widows,
are Bro. Jim and Sis. Jenny Fiechter
widowers and singles of all ages. It
and Bro. Keith and Sis. Kay Steffen.
was a wonderful evening of interOwen James Geels was born to Tyler generational fellowship!
and Janelle. Bro. Dale and Sis. Joni
“A new commandment I give unto
Schwartz are Owen’s grandparents.
you, That ye love one another; as I
Bro. Nathan and Sis. Leann
have loved you, that ye also love one
Gerber and their family bid an
another By this shall all men know
earthly farewell to their beloved
that ye are my disciples, if ye have
mother, Sis. Vi Wulf (Morris). We
love one to another.” John 13:34-35
always appreciated Sis. Vi’s visits
to Bluffton and extend our loving
INDIANA, BLUFFTON NORTH
sympathy to her family. Bro. Bill
Jessie Longenberger
and Sis. Heidi Carrico mourn the
Amy Moser
unexpected death of their sister,
Lisa Carrico. Sherri Longenberger
“If you love Me, keep My
finished her earthly battle with
cancer, leaving behind her husband, commandments. Do you love Me?”
-Jesus
Mark, daughters, and parents,
19
We answer this question not only
with words, but with obedience.
Bro. Mark Harris (Sis. Sue) were
traveling to Florida when Mark
became very ill. He was admitted
to a hospital in Gainesville and
diagnosed with sepsis. He has
improved, but is still very sick. They
would appreciate the prayers of the
church family.
We mourn with Bro. Doyle and
Sis. Jane Frauhiger. Their daughter,
Sherri Longenberger, passed away
April 20 after a long battle with
cancer. We continue to pray for her
husband, Mark and their families.
We rejoice with Bro. Ryan and Sis.
Jessica Bertsch as they welcomed
a daughter, Oaklee Jo, to their
family on April 25. She joins sister,
Ellie, and brother, Tate, at home.
Grandparents are Bro. Jeff and Sis.
Peg Yegler and Bro. Mike and Sis.
Carmen Bertsch (Bluffton).
Bro. Ryan and Sis. Jamy Steffen
are also celebrating the birth of their
first child. Leo Trace was born on
May 2. Grandparents are Bro. Keith
and Sis. Kay Steffen and Bro. Jim
and Sis. Jenny Fiechter.
We are prayerful for Sis. Nancy
Gerber (Bro. Lenny-dec.) as she
recently underwent open heart
surgery and for Sis. Louise (Bro.
Carroll) as she underwent surgery
to repair a broken femur. We pray
that they can feel God’s healing
touch.
Indiana, Francesville
Mildred Clauss
Jacki Huber
We recently enjoyed hearing
inspirational thoughts, poems and
songs at the annual Graduation
Program. We have three graduates
from High School, and we wish
them God’s best in their lives. They
are Sis. Alisha Gutwein (Bro. Jan
and Sis. Val), Bro. Evan Kaeb (Bro.
Les and Sis. Christine), and David
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20
Putt (Bro. Mike and Sis. Donna).
Bro. Lester and Sis. Glendoris
Huber, along with their daughter,
Sis. Barb Huber, have recently
moved back to Francesville after
serving faithfully in Lexington, KY.
We know that all of their labors
for God will be rewarded, and we
are thankful for their faithfulness
to Him over the years. We are also
thankful to have them here, and
wish them the rich blessings of God.
Our Elder Bro. Steve Gutwein,
along with his wife, Sis. Linda,
and mother, Sis. Yvonne Gutwein,
recently travelled to Japan for
church work. We are thankful they
are back safely.
Our sincere sympathy is extended
to Bro. John Murray (Sis. Jessica)
and his family in the recent death of
his brother.
We will miss our dear Sis. Mary
Gutwein (the late Bro. Emil), as she
recently went home to be with the
Lord. Our sympathy is extended to
Mary’s children and grandchildren,
as we know they will miss her sweet
presence. Her children are Philip
Gutwein (Julie) of Monticello, IN,
Linda (Dr. Robert) Griffin of Terre
Haute, IN, Sis. Kristie Gutwein of
Francesville, IN, Paul (Caroline)
Gutwein of Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Emil
Edward Gutwein of Monticello,
IN, and Pamela (Don) Vogt of
Francesville, IN.
Prayers continue for the health
of our Bro. Eugene Huber and Sis.
Diane Clevenger as they have been
hospital patients this month.
Indiana, Indianapolis
Gail Bradford
Katy Frantz
“Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be steadfast, unmovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord,
since you know that your labor is not
in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
In this month of May our church
does not have much news. Yet,
even without birth announcements
or wedding plans, we hope to be
“always abounding in the work of
the Lord.”
The high school held a “Senior
Breakfast” for two graduating
students: Sis. Ashley Bollier and
Katie Mustard. Our prayer is that
both young women will seek the
Lord’s will as they finish high school
and make decisions about the
future.
We appreciate the effort that Bro.
Mark Beebe (Sis. Julie) put into
leading a Bible study over Philemon
on May 8. Also Bro. Chad Hoerr
(Sis. Heather) led a Bible study over
a portion of Revelation on May 22.
It is always a joy to have visiting
ministers share with our church
through the Word. Our gratitude
goes to Bros. Chris Huber (Sis.
Sharon, Francesville) and Kevin
Knapp (Sis. Dixie, Bloomington).
INDIANA, LACROSSE
Julie Rocke
Meagan Frank
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
the heaven:” Eccl. 3:1
It seems that our lives revolve
around the seasons just as the
Lord prepared them. In addition
to the seasons of weather, we all
go through periods of joy, sorrow,
hardship and delight. With God as
our Father and Jesus as our Savior,
we can feel peace and blessings
through each of these seasons.
We rejoice with our convert,
Kaleigh Schneider (Bro. Calvin and
Sis. Jeannie), as she was recently
announced for peace. It has been
June 2013
such a blessing to watch her through
the time of repentance and see the
Lord’s hand working in her life.
Our hearts and prayers have
been with Bro. Owen (Sis. Nicole)
Gudeman as he was stricken with
a debilitating viral infection. We
are so thankful for the recovery he
has had to this point and that he is
able to be up and doing. We pray
that he can continue to improve
and be blessed with a complete
recovery. Our prayers also go out
to their daughter, Jesslyn, as she is
recovering from several injuries
received in an accident.
Bro. Joel and Sis. Amy Troxel have
experienced the seasons of both joy
and sorrow this month. Sis. Amy’s
grandmother, Sis. Marie Gress, from
West Bend, IA passed away May 7.
Just a short time later, much joy was
brought to their home as Bro. Joel
and Sis. Amy were blessed with a
first-born son, little Titus Edward,
on May 16. Thankful grandparents
are Bro. Ed and Sis. Carol Troxel and
Bro. Joe and Sis. Connie Gerst (Iowa
City, IA). We warmly welcome Titus
into our congregation!
The annual Spring Ladies’
Luncheon was held May 11. The
theme was “Memories of Mother”.
We enjoyed a time of sharing faith
and fellowship together.
Ministering Bros. Dan Moser (Sis
Anne, Elgin, IL) and John Lehman
(late Sis. RuthAnn, Wolcott, IN)
were granted grace and favor
to minister the truth in love on
Mother’s Day. We thank them for
sharing in the labors of the Lord’s
work.
Also finishing a season of their
life is Bro. Jackson Troxel, as he
graduated from Purdue University,
and Bro. Brandon Wettstein as he
graduated from West Central High
School. May each of these young
men be blessed with guidance and
June 2013
wisdom from above as they begin a
new phase of life.
As the school year draws to a
close and summertime is around
the corner, let’s remember to be
thankful for the seasons of life that
come and go and to remember that
above all, God is in control.
INDIANA, LEO
Kirby Reutter
Sometimes the best way to stay
on topic is to set (and then follow)
a brief outline: (I) three baptisms,
(II) four graduations, (III) one baby,
(IV) one 90th birthday.
Olivia Schumacher (Bro. Jeff and
Sis. Tina), Rachel Maibach (Bro.
Mark and Sis. Julie), and Whitney
Stieglitz (Bro. Steve and Sis. Jane)
were all baptized on Mother’s Day.
What an amazing gift to the people
who gave them physical life, as well
as to the rest of us!
“I have no greater joy than to hear
that my children walk in truth.” 3
John 1:4
Incidentally, Bro. Jeff is originally
from Roanoke; Sis. Tina is originally
from Gridley, KS; Bro. Mark is
originally from Smithville; Sis. Julie
is originally from Fairbury; and Sis.
Jane is originally from Bay City.
Four visiting ministers and
two visiting elders (one of whom
considers himself retired) joined
us for the weekend. These brothers
included Bro. Gary Maibach
(Smithville), Bro. Justin Koch
(Tremont), and Bro. Randy Gasser
(Detroit) in addition to elder Bro.
Duane Rocke (Minneapolis) and
“retired” elder Bro. Phil Stettner
(Bluffton).
There were not enough seats on
the pulpit, nor enough pews in the
sanctuary, to accommodate all of
our visitors for this weekend. The
trustees were opposed to opening
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a hole in the roof. While fire codes
have changed in the past two
millennia, the need for the Gospel
has not.
The following seniors recently
graduated from high school: Olivia
Schumacher (same parents as
before), Mikaela Miller (Bro. Kent
and Sis. Jane), Simon Schlatter (Bro.
Phil and Sis. Judy), and Talitha
Fischer (Bro. Paul and Sis. Leanne).
We wish each of these graduates
much success in their academic
pursuits. We especially pray for
ongoing enrollment in the School of
the Cross! Incidentally, Bro. Kent is
originally from Fort Scott, Sis. Jane
is originally from Tremont, Bro.
Phil is originally from Junction, Sis.
Judy is also from Fort Scott, and
both Bro. Paul and his better half are
from Roanoke.
The following baby was born on
4/29/13: Jalen Michael (Bro. Jeff and
Sis. Sarah). Incidentally, Bro. Jeff
is originally from Latty while Sis.
Sarah is originally from Elgin, IL.
In addition, the following brother
turned 90 last month: Bro. Art
Gramm. Incidentally, Bro. Art is
originally from Gridley, IL. See…
even the nonagenarians among us
are transplants!
This was not on the original
outline, but the farther along I got
into this article, the more I realized
that the vast majority of us believers
here in Leo are transplants from
elsewhere. In fact, only one brother
referenced in this entire article is a
native specimen.
At the risk of deviating even
further from the script, the imagery
of transplants is still fresh in my
mind. One of the transplanted
brothers, mentioned above, recently
gave us 11 shoots of raspberries.
My wife (who has also been
transplanted multiple times herself)
tenderly gathered the shoots in
21
Indiana, lovingly transported them
to Ohio, and then carefully planted
them into her own garden. With
daily doses of additional TLC, the
transplanted shoots took off just fine
in their new natural habitat.
In a spiritual sense, all of us
believers are transplants. For
example, we have been uprooted
from a life of self and sin, and we
have been re-planted into a life of
service. Admittedly, I am the most
incompetent of all horticulturists
(my wife would be the first to
agree), and I do not deserve to be in
the midwest for that reason alone.
However, wouldn’t we be wise to
treat one another the same way that
we treat raspberries?
INDIANA, MILFORD
Janie Price
Jodi Beer
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
the heaven: A time to be born, and
a time to die; a time to plant, and
a time to pluck up that which is
planted;” Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
Our Sunday school class had their
promotion program this month. We
were reminded of the seasons of life.
As we review the month of May, we
think of a time to be born, a time
for spring planting, a time for our
graduates to be promoted to another
phase of life, and, as we honor those
who have gone on before us, a time
to die and be promoted to a higher
standing. Our graduates this year
are: Anne Beer (Bro. Randy and Sis.
Deb), Drew Beer (Bro. Lee and Sis
Sandy), and Ryan Schlipf (Bro. Rich
and Sis. Kathy). Our prayers go with
them that they may obtain the grace
to follow the path God has designed
for them.
Sarah Lehman (Bro. Dean and
Sis. Mary) has chosen to surrender
22
her life to the Lord. Our prayers are
with Sarah and her family as she
steps out in faith knowing that her
Savior will lead, guide and direct her
path.
Be Good
“Be a heart of love and kindness
As you journey through this earth
And, forever, know the blessings
That endear a Christian’s worth;
And, forever, know the rapture
Of contentment and embrace
In the loving arms of Jesus
And the glories of His Grace.
Be a giver of His Goodness,
On each path and road you trod,
And a sharer of the fortunes
That were willed to you by God;
Let there never be a moment
That is stained by hate or greed
Or a moment’s hesitation
To fulfill a neighbor’s need.
Live and love with Christian virtues
That are glorifed, above,
And a heart of God’s compassions
That attest to Christian love;
You will reap the joys of Heaven
For your cares to human strife
When you find the Lord, in waiting,
On your final road of life”
-Michael Dubina
“And let us not be weary in well
doing; for in due season we shall
reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
INDIANA, REMINGTON
Jenni Honegger
Marcella Tyler
We were thankful to Elder Bros.
Ben Wiegand (Sis. Michelle) from
Philadelphia and Duane Rocke
(Sis. Bonnie) from Minneapolis
for serving Holy Communion
this month. We appreciate their
willingness to travel and serve on
our behalf. We are so thankful for
this time of refreshment and unity
with our Lord and with our loved
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ones in the church. We have swept
all our petty grievances away and
reconciled ourselves with each
other and once again have a “clean
slate” in our relationships with each
other and with Christ. What a holy
blessing!
Bro. Brian Schneider (Sis. Kristen)
recently had surgery and we are
prayerful for his quick recovery.
Bro. Ron and Sis. Brenda Clark
are excited to announce the birth of
their first grandson, Callan James,
to first-time parents, Braden and
Ashley Clark. We are thankful for
little Callan’s safe arrival and rejoice
with Bro. Ron and Sis. Brenda as
their family grows.
Bro. Stuart Kilgus (Elder Bro. Dan
and Sis. Jenna) is spending a couple
of months this summer at Hospital
Lumiere in Bon Finne, Haiti
assisting in World Relief efforts.
We are glad Bro. Stuart is willing to
serve, wish him God’s blessings on
his time in Haiti, and pray for his
safe return.
Bro. Micah Zehr (Bro. Nelson and
Sis. Amy) of Fairbury is completing
an internship in our area and we are
thankful to have him assembling
with us again this summer.
Convert Kayla Bahler (Bro. Tim
and Sis. Lynette) has found peace
with the Lord and looks forward to
baptism soon. We are thankful that
the Lord still makes a way for His
people to become fully reconciled to
Him and are prayerful for Kayla as
she prepares her heart to make this
important next step in her walk of
faith.
We have one graduate this year.
Convert Erika Schneider (Bro.
Greg and Sis. Heidi) is graduating
from high school. We trust that
she has sought the Lord’s guidance
for her future and pray that she
will continue to look to Him as He
orders the days and years ahead of
June 2013
her.
Wolcott recently hosted the
annual Sister Sing and we were
privileged to have several of our
sisters participate in the day. There
are a lot of details involved in
planning such a large undertaking,
and we are thankful to all who
contributed to make the day a
success. We can’t wait to hear the
results of all their efforts!
Another Mother’s Day has come
and gone and we are reminded to be
thankful for our mothers. Most of us
have no idea what it is like to grow
up without a loving, godly mother
to guide our steps. However, not
all have been blessed in that way.
Let’s all be prayerful for them, and
doubly thankful for our own blessed
mothers!
INDIANA, SOUTH BEND
Joshua Martinez
“And the Lord, he it is that doth go
before thee; he will be with thee, he
will not fail thee, neither forsake
thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
We appreciate the efforts and
sacrifices of visiting ministers and
their families. We extend heartfelt
thanks to Bro. Matt Oesch (Sis.
Shelli, Alto, MI) and Bro. Daron
Price (Sis. Monica, Milford, IN) for
sharing the Good News with our
church family.
We are thankful to have Bro. Bob
and Sis. Sue Beebe safely back from
their most recent trip to Hospital
Lumiere in Haiti.
We will keep Chip and Kasha
Iacob in our prayers as they return
to Romania for a month.
The Sunday School children
served the noontime meal on
Mother’s Day. We thank our
mothers for their daily service and
for adding brightness and beauty to
June 2013
our earthly lives.
The following weekend, our
Apostolic Christian Mighty Men
of God had a father-son overnight
camping trip. All the boys, big and
small, received a healthy dose of
Bible Truth, bacon, sugar, dirt, rain
and outdoor fun.
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be
perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of
love and peace shall be with you.” 2
Corinthians 13:11
INDIANA, VALPARAISO
Marguerite Hoerr
Sherry Meiss
When we sing, we should sing in
praise to God thanking him for all
things.
A heartfelt thank you to our
Elder Bro. Dan Kilgus (Sis. Jenna,
Remington) and Elder Bro. Steve
Ringger (Sis. Myra, Bluffton North)
for sharing their love with us in
word and remembrance of our
Savior through Holy Communion.
We were all richly blessed by the
Spirit that Sunday afternoon.
We appreciated having a visiting
minister, Bro. Fred Funk (Sis. Diane,
Morton, IL), bringing God’s Word
the weekend of our Spring program.
That same day was a joyous time
spent with the Mortonairies singing
group praising God and a delicious
meal thanking Him for His
provision. We thank all who helped
fill our hearts, minds, body and soul
with God’s message. The Sunday
school class is having a food drive.
Boxes and bags were provided for us
to take home and fill up. We are sure
this will be a blessing for them and
others, for God wants us to do good
works.
Deep sympathy goes out to our
Sis. Claudia Thomas (Minister Bro.
Mike, Valparaiso, IN) and family for
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the loss of her mother, Peggy White.
May they feel God’s comfort in
knowing she is with our Lord.
We rejoice with Sis. Sharon Pratt
(Bro. Jon) on becoming an aunt. Sis.
Amy Troxel (Bro. Joel, LaCrosse)
were blessed with their first-born
child, Titus Edward Troxel. How
amazing is our God who is the
creator of all things and the plan He
has for each of us.
Latoya Thomas, daughter of
our Ministering Bro. Mike and
Sis. Claudia, will be giving her
testimony and have her baptism on
June 1 and 2. Thanks be to God for
calling her to be born again so she
may enter the Kingdom of God. We
have watched her grow and are all
very excited to be able to call her
Sister.
Let your light shine and be the salt
of the earth for others to help them
grow.
All are welcome to visit us. We are
just 2¾ miles south of US 30 on IN
SR49. Come and experience God’s
Love with us.
INDIANA, WEST LAFAYETTE
Ben Stoller
Katie Widmer
Cheerful and warm springtime
greetings from West Lafayette.
Along with the changing seasons,
things continue to move forward
here as we bid farewell to the
Purdue students for the summer.
We know they are excited for their
summer break, but as a church we
always look forward to their return.
In other news, our Bro. Kellan
Kershner is engaged to Sis. Elizabeth
Conzo. They look forward to a
fall wedding and plan to reside in
Lafayette. We rejoice with them and
their families and are thankful for
God’s provision in their lives.
We are looking forward to VBS
the week of June 10. This is always
23
an exciting time for the church
to come together and learn of the
wondrous works of our God. Seeing
the excitement in the children can
help encourage us in our daily walk.
INDIANA, WOLCOTT
Beckie Lehman
Michelle Earney
We have been thankful for the
beautiful warm weather that
God has given us! As the crops
are growing in the fields, it is a
wonderful reminder that we also
need to grow closer to the Lord and
look up to Him.
We are thankful for Justin Schwab
(Bro. Tim and Sis. Rachel) as he has
heard the call of the Lord. We want
to extend our prayers and support
to him as he begins his walk with
the Lord.
We were thankful to have Bros.
Dana Nieman (Sis. Lea, Remington,
IN), Les Kaeb (Sis. Christine,
Francesville, IN) and Ron Isch (Sis.
Jane, Lamont-Gridley, Kansas) with
us to share the Word of God.
We rejoice with Bro. Marcus and
Sis. Jena Schwab along with their
families as they became one in the
Lord on May 5.
Our church has two high school
graduates this year: Weston Schwab
(Bro. Mark Schwab and Sis. Shari
Schwab) and Alisha Bahler (Chris
and Sis. Teresa). We wish them
God’s blessings as they journey on
in life. We also want to wish Bro.
Shane Bahler (Chris and Sis. Teresa)
congratulations as he graduated
from college this month.
Iowa, Ames
Jacob Schulz
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IOWA, Bloomfield
Teresa Schock
Bro. Brad Funk (Sis. Laura,
Garden Grove) was here April 21.
We thank him for coming and
bringing God’s Word to us.
Our high school graduate is
Lincoln Joos (Bro. Gen and Sis.
Lana). As graduates enter the world
on a more accountable level, may
they counsel with God’s Word.
“A good name is rather to be chosen
than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1
IOWA, BURLINGTON
Marilyn Anderson
Monica Eisenmann
We are thankful to have had
visiting ministers again this month.
Bros. John Rassi (Tremont, IL),
Dale Frank (Oakville, IA), and Fred
Witzig (Washington, IL) came to
teach us from God’s Word. May God
richly bless each one!
We have two high school
graduates this year. Brianna Schulz
(Bro. Roger & Sis. June) and Sis.
Hannah Wulf (Bro. Leroy & Sis.
Carolyn). We pray that they will
continue to seek God’s direction as
they move forward on life’s journey.
God’s blessings to both of them!
Iowa, Elgin
Maria Rocke
“Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above.” James 1:17
We wish Luke and Brenda Squiers
and big brother, Malachi (South
Tama, IA) God’s blessings as they
welcomed a little girl, Audra
Maelyn, into their family on May 4.
Bro. Charles and Sis. Sue Schneider
and Brian and Vickii Squiers (Tama,
IA) are her grandparents.
Our prayers are with Bro. Dale
Moore as he continues to heal from
surgery.
We are thankful ministering
Bro. Merlin Meyer, his wife, Sis.
Marilyn, and their children could be
with us on April 20. We hope they
felt a warm welcome and sincere
appreciation for their service. May
God bless the effort put forth.
ioWA, Garden Grove
Laura Funk
Iowa, Iowa City
Diana Butikofer
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
and weep with them that weep.”
Romans 12:15
Bro. Joe and Sis. Connie Gerst
and their family are in our prayers
following the death of Connie’s
mother, Sis. Marie Gress of West
Bend, IA. While saddened by her
absence, we are thankful for the
hope she had through our Lord.
We rejoice with Bro. Joe and Sis.
Connie upon hearing of the birth
of a grandson, Titus Edward, born
to Bro. Joel and Sis. Amy Troxel of
LaCrosse, IN on May 16.
We appreciate the opportunity
we had recently to share in Holy
Communion with our brethren.
Elder Bro. Jon Schmidgall (Oakville,
IA) was here to assist Bro. Joe Gerst.
We are grateful for Jon’s willingness
to serve us Sunday as well. May the
Lord bless Bro. Jon and Sis. Julie for
their work in our Lord’s Church.
IOWA, Lester
Joyce Moser
Audrey Metzger
It seems that the entire past year
has held unpredictable and unusual
weather for us in northwest Iowa….
severe drought last summer, a
winter almost entirely without snow,
followed by snow and ice storms
in April and even into May. There
have been other challenges to face
June 2013
in our lives, in the world around us,
and in our church family But God
is faithful and through all of this,
it is reinforced to us that He is in
control.
We congratulate the young people
from our church who are graduating
high school this month. They
(and their parents) include: Blain
Knobloch (Bro. Vern & Sis. Chalea),
Weston Knobloch (Bro. Denis &
Sis. Jackie), Chad Knoblock (Bro.
Troy & Sis. Donna), Eric Metzger
(Bro. Rodney & Sis. Polly), Sis.
Kayla Metzger (Bro. Jerome & Sis.
Jana), Jacob Meyer (Bro. Dean &
Sis. Linda), Lynelle Mogler (Bro.
Rodney & Sis. Lois), and Shayna
Popkes (John & Sis. Karmin). We
also recognize five college graduates
for completing their post-secondary
education: Cody Doorneweerd
(Bro. Lynn & Sis. Kathy), convert
Garth Knobloch (Bro. Vern & Sis.
Chalea), Amanda Metzger (Bro.
Bruce & Sis. Harriet), Sis. Whitney
Metzger (Bro. Blair & Sis. Julie), and
Jeff Moser (Bro. Donn & Sis. Joyce).
May each of these young people
remember the lessons learned at
home and in church that have given
them a strong foundation on which
to shape their lives away from home
and out in the working world.
“How much better is it to get wisdom
than gold! and to get understanding
rather to be chosen than silver.”
Proverbs 16:16
It was announced that converts,
Tristan and Chalsea (Knobloch)
Kuenzi, are at peace with God and
man. We look forward to their
baptisms. This reminds so many
of us of the time we came to that
recognition, and we truly rejoice
with them!
The engagement of Bro. Jeff
Popkes (Sis. Eleanor) to Sis. Tara
Kellenberger (Bro. Dennis & Sis.
June 2013
Shirley) was announced on May 12.
We wish them God’s blessings as
they plan their lives together.
We were blessed to have Bro.
Kevin Fehr (West Bend, IA)
minister to us on May 5. We thank
him for being used in this service on
our behalf.
Bro. Wilbert Knobloch and Sis.
Lois Metzger spent time in the
hospital this month. We hope both
of them are soon enjoying good
health again.
We extend our sincere sympathy
to Sis. Lillian (Bro. Howard) Mogler
in the loss of her sister, Sis. Violet
Wulf (Morris, MN) on May 12. She
was also the sister-in-law of Sis.
Alice Wulf and Leah Doorneweerd.
May God provide comfort to all
family members in their grief.
Note of Thanks:
We would like to express our
heartfelt thanks for the prayers,
concerns and well-wishes shown
after my accident and during my
recovery. May God richly bless all of
you. Charlie and Linda Metzger
IOWA, OAKVILLE
Sharla Wiegand
“Weeping may endure for a night, but
joy cometh in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5
We mourn the passing of Ed
Frank who departed from this life
on April 25. Our prayers are with
his brother, Bro. Norm and Sis.
Mary Ann Frank, and other family
members in our congregation.
Jeff Gerst left this life on May 7.
His parents were Bro. Richard and
Sis. Liberty Gerst. May the Lord
bring comfort to his children: Josh
and Kristin Gerst, Minda and Andy
Swisher and Collin Gerst.
SILVER LINING
Iowa, West Bend
Yvonne Bruellman
Becky Virkler
God has blessed the home of
Bro. Kent and Sis. Joleen Fehr with
baby, Bethany Jo. Monika, Carter,
Micah, Otis and Lena are very
happy to have a new sister. Thankful
grandparents are Jim and Sharon
Fehr and Elder Bro. Wayne and Sis.
Rose Grimm.
We are thankful Bro. Bruce
Messner (Sis. Audrey), Sis. Betty
Wirtz and Sis. Berniece Banwart are
home following hospitalization.
May 11 and 12 was a special
weekend for our congregation.
Not only was it Mother’s Day, but
we also were blessed to hear the
testimony and witness the baptism
of our new Sis. Deanna Fehr (Bro.
Byron and Sis. Anita). Elder Bro.
Randy Kellenberger (Sis. Karen,
Kansas City, MO) assisted our elder
and shared the ministry with Bro.
Clint Schmidt (Sis. Magdalena,
Winthrop, MN). We thank God for
His countless blessings.
Through the month we were also
uplifted and encouraged by visiting
ministers Bro. Ned Stoller (Sis.
Heidi, Alto,MI), Bro. Brandon Emch
(Sis. Maria, Kansas City, MO),
Elder Bro. Curt Frank (Sis. Lyla,
Lacrosse,IN), Bro. Wayne Fehr (Sis.
Kathy, Portland, OR), Bro. Dean
Messner (Sis. Wanda, Winthrop,
MN), Bro. Nathan Walder (Sis.
Denise, Cissna Park, IL), and Bro.
Dan Moser (Sis. Anne, Elgin, IL).
High School graduates are so
special and we wish them the
Lord’s nearness always. This year
we have eleven: twins-Kayla and
Kurt Banwart (Bro. Kent and Sis.
Beth), Rex Bruellman (Mark and
Deb), Aston Fehr (Bro. Darren and
Sis. Nora), Sis. Aubrey Fehr (Bro.
Lee and Sis. Alicia), Sis. Emma
Fehr (Bro. Cory and Sis. Jennifer),
25
Heather Fehr (Bro. John and Sis.
Wendy), Chyan Metzger (Roy and
Angela), Luke Mogler (Bro. Lynn
and Sis. Amy), Danna Schmidt (Bro.
Wendell and Sis. Karen) and Tory
Schmidt (Bro. Ted and Sis. Kelly).
May God’s precepts always be their
guide.
The death angel has come to take
home our dear Sis. Marie Gress. She
quietly fell “Asleep in Jesus” after
residing many years at the West
Bend Care Center. Our prayers
and sympathy are extended to her
family: Ray (Sandy) of Willis Point,
TX; Bro. Rodney (Sis. Sally) of Fort
Lauderdale, FL; Bro. Cloyce (Sis.
Carol) of Northville, MI; Roberts
(Sue) of Emmetsburg, IA; and Sis.
Connie Gerst (Bro. Joe) of the Iowa
City, IA area.
Our prayers and sympathy are also
with Sis. Evelyn Schmidt (Bro. Ivan)
in the loss of her brother, Ed Frank;
Sis. Judy Schmidt (Bro. Jerry) in the
loss of her sister, Phyllis Miller; and
Sis. Joyce Banwart and Sis. Lucille
Schmidt (Bro. Dwaine) in the loss of
their brother in law, Donald Payne.
May God’s comfort rest within the
hearts of these families.
JAPAN, SHIODA
Carrie Ito
We had two very blessed
weekends. First, on May 4, we had
testimonies and baptisms the same
day for Bro. Kotaro Furuya and Sis.
Misami Iwama. We were thankful
to have Elder Bros. Mark (Sis. Bev)
and Steve (Sis. Linda) Gutwein
here for the joyous event (as well
as the dedication). Please pray for
these new believers. Bro. Kotaro
is 17 and is in the intense time for
young Japanese as he determines
his future path of college and career.
His family, though not against his
faith, are not Christian. Sis. Iwama
is nearing 90 years old and moved
26
two weeks after her baptism to live
with her daughter in Kyushu, one
of the southern Japanese islands.
She was no longer able to live by
herself and felt the Lord’s direction
to move. Thankfully, she will be able
to listen to our services by phone
and we hope to visit her periodically
(a one-hour flight from Tokyo). Her
daughter is not Christian, so we
pray that the joy and love of Christ
that is so evident in Sis. Iwama-san
will work in her daughter and her
daughter’s family.
May 12 was the dedication of
our new church. We were blessed
with a full church and wonderful
fellowship. It was mentioned that
we have a Shinto shrine across
the street from our church and a
Buddhist temple next to it. Our
God does not live only in a building
as those faiths believe, but in our
hearts. We are so thankful for the
Holy Spirit’s presence that day and
pray that He will work in the many
unbelievers who attended that day!
Many thanks to all who donated
to make our new place of worship
possible! It is such a blessing!
JAPAN, Tokyo
Manuela Denes
Marie Inoue
This month our thoughts were
especially turned to Calvary where
our Lord suffered and died for our
sins on the cross. We promised
anew as we partook of the bread and
the cup to be faithful to our high
calling in Christ Jesus and to serve
Him the best we can.
Serving us at this holy feast were
Elder Bros. Mark Bahr (Sis. Bev)
and Steve Gutwein (Sis. Linda). We
so appreciated their presence as they
traveled a long distance to minister
to us. We enjoyed their fellowship as
we traveled by train to the country
church and other scenic areas.
SILVER LINING
Other visitors we so enjoyed
were Sisters Arlene and Phyllis
Siegle of the Oakville/Burlington
churches. They were on a tour that
was planned two years ago after the
earthquake. The tour was canceled
because of transportation problems,
and now it was scheduled again.
We were so glad to fellowship with
them. Another special visitor for us
was Sis. Yvonne Gutwein, mother of
Bro. Steve, and sister to me. Twas a
joy to share our lives for 10 days.
We rejoice with the Shioda
church as they were privileged
to welcome two dear souls into
their brotherhood. Then, a week
later, quite a few of us attended
the dedication of the new Shioda
church. We surely thank the Lord
and them for such a meaningful
dedication service and kind
hospitality to us. How we miss the
old church and the Ehnle home.
But, how much more do we thank
the Lord for providing for the dear
brethren there, faithful brethren to
continue sowing the Word.
KANSAS, BERN
Rita Menold
Jill Meyer
“The flowers appear on the earth; the
time of the singing of birds is come
and the voice of the turtle is heard in
our land…” Song of Solomon 2:12
What a wondrous time is Spring,
when we welcome new life and
everything that comes with the
season!
Jessalyn Strahm (Bro. Faron
and Sis. Jana) was announced as
having peace with God and man
and is awaiting baptism in the near
future. Malerie Strahm (Bro. Mike
and Sis. Diane) also desires a closer
walk with the Lord and to join our
church fellowship. Our prayers are
certainly with both of these young
June 2013
ladies as they look to God to direct
them.
Spring also brings graduates as
the school term comes to a close.
High school graduates are: Mitchell
Baumgartner (Bro. Jay and Heidi),
Sis. Olivia Baumgartner (Bro. Jeff
and Sis. Kim), Cameron Meyer (Bro.
Richard and Sis. Joni), Claire Meyer
(Bro. Duane and Sis. Holly), Amy
Rokey (Bro. Mike and Sis. Sue),
Bro. Josh Strahm (Bro. Brad and
Sis. Michelle), Mariah Strahm (Bro.
Faron and Sis. Jana) and Bro. Peter
Strahm (Bro. Kyle and Sis. Peggy).
Our college graduate is Sis. Laurie
Stoller (Bro. Arden and Sis. Dar).
May we remember each of them in
our prayers and may they each seek
the kingdom of God first in their
lives as they reach this milestone!
New babies are also a sweet sign
of Spring. Bro. Galen and Sis. Nancy
Rokey welcomed a new grandson on
April 24 when Hudson Eli was born
to Koertland and Sis. Rebekah Beyer
(Sabetha).
We wish to thank our Sabetha
ministers, Bro. Jerry Meeks (Sis.
Christy) and Bro. Dave Hartter
(Sis. Beth) for ministering to us this
month. Our prayers continue for all
those who have the responsibility
for bringing forth the Word to us
each week.
Also in our prayers are those who
have had hospitalizations or health
issues, including Ruth Meyer, Bro.
Waymer Esslinger and Bro. Galen
Rokey.
Many thanks to our Single Group
and Sunday School students for
preparing and serving a delicious
lunch for Mother’s Day. We
appreciate your efforts in giving the
“mothers” of our congregation this
special gift!
June 2013
SILVER LINING
kANSAS, FORT SCOTT
Teresa Bahr
what it means to a lost world is
very humbling to us. We are very
thankful for this privilege and praise
“...this do in remembrance of me.”
God for loving us so much that He
Luke 22:19
would send “is own son to die for us
We were served Holy Communion that we might live forever with Him.
by Elder Bro. Randy Kellenberger
Luke 15:10 “Likewise I say unto you,
(Sis. Karen, Kansas City, MO) and
there is joy in the presence of the
Elder Bro. Jeff Streitmatter (Sis.
angels of God over one sinner that
Lynn, Sarasota, FL). God bless them repenteth.”
for their service in the Lord.
And so we are joyful, as our
The weekend of April 27 & 28
precious,
Staci Stewart, daughter of
we hosted the Kansas Middle
Bro. Kelly and Sis. Jenny Stewart,
School Youth Fellowship which
has chosen to repent and give her
included students from Denver,
life to God and serve Him evermore.
CO and Garden Grove, IA. Bro.
Our love and prayers are with Staci
Cory Metzger (Sis. Jodi, Wichita,
as she begins this new walk with her
KS) spoke to the group on courage
Lord.
and making appropriate decisions.
In March, Bro. Kent and Sis.
Thank you, Bro. Cory, for speaking
Darcy
Kisling and Staci and Joshua
godly wisdom to our young people.
Stewart spent spring break in Haiti
Also, many, many thanks to the
helping in any needed: roofing,
Fort Scott church members who
building, sharing. They came home
organized and contributed in some
way to the success of the weekend. It feeling blessed by the joy of the
people there and how happy they
was a blessing to all of us.
are in the face of great adversity.
Bro. Brad Strahm (Sis. Michelle,
In the future, they hope to share
Bern, KS) was our visiting minister
pictures of the trip with us.
on the small church rotation.
Ben Fischer (Bro. Jeff and Sis.
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the
Gloria) is our 8th grade graduate
way he should go: and when he is old,
this May.
he will not depart from it.”
KAnsas, Kiowa
Janice Bahr
Jenny Stewart
Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt show me the
path of life; in thy presence is fullness
of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures
forevermore.”
What a blessed month we have
had here in Kiowa. Elder Bro.
John and Sis. Connie Lehman and
Bro. Neal and Sis. Evelyn Hartter
(Bern) spent a Saturday evening
and Sunday with us. Bro. John
shared Communion with us and
the precious Word of God. To
remember our Lord’s suffering and
God has again blessed Bro.
Jeff and Sis. Janice Bahr (Kiowa)
and Bro. Jim and Sis. Jeannie
Rinkenberger (Bluffton) with
another grandson in the form
of Eric Geofri, born to Bro. Joel
and Sis. Stephanie Rinkenberger,
Magdalena, Mexico. Marcos, Aron,
Diego, Candi and Ithan were there
to welcome little brother, Eric,
home.
We were thankful this month to
have Bro. Mike Leman (Sis. Deb)
(Denver) to share with us this
month. We appreciate the effort of
time and the encouraging message
27
he had for us all.
Keep on praying, the connection
to God is never lost!!!!
Kansas, Lamont-Gridley
Sarah Somerhalder
We thank ministering Bro. John
Baumgartner (Sis. Maria, Bern, KS)
for preaching God’s Word. May the
Lord bless him for his labors of love
in our behalf.
Congratulations and best wishes
to our graduates this year. Our
college graduate is Bro. Michael
Luthi (Elder Bro. Jay & Sis. Jane).
Graduating from high school is
Matthew Knobloch (Bro. Tom & Sis.
Jeri). We wish them God’s blessings
in their next step in life.
KANSAS, SABETHA
Dawn Strahm
Sally Strahm
We rejoice with our convert,
Andrew Hartter (Bro. James and
Sis. Sandy), as he has found peace.
We look forward to his proving and
baptism.
Koertland and Sis. Rebekah Beyer
welcome Hudson Eli into their
hearts and home. Hudson also has
two older brothers, Keelan and
Abram. Grandparents are Peter
Beyer of Columbus, OH and Sis.
Luanne Beyer of Oakville, IA and
Bro. Galen and Sis. Nancy Rokey of
Bern, KS.
We are always thankful to have
visiting ministers. Those with us
this past month were Bro. Brian
Metzger (Sis. Angie) and Elder Bro.
Rod Bajema (Sis. Sue) of Lester, IA;
Bro. Brent Kellenberger (Sis. Beth)
and Bro. Brandon Emch (Sis. Maria)
of Kansas City, MO; Bro. John
Baumgartner (Sis. Lori, Bern, KS),
Elder Bro. Wayne Grimm (Sis. Rose,
West Bend, IA); Bro. Clint Schmidt
(Sis. Magdalena, Winthrop, MN)
and Elder Bro. John Lehman (Sis.
SILVER LINING
28
Connie, Bern, KS). May God bless
these brothers for their labors of
love and for being willing servants.
Bro. Frank Hertzel (Sis. Ruth)
spent time in the hospital this
month. May God’s healing hand be
upon Bro. Frank.
Our Sabetha congregation partook
of Holy Communion on May 4. We
thank our Elder Bro. Rod Bajema
(Sis. Sue, Lester, IA) and Elder Bro.
John Lehman (Sis. Connie, Bern,
KS) for helping assist our Elder Bro.
Gerry Hertzel.
The Junior Bible Class traveled
to Fort Scott, KS the weekend of
April 27-28. We thank the Fort
Scott church for helping host this
weekend.
Our graduate this year is Bro. Jed
Hartter (Bro. David and Sis. Beth).
We wish him God’s blessings as he
graduates from High School.
“This is the test of true devotion,
To keep and hold fast to the Lord;
And evermore without omission
In all things to obey His Word.
In small and unimportant matters,
Yet to be careful and sincere,
Not knowingly to faults consenting,
However small they may appear.
Remember, soul, that not the
humblest
Obedience shall the Lord forget;
Because the most unselfish spirit
In humble service here is met.
In small things then begin thy
training;
The smallest sin shun and abhor;
For in obeying, love is gaining;
And loyalty grows more and more.”
(Faithfulness In Small Things, Zion’s
Harp #179)
KANSAS, Wichita
Mexico, Ixtlán
Matt Gerber
In Mexico Mother’s Day is
celebrated on May 10. The students
put on a program with poems and
songs for the mothers at school. It
was exciting to see all the children
heartily singing to God, “How Great
Thou Art”. In Mexico so much
emphasis is put on mothers that
fathers are often neglected. We hope
to plan something meaningful for
the student’s dads for Father’s Day
in June.
At church on Sunday May 12, the
Sunday school class sang a special
number about the blessing of a
godly home, and afterward cake was
served for everyone.
A prayer meeting for brothers has
been started on Monday evenings.
This has been very beneficial for
getting to know each other better
by sharing and praying for one
another. This leads to more humility
and love among us. We have been
encouraged already by seeing God
answering these prayers.
The possibility of continuing the
grade school up through junior
high is being considered and prayed
about. In thinking about expanding
the school, we want to be certain
this is God’s will and that it will be
beneficial to the church’s mission.
We are aware that the church
cannot (and should not) try to do
everything. We need to focus our
resources and energies on the things
that can most directly contribute to
the edifying of the Body of Christ
and to making disciples. Maybe
the school is an important piece of
this. We appreciate your prayers
for God’s guidance as we look at
options.
There is still an opening for a
brother or sister to teach English
classes this coming school year.
Anyone interested should contact
June 2013
Bro. Matt Gerber ASAP. (magerbe@
gmail.com) Despite what the news
media portrays about violence in
Mexico, here in Ixtlán we do not
feel like we are at risk or in danger.
We feel comfortable encouraging
visitors from the U.S. If you or
someone you know has an interest
in visiting, moving to Ixtlán to teach
English, or help with the work in
some way, please don’t let inaccurate
perceptions of danger keep you
from getting involved.
Mexico, Magdalena
Stephanie Rinkenberger
“… for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.”
Phil. 4:11
It seems that every day here brings
change. Though sometimes that
change is difficult, we are grateful
for the myriad ways in which our
sovereign God works! Change can
bring growth and we praise Him for
how He continues to grow us, grow
this place and grow His work in this
place. Praise the Lord!
We rejoice with our Sis. Sarah
Frank and her engagement to Bro.
Brad Huette (Tremont, IL). They
will be married in August and plan
on making their home in Tremont.
We enjoyed a weekend visit from
the Tecate, MX young group. There
were games with our children,
fellowship and a singing Saturday
evening. Sunday we appreciated Bro.
José Cervantes sharing with our
congregation as well as a testimony
from Bro. Adam.
This month, the church ladies
held a baby shower for Sis. Berenice
Aupperle (Bro. Jonathan) and Sis.
Alisha Ramirez (Endi). Please be
prayerful for the imminent arrival of
these blessings from the Lord!
We are thankful for the visits and
help of Bro. Conner Pfister (Bluffton
June 2013
North, IN) and Bro. Drew Martin
(Princeville, IL) for the next few
weeks as school ends and summer
school begins!
Michigan, ALTO
Melissa Blough
Spring is here and new, fresh life
has risen from the cold, dusty earth.
God’s creation is a never-ending
example of His love and treasures.
Our congregation has been
richly blessed by visiting, laboring
brothers in the faith. Our hearts are
thankful for the services of Bro. Bob
Knochel (Sis. Rhonda, Baycity, MI),
elder Bro. David Graf (Sis. Barbara,
Akron, OH), and Bro. Stephen
Baner (Sis. Donnalou, Gridley, IL).
Prayers have been lifted on
behalf of our dear loved ones in the
hospitals with illness and surgery.
May God continue to comfort
and strengthen them as they heal.
We remember Harry and Pat
Erickson, Judah Oesch (Bro. Matt
and Sis. Shelli), Sis. Michele Blough
(Bro. Martin), and Gordy Blough
(Trisha).
With ache of loss, we say farewell
to dear Carl Steffen. Letting go is
painful, but we trust God will fill all
holes and comfort the hearts of his
wife, Sue, and children: Bro. Terry
Steffen (Sis. Laurie), Sis. Michelle
Baumgartner (Bro. Brad, Bluffton,
IN), and Treasure Reynolds
(Michael), Jill Casper, and Mark
Steffen (Stacey), and many dear
family and friends.
“And he took the cup, and gave
thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
Drink ye all of it: For this is my blood
of the new testament, which is shed
for many for the remission of sins.”
Matthew 26:27-28
At the remembrance of our Lord
and Savior, as a congregation, we
took part in Holy Communion.
SILVER LINING
Elder Bro. David Graf was with us
on that special night.
Jacob and Audrey welcomed home
their new baby sister, Faith Kay. We
pray for Jason and Joanna Elenbaas
at their joyful new addition.
Thankful grandparents are Bro. Jim
and Sis. Julie Blough.
Stay Thou Near By
“O God we need Thy strength and
might;
We need Thy presence brought to
sight.
We are so feeble and so frail
That only Thou canst lift the veil.
We cannot find our way alone
Lest evil place a stumbling stone;
Our hearts cannot contentment know
Unless Thy love around us flow.
Then God please come to us to stay
Thy lovingkindness guide our way,
Deliver us from paths of wrong
And make our lives a holy song.”
-Audrey McDaniel
Michigan, Bay City
Sarah Knochel
Janelle Ramseyer
The end of the school year
is nearing and we have the
opportunity to congratulate those
who will be graduating from
the various phases of schooling.
Tim Kuch (Marc & Lynn) and
Sis. Natasha Schlatter (Bro. Jay &
Sis. Carola) are our high school
graduates this year. Sis. Kathy
Knochel (Bro. Jim & Sis. Kay)
graduated from college recently. We
pray for God’s blessings on each of
these young people as they continue
their education.
Fred Knochel spent some time in
a hospital in Florida recently. We
are so thankful that the Lord was
merciful and gave Fred that grace
to begin his repentance. He passed
away a short time later. Our prayers
are with his sons: Sid, Greg and Fred
29
III. We also want to remember his
siblings: Bro. Floyd Knochel and Sis.
Laura Knapp (Fairbury, IL).
We want to extend an invitation
to those planning summer vacations
to include Bay City in their travel
plans. Michigan is a beautiful
place in the summer. There are a
number of travel destinations. Our
congregation loves visitors!
MICHIGAN, DETROIT
Krista Wieland
“When we this believe God is in
control we will have peace.” This
was one of the things Bro. Pat found
that his wife had written in her Bible
when she was dying of a terminal
illness. He asked me to share this
in the Silver Lining. Little did he
or his family know that these were
words that would be needed again
so soon. We were saddened to hear
that the Allen family experienced a
devastating house fire only about a
month after saying goodbye to their
wife, mother and grandma. We are
thankful that a neighbor saw the fire
and was able to wake the family so
that they could all get out safely. The
fire destroyed approximately 1/3 of
the home. There was not a room or
corner of the house on any of the
three levels that was not damaged
by smoke, soot and/or water. Two
vehicles were destroyed nearly
beyond recognition, including one
that was a good 10 feet away from
the house in the driveway. There
was, miraculously, a Bible that lay
completely untouched by the fire,
although much of the rest of the
room was burned. It was opened
to the chapter and verse of Isaiah
43:2: “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 shall not be
burned; neither shall the flame kindle
30
upon thee”
Our prayers and support will
continue to be with Bro. Pat and his
daughter, Ann Marie, and her sons,
Cody and Luke. They are currently
staying with another church family
while damages and needs are
assessed.
The quote Jeanne wrote in her
Bible is a good reminder for all of us
when we try to control something
that we have no control over and
then wonder why we don’t feel
peaceful. Or, like me, maybe we seek
control in other areas instead. I have
no control when the next seizure
will happen, or if it will happen.
Because of this, I find myself
trying to control other things. This
usually doesn’t work too well. If my
daughter or her friend is going to
fall off a bike, they are going to fall
off a bike and they will be just fine.
If they don’t want to be sprayed
with bug spray and they get bit by
mosquitos, they will probably want
the bug spray the next time. When
my house is clean, I cannot keep it
from getting dirty again. These are
such little things, but when I let go
of the need for control and pray and
release these things to God, I feel
peaceful again.
Our prayers go out to the Barton
family in the passing of Sis. Vi
Barton. Sis. Vi was a very dear
member of our church family and
she will be missed. Our sympathy is
extended to Dave and Gail Gasser
, Sis. Jackie Barton, Bro. Brian, Sis.
Char Barton, and KC Barton and
Bro. Joe and Sis Holly Bohart.
Our sympathy is also extended to
Bro. Cloyce and Sis. Carol Gress and
Bro. Jason and Sis Carrie Rauhe in
the passing of Bro. Cloyce’s mother
and Sis. Carrie’s grandmother in
West Bend, IA.
We want to congratulate our
college graduates! Bro. Jason Koch
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graduated with a Master’s Degree
from the University of Michigan.
Brooke Knochel graduated from
the University of Pittsburgh with a
Bachelor’s Degree. We know it is a
lot of work and we know God will
guide them in the future.
Sis. Mary Kaisner had surgery this
month and has spent some time in
the Woodhaven Rehabilitation Unit
recovering. She hopes to return
home soon and we look forward
to the time when she can assemble
with us again. Sis. Marti Gleichman
had foot surgery this month. It
was good to see her assemble
with us again recently. Kim Smith
has started with chemotherapy
treatments for cancer and our
prayers and support are also with
her. Bro. Ernie Weigele had surgery
and is doing very well. Finally,
Sis. Carrie Ramseyer had surgery
with good results for which we are
thankful.
Callum Virkler was born this
month to Bro. Joel and Sis. Amber
Virkler. Welcoming him home are
big brothers, Liam and Aidan. We
are so excited to have a new baby in
our congregation!
We welcome Bro. Drew
Schumacher from Bloomington, IL
who is here for the summer while he
completes an internship at Chrysler.
We’re looking forward to getting to
know him better.
Even while we welcome a new
member to our church family, we
also sadly said goodbye to Bro.
Nathan and Sis. Rachel Mueller
and their children: Kaine, Halle,
Layla and Daisy. They move
back to Bluffton, IN for two
months and then onto Missouri
for continued training toward
becoming missionaries. They shared
information about their calling and
training on a recent Wednesday
evening. It was very inspiring to see
June 2013
how God is working in their lives.
They have been a true blessing to
our congregation. Our prayers and
love go with them.
On Sunday evening, May 19,
there were many that came from
Bay City, Alto, Toledo and Detroit
for the 8th Annual All-Michigan
Sing. The evening began with a 5:30
pizza dinner, followed by a 6:30
singing. It was a beautiful evening of
fellowship.
Elder Bro. John Jackson (Sis
Peggy) and Bro. Bill Waibel
(Sis. Carol), both from Bay City,
ministered to our congregation.
We appreciate them allowing the
Spirit to speak through them. Bro.
Neil Ramseyer and his wife, Sis.
Sharon, also from Bay City, came to
preach the Word to our Woodhaven
residents in an evening service
earlier this month.
Elder Bro. Mark and Sis. Bev
Bahr travelled to Japan for several
weeks. We are glad they have
returned home again safely. This
trip included Communion at
Tokyo church, testimonies and
baptisms for two dear souls in
Shioda and also dedication for the
new Shioda church building. The
Lord’s nearness and blessing was felt
throughout the time in Japan. We
serve a gracious and faithful Lord.
Our Detroit church cherishes our
close connection with the churches
in Japan. It is a joy to uphold one
another in prayer.
On behalf of the Detroit Choir,
we would like to extend a warm
welcome to join us for the 25th
Annual Livonia Choir Benefit
for the support of our churchsponsored 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
June 2013
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 [email protected].
Minnesota, Minneapolis
Brenda Messner
Betty Rassi Lindwall
We extend our love and sympathy
to the family of Sis. Vi Wulf of
Morris. She is an aunt/great aunt
to Sis. Sheryl Luthi, Sis. Dee Sauder,
Nikita Garman, Bro. Dan Luthi, and
Bro. Kent and Sis. Mary Mogler.
Her family was known by many in
our church because they came to
the state fair with livestock for many
years and worshiped with us.
We are looking forward to our
summer visitors and invite all to
visit us on their way up north or to
plan on making Minneapolis their
destination.
We say goodbye to Bro. Dan Luthi
as he completes his nursing degree
at Bethel University and moves
to IL. We will miss Bro. Dan and
pray for God’s blessing on his new
journey.
MINNESOTA, MORRIS
Amy Ekren
Heidi Pfaffmann
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again
I say, Rejoice.” Phil 4:4
Spring has finally arrived!
After a long, snowy winter, we
are so thankful to hear the birds
chirping and feel the sun shining!
It is a wonderful reminder of God’s
promise of Heaven above!
“The sun may be shining on fields
bright and gay, with springtime
perfumes in the breeze. Yet a life
without Jesus is a winter in May,
without him no prospect can please.
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Jesus satisfies, Jesus satisfies, clouds at
his presence roll away. Jesus satisfies,
Jesus satisfies, His glory turns my
darkness into day.”
(Tabernacle Hymns #189, vs. 2)
We were blessed with many
visiting ministers this month:
Elder Bros. Bill Schlatter (Junction,
OH) and Andy Stoller (Rittman,
OH) along with Bros. Wayne Fehr
(Portland, OR), Bob Knochel (Sis.
Rhonda, Bay City, MI), and Matt
Feucht (Sis. Jennifer, Roanoke, IL).
What a blessing it is to meet and
greet brethren from across the land
and have them share God’s message
with us!
Brecken Grimm was hospitalized
this month (Bro. Lyle & Sis.
Amanda) along with Sis. Barbara
Schmidgall (Bro. Gilbert). We are
thankful for God’s healing hand.
We are excited to have two new
little additions to our church!
Vienna Beth Gramm was welcomed
home by big sister, Kyria, and
parents, Bro. Taylor and Sis. Tanya
Gramm. Grandparents are Bro. Tim
and Sis. Gwen Gramm and Bro.
Arnie and Sis. Myra Wulf (Lester,
IA). Cooper John Fehr was born to
Bro. Mitch & Sis. Abbie Fehr and
siblings: Monte, Maddie, Mylie and
Marty. Grandparents are Bro. Gary
and Sis. Sandy Fehr, Vance and
Kimberly Gullickson, and Mark and
Michelle Ekren.
On Mother’s Day, our dear Sis.
Violet Wulf (Bro. Leonard Wulf,
dec.) peacefully passed away. May
God provide comfort for all of the
family and those who were near to
her.
MINNESOTA, MORRIS North
Lois Schmidgall
Wanda Gramm
Spring…what a beautiful time of
the year!! It’s a miracle…to watch
the seed go into the ground, get
31
covered up with dirt and die, only
to be changed into a seedling that
pushes past the dirt and springs
forward into a new plant. So our
spiritual life is. When we come to
Christ, we must die to our past and
to self so that we can be changed
into a new being that God can work
with. With God’s help we can be
strengthened each day. Thank You,
Lord!
Another sign of Spring is
communion. We were so blessed to
have our Elder Bro. Paul Messner
(Sis. Jan, Winthrop, MN) and Bro.
John Jackson (Sis. Peggy, Alto,
MI) serve us. It was such a blessed
evening. The final hymn we sang
together was especially touching,
“It is well with my soul”. Thank you
brothers for giving of yourselves. We
also appreciate our home brothers
who feed us thru the Word on a
weekly basis.
We hosted the Peoria Choir on
April 28 and 29. Those beautiful
songs still ring in our hearts.
What must the singing be like in
HEAVEN?? Thank you to Bro. Tim
Roecker (Sis. Diane) who came
along with the choir, and served us
thru the Word. “Blest Be the Tie that
Binds our hearts in Christian Love”.
Thank you to all who came to spend
the weekend with us. We were so
blessed.
Thank you to our Sunday School
and young people for making
Mother’s Day so special. We were
served a delicious lunch. Then
they all sang “When There’s Love at
Home”. We appreciate our young,
energetic, loving kids so much, and
the Sunday School teachers who are
willing to give of themselves.
Our hearts were saddened with
the passing of Bro. Carl Hoerr of
Peoria, IL. Bro. Carl is the father of
Sis. Ruth (Bro. Tom) Schmidgall.
We have such precious memories of
32
Bro. Carl and Sis. Evie. They were
such a support and encouragement
to our little church. Bro. Carl will
be missed, but we know God has a
beautiful new angel in His choir.
Also, we share our sympathy with
the family of Sis. Vi Wulf of the
Morris congregation.
May God comfort all those during
their time of loss.
Our church just finished the
“Forgiveness” Bible study and is
starting on the study of “Faith”. It is
so good to keep God’s Word in front
of us and to study, so that we can be
approved by God. We are looking
forward to understanding faith
more fully thru this study.
After prayer and spiritual
counseling, our church has decided
to move forward and look into the
possibility of having our own church
building. A building committee
has been formed and our church
prayers are that God will direct
the committee. We ask that God
will lead us each step of the way,
and also ask for the prayers of our
national church family.
“But without faith it is impossible to
please him: for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he
is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek him.” Heb. 11:6
MINNESOTA, ROCHESTER
Mark Stork
Eric Bachman
We were again blessed this month
by those willing to preach the
Gospel message. Bro. Floyd Frieden
(Sis. Jan, Elgin, IA) were here for
our Wednesday evening service. We
appreciate the efforts on our behalf.
We thank those who used
their talents to do landscaping
at the Guest House. Much was
accomplished in a short time. We
thank God that all could be done
without accident. We are prayerful
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for all who have used and are using
the Guest House in the past months.
May God heal according to His will.
We do have openings for those who
have a need. Contacts are Bro. Mark
and Sis. Sandy Stork. Phone number
is (507) 288-0072.
MINNESOTA, WINTHROP
Rebecca Messner
Heather Steiner
Our prayers and sympathy are
with Roxanna Bode (Brandon) as
she is undergoing treatment for
cancer. We are lifting up the families
of Roxanna & Brandon in prayer to
God as they go through this time in
their lives.
We were thankful to have visiting
Elder Bro. Mark Masters (Sis.
Jeannine, Mansfield, OH) assist
our congregation throughout the
weekend (May 4&5). We were
thankful to have heard our convert,
Ann Lind, give her testimony of
faith. It was a blessing to witness her
baptism. We also had the privilege
to partake of Holy Communion.
May we thank God for His loving
kindness.
We also thank Bro. Dean Steffen
(Sis. Carol, Belvidere, IL), Bro. Wes
Moser (Sis. Esther, Lester, IA), and
Bro. Kevin Fehr (Sis. Lonnie, West
Bend, IA) for their services this
month.
Missouri, Kansas City
Brittany Fehr
Elder Bro. Steve Sauder (Sis.
Mary, Tremont, IL) joined us for
the reading of the Memorandum.
Elder Bro. Bruce Endress (Sis.
Elizabeth, Bradford, IL) assisted in
serving Holy. Elder Bro. Jay Luthi
(Sis. Jane, Lamont-Gridley, KS) and
Bro. Edwin Strahm (Sis. Ramona,
Bern, KS) have also ministered to
us recently. May the Lord bless each
one.
June 2013
Two new babies were recently
added to our congregation! Bro.
Brett and Sis. Laura Herrmann
welcomed Charlene Ann into
their family. Bryce and Joni have
showered their little sister with
affection! Malacai Alan recently
joined Bro. Alan and Sis. Holly
Banwart’s family. So, Gideon is now
a big brother! We rejoice with these
couples and are thankful for the
safe arrival of both Charlene and
Malacai.
We want to thank all those in our
congregation who assisted with the
assembly of World Relief health kits.
We also appreciated the fellowship
of those who joined us for our single
group invite weekend in April.
Our prayers have been with Sis.
Marty Rokey (the late Bro. Garry)
as she has had major surgery
recently. We are thankful for God›s
providence. Sis. Marty is now in
stable condition.
Missouri, Lamar
Venetta Banwart
We would like to thank our
visiting ministers this month: Bros.
Dale Moore (Sis. Cheryl, Elgin, IA),
Doyle Frauhiger (Sis. Jane, Bluffton
North, IN), Duane Metzger (Sis.
Ruth, West Bend, IA), Brandon
Emch (Sis. Maria, Kansas City,
MO). May God richly bless them for
feeding us from God’s Word.
May God continue to grant His
healing blessing on our hospital
patient: Sis. Bonnie Braker (Bro.
Leonard).
Directions to the church from
Hwy 71/I-49:
-From the North, take Exit 77 (Hwy
160) right or west 7 miles to Hwy O.
Take a left on Hwy O for 5 miles to
church.
-From the South, take Exit 70 (Hwy
126) left or west 7 miles to Hwy O.
Take a right on Hwy O for 3 miles to
church.
June 2013
MISSOURI, ST. LOUIS
Kary Mangers
Our congregation spent a blessed
time together remembering what
Christ did for us as we shared
Communion. How truly deep and
wide is the Father love for us! Our
love and thanks to Elder Bro. John
and Sis. Peggy Jackson (Bay City)
and our Elder Bro. Kent and Sis.
Jan Heimer (Taylor) for helping
with this special and meaningful
occasion. These elders also took
time covering the memorandum
with us.
Our congregation also was
blessed to celebrate another special
occasion. Many of us we able to
witness the joining of two hearts
brought together by the Lord.
Congratulations to Bro. Amit Parke
(formally of Chicago) and Sis.
Sydney Eisenmann. May the Lord
continue to bring you closer to Him
and each other through this sacred
union. We warmly welcome Bro.
Amit to St. Louis. We are thrilled to
have them as a couple in our church.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt
love and congratulations to Landon
Wuethrich and Shelby Duff as they
recently announced their engagement. Parents are Bro. Chris and
Sis. Carla Wuethrich of Troy, IL and
David and Karen Duff of Bridgeton,
MO. We look forward to seeing how
the Lord works in this new chapter
of their lives. May it bring glory and
honor to Him!
MISSOURI, TAYLOR
Marcia Sutter
“Thus united and in concord
Let us walk the path of life;
Hand in hand O may love bind us
For each other’s welfare strive.”
Zion’s Harp #237, verse 1
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33
On April 21, 2013, Bro. Garrett
Yackley (Bro. Joe and Sis. Jerilyn)
was married to Sis. Courtney Funk
(Bro. Mark and Sis. Becky Funk)
in Gridley, IL. We wish them God’s
richest blessings.
Congratulations to all our
graduating seniors. They were
honored after Wednesday night
church on May 15, 2013. Graduating
seniors include: Kenda Eberhardt
(Bro. Fred and Sis. Kathy), Devin
Knapp (Kevin), Christina Rocke
(Bro. Jeff and Sis. Carrie), Jill Sutter
(Bro. Dan and Sis. Tina), and
Mitchell Sutter (Bro. Roger and Sis.
Diane). We pray that God bestows
many blessings on these special
young people.
God has blessed us with good
weather for the planting season. Our
prayer is that God will also give the
increase. Spiritually, our ministers
and Sunday School teachers have
planted the seeds of God’s love and
His willingness to send His only
begotten Son to die on the cross
for all our sins. Hopefully the seeds
have been dropped on good soil and
many more will take advantage of
this free salvation.
joins siblings Bailey, Brendon and
Bryson at home. On May 17, Rhoda
Elizabeth was born to Ian and
Rebecca Gilbert. She joins big sister,
Shae, at home. May the Lord bless
these growing families with His love
and grace.
Sis. Anna Mellnitz was able
to move to the Lewis County
Residential Health Care Facility to
be closer to her family. We pray for
God’s nearness to her in this stage of
her life.
Our prayers go out to the family
of Boyce Widrick who passed away
on April 22. We also remember our
Sis. Polly Farney after the loss of her
sister, Bernice Bauer, on April 28.
We continue to remember Martin
Hirschey and Fred Ebersol who
have been hospitalized recently and
are now home recovering. May the
Lord give then renewed strength for
each day.
We are again blessed to have had
several brethren from Rockville, CT
travel to fellowship with our small
congregation. They provided our
lunch for us on Sunday, May 19.
May the Lord richly bless them for
their labors of love.
New York, CroghanNaumburg
Hope Graves
We are thankful for safe travels as
our Elder Bro. Duane Farney and
Sis. Karen went to Haiti to share
Communion with the brethren
there. What a blessing that we can
find faith so many miles from home!
Our annual church cleaning
brought many of us together on
Monday evening, May 6. Much
work was accomplished in keeping
up God’s house.
We are happy to have the safe
arrival of little Bentley Braylyn
on May 6. Bentley was born to
Curtis and Meaghan Bowers and
Ohio, Akron
Erika Gal
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what
is good; and what doth the LORD
require of thee, but to do justly, and
to love mercy, and to walk humbly
with thy God?” Micah 6:8
We wish the Lord’s rich blessings
and guidance to our six high school
graduates. They are Sis. Katie Palitto
(Bro. Bryon and Sis. Lisa), Nate Graf
(Bro. Dan and Sis. Rosanne), Jesse
Graf (Bro. Todd and Sis. Lydia),
Lydia Pamer (Bro. Steve and Sis.
Arliss), Adeline Graf (Bro. Eric and
Sis. Erika), and Brad Steidl (Bro.
Don and Sis. Nan).
34
OHIO, COLUMBUS
Lauren Rufener
Bro. Matt Kaehr has moved back
to Bluffton, IN. May the Lord guide
and direct his future endeavors.
We welcome Bro. Luke and Sis.
Michelle Gerst to our congregation.
We are thankful for their addition to
our church family!
We appreciate visiting minister,
Bro. Don and Sis. Nan Steidl
(Akron, OH), for sharing God’s
Word with us.
OHIO, JUNCTION
Vicki Boroff
Several couples were blessed with
grandchildren recently. Bro. Matt
and Sis. Deanna Manz (Toledo) had
Reagan Kaye on April 18. Junction
grandparents are Bro. Dave and
Kathy Manz.
Bro. Ben and Sis. Carolyn Manz
were excited to share that they
added two grandbabies to their
family. Noah Benjamin was born
April 8 to Dan and Angie Manz.
Noah joins Jacob and Olivia at
home. Addisyn Nicole was born
January 25 to Mike and Kim Manz,
and joins Jayden and Gavin at home.
Ryker James was born April 3 to
Bro. Kent and Sis. Beth Steidinger
(Fairbury). On January 6, Logan
Greg joined Bro. Chad and Sis.
Janice Kaeb (Remington). Junction
grandparents are Bro. Ken and Sis.
Gwen Manz.
We were saddened to hear of the
passing of Sis. Joann Varga, mother
of Sis. Vera Manz (Bro. Russell).
May the family feel our prayers.
Our prayers go out on behalf of
Bro. Eli Manz and Eleanor Gerber.
Both spent some time in the
hospital.
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OHIO, LATTY
Carmen Stoller
Mindy Stoller
We were blessed to witness the
testimonies and baptism of Bro.
John Rosswurm (Bro. Bruce and Sis.
Amy) and Sis. Megan Miller (Bro.
Roger and Sis. Kay). May God bless
them richly as they strive to lead
an overcoming life with Him. We
were thankful for the support and
teachings given by Bro. Bill Schlatter
(Sis. Emily, Junction, OH) and Bro.
Walt Rager (Sis. Sharon, Toledo,
OH) that weekend. This month
we were also blessed to have Bro.
Nelson Beer (Sis. Minnie, Milford,
IN) minister to us. May these
brothers be blessed for their service.
We also wish to recognize our
high school graduates for 2013:
Carissa Eisenmann (Bro. Bill
and Sis. Carol), Lela and Sasha
Greutman (Bro. Greg and Sis.
Kristy), Adam Nuest (Bro. Lee and
Sis. Paula), Natalie Sinn (Bro. Gary
and Sis. Paulette), Tanya Sinn (Bro.
Todd and Sis. Janet), Luke Spangler
(Mark and Laura), Kylee Wenninger
(Bro. Kevin and Sis. Della), and
Staci Wenninger (Bro. Randy and
Sis. Joni). Congratulations to all
the graduates! As we were blessed
to witness a dove flying for a while
by the windows behind the pulpit
during our church service dedicated
to these graduates, may they always
remember where true peace and
blessings come from. Our God is
good.
Isaiah 60:1-9 “Arise, shine; for thy
light is come, and the glory of the
Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold,
the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people: but
the Lord shall arise upon thee, and
his glory shall be seen upon thee.
And the Gentiles shall come to thy
light, and kings to the brightness of
June 2013
thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round
about, and see: all they gather
themselves together, they come to
thee: thy sons shall come from far,
and thy daughters shall be nursed
at thy side. Then thou shalt see,
and flow together, and thine heart
shall fear, and be enlarged; because
the abundance of the sea shall be
converted unto thee, the forces of the
Gentiles shall come unto thee... All
the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered
together unto thee, the rams of
Nebaioth shall minister unto thee:
they shall come up with acceptance
on mine altar, and I will glorify the
house of my glory. Who are these that
fly as a cloud, and as the doves to
their windows? Surely the isles shall
wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish
first, to bring thy sons from far, their
silver and their gold with them, unto
the name of the Lord thy God, and
to the Holy One of Israel, because he
hath glorified thee.”
OHIO, MANSFIELD
Elizabeth Walter
We wish God’s richest blessings on
our graduating seniors this year: Sis.
Nicole Baumann, Sis. Johanna Beer,
Tyler Beer, Jonathan Dawson, Alex
Sauder, Gretchen Sauder, and Jaclyn
Sauder. May each one remember the
truths they have been taught and
look to their Savior for leading in
their lives.
Our prayers go out to our Bro.
Dave Eyerly (Sis. Edna), Sis. Delores
Hill (Bro. Mick), and Bro. Larry
Bocka who have spent time in the
hospital this month. May God grant
healing according to His will.
OHIO, RITTMAN
Anna Bauman
Julia Zollinger
We are thankful for the safe arrival
of two babies this month. Eszter
June 2013
Julianna was born to Bro. Tom
and Sis. Laura Bako (Akron, OH)
on April 20. Zalán is Eszter’s big
brother. Thankful grandparents are
Bro. Gregory and Sis. Joy Stoller and
Bro. Eugene and Sis. Diane Bako
(Akron, OH). Bro. Eric and Sis.
Ruth Maibach also welcomed a girl
into their family. Eleanor Claire was
born on May 6. Excited siblings are
Hudson and Tucker. Grandparents
are Bro. Alpha and Sis. Denise
Maibach and Greg and Sis. Peggy
Tieche.
Our prayers are with all those who
were recently hospitalized. They
are Cameron Stoller (Bro. Jordan
and Sis. Joy), Bro. Carl (Sis. Carol)
Steiner, Sis. Vi (Bro. Mitchel) Baltic,
and Sis. Martha (Carl) Zollinger.
May God grant each one a quick
recovery.
We extend our sympathy to Janet
(Bro. Dale) Gasser in the passing of
her father, Dale Cecil. Our thoughts
and prayers are also with the family
of Gladys (Richard) Bauman in the
recent death of her sister, Delores
Bischoff.
We were blessed to have Bro. Bill
(Sis. Miriam) Brake (Sardis, OH)
minister God’s precious Word this
month. May we continue to pray for
our ministers.
Ohio, Sardis
Faith Beard
Ohio, Smithville
Sara Crist
Kara Stoller
Congratulations to Bro. Steve and
Sis. Jollene Hofacre on the birth of
twin granddaughters: Rachel Ardeth
and Akiva Hoshiana. The babies
were born March 25 to Bob and
Stephanie Sax of Atlantic Beach, FL,
and join siblings: Sarah, Hadassah,
Zipporah, Reuben and Levanah.
We rejoiced over the good news of
SILVER LINING
another soul having recognized her
need for a Savior. Heather Beery
(Bro. Dwaine and Sis. Shelly) has repented and began her walk in faith.
Blessings and love to you, Heather,
as you find your new life in Jesus.
“O taste and see that the Lord is
good: blessed is the man that trusteth
in him.” Psalm 34:8
Bro. Jim Ramsier (Sis. Dorothy)
was hospitalized this month. We are
so thankful for the gift of prayer that
we can freely give to those we love at
times like these.
On May 4, we hosted the East
Region Elder Meeting. Eight active
elders and two retired elders were
able to be present. We felt the
blessings and direction of the Lord
throughout the meeting.
OHIO, TOLEDO
Deanna Manz
Jenny Manz
It is refreshing when we can take a
break from our busy lives to spend
time together as a church family. We
enjoyed a Saturday evening singing
together as we recognized our
recent graduates. Congratulations
to Bro. Doug Harmon, Jr. and John
Harmon as they have graduated
from the Toledo Firefighter
Academy, and to Linda Harmon as
she has completed her Veterinary
degree. Linda is moving to the Latty
area to start her new job. We will
miss her and hope she visits often!
Sis. Connie Sancraint had surgery
and is recovering at home. Our
thoughts and prayers are with her as
she continues to heal.
If your summer travels bring
you near Toledo, please consider
assembling with us on Thursday
evening or Sunday. We are always
thankful for visitors!
35
Oregon, PORTLAND
Rebekah Jones
OREGON, SILVERTON
Kelsey Walder
Ann Kuenzi
Having surgeries this month were
Sis. Adriana Sinn (Bro. Duane) who
underwent surgery for appendicitis
and Sis. Linda Kuenzi (Bro. Bob)
for a hip replacement. We pray for
speedy recoveries.
Bernie and Margaret Dettwyler’s
3-month-old grandson, Raymond
Dettwyler (parents are Jonathan and
Katie Dettwyler) has been gravely
ill. Born one month premature, he
spent two weeks in the hospital at
the time of birth. Currently, he is
being treated for pneumonia, as
well as whooping cough and had
to be life-flighted to Dornbecker
Hospital in Portland. They feel he
is stabilizing, but still has some
challenges ahead. Our prayers
continue to be with them, as he is
still in the hospital after 3 weeks.
Bro. Ryan and Sis. Regina Hari
have a new baby girl named Marian
Faith, born April 27. Her excited
siblings are: Carissa, David, Grace
and Jason. Grandparents are Bro.
Harold and Sis. Linda Hari and Bro.
Don and Sis. Linda Sinn.
We also rejoice with Bro. Sam and
Sis. Tyrene Moser, as they have a
new little son, Shane Robert, that
was born May 6. Nash and Gage are
looking forward to having another
playmate. Grandparents are Bro.
Bob and Sis. Linda Kuenzi and Bro.
Ben and Sis. Glenna Moser from
Rockville, CT.
We are rejoicing with Lyle and
Andrea Kuenzi as they have begun
their repentance and have given
their hearts to the Lord to lead
them.
Visiting our pulpit this month was
Bro. Ron Jones (Sis. Liz, Portland,
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36
OR). We always appreciate having
our Portland brethren assemble
with us and bring the Word.
We wish to extend our sympathy
to Sis. Mary Beth Kuenzi (Bro. Art)
and their family in the loss of her
father, Leo Bucheit (Marg), April 20.
Jesse Te Slaa has our sympathy,
as his grandmother, Sis. Lucy
Knobloch, passed away recently in
Lester, IA.
Also grieving is the family of
Helen Walter (Forrest, IL). We pray
for comfort for Sis. Barbara Kuenzi
(Bro. Jim), Bro. Chuck Walter (Sis.
Karen), Sis. Marilyn Kuenzi (Bro.
Lynn) and their families in the loss
of their mother and grandmother
on April 22.
Sis. Evelyn Hari, after a long battle
with cancer, passed away May 3. She
leaves behind her daughter, Sherilyn
Johns (Mike) and family, as well as
her sister, Marie Von Flue (Alfred)
of Silverton. Sis. Evelyn’s last day at
church was the day of her baptism.
We rejoice that she came to know
the Lord.
PENNSYLVANIA,
PHILADELPHIA
Laura Isch
“That your Saviour loves you dearly,
He upon the cross has proved,
Where in torments most severely
He from God was far removed.
In His anguish He must languish
For the sinful men He loved.”
Zion’s Harp #226, vs. 2
This month, we were blessed to
partake in Holy Communion. We
appreciated Elder Bro. Marvin
Dotterer (Forrest, IL) making the
effort to share this special time with
our church. May God bless him for
his efforts.
We also appreciated Bro. Jerry
Bauman (Rittman,OH) coming to
share the Word this month.
Our prayers are with Sis. Char Barton with the passing of her mother,
Sis. Vi Barton (Detroit, MI). May
God keep us all in His love and care.
TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE
Mike and Monica Fritz
We were blessed recently to
have our Elder Bro. John Laukhuf
(Sis. Marcia; Latty, OH) with us to
share the Memorandum and Holy
Communion.
We are so thankful for the willing
service of our recent visiting
ministers: Bros. Les Kaeb (Sis.
Christine; Francesville, IN), Rustin
Meister (Sis. Amanda; West
Lafayette, IN), Dennis Kaufmann
(Sis. Bonnie; Bloomington-Normal,
IL), and Todd Graf (Sis. Lydia;
Akron, OH). We have also been
greatly blessed by the fellowship of
brethren and friends visiting from
Athens, AL; Bloomington-Normal,
Chicago, Forrest, and Morton, IL;
Francesville, West Lafayette, IN;
Elgin, IA; and Akron, Latty, and
Rittman, OH.
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: Princeville
(6/23), Wolcott (6/30), Remington
(7/7), Junction (7/14), Fairbury
(7/21), Smithville (7/28). 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. Also, we typically meet on
Wednesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. for
call-in services and would welcome
any midweek visitors. Contacts are
Bro. Don and Sis. Faye Sauder, (615)
373-8928; and Bro. Mike and Sis.
Monica Fritz, (615) 866-5543,
[email protected].
June 2013
TEXAS, AUSTIN
Serenity and Jasmine Ringger
Bro. Jim Meiss’ father, Bro. Harold
Meiss (Washington, IL), passed
away May 1. Our prayers are with
Bro. Jim & Sis. Candy and their
family in this time. May they always
feel the comforting presence of our
Lord.
We were blessed to partake of
Communion April 20. Our Elder
Bro. Wayne Banwart and Bro.
Leland Plattner (Sis. Mary, Zapata,
TX) came to serve us.
This month we hosted ministering
Bros. Jeff Leman (Sis. Val, Bluffton
North, IN), Paul Zimmerman (Sis.
Loretta, Forrest, IL), and Marvin
Zollinger (Sis. Pam, Smithville,
OH). We are grateful for all their
efforts to come preach the Word.
Visitors also came from Rittman,
OH and Bluffton, IN.
The following is the minister
schedule for July: (7) Rittman, OH;
(28) Denver, CO.
Please refer to the minister’s directory for directions and contacts.
Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth
“Oh my soul, wait thou only upon
God; for my expectation is from him.”
Psalm 62:5
Services are being held generally
the 2nd Sunday of each month at
the Holiday Inn Express, 4450 W.
John Carpenter Freeway, Irving TX.
Please call ahead to verify.
Leland & Mary Plattner 956-2650351 or Dennis & Diane Rassi 512321-2345.
“Now the city was large and great,
but the people were few therein, and
the houses were not builded.”
Neh. 7:4
June 2013
Texas, McAllen
Joyce Nohl
We wish to thank our visiting
ministers who have shared God’s
Word with us this past month: Bro.
Mark Rufener (Sis. Julie, Mansfield,
OH., Bro. Marvin Zollinger (Sis.
Pamela, Smithville, OH.) and Bro.
Leland Plattner (Sis. Mary, Zapata,
TX.)
Services are scheduled for July 14,
Bloomington-Normal, IL; July 28,
Gridley, IL; August 4, Princeville,
IL; and August 11, Peoria, IL. These
dates could be changed so please
verify if you plan to visit.
Andy and Kristi Plattner have
a 2-bedroom apartment available
one block from the Gulf at South
Padre Island for visitors who wish
to spend time there. You may call
them at 956-433-9844 for more
information.
Sunday services are held at
10:30 and 12:30 at the Holiday Inn
Express, 1921 South 10th St. Take
the 10th Street exit off Expressway
83 and go 1 1/2 blocks south. Please
see the ministers› directory for local
contact information.
Texas, Zapata
Mary Plattner
Our wintertime visitors have all
returned to their home churches
and we are now alternating services
with the McAllen congregation.
Visitors are welcome during the
summer, however, this is when some
of us plan to travel to the Midwest.
So, anyone who plans to come to
South Texas during the summertime
is advised to call first.
Vermont, NORTH
CLARENDON
Nathan and Miriam Reutter
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Please be our guest for a weekend of glorifying and praising God.
25th Annual Livonia Apostolic Christian
Benefit Dinner and Choir Program
To support the ministry of the
Woodhaven Retirement Community
at the
Apostolic Christian Church
29575 Wentworth St.
Livonia, MI 48154
Saturday, July 13, 2013
5:00 Dinner
7:00 Choir Program
Sunday, July 14, 2013
10:15 Morning Worship
12:30 Afternoon Worship
For overnight accommodations, please call or text:
Scott Bahr, (248) 924-7547 [email protected]
Suggestion for nearby day trip: Greenfield Village or
The Henry Ford Museum (see www.thehenryford.org)
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
[email protected]
37
June 2013
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38
USA World Relief Committee
Brother
Tom Klotzle
Chuck Kellenberger
Bill Leman
Les Schambach
Ray Slagel
Paul Kaeb
Stan Schambach
Doug Fiechter
Keith Kloter
Contacts for area work or disaster projects
Position
Home Church
Counseling Elder
Altadena, CA
Chairman
Elgin, IL
Treasurer
Roanoke, IL
Administrator/Secretary Elgin, IL
Consultant
Fairbury, IL
Consultant
Bern, KS
Consultant
Prescott, AZ
Consultant
Bluffton, IN
Consultant
Rockville, CT
Cell Phone
(818) 522-3307
(224) 629-6531
(309) 241-0257
(630) 247-5271
(815) 848-3714
(785) 547-5269
(224) 698-0899
(260) 307-6595
(860) 836-7935
Mexico Work Teams
Location
Year 2013
Coordinator
Magdalena
Construction
Jun 8-15
Benj Knapp
Washington Bible Class
309-208-7450
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Jun 25-Jul 1
Duane Metzger
515-887-2661
drmetzger.89.live.com
Medical Team
Sep 18-25
Cheryl Herrmann
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Nov 23-30
Rod Schmidt
303-774-7913
[email protected]
Location
Year 2014
Coordinator
Magdalena
Construction
Jan 4-11
Karl Edelman
815-657-7385
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Jan 11-18
Steve Kaeb
217-781-4709
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Feb 15-22
Jon Baner
309-532-9435
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 22-29
Mike Fiechter
Bluffton/BN Senior Class
260-597-7330
[email protected]
June 2013
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39
Jamaica Work Teams
Project
Year 2013
Coordinator
Capacity
Knockpatrick School
CCCD
Jun 15-22
Luke Rocke
309-448-2421
[email protected]
Goodfeild
SS
Knockpatrick School
CCCD
Jun 22-29
Trent Johnson
608-882-1259
[email protected]
Belvidere
SS
JDV
CCCD
Jun 29-6
Harvey Landis
330-466-8274
[email protected]
Akron SS
Rittman SS
Smithville SS
If you are interested in sponsoring a work team to Jamaica
contact Loren Dettwyler at [email protected]
Haiti Construction Work Teams
Project
Year 2013
Coordinator
Capacity
Les Cayes
FRW
Vocational School
Jun 7-14
Andy Getz
574-870-5046
[email protected]
4
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
June 2013
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40
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: [email protected]
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
[email protected]
Matt Gerber
School Administrator
[email protected]
www.acmission.org
June 2013
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41
Interested in Houseparenting at Gateway Woods?
Houseparenting at Gateway Woods offers an opportunity for a couple, directed of the Lord, to come to work
in a full-time on going ministry at Gateway Woods. Due to a change in staff, we have a need for an Alternate
Houseparent couple. This position offers competitive wages and generous benefits and a close relationship
with brothers and sisters whose hearts and lives are dedicated to a common mission with an eternal reward. If
you feel the call to explore this possibility, please call one of the brothers listed below.
Ed Graf
Residential Program Director
P.O. Box 151
Leo, IN 46765
(888) 443-4283
[email protected]
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd.
New Haven, IN 46774
Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]
“We have always considered our position a ministry
for our entire family not just a job for us.
Relationships built during this time can last for a lifetime.”
- Bro. Jason & Sis. Joy Kilgus, Houseparents
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 Maibach
Lynn Stieglitz
Business Manager
Counseling Elder
PO Box 151
15417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283
Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]
[email protected]
“A new commandment I give unto you,
That ye love one another; as I have
loved you, that ye also love one another
By this shall all men know that ye are
my disciples, if ye have love one to
another.” John 13:34-35
42
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June 2013
Executive Director - 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.
Lynn Stieglitz
Jeff Banwart
Counseling Elder
Gateway Woods Family Services
15417 Doty Rd.
Board Chairman
New Haven, IN 46774
Cell: 309.303.4220
Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]
[email protected]
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.
Lynn Stieglitz
Ed Graf
Counseling Elder
Residential Program Director
15417 Doty Rd.
P.O. Box 151
New Haven, IN 46774
Leo, IN 46765
Cell: 260.466.6712
(888) 443-4283
[email protected]
[email protected]
Important Notice to Americans Crossing
the Canadian Border by Land
All adults will need just ONE of the following documents:
1. Regular U.S. passport
2. U.S. passport card
3. Enhanced driver’s license
4. 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.
June 2013
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43
Summer Worship Services in 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: [email protected]
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: [email protected], WI 53948
44
Sermon continued from Page 2
us – and we can enjoy them today –
that touch the very intimate parts of
our life, the very depth of our soul,
the very intensity of the passions of
the heart of men.
So when we’re struggling, when
we have times that we are somewhat
confused or unable to conclude exactly how things are and why they’re
going the way they are or where
are we headed – oh we can see here
that the Psalmist was somewhat
distressed because it looked like evil
was overcoming good. It looked like
the sin and iniquity that abounded
in nations round about Israel was
having preeminence and priority
and conquering and we might say
winning the battles of life.
Brethren, the conclusion of this
Psalm – can we draw it to our heart
today? “So we thy people and sheep
of thy pasture…” v.13. So as we worship together again this afternoon,
can we have that confidence? Can
we have that feeling of assurance? If
not, today is a day in which that can
be taken care of. But we who have
walked by faith, walk in faith, walk
through faith, walk by faith, we can
say we are Thy people, God’s people.
We are the sheep in His pasture, and
therein we find great courage. We
find solution. We find resolution.
We find answers to those things that
were brought forth in the previous
twelve verses that may be in your
life and in mine. If they’re not in
there now, they often and again do
become part of our life where the
things of this world, the weakness
and frailty and vulnerability of man,
seems to take power and can shake
our faith.
It says in that 13th verse and as
we worship God this afternoon,
let’s keep it in front of our minds,
in front of our heart, in front of our
soul. What will we do? We, God’s
people, the sheep of His pasture,
will give thanks forever. What does
that imply, Brethren? He just talked
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about a number of things that were
difficult, hard, not easily understood, maybe some things without
remedy. We will give thanks. That
speaks of a heart of humility. A
heart of humility is thankful before deliverance comes, before the
victory, before the solution, before
the answer, before the healing. The
humble heart is thankful to God.
So the Magnet draws us with
thankful hearts. We will show forth
the praise to all generations. Among
us are at least four generations.
Maybe there’s five. May all the generations gathered here today see the
praise and the thankfulness of God’s
people, of the sheep of His pasture,
as we give thanks in recognition
of the power, the might, the love,
the deliverance that God, and God
alone, can give to the children of
men. May it be, Beloved Ones, that
as the approach of the Word of God
comes toward us, it doesn’t find us
proud so God must resist us.
If we can just remember the
magnet – one side’s humility; the
other side is proud. If the proud is
in power within us, it doesn’t draw
us to God. It repels us away. What
an awful state to find ourselves in!
But may it be as the people and
sheep of the pasture of God that we
are thankful, willing to endure, glad
to be counted among the blessed,
thankful to have been called and
chosen, that we might receive the
grace of God, the strength of God,
and the power of Him through the
Holy Spirit in you.
What an encouraging word – “…
even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians
5:11. God recognizes every deed. He
recognizes every cup of cold water.
He recognizes every act and thought
and prayer of love. He’s mindful of
everything that His children do or
intend and want to do, but He’s also
mindful of the things that we could
have done and we didn’t do. So we
always want to encourage – exhort
is the word that the Scriptures use –
June 2013
exhort is to encourage one strongly
to do that which is right. In the evil
times we live, the times and the
seasons, Brethren, we have no need
that it mention to us, but it’s good to
be reminded. The Apostle Peter says
that he wanted to stir up our minds
by way of remembrance (2 Peter
3:1).
We bring no new message, Brethren. That’s wonderful! We don’t want
to hear a new message. There are
plenty of new messages constantly.
The world is being enticed, entertained, and lifted up with new messages, but you and I want to hear an
old message – the message of truth
and salvation, the message of the
love of God which began at creation.
That message is real. It’s consistent,
and it gives life to our soul.
So the Word tells us about a
wicked and evil time. It says “For
yourselves know perfectly that the
day of the Lord so cometh as a thief
in the night.” v.2. Then it talks about
them saying “…Peace and safety;
then sudden destruction…” v.3. We
often think about that as part of the
world times, the global economy,
the global society, the global governments. We see all of these things
happening, and they’re interesting. But, we know better, don’t we,
Brethren? They might be interesting to the mind of men, but they’re
really of no value when this world is
gone. We can’t imagine on judgment
day that God’s going to give us an
exam about what we remembered
about this country or that nation
or this problem or that problem
here on earth. No, Jesus told us, it’s
recorded in the Word, about what
we will be asked.
In Chapter 25 of St. Matthew, He
tells us a few short questions He will
ask you and He will ask me. Those
are the things we need to be paying
attention to. Those should be the focus of our life and time here on the
earth. We’re going to be asked what
we’ve done with the love of God,
June 2013
what we’ve done with our time and
our energy. We’re going to be asked
what we’ve done with this day in
which we’ve had to live today. What
was the focus and the attention of
our efforts? Were we drawn by the
Magnet, or were we resistant as we
followed our own will?
So it says “peace and safety”. As I
read this today, it came very loudly
and vividly to me. It’s also speaking
to you and me, Brethren, as individuals. Are we in a position of our
life, maybe to some of you it would
seem like that can’t be possible, but
to others of us maybe we’re at a
place in our life where it seems very
peaceful and very safe. Maybe we’ve
worked very hard, and maybe things
have come together for us. Now all
of the sudden we don’t feel so pressured of where the next meal might
come from, where our next clothing
might be, what we might do with
our time, how we might have to be
focused, and what we might be desiring to accomplish. Would that not
be peace and safety? Would that not
be an attitude of complacency?
So the Scriptures could also be
talking to us individually, not just
as nations, not just as a people upon
the earth which it does speak to,
but in this day and time like it talks
to the church. I believe in Laodicea in the Revelations, it said you
say you’ve got all that you need. Of
course I’m paraphrasing. Everything’s well. Everything’s good, and
you don’t know you can’t see. You
don’t understand. You’re in dire
straits. You’re close to destruction.
(Revelation 3:14-18)
So this sudden destruction can
come to us as individuals when we
begin to think and feel like everything’s good, not too bad. We live
in a great nation. Yet, as brethren,
as children of God, we can become
asleep. So the calling today, Brethren, is to encourage us not to fall
asleep, not to think everything is
going fine so we don’t have to be
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careful, we don’t have to be prayerful, we don’t need to be watchful, it’s
going well.
The Scriptures tell us about the
enemy coming as a wolf in sheep’s
clothing (St. Matthew 7:15). So the
dangers are all around us, Brethren. In the times and the seasons in
which we live we should know perfectly well that it’s dangerous, just
as dangerous as it was when they
were giving their life at the stake
and when they were being burned
for their faith. Brethren, today is just
as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than in those days and times.
The enemy hasn’t taken vacation. He
hasn’t wandered off to some other
corner of the universe. He’s here
on this earth seeking who he may
devour, who he may confuse, who
he may deceive. Why, Brethren? Because he wants to beat and win over
God. He challenged God in heaven,
and here he is on earth seeking if he
can get you or me to be one of his
victims.
Then, Loved Ones, what happens
if you or I walk in the darkness?
What happens if you or I are sound
asleep and we’re not up and doing
the things of this world and time
in which you’re responsible for and
I’m responsible for, we’re not paying
attention, we’re not out and serving,
and we’re not letting the love of God
and the light of God and the salt of
the earth come through us? What
happens to the world around us,
Brethren? What happens to them if
you and I allow ourselves to walk in
darkness or fall asleep?
So today – another day of grace,
another opportunity. Hours have
gone by since the sun has risen. We
know not how long it will be ‘til our
day and time is done, but here we’ve
been advised and encouraged to
be sober today – to take today very
seriously that means – to take the
opportunities of life, the responsibilities of life, and let God direct us
on the journey.
45
A strong word, Brethren – you
know perfectly. So in the day and
time that we were awakened from
our pitiful life of sin and iniquity,
we were brought to the marvelous
Light, we were given that hope of
salvation, and we were given the
atonement and redemption, in that
day and time God made it perfectly
clear to us, not how our life would
go, but He made it perfectly clear to
us that He and He alone has grace
sufficient. He and He alone can
direct our lives to that good and
perfect end.
So may it be that we trust Him yet
today. May it be that we allow Him
to keep us from getting sleepy. He
and He alone will help us to watch
and to be sober. He and He alone
will encourage us on that journey of
life. Then like the children of Israel
we heard about this morning, we
can reach a helping hand out, an
encouraging word, a loving service
one to another.
“Wherefore comfort yourselves
together…” v.11. A house divided
cannot stand – the words of Jesus
Christ (St. Mark 3:25). Brethren,
will we, do we, can we remember
those words? The enemy of all righteousness isn’t so real clever, but it’s
embarrassing isn’t it how easily we
fall into that temptation. A house
divided cannot stand. “Wherefore
comfort yourselves together, and edify
one another, even as also ye do.” v.11.
The devil wants to win. He doesn’t
care about you or me.
So Beloved Ones, let’s know
as the times and the seasons are
approaching us – whether it be
personal times and seasons of our
life or whether it be the times and
seasons of the whole world as we
live today – may it be that we’re
perfectly aware of what’s going on.
That doesn’t mean we know how the
worlds are going to go or how the
nation’s going to go or the problems
that are going to be solved or what
Sermon continued on Page 46
June 2013
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46
Sermon continued on Page 46
kinds of marks here and there or
what kinds of economies which
mean nothing when it’s all over,
but we know perfectly well that the
Word’s a magnet. It wants to draw
us together.
If we’re being repelled we need to
look carefully at who we are. Are
we proud or are we humble? As it
draws us together may it give us the
courage that we can comfort one another, we can work out our salvation
together, we can be as the body of
Christ – not as cells falling apart and
appendages falling off and there’s no
strength for the body. No, Beloved
Ones, the body fitly joined together
(Ephesians 4:16) – each of us being
thankful for where we are, who we
are, and how we can be a fit body for
our Lord in this present world. May
God bless the efforts “even as also ye
do”.
Light from the Word
Now available by downloadable PDF from the Apostolic Christian
Publication website:
www.acpublications.org
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
102 Lake View Drive
Fairbury, IL 61739
(815) 692-3616
[email protected]
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Matt 21:22
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Mark 9:23
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who
All Things
...in His hands
are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:28
If God be for us, who can be against us.
He that spared not his own Son, but
delivered him up for us all, how shall he
not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:31-32
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in
all things, may abound to every good work.
2 Cor 9:8
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 5:20
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Rev 21:7
I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.
Phil 4:13
June 2013
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47
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.
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
[email protected] or 309.202.4897 or
Bro. Duane Reutter, Administrator
[email protected]
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
48
Biblical Financial Stewardship
Part Two of Three
Many of us have been adversely
affected by the economic upheaval
that has recently impacted our
nation and the world. We have
watched helplessly as our savings,
retirement accounts, real estate,
and other assets have been greatly
devalued. In an attempt to discern
the causes of our present financial
uncertainty and learn how to react
to them, people are looking to
financial counselors and economic
experts. But God’s Word not only
identifies the root causes of financial
distress, it also clearly reveals the
remedy.
The Bible has many warnings
about putting our trust in money
and earthly possessions. The Apostle
Paul wrote to Timothy that he
should “charge them that are rich in
this world, that they . . . [not] trust
in uncertain riches, but in the living
God, who giveth us richly all things
to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17
Jesus told his disciples, “Children,
how hard is it for them that
trust in riches to enter into the
kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24).
And before telling the parable of
the rich landowner who made
foolish decisions with regard to
his possessions, Jesus said, “Take
heed, and beware of covetousness:
for a man’s life consisteth not in the
abundance of the things which he
possesseth.” Luke 12:15
1. Debt.
One huge contributor to financial
troubles is debt, which a dictionary
defines as “money that a person is
obligated to pay to another.” This
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includes borrowed money, bank
loans, credit card balances, home
mortgages, and past due bills.
Contrary to what some may think,
the Bible does not forbid debt, but
it does reveal what is harmful about
debt. The author of Proverbs wrote,
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and
the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:7 The person who enters
into a debt becomes a “servant” to
the lender. In a sense, the debtor
surrenders his freedom until the
repayment has been completed. He
is not free to decide where to spend
the portion of his income that must
go to retire the debt. And the greater
the debt, the more confined is the
debtor’s servitude. Paul warned the
Corinthians, “Ye are bought with a
price; be not ye the servants of men.”
1 Corinthians 7:23
We are told that a staggering
amount of debt is tied up in credit
card accounts. Part of the problem
is simply deception – using a credit
card is spending money we don’t
have. Just one glance at a statement
with an overdue balance will reveal
the exorbitant price that credit card
companies charge for that practice.
A good way to determine if
your credit card spending is under
control is if you are able to pay off
the entire credit card statement
when you receive it. If you cannot,
seriously consider cutting up your
cards and living more within your
means. Most of the occurrences
of the word “content” in the New
Testament are in reference to
possessions. Paul wrote to Timothy,
“But godliness with contentment is
great gain. For we brought nothing
into this world, and it is certain we
can carry nothing out. And having
food and raiment let us be therewith
content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
2. Forsaking Counsel.
Another major contributor to
financial troubles is failure to get
advice. For someone who habitually
buys what he “wants” instead of
what he “needs,” this is a recipe for
financial disaster. God’s Word says,
“The way of a fool is right in his own
eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto
counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15
Here are three of the most
powerful sources of counsel when
making financial decisions:
i. The Counsel of Scripture.
Written by the inspiration of
God, the Bible transcends time and
cultural changes. Its principles are
as valid and applicable today as the
day they were recorded. Its purpose
has been to communicate God’s
plan, purpose, and direction for all
generations. “For the word of God
is quick, and powerful, and sharper
than any twoedged sword . . . and
is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
In seeking counsel for a particular
financial decision, our first thought
should be, “What does God’s Word
say?” If we find a direct answer, we
need search no further. If there is
no specific advice, then we should
move on to the second source –
godly people.
ii. The Counsel of Godly People.
God has wisely invested a wide
variety of gifts and talents in His
children. The Body of Christ is
to function in a similar manner
as a human body, where the
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members help, advise, chasten,
encourage, support, and pray for
one another. For those who are
married, the first source of advice
is our spouse. Subordinate to that,
but still important from a biblical
perspective, is the advice of parents.
Then there are a host of specialists
to whom we can turn, who have
expertise in the area of our financial
decisions. We read in Proverbs,
“Without counsel purposes are
disappointed: but in the multitude
of counsellors they are established.”
Proverbs 15:22
iii. The Counsel of the Lord.
One of the most important
sources of wise counsel is the Lord.
Isaiah wrote that “his name shall be
called Wonderful, Counsellor.” Isaiah
9:6 The Psalms frequently refer to
God as a counselor:
“I [the Lord] will instruct thee and
teach thee in the way which thou
shalt go: I will guide thee with mine
eye.” (32:8)
“Thou [the Lord] shalt guide me with
thy counsel.” (73:24)
“I will bless the Lord, who hath given
me counsel.” (16:7)
God’s counsel is received through
prayer, meditation on His Word,
and listening for the Spirit’s voice.
Whenever we are faced with a
major decision, we need to find a
49
quiet place where we can spend
uninterrupted time praying, reading
Scripture, and seeking the Lord’s
counsel. And, be patient, since
sometimes that involves waiting for
His direction.
A final word of advice, to both
those who seek counsel, and those
who offer counsel: Continually ask
the Lord for wisdom. “If any of you
lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that
giveth to all men liberally . . . and it
shall be given him. But let him ask in
faith, nothing wavering.” James 1:5-6
Biblical Financial Study, Small Group Student
Manual, Gainesville, GA: Crown Financial
Ministries, 2006.
Crown Financial Stewardship Bible Study
materials adapted for the Apostolic Christian
Church can be purchased from www.
acpublications.org
“He hath shewed thee, O man,
what is good; and what doth the
LORD require of thee, but to do
justly, and to love mercy, and
to walk humbly with thy God?”
Micah 6:8
Caretakers Needed for Washington D.C. Church
The Washington, DC, church is looking for couples, families or singles to serve as caretakers for our church,
which is located in a residential area of Silver Spring, MD. You should plan to stay an entire month if possible (minimum three Sundays). At this time, there is still good availability for 2014. This would be a wonderful way to help out a small church by providing fellowship, hospitality and upkeep/maintenance. There also
would be ample time to explore the DC area, which is rich in interesting things to do and see. If God is leading you to use your talents in this way, please contact Doreen Steffen for more information at 302-540-6574
or [email protected].
“But without faith it is
impossible to please him: for
he that cometh to God must
believe that he is, and that
he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him.” Heb. 11:6
“For the LORD seeth not as
man seeth; for man looketh on
the outward appearance, but
the LORD looketh on the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
June 2013
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50
Our Spiritual Heritage
The Baptism of Samuel Froehlich
The question sometimes comes
up, “Who baptized Samuel
Froehlich?” He was baptized
initially as an infant in the Swiss
Protestant State Church. Then, after
a true and upright conversion he
was baptized by a man named Ami
Bost. This occurred in February,
1832. This was accomplished by
sprinkling. He had not yet settled
the mode of baptism question in his
heart, and submitted to sprinkling.
He later came to embrace the
method of baptismal immersion as
we practice today. Yet, he never had
himself re-baptized. Feeling he had
experienced a true conversion, he
cited the verse, “One Lord, one faith,
one baptism.”
Ami Bost lived from 1790-1874.
He was 42 when he baptized Samuel
Froehlich. He had been a minister
in the Swiss Protestant State Church,
but had left this organization in
1819. At one point he was a “revival”
minister for the Continental Society
of London, a group Bro. Froehlich
associated with for a few months.
Bost traveled in Germany, France,
and Switzerland as a minister. He
returned to the Swiss state church
in 1840. During his 21 year stint as
a revival preacher, he baptized Bro.
Froehlich and many others. He was
also a hymn writer.
Bost was a man among many who
had left the state church. In the early
1800’s, a religious revival outside the
state church took place in Germany
and Switzerland. It was in this
era that Samuel Froehlich began
developing a new denomination,
with an emphasis as the Bible as
the sole authority for doctrine and
practice.
Froehlich’s Conversion
Samuel Froehlich writes that
he sought God with all his heart.
Essentially, he had no spiritual
mentors, and mostly sought God
by prayer and reading God’s Word.
He writes that he went into his
closet and prayed, and also went out
into lonesome places to cry out to
God in prayer and supplication. It
took him six months to find peace
with God and man. Coming out
of the state church, he was sincere
in doing the will of God, and of
upholding truth, no matter what the
consequences would be.
Seeking Truth
As he began to form a religious
denomination, Bro. Froehlich
was not all that sure how various
aspects of faith and doctrine would
administratively unfold in his
churches. The mode of baptism
was one aspect. He later came to
adhere to baptism by immersion,
and that mode continues today. It
was marvelous how God led him.
He was a young man in his twenties
who took the Bible and went out
and began preaching as God led
him. He preached wherever seeking
souls would hear him -- in living
rooms, in town squares, on farms,
and in other settings. By the grace
of God, souls began to repent, and
ultimately churches were formed.
Froehlich’s Comments on a New
Church
As Samuel Froehlich began
preaching and forming churches,
ultimately a brotherhood resulted.
He personally did not envision
heading up a new denomination.
On January 9, 1836, he wrote 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 (souls)
to God. If I could not place my
confidence in the Lord my God,
that He has called me to His Gospel,
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.” (source: Reugger,
Apostolic Christian Church History,
Volume I, page 43)
His first congregation was formed
at Langnau in the Emmental region
under the name of Geimeinschaft
Evangelisch Taufgesinnter. In the
English language, this is translated
into Evangelical Baptist Church.
In America, the church eventually
became known as the Apostolic
Christian Church. In the Mennonite
Encyclopedia, it is mentioned that
“his first followers were equally
from the Reformed Church and
from dissatisfied Mennonites in
Switzerland.” (Volume I, page 138)
By Perry Klopfenstein
Next Issue: Preaching in
Switzerland
June 2013
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51
The Light of Hope
Time as an Asset
Retired Elder Bro. Willis Ehnle, formerly of Shioda, Japan
Assets are usually listed as stocks,
bonds, and real estate. I’ve been
thinking of time as another asset to
be listed along with the above. We
can’t bequeath time to our heirs as
we can material things, but time is
very valuable. Therefore, how we
use it is of great importance. We all
need some recreation and vacation.
The Lord Jesus himself, went alone
up the mountain to pray. Matthew
14:23 “And when he had sent the
multitudes away, he went up into a
mountain apart to pray: and when
the evening was come, he was there
alone.”
I’m wondering if, as children
of God, we will not have to give
account of how we have spent our
time while here on earth. Matthew
12:36 reads, “But I say unto you,
That every idle word that men shall
speak, they shall give account thereof
in the day of judgment.” If we will
give account of every idle word, will
we not also need to give account of
how we have spent our time?
In Ephesians 5:15 and 16 we read,
“See then that ye walk circumspectly,
not as fools, but as wise, redeeming
the time, because the days are evil.”
Redeem means to buy back and I
understand this Scripture to mean
that we should use the time for
Christ that we tend to use for self
and for our own pleasure, even if
there is not anything otherwise
wrong with it. Maybe we better
think again before we say, “There
isn’t anything wrong with it, so I’m
going to do it.” What about the time
required to do it?
Time is extremely valuable to
someone who has not yet become a
child of God, someone who has not
yet repented and become converted
to Christ. 2 Corinthians 6:2 informs
us, “Behold, now is the day of
salvation.” Once we leave this earth,
time is no more and we understand
that there is no more chance to
repent and make peace with God.
Also, we need time to confess
our sins, where we may have done
wrong, to make restitution, and to
bring forth fruits of repentance, to
show by our life and attitude that
we have been converted to Christ.
We are not saved by our works but
they are evidence of our faith and
we shall be judged for our works. 2
Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all
appear before the judgment seat of
Christ; that every one may receive the
things done in his body, according to
that he hath done, whether it be good
or bad.”
In Proverbs 27:1 we read, “Boast
not thyself of tomorrow; for thou
knowest not what a day may bring
forth.” Since we have no promise of
tomorrow, shouldn’t we be doing
what we would like to be doing if
we knew that this was the last day of
our lives? Time is an asset and very
valuable, although we don’t always
think of it that way. I may think that
my time is worth $10 an hour, but
from an eternal perspective, it has
eternal value.
According to Ecclesiastes 3,
there is a time to do many different
things. In the second verse it is
written, “A time to be born, and a
time to die.” There are many things
we do between the time we are born
and the time we die and it is vitally
important as to what we do during
that time. Maybe we better rethink
how God wants us to use that time.
Once it’s gone it is lost forever. We
talk about making up time, but we
really can’t make it up, we just try
to work faster with new time so we
won’t be so far behind. From God’s
viewpoint, I wonder how far behind
we are in working for Him, in doing
the things He would have us do.
There are some things which
should be high priority for us to
do. Matthew 5:25 reads, “Agree with
thine adversary quickly, whiles thou
art in the way with him.” If we have
conflict with someone, we are told
by the Lord Jesus Christ to quickly
make peace by agreeing with him.
Actually, we may not agree with
him, but we can at least agree to
love him and to forgive him, and,
if we are at fault, confess it and
ask for forgiveness. Conflict is not
recommended by the Lord Jesus
Christ. To love your neighbor as
yourself is recommended and it all
takes time, precious time, a valuable
asset.
And now, after writing about
time as an asset and how we should
use it wisely and act quickly before
we run out of time, I remember
that Christ spoke to us something
about coming aside and resting a
while. That also is an important use
of time, but it should be a time of
prayer and communication with
God. Mark 6:31 reads, “And he
said unto them, come ye yourselves
apart into a desert place and rest a
while: for there were many coming
and going, and they had no leisure
so much as to eat.” Let’s be careful
to use our time wisely and that
includes to take time to eat and rest,
and worship.
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1523 County Road 400N
Congerville, IL 61729