- Apostolic Christian Church of America

Transcription

Vol. 70, #1
Jan. 2015
God thundereth marvellously with
his voice; great things doeth he,
which we cannot comprehend.
For he saith to the snow,
Be thou on the earth...
Job 37:5-6
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Presenting the Gospel
page 3
Monthly Sermon page 4
Building Houses Restoring Hope page 6
Feeding His Lambs in
Small Churches page 7
Small Church Profile Lamar, MO page 8
Miscarriage page 10
Remembering Our
Spiritual Heritage page 66
If Ye Continue page 67
To Our Readers
Correspondence
For February Issue
(news from Dec 16-Jan 15)
Due: January 20, 2015
Taking stock and making plans
When a new year begins, it’s an opportunity to take account of
where we’ve been and where we are going. Looking back over the
past year, each one of us likely experienced a mixture of blessings and
difficulties. I trust that we can say that God has been faithful through
it all. Praise Him, for His mercy endureth for ever!
Here at the Silver Lining, we are making plans for 2015, which
will include adding new content areas in the publication. In
addition to all the normal sections, we’ll be periodically featuring
articles around certain edifying topics, and inviting you readers to
contribute as you feel led. Watch this column for more information
in the coming months. Our goal is that God be glorified and the
brotherhood strengthened.
In Christ,
The Silver Lining
1523 County Road 400N
Congerville, IL 61729
USPS 496780
Published Monthly by the Apostolic
Christian Church of America
Counselors:
Tom Stock, Rick Plattner
Official Apostolic Christian Church
Website:
www.apostolicchristian.org
Send correspondence to:
[email protected]
Silver Lining Counseling Elders
Rick Plattner and Tom Stock
(email is preferred)
The Silver Lining
Ph: 309-657-4455
The Silver Lining subscriptions are due from the
following churches:
1. Champaign-Urbana
2. Eureka
3. Junction
4. Portland
5. Prescott
6. Rockville
7. Sardis
8. Tremont
9. Tucson
10.Lester
11.Peoria
Suggested donation:
$18/subscription.
SILVER LINING January 2015
at Roanoke, IL 61561 and additional
post offices. The subscription rate is
a donation. Send zip number with
Send all payments to:
Apostolic Christian Publications
P.O. Box 52
Eureka, IL 61530
Photos courtesy of: Front cover: Bro. Eric Virkler, Rockville, CT
Back cover: Sis. Amy Ekren, Morris, MN
2
Periodical non-profit postage paid
address. Remember to send changes
of address. Send both old and new
addresses (with both zips).
Postmaster send address changes to:
The Silver Lining
Writings based on God’s Word
Light from the Word
Editor’s Note: Each quarter of this year will feature
articles related to the Four Pillar Mission of our church
respectively: Presenting the Gospel, Nurturing the
Believer, Preserving Sound Doctrine, and Offering
Deeds of Service.
shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in
Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and
unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Act 1:8). In this
scripture, we understand that we are to be witnesses
and examples beginning with our own families and
homes at “Jerusalem” and then in ascending distance
to Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the
Key verse: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the earth. These would include our neighborhood, the
feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth
workplace or school, and the marketplace. Samaria
peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth could be those places or people with whom we
salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
initially are somewhat out of our comfort zone. The
(Isa. 52:7)
“uttermost part of the earth” includes all nations on
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
the earth. We are well advised to undertake these
and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
areas as directed by prayer, the Holy Spirit, and
Sometimes referred to as the Great Commission, this counsel with church leadership.
commandment of Christ is unmistakable regarding
Although we may feel more comfortable sharing
its intent. Gospel literally means the “good tidings”
the gospel only when someone inquires of “the
of the Kingdom of God. The gospel of salvation
hope that is within us” (1 Pet. 3:15), there are times
is manifested through faith in the atoning death,
when a more proactive, Spirit-directed approach
burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1is appropriate. In at least three examples in the
4). God excludes no one from hearing and receiving
Scriptures, the disciples employed this method
this message, “Who will have all men to be saved, and under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The disciple
to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4).
Philip followed the instruction of the angel of the
A genuine belief in the gospel results in a spiritual
Lord and travelled the approximately fifty miles
rebirth, followed by God adopting us as His sons and from Samaria to the desert of Gaza. Once there,
daughters (2 Cor. 6:18). This opportunity is available the Spirit gave him more specific instructions, “Then
to all regardless of our status or position in life. “For
the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to
ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
this chariot” (Acts 8:29). As the opportunity opened
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ
up, Philip straightforwardly “preached Jesus unto
have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek,
the Ethiopian” (Acts 8:35). In a somewhat different
there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor
situation, the Spirit directed Peter to travel thirty
female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26-28). miles with gentile strangers even when doubts filled
The Word tells us that we are “ambassadors
his mind at first. “Now while Peter doubted in himself
for Christ,” or someone who possesses both the
what this vision which he had seen should mean, …
experience and qualifications to represent Jesus
the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
Christ faithfully both by word and example (2 Cor.
Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them,
5:20). Jesus gave a similar instruction to the disciples doubting nothing: for I have sent them” (Acts 10:17,
immediately before His advent into heaven, “But ye
— Please turn to pg. 63
Presenting the Gospel
January 2015 SILVER LINING
3
Monthly Sermon
Sermon by Elder Bro. Dan
Kilgus, Remington, IN
Numbers 5:1-22 & St. John 11:1-44
Greetings and good morning! It’s a blessing to
assemble on a beautiful Sunday morning. I had to
think as we come, there’s a level of expectation, isn’t
there? We trust as we have come together that our
hearts have been prepared, and we have prayed.
We know if it was just about someone coming and
speaking to us, it would be fruitless, but we trust
and have confidence and have experienced time
and time again of when the Spirit of God could be
among us, the difference that it makes. It makes all
the difference. So we pray that God’s Holy Spirit,
His presence, and I know you have prayed and many
of you have shared that, will be among us as we
worship.
I had to think of what that must look like. As
we think of communication in our world today,
of the telephone that we wear on our belt and the
communications through technology and so forth,
of all of the communication waves that are traveling
through the air, possibly even at this time in this
room, I don’t know. We can’t see that, but we see the
result of it or we hear the result of it when someone
may forget to put their phone on vibrate. I think, as
we come together today, of the confidence we can
have of God’s Spirit.
I didn’t wonder what was going to be here on the
pulpit. I knew the Word was, and this Word is what
we stand on and trust in because it’s God’s Holy
Word. Even as the Word is shared, the Spirit can take
it and mold it even from the lips of the speaker to the
ear of the hearer, and I believe the Spirit can grab a
hold of that and then deliver it individually to what
we need. If we’re quiet, if we listen, that Spirit we will
hear, and we’re thankful for that. If it was about the
4
delivery of a message of man, I wouldn’t be here. We
would go out and could invest in speakers that could
move the audience, but we want to be moved by the
Spirit of God. We trust that will happen today, and
it’s through your prayers and His presence that we
can come and assemble around this Word and have
confidence that He will meet us here.
As we read some of these accounts in the Old
Testament, a couple things come to mind. One of
them is that God is a holy God, isn’t He? As we read
these accounts in the Old Testament and the way
issues were dealt with, there are things we can relate
to and can understand the concept, but when it gets
down to some of the details that are shared here in
Numbers and in some of the workings through of the
law that came directly from God, some of it makes
our heads spin, doesn’t it? It’s so detailed and so
many things to go through. It reminds us and shows
us that God cannot deal with sin. Sin complicates
things, even as we read this chapter. Sin complicates
things, and it has from the very beginning of time.
God’s purpose was this beautiful paradise for man to
live in, and then He put man in it and gave man his
will, his free will to choose.
We know the story, don’t we? Through the
temptation of Satan, sin entered into the world and
then death by sin. God cannot tolerate it. In parts of
some of these chapters that we read, I marvel at the
communication that Moses had with God. It just
says “and the Lord spake” so many times in this part
of the Word, and I think we read it a few times. It
says the Lord spake unto Moses. Wouldn’t we desire
that at times - just Lord speak to us, show us. But we
need to be quiet and listen and to search, and as He
promises, if ye search me, ye shall find me if ye search
with all your heart (Deuteronomy 4:29).
As we get back here to the thought of sin,
from the very beginning God could not tolerate
it and through this time of history was finding
a way to deal with it. Thanks be to God for the
supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through these Old
Testament readings, it’s all pointing to a time of the
perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ who came, and as a
result of His sacrifice, there is not a sin that cannot be
dealt with.
In this law of leprosy, the lepers were expelled
from the camp when they would be inflicted by this
disease, and they were put out and separated, weren’t
they? I believe even in that time as they were set
aside from the camp and as they were walking down
the road and would meet someone, they would be
required to call out ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ because they
were avoided and there was a separation as a result of
this dreaded disease of leprosy. I think, Loved Ones,
we can relate to that as well even though we may
not have a leper among us. We know what sin is. We
know what it has done. We know what it has done
to us in our life, but thanks be to God that it can be
lifted. It can be removed. There’s a cleanness that can
come and a purifying through Jesus Christ.
Satan would tell us it’s too big. It’s too
complicated. But as we read the Word and look back
and learn from the past and understand what Christ
has fulfilled, we have so much to be thankful for. We
can serve Him and praise Him, and we can give unto
Him our hearts and we can love Him, even as it was
shared to us earlier this morning that we can love
Him with our heart and serve Him with our heart
and our soul and our mind and our strength.
This is always an interesting account that we
read, isn’t it (St. John 11). There are a lot of different
thoughts that it generates in our minds as we think
about the actual account in and of itself. As I think
of the concept of what Jesus had done here this day
in a miraculous way, I think of what He said. The
sisters, Mary and Martha, “…sent unto him, saying,
Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” (v.3) They
were presenting a situation before Jesus that they were
hopeful He would take care of. “When Jesus heard
that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for
the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified
thereby.” (v.4)
You know, what is life? My dad is 89 years old,
and he still says it. He has a simple little phrase, and
it’s beginning to make more sense to me. He says
“Life’s a school”. But what does our life consist of?
Those of you that are younger, you most likely see life
as this broad expanse of time that is just stretched out
with endless opportunities. As we get a little older,
the broadness of it continues to restrict and restrict
and restrict, and before long we understand that we’re
looking beyond this life. But what is life because all of
us that are here this morning are a part of life, aren’t
we? We’re living. We’re breathing, in a miraculous
way when we think of what’s going on inside our
bodies at this moment. We breathe, our heart beats,
the blood flows without us even thinking about it,
and here we are. It’s life. It consists of experience
after experience. As we think about coming into this
life as a baby, to a child, to a young adult and all the
experiences that go along with it, what is the purpose?
I remember a time when there were three of us
that were juniors or seniors in high school, me and
two of my buddies. I wasn’t converted. We went
out in the middle of the country one night, and it
was one of those clear summer nights. I don’t know
if we sat on the ground or the hood of the car, but
we looked up at the sky. Each one of us was from
a different, varying background, and we tried to
analyze what life was. What’s it all about? Looking up
at the stars and you wonder what’s this all about. We
didn’t get there.
We talked about God, and we talked about
our faith. We asked each other the question. We all
believed in a heaven and a hell but like I say we were
from different backgrounds. We asked each other
5
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
Building Houses – Restoring Hope
In late April of 2014, a powerful tornado brought
permanent change to several communities in central
Arkansas. Although the storm’s fury lasted for just
one hour, it inflicted scars that will last for a lifetime
for many residents of Vilonia and
Mayflower – small communities
north of Little Rock. In some
cases, death claimed the lives of
family members, neighbors and
friends. Parents lost children
and children lost parents. In all,
sixteen lives were lost in this
deadly tornado. A young family
of four was reduced to two when
the couple’s young sons, ages
seven and nine, were killed in the
storm. There were several families
that lost more than one member to this devastating
storm. The finality of death does not change – not
here on earth.
For many more, while they were thankful to be
alive, nearly all of their earthly possessions were gone
and a long and difficult road lay ahead. What was
once “home,” no longer exists and everything that it
represented – security, comfort and familiarity – is
entirely gone. Scarcely can we imagine the feelings
of loss and despair that must surely fill the minds of
those who experience such a tragedy.
Willing Hands – Compassionate Hearts
Thankfully, there are caring and compassionate
local people who willingly gave of themselves to
minister to the needs of their neighbors and friends.
The Vilonia Disaster Recovery Alliance is made
up of such people. Beginning the day after the
tornado, volunteers began cooking and serving hot
meals to storm victims and those who came to help.
Donations of disaster relief materials, food, bottled
water, clothing, personal hygiene items, bedding,
6
cleaning supplies and various other items began to
arrive and they organized and distributed these items
to those who needed them.
In time, the cleanup phase wound down and
activities around town resumed in
the “new normal.” Families whose
homes were insured began to make
plans for rebuilding or repairing
the house that was damaged in
the storm. Meanwhile, there are
families (such as renters) who had
no insurance and are unable to
recover without help from others.
For these people, it is a long, slow
process. In recent disasters where
World Relief has been involved in
the recovery, it has taken at least six
months from the time of the storm for local agencies
to gather pertinent information and evaluate families
requiring assistance. For some, this has meant living
in a damaged house nearly unfit for habitation. They
have no other option.
Waiting for Help
In Vilonia, an elderly mother living with her disabled
son continues to live in the mold infested house
that resulted from roof damage during the storm.
Unable to recover on their own, they patiently
wait for help from charitable organizations such as
Apostolic Christian World Relief. A family of eight
had been living in a two-bedroom rented trailer
that was destroyed by the storm. Following the
tornado, this family moved into temporary housing
that was donated. They picked up used furniture
from a donation center just to get by. After several
weeks, the children developed a rash only to find
out that the house was infested with bed bugs.
Leaving everything behind, they moved once again
...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
Feeding His Lambs in Small Churches
Small Church Support
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter,
Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love
thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. St. John 21:15
Jesus instructed John to show his love for Jesus
by feeding the lambs of the flock. Believers can show
their love to Jesus by caring for the lambs of the fold.
While lambs in the body of Christ can be at all ages,
they are often in reference to those that are young or
need extra nurturing to grow in God’s ways.
Support the youth in our small churches
Some of the lambs that need special attention
are those that worship in smaller congregations.
Oftentimes there is no one their age to visit with and
when they travel, they can feel left out. Always look
for those who may be visiting and make the effort to
introduce yourself and help make them feel welcome.
This is especially needed for young people and
students that may not be comfortable in such large
gatherings.
Cross-generational fellowship is such a blessing,
but so is having a relationship with someone your
age. Young adults enjoy spending time with others
their age as it increases their willingness to listen and
get involved. For those families with children the
same age as those in a small church, make an extra
effort to visit over a weekend. Plan a service activity
that all can participate in on Saturday; serving others
together is a great way for students to connect with
each other. Another idea is to consider hosting a
family reunion at a small church location; this could
be such a blessing in fellowship to both the small
church and those attending.
Other opportunities to help the youth include
hosting an invite for a Sunday School from a small
church while inviting the families to come and
share in the fellowship too. Prepare a care package
for a small church or host a babysitting day so busy
parents in the small church can have time together.
Ways youth in larger churches can assist
Work to invite those from smaller congregations
when hosting single group functions even if there
are only a few. Pool the funds of those hosting
in a larger church to sponsor a visit from those in
distant churches. For example it may cost only $10
for each to contribute from the large church but it
would be $400 for them to cover their own travel
expenses. Include those from small churches in your
email announcements or social media circles so they
know what is going on and have the opportunity
to participate or lift up the efforts in prayer if they
cannot attend. See what activities interest them the
most and help them plan such an activity in their
community. Consider utilizing Skype for a small
group Bible study that would include someone from
a small church that would otherwise be unable to
participate in such an activity.
Ways those who are a little older
can assist
Another avenue to assist lambs in the fold is through
mentorship. This can be especially helpful for
converts. When you hear one is repenting in a small
church, reach out to be a pen-pal or accountability
partner. Call or email daily or weekly, perhaps visit
monthly. Share your challenges and how God helped
you overcome when you were repenting. Bring others
with you when you visit. This is an excellent way to
encourage those beginning their spiritual journey.
Check the minister rotation schedule (www.
acmission.org) and ask to go along when your
ministers visit a small church. Provide fellowship,
singing assistance, offer to help in Sunday school or
to assist with serving lunch. When visiting a small
7
...The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. – Matthew 9:37-38
Small Church Profile: Lamar, MO
Doors Swing Widely Open
at Lamar Church
“There were snow covered roads and fields on that
first Sunday morning, but doors swung widely open,
and there was friendly warmth inside. How good it
seemed to hear Bro. Fred Koehl speaking in clear and
tender tones, teaching a strong faith, deep and true.”
This account was
penned by a local
historian describing
the first Sunday that
services were held in
the Lamar Apostolic
Christian Church back in
December 1902. Today,
the doors still swing
widely open and there is
“warmth” inside from the 25 members, friends and
children that worship there regularly. The gospel of
salvation is still spoken to all who will listen and seek
the Savior. Visiting ministers come every Sunday
from various congregations adding to the fellowship
and blessedness of worshipping in the Lamar
congregation.
Where is Lamar, Mo.?
If you have never visited the congregation, you may
be wondering where Lamar is located. On May
22, 2011, Joplin, Mo., which is the closest city to
Lamar and approximately 30 miles south, was in
the media spotlight due to the EF-5 tornado that
ripped through over 22 miles of the city. Over 150
people lost their lives and more than 7,000 homes
and businesses were destroyed. The church, which
is located southwest of Lamar about 11 miles,
thankfully did not sustain damage. However,
Lamar brethren as well as many others from various
congregations helped those in need through the
8
re-building efforts and monetarily. The Lamar
congregation was also blest with visitors who came to
worship with them during this time.
Today, after 3 years of rebuilding from the
tornado, Joplin is returning to more normal life. For
those who may be considering moving to the area,
the city offers factory jobs, medical opportunities
through two large hospitals, education at Missouri
Southern State University
and, of course, lots
of shopping. The city
of Lamar, which has
approximately 4500
people and is the
birthplace of Harry S.
Truman (33rd President
of the U.S.) also provides
many conveniences.
Included is a good school system, nice small hospital
and two manufacturing companies. Some of the
families who live in the area farm, which is what
brought many people to the area as far back as the
1890’s. Others in the congregation work in small
businesses.
Church roots run deep
In 1889, the Apostolic Christian heritage began in
this area, according to Marching to Zion, when a
Lamar land agent, C.T. Trice met Peter Roth in
Illinois. Peter came to visit Barton County where
the price of land was far below values in Illinois.
He then purchased 640 acres of land and built a
house. Many other brothers and sisters moved to the
area over the next 20 years and stayed in the “Roth
place” until they could get established. Families
continued coming to the area from Kansas, Iowa and
Illinois, and in 1902, the group incorporated as “The
Apostolic Christian Church in Barton County, Mo.
Construction began on the first church in the
summer. In December 1902, 50
people moved from West Bend,
Iowa and the memorable first
Sunday was recorded above. The
church continued to grow and
reached peak membership in this
early 1900’s time period. During
WW II, the church at Lamar
served as a haven for brothers of
the church nationally who were
stationed at Camp Crowder, Fort
Leonard Wood and Camp Clark.
Several from the congregation
today have roots that continue the
legacy started by brethren over a
century ago.
Building the Current
Church
In 1980, a new church building,
where members and friends
currently worship today, was
constructed in the same peaceful
rural setting. Elder Bro. Doug
Schock has oversight for the
congregation. To teach the seven
children ranging in age from 5
to 16, two Sunday school classes
are held. A fellowship center was
also constructed in 2010, and a
potluck and singing are held the
first Sunday of every month there.
”How Shall It Be?” was a favorite
hymn the congregation enjoyed
singing that turned their thoughts
and hearts heavenward.
The closest Apostolic Church
is in Fort Scott, Kansas which is
approximately 45 miles northwest
of the church. The third Sunday
of every month, the Lamar
congregation goes to Fort Scott for
a singing. The Kansas City, Mo.
church is about 120 miles north.
Consider a Visit to Lamar
The Lamar congregation welcomes
anyone to come and worship with
them. They love fellowship and
meeting new people. Traveling
can be done by car or by flying
to airports in Kansas City (2 ½
hours north), Tulsa, OK (2 hours),
Springfield, MO (1 hour) or into
the commercial airport in Joplin,
Mo.
If you travel, directions are
-- From the North - I-49 South
(old Hwy 71) to Exit 70, Hwy 160
west 51/2 miles to Hwy O, then
south 5 miles. From the South I-49 North (old Hwy 71)to Exit
77, Hwy 126 west 51/2 miles to
Hwy O, north 2 miles.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth
good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good,
that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
Isaiah 52:7
9
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is a special type of loss, perhaps not
well understood by those who haven’t experienced
it. How do you lovingly and sensitively respond to
someone who has just shared with you this private
loss? Miscarriages and stillbirths are a difficult hurt,
and, as with any grief, knowing what to say or what
not to say is important to someone dealing with it.
Statistics about miscarriages
Every year in the United States alone, 600,000
women experience pregnancy loss through
miscarriage and 26,000 through stillbirth (after the
20th week of pregnancy).1 It is an occurrence which
happens much more frequently than often realized.
Many miscarriages occur before women even know
they are pregnant, and most occur during the first
13 weeks of pregnancy. After having a miscarriage,
it is common for women to wonder if they will
be able to get pregnant and carry a baby to term.
Approximately 85% of women who have had a
miscarriage will go on to have a successful pregnancy.
For those who have had two or three miscarriages,
75% will eventually go on to carry a baby to term.2
One of the most common questions people have
about miscarriage is, “Why?” Sometimes this
causes women to question and blame themselves.
Many times the reason will simply never be
known personally or medically. Other times, by
working with healthcare providers, the reason
may be identified. Regardless of the cause, having
a miscarriage is often an emotionally painful
experience.
Emotions after a miscarriage
Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they
shall be comforted.”
Most often, our society does not publicly
recognize the emotions women go through after a
miscarriage because there is usually no funeral or
10
public notification. The excitement of being pregnant
comes to a crashing halt. If you have a miscarriage,
you may go through a wide range of emotions at
different times or re-experience emotions you have
already felt. There is no right or wrong way to
move through your emotions, and each individual’s
grieving is different. You and your husband may
grieve differently, and your friends and neighbors
may grieve yet another way. Grief may include
feelings of shock, confusion, low self-esteem, loss
of control, denial, disappointment, jealousy, anger,
guilt, self-blame, frustration, relief, sadness and
depression. It is unlikely that you will experience
these in any particular order. Learning to live with
your loss takes patience and time. Right after the
loss, the emotional pain may be very sharp, and as
months pass, emotions may rise and fall like waves.
Remind yourself that the varying emotions you are
feeling will lessen with time, and healing does come.
It is important to know that whatever you are feeling
is normal and okay.
Things to avoid saying3
In her book on miscarriage, Elise Erikson Barrett
shares a number of things to avoid saying to someone
who has had a miscarriage.
1. Any sentence that starts with “at least.” For
example, “At least you are young; you can
have another child.” Comments like this can
invalidate an individual’s loss.
2. Overly simplistic spiritual advice. Until
individuals have time to process the loss and
experience God’s hand through their loss,
spiritual platitudes fall on “raw” ears. As it
says in Proverbs 25:20, “As he that taketh away
a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon
nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy
heart.”
3. Any sentence that tries to come up with
a reason for the loss or a way to prevent
future loss, such as, “It probably happened
because . . .” or, “You should . . .” These
comments make an individual feel as though
miscarriage is her fault.
4. Giving advice or “quick-fix” solutions, like,
“You should try to adopt.” It is not the time
to make suggestions. An individual’s hurting
heart may interpret this as though you have
no compassion.
Things to say and do
Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
and weep with them that weep.”
Individuals who have experienced a miscarriage
need empathy and support. Saying something like,
“I am so very sorry for your loss,” or, “You have my
sympathy,” is appropriate. She may want a hug. She
may want you to say, “Would you care to share it
with me?” And then be ready to listen. Offer some
specific ways to provide care, such as bringing a meal
or babysitting. Keep communication open through
calling, sending a card, or emailing regularly.
Remind her of comforting Bible verses, songs, or
poems. Ask how you can pray for her. Then pray.
Not only will God hear and respond, but you may be
given further guidance as to what to do.
Response to others
Depending on the circumstances of your pregnancy
loss, you and your husband may be the only ones
who know about the loss, or it may be very public.
How do you deal with the reaction of others? It is
difficult for someone who has never lost a baby to
comprehend what you are going through. Often,
people do not know what to say to you. Some people
will avoid the topic because they don’t want to upset
you. Other times, in their attempts to make you feel
better, they may say things that upset you or make
you angry. Most people do not purposely try to be
insensitive; they simply do not understand the impact
the miscarriage had on you.
The best way to deal with other people when you
are grieving is to be honest. You might say, “I’m not
sure if that’s how I view things, but I appreciate your
thoughts.” Some women have found it helpful to write
notes to their family and friends telling them exactly
what is needed from them. For example, sometimes
you may need more interaction with others while other
times you may want to be alone and not talk to others.
People may not understand the depth of your hurt and
feelings.
Taking care of your body after a
miscarriage
If you have had a miscarriage, you will also need
to take care of your body. Your physician will help you
determine if there are additional procedures needed
to help your body adjust. It is very important to eat a
balanced diet, exercise (even if it is just a short walk),
drink plenty of water, and maintain a regular rest
routine. Besides your emotional reactions, you will
also be dealing with hormonal responses as your body
readjusts. Depending on how far you were along when
the miscarriage occurred, your body will go through
some, and possibly all, of the hormonal changes that
are normally experienced with a full-term delivery.
At times, you may experience mood swings, fatigue,
insomnia, inability to concentrate and/or irritability.
Your energy levels and appetite may be erratic. By
taking care of your health, you will physically feel
better over time.
Specific tools for grieving
Specific things to help you as you go through your
grief journey are:
1. Write your thoughts in a journal. You might list
11
Congregation Updates
Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped
www.achh.org
December brings full
schedules of activities for our
residents as each home builds
up to Christmas Day. Early in
the month, the Peoria Bible class
provides a Christmas meal and
a full afternoon or evening of
activities and gifts at the Peoria
Fellowship Hall. Christmas
parties occurred throughout the
month and each resident has the
opportunity to attend one or
more.
Late afternoons or evenings,
carolers came to sing and praise
the new born baby, Jesus Christ
our Lord. The music is a special
way to communicate with our
people and they thoroughly enjoy
participating in their own ways.
Even those who are unable to sing
are able to tap their foot or move
their heads or bodies to the music.
One of our staff members,
Becky Gleason, helps our
residents make wonderful ceramic
ornaments for the group homes’
Christmas trees and some of the
Timber Ridge residents gave
ceramic gifts to their families.
Christmas sticker crafts and the
ceramic projects give a sense of
accomplishment for those who
are able to be part of crafting a
project. Christmas tapes, books
and DVD’s also brought the
12
season into our facilities.
The East Peoria Festival of
Lights is a beautiful way to “get
out of the house”. Who doesn’t
enjoy viewing beautiful Christmas
lights and displays? Another
way we join in the community
is to attend programs such as
“The Messiah” and other special
Christmas programs and plays.
Shopping is also a highlight for
those able to be out and about.
In this Season of Giving,
many of you have given of your
time, talents, items on our Wish
List (found on the back of The
Times newsletter), and donations.
We want to take this opportunity
to thank each and every one for
each prayer and deed of kindness
done for our residents. Please
remember that an accepting
friendship and relationship with
a person with intellectual and
developmental disabilities is not
only a gift to them, but also a gift
for yourself!
of foster parents we work with
in the Gateway Woods Foster
Care Program. In my mind, the
foster parents are the heart of our
department and without godly
foster families our jobs would be
much harder.
In the past year, I have
learned many lessons from my
foster families. A reoccurring
lesson I have learned is surrender.
My foster families constantly
surrender their wants and desires
over to God. Many of my families
expressed to me how God pricked
their hearts to be foster parents
and how God changed what they
thought their wants and needs
were.
For example, there was one
family in particular who did not
want to take any babies into their
home initially. Meanwhile, at
Gateway, we received a call that
there was a baby needing to be
placed in one of our foster homes.
The foster parents who said they
did not want to take babies in the
Gateway Woods Apostolic beginning ended up accepting
Christian Children’s Home the placement! Now they cannot
Amanda Winn
imagine life without this little
foster baby. They talked with me
Foster Care Case Manager
To begin, I want to thank God how God taught them through
for giving me the opportunity
having the baby in their home to
to work with Gateway Woods
rely on Him to provide for what
and specifically being able
He is calling them to do. They had
to work with different foster
to surrender their own thoughts
families in the community. I am
and preferences to God and hope
encouraged daily by the quality
that He would give them peace
and assurance. They have been
blessed beyond anything they
could imagine by surrendering
their desires to God.
Stories like this help me get
through any rough situations
I encounter at work. My foster
families show me how much God
loves us, and how we are called
to surrender to Him daily. It is a
great privilege to be a foster care
worker at Gateway and I cannot
imagine doing this job without
our wonderful foster families.
News:
We have begun the process
of launching a new program! The
Linking to Attain Responsibility
& Community, or LARC
initiative seeks to build organic
relationship between former
Gateway Woods clients and
community partners. These
relationships will lead to
employment opportunities,
mentorship, spiritual growth
and more. More information
about this program is available at
gatewaywoods.org/LARC. We are
currently in the process of hiring a
LARC coordinator. See the ad in
this addition of the Silver Lining
for more information.
We are searching for a
Summer Volunteer Coordinator
for 2015. Please see the notice in
The Silver Lining or contact Bro.
Clint Plattner at clint.plattner@
gatewaywoods.org or 260.627.2159
for more information. This is
a great opportunity to impact
the lives of the children on our
campus! As one former resident
put it, “It really makes a huge
difference to [residents] when
volunteers come out. It’s great
when they work with us and play
Frisbee and stuff. We notice.”
We are also searching for our
Summer Education Intern and
Top Quality Coordinator. Please
see the notices in The Silver Lining
or contact Bro. Adam McAfee
at adam.mcafee@gatewaywoods.
org or 260.627.2159 for more
information. This is a great
opportunity to gain some
experience while impacting our
residents!
There are four different career
positions available currently at
Gateway Woods, including:
several openings for Alternate
Houseparents, one opening for
a counselor, one opening for a
Home-Based & Adoption Case
Worker, and one opening for a
LARC Coordinator. For more
information please see the notices
in the back of this month’s issue
or visit the Career Opportunities
page on our website at www.
gatewaywoods.org/careers. 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!
Gateway Woods Illinois
Adoption Program is open for
business and seeking to serve
our brothers and sisters in
Illinois. Visit GatewayWoodsIL.
org or contact Sis. Luci Koch at
309.266.0767 or Luci.Koch@
gatewaywoodsil.org.
Apostolic Christian
Preschool Athens, AL
Susan Koch
The themes for December were
Christmas and winter. We’ve been
busy creating lots of Christmasthemed crafts like candy canes,
wreaths, holiday candles,
Christmas trees, snowmen, and
snowflakes. One of the students’
favorite jobs is helping put up our
own Christmas tree and bringing
their presents for the gift grab.
Our Christmas party was very
fun. The students prepared songs
to tell the story of the details of
Jesus’ birth. I was impressed with
how well they memorized some
of the traditional carols like “Joy
to the World” and “O Come All
Ye Faithful.” One of my favorite
parts of the Christmas program
is observing the parents watch
their children as they sing. Their
expression of love and joy must
mirror God’s expression when He
watches us show spiritual fruit.
For the month of January,
one of our themes is Community
13
Helpers. We need your help!
If you feel led, please send us a
picture of you doing your job
and provide a brief description
of your job. As we receive your
letters, we’ll share them with the
students and hopefully learn about
many different occupations. You
can email us at acpreschool@att.
net or mail us at 15284 Hastings
Rd. Athens, AL 35613. Thanks in
advance for your support!
Volunteer Information:
Contact me at 309.202.4897 or
[email protected]. Visit
our website at www.acpreschool.
org. The “About Us” tab will offer
information on volunteering at the
preschool. Talk to other volunteers
to see what their experience was
like. They are always listed in the
Silver Lining.
Alabama, Athens
Roger and Becky Roberts
“God’s best gift to us is Jesus,
Born on earth at Christmas time.
Jesus came from heav’n above
To be a friend of yours and mine.
Hallelujah!Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ, the Lord, is born.”
Children’s Harp #102
December 14, our Sunday
School children reminded us of
the greatest gift that we have ever
received at Christmas. We were
also reminded to not stop there,
but go to the cross.
Our small congregation
has enjoyed being able to
Christmas carol several times.
Several families were also able
to fellowship with the Nashville,
TN congregation for a Christmas
14
supper and singing.
We wish to thank Bro. Gary
(Sis. Paulette, Latty, OH) Sinn
for bringing the Word to us this
month.
We greatly appreciate having
Bro. Phil and Sis. Janie Price
(Milford, IN) worshiping with us
for several months.
Arizona, Phoenix
Heather Hinrichsen
Bro. Lyle Zeltwanger (Sis.
Marilyn) has asked for prayers as
he has surgery.
Bro. Rudi Bertschi passed
from this life to his heavenly
home. Our prayers are with his
family.
The Sunday School provided
Thanksgiving dinner to 40
African Refugee families in our
community. Teachers and students
were blessed to hear stories of
God’s provision during difficult
times and to meet survivors of
wars and genocides.
Our Sunday School Christmas
program was December 14. The
children reminded us of our
Savior’s story through song and
memory verses.
“I will sing of the mercies of the
Lord forever: with my mouth will I
make known thy faithfulness to all
generations.” Psalm 89:1
Arizona, Tucson
Dean and Jackie Knobloch
“The Lord giveth and The Lord
taketh away, Blessed be the name of
the Lord”. Job knew that each of
us have times of joy and then there
are times of concern and sorrow.
The families here in Tucson have
experienced both this past month.
Bro. Curt and Sis. Caroline
Kaufman welcomed a new
daughter-in-law into their family
as their son, C J, married Kristen
Touche. Also, their youngest
daughter, Christie, graduated from
college. We wish each of them
God’s blessings on these new paths
of life.
Bro. Bob Haas has been
undergoing medical treatment and
we are keeping him and Sis. Carol
in our prayers.
Bro. Don and Sis. Glo Bauer
are mourning the passing of her
sister, Sis. Phyllis Lang. Sis. Phyllis
wintered here for many years. We
will all miss her.
We are lifting Rob and Angie
Wilson (son-in-law of Bro. Don
and Sis. Glo) up in prayer as
he completes his chemotherapy
treatments.
The Grace and Promise house
residents (sheltered homes) and
our brethren will miss Max Sallee.
He passed away after a fierce battle
with cancer.
Our Sunday school children
are presenting their Christmas
program this month. We give
special thanks to Bro. Doug Bauer
and Sis. Sara Hattan for helping
the students present the Christmas
story to us.
Our winter visitors are arriving
and we are grateful for everyone
who chooses to gather with us and
worship our Lord and Savior. May
God bless each who gather here
and across our land as we close out
2014 and welcome in a new year.
California, San Diego
Janelle Brewer
The weekend of November
22 and 23, we had a large group
of Bible Class students and
parents from Silverton, OR that
came down for a work day at our
church. They helped with yard
clean-up, painting, and many
other tasks. We are truly grateful
for their eagerness and hard
work. It was humbling to be the
recipients of these labors of love.
Bro. Harvey Kuenzi (Sis. Jennifer)
was also along with the group and
ministered to us on Sunday. May
God bless each and everyone that
made the effort to come!
Our hearts were full of joy
to hear the engagement of Bro.
Brian Wagenbach (Bro. Doug
and Sis. Lillian) to Sis. Annaleise
Kuenzi, Silverton (Bro. Troy and
Sis. Sherri)! May God bless them
and guide them as they prepare for
their upcoming wedding and life
together serving the Lord.
The Sunday School students
shared the Christmas story with us
on December 14. We were blessed
to have some visitors with us that
day including Elder Bro. Marvin
Dotterer (Sis. Nancy, Forrest, IL).
We have been thankful for
recent rains here in our area. It is
amazing how quickly the hillsides
and mountains are renewed and
turn green after they receive some
water. It reminds us of how we
need to drink of the Living Water
to constantly be renewed.
If anyone is vacationing in
the Palm Springs/Palm Desert
area this winter, please feel free to
contact Bro. Doug and Sis. Janelle
Brewer at djbrewer2003@gmail.
com or 309-256-9606. We plan to
have services on Thursday evening
starting in January until the end
of March. Also, if you know of
anyone with church connections
living in the area, we would also
like to know about them so we
can reach out to them.
Connecticut, Rockville
Lauren Gottier, Sheila Gerber
“The Sunday school is our delight.
We love it more and more; Tis
here we learn to do the right
and live forever more…How
blessed ‘tis when we as lambs,
are gathered ‘round our Lord; in
youthful years with tender hearts,
to hear the Master’s words.”
Hymns of Zion #73
Our annual Sunday school
program was held on December
14. We always enjoy listening to
our Sunday school classes, from
those in youthful years with
tender hearts to those brimming
on young adulthood, bring forth
praises to our King at this time of
year.
We appreciated the preaching
of visiting ministers this past
month. On the pulpit to bring
us God’s Word were Bro. Brad
Gudeman (Sis. Teresa, Bradford,
IL) and Bro. Adam Luginbuhl
(Sis. Jami, Philadelphia, PA).
Bro. Steve and Sis. Joan
Hoffman have another sweet
grandchild to love. Bro. Eldon
and Sis. Alice Metz (Silverton,
OR) became first-time parents
this month to precious little Sarah
Elizabeth. We wish them God’s
blessings and nearness as they raise
their little girl.
We extend our sympathy to
Sis. Marlene Galat (Bro. Dave) in
the passing of her brother, Bro.
Kenneth Babin from Morton, IL;
and to Bro. Ralph Schneider (Sis.
Tina) in the passing of his brother,
Bro. Don Schneider (Sis. Sandra)
from Gridley, IL.
We are thankful to have Sis.
Alma Luginbuhl (Bro. Edward,
dec.) worshipping with us again
after her recent surgery and
recuperation.
District of Columbia,
Washington
Henrietta Meyer
Our caretakers for November
were Bro. Ralph and Sis. Diane
Lanz from Rittman, OH. If you
feel led to support one of our small
churches, being caretakers here
would be a wonderful way to do
so. If you are interested and are
free to spend 3-4 weeks in the DC
area, please contact Sis. Doreen
Steffen at [email protected]
or 302-540-6574.
Our ministers this month
were Bro. Todd Graf (Sis. Lydia,
Akron, OH), Bro. Jerry Isch
(Philadelphia, PA), Bro. Tim
Gerber (Sis. Wendy, Mansfield,
OH) and Bro. Doug Harmon (Sis.
Lanna, Toledo, OH). Our other
visitors this month were from
Bluffton North, IN. Thanks to
all who have included us in your
vacation plans.
Our thoughts and prayers are
with Bro. Phil Steffen as recovers
January 2015
SILVER LINING
15
from surgery.
If you are planning to visit
Washington, D.C. area for
vacation or business, please
contact Bro. Joe and Sis. Holly
Bohart at [email protected] or
Sis. Henrietta Meyer at 703-9048301 for assistance and to let us
know how many to expect for
Sunday services.
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale
Mike Hohulin
We were fortunate to have
Elder Bro. Art Ingold (Sis.
Bonnie), Rittman, OH visit and
share God’s Word. We pray He
will bless them for their work.
Our annual Christmas caroling
was on December 7. While we
hope to bring a blessing to those
in the nursing home, we inevitably
receive an even greater spiritual
gift from this time of sharing.
We are rejoicing with Bro. Mike
and Sis. Renee Mangold whose
grandson, Benjamin Mangold
(Roanoke, IL), is repenting. We
pray that God›s love and guidance
surround him as he begins his
spiritual journey.
Florida, Fort Myers
As our new church building
so comfortably accommodated the
many winter visitors, our hearts
rang out in sweet praise to our
Great Savior, these meaningful
words.
“Our song of praise to God ascend,
And there with angels’ voices
blend.
The day of gladness now is near.
Sing hallelujah with good cheer.
16
Hallelujah!”
Zion’s Harp #7, verse 1
That lovely hymn, with the
Classic Hymn, “The Babe of
Bethlehem” added real meaning
to our hymn singing, from The
Hymns of Zion.
The dedication of our new
church building is planned
for January 11, 2015. We’re so
very thankful to our building
committee for all their great
efforts to provide us our sanctuary.
We are thankful to Bro.
Wayne Hartzler (Sis. Camille,
Rittman) for sharing the Word
with us this month.
The New Beginnings
This past month at The New
Beginnings, we said goodbye to
one of our single mentors. Sis.
Janessa Wahl spent a little over
a year here with us. While we
were sad to see her leave, we are
thankful for the impact she made
while here. We look forward to
when she finds time to come visit
us again!
As our numbers get a little thinner
here in southwest Florida, we put
on your heart again the option to
serve with The New Beginnings.
There are a number of different
ways to get involved. We need
laborers down here with us. Both
couples and single sisters are
needed to help support and grow
this ministry.
If you don’t feel called to come
to Florida, but feel there is a need
for a New Beginnings house in
your area, please feel free to get in
touch with us to talk about it!
If you’re in the area on
vacation or just passing through,
feel free to visit. Stop in and see
what’s going on in our neck of the
woods.
We thank you for your prayers
as we continue to learn and grow
in this ministry.
Florida, Sarasota
Kim Ott
“For unto you is born this day in
the city of David a Savior, which
is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in
the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward men.” Luke 2:11,14
What a humbling realization
to think on the birth of Jesus
Christ at Christmas time! Jesus
could have arrived with a huge
caravan of camels and servants.
He could have had the best
five-star rated accommodations
for his birth. Instead, God
planned for him an ordinary and
unpretentious birth to an unwed
mother in a cold, dark stable. The
Savior, who would someday give
us the very best gift we could
ever imagine, deserved the most
outstanding welcome that this
world had to offer and yet God
chose for His Son to have such a
quiet, modest entrance.
We were blessed to have our
Sunday School students retell
this wonderful story in song and
recitation at our annual Christmas
program. We hope the message of
God’s love at Christmas will be
reflected in our lives this season
and throughout the coming year.
Our congregation was able to
host the winter 2014 World Relief
board meeting this December.
What a blessing for us to be able
to serve others who have given so
much time and effort to ease the
needs of hurting people around the
world.
“Beloved, let us love one another:
for love is of God; and everyone that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth
God.” 1 John 4:7
We rejoice with Bro. Timm
Kaeb and Sis. Sandra Gal as
they were united in marriage on
November 2. We wish them God’s
blessings and nearness throughout
their lives’ journey together. We
were thankful to have retired
minister, Bro. Nelson Beer (Sis.
Minnie, Milford, IN), assist in
their wedding service.
We have also appreciated
having Elder Bro. Tom Klotzle (Sis.
Judy, Altadena, CA), Elder Bro.
Mike Leman (Sis. Deb, Denver,
CO), Elder Bro. Duane Farney
(Sis. Karen, Croghan-Naumberg,
NY), Elder Bro. Steve Ringger
(Sis. Myra, Bluffton North, IN),
Elder Bro. Art Ingold (Sis. Bonnie,
Rittman, OH), Bro. Curt Rassi
(Sis. Kathy, Tremont, IL), and
Bro. Loren Schrenk (Sis. Betsy, St.
Louis, MO) share God’s Word.
May God bless each visiting
minister and their family for their
service.
Our church plans to host our
annual Sunday School auction on
February 14, 2015 at the Fruitville
Elementary School. We welcome
everyone to join us for a chili
lunch, bake sale, and silent and
main auction. The funds raised at
the auction will not only benefit
the Sunday School students for
mission trip travel expenses, but
and gone, we can be so thankful
will also assist others in need in the for all the blessings that God has
community.
bestowed on us from above.
We are thankful for the love
Georgia/Peachtree City,
of the brotherhood. We feel so
Atlanta
blessed to receive visitors to our
Elise Waldbeser
small church among who have
As a church family, it was
been from Morton, Bloomfield,
special to share our annual
Winthrop and others. We wish
Christmastime traditions once
to extend a heartfelt “thank you”
again this year! We filled plastic
to two busloads of brethren from
shoeboxes with gifts for Operation Forrest, IL who not only brought
Christmas Child, enjoyed our
a multitude of visitors, but also the
Sunday School Christmas
lunch and supper as well.
program, shared a Christmas
We are thankful for the
dinner and went Christmas
ministers who stand delivering the
caroling. While everything looked Word of God to convict, encourage
and felt a little bit different this
and speak to each heart. We thank
year in the midst of moving
our home ministers for their
and transitioning into our new
continual deliverance. We also
building, many sweet memories
thank Bros. Jason Dotterer (Sis.
were made.
Lynn) and Paul Zimmerman (Sis.
It has been so exciting to see
Loretta) from Forrest, IL as well
the renovations begin on our
as Bro. Dean Messner (Sis.Wanda)
Peachtree City church building!
from Winthrop, MN for their
We humbly thank the group from efforts.
Ohio and Illinois who devoted
We are thankful for prayers
their Christmas break to beginning being answered as Grant Anliker
the project! We look forward to
(Bro. Brian and Sis. Peg) has found
the changes that the next months peace with God and man and
will hold. Our new address is:
desires to be baptized. This miracle
202 Robinson Road, Peachtree
of becoming a new creature in
City, Georgia, 30269. Come visit
Christ is evidenced by a new walk
us, however please call ahead!
of life, restoration of peace with
(Tom Waldbeser 770.463.4788 or God and man and bearing of the
678.416.6586 or Richard Aberle
fruit of the Spirit, by His grace. For
678.364.0507)
this we are so thankful.
Illinois, Belvidere
children who also delivered Gods
Doreen Moser, Shayla Steffen
message through verses and song
“In everything give thanks: for
Sunday afternoon during the
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus Christmas Program. Our preschool
concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18
children sang the song “As Each
As the year 2014 has come
Happy Christmas” from the
January 2015
SILVER LINING
17
Children’s Harp #97 which tells
of the special time at Christmas
and throughout the year when we
can focus on Christ being in our
hearts.
As the New Year is now upon
us, we are thankful for “all
unknown beside me He will ever
stand and will safely lead me with
His own right hand.” Children’s
Harp # 97
Illinois, BloomingtonNormal
Sarah Maurer, Terri Huber
Our hearts go out to those
who have lost loved ones. Bro.
Randy (Sis. Marj) Schmidgall’s
father, George of Mackinaw,
IL, passed away in November.
Bro. Roger Belsley also died in
November. His cheerful and
outgoing personality will be
missed in our congregation. Sis.
Virginia Blunier of Eureka left
this earth to be with her Heavenly
Father. Her daughter, Sis. Joy, is
in our prayers as she will miss her
mother! In December, Bro. Glen
and Sis. Susan Hodel’s son, Jon,
unexpectedly passed away and we
grieve with them.
At Christmastime we have
many ways to celebrate the birth
of God’s son. Our congregation
has remembered Christ’s coming
with a choir program, a Sunday
School program, and caroling.
Watching almost 200 children
sing songs about Christmas is
heartwarming. We would like to
recognize the tremendous amount
of work that the Sunday School
teachers put forth.
18
Congratulations are in order
for Brian and Stephanie Lee of
Arizona as they welcome their
first child, Voss McCarthy. Local
grandparents are Bro. Steve and
Sis. Bev Virgil.
The Bible Class held a
fundraising auction to plan for
their summer mission trip. It was
well-attended and needed funds
for travel and building supplies
were raised.
Visiting minister for the
month was Bro. Mike Hohulin
(Sis. Faye, Fort Lauderdale, FL).
Once again, we are thankful
that Mike allowed God to work
through him and thankful for the
fellowship and traditions that give
us unity across the land.
treatment in Rochester, MN.
Cards can be sent to him at 20
Pine Street Road, Kewanee, IL
61443 and the family will forward
them.
Bro. Jordan Elsasser recently
had an ankle replacement, and
we pray that he may soon be
worshipping with us again.
As we move into a new
year, may we thank God for the
blessings and joys He has brought,
along with the sorrows, as each
one strengthens us for the coming
year.
“Another year is dawning, Dear
Master, let it be, in working or in
waiting, another year
with Thee.” Hymns of Zion #150
Illinois, Bradford
Sarah Eisenmann
Roseann Stahl, Sandi Joos
We extend thanks to
ministering Bros. Dale Wulf (Sis.
Becky, Lester, IA), Glen Steiner
(Sis. Rachel, Winthrop, MN), Ned
Stoller (Sis. Heidi, Alto, MI), and
Dan Koch (Sis. Julie, Tremont, IL)
for bringing the Word.
We keep a prayer upon our
hearts for the family of Deann
Baer (Ron), who passed from
this life on November 22. She is
the daughter of Bro. Raymond
Klumpp (late Sis. Eunice), mother
of Sis. Rachel (Bro. Brad) Kieser
and Bro. Brandon (Sis. Melissa)
Baer.
Our prayers for God’s healing
touch are with Bro. Gary Endress
(Sis. Evelyn) as he has recently
been diagnosed with a treatable
form of leukemia. He is receiving
Illinois, Champaign
Greetings from ChampaignUrbana!
We are thankful to have
had several visiting ministers
this month, including Bro.
Matt Kaufmann (Sis. Rebekah;
Bloomington, IL), Elder Bro. Steve
Sauder (Sis. Mary; Tremont, IL),
and Elder Bro. Ted Witzig, Sr.
(Sis. Cindy; Morton, IL). Thank
you for everything you do.
December 14 was our Sunday
School Christmas program in
place of the afternoon service. We
were blessed to be reminded of the
miraculous coming of the Light
of the world. The program was
followed by all-church Christmas
caroling and a delicious chili
supper. God has blessed members
of our congregation with many
diverse gifts that all came together
to make such a busy day run
smoothly.
May you all feel God’s presence
as this Christmas season draws to a
close and a new year dawns. Happy
New Year!
Renault and Suzanne Subra and
their two boys, Aiden and Kieran,
to our church family.
In December, we had the
opportunity to mourn with several
in our congregation in the loss
of their loved ones. We extend
Illinois, Chicago
our sympathy to Mildred Siepka
Diana Eisenmann
in the death of her brother-inGod’s blessings to you in the
law, Bro. Lloyd Nohl (McAllen,
New Year! We closed the year
TX). Bro. Greg and Sis. Diana
with the joys of new life and
Eisenmann bid farewell to Diana’s
engagements and with sorrow at
dear grandmother, Sis. Marilyn
the passing of some loved ones. We Wagenbach (Bro. John, Oakvilleare thankful for God’s goodness
Mediapolis, IA).
and His direction in every step of
“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath
our lives.
taken away; blessed be the name of
Bro. Chris Wuethrich
the Lord.” Job 1:21.
encouraged our church with the
topical Bible study “Pressing
Illinois, Cissna Park
toward the Mark.” We extend
Sandy Rudin, Janie Waldbeser
thanks to him and the other
Our Elder Bro. Tom Stock
ministers and their wives in their
and his wife, Sis. Karol, are
service to us.
experiencing the joys of being
Esther Rose Young was born
first-time grandparents to little
to Lucas and Bethany Young
Oliver Thomas Francisco, son
(Bradford, IL) and is the newest
of CJ and Bonnie Francisco. We
granddaughter of Bro. Greg and
rejoice with this family and pray
Sis. Carla Rassi.
CJ and Bonnie will always look
Bro. Dave and Sis. Julie
to the Lord and His Word for the
Westfall look forward to
guidance needed in raising little
welcoming a new daughterOliver.
in-law to their family with the
Our dear Sis. Mary Ann
engagement of their son, Brant
Mann will be spending her first
Westfall, to Audrey Harris. Sis.
Christmas in Heaven this year.
Julie Eisenmann (daughter of
Bro. Lynn Knapp is a surviving
Elder Bro. Brad and Sis. Cindy
brother of hers. Mary Ann will
Eisenmann) is excited to be
be remembered for her faithful
engaged to Bro. Michael Luthi
sewing for World Relief and being
(Lamont-Gridley, KS), son of Elder a special aunt. Sisters LaVerne
Bro. Jay and Sis. Jane Luthi. We
Kaufmann and Sal Markwalder
rejoice with these families in this
bid farewell to their brother, Arch
time of new beginnings.
Kaufmann recently. Just recently
In November, we welcomed
Bro. Gib Stock bid farewell to a
sister and now he bids farewell
to a sister-in-law, Wilma Stock.
Our Bro. Steve Walder (Sis.
Kathy) recently lost his father,
Melvin Walder of Eureka. Let us
remember these loved ones in our
prayers.
Sis. Marge Alt recently spent
some time in the hospital and is
now recuperating at home.
Bro. Dewayne Dill of
Minneapolis, MN recently shared
a Sunday with us.
We had our first services back
in our newly-remodeled church on
Thanksgiving Day. With thankful
hearts our church shared in a
rededication service on Sunday
morning, December 7. To God be
the Glory in this recent endeavor!
Our all-church Christmas caroling
was held on the first Sunday
evening in December. It seems
like those that we carol for really
enjoy the little children that come
along with their parents. It is so
precious to see our little people
learn these old-time carols that
mean so much to us. We want to
thank our Sunday School teachers
and students for sharing the true
meaning of Christmas with us on
December 17. Mark and Sis. Dinah
Wilkening are pleased to announce
the engagement of their daughter,
Marissa, to Kevin Maciejewski.
This young couple is planning a
June 13 wedding. Another year is
about to close and I am reminded
of the verses that tell us that
another year is dawning. (Hymns
of Zion #150)
January 2015
SILVER LINING
19
Illinois, Congerville
Erica Steffen
May the ministers who
have visited our church in the
last month feel God’s nearness
and blessings. Special thanks to
Bros. Frank Sauder (Sis. Kathy,
Roanoke), Jedd Rocke (Sis.
Marsha, Goodfield), Elder Trent
Meiss (Sis. Lucille, Eureka), Brent
Walder (Sis. Naomi, Rockville),
Ted Witzig, Jr. (Sis. Donna,
Morton), Daren Metz (Sis. Rita,
Gridley), Ron Palito (Sis. Lynell,
Akron), Paul Kilgus (Sis. Carmen,
Fairbury), Barry Dietz (Sis.
Rachel, Bradford), Merlin Meyer
(Sis. Marilyn, Lester), and John
Cottrell (Sis. Gloria, Eureka).
“Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations,
Sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow,
Free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials,
Only a few more tears.”
Several of our loved ones
have experienced loss in this past
month. We extend our prayers to
them. Although we have a hope of
heaven, the empty places at family
gatherings, especially during this
Christmas season, will surely bring
some sorrow. We know that we
can cast all our cares upon the
One who knows all our grief and
pain.
Sis. Madalyn Terrini, sister of
our Sis. Maryellen Zimmerman
(Bro. Fred), passed away on
November 12. Our heartfelt
sympathy goes out to her husband,
children and the rest of her family
20
who are sure to miss her earthly
presence.
Our Sis. Sandy Steiner (Bro.
Dave) and Bro. Bob Walder (Sis.
Gloria) have felt the loss of their
father and brother, respectively.
The family of Melvin Walder
of Eureka will surely be in our
prayers.
While we have been reminded
of the surety of death, as well as
the joy of a life lived in the Lord,
we also celebrate new life and new
journeys for others in our church
family.
Bob and Emily Getz
welcomed their first child, Sawyer
Jesse, into their hearts and lives
in this past month. The new
little family is celebrated by their
family, including grandparents
Bro. Wayne and Sis. Mary Getz
of Eureka and Mark and Lisa
Schmidgall of the Roanoke area.
Tyler Dietrich and Dominique
Lara, where united in holy
matrimony on December 13.
Tyler’s parents are Bro. Tim and
Sis. Sandy of Congerville. May the
Lord bless their union and their
new life together as husband and
wife.
Illinois, Elgin
Amy Gasser
We thank Elder Bro. Brad (Sis.
Cindy) Eisenmann for his labors
this month.
Our all-church Family
Christmas Caroling was on
December 7, followed by a chili
supper at the Fellowship Center.
On December 14, our Sunday
School students presented the
Christmas program.
We extend sympathy to the
family of Sis. Joan Scheitlin,
who passed away on December
17. Surviving are her husband,
Bro. Al; her children: William
(Debbie) Scheitlin of Elgin, Bro.
Steve (Sis. Marsha) Scheitlin of
Leo, IN, and LeeAnn (Steven)
Veinotte of Campton, NH; four
grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild.
We rejoice with Shelby and
Shania Young (Tom and Sis.
Jolene), who have found peace
with God and man and are
awaiting baptism.
“Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with Thee.
Another year of service,
Of witness for Thy love;
Another year of training
For holier work above.”
Another Year is Dawning, Hymns
of Zion, #150 Verses 1 & 4
Illinois, Eureka
Debra Blunier, Linda Rocke
As we move past Thanksgiving
Day and on into the Christmas
season, we should continue to
count our many blessings daily. If
we would sincerely do this, we will
find ourselves “singing as the days
go by.”
The weekend of November 22,
23 was a special blessing as three
dear souls gave their testimonies
and were baptized into a new
life in Christ. These were Bro.
David Getz (Bro. Gary and Sis.
Gail), Bro. Merle Blunier (Bro.
Roger and Sis. Wendy), and Bro.
Samuel Cottrell (Bro. John and Sis.
Gloria). Elder Bro. Jon Schmidgall
(Sis. Julie, Oakville, IA) assisted
Bro. Trent in these services.
One of our rich blessings is the
fellowship among the brotherhood,
and having visiting ministers
come and share God’s Word. This
month they included Bro. Randy
Beer (Sis. Debra, Milford IN),
Bro. Kent Getz (Sis. Betty, Elgin,
IA), Bro. Nathan Wiegand (Sis.
Janel, Goodfield, IL), Bro. Paul
Kilgus (Sis. Carmen, Fairbury, IL),
and Bro. Don Manz (Sis. Connie,
Junction, OH).
Bro. Jeremy and Sis. Kalsey
Knecht were blessed with a son,
Axel Jeremy. He is welcomed
home by older sisters, Rylee and
Summer.
Our thought and prayers are
with Sis. Thelma Saathoff as she is
in the hospital dealing with health
issues. May God grant her his
strength and comfort.
It was a special evening on
Sunday, December 14, as the
Sunday School youth shared the
blessed story of Christ’s birth. We
are thankful for them and for all
the efforts their teacher’s put forth
to prepare for this evening.
Illinois, Fairbury
Angela Herr, Janelle Stoller
As we think upon the Christ
child during this season, we are
often reminded that it’s not the
manger but the cross that sets the
spirit free. We’re thankful Thadd
Waldbeser (Jim and Sis. Renae)
has answered God’s call and is
making a beginning in repentance.
May many more see their need and
kneel at the foot of the cross.
Our visiting ministers this past
month were Bros. Al Schambach
(Remington, IN), Brian Waibel
(Champaign, IL), Jerry Wagenbach
(Mediapolis, IA), Dennis Rassi
(Austin, TX), James Fehr
(Tremont, IL) and Elder Bro. Jay
Luthi (Lamont-Gridley, KS). Each
of these brothers have family in
Fairbury, and we’re thankful when
they come to visit and share God’s
word with us!
Bro. Don Schneider (Gridley,
IL), father of Sis. Melanie
Teubel (Bro. Ed), passed away
on December 13. We’ve always
enjoyed having Bro. Don and Sis.
Sandy visit us. We extend our love
and sympathy to the family during
this time of sadness.
Our annual Sunday School
Christmas program was held on
December 14. What a blessing to
hear our youth bring us the story
that never grows old.
God blessed the home of Bro.
Kirk and Sis. Jeana Steidinger
with a daughter, Emerson Jane,
on December 15. Emerson’s
grandparents are Bro. Martin and
Sis. Trish Steidinger and Bro. Ernie
and Sis. Carol Leman (Forrest, IL).
Bro. Duane Kilgus (Sis.
Arlene), Sis. Barb Mashburn (Bro.
Billy), and Bro. Ralph Bahler (Sis.
Jeanette) were hospital patients.
Katie Walter was a surgical patient.
Our prayers are with each one for
healing and successful recovery.
Illinois, Forrest Karla Zimmerman, Molly
Zimmerman
“Now thank we all our God With
heart, and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
in whom the world rejoices, Who
from our mother’s arms Has blest
us on our way, With countless gifts
of love, And still is ours today.” All
Come and Thank the Lord!
Zion’s Harp #236
As we reflect on this past
month, we have so much to be
thankful for. We are thankful
for the many visiting ministers
that came and were willing to
share God’s Word: Bros. Darren
Fehr (West Bend, IA), Mike
Grimm (Goodfield, IL), Mark
Klaus, (Athens, AL), Art Mueller
(Belvidere, IL), and Elder Bro.
Curt Frank (LaCrosse, IN). May
they each be richly blessed.
Our congregation had a
wonderful opportunity to travel to
Belvidere to spend a Sunday with
them. It was such a blessing for us
to worship and fellowship together.
How special it is to be able to travel
so freely and gather with brethren
of like mind and faith.
We rejoice with our converts
Ted and Teresa Bachtold who have
found peace and await baptism.
May they continue to feel the grace
of our Lord.
We pray for our Bro. John
Eisenmann (Sis. Bev) as he has
spent time in the hospital. Also
hospitalized this month were Bro.
Alan Gerber (Sis. Marcia) and Sis.
Dorothy Zimmerman (late Bro.
Perry). May they feel our prayers
January 2015
SILVER LINING
21
and love, and God’s healing hand.
Gone to her reward. Sis.
Virginia Blunier passed away on
December 5. May her children:
Stanley (Peg) Blunier, Forrest, IL;
Sis. Gail (Bro. Marvin) Hodel,
Peoria, IL; Scott (Aldine) Blunier,
Santarém, Brazil; and Sis. Joy
Blunier, Normal, IL, find comfort
in our Lord during this time of
loss. We thank Ministering Bros.
Frank Sauder (Roanoke, IL) and
Randy Mogler (Washington, IL)
for their messages in the funeral
service. Our thoughts and prayers
are also with Bro. Jim (Sis. Sandra)
Schneider in the passing of his
brother, Bro. Don Schneider
(Gridley, IL). “Silent night! Holy night! All
is calm, all is bright ‘Round
yon virgin mother and child!
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in
heavenly peace.”
Hymns of Zion #35
As I look at the upcoming
week and the busyness of this
time of year, I can’t help but look
forward to hearing that wonderful
story again told to us by our
Sunday School children. The
manger, the star, the wise men, the
shepherds…what a wonderful time
of year! To think that God sent his
only Son to be born in a manger,
then to die for us! In our busyness
of the season, let’s not forget the
true meaning of Christmas.
Note of Thanks:
My heartfelt thanks and
appreciation to all on my 90th
birthday for the cards, phone calls,
gifts, or any other professions of
22
love and caring. May God bless
you all. Lorene Boner
Illinois, Goodfield
Kayla Wiegand, Melissa Rokey
Our Church Christmas
Caroling was held on December
5. It is always a blessing to join
together in song to tell of Jesus
birth.
On Sunday December 7,
the Sunday School brought
forth the story of Jesus birth to
our congregation during their
Christmas program. It is always
a blessing to see their excitement
in singing their songs and telling
the story. We want to thank each
of the Sunday school teachers
who give of their time teaching
and preparing the children for the
program. Bro. Doug Brewer from
San Diego had our topical Bible
study this month. He spoke
to us on “Peace”. It was a very
encouraging evening and we
thank him for his willingness to
come and share God’s Word.
On December 13 and 14, we
had the testimonies and baptisms
of two dear souls: Caleb Rocke
(Bro. Luke and Sis. Jill) and Haley
Rokey (Bro. Ben and Sis. Shelly).
We rejoice with them and trust
that God will continue to be with
them. We also want to thank
Elder Bro. Steve Sauder (Tremont,
IL) for assisting Elder Bro. Jeff.
We lift Sis. Audrey Ruegsegger
up in prayer as she is on a mission
trip to help at Hospital Lumiere in
Haiti. We also lift Bro. Kurt and
Sis. Joan Plattner and their family
up in prayer to our Heavenly
Father that they may feel His
nearness as they settle into their
home in Haiti. We also are prayerful for Bro. Jedd
and Sis. Marsha Rocke and their
family as they plan to travel to
Africa to be with Bro. Eric and Sis.
Carrie Wiegand and their family. We think of each of our dear
ones from our congregation as
they are serving overseas in the
mission field, that God will be
with them during this Christmas
season. We are thankful to announce
the engagement and upcoming
marriage of Bro. Jesse Ruegsegger
to Sis. Tiffany Hinrichsen. Bro.
Jesse is the son of Bro. Lee and
Sis. Alice Ruegsegger. Sis. Tiffany
is the daughter of Bro. Mike and
Sis. Gerri Hinrichsen. We, as your
church family, wish you God’s
richest blessings as you take this
step in faith.
Our dear Sis. Heidi
Schumacher has not been
feeling well for quite some time
and would appreciate your
prayers. Mark Rocke (Connie) had
knee replacement surgery and is
home recovering. Bro. Gary Allen
also had some surgery, so we want
to be prayerful for him and Sis.
Connie as well. May each of them
feel God’s healing hand.
Bro. Tim Wiegand (Leo, IN)
came and shared God’s word also
this month. May he be blessed for
his service.
Note of Thanks: My family and I greatly
appreciated your prayers, cards,
love and visits during my time in
the hospital and recovery. May
God richly bless you, our extended
church family for your giving and
loving hearts. Bro. Duane (Sis.
Vermeda) Freidinger
Illinois, Gridley
Perry Klopfenstein
We rejoice over the baptisms
of three souls: Sisters Rose Stork,
Hannah Renner, and Sarah
Hermes. Elder Jeff Grimm,
Goodfield, was here for the
occasion. Also, Bro. James Fehr,
Tremont, was a visiting minister.
Elder Bro. Kevin Ryan, Rockville,
CT, was here on December 18.
Bro. Les Kaeb, Francesville, IN,
was also a visiting minister.
Bro. Don Schneider, 64, passed
away on December 13. He had
contracted double-pneumonia. He
is survived by his wife of 42 years,
Sis. Sandra. Also, a daughter, Sis.
Melanie (Ed) Teubel, Fairbury, and
a son, Todd Schneider, Morton;
two brothers, Bro. Jim (Sandra)
Schneider, Forrest and Bro. Ralph
(Tina) Schneider, Ellington, CT.
Bro. Don’s illness came fast and
was short-lived. We rejoice over
his readiness for the end. He is
remembered as a kindly brother to
visit with in our fellowship time.
He appreciated the legacy of our
faith.
Tyler Gramm underwent
dental surgery, and is recovering
nicely. Bro. Clyde Kuntz was
hospitalized with heart issues, and
is back home being treated with
medications.
The seasonal joy experienced by
Christmas, and its deep meaning,
is now over and we thank God
for all the get-togethers for meals,
worship, and fellowship. This was
a special time of bonding, and
strengthening the ties of family
and faith. Now, the New Year is
ahead of us. As always, there will
be joys and sorrows. Amid it all is
the great hope of Salvation through
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Praise be to His name, now and
forever!
Illinois, Morton
Annette Tanner, Julie Bahr
By the time we will be reading
this writing, we will be in a brand
new year of 2015! Our prayer is
that we will be given the Grace
and Strength to look out for
one another, all because of the
Confidence we have in what
our Precious Savior did IN us and
FOR us!
Our church was greatly blessed
by several ministers bringing us
the Gospel Message. Our thanks
to Bros. Arlen Leman (Sis. Denise,
Forrest), Bro. Matt Koehl (Sis.
Emily, Sarasota), and Bro. Howard
Plattner (Sis. Kristin, Alto). We
also want to thank Bro. Ted
Witzig, Sr. for the message he gave
us on “Choosing Our Attitudes”
within our Topic of “Walking
the Halls”. Oh Father, help us to
“Choose” a wholesome attitude so
that we can be used as a Faithful
servant for Thee!
“The Way to Christ” was the
titled theme for our Sunday School
Christmas program. Our lives
were enriched as we listened to
the special numbers presented, in
order to tell the precious story that
is a Souls’ one and only “Way to
Christ”!
We rejoice with Bro. Fred and
Sis. Diane Funk who welcome a
new grandson, William Fredrick,
who entered the home of Bro.
Aaron and Sis. Kendra Funk.
Maternal grandparents are Bro.
Herb and Sis. Lori Leman,
Washington.
On November 22, Bro. Steve
and Sis. Lynn Roeschley became
thankful grandparents to a new
baby granddaughter, Abigail Grace,
who was born to their daughter,
Summer, and Sae Han Park.
Our hearts grieve with our
dear church body that has lost
loved ones this past month. Our
sympathy is shared with the family
of Bro. Roger Belsley (late Sis.
Martha) of Bloomington. He is a
brother to our Sis. Joyce Hirstein
(Bro. Ted) and also our Sis. Joanne
Endress.
Our deepest sympathy is
shared with the family of our dear
Sis. Norma Zeller who entered into
her Eternal Home. She is survived
by three sons: Bro. Jon (Sis.
Christie) and Bro. William (Sis.
Dannelle) of Morton, and David
(Chris) Zeller of Gridley; a brother,
Bro. Hank (Sis. Mary Lou)
Grimm; and two sisters, Sis. Marie
Taufer, and Sis. Joyce Domnick.
One son, Bro. Eric Zeller of
Indianapolis, preceeded her in
death for a Heavenly reunion!
We extend our deepest love
and sympathy to our dear Sis.
Jackie Babin and her family in the
January 2015
SILVER LINING
23
loss of her dear husband, Bro. Ken
Babin. Surviving are their children
Kevin, Jason and Jonathan Babin
and Kimberly (Britt) Fonner.
Tears are a language that God
understands! Father, help us to
have an understanding of your
higher ways for us, your children.
Our dear Sis. Louise Steiner
(late Bro. Melvin) went to her
Heavenly home on December 2.
Surviving is her daughter Cheryl
(Ruben) Mangels and her family.
Illinois, Peoria
Pam Fritzenmeier
We are so thankful that Bro.
Gregg and Sis. Heather Rumbold
have submitted to the Spirit’s call
to serve in the pulpit ministry.
Bro. Gregg’s first sermon was
Sunday, November 23. May God
bless them and their family for
their willing hearts.
Our visiting ministers this
month were Bro. Rick Kaisner
(Sis. Michelle, Chicago),
November 30, and Bro. Craig
Martin (Sis. Terri, Princeville),
December 3.
November 22 was the Senior
Citizens Dinner at the Fellowship
Hall. The young group served a
delicious meal and presented a
short singing program for all those
aged 65 and over in our church
family.
The annual Sunday school
pizza party was held December
6. The children enjoyed pizza,
Christmas carols, and the
Christmas play performed by the
Bible class.
Sunday, December 14, was
24
our Sunday school Christmas
program. We were so sweetly
reminded of the birth of our
Savior through song and verse.
A number of families have said
a final goodbye to loved ones this
past month and need our prayers.
Sis. Phyllis Lang, Tremont, was
a sister to Bro. Howard (Sis.
Nancy) Herman, Bro. Allan (Sis.
Lois) Herman, Sis. LouAnn (Bro.
Albert) Funk, and Sis. Mary
(Bro. Dave) Ginzel, and sister-inlaw to Mary Ann Herman. Bro.
Don (Sis. Vi) Messner’s brother,
Bro. Melvin Messner, Winthrop,
passed away November 17. Gene
(Sonny) Hess (Rhoda) passed away
suddenly November 29. He was
a brother to Sis. Bernetta (Bro.
Robert) Binkele and Sis. Katy
(Bro. Max) Hoerr. Sis. Virginia
Blunier, Forrest, passed away
December 5. She was Sis. Gail
(Bro. Marvin) Hodel’s mother.
On that same day, Bro. Cleve (Sis.
Kathleen) Klopfenstein’s sister-inlaw, Linda (David) Klopfenstein,
Petersburg, passed away.
Others desire prayers for
healing. These include Bro. Mike
Wiegand, Marilynn Herman,
Bro. Ken (Sis. Darlene) Hoerr, Sis.
Karen Dunbar, Bro. Mike (Sis.
Carol) Rieker, Sis. Mazie Thomas,
Sis. Nanette David, Bro. Harry
(Sis. Loretta) Eisenmann, Mary
Funk, Rosalie (Bruce) Johnson,
Sis. Dee Metzger, Sis. Linda
Miller, Mary See, Andrea (Aaron)
Staley, and Bro. Jeff (Sis. Melissa)
Waibel.
Bro. Jonathan and Sis. Bere
Aupperle, Bro. Zach and Sis.
Daniela Knobloch, and Bro. Jason
Grassi need our prayerful support
as they serve in Magdalena
at CVE. Please keep Fede,
Sis. Daniela’s brother, in your
prayers as he deals with the ups
and downs of life confined to a
wheelchair.
Illinois, Princeville
Gloria White, Renee Herrmann
month were Bro. John Grimm
(Sis. Julie-Columbus, OH) and
Bro. Clark Stoller (Sis. CindyGridley, IL). We are grateful for
their willingness to bring the
Gospel to us. May God continue
to give them boldness to speak the
truths of God.
Bro. Roland and Sis. Linda
Joos and John and Sharon
Delheimer are thankful for
the safe arrival of another
granddaughter. Elaina Louise was
born to Brian and Jodi Joos on
December 8. Elaina was welcomed
home by big sisters, Ellie and
Emily. We pray that Brian and
Jodi will seek God’s guidance as
they raise these precious girls.
Our hospital patients this
month are Sis. Helen Knobloch,
Bro. Walter Christ and Sis. Janet
Martin Joos. It is so easy to be
busy with our own lives and forget
the needs of our brothers and
sisters. May we all continue to
remember them before the throne
of God.
We were recently reminded
of the great effort that the Queen
of Sheba made to seek out the
wisdom of Solomon and to
discover if the things that she had
heard were true. In a day when
travel was difficult, she went to
great lengths in her search for
truth. The question was raised,
has easy access to information in
our age made us less willing to put
forth diligent effort to seek God’s
truth? He has promised that if we
diligently seek Him, we will find
Him.
chosen as our new Nursing Home
trustee. And Bro. Tim Martin
will serve as our new Fellowship
Hall trustee. We thank all those
who so willingly give of their
time and resources to serve our
congregation.
The annual church caroling
and potluck was held on December
7. It is a joy to sing for “seniors”
from our congregation and also
residents at our area nursing
Illinois, Roanoke
homes.
Barb Schwind, Judy Sauder
St. Luke 2: 11: For unto you is
Bro. Jim & Sis. Marge Braker born this day in the city of David a
are thrilled to welcome another
Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
grandson. Logan Anthony was
born on November 23 to Seth &
School Christmas program. It is a
Angela Braker of Morton. His
blessing to see our youth present
older sister is Gracie. His maternal the story of Christ’s birth in word
grandparents are Mike & Janet
and song.
Weber of Peoria.
The Prairie Choristers and our
Then, Finn Daniel arrived to
Youth Choir presented a beautiful
bless the home of Craig & Laura
evening of Christmas songs and
Janssen of Peoria on December
scripture reading, “The Way to
14. His older sister is Reese. His
Bethleman”, on December 17. We
thankful grandparents are Kurt & thank those who sang in the choirs
Janine Young of Bartonville and
and Bro. Phil Hodel, their leader,
Bro. Fred & Sis. Cheri Janssen.
for a very inspiring and uplifting
May God bless these loved ones
evening.
as they raise their children in the
Erin Martin (Bro. Tim & Sis.
ways of the Lord.
Linda) was united in marriage
Our annual Thanksgiving
to Josh King (Phil & Kathy) of
singing was held at our Fellowship Tremont on November 22.
Hall on November 23. It was a
Laura Schwind (Bro. Dennis &
blessed evening of worship and
Sis. Rita) and Jarrett Heintz, both
praise.
of Indianapolis, have announced
St. Matthew 20: 27: “And
their engagement and upcoming
whosoever will be chief among you, marriage. Jarrett’s parents are Mike
let him be your servant:”
& Gayle Heintz of Greenwood,
Our annual business meeting
IN.
was held on December 3. Bro. Don
Justin Fehr (Bro. Jon & Sis.
Leman was elected our new church Jill) is engaged to be married to
trustee. Bro. Mike Barth was
Kerri Zimmerman of Peoria. Her
parents are Jill Levine and Gary
Zimmerman. We ask for God’s
blessings on these dear couples as
they take this important step.
Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the
sight of the Lord is the death of His
saints.”
Bro. Rudy Bertschi (Phoenix)
passed away November 21. He was
a brother-in-law to Sis. Dorothy
Bertschi.
Our Sis. Clara Fischer went
to be with the Lord on November
29. Her survivors include her
sons: Bro. Bruce (Sis. Deb), Glenn
(Evie) and Roger all of Roanoke;
along with her daughters: Linda
(Ronnie) Johnston of Long
Grove, IA, Beth (Don) Wilton of
Vestal, NY, Colleen (Steve) Byrd
of Roanoke, Doris (Brent) Cox
of Mt. Washington, KY, Janelle
Highland of Washington, and Sis.
Kristen (Bro. Brian) Schneider
(Remington). Also two foster sons,
Les Knollenberg of Groveland and
Darrell Lucas of Bloomington and
20 grandchildren and one great
grandchild survive. Other family
members are six brothers including
Art (Carolyn) Wilkey of Secor,
Jim Wilkey of Eureka, and Keith
Wilkey of Roanoke; and four
sisters including Martha Lyons of
Roanoke. Also a brother-in-law,
Bro. Richard Fischer; and sistersin-law, Sis. Marge Fischer, Sis. Pat
Fischer, and Sis. Sara (Bro. Jim)
Byrd all of our congregation are
part of Sis. Clara’s extended family.
Sis. Clara inspired us with her
quiet godly ways.
Linda (Dave) Klopfenstein
(Petersburg, IL) exchanged her
January 2015
SILVER LINING
25
earthly cross for a crown on
December 5. She was a sisterin-law to Sis. Cathy (Bro. Tim)
Hohulin.
Our Sis. Virginia Blunier
went to her heavenly home on
December 5. Her daughters:
Sis. Gail (Bro. Marv) Hodel
(Peoria) and Sis. Joy Blunier
(Bloomington); and her sons: Stan
(Peg) of Forrest and Scott (Aldine)
of Brazil are left to mourn her
passing. Her other survivors
include seven grandchildren and
eight great grandchildren, a sister,
Sis. Joyce Gasser (Akron), and a
sister-in-law, Sis. Pearl Leman of
our congregation. Sis. Virginia
worshiped with us in her later
years and was a blessing to us!
We extend our love and deepest
sympathy to these families and
pray for our Lord’s comfort upon
them.
Bro. Mike Hohulin (Ft.
Lauderdale) was our guest
minister on Thanksgiving Day.
He talked about God’s provision,
His protection, His power, His
presence, and His promises. Then
on December 7, Bro. Duane
Reutter (Rockville) served us on
the pulpit. On December 14, Bro.
Curt Rassi (Tremont) was our
visiting minister. We thank these
brothers for their faithful service
to us.
We welcome Sis. Anna Marie
Reutter to our church fellowship.
She is residing at our Country
View apartments. Sis. Anna Marie
formerly worshiped in Cissna Park
and Gridley. We hope she feels “at
home” here!
26
Many of those in our
congregation have had the
privilege of sending “care
packages” to Andrew Mangold
(Bro. Matt & Sis. Jennifer), who
is serving in South Korea in the
military. We are so thankful
that others who are serving with
him can also be the beneficiaries
of these packages. Matt and his
fellow servicemen and women
have expressed their deep
appreciation for these gifts also.
What a privilege to lift up those
who serve our country in prayer
for God’s protection and safety
and to thank them for their
service to us.
We also lift up Bro. Scott and
Sis. Mandy Yordy and their family
who are serving with MEBSH in
Haiti. We pray they feel our love
and support as they minister there.
We continue to pray for Bro.
Denny (Sis. Rita) Schwind, Sis.
Karel (Bro. Nate) Hoffman, and
Sis. Pearl Leman for the Lord’s
healing, strength and nearness, as
they deal with health issues.
Note of Thanks:
Our sincere thanks to
everyone who showed their
love and thoughtfulness to our
daughter, Sally Martin Achterberg
and her family. The cards, prayers,
meals and gifts of love were so
appreciated, also the loving care
at the Eureka Apostolic Christian
Home. Thank you so much!
The family of Sally, her parents
Bro. Jim & Sis. Helen Martin and
their families
Illinois, Tremont
Teresa Rowell, Janice Sauder
As Christmas fast approaches,
we tend to get into the “spirit” of
the season instead of the “Spirit”
of the season. Hopefully we can
all remember the real Reason for
the Season and not get caught
up in the commercialism and
materialism of the season.
Our Sunday School students
were all remembering the Reason
in song when they presented
their Christmas program. It was
moving to watch 3-18 year-olds
bring us the story of Jesus birth,
and yet we are also reminded in
the last song of the evening to not
just stay at the manger but to go to
the cross, to not just remember the
Babe, but surrender to the Man
who can give us eternal Salvation.
We were blessed to have
visiting ministers with us this
month. They were Bro. Don Manz
(Sis. Connie ) and Bro. Tony
Manz (Sis. Denise) from Junction,
OH. We thank them for their
service to us.
Sis. Phyllis Lang has gone on
to her reward after a short illness.
Her smiling face will be missed in
our church. Her family remains in
our prayers as they deal with the
loss of a mother, aunt, grandma
and sister. Sis. Dorothy Meister
(Bro. Mike) has lost her brother,
Eugene Hess (Peoria, IL). We pray
that God’s comforting presence
would be with all those who have
lost loved ones.
Illinois, Washington
of Christ’s birth through song and
Marlene Prather, Jodi Fehr
verse.
A precious baby was added
The Lord has led our
to the Washington congregation
congregation to select a brother
when William Fredrick Funk
to be added to the ministry. Bro.
was born to Bro. Aaron and Sis.
Scott Aberle has received the
Kendra Funk on November 20.
prayerful support of the church.
Loving grandparents are Bro. Herb We surround him and his wife,
and Sis. Lori Leman and Bro. Fred Sis. Dorine, and their children:
and Sis. Diane Funk of Morton.
Kalahan, Klaire, and Kamden,
We joyfully welcomed many
in love as they take on this new
friends and visitors on November
responsibility.
30 as Bro. Grant Heinold of
We lift Sis. Betty Klaus and
West Lafayette and Sis. Anne
Sis. Jan Sigafus up in prayer as they
Wagenbach were united in
have both experienced medical
holy matrimony. Although Sis.
concerns over the past month.
Anne will be greatly missed in
Washington, we wish them God’s Indiana, Bluffton
richest blessings as they begin a
Suzie Fiechter, Kim Meyer
new life together. Their parents are
“For unto us a child is born, unto
Bro. Dan and Sis. Carol Heinold
us a son is given: and the government
and Bro. Don and Sis. Marie
shall be upon his shoulder: and his
Wagenbach. There were several
name shall be called Wonderful,
ministers present for the wedding. Counsellor, The mighty God, The
We thank those that shared in
everlasting Father, The Prince of
the services including Bro. Craig
Peace.” Is. 9:6
Stickling (Sis. Jackie) of Peoria,
As we celebrate the birth of
Bro. Randy Gasser (Sis. Sue) of
Jesus, we have a couple of families
Detroit, Bro. Doug Wagenbach
celebrating Christmas with new
(Sis. Lillian) of San Diego, and
additions in their families. Bro.
Bro. Joe Klotzle (Sis. Sue) of
Dan, Sis. Abby, Lucy, and Henry
Altadena.
welcome Alice Ruby into their
Bro. Mark Klaus also
family. Her grandparents are Sis.
ministered to us this month and
Dina Fae (Bro. Glen-dec.) Moser
we thank him for being with us.
and Bro. Doug & Sis. Ruby
As December is full of activity, Gerber. Avi Ann was born to Bro.
we recently enjoyed an evening of Quinn & Sis. Sarah Fiechter.
Christmas caroling followed by a
Not only is she their first child,
meal back at the church. It never
but also the first grandchild for
grows old to sing of the story of
Bro. Jon & Sis. Juli Kaehr. Her
Christ’s birth.
paternal grandparents are Bro.
On another recent Sunday, the Jim & Sis. Jenny Fiechter. Bro.
Sunday School blessed us with a
Ryan & Sis. Mandy and Caleb
Christmas program to also share
Schwartz are thankful to add
Spencer William to their family as
well. Grandparents, Bro. Scott &
Sis. Patti Schwartz and Bro. Gary
& Sis. Nancy Schladenhauffen,
welcome him as well with loving
arms. Newborns make the
Christmas season extra special
because of the physical reminder
they are of Christ as a babe in
the manger. May God bless these
parents with wisdom and love as
they raise these little ones.
As we pray for those in
hospitals and/or recovering, we
specifically lift Bro. Doug & Sis.
Susan Dailey up in prayer as he
will be undergoing chemo for
pancreatic cancer once he’s fully
recovered from surgery.
Elder Bros. Lynn Fiechter
and Steve Ringger shared the
Memorandum with the church
family. I really appreciated
the scriptural content used by
the elder body to compose the
memorandum. It wasn’t just
brothers’ opinions, but scriptures
that properly portrayed biblical
principles. I am sure that most
memorandums are composed
this way, but, for some reason,
this thought really stood out to
me while listening. As we ponder
messages from the memorandum,
may God give us the desire to be
teachable and moldable as a church
body and as individuals.
Indiana, Bluffton North
Corinne Stettner, Amy Moser
Much more important than all
the presents this Christmas is God’s
presence through Jesus Christ.
November 22 and 23 was
January 2015
SILVER LINING
27
a great encouragement to our
church family. Kayla Yergler (Bro.
Jeff & Sis. Peg), Brandon Gerber
(Bro. Todd & Sis. Michelle), and
Ben Pfister (Bro. Dan & Sis.
Sherry) gave their testimonies of
the saving grace of Jesus and were
baptized. We are thankful to God
for His Spirit’s transforming work
in young hearts seeking for truth.
We were blessed to have Bro. Lynn
Stieglitz (Sis. Leonda) from Leo,
IN, share in the weekend and
deliver the morning message for
us.
Our Bro. John and Sis. Laura
Beeks suffered an unexpected
death in their family when John’s
father, Tom Beeks, passed away
after having suffered a massive
stroke. We pray for them, trusting
God to bring His comfort and
peace as they say goodbye to their
father.
The 2014 Memorandum was
delivered on the afternoon of
November 30. Elder Bro. Lynn
Fiechter (Sis. Rhonda) from
Bluffton shared this responsibility
along with our Elder Bro. Steve.
This was a time of reflection for us
as we look at our roles in the body
of Christ and our denomination.
This is a blessed and busy
time of year for everyone and we
were given many opportunities
this month to share in the joy of
this season. Our annual church
Christmas caroling was on
December 7, which was followed
by a chili supper. This year was
the greatest turnout yet. What a
special time of fellowship for the
young and old while sharing the
28
gift of Jesus with our community.
The following weekend of
December 14, our Sunday School
Christmas Program was held. The
glory of the Lord was truly present
as our children sang of Jesus and
His gift to us.
Along with the joys we share
as a congregation, the trials of
life also keep our eyes turned
toward Jesus. Our Bro. Steve
Longenberger (Sis. Kathy) is
having a hip replaced again this
month. Also, Sis. Sally Dotterer
(Indianapolis, IN), who worships
with us frequently, is recovering
from surgery and will begin a
series of chemotherapy treatments
for her cancer. As a church body,
we are continuing to pray for
Phil Ringger and his wife, Becky.
They are currently in New York
where Phil has undergone surgery
for his cancer. They are far from
home, with many concerns and
unknowns still ahead. We pray
mightily that all of them will
feel God’s presence and strength
during these times of trial.
It is always wonderful to
have visiting ministers to share
the Word with us, and even
more special when their family
roots are planted in our home
congregations. Bro. Seth Gerber
from Magdalena, Mexico, and
Bro. Jerry Isch (Sis. Linda) from
Philadelphia, PA., preached on a
Wednesday evening this month.
Indiana, Francesville
Jacki Huber, Mildred Clauss
“If the Lord be with us, we
have no cause of fear. His eye is
upon us, His arm over us, His
ear open to our prayer—His
grace sufficient, His promise
unchangeable”. -John Newton
As the new year approaches,
we all understand there will be
challenges and disappointments.
But if we are living “in Christ”, we
claim His wonderful promises and
we know He will be our Refuge
and He will be our Strength!!
(Psalm 46)
It was a blessed evening
on November 29 when our
congregation shared Holy
Communion. We were grateful to
have Bro. Ted Steffen (Sis. Sandy)
from Alto, MI assisting Bro.
Steve Gutwein and Bro. Randy
Gudeman with the service.
We welcomed Bro. Nick
Gutwein (Sis. Suzanne) from
West Lafayette and Bro. Chris
Wuethrich (Sis. Carla) from
Chicago to our pulpit on Sunday
morning, December 14. We were
indeed blessed by the message.
The Sunday afternoon
service was given by the Sunday
School Classes who presented the
Christmas Message in their own
special and inspiring way. In the
evening, the Church Caroling was
well-attended. When the carolers
returned to the church, a chili
supper was served in the dining
room to be enjoyed by all.
Bro. Jonathon Pelsy (Bro.
Roger & Sis. Lily) is graduating
mid-term from Purdue University.
We congratulate him; and are
glad he will be returning to
Francesville.
Bro. Sid Leman (Sis. Fern) has
been in the hospital and we pray he
We welcomed the following
will have a speedy recovery.
ministers this period who exhorted
Note of Thanks
and encouraged us from the
I want to express heartfelt
pulpit: Bro. Brian Huber (Sis.
thanks and appreciation for all
Jacki, Francesville, IN), Bro. John
your prayers, cards, gifts, and
Rowell (Sis. Nelda, Tremont, IL),
many other deeds of kindness
Bro. Kevin Knapp (Sis. Dixie,
during the time of my broken hip Bloomington-Normal, IL), and
surgery, rehabilitation at Parkview Bro. Scott Schafer (Sis. Gigi, South
Haven and since returning home. Bend, IN).
May God bless you all.
Some of us visited the women’s
Sis. Glendoris Huber
prison, accompanied by Lemuel
and Donna Vega of Christmas
Indiana, Indianapolis
Behind Bars of Bluffton, IN.
Gail Bradford, Sandy Lichtle
For our visit, the Sunday school
The advent of the Christmas
prepared more than 800 individual
season brought both joys and
Christmas cards with a scripture
sorrow to our local fellowship.
verse and personal note, to be
Sis. Ginny Zeller (Bro. Eric
included with the gift packages.
– dec.) and children said farewell
The children embraced this
to Sis. Norma Zeller of Morton,
project with enthusiasm, while
IL, a beloved mother-in-law and
learning how blessed it is to give,
grandmother. She showed the gift as a demonstration of gratitude for
of encouragement to everyone she God’s gift of salvation. Matthew
met.
25:35-40. They also learned that
We said farewell to Bro. Matt Jesus loves everyone, including
and Sis. Rachael Ringger, who
those who make bad choices. The
will be serving as alternate house
women heard that it is never too
parents at Gateway Woods, Leo,
late for repentance and a turning
IN. We wish them and their two toward righteousness.
young sons God’s blessing as they
embark on this new ministry.
Indiana, Lacrosse
Sixty-five children from preMeagan Frank, Julie Rocke
school to high school praised
“For unto us a child is born, unto
the newborn King in poems,
us a son is given: and the government
song and Bible verses during the
shall be upon his shoulder: and his
annual Sunday School Christmas name shall be called Wonderful,
program. The theme, “The Names Counselor, The mighty God, The
of Jesus” from Isaiah 9:6 resonated everlasting Father, The Prince of
with the families and friends who Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
came for this special occasion.
While this season is a special
Bro. Jonathan Magnin gave an time to rejoice in the birth of our
interesting presentation about his
Savior, Jesus Christ, the Troxel
experiences living in Nicaragua.
family is also rejoicing in the
arrival of another son. Parents
Bro. Rudy & Sis. Rosario, along
with siblings: Nathan, Marianna,
and Olivia, are excited to welcome
home Nolan James. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Tom & Sis.
LuAnn Troxel, and Sis. Bertha &
the late Bro. Javier Gonzalez. As
a church we feel so blessed, new
babies bring such life & joy to the
congregation!
Little Gena Sawyer (Bro.
John & Sis. Melinda) was
recently hospitalized after doctors
discovered she had a very low
platelet count. There was intense
relief and rejoicing when they
discovered she had a treatable auto
immune disease. We praise God
that her counts have now returned
to normal.
Our hearts & prayers go out to
everyone in our congregation that
has had recent illness or heartache.
Too often we are unaware of the
suffering of loved ones near to us.
Along with our faithful home
brothers, we are always thankful
for visiting ministers. Elder Bro.
Ted Steffen (Sis. Sandy, Alto, MI)
along with Bros. Jim Butikofer
(Sis. Diana, Iowa City, IA) and
Lucas Frank (Sis. Crystal, Detroit,
MI) each gave of themselves on
our behalf. We pray God will bless
these brothers and their families.
Indiana, Leo
Kirby Reutter
“When I consider thy heavens, the
work of thy fingers, the moon and the
stars, which thou hast ordained—
what is man, that thou art mindful
of him?” Psalm 8:3-4
January 2015
SILVER LINING
29
Happy New Year! God,
in His sovereign power and
providence, has allowed the
Planet Earth to complete yet
another revolution around the
closest Star—which reminds me
of a famous article written 500
years ago: “De Revolutionibus
Orbium Coelestium.” In this
article, a famous scientist named
Copernicus argued that the
earth makes revolutions around
the sun—and not the other way
around. This idea represented
such a radical transformation
in thinking that ever since the
publication of this article, the
word “revolution” has come to
mean any radical transformation.
Here in little Leo, we have
experienced many revolutions
this past year—and even a few
this past month. Whenever a
new soul is born into this world,
that is a radical transformation.
“Congratulations to Bro. Aaron
and Sis. Michelle Stoller on the
birth of their daughter, Avery
Elisabeth, born on December 14.”
Whenever fresh blood
relocates from foreign parts of the
country to join us in the Midwest,
that is radical a transformation.
“Please welcome Sis. Amanda
Knochel to Leo. She is originally
from Phoenix, AZ, and has
recently taken a job at Parkview
Hospital.”
Whenever a soul passes from
mortality to everlasting life, that
is a radical transformation. “Bro.
Steve Scheitlin’s mother, Sis.
Joan Scheitlin of Elgin, IL passed
away. The visitation and funeral
30
will be held at the Elgin Church.”
Whenever a soul passes from
bondage to freedom in Christ, that
is a radical transformation. “The
Leo church has a new convert,
Connor Beer, son of Bro. Joseph
and Sis. Heather Beer. We thank
God for his desire to walk closely
with the Lord and with us in
fellowship.”
Or, how about when a former
Gateway resident—decades
later—remembers to write us an
encouraging letter? The following
note was recently scanned to my
inbox: “We, my husband and I,
believe in the ministry of Gateway
Woods so much since we know
it spreads the Gospel of our Lord
and Savior. I know how hard
each of the staff works to help the
children in their care. So many
times, I am reminded of my time
spent there as a resident and the
lessons I learned. I can remember
having conversations about God
at the kitchen table. Having
conversations with my assistant
housemom till way too late at
night, working through my stuff.
Learning from our ‘grandparents’
about marriage and family and
serving others. Learning about
earning trust and keeping it.
Today, my own children are
reaping the benfits of so much
that I learned at Gateway…of a
godly family, of two parents who
show a united front, and who
show love to their kids and to each
other, of learning about salvation
at a young age. If it wasn’t for
Gateway Woods and the ministry
they provided me so many years
ago, I don’t know if I would have
ever found Christ, or if I would be
able to be the mother I am today.”
Now that, my friends, is a radical
transformation.
God is not in the business
of resolutions. Rather, God is in
the business of revolutions. I have
no idea what 2015 will bring for
you or me, but let us all (both
individually and collectively) seek
a Christ-centered revolution—in
both senses of the word. First,
may every aspect of our lives orbit
around the One and only source
of Life and Light. May all of our
earthly thoughts, feelings, plans,
desires, dreams, wants, needs,
ambitions, and aspirations fall in
line with the gravitational pull
of the Son. Secondly, may others
observe the radical transformation
which results from a Christcentered orbit. May any thing that
obscures our view or obstructs our
path fade away into the cosmic
dust of the balance.
When I was younger, my dear
father once told me: “Son, the
world does not revolve around
you.” (He was right, as it turns
out.) However, let us never forget
that the world does revolve around
the SON! In fact, the entire
universe revolves around the SON.
It is “probably” best we come to
terms with this reality on this side
of eternity.
“For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and
that are in earth, visible and
invisible, whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by
him, and for him.” Colossians 1:16
Elmer Beckley (Nancy). Elmer
was also the brother-in-law to Bro.
Indiana, Milford
Ken Schneider (Sis. Bernice). Sis.
Minnie Beer, Jodi Beer
Kristen Schneider (Bro. Brian)
Many thanks to Our Elder
lost her mother Sis. Clara Fischer
Bro. Bill Schlatter (Sis. Emily,
of Roanoke. Bro. John Walder
Junction) and Elder Bro. Mark
(Sis. Lisa) lost his father Melvin
Masters (Sis. Jeannine, Mansfield) Walder (Irma) of Eureka. And
for sharing the memorandum and Bro. Gene Waibel (Sis. Diane) and
bringing forth God’s Word on
Bro. Harold Waibel (Sis. Arleta)
Sunday. Thanksgiving Day brought lost their brother James Waibel.
visiting ministers: Bro. Daron
We extend our deepest love and
Metz (Sis. Rita, Gridley) and Bro. sympathy to each one who mourns
Chris Laukhuf (Sis. Rachel, Latty). and ask you to pray for them too.
May God bless each brother and
Convert Wes Corbin was in
their families.
Philadelphia again for treatments
Bro. Lee Beer (Sis. Sandy) had earlier this month. We ask you to
surgery on his knee and we are
pray for him that these treatments
thankful he is doing well.
could be effective and that he
“For unto us a child is born, unto could be healed. Sis. Lois Bahler
us a son is given:” Isaiah 9:6.
was also a hospital patient this
We spent a Sunday evening
month. We ask for your prayers for
Christmas caroling to our
her as well.
neighbors, friends and church
Bro. Stuart Kilgus is
family. What a blessing it is to
graduating from Purdue this
fellowship together.
month. He will be taking a job
We thank our Sunday School in Finley, OH. We offer our
students and teachers for the
congratulations to Bro. Stuart for
beautiful Christmas program. We his accomplishment. We pray that
always enjoy the enthusiasm of
God will continue to guide him in
the young children in singing and this next step in his life’s journey.
reciting various poems.
We will miss him!
May we all feel God’s love,
This past Sunday we had
peace and joy as we reflect on the
our annual Christmas program,
true meaning of Christmas and
Sunday School get-togethers,
what Christ has done for us.
and Christmas caroling. First,
we heard our youth proclaim
Indiana, Remington
the tidings of Good News that
Jenni Honegger, Marcella Tyler
were brought to all men on that
Our hearts are heavy and
wonderful first Christmas day.
full of prayers for several in our
Then, the Sunday School students,
congregation who have lost loved
teachers, and wives got together
ones this month. Sis. Velda and Sis. for an afternoon of fellowship and
LaVina Beckley lost their brother
games. Through that interaction,
it is our hope and prayer that the
youth will know how much the
church loves and values them. And
finally, we then took to the streets
and country roads to sing beautiful
carols to some members of our
community who are not able to
get out and about anymore. It was
a very busy day, but it was full of
blessings!
Indiana, South Bend
Joshua Martinez
“I will praise the name of God
with a song, and will magnify Him
with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30
We are happy that Arlene
Kaehr has recovered from recent
foot surgery and that she is able to
worship with our church family.
Our Sunday School children
made joyful noise unto the Lord
during our church Thanksgiving
program. The children also praised
the Lord and brought cheer to
various homes in our community
by Christmas caroling.
May the Lord bless Bro. Regg
Beer (Sis. Beverly, Milford, IN) for
sharing the Word with us.
“And let the peace of God rule
in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye
thankful.” Colossians 3:15
Indiana, Valparaiso
Marguerite Hoerr, Sherry Meiss
Okay, so here we are close to
Christmas day and where is the
snow? Not that I really want it like
last year, but it would make it feel
more like Christmas.
So why is it that we look for
the earthly things to make us feel
January 2015
SILVER LINING
31
the holiday, when God is with us
every day blessing us in the way
He sees fit? Though it is good to
be reminded how God created
all things in the very beginning.
He even had the birth of His son,
Jesus planned out way ahead of
everybody else. I am sure Mary
never would have thought in her
wildest dreams that she would
conceive a child in this way. Put
yourself in her shoes and try to
wrap your mind around that
thought. Don’t get me wrong, she
was Truly Blessed by God. But,
in those days what could have
happened to her by the people is
one thing completely different. I’m
talking about being the Chosen
one, the one with such High
Honor to give birth to God’s only
begotten Son. Now that would be
something you would never forget!
May we strive for this feeling
throughout the New Year and
never forget God’s eternal love.
Our Sis Leona Bucher was
so gracious to open her home
to the congregation to host the
Christmas dinner. Some sang,
read a poem, a letter written of
thanks and shared things held
close to their heart. Special efforts
were made to make sure Bro. Bob
and Sis. Marguerite Hoerr were
able to join us in this fellowship.
There was such a warm feeling
of love in everyone’s heart that
evening. It was a special night.
As many of us that could,
went caroling for those in need,
shut-in or living in one of the
homes. As we walked the hallways,
the sound of our voices echoed
32
into the rooms. The looks on those
faces inside of those rooms was
both heart-breaking and joyous at
the same time. One of my fellow
sisters shared her emotions with
me. It reminded her of how busy
we make our lives and how we
need to slow down and make a
lot more time for the elderly. How
they need to be our priority and
how they deserve our time to be
spent with them.
Many have been ill this season,
please pray for good health. Our
Bro. Lyle Zeltwanger and Sis.
Marilyn left early for Phoenix this
year, so Bro. Lyle could see doctors
down there. He had good success
in his surgery and will be back to
himself soon. Keep Becky Pelath,
the daughter of Bro. Bob and Sis.
Marguerite Hoerr, in prayer as
well.
If you’re in the area, stop in
and fellowship with us, we are just
South of US Hwy 30 on IN State
Road 49.
Love and hugs sent Bro. Blake
and Sis. Tashi Widmer home to
Jamaica, as Sis. Tashi completed
her deaf internship while they
lived in Indianapolis the last four
months.
The days go faster this season,
don’t they? A burst of activity
erupted as we navigated through
our church Christmas program,
the Purdue youth group Christmas
program and a night of caroling.
And... here we are! The Advent! A
time of remembrance. As we heard
at one of our programs, a time
when Jesus left His home. A time
when we all love to come home.
I googled “what is the Advent”?
Google responded with, “In
Christian theology, the coming or
second coming of Christ”. Perhaps
it is a good time to contemplate
both events.
Thank you Bros. Dan Pfister
and Lucas Frank for giving our
local ministers a respite as you
shared our pulpit.
Indiana, West Lafayette
Indiana, Wolcott
Kris Widmer, Libby Wahl
Michelle Earney, Beckie Lehman
It was a day for Phil 4:8 whatever is lovely - when Bro.
Grant Heinold and Sis. Anne
Wagenbach exchanged wedding
vows in Washington, Illinois.
We share the joy of the Heinold
and Wagenbach families. What
a blessing to have another couple
worshiping in our local church.
Welcome, Sis. Anne!
We also welcome home Sis.
Janessa Wahl, who has returned
after over a year with The New
Beginnings in Ft Myers, FL.
We are thankful for Bro.
Mike and Sis. Deb Leman as
they traveled out from Denver
to help with the memorandum.
We appreciate his willingness to
travel out to Indiana and extend
his services with us. Bro. Dennis
Virkler and Bro. Arlan Miller also
came to help spread the Gospel
on a Wednesday evening. They
presented a topic on “Growing
from milk to meat” and also gave
a presentation on the Apostolic
Christian Counseling and Family
Services. We thank them for their
time.
We rejoice with Bro. Tim and
Sis. Rachel Schwab as their son
Justin has expressed a testimony
of peace. We pray for this time in
his life leading up to his baptism.
We are so thankful to have several
that have begun their walk with
the Lord. Mary Lydia Lehman
(Bro. Rob and Sis. Beckie), Larissa
and Kenzie Bahler (Bro. Jeff and
Sis. Heidi) and Ryan Warren have
each given their hearts to the Lord.
May the Lord grant them grace
along the way.
Bro. Eric and Sis. Marissa,
Elliot and Ivy Bahler (Leo, IN)
welcomed home Finn Solomon.
Grandparents are Chris and Sis.
Teresa Bahler and Bro. Mark
Schwab and Sis. Shari Schwab of
Wolcott.
Beyer (Sis. Dawn), present the
ACCFS Marriage Seminar on that
Saturday. We heard much for our
marriages and our lives also. One
thing was that ‘a good conversation
includes a good listener’. And that
if we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely or
Tired, we need to H.A.L.T. and try
to communicate later.
Sunday morning, December 7,
we heard a lot about faith and that
we walk by faith. Then we heard
the engagement of Bro. Nathan
Schock (Elder Bro. Doug and Sis.
Clara) and Sis. Kaylyn Lanz , who
have the faith that they are to be
united in marriage. Her parents
are Bro. Robby and Sis. Kris of
Mediapolis. We rejoice with them.
their sins.” St. Matthew 1:21
Iowa, Elgin
Maria Rocke
Bro. John & Sis. Janet
Schupbach welcomed another
grandson into their family circle.
Beck Michael was born to Michael
and Nikki Schupbach (Spirit Lake,
IA) on December 2. He joins his
big brother, Knox. Bro. Charles
and Sis. Sue Schneider are also
thankful grandparents again. Kyra
Joelle was born to Luke & Brenda
Squires (Tama, IA) on December
14. Eager to welcome her home
were siblings, Malachi and Audra.
Gene Moore and Alex
Callahan spent some time in the
hospital this month. We pray God
Iowa, Burlington
will continue to provide strength as
Ivy Steiner, Monica Eisenmann
they recover.
“What happened at Christmas
Our church gathered to make
that gives us such joy? God sent to “encouragement baskets” for those
Iowa, Bloomfield
the earth a sweet baby boy!”
who suffered loss or health issues
Teresa Schock
This is a verse from our
this year. Afterward, many went
I think new-fallen snow across Christmas program that we had
Christmas caroling about our small
the landscape makes everything
this past month. This is a simple
town. Then we regrouped for a
seem so quiet and peaceful. I once reminder of the meaning of
meal together at the church.
read, “The quieter you become, the Christmas.
We enjoyed the Sunday
more you can hear.” Deer hunting
We were privileged to have
school’s Christmas program on
around here is enjoyed by many,
several visiting ministers this
December 19. Through poems,
and they know they have to be
month: Elder Bros. Wayne
verses and songs they shared the
quiet. Wishing joy and peace to
Grimm (West Bend), Wayne
message of Jesus’ birth and the
everyone in this new year.
Banwart (Champaign, IL), and Jon Gift of Life He gave us when He
Don Schaer’s sister, Sis. Janet
Schmidgall (Oakville-Mediapolis); went to the cross. We’re thankful
Schaer (Taylor), passed away
and Bros. Dan Koch (Tremont,
our elder Bro. Wayne & Sis. Rose
suddenly. We extend our sympathy IL), Aaron Frank (Elgin, IA), and Grimm (West Bend, IA) could join
to him and all the family.
Dale Frank (Oakville-Mediapolis). us for the program. We appreciated
We thank Bro. Ted Witzig,
May God bless them abundantly in his closing comments.
Jr. (Sis. Donna, Morton) for
this life and much more in eternity.
ministering to us on November
“And she shall bring forth a son,
Iowa, Garden Grove
23. We were also privileged to have and thou shalt call his name Jesus:
Laura Funk
Bro. Ted, along with Bro. Kaleb
for he shall save His people from
Visiting ministers this month
January 2015
SILVER LINING
33
were Bro. Brian Metzger (Lester,
IA) and Elder Bro. Doug Schock
(Bloomfield, IA). Other visitors
accompanied these brothers which
increased the blessings. Many
thanks!
“May we take a quiet moment to
reflect on God’s own son
And remember in humility all
that He has done.
May we share His peace with
others in joyful, sweet delight,
As we celebrate that love was born
That perfect, silent night.” -author unknown
Iowa, Iowa City
Diana Butikofer
We appreciate the visit of
Bro. Jon and Sis. Sharon Pratt
(Valparaiso, IN) this month. May
the Lord bless Bro. Jon for his
service to us.
Iowa, Lester
Audrey Metzger, Joyce Moser
Our congregation
was privileged to have the
Memorandum read and exhorted
by Elder Bro. Ron Messner
(Washington, IL) and our Elder
Bro. Rod Bajema the weekend
of November 22. How thankful
we are for willing servants who
sound the warnings and preach
the Gospel for the benefit of our
soul’s salvation. Other visiting
ministers this month were Bro.
Virgil Metzger (Chicago, IL), Bro.
Mitch Fehr and Bro. Kevin Wulf
(Morris, MN). We appreciate their
labors on behalf of the precious
faith.
Those spending time in the
34
hospital this month were Sis.
Cassie Mogler (Bro. Chet), Sis.
Marie Knobloch (Bro. Ezra) and
Sis. Beth Knobloch (Bro. Myron).
We continue to pray for those who
are suffering serious afflictions.
May the Lord be their source of
comfort and strength.
We had two families become
first-time parents this past
month. December 10, Scott
and Joni Metzger were blessed
with a precious baby boy, Colin
Matthew. Happy grandparents
are Bro. Mark and Sis. Audrey
Metzger. Bro. Joe and Sis. Esther
Barber welcomed little Charles
Joseph on 12-13-14! Becoming
first-time grandparents are Mike
and Sis. Donna Barber. God has
blessed these family circles!
We congratulate Paula Bosch
(Bro. Tony and Sis. Pam) and
Brad Bergman on their recent
engagement. We wish them God’s
blessing and guidance as they
make plans for their wedding on
February 14, 2015.
We are so thankful our
convert, Vance Metzger (Bro.
Rodney and Sis. Polly), has come
to the point of peace in his life and
now looks forward to baptism.
May the Lord continue to grant
him grace and godly wisdom in
rich measure.
It was a blessed evening when
we could listen to 171 children
sing the beautiful Christmas songs
and tell the story of our Savior’s
birth at our Sunday School
Christmas program on December
21. We want to thank all the
teachers who give of their time
and talent as they work with the
students.
As the New Year 2015 unfolds
before us, may we reflect on our
many blessings and go forth with
faith in the Lord Jesus that He
will provide for our every need!
“Onward strive to reach the goal,
Heaven’s Fatherland…” Zion’s
Harp, #92
Iowa, Oakville-Mediapolis
Sharla Wiegand
We were very thankful to
have many visiting ministers on
Thanksgiving Day, although sorry
we couldn’t use them all. Our
visitors were Elder Bro. Doug
Schock (Bloomfield, IA), Bro.
Darin Massner and Bro. Greg
Fehr (West Bend, IA), Bro. Bruce
Frank (Cissna Park, IL) and Bro.
Dallas Massner (Burlington, IA).
Believing God has brought
them together, Sis. Kaylyn Lanz
and Bro. Nathan Schock have
announced their engagement.
Their parents are Bro. Robby
& Sis. Kris Lanz and Elder
Bro. Doug & Sis. Clara Schock
(Bloomfield, IA).
Iowa, West Bend
Yvonne Bruellman, Becky Virkler
“Let us come before his presence
with thanksgiving, and make a
joyful noise unto him with psalms.”
Psalm 95:2.
The Thanksgiving holiday
is past and we look forward to
the Christmas season. We are
thankful for the precious gift
we received many years ago. It is
always a blessing when the Sunday
school children remind us of the
gift of his Son in word and in song.
We extend our sympathy to
Kevin Babin and children in the
passing Kevin’s father, Bro. Ken
Babin, (Morton, IL) and also Sis.
Dorothy Zaugg in the loss of her
brother-in-law, Bro. Lloyd Nohl
(Sis. Joyce, McAllen TX).
Emily Banwart (Bro. Kevin
and Sis. Sandy) and Chris Nielsen
have announced their engagement.
Plans are being made for an August
wedding. We are thankful to have
them in our midst. It is our prayer
that they always look to God for
His guidance and direction.
Hospital patients this month
were Bro. Dennis (Sis. Judy)
Fehr and Bro. Jim (Sis. Sandy)
Knobloch. May the Lord bless
them with a full recovery.
With the Holiday season upon
us, we have been privileged with
many visitors and among them
was ministering Bro. Lowell Moser
(Sis. Karen, Morris, MN). We
are thankful for the bond of our
brotherhood.
Tokyo, Japan
Marie Inoue
We were thankful to be able
to sing Christmas carols at two
local nursing homes this month.
All who can are wheeled into the
large room in their wheelchairs. A
few sing along with us on a song
or two. Our visiting minister, Bro.
Akihiro Ito, (Sis. Carrie) of our
Shioda church, could minister to
us one Sunday and could help us
sing at one of the homes. He also
gave a Christmas message at our
December ladies’ meeting. Being
a medical doctor he is able to be
helpful to questions of stress and
hardship. We thank the Ito family
for their visits to our assembly.
Guests we are enjoying at this
time are Bro. Keith and Sis. Ida
Kellenberger (Bradford, IL) as they
are visiting their son, his wife, and
grandchildren who reside here in
Tokyo; Gary, Yoko, Koa and Kia
Kellenberger; whom we love and
enjoy very much.
On December 21, we could
enjoy our Christmas program with
Sunday School children and some
adults participating. A flannel
graph story was presented, songs
sung, and “something we want for
Christmas” with Jesus being the
best gift which we already have.
Thanks to the Detroit church for
this idea from their 2013 program.
We thank all who loved and
prayed for us this past year. May
the New Year hold many blessings
for you.
Tokyo, Japan
Marie Inoue
Loving Christmas greetings
to all Silver Lining readers and
your loved ones. Once again we
are privileged to think and ponder
concerning the first Christmas at
Bethlehem. May the remembrance
of the gift of God’s Son, our Savior Kansas, Bern
and Redeemer, help us to live more Jill Meyer, Rita Menold
closely to Him in the coming year
Greetings in our Lord and
of 2015.
Saviors name!
We always enjoy having visitors
among our congregation, and are
thankful for those who served us
in the ministry this past month.
We appreciate Bro. Dean Steffen
(Sis. Carol, Belvidere, IL), as well
as Bro. Jerry Meeks (Sis. Christy),
Bro. David Hartter (Sis. Beth)
and Bro. Klint Beyer (Sis. Kara),
all from our neighboring church,
Sabetha, KS, for their willingness
to feed us from the Word.
We rejoice with the angels in
heaven that Michael Baumgartner
(Bro. John and Sis. Lori) has
answered the call to repentance!
As we enjoy the festivities
of the Christmas season, it is
good to be reminded of the true
meaning of the holiday. We have
all heard…..”Jesus is the reason for
the season”, and it is with joy that
we were able to sing of Christ’s
birth as we enjoyed our all church
Christmas Caroling on December
6. The following Sunday, our
Sunday school children brought us
the Christmas story in song and
verse. We extend a thank you to
our Sunday school teachers who so
willing plant the seed of salvation
in our youth.
Kansas, Ft. Scott
Karen Kellenberger
Wednesday, December 17 was
the date of the Sunday School
Christmas program. It was
inspiring to hear the beautiful
songs of Christmas and hear the
wonderful story of Christ’s birth
retold.
A New Year’s Prayer
“May God make your new year a
January 2015
SILVER LINING
35
happy one!
Not by shielding you from all
sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear
it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to
travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your
heart;
Not by granting you unbroken
sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright,
even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always
pleasant,
But by showing you when people
and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be
there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to
you for the year ahead.”
(Author unknown)
Kansas, Kiowa
Janice Bahr, Jenny Stewart
“The blessed story of the Christ,
The Babe of Bethlehem,
Is worthy of our song and praise
and stirs the hearts of men. The fullness of God’s love divine
surrounds the Christ so mild. Alas how many only know the
Saviour as a child?
Our saving hope is all in vain if
here our love should cease,
For in the man of Gallilee we find
the gift of peace.
‘Tis not the babe, but Christ the
man, who walked in Galilee. ‘Tis not the manger, but the cross,
that sets the spirit free.
Be not content this babe to know,
36
nor stay at Bethlehem, But go with Christ to Calvary’s
land, beyond Jerusalem.
‘Tis there men learn to know the
Christ, for there he bore man’s sin,
Then open wide the door of heart
and let the Savior in.”
Hymns of Zion #36
What a blessed people we
are!! We have a Wonderful God
who created us, walks with us,
and loves us so much even in our
sinful state, that He sent Jesus
(His own son) to earth to be born
in a stable in Bethlehem, grow up
as a carpenter’s son in Nazareth,
and then die on a Cruel Cross
in Jerusalem, as the Supreme
Sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is
the Reason for this Season as we
Celebrate all that He is and stands
for!!
We were so privileged this past
month to have a very special group
of young people (21) come to
Kiowa to share in our Celebration
of Christ’s Birth. They caroled
with us, traveled to Cherokee, OK
to package meals (13,000) at Kids
Against Hunger, joined us for our
Christmas Program, and sang a
couple of beautiful songs to end
the program. The fellowship was
wonderful, and we truly appreciate
the effort they made to travel all
those miles to give us a joy-filled
weekend. May God bless each of
them.
“Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.”
Hymns of Zion #218
Our dear Sis. Helen Murrow
fell asleep in the arms of her
Precious Lord this past month.
She will be greatly missed by all of
us, and especially by her husband,
Bud, and loving family. May God
be their comfort and the memories
they share bring them a measure
of peace in their loss.
As we begin the New Year,
another song from the Hymns
of Zion #150 comes to mind:
Another year is dawning.
Kansas, Lamont-Gridley
Dorene Metzger
Our little church was
delighted to hear of the
engagement announcement of
our Bro. Michael Luthi to Sis.
Julie Eisenmann from Chicago.
Their parents are Bro. Jay and
Sis. Jane Luthi and Bro. Brad and
Sis. Cindy Eisenmann. As a small
congregation, we are so thankful
to be looking forward to another
young couple and pray that God
will work in their lives on a daily
basis as they prepare for married
life and continuing to glorify God.
Christmas is a wondrous time
of year because of our celebration
of the birth of Christ. The snow
reminds me of Christ’s blood that
can makes my sins white as snow.
The evergreens remind me of life
everlasting and red berries remind
me of the steadfastness of God’s
promises to mankind. God’s care
His children goes far beyond our
daily needs when He assures us
He is (and will always be) there for
us.
“Jesus came to earth one day:
The Bible tells me so.
He came in a most humble way;
In harmony the angels sang;
Our Saviour Christ will be the
King;
The Bible tells me so
Shepherds came from hills afar
Wise men followed the bright star:
But from this manger we must go;
Out to the cross of Calvary;
If you want Christ to be your King;
(The Bible tells me so),
Your must believe and let Him in;
In a manger low He lay,
Christ was born on Christmas day.
He came to wash our sins away
Christ was born to die one day,
So we can live in Heav’n some day.
He came to wash our sins away;
The Bible tells me so.”
The Children’s Harp #109
Our Christmas season
began with wrapping gifts for
80 residents of Hartford, Inc.,
who are challenged physically
and mentally. We gathered at the
home of Bro. Kent & Sis. Marissa
Kraft to wrap these gifts that
they, along with Bro. Jacob & Sis.
Krystal Knoblock, had purchased.
Each resident had a special wish.
Bro. Jacob said that one person
requested a key chain and a hat.
These gifts were delivered one
evening as we caroled to them and
they participated in the Joy of the
blessed Christmas season.
This Christmas “tradition”
began about 30 years ago in
our little Gridley church and
has continued when we became
part of the Lamont church in
1995. One of our brothers was a
pharmacist and knew that some
of the Hartford, Inc. residents
were there because of abuse, as
well as physical limitations. Many
were “forgotten”. Their needs are
seen to by the staff, but the “little
wants or desires” could be filled
by the extension of Christ’s hands
through believers. Thinking of
Black Friday and its frenzy, as
compared to wanting a key chain
and a hat, should put the believer
into a mode of compassion instead
of greed.
On Sunday, December 7, our
Sunday School presented the ageold, but always inspiring story of
the birth of the Christ Child, His
life, and His role as Redeemer-tobe of all mankind. The caroling,
supper and fellowship that followed
were enjoyed in the home of Bro.
Justin & Sis. Liz Isch.
On December 14, our church
family caroled at several nursing
homes. Seeing the thoughtful
smiles and movement of lips
increased our joy as we sang ageold hymns which conveyed the
true meaning of this wondrous
time in the history of mankind.
We again enjoyed soup and
fellowship in the home of Bro.
Albert & Sis. Mara Jean Edelman.
May the year of 2015 be a
time of grace, mercy and love
from our Heavenly Father for
each believing heart. Every day is
another opportunity to serve Him,
in Whom is no variableness or
shadow of turning.
Kansas, Sabetha
Crystal Hartter, Dawn Strahm
We are thankful Bros. Dale
Zeltwanger (Sis. Rachel, Morris
North, MN) and Seth Hartter
(Sis. Brenda, Burlington, IA) were
present to minister God’s Word
this past month.
Bro. Mark Schurter (David and
Pamela Schurter of Washington,
IL) and Sis. Tasha Knoblock (Bro.
Steven and Sis. Rose Ann) have
announced their engagement. We
wish them God’s blessings and
nearness as they look forward to
being united.
The prayers of the church are
with Sonia Irwin (daughter of Bro.
Elmer and Sis. Phyllis Strahm) as
she undergoes treatment for cancer.
There have been several
opportunities to share the
miraculous birth of our Lord
and Savior as the church, Sunday
School, and Young Group spent
evenings caroling. Our precious
youth also shared the story of Jesus’
birth in our annual Sunday School
Christmas program. It is a blessing
to hear voices raised in songs of
praise to honor our King.
Kansas, Wichita
Max and Judy Reimschisel
Thanksgiving services, really
gave me something to think and
meditate on:
Do I murmur and complain?
Philippians 2:14 says “Do all things
without murmuring and disputing.”
January 2015
SILVER LINING
37
Then Philippians 4:6-7 really gave
me the right direction! “Be careful
for nothing; but in everything
by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your request be
made known unto God. And the
peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus.” The word given really wants
me to remain on the peaceful path
with thanksgiving as the main
focus.
Christmas caroling is one
thing we enjoy doing weekly
during the month of December.
It is exciting to see the smiles, joy
and anticipation in the singing of
Christmas carols this time of the
year. At the home where Sister
Emma now resides, the song,
“O Holy Night” was sang. After
another song, “O Holy Night”
was given again by a resident.
The comment was made that we
had already sang that one. Nonethe-less, the older lady said with
excitement in her voice “Sing it
again!”
How it does one’s heart good
to sing songs about Jesus! Each
year we are excited to be reminded
of this special time when Jesus was
born. It should be new again and
fulfilling each time when we have
an opportunity to sing and hear
about Emmanuel -- God with us.
Often times after a sermon
we say, “I sure needed that!” This
was the blessing from our visiting
minister this month. Bro. Gerry
Hertzel and wife, Sis. Ellen,
from Sabetha, presented us the
challenge to live courageously with
38
hope and peace.
Sister Anna Marie Warner
was hospitalized for a short time.
Our prayer for her is that she will
continue to improve and be able
to worship at church once again,
Lord willing.
Mexico, Ixtlán
Ruth Gerber
It’s always the right season
for thankfulness, for those of us
that know the love of Christ…
As we wrap up this year, we want
to share a few of the things we’re
thankful for:
We’re thankful for the four
new believers that were added
to the church in Ixtlán and for
several newcomers that have
started to attend regularly. One
family in particular comes to
my mind. They started coming
through a family connection with
one of our schoolteachers.
We’re thankful for God’s
provision in the school. This is
the first year with all six grades.
We thank God for the faithful
staff, for the open door to share
the gospel with so many families
and for the way He has provided
a Christian schooling option for
our church families. Thank the
Lord and all of you that support in
prayer and financially.
We’re thankful for the visitors
that travel so far to encourage us
and to broaden our fellowship.
We’re thankful for the
children that have been born
into our families. This month
we rejoiced with Sis. Bertha de
Gonzalez on the birth of her
grandson, Nolan James Troxel,
born on December 6 to Bro. Rudy
and Sis. Rosario of LaCrosse.
And we’re thankful for God’s
daily blessings of health and
protection. This past month our
little Betel Torres (Bro. Javier and
Sis. Veronica) had an accident and
fractured her ankle. It’s been a
rough start to recovery, but God
has given this family a wonderful
measure of grace – as it appears
from their patient, cheerful spirits
and their continued service in the
church.
We look forward to a new year
of God’s blessings and want to
say with the hymn writer, “Leave
to thy God to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will
remain…” (Be Still My Soul,
Hymns of Zion #191).
Michigan, Alto
Renee Steffen, Shelli Oesch
Merry Christmas from Alto, MI.
We’ve had a quiet month.
The church remodel project has
been completed and we are back
in the church for regular worship
services. We extend a special
thanks to all who were involved in
helping to coordinate this project. Our prayers have been with
Jeff Oesch as he is recovering from
surgery last month.
In December, we had the
pleasure of attending our annual
Sunday School Christmas
program. At the conclusion, Bro.
Wally Gerst commented on having
had many of the current teachers
as his own students years ago.
Also, the same Christmas songs
proclaiming Christ’s birth are sung
from generation to generation, yet
the message remains the same. Thanks to all the students who
helped tell the story of Christ’s
birth in word and in song.
Michigan, Bay City
Sarah Knochel
Our thoughts and prayers
are with those who have been
confined to hospital or nursing
home in the past weeks. We pray
that God would stand by their side
and give them strength to heal.
They include Norm (Sis. Linda)
Andrzjewski, Sis. Leanore Knochel,
and Sis. Esther Meister.
Our prayers are with Sis.
Carola and Bro. Jay Schlatter and
their family in the passing of Sis.
Carola’s father, Bro. Vladimir
Fortenbacher (Kitchener, ON). We
also want to remember Sis. Edie
and Bro. Daryl Wieland in the
passing of Sis. Edie’s brother, Bro.
Ted Klotzle (Altadena, CA)
Burial services took place in
Bay City for Bro. Don Schneider.
His wife, Sis. Sandy (Gridley, IL),
is originally from Bay City and our
prayers are with Sis. Sandy and the
Schlatter family during this time.
Our annual Sunday School
Christmas Caroling and Program
were held on December 12 and 14.
It is always a blessing to hear the
students recite song and verse that
reflect the glory of Christ’s birth
and the promise of His triumphant
return.
We are thankful for God’s
presence in our lives during the
past year. We are looking forward
to the coming year and pray God
would be near each one in the
coming days.
February is Bay City’s month
for Silver Lining dues and all dues
should be put into the General
Fund. If you have any address
changes, please contact the
correspondent.
Michigan, Detroit
Manuela Denes
“Brethren, I count not myself to
have apprehended: but this one
thing I do, forgetting those things
which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are
before, I press toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling of God
in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13-14
Happy New Year! Here we are,
January 2015. Are you making a
resolution? So many people are
taking time to look at the year
that passed and will be changing
something in their life. As many
of us know, those resolutions don’t
always stick. I so appreciate the
“resolution” that the scripture
from Philippians presents to us.
Forget about what is behind you
and reach for what is ahead—that
special prize that we find in Christ
Jesus! What better way to start
the New Year than to commit
ourselves more fully in our spiritual
walk.
December was a very busy
month for many of us here. There
were a number of festive activities
that took place. Here is a brief
recap. Thanks to the Toledo, OH
church for hosting church services
at Woodhaven. The group included
ministering Bro. Doug Harmon
along with Bros. Gale Stoller and
Brice Gasser. Prior to the service,
the residents enjoyed a musical
Christmas presentation by four
of Woodhaven Board President
Bro. Jason (Sis. Carrie) Rauhe’s
children; Tyler, Stephanie, Trevor
and Joshua. An ensemble of church
musicians from both the Livonia
and Toledo churches joined the
Rauhe family in sharing Christmas
carols with the residents. God’s
blessings were evident that evening!
Christmas caroling took place
early in December. Caroling
began at Woodhaven in the dining
room while residents enjoyed their
dinner. From there the group
divided with one group visiting a
neighboring assisted living facility
and then to a Livonia group home
for the differently abled. The other
group went to a Farmington group
home. Everyone got back together
to sing at Woodpointe. The
evening ended with shared treats!
The annual Christmas program
took place the following Sunday
evening at church. The theme
was “Come and See”. The various
classes focused individually on
these subthemes: “Gabriel Told
the World to Come and See”, “The
Shepherds Came to See”, “The
Wise Men Came to See”, “Simeon
and Anna Came to See” and the
climax, “Will You Come and See?”.
The Christmas message was shared
musically as well with songs from
a ladies group, a men’s group, the
young group and Bible class and
the church choir. Always a special
evening!
January 2015
SILVER LINING
39
Two of our families received
very special gifts this Christmas
season. Brennan Lee was
welcomed by Bro. Steve and Sis.
Tiffany Weiland. Waiting at home
for their early Christmas gift were
sister, Alexa, and brothers, Gabriel
and Austin. Grandparents are Bro.
Rodney and Sis. Evelyn Wieland,
Bay City, MI, and Bro. Fred and
Sis. Mary Gasser, Rittman, OH.
Bro. Phil and Sis. Dawn Bahr
welcomed a new granddaughter.
Avery Elisabeth was born to Bro.
Aaron and Sis. Michelle Stoller,
Latty, OH. She has a big brother
Jeremiah. Other grandparents are
Bro. Jim and Sis. Tam Stoller also
of Latty, OH.
We share in the sadness of
loss that some are experiencing.
Sympathy to Sis. Eloise, Bro.
Mark and Bro. Phil Bahr in the
passing of their son-in-law and
brother-in-law, Roger Belsley.
Sympathy also goes out to Sis.
Beth (Bro. Dana) Knochel in the
passing of her brother-in-law, Bro.
Don Schneider (Sis. Sandy) of
Bloomington, IL. May the Lord
comfort all those who have lost a
loved one. We are so blessed to be
able to have and share beautiful
memories, especially during the
holiday season.
Congratulations to Bro.
Pat and Sis. Bonnie Allen as
they begin their life together as
husband and wife. May they and
their families be richly blessed
with much happiness and joy.
40
Minnesota, Minneapolis
Brenda Messner, Betty Rassi
Lindwall
On Sunday, December 14 our
Sunday School classes brought to
us, “Immanuel – Our God is with
us” for their Christmas program.
It’s so precious to hear the children
proclaim Jesus’ birth and to heed
His call.
“So what will be your answer? Oh
will you hear the call
Of Him who did not spare His
Son, but gave Him for us all?
On earth there is no power, there
is no depth or height
That could ever separate us from
the love of God in Christ!”
Many blessings were received
as Bro. Jamie Pelzel (Sis. Jodi),
his daughter, Lucy, and niece,
Kennedy, returned from a medical
work team to Haiti. We are
thankful for their efforts.
We hosted our first Christmas
Gathering and Auction on Friday,
December 5. Everyone brought
items to have auctioned off and
all the proceeds went to a local
charity. All had a wonderful
time enjoying good food and
fellowship.
Our prayers are with Fede as
he was hospitalized this month
with health complications.
Minnesota, Morris
Amy Ekren, Heidi Pfaffmann
We are again grateful for the
brethren who came to visit us this
month! They include Elder Bro.
Rod Bajema (Sis. Sue, Lester, IA)
along with ministering Bros. Mike
Grimm (Sis. Amber, Goodfield,
IL), Leland Plattner (Zapata, TX),
and Michael Wagenbach (Sis.
Erica, Wolcott, IN).
We rejoice with Bro. Travis
& Sis. Rita Moser as they became
one in the Lord. It was a blessed
Sunday and we’re thrilled to have
another young couple in church!
Their parents are Bro. Lowell &
Sis. Karen Moser and Bro. Jerry &
Sis. Linda Wulf.
Bro. Lloyd Nohl from the
congregation in McAllen, TX
was laid to rest in Morris. Our
prayers are with his wife, Sis.
Joyce, as well as their children,
grandchildren and siblings.
“My lifetime doth pass away;
Hourly to the grave I hasten,
And I know each fleeting day My
allotted span will lessen. Think,
man, death comes soon or late.
Tarry not, it will not wait!”
My Lifetime Doth Pass Away,
Zion’s Harp #253, vs.1
As 2014 comes to a close and
we reflect on our lives, let’s not
forget to give thanks to God for
the gift of His Son, along with all
the material blessings which have
been showered upon us.
Minnesota, Morris North
Lois Schmidgall, Wanda Gramm
Our appreciation goes to
those in our congregation that
gave of themselves in service to
the Magdelena mission project
this past month. Blessings beyond
measure were experienced by all.
At this time of year it is a
unique season to enjoy to the
fullest. The sparkling lights,
dazzling decorated trees, and fresh
snowfall are all around us. Let us
remember the greatest GIFT of all
time….the GIFT of JESUS whom
came into this world over two
thousand years ago.
Special events to proclaim the
GIFT of JESUS was Christmas
caroling and the annual Sunday
School Christmas Program.
Baby Clayton Jerry was
welcomed into the family of
Tyler and Brittany Fehr. His
big sisters are Chloe and Callie.
Grandparents are Bro. Randy and
Sis. Lori Fehr. May God shower his
blessings upon this special family.
We want to remember
in prayer those whom are
experiencing health issues. They are
Bro. Gene Schmidgall, Sis. Josie
Esterling, Sis. Marion Schmidgall,
and Sis. Roberta Stoller (Eld. Bro.
Andy).
Each of us is an “innkeeper”
who decides if there is room for
JESUS…..
May the GOD of HOPE fill
you with all JOY and PEACE as
you TRUST in Him so that you
may overflow with HOPE by the
power of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Lord Jesus and His shed blood.
“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, A
light to my path alway,
To guide and to save me from sin,
And show me the heavenly way.”
Thy Word Have I Hid In My
Heart, Tabernacle Hymns, #24
We had the privilege to have
Bro. Doug Moser (Sis. Dawn),
Morris, MN share the Word with
us this month and may God bless
him for his efforts on our behalf.
“Carol, sweetly carol, a Savior
born today;
Bear the joyful tidings, oh, bear
them far away:
Carol, sweetly carol, till earth’s
remotest bound
Shall hear the mighty chorus, and
echo back the sound.”
Carol, Sweetly Carol, Hymns of
Christmas #50
On December 7, our church
went Christmas caroling.
Afterward, we gathered for a
potluck supper for more fellowship.
It is such a blessing to be able to
sing carols to those that are unable
to get out and about.
“Blessed is the man that endureth
temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which
Minnesota, Winthrop
the Lord hath promised to them that
Lindsay Schmidt, Becky Braulick
love him.” James 1:12
“Giving thanks always for all
Our prayers and sympathies
things unto God and the Father in
go to Sis. Magdalena Schmidt
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
(Bro. Clint) with the passing of her
Ephesians 5:20
father, Bro. Vladimir Fortenbacher
Now is the time that has been of Kitchener, ON. Others
set aside for us to look back on the mourning his loss are his wife,
year and think of all the wonderful Sis. Margaret, her children and
blessings we have had that we
grandchildren and his siblings.
can be so thankful for. First and
“Likewise, I say unto you, there
foremost, let us be looking to our
is joy in the presence of the angels of
God over one sinner that repenteth.”
Luke 15:10
We are so thankful that God is
stilling calling souls to repentance.
Our church rejoices that two souls
have turned to God. We pray
for God’s continued grace and
guidance as Sam and Sandy Miller
begin their walk of faith.
Missouri, Lamar
Venetta Banwart
As we think about this season
of the year, we celebrate Christmas
and what it really means to us as
Christians. In the song, “The Babe
of Bethlehem” verse 2, it reminds
us that it is the man that walked in
Galilee, not the babe and not the
manger, but the cross that sets our
spirit free.
Our hospital patients this
month were Misty Marti (Andy),
Bro. Leonard and Sis. Bonnie
Braker. May God continue to grant
them healing strength.
month were: Bro. Dave Hartter,
Sabetha, KS (Sis. Beth), Bro. Larry
Bahr, Ft. Scott, KS (Sis. Julie),
Bro. James Koehl, Morris, MN
(Sis. Hildegard), Bro. Justin Koch,
Washington, IL (Sis. Marcia), Bro.
Jeff Bahr, Kiowa, KS (Sis. Janice).
Bro. James Koehl was also here
for our Thanksgiving eve service.
May God richly bless each of
these brothers for being willing to
lend of themselves to feed us from
God’s Holy Word through the
Holy Spirit.
January 2015
SILVER LINING
41
Missouri, St. Louis
Kary Mangers
The birth of Jesus, our Savior
– does it make you still wonder
and cause you to worship? As I
reflect on our children’s Christmas
program and think about a song
they sang, “What can I give Him”,
it says “what can I give him poor
as I am?. . .And it goes through
the shepherd and wise men and
ends with saying, I’ll give him
my heart. I think about how
poor of spirit we are as humans
with hearts full of sin and yet our
hearts are exactly what He wants!
He wants to wash us clean and
make us new. So as we are in the
midst of the season of giving, my
prayer is that all of us give our
hearts, our souls, and minds over
to Christ as we celebrate His birth
and live this life He gave us on
earth.
Thank you to our visiting
ministers and their wives who
shared their hearts with us
this past month. We had Bro.
Chris and Sis. Carla Wuethrich
(Chicago) and Bro. Dave and Sis.
Lori Marquart (Taylor).
Missouri, Taylor
Marcia Sutter
“We shall sleep but not forever,
There will be a glorious dawn;
We shall meet to part, no, never
On the resurrection morn.”
We Shall Sleep But Not Forever,
Hymns of Zion, #125, chorus
A Memorial service was held
on 12/7/14 for Sis. Janet Schaer
at the Taylor church. She died
unexpectedly in Springfield, MO
42
where she has lived with her twin
sister, Jane (Lester, deceased)
Reiman for the past 2 years. Prior
to moving to Springfield, she lived
in Canton, MO and attended the
Taylor church with Jane and Jane’s
daughters, Melissa and Edie. We
extend our deepest sympathy to
Jane, and her other siblings: Vera
Linden of Wapello, IA; Donald
Schaer of Drakesville, IA; and
Bro. David Schaer of Burlington,
MO and all their families.
Melissa Reiman-Newberry
and her husband, Mike, were
unable to attend the memorial
service because they were at the
hospital having their baby boy,
Gage Remington. We wish them
joy and happiness with their dear
little one.
After church on 12/7/14, there
was all-church caroling at the
Elmore Building at the Illinois
Veterans Home in Quincy. This
has been a tradition for the past 6
or 7 years. The veterans and their
wives thoroughly enjoy the singing
and the visit. Following the
caroling, everyone was invited to a
Soup Supper at the AC Fellowship
Hall put on by the Sunday school
teachers and students. Donations
were made for the Sunday school
for their activities.
include Elder Bro. Herb (Sis.
Laurie) Knochel from Phoenix,
AZ, who had the morning service
on 11/23/14 and Bro. Tom (Sis.
Mary) Lanz from Mediapolis, IA
who had the morning service on
12/7/14. We thank them for their
willingness to preach God’s Living
Word.
On 12/3/14, we had our
monthly Wednesday night Bible
study given by Bro. Ted (Sis.
Donna) Witzig, Jr. on “Safe
Technology Use for the Family.”
Bro. Ted said that discernment
is the key based on the Word of
God. You need to know what the
Bible says so it can be decided if
what technology you are using is
right or wrong, good use of time,
beneficial, and edifying. He gave
warnings about the evils that are
threaded in the technology, what
our children should avoid, and the
guidelines that families should use
for safe technology. Thanks Bro.
Ted for the timely knowledge and
warnings.
Those who were hospitalized
include: Bro. Arnie (Sis. Marjorie)
Gerst; Bro. Gerald (Sis. Marjorie)
Sutter; Sis. Loida (Henry,
deceased) Hodel and Sis. Kathy
(Bro. Paul) Haab. We lift them up
in prayers.
Bro. Rick and Sis. Kim
Steidinger are our new local World
Relief representatives. We wish
them God’s richest blessing.
We are so thankful to report
the safe arrival of Miles Ryan
Sutter, new baby son of Bro. Caleb
and Sis. Mercedes Sutter. His big
sister, Riley, is enjoying helping
take care of him. Grandparents are
Bro. Richard and Sis. Kay Sutter
and Randy Thompson.
Jared and Jen Haas are
moving to the Tremont, IL for
employment and will be sorely
missed. Hopefully they will visit
often.
Thanksgiving has passed and
Christmas is fast approaching.
On 12/14/14, our Sunday school
children recited their verses and
sang Christmas Carols telling the
old, old story of Jesus as a babe and
ultimately our Savior.
Also on 12/14/14, two souls
were announced to have peace
and are ready for testimonies
and baptisms. They are Jennifer
Hoerr, daughter of Bro. Brent and
Sis. Charlotte Hoerr and Kristen
Wegman, daughter of Bro. Scott
and Sis. Dawn Wegman. We wish
them God’s continued nearness
and His wonderful grace.
Shelby Sutter and Brandon
Davis announced their engagement
on 12/13/14. Shelby is the daughter
of Bro. Roger and Sis. Dianne
Sutter of Taylor and Brandon’s
parents are DeWayne and Laurie
Davis of Winamac, IN.
share the teaching of Jesus’ birth
with others at Christmas time. We
enjoyed caroling at Lewis County
General Hospital and Extended
Care Facility on December 14. The
children looked forward to this too
as we got to share pizza and snacks
together afterward.
The children also enjoyed
assisting us in putting together
cheer baskets on December 9.
What a wonderful time to show
them little ways that we can
brighten someone’s day and share
God’s Love with others. May
we especially remember to keep
in mind the true meaning of
Christmas and share it with others
throughout the year!
“For unto you is born this day in
the city of David a Savior, which is
Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Elizabeth Manz
Greetings! This morning while
reading the Bible, I came across a
chapter that struck me and would
like to share a few verses.
“And the Lord said unto him,
Go through the midst of the city,
through the midst of Jerusalem, and
set a mark upon the foreheads of the
men that sigh and that cry for all
the abominations that be done in
the midst thereof. And to the others
he said in my hearing, Go ye after
him through the city, and smite: let
not your eye spare, neither have ye
pity: Slay utterly old and young, both
maids, and children, and women:
but come not near any man upon
whom is the mark; and begin at my
sanctuary.” Ezekiel 19:4-6
Reading this made me think,
“What is my response to the evil
around me? Do I grieve for the sin
Ohio, Akron
that has become so common-place
Carla Miller
in our culture, or have I become
New York, CroghanWe extend our sympathy and
callused and even apathetic to it?
Naumburg
prayers to Sis. Lydia Graf (Bro.
And, just as important, how do
Hope Graves
Todd), Sis. Rosanne Graf (Bro.
I view the sinner, whose soul is
We appreciate ministering
Dan) and their families on the
precious in the sight of God? It is
Bro. Tom and Sis. Lanae Bahler
death of their father, Bro. Vladimir my prayer that God will find us,
(Rockville, CT) for traveling to
Fortenbacher (Sis. Margaret). We
His children, laboring faithfully
worship with us on November
also want to remember Sis. Joyce
and with zeal in His vineyard
23. It is always a blessing to have
Gasser in the passing of her sister, when He comes and asks for an
visitors and we enjoy the weekends Sis. Virginia Blunier.
account of our lives.
that Rockville comes to share
We are thankful for God’s
We are thankful for many
Sunday lunch with us.
healing and provision as several
visitors during this holiday season.
We express our sympathy
have been hospitalized recently:
Among them where Bros. Bruce
to Bruce and Betty Richie after
Sis. Donna Dotterer (Keith), Sis.
Frank (Sis. Bonita, Cissna Park,
the loss of her brother, Norman
Mary Leidal, and Sis. Judi Steidl
IL), Bill Brake (Sis. Miriam, Sardis,
Widrick, on November 19.
(Bro. Les).
OH), Bob Dotterer (Sis. Laura,
Our prayers go out for Sis.
Sardis, OH) and Matt Manz (Sis.
Anna Mellnitz, who was recently
Deanna, Toledo, OH). We pray
hospitalized.
that God will bless each of them
We cherish the opportunity to Ohio, Junction
for their labors.
January 2015
SILVER LINING
43
Our prayers go out for our Sis.
Kathryn Emch who fell and broke
a hip. We are thankful that she
is in recovery now and pray that
God will be near her in a special
way.
Ohio, Latty
Josephine Stoller, Sis. Ann
Plummer, and Jet Stoller (Van
Wert, OH). Our prayers and
sympathies go out to each of these
dear family circles and we pray
that the Holy Spirit would be their
Great Comforter.
Carmen Stoller, Mindy Stoller
Ohio, Mansfield
Greetings of love to each of
you! We are thankful to report
that our convert, Abbey Linder
(Jim and Sis. Jane), has been
announced for peace. We pray
that she will feel our love and
prayers as we look forward to her
testimony and baptism.
We would like to thank our
visiting ministers who labored
on our behalf this month. They
included Bro. Matt Feucht (Sis.
Jennifer, Roanoke, IL), Bro. Earl
Beery (Sis. Susie, Rittman, OH),
Bro. Randy Gasser (Sis. Sue,
Detroit, MI), and Bro. Justin
Koch (Sis. Marcia, Washington,
IL).
Several in our congregation
have lost loved ones in the recent
weeks. We mourn with Sis. LeAnn
Schlatter (Bro. Gus) as she has lost
her father (Bro. Rudy Bertschi)
and Bro. Greg Greutman (Sis.
Kristy) as he is also mourning
the loss of his father (Kenny
Greutman). We are prayerful
for Sis. Deb Klopfenstein (Bro.
Leon) as she is mourning the loss
of her sister-in-law (Deann Baer).
We also were made aware of the
passing of Sis. Katherine Oesch
(Mansfield, OH) who is a sister
to several of our congregation:
Sis. Dolores Riggenbach, Sis.
Elizabeth Walter
44
We think of several loved ones
who have suffered from sickness
or required surgery this month.
May God’s healing hand touch
Sis. Pat Beer, Sis. Miriam Bird,
Bro. Phil Keiper (Sis. Theresa), and
Zackory Walter (Bro. Curt and
Sis. Elizabeth).
Our annual business meeting
was conducted the first of
December. We are thankful for
the labors of each one who served
over the past year. We are also
glad for the willingness of those
taking on new responsibilities:
Bro. Dave Baumann (Trustee),
Bro. Justin Miller (Usher), Sis.
Seida Hill (Kitchen Committee),
Sis. Tami Griffey (World Relief
Committee), and Sis. Dorina
Miller (World Relief Committee).
We were saddened at the
death of our Sis. Katherine Oesch,
but thank God for the hope that
we have beyond this life. Our
thoughts and prayers are with Sis.
Kate’s children: Michael (Jackie)
Oesch, Cheryl (Ed) Shumacher,
Cinda Walp, Sally (Mel) Westcott,
Lori McCartney, Mary (Jim)
Cartwright, Dr. Betsy Oesch,
Kristi (Alaric) Cauley, Tammy
(Dave) Grauer, Amy (Jeff) Murray,
John (Lori) Oesch, Traci Sonon,
and son- in-law, Chip Fugate. We
also remember her siblings and
many extended family members.
May each one feel comfort from
the Heavenly Father.
We were filled with joy to hear
the engagement announcement
of Sis. Rachel Gerber (Bro. Tim
and Sis. Wendy) to Bro. Abram
Rufener (Bro. Leon and Sis. Lori,
Rittman, OH). Thankful that
God continues to work in our
midst, we pray He will bless the
couple and their families during
this special time of preparation.
The joy of youthful voices
always uplifts us when we hear
the story of Jesus’ birth as told
by our children at the Sunday
School Christmas Program. We
appreciate the sincerity and vigor
of the young ones, as well as the
efforts put forth by the Sunday
School teachers.
As we anticipate a new year ahead,
may we contemplate the words
of the hymn and remember our
calling as servants of the Lord!
“Another year is dawning, Dear
Master, let it be, On earth, or else
in heaven, Another year for Thee.”
Hymns of Zion #150
Ohio, Rittman
Anna Bauman, Julie Steiner
We have several new babies
to report in Rittman! Bro. Matt
and Sis. Gail Steiner are thankful
for new grandson, Joshua Merle.
His parents are Ethan and Lisa
Steiner and Bethany is his older
sister. First-time parents, Bro. Jesse
and Sis. Laura Rufener, welcomed
Kason James on December 11.
Thankful grandparents are Bro.
Jim and Sis. Pat Rufener and Bro.
Bob and Sis. Linda Sinn (Silverton,
OR). Bro. Kent and Sis. Greta
Dotterer welcomed Corinne Noelle
on December 12. Grandparents are
Bro. Earl and Sis. Suzanne Beery
and Bro. Gary and Sis. Sandy
Dotterer. Bro. Tim and Sis. Jonell
Ramsier are thankful for new
grandson, Landon Cole. Landon’s
parents are Bro. Jon and Sis. Kelly
Zollinger (Smithville, OH) and
older siblings are Peyton and
Austyn. May God bless all of these
parents with wisdom to teach and
guide their children.
We were thankful to hear of
the engagement of Bro. Abram
Rufener to Sis. Rachel Gerber
(Mansfield, OH). His parents are
Bro. Leon and Sis. Lori Rufener.
Her parents are Bro. Tim and Sis.
Wendy Gerber. May God bless this
couple as they prepare to begin
their lives together.
Our prayers are with those
hospitalized this month including
Sis. Carole Widmer (Bro. Harold),
Sis. Delores Bauman (Marion),
Brock Gasser (Bro. Ken and
Sis. Brenda), Gladys Bauman
(Richard), Sis. Martha Walder,
Bro. Bob Widmer (Sis. Joann),
Sis. Kim Hanzie (Tim) and Sis.
Betty Keiper (Bro. Reinhart) May
God grant them His nearness and
healing according to His will.
Our sympathy and prayers
are with Sis. Wanda Hilty (Bro.
Roscoe) and Sis. Barb Zollinger
(Bro. Arlyn) in the passing of their
father Bro. Vladimir Fortenbacher
(Kitchener, ON). May they feel the
nearness of God and the prayers
and support of the church.
were Elder Bros. Ken Indermuhle
(Sardis, OH) and Vic Bauman
(Smithville), and Bros. John Steiner
(Oakville, IA) and Chris Laukhuf
(Latty, OH). May God bless these
brothers for their willingness to be
used.
Ohio, Smithville
Sara Crist, Kara Stoller
“For this cause shall a man leave
his father and mother, and shall be
joined unto his wife, and they two
shall be one flesh. “ Ephesians 5:1
Our church rejoiced with Bro.
Phillip Maletich (Bro. Dave and
Sis. Connie Maletich) and Sis.
Mariah Indermuhle of Sardis,
OH as they were married in the
Lord on November 9. We are
so thankful that they will make
Smithville their home church. We
pray that God will richly bless their
union.
Bro. Jon and Sis. Kelly
Zollinger joyfully welcomed a
precious new son, Landon Cole,
born on December 12. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Ken and Sis.
Becky Zollinger and Bro. Tim and
Sis. Joni Ramsier (Rittman, OH).
Landon is welcomed home by older
siblings, Peyton and Austyn.
Hospitalized this month
were Sis. Shari Indermuhle (Bro.
Dennis), Bro. Herb Bauman (the
late Sis. Berniece), Bro. George
Schuster (Sis. Carol) and Sis.
Lorene Blough (the late Bro.
Elmer). Our prayers are with you
all for a speedy recovery as God
wills.
We offer our heartfelt
sympathy and prayers to Bro. Mike
Walder (Sis. Susie) upon the loss of
his father Melvin Walder (Irma,
Eureka IL) on December 5.
“He will swallow up death in
victory; and the Lord GOD will
wipe away tears from off all faces;”
Isaiah 25:8a
We are grateful to Bro. Wayne
Hartzler (Sis. Camille, Rittman
OH) for ministering to our church
this past month. May God grant
you grace and strength to continue
proclaiming His Word for His
Name’s sake.
Ohio, Toledo
Deanna Manz
Jenny Manz
This month we were blessed
to spend several days together as
a congregation. On December 6,
we spent the afternoon caroling to
some in our congregation and then
gathered for a meal together. It is
a privilege to worship our Lord in
song.
On December 14, it was a
joy to be able to sit and listen
to our young children as they
sang songs and recited verses for
our Christmas program. What
excitement and joy they had on
their faces as they told of our
Savior’s birth! I feel confident in
saying all who were in attendance
that night received a blessing.
We also are thankful for our
Elder Bro. Bill Schlatter (Sis.
Emmy, Junction, OH) and Elder
Bro. Mark Masters (Sis. Jeannine,
Mansfield, OH) who ministered
January 2015
SILVER LINING
45
to us this past month. We truly
appreciate all the effort they give
on our behalf, and trust the Lord
will bless them abundantly.
Ontario, Kitchener
Johanna Fortenbacher
Bro. Vladimir Fortenbacher
passed away peacefully at his
home sometime during the night
November 26. His dear wife,
Sis. Margareta, found him there
the next morning. Their children
are: Astrid (Henry Schlauch),
Aron (Tamara McCarty), Carola
(Jay Schlatter, Lydia (Todd
Graf), Wanda (Roscoe Hilty),
Ingrid, Rosanne (Dan Graf),
Magdalena (Clint Schmidt)
W. David, Johanna, Barbara
(Arlyn Zollinger), and Miriam
(Nathan Ruetter). Mom and all
of us appreciate the cards we’re
getting! What a way to encourage
us. It is so nice to see a letter
from a long, lost friend as well
as new ones. We will miss Pop
and the wonderful example of
steadfastness he left behind. We
were so grateful that Bro. Mark
Bahr and Bro. John Jackson
were available to come and have
the funeral service on Sunday
November 30 at the funeral home
in Kitchener.
“Precious father, loving mother,
Fly across the lonely years, And
old home scenes of my childhood,
in fond memory appears. Precious
memories, how they linger, how
they ever flood my soul, In the
stillness of the midnight, Precious,
sacred scenes unfold.”
Gospel Hymns #408
46
We sang this song at his
burial.
Ministering Bros. Adam
Luginbuhl from Philadelphia,
John & Rosemary Hartman from
Fairbury, Tom & Lanae Bahler
from Rockville and Ned & Heidi
Stoller from Alto came here and
shared God’s Word which always
encourages us. God bless you all
and the people who come with the
ministers.
Oregon, Portland
Louisa Gallup
This past month we were
blessed with the following minister
support, all from our neighboring
Silverton congregation: Bros.
Harvey (Sis. Jennifer) Kuenzi,
Jim (Sis. Tresa) Zollinger, Ron
(Sis. Liz) Jones, Chris (Sis. Mary)
Kuenzi and our Elder Bro. John
(Sis. Jane) Wiegand. We are
thankful for the sermons we heard
and enjoyed and appreciated
the fellowship with these dear
brethren and their families. We
also appreciate the ongoing song
leader support!
Five young Sunday School
students sang for us in their
annual Christmas program and
produced an admirable volume for
such a small group. They practiced
diligently. We can all learn from
their eagerness to do their best in
praising our Lord.
After the program, we went
caroling for Sis. Ginny (Bro. Ray,
dec.) Cooper who recently was
hospitalized, but is now back at
the care facility where she lives.
She gets lonely and enjoys visitors.
She really appreciates the prayers
and support.
Oregon, Silverton
Kelsey Walder, Ann Kuenzi
Our visiting minister this
month was Bro. Mike Leman (Sis.
Lisa) from Portland.
The weekend of November
22, the Bible Class went and spent
time with the San Diego church
brethren. They were able to do
some outside cleanup work and
painting inside the church, as
well as have a wonderful time of
fellowship.
The older people, in our
church, enjoyed a special dinner
and evening hosted by the single
brothers and sisters. These times
help keep the old young at heart
and the young can glean wisdom
from their elders.
Bro. Eldon and Sis. Alice
Metz are thrilled to have a new
little daughter. Her name is Sarah
Elizabeth, born November 25.
Grandparents are Bro. Steve and
Sis. Joan Hoffman (Rockville,
CT) and Bro. Art and Sis. Betty
Metz (Portland, OR).
Thanksgiving Day was extra
nice, as we reflected on all that we
have to be thankful for, and the
limitless God that we worship.
We are happy to hear of the
engagement announcement of
Sis. Annaleise Kuenzi (Bro. Troy
and Sis. Sherri) and Bro. Brian
Wagenbach (Bro. Doug and Sis.
Lillian, San Diego, CA). We will
miss Sis. Annaleise very much, but
know she will be a wonderful asset
to the San Diego church.
We continue to ask for prayers
for several of our brethren that
have been having health struggles:
Sis. Megan Walter (Bro. Chad),
Sis. Becky Von Flue (Bro. Dan),
Sis. Mary Kuenzi (Bro. Nick) and
Ron Lichty (Ginge).
We always rejoice when there
is a new convert, and Malinda
Stadeli (Bro. Nick and Sis. Lori)
has started her journey with the
Lord.
Sunday, December 7 was
our all church caroling. It was so
enjoyable to go and sing and visit
with those who are in the care
centers, and some older brethren.
We enjoyed a dinner and time of
fellowship following the caroling.
Bro. Tom and Sis. Edith Sinn
are enjoying being grandparents
again, as their daughter Sis. Laura
and Bro. Jesse Rufener have a baby
boy. December 11 was his birth
date and his name is Kason James.
School Christmas program. What
a joy to watch the children’s faces
as they said their verses, and sang
their songs. It is always amazing
to hear the progression in their
voices, as they grow up too. With
a stage full and overflowing with
children, we feel blessed, and yet
prayerful that these children will
seek our Father some day.
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia
Laura Isch
“Lord Jesus, honor, thanks and
praise
Be to Thy goodness all our days.
Thy people in Thy grace rejoice,
In comfort they lift up their voice;
‘Thou shalt remain in all eternity!’
Thus we repose in blest security.”
The Shepherd and His Flock,
Zion’s Harp #14
We are thankful that we can
trust the Good Shepherd to take
care of His flock at Philadelphia
church. We rejoiced with the
Lanz family (Bro. John and Sis.
Kay) as their son, Chris, has been
announced for peace. The church
is looking forward to witnessing
Chris’s testimony and baptism at a
later date.
The Christmas program
is always a special time for
our church. We really enjoyed
listening to the Sunday School
children sing the Christmas
story to us. We appreciate all the
children and teacher’s efforts in
the program and throughout the
year.
Tennessee, Nashville
Mike and Monica Fritz
We are blessed to have Bro.
Buck Henry’s mother, Edith, once
again assembling with us as she
has moved south for the winter. It
is a joy to have her gentle spirit in
our midst.
opportunity to have a Sunday
School Christmas program and
to sing Christmas carols at a local
nursing home.
We have been encouraged
and admonished from God’s
Living Word by our recent visiting
ministers: Elder Bros. Dave Graf
(Sis. Barb, Akron) and Lynn
Stieglitz (Sis. Leonda, Leo), and
Bros. Ron Kipfer (Sis. Linda,
Bluffton) and Mark Ramsier
(Sardis). We have also appreciated
the fellowship of visitors from
Athens, AL; Francesville, IN; and
Akron, Rittman, and Sardis, OH.
If you are traveling to or
through the Nashville area,
please plan to worship with us.
Please contact us ahead of time
to confirm our schedule. Contact
Bro. Mike & Sis. Monica Fritz,
615-866-5543, fritzmb.family@
gmail.com; or Bro. Buck & Sis.
Taunia Henry, 615-920-9584.
Texas, Austin
Candy Meiss
Sending our Love and
Greetings from Austin!
We are so thankful for our
visitors and encourage everyone
passing through to stop and
worship with us!
We have been strengthened
in recent weeks by God’s Word
shared with us by our visiting
ministers: Elder Bro. Wayne
Banwart (Champaign), Bro.
Leland Platter (Sis. Mary, Zapata),
Bro. Tim Roecker (Sis. Diane,
Peoria), Bro. Ned Stoller (Sis.
Heidi and family, Alto), Bro.
Jeff Waibel (Sis. Margo, Leo),
Bro. Ken Wuethrich (Sis. Lyn,
Indianapolis), Bro. Jeff Neihouser
(Sis. Sue, Morton), Bro. Gary Sinn
(Sis. paulette, Latty), and Bro.
Ronald Heiniger (Sis. Kayleen,
Bloomington-Normal).
Our congregation continues to
be blessed by God’s mighty spirit
of love. We are rejoicing with our
new converts, David Brummit
January 2015
SILVER LINING
47
(son of Bro. David and Sis. Shella,
Austin) and Maria Penable,
(daughter of Bro. Brian and Sis.
Darlene Acker, Rittman). It is such
a blessing to see how God works
in open hearts who seek His will
and direction in their lives. May
we continue to daily lift them up
in prayer as they desire to do His
will and live for Jesus.
We appreciated Elder
Bro. Wayne Banwart and our
Deacon Bro. Leland Plattner’s
willingness to serve and share the
memorandum. What a blessing
to have an elder body of brothers
working together so that our
church can continue in the Unity
of Love.
We appreciate our many
visitors who share their love in so
many ways. Recently, our church
was able to make a huge impact on
some families with a child in the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at
an Austin Hospital. Thank you all
for your generosity. Your love goes
far beyond measure.
Ministers scheduled: 12/28,
Tony Manz (Junction) and 1/04,
Lester.
Please refer to the minister’s
directory for directions and
contacts.
Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth
Services are generally being
held the second Sunday of each
month at the Holiday Inn Express,
4450 W John Carpenter Freeway,
Irving TX. Please call ahead to
verify. Leland and Mary Plattner
956-265-0351 or Dennis & Diane
Rassi 512-321-2345.
48
Zapata, Texas
Vermont, Clarendon
Mary Plattner
Nathan and Miriam Reutter
We appreciated Elder Bro.
Marvin Dotteter and Sis. Nancy
and some of their family as they
made a weekend visit to McAllen
and the Zapata Church. We
anticipate them returning again
this winter.
Bro. Tom (Sis. Joan) Schrenk
of Alto has returned for the winter
and serves on the pulpit here in
Zapata during the winter months.
Also, retired Elder Bro. Wayne
Fehr (Sis. Kathy) arrived from
Portland, OR. Our congregation
grows each Sunday and we are
always glad to see our winter
family returning.
With saddened hearts we bid
Bro. Lloyd Nohl farewell as he was
laid to rest. There was a memorial
service in Mission, TX followed
by a funeral in Morris, MN. Bro.
Lloyd and Sis. Joyce have lived in
South Texas for nearly 38 years
and had many acquaintances.
They also had around 30 foster
children in that length of time.
Many of them attended the
memorial service in Mission. We
will certainly miss him as he was
strength in our congregation.
Andy and Kristi Plattner have
answered the call to repentance.
We are anticipating their
testimony in January in Zapata.
We certainly welcome anyone
coming to South Texas to include
Zapata in their travels. During the
winter season, we have services
also on Wednesday evening at 7.
p.m.
We greet you in the precious
name of Jesus. Winter has set in
quickly this year and taken us by
surprise. Getting a foot of snow
by Thanksgiving is just not usual
for us. Nevertheless, we give God
thanks for the passing seasons,
all of which are beautiful in their
own right. A lovely white snow
covering the ground reminds one
of the cleansing found in the shed
blood of our Savior. The words of
Isaiah 1:18 come to mind as well
as those from the hymn, “Snow
white, snow white, we must be
washed from sin.”
The visiting ministers who
preached of this cleansing fountain
this month were Bro. Brad (Sis.
Teresa) Gudeman, Bradford,
IL and Bro. Brent (Sis. Naomi)
Walder, Rockville, CT. We wish
to express our gratitude for and
wish God’s blessings upon them
for travelling to us and spending
time with us. Those who take
care to be with us are not soon
forgotten, we can assure you.
“To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
the heaven: a time to be born, a
time to die; a time to plant, and
a time to pluck up that which is
planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
We were bereaved of a father,
father-in-law, and opa this past
month in the passing of Sis.
Miriam Reutter’s father, Bro.
Vladimir Fortenbacher (Kitchener,
ON). His memory and spiritual
legacy will not be forgotten and by
God’s grace carried on to future
generations. We mourn at his
missing physical presence in our
lives, yet rejoice in the spiritual
victory he has gained. Thank
you for remembering us in your
thoughts and prayers.
Throughout this upcoming
Christmas season, when the
snowstorms are keeping you
inside, take time to read,
remember, and reflect on the story
of Christ’s birth as well as His
mock trial, horrific crucifixion,
and glorious resurrection. In all
the accounts found in the Bible,
Jesus shines forth in all His
glorious majesty. Be awed by Him.
You are welcome to worship
and fellowship with us anytime.
Contact Bro. Nathan and Sis.
Miriam Reutter at 802-447-2426
or [email protected] to let
us know when you are planning
to be in our area so we can
accommodate you.
Service times are as follows:
• Mid-week services
(Contact local brethren)
• Sunday Morning Service:
10:10 AM
• Sunday Afternoon Service:
12:15 PM
• Sunday school held during
the morning service.
Seven Reasons NOT to Worry
in 2015
Matthew 6:25 ...Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or
what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not
the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the
details of your life.
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither
do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth
them. Are ye not much better than they?
Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.
Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit
unto his stature?
Worrying is more harmful than helpful.
Matthew 6:28-30 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider
the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not
arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the
field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not
much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
God does not ignore those who depend on him.
Matthew 6:31-32 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we
eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father
knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue.
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the
morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day
is the evil thereof.
Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.
January 2015
SILVER LINING
49
News & Notices
Alternate Houseparent Needed - 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.
Clint PlattnerLynn Stieglitz
Residential Program Manager
Counseling Elder
PO Box 12515417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]@gmail.com
Christian Guesthouse and Worship Services in Rochester, MN
Accommodations for Mayo Clinic outpatients and families:
Three bedrooms with private baths, laundry, kitchen and family room area.
Sunday Service: (held monthly at guesthouse residence) 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
For schedule, see: www.acmission.org/minister-rotation
For information and reservations, contact caretakers:
Bro. Mark and Sis. Sandy Stork
4733 Birdie Lane NW
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-0072
Mid-week Service: (held on 3rd Wednesday in Rochester area)
For information, contact:
Bro. Jim and Sis. Deb Tilbury
(507) 281-2875
50
Home-Based & Adoption Case Worker Needed – Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods has a need for a full-time Home-Based & Adoption Case Worker. This position
provides the opportunity to work partially with adoptive families and partially with hurting children
and families in our Home-Based Program. Requires a Bachelors Degree in Social Work or a related field,
experience working with children and families preferred.
Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and
families. Contact one of the brothers below for more information concerning this position.
Jeff WaibelLynn Stieglitz
Director of Clinical Services
Counseling Elder
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell:260.466.6712
Counselor Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods has a need for a full-time Counselor. This position provides the opportunity to work
directly with struggling children and families in need of help and guidance. Requires a Master’s Degree
in social work, psychology, or counseling from an accredited college or university.
Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children. Contact one
of the brothers below for more information concerning this position.
Jeff WaibelLynn Stieglitz
Director of Clinical Services
Counseling Elder
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell:260.466.6712
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).
January 2015
SILVER LINING
51
LARC Services Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods has an opening for a brother or sister to manage our LARC (Linking to Attain
Responsibility and Community) Services Program. We are seeking someone who desires to serve in a
ministry that serves troubled and broken children and families. The LARC Services Coordinator is a key
full-time position that offers the opportunity to create and manage connections between youth transition
to independence and partners in the community. If you have strong organizational, interpersonal and
relationship building skills, please contact one of the brothers listed below for more information and a job
description.
Ed GrafLynn Stieglitz
Executive DirectorCounseling Elder
Leo, IN 46765New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell:260.466.6712
COMING SPRING 2015...
CENTRAL
Apostolic Christian Central
a new church-operated system
for accessing sermons
The system includes:
• Mobile apps
• Online database of sermons
• Embedded players for your congregation’s
website
Through an agreement with Route24 Computers,
AC Central will eventually replace
AC Sermon Streamer.
AC Central is currently being tested by small
number of congregations. More information
will be shared when we get closer to full rollout in April 2015.
Learn more by visiting
apostolicchristian.org/sermons
52
Education Intern Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is in need of a Education Intern for the summer. The Education Intern position
offers the opportunity to grow deep relationships with Gateway Woods Staff, as well as the chance to
grow as a teacher and spend a significant amount of one-on-one time with residents. If you feel the call to
explore the possibilities and to have a positive impact in the lives of residents this summer, please call one
of the brothers listed below:
Adam McAfeeLynn Stieglitz
Director of Education
Counseling Elder
PO Box 125,
15417 Doty Rd.
888.443.4283260.466.6712
Summer Volunteer Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is currently searching for a Summer Volunteer Coordinator. The Summer Volunteer
Coordinator position offers the opportunity to grow deep relationships with fellow volunteers as well as
Gateway Woods Staff and residents. If you feel the call to explore the possibilities, please call one of the
brothers listed below:
Clint PlattnerLynn Stieglitz
Residential Program Manager
Counseling Elder
PO Box 125,
15417 Doty Rd.
888.443.4283260.466.6712
January 2015
SILVER LINING
53
Top Quality Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is in need of a Top Quality Coordinator for the summer. The Top Quality
Coordinator position offers the opportunity to grow deep relationships with Gateway Woods Staff
and summer volunteers, as well as the chance to spend a significant amount of one-on-one time with
residents. If you feel the call to explore the possibilities and to have play a role in a group of residents lives
this summer, please call one of the brothers listed below:
Adam McAfeeLynn Stieglitz
Director of Education
Counseling Elder
PO Box 125,
15417 Doty Rd.
888.443.4283260.466.6712
Administrator Position - Highland Oaks
(Apostolic Christian Resthaven)
Highland Oaks, a 50 bed long term care facility with attached apartments, located in Elgin, Illinois
has an immediate opening for an Administrator. The job of Administrator includes managing and
directing the complete operation of the long-term care facility and its departments. The position requires
a Bachelor’s Degree in any field or a Nursing Diploma/Associates Degree with prior nursing home
administration/management experience.
Please prayerfully consider this opportunity. Contact one of the brothers below for more information
concerning this position.
Boyd MetzgerBrad Eisenmann
Board of Directors – President
Counseling Elder
847-980-5488815-693-9533
[email protected]@comcast.net
Matt Kinsinger
Board of Directors – HR
847-774-4015
54
Bible Distribution: Sharing His Word in Love
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Psalm 96:3
Together we can provide Bibles for seeking people. This may be someone you attend school with,
someone you work with, or someone God has shown you at a gas station. Bibles and approved Bible story
Books are available. Carrying a New Testament to distribute can help you remember what our real task
is. To order, contact: Apostolic Christian Church Bible Distribution
651 E. Peoria Street
Goodfield, IL 61742
Phone: 309-965-2141 [email protected]
Volunteer Caretaker Opportunity – Washington, D.C.
The Washington, DC church caretaker program is entering its eighth year. It has been such a blessing
for our visiting caretakers, as well as our local members and friends. We are taking reservations for 2015.
Our church home is located in Silver Spring, MD, and meets both church and residential needs.
The fellowship that caretakers provide is vital to our small congregation and visiting ministers.
Caretakers can be couples, singles or families who would enjoy spending time near the Nation’s Capitol
and other points of interest on the East Coast. Caretakers would perform routine household and yard
maintenance chores, and should plan to stay at least three Sundays.
Families with children are urged to give this opportunity prayerful consideration. We have three
children (pre-teen and teen), who would welcome other children in their Sunday School class.
For more information, please contact Barry and Doreen Steffen at 302-540-6574 or
[email protected] .
Interested in receiving a printed
sermon?
Used Bible, Bible Story Book,
and Song Book Distribution
To order, contact:
Printed Sermons
P.O. Box 154, Forrest, IL 61741
(815) 848-5113 • [email protected]
Used Bibles, Bible Story Books, Hymns of Zion,
Zion’s Harp, Gospel Hymns, and Tabernacle
Hymns are needed. AC Publications is now the
collection center for your donated books.
651 E. Peoria St, Goodfield, IL 61742
January 2015
SILVER LINING
55
Patient Care Manager Needed at Hospital Lumiere
H
ospital Lumiere is seeking
a qualified person to be
assigned as Patient Care Manager
of the hospital in Bonne Fin, Haiti.
This is full-time position.
to learn the Creole language, be a
member of the Apostolic Christian
Church and be willing to relocate
to Haiti for a term of up to 5 years.
For more information contact:
Robert Beebe
Executive Director
[email protected]
574-276-6748
Description
The duties of Patient Care Manager
include planning, supervising
& training employees and
coordinating & implementing
programs of nursing care for all
hospital patients.
Requirements
Applicants should hold an RN
degree and have at least 3 years
of nursing experience, some
management capability, be able
www.acworldrelief.org
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
56
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: $30.00/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
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Nov 8-15
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Nursing Proficiencies
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Dec 13-20
8
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
General Medical
[email protected]
8
Haiti Medical Work Teams
Haiti Medical Work Teams
Project
2014 Coordinator
Year 2015
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Aug
9-16
Jan 10-17
Capacity
Lydia Bertschi
8
Project
Year 2015 Coordinator
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Jul 11-18
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Medical Team
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Sept
13-20 Lydia Bertschi
Feb 7-14
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Aug 8-15
309-467-6110
[email protected]
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Cancer
Screening
Eye
Speciality
[email protected]
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Oct 11-18
Mar
7-14
Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Dental Team
Cancer
Screening
[email protected]
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Nov 11-18
8-15
Apr
Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Oct 10-17
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Inventory
Team
[email protected]
Dental Team
[email protected]
Dec 13-20
May
9-16
Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Nov 7-14
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
General
Medical
Dental Team
[email protected]
[email protected]
Year
2015 Lydia
Coordinator
Jun
13-20
Bertschi
Bonne Finn,
Haiti
Hospital
Lumiere
Jan 10-17
Lydia Bertschi
309-467-6110
Hospital
Lumiere
Cancer Screening
309-467-6110
[email protected]
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Feb 7-14
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Eye Speciality
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Mar 7-14
Hospital Lumiere
Dec 12-19
8
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
Project
Bonne
Finn, Haiti
8
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Sept 12-19 Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Capacity
Lydia Bertschi
Capacity
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
General Medical
[email protected]
8
Lydia Bertschi
8
8
Haiti Awareness
Tours
8
Lydia Bertschi
309-467-6110
If you’d like to see [email protected]
ministry of Hospital Lumière and other Haiti projects in person, but do not
Cancer Screening
have the time or desire to participate in a week-long work team, please consider our new Awareness Tours.
Bonne
Finn,are
Haiti
11-18
8
These
quickApr
trips
that Lydia
give Bertschi
interested parties the
opportunity to meet our missionary families, learn
Hospital
Lumiere
309-467-6110
more about the hospital, see the completed renovations and work in process, and visit some of the other
[email protected]
Inventory Team
World Relief projects in southern
Haiti. These trips are scheduled, as needed, based upon demand.
Bonne Finn, Haiti
May 9-16
Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Jun 13-20
Lydia Bertschi
8
To learn more, contact: 309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
Rich
Bertschi at 309.467.2351
or [email protected] or
[email protected]
Dental
Team
Rick Wuethrich at 219.863.4163 or [email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
January 2015
SILVER LINING
57
Vocational School
[email protected]
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Bluffton
Construction
Dec 5 -‐12
Lane Gerber
260-‐241-‐4099
[email protected]
Simone Orphanage Dec 26 -‐ Jan 2 Rick Wuethrich
Francesville-‐Father/Son
219-‐863-‐4163
Construction
Haiti Work Teams -‐ Les [email protected]
Project Project
Les Cayes
Bonne Finn, Haiti
MEBSH/Ohio
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Construction
Jan 9-‐16
Oct 18-‐25
Construction
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Silverton
Les Cayes
Construction
SEED
Jan 30-‐Feb 6
Nov 13-‐21
Agricultural
Les Cayes
Haiti Trade Schools
Les Cayes
Vocational School
AWA
Feb 6-‐13
Year 2015
Jan 20-27
Year 2015
Jan 3 - 10
Coordinator
Ryan Eisenmann
University of Illinois
815-953-1443
[email protected]
Steve Kaeb
217-781-4709
[email protected]
Richard Kraft
12
503-‐364-‐3103
Art Mueller
8
[email protected]
608-‐676-‐4365
Magdalena
Construction
Jan 17-24
Troy Lanz
217-202-5959
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Feb 11-21
Jon Baner
309-532-9435
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 7-14
Caleb Hoerr
ISU
309-370-3153
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 21-28
Linc Rinkenberger
Bluffton/BN Senior Class
260-273-3566
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 28 - Apr 4
Mike Zobrist
Congerville
309-660-7004
[email protected]
Reynosa
Construction
Mar 28 - Apr 4
Chuck Koch
Tremont Bible Class
309-925-3905
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 30 - Jun 6
Mike Rokey
Bern Bible Class
785-284-3855
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Jun 13 - 20
Jon Baner
309-532-9435
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Jun 20 - 27
Kevin Gutwein
Indianapolis Bible Class
765-427-0697
[email protected]
Scheduling Questions?
Contact Mike Fiechter
[email protected]
[email protected]
Andy Getz
4
4
12
ACWR-‐CC
12
4
574-870-5046
Maurice Schaefer
[email protected]
4
309-‐253-‐9003
Lane Gerber
12
[email protected]
260-‐241-‐4099
Rich Bertschi
12
[email protected]
309-‐467-‐2351
Rick Wuethrich
12
[email protected]
219-‐863-‐4163
Jon Zeller
ACWR-‐CC
[email protected]
309-‐266-‐9009
[email protected]
Coordinator
Capacity
Ron Palitto
12
Jon Zeller
12
330-‐336-‐5373
309-‐266-‐9009
[email protected]
[email protected]
Maurice Schaefer
309-‐253-‐9003
[email protected]
4
12
Coordinator
Capacity
503-‐364-‐3103
Darren Fehr
12
[email protected]
1-815-674-9363
[email protected]
Andy
Getz
574-870-5046
Jan 27- Feb 3 Ted Steidinger
[email protected]
1-815-848-5495
Feb 6-‐13
[email protected]
Feb 26-‐Mar 6 Larry Kaufmann
815-‐716-‐6018
Feb 3-10
Matt Kinsinger
1-847-774-4015
[email protected]
4
12
12
12
Dumay
Lifeline
Construction
Feb 10-16
Paul Zimmerman
1-815-848-2173
[email protected]
12
Dumay
Lifeline
Construction
Feb 24-Mar 3
Paul Zimmerman
1-815-848-2173
[email protected]
12
Dumay
Lifeline
Construction
Mar 3-10
Neil Bahler
1-815-848-3861
[email protected]
12
58
Reynosa
Construction
Jan 10-17
Haiti
Lifeline Work Teams
Jan 30-‐Feb 6 Richard Kraft
Haiti Trade Schools
Dumay
Vocational School
Lifeline
Construction/Concrete
Lifeline
Construction
Mexico Work Teams
Location
Magdalena
Construction
574-870-5046
Maurice Schaefer
[email protected]
309-‐253-‐9003
Feb 26-‐Mar 6 [email protected]
Larry Kaufmann
815-‐716-‐6018
Nov 19-‐24
Jon Zeller
[email protected]
309-‐266-‐9009
Feb 27 -‐ Mar 6 Steve Leuthold
[email protected]
309-‐645-‐2208
Nov 28 -‐ Dec 5 [email protected]
Andy Getz
Jan 9-‐16
Construction/Concrete
Les Cayes
Les Cayes
SEED
Dumay
12
Maurice Schaefer
4
309-‐253-‐9003
Daryl Luginbuhl
Rockville
[email protected]
[email protected]
Nov 14-‐ 21
Water Aid
Les Cayes
SEED
Les Cayes
Agricultural
MEBSH
Les Cayes
Haiti Support
MEBSH/Peoria
Les Cayes
Construction
Haiti Trade Schools
Les Cayes School
Mar 6-‐13
Vocational AWA
Les Cayes
Dec 5 -‐12
Water Aid
MEBSH/Bluffton
Les Cayes
Mar 27 -‐ Apr 3
Construction
MEBSH/Roanoke
Simone Orphanage Dec 26 -‐ Jan 2
Construction
Francesville-‐Father/Son
Les Cayes
Apr 15-‐20
Construction
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Project Year 2015
Les Cayes
Jan 2-‐9
Les Cayes
Apr 20-‐27
MEBSH/Ohio
MEBSH
Construction
Maintenance
Les Cayes
Project
MEBSH/Silverton
Dumay
Construction
Lifeline
Updated 10/17/14
Year 2015
Coordinator
Capacity
Year 2014
Coordinator
Capacity
Jan 2-‐9
Ron Palitto
12
Sept 27-‐Oct 4 330-‐336-‐5373
Daryl Luginbuhl
12
[email protected]
[email protected]
Les Cayes
AWA
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Water AidLumiere
Hospital Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
12
Jamaica Work Teams
Project
Year 2015
Coordinator
JDV
CCCD
May 22-30
Mark Lindberg
40
815-641-9065
[email protected]
If you are interested in sponsoring a work team to Jamaica
contact Loren Dettwyler at [email protected]
Capacity
Monthly Sermon, continued
— Continued from pg. 5
the question, if you die tonight
would you go to heaven or would
you go to hell. One of the young
men spoke up pretty quickly and
said ‘I’m going to heaven.’ The
other one said ‘I’m not sure.’ And
I said ‘I’m going to hell.’ They
looked at me and they said ‘What
is your problem? Why don’t you
do something about it if you
know that?’ They were concerned.
But in an effort to analyze life
as a teenager, we were trying to
understand what it’s all about.
Sometimes we can even confuse
ourselves with that question.
The point here is as we
go through life, as we make
experience, that God, this great
God whom we serve, has a
purpose and a plan. We look up
in the sky and we see the stars and
we see the order and we experience
the seasons. I know that most
of us here in the Midwest are
tired of cold and snow, but God
has promised that there will
be a winter and summer and a
springtime and a harvest. We see
the robins showing up. We see
geese that are flying north, and we
say praise God! He’s faithful. We
try to figure it out, but this great
God has put the universe together
and then has created us.
We go back to the creation
story and what was it that He did
there with Adam? He breathed
His breath into Adam - the breath
of God, and man became a living
soul. He’s placed us here on this
earth, this great God who at times
seems so distant but yet He can
be so close. He knows our name.
He knows when an insignificant
sparrow, as we would say, would
fall. He knows that, and He calls
us to serve Him.
So what is life all about? This
experience that Jesus was taking
them through in that time - it’s
amazing how time after time Jesus
uses those moments to teach and
to further the kingdom of God
and to further the salvation story.
He said, “This sickness is not unto
death, but for the glory of God, that
the Son of God might be glorified
thereby.” Isn’t that what we want
life to be about, Loved Ones - for
the glory of God? Sometimes it’s
sickness that can be for the glory
of God. Sometimes it’s suffering
that can be for the glory of God.
It’s not that God punishes us with
those things, but as we experience
life, I believe that God’s purpose
for that is that it would be for
the glory of God and that the
Son of God, Jesus Christ, might
be glorified thereby. Can we use
that for a purpose for our life?
I believe we can. Through our
lives it could be for the glory of
God that the Son of God might
be glorified thereby. In order for
that to happen, Christ has to be a
part of it, doesn’t He? He needs to
be leading us, and we need to be
following Him.
We’re just thankful for these
lessons that we learn even as
Christ says just a few words and it
can mean so much. Then as this
story unfolds, after Jesus came and
we know through that there was a
sense of urgency in their message your friend, Lazarus, is sick! What
did Jesus do? It says “…he abode
two days still in the same place
where he was.” (v.6) He stayed
where He was.
“Then after that saith he to
his disciples, Let us go into Judaea
again.” (v.7) Again we see a
learning point from Jesus where
they said “…Master, the Jews of
late sought to stone thee; and goest
thou thither again? Jesus answered,
Are there not twelve hours in the
day? If any man walk in the day,
he stumbleth not, because he seeth
the light of this world. But if a man
walk in the night, he stumbleth,
because there is no light in him.”
(v.8-10) We could spend the rest
of the morning on those verses,
couldn’t we?
“If any man walk in the day, he
stumbleth not, because he seeth the
light of this world.” We could talk
a couple different ways about that
light of the world. Ultimately Jesus
is that light, isn’t He, but I believe
it was Jesus that said, speaking to
His children, “Ye are the light of
59
the world. A city that is set on an
hill cannot be hid.” (St. Matthew
5:14) Purpose for life in serving
God - reflecting.
There was a little boy in New
York City who was back in a back
alley with a little piece of glass,
and he was catching the rays of
the sun - we’ve probably all done
this in some way or another - and
reflecting it off that little glass up
to a window on the third story
apartment, just playing around
with it, taking the reflection from
the sun and shining it up on that
window. An officer came around,
grabbed him by the nape of the
neck, lifted him up, and said,
‘You little trouble maker! What
are you doing? Get on your way!’
The little boy said, ‘My brother
is crippled, and he’s up there in
that apartment looking out that
window. This is the only sun that
he ever sees.’
I wonder when Jesus used
this analogy - if any man walk
in the day, he stumbleth not,
because he seeth the light of this
world - we as His children have
that opportunity to reflect, not
to generate our own light but to
reflect, the light of Jesus Christ
unto a world that is hungry. Again
we could talk a long time about
that - a world that is hungry for
fulfillment. We see that being
played out in many different ways,
but thanks be to God that we can
60
sit here this morning and that we
can be fulfilled, that we can be
at peace with our God because of
what Jesus Christ has done there
upon Calvary. Then He calls us to
be the light of the world.
Going on with this story,
He said, “…Our friend Lazarus
sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake
him out of sleep.” (v.11) Many of us,
and there are probably several of
you here this morning, have been
with somebody when they died,
when life went. It’s a moment that
is impacted within our lives that
we will never forget. Three years
ago, almost to the day, I was at
the bedside of my mother. She
had cancer that was diagnosed in
the previous June and had battled
that in the bile duct. It had come
to a point where they couldn’t do
anything more for her, and we
were sitting there at her bedside.
Her life was quickly leaving her.
She had a lot of energy, and
she said, ‘I suppose that this is a
time that we should make sure
that things are right between us.’ I
asked her, ‘Mom are you at peace
with God and are you ready to
die?’ She said, ‘I’m ready. I’m ready
to meet Jesus at the Eastern Gate.’
Because of what He had done
and because of the faith that she
had, she was ready, and that was
a part of life. As some of you, I’m
sure, have experienced, we were
there and held her and felt the life
go from her, and all at once she
wasn’t there anymore. It was just
a body. Life is something that you
can sense and that you can feel,
and when it’s over, I really didn’t
have a desire to be back in the
room because it wasn’t the same. It
was final, and it is final. But Jesus
said look beyond that. He tells us
to look beyond that even as we
think of the finality of death today
and it pangs our hearts, but yet we
look beyond it because of the hope
that we have through Jesus Christ.
In this story of Lazarus, He
gives us that example, doesn’t He,
in an earthly way, in a powerful
way, but yet Mary and Martha
couldn’t understand. What was
it they said? They said if You had
been here, he wouldn’t have died.
(v.21, 32) What really was it they
were saying to Him? They were
saying, Jesus, you were too late,
and how often do we say that
in our minds? Maybe we have
expectations of how something
should go or how something
should work out, and we say,
Jesus, you’re too late. But we
go back to what He said. “This
sickness is not unto death, but for the
glory of God, that the Son of God
might be glorified thereby.” (v.4)
That’s what life is all about, isn’t it.
We want our lives to glorify God,
but yet we also understand the
commitment and the submission it
takes for that to happen.
As we go through this story
when Jesus came to the grave,
there were a few statements that
Jesus made. First of all we can’t
overlook verse 25. “Jesus saith
unto her, Thy brother shall rise
again. Martha saith unto him, I
know that he shall rise again in
the resurrection at the last day.”
(v.23-24) Then verse 25 is another
one of those moments that Jesus
interjected a short phrase that is
so powerful where He said, “…I
am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live: And
whosoever liveth and believeth in
me shall never die. Believest thou
this?” (v.25-26) Let’s ask ourselves
that question this morning. Do we
believe that? Jesus said I am the
resurrection and the life.
When we think about what
life is, as we sing in that hymn,
it’s full abundance when it’s in
Christ Jesus. He said “I am the
resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were
dead, yet shall he live”. We see
contrasts in the way that lives
are lived, don’t we? There are
times when we could say there
are those who are dead that are
living, where their life is drudgery
to them, without purpose, or
maybe they’re chasing a dream
that even when they achieve it, it’s
not what they expected and the
fulfillment isn’t there. But life is
Jesus Christ where He said I am
the resurrection, and the life: he
that believeth in me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live. We
once were lost, now we’re found;
were blind, but now we see - the
difference that Christ makes.
Though we were dead, yet
shall we live, and there comes a
point in every one of our lives
where we recognize the leprosy,
don’t we? We recognize the
deadness in our lives because of sin
and the lack of faith and of Jesus.
Though we be dead, yet through
that power of the resurrection, we
can live and have hope. Six little
words that came to my mind this
morning - I don’t know why - just
says “the grave could not hold
him”. We think of the resurrection
and the power that it brought
when Jesus came and conquered
life and death and hell and the
grave, and as a result we can look
beyond. He also comes and He
gives us life and fulfillment, even
though in struggle. He says in
John 10:10, I am come that ye
might have life, and that ye might
have it more abundantly, the
abundant life that He brings.
Then as we go on here, Jesus
went to the grave. Their desire
was that Jesus would come to
the bedside of their sick brother.
They thought He was too late
because instead of the bedside, he
went to the grave. There are a few
statements that He makes here
even as we think about the way
this has all come together. First
of all He said, “Where have ye laid
him?” (v.34) Where is he, and we
know their response. Well, he’s
in the grave, but he’s been dead
four days. It’s final. It’s over. They
were limiting Jesus weren’t they.
Do we ever do that - keep Him in
His little box? They were limiting
Him. We can relate to that - their
faith wasn’t beyond the grave in
this sense, but Jesus said where
have ye laid him? Those words to
me this morning make me think
of the phrase we sing in that hymn
of seeking the lost. Where have
you laid him? Where is the dead?
Jesus has a plan. Though we’re
dead, yet shall we live. Jesus said
where have you laid him? He was
seeking him, wasn’t He?
“Jesus therefore again groaning
in himself cometh to the grave. It
was a cave, and a stone lay upon
it. Jesus said, Take ye away the
stone…” Something pretty unusual
to be asked, and that’s when
Martha said, “…Lord, by this time
he stinketh: for he hath been dead
four days.” (v.38-39) Jesus was
showing them and teaching them,
wasn’t He. Where have you laid
him? Take away the stone. There
are stones in our lives that separate
us from Jesus, and I think each
one of us can go back to a time in
our life when we were dead and
61
there was a stone. Maybe it seemed
like a big, big stone. Maybe there’s
someone here this morning with a
huge stone that you feel is in front,
in between, you and Jesus, and
Jesus is seeking you out. Where
are you? Take away the stone.
There are times when it seems
like the stones that would separate
us from Christ are stones that we
may need to pick up and move
with the effort that we can put
into that. I remember visiting
with an 80 year old convert who
had just started repenting. He had
been under the sound of the Word
all his life. He said there was this
wall that was just too big for him
to get past, and I said, ‘What has
changed?’ He said, “I said the
words out loud to my son - I need
to repent - and the walls came
crumbling down.’ The walls can
crumble down, but yet there are
times when we may need to pick
up that stone. Maybe it’s just a
phrase, a word, an expression of
faith, and that power of God can
be revealed.
Where have ye laid him? Take
away the stone. Then Jesus said,
“Said I not unto thee, that, if thou
wouldest believe, thou shouldest
see the glory of God?” (v.40) Then
even Jesus Himself being the
Son of God, what did He do? He
went to His source of strength,
the almighty Father - “Then they
took away the stone from the place
62
where the dead was laid. And Jesus
lifted up his eyes, and said, Father,
I thank thee that thou hast heard
me. And I knew that thou hearest
me always: but because of the people
which stand by I said it, that they
may believe that thou hast sent me.”
(v.41-42) That was His phrase to
the Father. His simple phrases to
those here were where have ye laid
him? Take away the stone. Then,
I don’t know what this sounded
like, and I’m not going to try to
pretend that I do or try to even
portray that, but Jesus cried with
a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.”
(v.43)
You know as we think of
coming to the Lord when we
are dead, Jesus seeks us out.
Repentance is about turning, and
that takes a little bit of an effort.
That may be picking up a stone.
Then as that stone is removed, as
we present ourselves in humility to
Jesus Christ, that voice that must
have echoed through Bethany
that day - “Lazarus, come forth”
- and we know the result. The
limitations that we as people and
that they at that time had put
upon Jesus, we should never give
up on anyone. We should always
continue to pray, and never give
up on ourselves. There are times
when Satan can push us down and
say this is something you cannot
do and you probably will never
do, but yet the power of God is
beyond that.
He said, “Lazarus, come
forth. And he that was dead came
forth, bound hand and foot with
graveclothes: and his face was bound
about with a napkin…” (v.44) I
appreciate the last phrase of Jesus.
If we just go through the four that
He spoke - “Where have ye laid
him?” “Take ye away the stone.”
“Lazarus, come forth.” We see the
progression. Then He said, “Loose
him, and let him go.” He’s alive the miracle of Jesus Christ, the
miracle that He works within our
hearts and our lives, the miracle of
purpose that He gives unto us as
we live this life that it can be as a
reflection of His light unto others.
“As he that taketh away a
garment in cold weather, and as
vinegar upon nitre, so is he that
singeth songs to an heavy heart.”
Proverbs 25:20
Continued Articles
Presenting the
Gospel
19-20). Paul and his companions
also followed the Holy Spirit’s
leading during their second
missionary journey into Greece.
The prompting of the Spirit led
them to avoid Asia and Bithynia
and instead travel into Macedonia
“to preach the gospel unto
them” (Acts 16:6-7, 9-10). From
the combined efforts of these
three disciples an African palace
official, a Turkish woman recently
moved to Greece, a rough-hewn
Macedonian jailer, and a centurion
in the Roman army, along with
many of their family members and
servants were all baptized by faith
into Jesus Christ.
While we may think our own
qualifications pale in comparison
with those of these men, the
scriptures remind us that Paul
also felt his unworthiness, “Unto
me, who am less than the least of
all saints, is this grace given, that I
should preach among the Gentiles
the unsearchable riches of Christ”
(Eph. 3:8). “And I was with you in
weakness, and in fear, and in much
trembling. And my speech and my
preaching was not with enticing
words of man’s wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of
power” (1 Cor. 2:3-4). If we have
been converted, through faith in
the shed blood of the Lamb, and
are walking in the love, grace,
and peace of God, and in the
sanctifying power of the Holy
Spirit, we are equipped to speak of
God’s wonderful plan of salvation.
What should we say, and
where do we begin? We can begin
by sharing our own experience
with being cleansed from our sin
and being reconciled with our
Creator through Christ, “Come
and hear, all ye that fear God, and
I will declare what he hath done
for my soul” (Psalms 66:16). The
Apostle Paul related his own
conversion experience when he
spoke to the Jews in Jerusalem
and later to King Agrippa (Acts
22, 26). We can tell of God’s
abundant blessings, His kindness,
and mercy in our life. “I will
mention the lovingkindnesses of
the LORD, and the praises of the
LORD, according to all that the
LORD hath bestowed on us, and
the great goodness … which he
hath bestowed on them according
to his mercies, and according to the
multitude of his lovingkindnesses”
(Isa. 63:7). Perhaps we, or a loved
one, have experienced God’s
faithfulness through a great trial,
and others would benefit from
hearing of it. “It is of the LORD’S
mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great
is thy faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23).
Though many scriptures pertain to
the spoken word, our example will
often speak even more clearly, “…
be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation (conduct),
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in
purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).
The essence of the gospel
message is love, which God
manifested to us before we loved
Him or even knew Him. As
great as it is, God’s love saves no
one unless we reciprocate it back
to Him as well as to our fellow
man. “Beloved, if God so loved us,
we ought also to love one another”
(1 John 4:11). Presenting the
gospel message of salvation to
others is just one of the ways we
demonstrate our deep appreciation
for “His great love wherewith He
loved us” (Eph. 2:4).
“And he said unto them, Go
ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature.”
Mark 16:15
63
Continued Articles
Building Houses...
into a rental trailer. We have the
opportunity to help them.
Opportunity to Serve
Beginning on January 5th and
continuing through March
27th, 2015, World Relief will
be building multiple affordable,
Habitat for Humanity homes,
making possible a permanent
residence for many of the those
still displaced from the storm.
Each week, 50 volunteers are
needed. Skilled tradesmen along
with the unskilled will all have
a role in this effort. Volunteers
are housed at the Pentecostal
Church of God – Central Campus
just two miles west of Vilonia.
Dormitory type housing for both
men and women is available.
Meals are served either at the
camp or on the work site. One
night of each week is a “night out”
were everyone enjoys dinner at a
local restaurant of their choice.
64
Work teams arrive on Sunday
afternoon and typically work for
one week leaving on either Friday
evening or Saturday morning.
A Sunday worship service will
be held each week at 4:30 pm
for those who were traveling
throughout the day. To learn more
or register, visit acworldrelief.org.
The work team experience is
a wonderful opportunity to enjoy
fellowship with brethren and
friends from across the country.
While you may not be acquainted
with many of the team upon
arrival, it is likely that you will
be well acquainted with most of
the team by the end of the week.
Building relationships is a priority;
with homeowners, with the
leadership team and with fellow
work team members.
Work projects are not about
us. They are an opportunity
to show Christ’s love to all we
come in contact with. We are
representatives of His Kingdom
doing the work He has called us
to do. It is an opportunity to lift
up His Name as we serve those in
need. To God Be the Glory!
Small Churches
church, ask if there are any shutins that you could visit Sunday
after church. There are so many
opportunities to be of assistance
for those willing to be of service.
As your love for Christ
compels you to assist in these
efforts, consider those living in
small congregation that you may
have connections with through
family, or take a road trip and
work to make relationships that
can yield fruit for a lifetime. “He
shall feed his flock like a shepherd:
he shall gather the lambs with his
arm, and carry them in his bosom,
and shall gently lead those that are
with young.” Isaiah 40:11
“Is any thing too hard for the
LORD?” Genesis 18:14
Miscarriage
specific Bible verses and songs
that helped you through that
hour or day.
2. You may want to create
special reminders of your
baby: write a letter to
him; make a memory
box and include anything
that reminds you of your
baby; plant a tree, bush
or special garden; make
donations to your favorite
charity in your baby’s
name.
3. Find and keep in regular
contact with a support
group of solid women in
your church.
Leaning on God after a loss
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be
God, even the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort; Who
comforteth us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble, by the
comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.”
Isaiah 53:3 says Jesus was
“acquainted with grief.” This
truth can give us comfort and
courage to share our feelings with
Him. Sometimes after a loss, a
person may feel as though God
has deserted them or is distant.
Despite this, do your best to stick
to a routine of reading the Bible
and praying. It may feel like you
are going through the motions for
awhile. You will realize later that
God was always with you and at
those deepest, darkest times, He
was carrying you. Allow the Word
to renew you.
Proverbs 3:5 states, “Trust
in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own
understanding.” God will bring
Scripture to you with a new depth
of meaning. He will be with you
as you go through your grief
journey. You will eventually come
out of the valley. By His grace
you will become a more mature
Christian walking more closely in
Christ’s footsteps as you discover
a “new normal.” God will help
you through the darkness. Keep
holding His hand.
Endnotes
1. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/
main/statistics.html
2. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/
pregnancyloss/mcgettingpregnantagain.
html
3. Elise Erikson Barrett, What Was
Lost: A Christian Journey Through
Miscarriage (Louisville: Westminster
John Knox Press, 2010).
515 E. Highland Street, Morton, IL 61550 • Tel: (309) 263-5536 Fax: (309) 263-6841 •
www.accounseling.org
ACCFS has numerous resources to assist someone who is going through a wide range of hurts and
emotions, from the pain of loss to worry and loneliness to anger and stress. Each resource, either created
by or reviewed and recommended by ACCFS staff, is meant to assist in identifying the challenges
of these powerful emotions and in bringing our actions into obedience to God’s Word. For more
information and resources, please visit our website at www.accounseling.org/emotions.
65
Learning from our history
Remembering Our Spiritual Heritage
This article is a continuation of events leading to the
conversion of Joseph Kovacs. He and his wife had
just heard of the experience Louis Hencsey had with
a Catholic priest, wherein the latter had treated the
former harshly -- and Hencsey took it meekly, without
retaliation. He had received the priest’s abuses with a
“turn the other cheek” attitude of nonresistence. In light
of that, Kovacs said he could never accept such a faith.
Excerpts continue from The Nazarenes, a 1909 account
of how the church of our faith was established. It was
written by a Hungarian, Karoly Eotvos. Hencsey had
just told Kovacs why he didn’t fight back toward the
priest.
The Conversion of the Kovacs
(Editors note: Kovacs informs Hencsey he can’t
accept his new faith in light of his feeble response
to the priest’s abuses). The young Hencsey answered
him in a quiet, gentle voice, “Don’t be foolish. A
purified soul knows no hatred or revenge. It is our
God who performs justice. The priest and his brother
will be judged very soon. You will see it, dear friends,
very soon.”
Hardly had he uttered these words when a
messenger appeared from Boldogasszonyfa entered
the house hurriedly. “Have you heard the great news,
dear sir? Something horrible has happened. The
parish priest of Pahok died suddenly. God has taken
his life. At noon the high reverend fell dead in his
armchair. His brother died also, when a rafter from
the ceiling fell and struck him in the head.”
Hencsey and the Kovacs were amazed at hearing
this news. Hencsey sighed and said, “Oh God, give
them thy forgiveness and eternal life. Mrs. Kovacs
began to pray. Joseph Kovacs, this fiery nobleman,
expressed on that very day that he would like to
join the new community of believers if the brethren
would be willing to receive him. The one who led
him out of his dead spiritual state was merely a poor
66
lad who knew he would be persecuted in this world.
News Of The Kovacs
Conversion Spreads
The village people saw a miracle, even God’s
punishment and direct intervention, in the sudden
death of the Catholic priest and his brother. In the
neighboring villages of Pahok, Boldogasszonyfa, and
Memesfalu the news spread like wildfire -- from one
village to another. The news of how the priest raged
at the pious Hencsey, how the latter turned to God
in prayer, and how God imposed sudden punishment
on the priest spread far and wide, even beyond this
region along Lake Balaton.
Hencsey’s Exortation
The conversion of Joseph Kovacs and his wife was
regarded by Hencsey as greatly important, but this
miracle did not make him conceited. His concern
was that Kovacs might eventually fall away and go
back to his old life. Therefore, he wrote him man
letters of encouragement. In one letter he wrote,
“Of one thing I am certain -- the One who started
a good work in you will bring it to completion until
the day of Jesus Christ. I want you to know that if
you go back to live your former life, your lot will be
worse than before. Therefore, gird up yourself with
the Holy Spirit that you would prefer death rather
than turning away from the divine truth you found.”
It was signed, ‘With brotherly love, your humble
servant, L. Hencsey.’”
-By Perry Klopfenstein
Next Issue: More on the growth of the new church
in Hungary.
The Light of Hope
If Ye Continue
interested in what our responsibility is and what God
What is Christ’s responsibility regarding our
wants us to do, and what He doesn’t want us to do,
salvation? I believe we can say that it was His
while we are here on earth. So far, we know that we
responsibility to come to earth as a baby, to grow up
have the responsibility of belief, or faith, in Christ.
to be a man, to die for our sins on the cross, to arise
Another responsibility we have is to repent. “Repent
from the dead, and to ever live to make intercession
ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be
for us. “Even as the Son of man came not to be
blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a
the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19.
ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28. This verse tells us
We face a new year, 2015. What does God expect
that He came to give His life for many. In order to
of us in the new year? In this regard, I notice two
do that, He needed to be born and grow to be a man. words which may be quite important. Those two
There is also the Bible verse which says,
words are “if” and “continue.” “Then said Jesus to
“Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that those Jews which believed on him; If ye continue in my
come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make
word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” John 8:31. In
intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25. This verse tells us the new year, I reckon I better continue in Christ’s
that one of His responsibilities is to make intercession Word. What do you think? And what does that
for us. We understand that he prays to the Father on mean? Doesn’t it mean that I should do what He tells
our behalf. Christ is in a good position to speak to
me to do, and to avoid those things which He tells
the Father on our behalf because of what we are told me to avoid?
in the following verse. “For in that he himself hath
The idea of continuing is also taught in the
suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are following verse, “Behold therefore the goodness and
tempted.” Hebrews 2:18.
severity of God; on them which fell, severity; but
And so we see that Christ, the Son of God,
toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness:
had the bulk of the responsibility for what needed
otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22.
to be done for our salvation. If He had all of the
“To present you holy and unblameable and
responsibility, all people would be saved. Yet, we
unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith
know that is not the case. Jesus said, “Because strait is grounded and settled.” Colossians 1:22,23. Believers
the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, are given the responsibility of continuing in the faith,
and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7:14.
continuing in His goodness, and continuing in His
One responsibility we have is to believe on Jesus
Word. As we face the new year, may God give us the
Christ. The jailer was told by Paul and Silas, “Believe grace to continue in looking for ways in which we
on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and
can serve God more and serve ourselves, less.
thy house.” Acts 16:31. Here, the word “believe”
-by Willis Ehnle
has a very deep meaning. I understand it to mean
to believe enough to obey. We should remember
that Scripture warns us, “The devils also believe and
tremble.” James 2:19.
I have no anxiety whatsoever about Christ
carrying out His responsibility. However, I am keenly
67
THE SILVER LINING
Hold up my goings in thy paths,
that my footsteps slip not.
Psalm 17:5

- Apostolic Christian Church of America

Transcription

Similar documents

NCDSS Day Sheets - Worker Guide

Youth Ministry Outreach in Kalayaan

- Global Missions

The Church of Christ In Highland Heights 1005 West Little York

Sunday, November 10, 2013 - Temple Of Deliverance HCG

The Huber Herald Resurrection Sunday

View Newsletter - Agape Storehouse Apostolic Church

E astsid e C h u rch o f C h rist at F irst S t. an d M iller R o ad 2000 S

Filipino-Canadian Catholic Canadian Catholic Theme: of a

click for 11th anniversary morning program