- Apostolic Christian Church of America

Transcription

Vol. 70, #10
Oct. 2015
“In the midst … was there the tree of life
… and the leaves of the tree were for the
healing of the nations. And there shall be no
more curse: but the throne of God and of the
Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall
serve him: And they shall see his face; and his
name shall be in their foreheads.”
Revelations 22:2-4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Choosing a Career
page 3
Monthly Sermon page 4
Haiti Water Aid page 6
Establishing Churches
page 7
The Church and
Singleness page 8
Remembering Our
Spiritual Heritage
page 70
The Light of Hope
page 71
To Our Readers
Correspondence
For November issue
(news from Sept 16-Oct 15)
Due: October 20, 2015
Rejoicing in the Harvest
Autumn is a time for reaping. Many of our rural
brethren are busy bringing in the crops. With some areas
getting too much rain this summer, the harvest may be
meager. Other farmers will reap in abundance.
The Silver Lining
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Published Monthly by the Apostolic
Thankfully, our spiritual fruit is not dependent on the vagaries
of earthly weather, but on our relationship with Christ. If we
abide in Him, we will bring forth much fruit (John 15.5) and
be motivated to plant the Word into the lives of others. Some
of us are called to plant, others to water, but we know that
ultimately God provides the increase in the hearts of men (1
Cor. 3.7). And that leads to the most wonderful harvest of all.
Christian Church of America
Humbly,
Send correspondence to:
Counselors:
Tom Stock, Rick Plattner
Official Apostolic Christian Church
Website:
www.apostolicchristian.org
[email protected]
Silver Lining Counseling Elders
Rick Plattner and Tom Stock
(email is preferred)
The Silver Lining
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Front cover: Fall colors, Sis. Donna Dotterer, Akron, OH
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SILVER LINING October 2015
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The Silver Lining
Writings based on God’s Word
Light from the Word
Choosing a Career
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord,
and not unto men” 1
Perhaps it seems a little out of the ordinary to
think of offering deeds of service through the work
we choose to do. But for the typical American adult
working a full time job, it is likely that a minimum
of 35% of waking hours are spent at work. With a
willing heart, that many hours can be an outstanding
opportunity to show the love of Christ through
service to others.
Attitudes about work differ from culture to
culture. Some view work as a necessary evil and
attempt to diminish it as much as possible. Others
honor work as a noble endeavor and build their life
around it. Typical hours worked vary by nation from
a low of less than 1400 hours per year to a high of
over 2200 hours per year. The U.S. falls roughly
in the middle at just under 1800 hours per year.
If one’s attitude is that work is a joy and therefore
to be performed with energy and passion, it will
likely feel natural to work with an attitude of service
towards others. However, if one believes that work
is a necessary evil and not to be enjoyed, it will seem
difficult to have an attitude of service. In similar
fashion, if one’s God-given gifts match well with his
career, it will be easy to serve others. If, however,
one’s work does not mesh well with the talents and
abilities that God has given them, it will likely be no
small task to cheerfully serve others.
What does the Bible say about work? First and
foremost, as is often the case with God’s instructions
to men, there is a balance in the Bible that directs us
away from extremes. We are taught by Jesus to, “Take
no thought for the morrow,”2 as He encouraged the
disciples to trust God to provide food and raiment.3
Jesus also made God’s work a priority in His life–
even when He was just 12 years old.4 In Proverbs we
are taught to observe how the ants work and to be
diligent when it is a time of plenty so that we will
have in time of need.5 We are also encouraged in
Proverbs to first build a barn and prepare for winter
and afterward build a house6 –prioritizing preparation
for the future over comfort. Paul the Apostle made it
clear to the Thessalonian church that working was a
duty of each one and if one would not work, neither
should he eat.7 He exhorts all to work so that we
can walk honestly before the unbelievers and that
we would lack nothing.8 He notes that he labored
and travailed (worked) night and day so that he
would not have to depend on anyone9 and that while
fulfilling his God-given mission to take the Gospel
to the Gentiles. (Note: Paul also made it clear that
he took a stipend of other churches in order to avoid
being a burden on the Corinthian church.10)
In assessing the whole counsel of God, we find
that it is: appropriate to work, to be diligent in that
work, but not to worry and fret about the future.
Beyond that, we find that we are to serve in our work
with the mind of Christ.
“Servants, obey in all things your masters according
to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but
in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye
do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of
the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”11
Thinking as Jesus did is not natural to the human
mind. Only if we are walking in the Spirit can we
hope to have the mind of Christ. These Scriptures
and this truth call us to avoid the common scenario
in which work is compartmentalized and our life of
faith is kept separate–to be practiced at church and at
home. To the contrary, we are called to incorporate
our willingness to walk in the Spirit into our work
in singleness of heart, fearing God. We are called to
demonstrate our faith in God by working heartily as
to the Lord and not to man. And we are called to do
— Please turn to pg. 63
October 2015 SILVER LINING
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Monthly Sermon
Sermon by Bro. Rick
Kaisner, Chicago, IL
Psalm 46 & St. Mark 6:30-56
Greetings to each and every one this morning. As
we sang that hymn, blessed, holy is the hour when we
Jesus think of Thee (Zion’s Harp #218), I thought to
myself, do I think of Jesus every hour and therefore
bless my entire day, or do I just think of Him at this
hour on a Sunday morning? We sit in the assembly
room for an hour plus or minus a little bit and is
that the only time that’s a blessed hour? Jesus says
whenever we call on Him, He’ll answer us (Jeremiah
33:3). So we have that assurance this morning that I
can stay here, that we can sit here, and we can hear
the Spirit move through the Word.
I haven’t been in this church very often. As a
child I came more frequently to the old church. I
haven’t been here that much. I can stand up here
and be fearful of what I’m doing, but I’m not. I’m
fearful of what God might do through me and how
His power might use me, but I’m not fearful of the
audience. I’m not fearful of this place because I know
the Spirit’s here. He can work in my fumbling words.
He can work in what I say incorrectly to use it for
His good. So be prayerful as we open the Word that
it’s not me that you listen to but rather the Spirit that
speaks through the Word and perhaps through me.
So may God’s will be done as we read this morning.
Let’s open and see what He has for us here.
We see the word ‘Selah’. We’re not really sure
what that means, but we studied Psalms in our
Bible Class last year. One of the definitions we
clung to was “pause and consider”. So when you
read a section of Scripture and it says ‘Selah’,
pause and consider what we’ve read. Here we have
just a few short verses, just eleven of them, and
three times the psalmist says, if that’s what that
word means, pause and consider. We think of the
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beginning and he talks about how the mountains
are troubled and the earth shakes and the swelling
therefore, but God is our refuge and our strength.
Think about it! Think about how great that is!
When everything around us is just not going
right — we’ve all have busy weeks in front of us
or behind us and we have times when things go
well and things do not. In the midst of that, do we
pause and consider that God is our refuge and our
strength? Even if the earth quakes around us? We
live in the Midwest. Rarely does that happen. When
it does it’s more of a novelty than something to be
feared, but occasionally we’ve maybe felt the earth
tremble. We pause and think God is our refuge and
our strength! If we’re in part of the world, perhaps in
Haiti which not too many years ago was decimated
by an earthquake, it might be a little different
ballgame. We would have to really think about these
words, but let’s take counsel in this now. Let’s be
rejoicing in these words now and have them seeded
deep in our heart that when something happens, we
can say God is our refuge and our strength.
The next section he talks about a river and “the
streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the
holy place of the tabernacles of the most High” (v.4). It
talks about this city and it says “The LORD of hosts is
with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (v.7). Pause and
consider all that He has provided, all that is around
us, and He is still our refuge. All of the things that
could draw us away but He is still our refuge.
We can put our faith in the fact that our car was
going to get us here this morning. We’ve had a busy
weekend. We’ve traveled to Central Illinois. We had
a potluck last night, and then we came here today.
We trusted the whole time that our car would get
us here. It doesn’t matter because it’s just a car and a
vehicle and if we sat by the side of the road, we’d be
able to pause and consider that God is our refuge. He
provides and that was His desire that we would sit by
the road. It was His desire that this would befall us
or that would befall us. God is our refuge.
We come to the last section. I guess as I read
this I thought of the world we live in today. It seems
like from one place to another we just see wars —
wars amongst people, wars that we as a country get
involved with from a distance, wars where tribes in
Africa are fighting with each other that we don’t hear
much about, countries that are in civil war we hear
lots about but our country has stayed away from.
There are wars all over, but he says, “He maketh wars
to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the
bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the
chariot in the fire” (v.9).
Then I like this next verse because it’s just broken
into a lot of little segments for us to pause and
consider. “Be still, and know that I am God” (v.10).
How often do we sit and be still and just listen for
God? How often do you take time out of your busy
day to sit and be still? I will regrettably admit not
as often as I should. I regrettably admit it’s not as
often as I need too. When in the midst of turmoil
at work or turmoil at home — I have two small
children. When the children aren’t behaving like we
want them too, it’s hard to pause and remember that
God is our refuge and our strength and to remember
that He is there, to just be still! There’s always action
when there’s two under the age of three. There’s
always something going on but to pause and be still
and know that God is there.
“I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted
in the earth” (v.10). God will be exalted. We look
around us and see these wars and see people who in the
name of Allah, who they would call God, doing things
that are not right. There are people who call themselves
Christians who do things in God’s name. He said, no!
Even amongst the heathen God will be exalted. Even
those who do terrible deeds He will be made known —
somehow, someway, where we don’t see it.
“The LORD of hosts is with us” (v.11). He’s here.
Where two or more are gathered in His name, there
He will be in the midst (St. Matthew 18:20). Way
more than two here but we know He’s here. We
can trust He’s in the midst. “The God of Jacob is our
refuge” (v.11). Pause and consider. The God of Jacob is
our refuge. Again and again those words came up.
I think of the hymn this morning that opened
up to me How Shall It Be (Zion’s Harp #146)? We
think about the fact that in these times God is our
refuge and our strength. How shall it be in all these
different instances, from these weary wanderings,
the verse says? How shall it be when can sit in heaven
some day and endlessly pause and consider that God
is our refuge and our strength? Let’s worship Him
with this hymn this morning and think of our God
and how He is our refuge and our strength.
I haven’t had the opportunity to stand and bring
forth God’s Word all that long, but I often smile at
the times the same Scriptures seem to open to me. I
kind of pause and think — God, what am I missing?
Why is it that these Scriptures open again and again?
Maybe He’s given them because I feel a comfort in
reading words I’ve already read before. Maybe there’s
something I’m missing. I don’t know why, but in
front of us is Mark 6 — the feeding of the 5,000,
Jesus walking on water, two of the stories that are in
this. I love this story.
I often ask the congregation at home and in
those places that I’ve had the opportunity to read
the Word to step back if you can. I just remarked on
Wednesday night to a sister in Chicago that I feel we
have a disadvantage that we know the entire story of
the Bible. The disadvantage is we read this and we
read of these disciples and the people who saw Jesus.
We’ve lost some of the awe of what happened! When
we read this passage of the feeding of 5,000, instantly
when I said those words I would venture to guess
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As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them
who are of the household of faith. – Galatians 6:10
Haiti Water Aid
Providing clean water in the
name of Jesus
“And God opened her eyes and she saw a well of
water: and she went, and filled the bottle with water,
and gave the lad drink” Genesis 21: 19
Can you imagine walking a mile or more just to get water
for your daily needs such as drinking? Here in America
we just turn the faucet in our homes and out pours clean
water! But most Haitians rely on community wells for
their water and the well may be far away. So it is tempting
for them to take their water from a contaminated source
such as a stream. Almost every stream you cross in Haiti
has animals using it and also people using it for washing
clothes, dishes, cars, and bathing. This contributes greatly
to Haiti’s health problems.
World Relief’s Haiti Water Aid has drilled over
900 wells in the past 25 years near Les Cayes in
southern Haiti to help ease this need for clean water.
Sturdy hand pumps that say “IN THE NAME OF
JESUS CHRIST” on them are installed on the wells.
These pumps are built by our brethren in Indiana.
But even with all these wells there is still a great need
for more wells to be drilled.
HWA Mission Statement
“The mission of Haiti Water Aid is to provide needy
Haitians with good clean water within reasonable
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walking distance. Knowing the problems of unsafe
drinking water, we wish to provide drilling equipment,
supplies, and training of the Haitians to drill wells for
themselves. We do this in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Haitian Drilling Team
Providing more wells is where our Haitian drilling team
comes in. There is an old saying, “Give a person a fish
and you feed him for a day – teach him to fish and you
feed him for a lifetime”. World Relief has provided this
Haiti Water Aid mission with a large rotary drill rig,
and provides the supplies needed to drill over 50 wells
per year. Two sea containers per year are sent to Haiti
with drilling supplies.
Five Haitians have been trained to drill the wells.
They are wonderful Christian examples for Haiti
and very good at drilling wells. They operate the
equipment to drill wells without
our assistance when we are not
there. They also repair the wells
if they fail.
Three Water Aid mission
trips are planned every year in
November, January, and March
to help them maintain their
equipment and assist with the
drilling. It is a wonderful and
rewarding experience to work
with these dedicated Haitians.
About the mission
This mission started with a small trailer-mounted
drilling rig in 1985 drilling only a few wells per
year. In 2004 a large truck-mounted modern drill rig
was reconditioned and sent to Haiti. Production has
increased considerably over the years and they now drill
about one well every week. The community receiving
the well pays part of the cost of the well. This pays the
...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
Establishing Churches
We are humbled to share the work that God is
undertaking through the Church Establishment
Committee (CEC), a sub-Committee of the Mission
Committee. We are encouraged and thankful to
see how God has opened doors and continues to
prepare the way for the gospel message of salvation
to be proclaimed.
The CEC was recently formed as a new committee
from the merger of the Small Church Support
Committee (SCSC) and the Church Planting and
Development Committee (CPDC). The charter of this
Committee includes delivering resources, services and
tools to 1) establish new Apostolic Christian Churches
and 2) assess the needs of and bolster our smaller
congregations. The goal is to assist the churches to
become self-sustaining, thriving churches which
exalt Christ through actively living our Four Pillar
Mission Statement -- sharing the gospel with the lost,
nurturing the believers, contending for the faith and
preserving sound doctrine, and meeting the needs of
the community through acts of service.
God’s Work in our Smaller Churches
Through studying the scriptures and a historical
review of small churches started within the past
fifty years, four key attributes have been identified
as being necessary for congregations to thrive -- 1) a
group of believers large enough to be self-supporting
(critical mass) 2) local ministry and leadership 3)
common purpose or vision and 4) a deep and abiding
love for God, His commandments, and each other.
Small churches that have not fully developed these
attributes have struggled to become established. With
this context, the CEC has developed a framework to
help bolster our existing small churches:
• A committee specific to each location, called the
Church Assistance Committee (CAC) will be
named to come alongside the congregation to
help guide and strengthen the bolstering efforts.
Each CAC consists of an overseeing elder, local
ministering brother (if present), one or two
brothers from larger churches and up to three
brothers from the CEC.
• The CAC will begin by walking with the local
church through an assessment of their needs,
strengths, and weaknesses related to the Four
Pillar Mission.
• A local church vision may be developed.
• Once needs are determined external resources
required will be identified. The CAC will work
with the integrated World Relief and Mission
Committee organization to communicate
specific needs to the brotherhood, trusting God
to move within our brethren.
• If brethren are called to relocate to the small church,
the CAC will help prepare, send, and integrate new
brothers and sisters into the local body.
• Timelines will be developed according to the
individual church’s stage of development,
recognizing that ultimately God’s timing and
blessing will determine progress in each of
the churches.
• Once the local church is self-sustaining, the
CAC will transition out.
Through much prayer and leading by the
Holy Spirit, two small churches, Austin, TX and
St. Louis, MO, have been selected to be “pilot”
congregations to be assisted by the bolstering
efforts of the Committee. These locations were
chosen based on many factors, particularly because
they have established local ministry which allows
the focus to be on outreach and other needs. At
present, communication has been given to these
congregations and the process outlined above is being
implemented. The lessons and experience gained
through the bolstering process in these two locations
will then be available to assist other small churches.
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The Church and Singleness
The Sanctity of Singleness
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on
his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the
will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
John 1:12-13
For a long time, the Church has diligently taught and
held high the “sanctity of marriage” – the unity of a
man and woman reflecting the Oneness of God. Such
a precept is worthy of weight and attention. Marriage
speaks to the union of Christ and His church and
creates an environment where loving, believing parents
can disciple and encourage their children toward faith
in God. However, we see in John 1:12-13 the teaching
of the new covenant of a spiritual family, the increase
of the kingdom of God through spiritual regeneration
and not just growth through childbearing. This is a
critical shift to consider. It calls us to ponder the value
we place on marriage and the lesser value sometimes
placed on singleness. In the spiritual sense of God’s
new covenant, singleness and marriage have equal
standing in His sight. His focus is on His spiritual
family (Mark 3:31-35). In this context then, it is
good to consider for a moment not just the “sanctity
of marriage” but also the “sanctity of singleness.”
Similar to marriage, the sanctity of singleness can
celebrate oneness, fidelity and covenant – not with
man, but with God. Singleness therefore has great
value in God’s eyes.
Scripture abounds with examples of believers
who were single. Paul, Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Anna,
Jeremiah, Elijah and Daniel are a few individuals
who were likely single. Jesus Himself chose to live a
single life, building a family of brothers and sisters in
the Lord versus building an earthly family. Living life
singularly for God should be seen as a great honor,
not something to be dreaded or avoided.
Similar to marriage, Satan has attacked God’s
design for singleness. Without careful Biblical
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attention being paid to the sanctity of singleness,
some inaccurate views can be propagated. Included
in these inaccuracies could be:
1. Singleness is something to be feared.
2. Singles have less value than their married
counterparts.
3. There is something wrong with the individual
that doesn’t receive a marriage proposal.
4. Singleness is a phase of life and should be
temporary.
This article will endeavor to encourage us by asking
eight self-reflecting questions regarding how we view
the singles in our lives.
1. Does my attempt to encourage singles have the
opposite effect? The comment “You’ll be next”
when directed to a single at a wedding reception
may have the opposite effect, leaving the individual feeling hurt or discouraged. The single may be:
a. content in his/her current state of life.
b. currently in the marriage proposal process
and thus feel undo pressure.
c. desiring marriage but feeling little control
over their marital status.
2. Have I kept up with my single friends? In a new
couple’s excitement of engagement and beginning a
different phase of life, single friends can sometimes
feel left behind. Oftentimes, single friends are excited for the new couple but can feel disappointed as
their relationships change. While a degree of change
is inevitable, it is important to maintain communication as much as possible with single friends,
taking a continuing interest in their lives.
3. Do I overlook mature, gifted singles for church
responsibilities? Church offices, Sunday school,
committee membership, and other aspects of
church all can benefit from capable single involvement. We should strive to see the value and
potential in our singles.
4. Do I relegate certain responsibilities only to
singles? Babysitting, running errands, visiting
elderly, and service projects can frequently be
delegated as responsibilities to be fulfilled by singles. Assuming singles have more time and fewer
responsibilities can often be a false generalization.
Without the support of a spouse, single individuals often lead very busy lives as they balance
work, family obligations and household responsibilities on their own.
5. Do I overthink my invitations to singles when
I host gatherings? Will they feel comfortable?
Do I invite only an even number? Do I invite
people for the sole reason they will inevitably
bring blessing to the gathering, regardless of
marital status? Invites to singles can be a great
encouragement to all those involved.
6. Do I view all singles as the same? Singles hold
many different titles and exist in many different
life stages. Some are doctors, mothers, executives,
college students, et al. Singles vary in maturity,
responsibilities, and life callings just as widely as
everyone else. They are no more a homogeneous
group than married couples. We should remember singles in our church family are not one and
the same, realizing the life of a 40 year old working single may vary dramatically from a 20 year
old single college student or a 55 year old widow.
We should be careful to not have the most defining label in one’s life be “single.”
7. Am I sensitive to the general support singles
need? Singles go through periods of loss, questioning and needing affirmation. They also have
a need for support, just like married individuals.
And often singles can feel alone during these
times without the benefit of a spouse or close
confidant to truly share their heart with. One
example is our church’s proposal by faith process.
While this has been a blessing to many, the proposals usually discussed are those that have led to
engagement. Confidentiality around this process
is critical, but it can also create an environment
where individuals who have given or received a
“no” can feel shame or confusion if they try to
reconcile these disappointments on their own.
There is the hope this would draw an individual closer to the Lord, but unfortunately, this is
not always the case. The individual may feel like
they are the only one to have this experience and
could develop bitterness toward God for not
following through on the dream or expectation
of having a spouse. Being able to openly share
emotions with elders, parents, mentors or close
friends while trusting that confidentiality will
be maintained can be very helpful. Be willing to
help create this environment of friendship and
sharing as God gives opportunity.
8. Does the term “single” mean anything more to
me than marital status? The word single occurs
twice in the Bible (Matt. 6:22, Luke 11:34) and
is derived from the Greek word haplous, which
means “clear, sound and whole.” Both 1 Cor.
7:32-35 and Matt. 6:22 speak to having a spiritual vision that is fully fixed on God, not divided
by other cares or concerns. It is good for all of us,
married or single, to consider how focused our
lives are on God and His purpose in our lives.
If we do not take time to reflect, the sanctity and
blessings of singleness can all but be lost. We need to
hold on to a healthy view of singleness which is laid
out for us in the New Testament covenant with our
Lord Jesus Christ. We understand like none other
what and how God’s family is grown, “But as many
as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the
flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:1213). Our spiritual relationship with Christ as His
brothers and sisters will last into all eternity in a
fashion our earthly relationships as husband, wife,
and single do not (Luke 20:34-35). Where then is the
place which the single should be able to truly turn for
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Congregation Updates
Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped
www.achh.org
“But his delight is in the law of
the Lord.” Psalm 1:2
This scripture came to my
mind as I recently was struck
by a response from one of our
residents to the reading of the
Word. With the advocacy and
assistance of a believing caregiver,
he had entered the south family
room on a Wednesday afternoon
where a group of staff gather each
month to pray together. Unable
to participate verbally due to his
challenges, he sat quietly as the
prayer requests were reviewed.
The miracle happened when
the brother who was leading
began to read the scripture
passage he had chosen for the
devotion time. As the brother
began to read, our physically
and intellectually challenged
friend threw his head back with
a radiant smile and made a
joyful sound! His delight to hear
the Bible read remained clearly
obvious throughout the reading.
Our hearts were originally
stirred by this resident’s presence
in the room, but now we were
deeply touched by the Presence
of the Holy Spirit in the room.
Often the various prayer
requests are for healing and
protection, for provision of
staff, and for help to all through
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life changes. We are thankful
for God’s hand of protection
throughout a summer filled with
enjoyable times. Many residents
participated in outdoor activities
including nearby camping,
swimming, and zoo experiences.
Day trips are a highlight. This
year several groups of friends
went to a variety of places in
our community and nearby
communities such as Springfield’s
Lincoln Museum, shopping in
Bloomington, a Peter Pan show,
a riverboat cruise, mini-golf and
athletic events. Two of our Linden
residents volunteer at the Morton
Food Bank every Wednesday.
Some folks participated in
Ignite Peoria - the Peoria Arts
celebration at the Civic Center.
Our booth was titled Arts for
All, highlighting the fact that all
people can create and participate
in art regardless of ability level.
As fall arrived, families and
residents from all the CILA
homes, Linden, Oakwood,
and Timber Ridge gathered on
September 12 for the annual
Ice Cream Social under the big
tent. Plans are being made for
participating in various events for
the Morton Pumpkin Festival.
Timber Ridge residents and staff
are preparing to ride in a float
again in the parade this year.
God has helped many through
illnesses and hospitalizations and
we are grateful. Other life changes
such as loss of family members
and changes in housemates and
roommates can create stress and
we are thankful to the Lord who
provides comfort and strength
through the transitions.
Gateway Woods Apostolic
Christian Children’s Home
Ross Feller – Communications
Coordinator
I have been privileged to
teach several Gateway Woods
residents during my time as a
Sunday School teacher at Leo.
One particular student, Lana, was
willing to be open with me about
how she felt God had worked in
her family in some exciting ways.
Lana’s family was connected
with Gateway Woods through
several programs. Lana’s sister
was a resident at Gateway Woods
several years before Lana herself
came. Also, before Lana was
placed as a resident she, along
with her sister and grandmother,
was part of the Gateway Woods
Home-Based program. Although
Lana didn’t enjoy the structure of
the residential program she always
was thankful for the way that she
felt Gateway Woods poured into
her family.
My favorite part about Lana’s
story is how her family was initially
connected with Gateway Woods.
Before her sister was ever placed at
Gateway, and before they became
part of the home-based program,
Lana’s family was introduced
to the organization through a
brochure that they received in the
mail. However, the brochure was
not addressed to them. In fact it
was supposed to be delivered to
an address on the other side of
town! Upon reading this brochure
Lana’s grandmother contacted
Gateway Woods to seek help for
her struggling family. Lana and
her grandmother both express
confidence that this was God’s way
of directing their family toward the
help that they needed.
One thing I’ve learned in my
time at Gateway Woods is that
God is always active. He is always
seeking to draw people to Himself,
and sometimes He finds very
creative ways to do it!
News:
• Gateway Woods Foster Care
Program has a need for several
new child car seats. We are
in need of a newborn seat,
convertible seat and a toddler
seat. Due to safety concerns
these seats must be new. If
you are interested in donating
a seat for this need please
contact Sis. Britni Eisenmann
at 260.627.2159.
• There are three different career
positions available currently at
Gateway Woods, including:
several openings for Alternate
Houseparents, one opening
for a Communications
Coordinator, and one
opening for a Development
Coordinator. For more
information please see the
notices in this edition or visit
the Career Opportunities
page on our website at www.
gatewaywoods.org/careers.
We trust that God will
provide qualified, mature
brothers and sisters who will
serve Him in a ministry that
is ‘Turning Lives Around’.
Alabama, Athens
Apostolic Christian
Preschool
Kalla Knobloch
September is here bringing
letters A-E, the Farm/Harvest, Fall
and Brown. We were surprised by
some very special visitors, Danny
and Sarah Bertsch. They brought
their daughter Summer, who the
children doted over.
Ms. Sarah had the children
rolling up their sleeves to make
Apple Crescent Bites. We washed
our hands, cut the apples into 8
slices, spread butter, sugar, and
cinnamon on Pillsbury crescent
roll. We rolled the apple inside
the raw dough and placed on the
baking sheet until dough is golden
brown. YUM!
The 2 year old class is
keeping busy with finger painting
Caterpillars, Cutting grass,
and pasting Cotton balls for a
beautiful Collage.
The three, four, and five year
old class has turned into a male
dominate classroom. Ms. Kalla
and the two young ladies feel a bit
outnumbered by the seven young
men. They have found a great joy
in Ten Little Monsters Jumping
on the Bed. We have been talking
how God has made each of us so
very special. We found a Gulf
Fritillary Caterpillar - it is very
colorful orange body and pointed
black spikes. The children love
finding creatures of all types. They
have been finding and bringing in
all sorts of things to make teachers
ask them to take back outside.
Please pray God will lead and
direct the preschool board as our
fall board meeting is coming up in
October. They offer wisdom and
guidance throughout the year and
we cannot say thank you enough.
Alabama, Athens
Kristy Moore
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the
hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.”
Psalms 121:1-2.
This past month I have
done quite a bit of traveling and
communing with friends and
family. In talking with them,
I can’t help but notice a small
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theme…life can be hard. What an
amazing reminder that we have our
Lord and Savior to help us when
life throws us curve balls. I have
come to appreciate these two verses
when adversity comes my way.
This past month in Athens
has been nice in preparing for
Homecoming weekend. As a
reminder, Homecoming weekend
is October 17 and 18. We look
forward to having a wonderful
weekend full of worship and
fellowship. If you plan on
attending, please contact me at
303-956-8839 or kmoore10@uab.
edu. The contact for our guest
house at church has also changed.
If you would like to stay at our
guest home while passing through,
or would like to spend a long
weekend with us, please feel free
to contact Rebekah Klaus at 815674-5411. I hope you all have a
blessed week!
Arizona, Phoenix
Marge Lindenbaum
While only those prayers
prayed through our Intercessor,
Jesus Christ, can be effective,
“In Jesus’ name” is not a magical
incantation that guarantees God’s
favorable response. When we find
our prayers seem to fall back to
earth without reaching God’s ears,
there are a number of potential
explanations. Most rest in the heart
and life of the person offering the
prayer, according to Scripture (Ps.
66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my
heart, the Lord will not hear me”).
Answer to prayer is not an
unconditional promise of God,
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even to His beloved children.
Of course, if there is not a viable
relationship between the person
praying and the Lord, there can
be no expectation of an answer.
Those who are unfamiliar with
God cannot expect His blessings.
(Matt. 25:24-30 “Lord, I knew
thee that thou art a hard man,
reaping where thou has not sown,
and gathering where thou has not
strawed: and I was afraid.”)
If we want to hear “well
done”, we need to be sure our
knowledge of God is based on
Truth (Scripture) and not the
words or opinions of man. Our
prayer must be offered in faith
(Heb. 11:6 “But without faith it is
impossible to please him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he
is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.” Also, Matt
21:22, Luke 17:6, James 1:6).
Some prayers are hindered
by unconfessed sin; living in
continuing disobedience to the
Lord. (Isa 59:2 “But your iniquities
have separated between you and
your God, and your sins have hid
his face from you, that he will
not hear.” Prov. 28:9 “He that
turneth away his ear from hearing
the law, even his prayer shall be
abomination.” Also, Ezek. 14:3).
Prayers for healing must be
submitted with diligent attention
to the Word, doing God’s will and
keeping His statutes. (Ex. 15:26
“And said, If thou wilt diligently
hearken to the voice of the LORD
thy God, and wilt do that which is
right in his sight, and wilt give ear
to his commandments, and keep all
his statutes, I will put none of these
diseases upon thee, which I have
brought upon the Egyptians: for I
am the LORD that healeth thee.”).
An unforgiving spirit is very
clearly something that will cause
God to turn a deaf ear to our
prayers. (Mark 11:25-26 “And when
ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have
ought against any: that your Father
also which is in heaven may forgive
you your trespasses. But if ye do not
forgive, neither will your Father
which is in heaven forgive your
trespasses.” Also, Matt. 18:23-35).
If we pray with the wrong
intent, for any purpose other than
God’s glory, there is no reason to
believe that prayer will be heard or
answered. (Matt. 6:5-8, Rom. 10:23, James 4:2-3). If we neglect to help
the poor, we are placing our prayers
in jeopardy. (Prov. 21:13 “Whoso
stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor,
he also shall cry himself, but shall not
be heard” Also, Prov. 28:27).
Discord within the family
of God can affect the power
of our prayers. (Matt. 5:22-24,
Matt. 18:19, Acts 12:5-17, Acts
4:31-32) Sometimes our prayers
go unanswered because we fail
to thank and praise God in our
offering. (Eph. 5:20, Phil. 1:3-4,
Phil. 4:4-7, 1 Tim. 2:1)
Another reason might be that
we gave up too soon, failing to
persevere in prayer. (Eph. 6:18,
Isa. 40:31, Luke 18:1-5) The Lord
takes very seriously His “types”, or
examples, of Christ, as evidenced
by the severe punishment assigned
Moses for striking the rock instead
of speaking to it.
Likewise, the perfect
representation of Jesus as the
Groom and the Church as His
bride is a serious matter in His
eyes. Scripture is painfully clear
that our prayers will be hindered
if we cause the love of Jesus for
His church to be misrepresented,
in our positions as husbands and
wives. (1 Pet. 3:3-7).
Other reasons our prayers
seem to fail are through no fault
of our own. There are instances
in Scripture where prayer was
answered, but the answer was
intercepted by demonic powers
before it could be delivered. (Dan.
10:12-14, Zech. 3:1, Eph. 6:12,1
Thess. 2:18)
Finally, it is sometimes
necessary for us to completely and
sacrificially devote ourselves to
prayer that includes fasting and
praising and thanking God. (Mark
9:29 “And he said unto them, This
kind can come forth by nothing, but
by prayer and fasting.”).
These are only a small
sampling of all the Scripture says
about prayer. Based solely on our
own worth and works, prayer
would be an impossible thing.
Except, we serve a merciful God
who removes our sin far from
us and remembers we are dust
(Psalm 103:12-14). Because of
Jesus and His sacrifice, our prayers
are carried to the throne, even
though we are unworthy. Yet,
self-examination, forsaking our
sin and forgiving our enemies
are all helpful in bringing about
God’s response. Prayer may be the
greatest thing we can do for others
here on earth, and God has made
this way for us to tap into His
power directly and continuously.
Perhaps He encourages us to pray
collectively so if one is hindered,
another may be able to achieve
results. If that is so, when an
entire congregation prays, there is
even more reason to believe it will
be heard. If the effectual fervent
prayer of one righteous man avails
much, think of the power we
wield when the entire church prays
in unity and without hindrance.
If we follow God’s reasonable
commands and forgive those who
sin against us, and love as Christ
loved, our prayers offered in
Jesus’ name will rise to God as a
sweet-smelling savor, and He will
respond in the perfect time and
manner. What a sweet privilege!
Our church here in Phoenix
has many reasons to pray with
praise and thanksgiving, and to
petition for God’s mercy and
healing. Things are starting to pick
up again as the summer draws to
a close. We enjoyed an interesting
and inspiring presentation by Bro.
John and Sis. Amy Gerst informing
us on their work in Awi, Ethiopia.
We said farewell to our dear
Sis. Bertha Miller, who was a
blessing to our congregation for
many years, and look forward
to that time when we will meet
again, in our eternal home. Young
Austin Lindenbaum got good
news when his MRI showed a
continued absence of any tumor
or evidence of cancer. Sis. Cathy
Emch underwent a successful
outpatient surgery, and our Co-
elder Bro. Jon Kokanovich spent
some time in the hospital, and
seems to have “bounced back” to
good health rather quickly.
Sunday School is again in
session, and it won’t be long
before we are welcoming back the
“snowbird” members of our family.
1 John 3:22-23 “And
whatsoever we ask, we receive of him,
because we keep his commandments,
and do those things that are
pleasing in his sight. And this is his
commandment, That we should
believe on the name of his Son Jesus
Christ, and love one another, as he
gave us commandment.”
Arizona, Tucson
Dean and Jackie Knobloch
We were blessed to have Bro.
Mitch Fehr and his family from
Morris worshiping with us for two
Sundays this month. We appreciate
his willingness to preach the Word
and teach us God’s ways.
Our Sunday School students
attended ACYF activities over the
Labor day weekend in Altadena,
CA. We thank the teachers for
their work and efforts to teach and
encourage our young adults.
We are lifting up in prayer
those who have physical or spiritual
concerns. We are especially
mindful of Rob Wilson (son-in-law
of Bro. Don and Sis. Glo Bauer)
and his wife Angie as he is further
treated for his brain tumor.
Bro. Chris and Sis. Sara Hattan
along with big brother Isaias
welcome Malachi Tate into their
home. We are grateful for a safe
arrival and healthy start to life.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
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California, Altadena/Los
Angeles
Kali Sauder
As I reflect on the past month
as a church family in Altadena, we
are filled to overflowing! Just today
we spent a blessed day worshiping
together in church, followed by an
evening of worshiping together at
the beach. The joy is in the extra
time for a little longer conversation
than just church lunch can allow,
the contagious delight of the little
ones reveling in the sand and waves,
another opportunity to break bread
together and sense the goodness of
our God all over again. Sometimes
a different context can magnify the
sweetness of fellowship as we make
happy memories together!
And it was only a few weeks
ago, over Labor Day weekend,
that Altadena hosted the annual
Arizona/California ACYF
weekend. High school students and
their parent chaperones doubled
our numbers at Sunday’s church
services, as visiting ministers Bro.
Fred Witzig (Washington, IL) and
Bro. Dan Cargill (Prescott, AZ)
spoke of Contending for the Faith:
“...ye should earnestly contend for the
faith which was once delivered unto
the saints.” Jude 3
To our delight and joy, Bro.
Joe Klotzle (Bro. Tom and Sis.
Jody) was announced to marry
Sis. Heather Steffen (Bro. Ted and
Sis. Sandy, Alto, MI). With much
anticipation and excitement we are
thrilled to welcome Sis. Heather to
CA and to our church family once
the couple marries, Lord willing,
in March.
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“Be glad then, ye children of Zion,
and rejoice in the Lord your God:
for he hath given you the former
rain...and he will cause to come
down for you the rain, the former
rain, and the latter rain...”
Joel 2:23.
This scripture seems all the
more real after the refreshing and
much needed rain that washed
Southern California recently. How
much greater the rejuvenating
promise given by the Lord of the
Harvest to send His presence, His
peace, His good news!
California, San Diego
Janelle Brewer
As we look forward to the
changing of the seasons, we stand in
awe of God’s might and power and
how all is ordered as He commands.
“For the Lord is great, and greatly
to be praised: he is to be feared
above all gods.” Psalm 96:1
We always appreciate the
ministers who willingly serve us,
both our home ministers and our
visitors. We thank Bro. Justin
Moser (Altadena, CA) and Elder
Bro. Marvin Dotterer (Forrest,
IL) for preaching God’s Word this
past month.
Our Junior High and High
School Sunday School classes
recently traveled to Altadena for
ACYF weekend. We are thankful
for the safe travels and a blessed
time of fellowship together.
We express our prayers and
sympathy to Bro. Doug Banwart
(Sis. Tricia) upon the death of
his grandma, Sis. Sonia Banwart
from Eureka, IL. May God
comfort their family during this
time of loss.
“In sorrow and pain, Thy trust do
retain, In Jesus the merciful Saviour.
When burdened with care, When
thou wouldst despair, Then call on
thy loving Redeemer.”
Zion’s Harp #46
Sis. Linde Zimmer was a
hospital patient this month. We
are prayerful for her as she regains
her strength.
Colorado, Denver
Naomi Wiegand, Tess Leman
Greetings of love from
Colorado! The nights are getting
cooler and the days are getting
shorter. As summer turns to fall,
we are reminded that seasons will
keep on changing. Ecclesiastes 3:1
teaches us that to everything there
is a season, and a time to every
purpose under heaven.
We experienced a time to
weep and mourn as Sis. Ruth
Pfeiffer (mother to Bro. Brian
and Sis. Becky Pfeiffer) and Gene
Carroll (grandpa to Richard and
Debbie Reynolds) passed from
this life recently. They will both
be missed by many including
children, grandchildren, great
grandchildren and friends. It is
also a time to rejoice knowing
that they both finished their race
on this earth and are walking on
streets of gold in heaven.
We experienced a time for
love, laughing, and rejoicing as
Sis. Autumn Hohulin (Bro. Doug
and Sis. Sharolyn) was united
in marriage to Bro. Jacob Rokey
(Bro. Ben and Sis. Shelley). We
enjoyed seeing how God brought
them together. Even though we
are going to miss Sis. Autumn,
we wish them God’s blessings as
they spend time planting together
in Prescott. We are thankful that
most of the Prescott church was
able to come out for the wedding
including Bros. Stan Schambach
and Dan Cargill who helped
preach. We appreciated all of the
visitors that came to share our joy
including ministering Bro. Tim
Roecker (Peoria), Bro. Duane
Metzger (West Bend) and Elder
Bro. Jeff Grimm (Goodfield).
“To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to
die; a time to plant, and a time to
pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to
build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a
time to gather stones together; a time
to embrace, and a time to refrain
from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a
time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to
sew; a time to keep silence, and a
time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.”
Eccl. 3:1-8
Whatever season you might be
in right now, be sure to seek out
God’s will for your life. Solomon
concludes Ecclesiastes with the
following thoughts.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the
whole matter: Fear God, and keep
his commandments: for this is the
whole duty of man. For God shall
bring every work into judgment,
with every secret thing, whether it be
good, or whether it be evil.”
Eccl. 12:13-14
Connecticut, Rockville
Lauren Gottier, Sheila Gerber
“For the preaching of the cross is
to them that perish foolishness; but
unto us which are saved it is the
power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
Our congregation appreciated
having two visiting ministers this
month: Bro. John Steiner (Sis.
Carol, Oakville-Mediapolis, IA) and
Bro. Jeremiah Psinas (Morton, IL).
Two couples were recently
joined in matrimony. Bro. Seth
Bahler (Bro. Ronnie and Sis.
Bonnie) and Sis. Taylor Welti
(Bro. Pete and Sis. Jill) were
married on August 23. Chuck
Crary (Bro. Ken and Sis. Deb)
married Aiyana Maye (Kathe
Frome and Stephen Maye,
Monterey, MA) on September 12.
Bro. Sam Virkler (Bro. John
and Sis. Maureen) and Sis. Amanda
Bahler (Bro. Phil and Sis. Michelle)
recently became engaged. We wish
them the blessings of the Lord on
their marriage.
We remember the family of
Kathy (Kostuk) Guimond in our
prayers as they mourn her passing.
She was the daughter of Sis.
Ruth (John (Dec.)) Kostuk and
a sibling to Debbie (Matthew)
Kostuk-Smith and Sis. Tonya
(David) Campbell. She leaves a
daughter Adria (Matthew) Mecca
and her grandchildren, Jakob and
Piper Mecca.
District of Columbia,
Washington
Henrietta Meyer
During the first part of
September, Bro. Richard and Sis.
Jan Gudeman from Silverton, OR
were our caretakers. 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. Howard Plattner (Sis.
Kristen, Alto, MI), Bro. Justin
Koch (Sis. Marcia, Washington,
IL), Bro. Clark Stoller (Sis. Cindy,
Gridley, IL) and Bro. Tony Manz
(Sis. Denise, Junction, OH).
Other visitors this month were
from Forrest, IL.
The Sunday the Koch’s were
here, they hosted an afternoon of
fellowship and dinner at church.
This month we also met young
people that have moved to the
area for employment. Not only are
there employment opportunities
with the government, government
contractors and associations and
others doing business with the
government, but also in the IT,
education, bio-technical, financial
and construction fields.
Spring and fall are great
times to visit DC with cooler
weather and smaller crowds.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
15
There are many free attractions
in Washington, DC, things for
all the family. If you are planning
to visit Washington, D.C. area,
please contact Bro. Joe and Sis.
Holly Bohart at jbohart@gmail.
com or Sis. Henrietta Meyer
at 703 904-8301 for assistance
and to let us know how many to
expect for Sunday services.
Florida, Ft. Myers
Victor Beer
It is exciting to see the
enthusiasm of those planning to
attend the Retreat at Lakewood
Lodge. All three Florida churches
will be taking part in the outing.
If you are considering a move
to the Naples/Fort Myers area
and would like to talk to someone
about it, please call Bro. Marvin
Steffen at 239-353-0508. He will
help you gather information on
anything from serving in a small
church to job opportunities and
housing in the area.
The New Beginnings
-Dustin Hodel
“And he said, Go forth, and
stand upon the mount before the
LORD. And, behold, the LORD
passed by, and a great and strong
wind rent the mountains, and
brake in pieces the rocks before the
LORD; but the LORD was not in
the wind: and after the wind an
earthquake; but the LORD was not
in the earthquake: And after the
earthquake a fire; but the LORD
was not in the fire: and after the fire
a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:11,12
Whenever I start the process
of writing this article I usually
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try and think of the big things
that are going on at The New
Beginnings lately. I want people
to see the great things God is
doing here in all their glory
and magnificence! As I sat and
brainstormed through, nothing
huge came to mind. There’s been
no great revelation in any of the
mom’s lives; we haven’t had any
proverbial doors open to new and
wondrous things either. But as I
sat and pondered the lack of ‘wow’
in our current lives God reminded
me (again) of His still small voice.
While we haven’t had any walls of
Jericho tumble down or Red Sea
partings, we’ve been enjoying the
peace that comes from everyone
working together and doing what
is asked of them.
The moms are all in school
and doing well and we’ve seen
gradual growth in their parenting.
All four of the women with us are
working together, helping each
other when needed and being an
encouragement to one another.
While we are currently shorthanded in the mentor department,
it doesn’t feel like it because there
is a spirit of unity around the
grounds and within the program
and it makes for some smooth
sailing. Surely there are issues
that flare up, feelings get hurt
and disagreements surface, but
the problems are being handled
peacefully, maturely and quickly.
We thank each and every
brother and sister who is praying
for us. None of the above is
achieved without the grace of
almighty God. We also pray that
you feel the same peace within your
family and among the brothers and
sisters in your congregation.
Sometimes the still small
whispers mean so much more than
great signs and wonders (although
those are pretty amazing too).
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale
Renee Mangold
We were fortunate to have
visiting ministers this past month.
Sharing God’s word were Bro.
Chris Huber (Sis. Sharon)
Francesville, IN; Bro. Lynn
Fiechter (Sis. Ronda) Bluffton,
IN and Bro. Marvin Steffen, Ft.
Myers, FL. We pray that our Lord
will bless them for their efforts.
Sis. Vi Gerber fell last week
and is in the hospital. Our prayers
for healing are with her.
“And even when I am old and
gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this
generation, Your power to all who
are to come.” Psalms 71:18-19
Georgia, Peachtree City/
Atlanta
Lexi Knapp, Elise Waldbeser
We have a quiet, yet blessed,
month here in Georgia! We
continue to enjoy our new church
and are excited to see what
God has done, is doing, and
continues to do. Change is always
happening, whether it is the colors
of the trees, the change in the
weather, or areas of our lives. God
is always at work!
If anyone is coming to the
area, we would love to have you
worship with us! Our new address
is: 202 Robinson Road, Peachtree
City, GA 30269. However, please
call ahead! (Tom Waldbeser
770.463.4788 or Richard Aberle
678.364.0507). For photos and
additional information, visit our
website at www.ptcacchurch.org.
Haiti, Bonne Fin Hospital Lumiere
Rick and Komari Aberle
During the summer months,
many of our missionary families
took furlough and enjoyed time
with family and friends. This
time in our home churches
encourages and renews us. Now,
we have reassembled as a team
in Haiti and are once again
experiencing the blessings of the
work at Hospital Lumiere.
The wedding of Sis. Bekah
Klopfenstein and Bro. Trent
Witzig was a joyous event. Sis.
Bekah is the daughter of Bro. Lee
and Sis. Desma Klopfenstein,
serving at the hospital. Bro. Trent
has spent time in Haiti over
the past several months serving
the Apostolic Christian World
Relief missions here. Those of us
that were not able to attend the
wedding in Latty, OH, gathered
together and listened to the service
via telephone.
Ministering Bro. Jon Zeller
(Morton, IL) and Elder Bro.
Marvin Dotterer and his wife,
Sis. Nancy, (Forrest, IL) were
with us in August. We appreciate
when ministers visit as we are
able to have a church service
and worship with our brethren
serving here. Many times, our
friends from other missions join
us for worship as they appreciate
hearing a service in English. After
the church service, we enjoyed
the fellowship of a Farewell
Potluck for Bro. Eric and Sis.
Jami Hartzler and their children:
Leah, Grace, Conrad, Quincy
and Gideon. The Hartzler’s have
finished their service term here at
the hospital and have returned to
their home in Sardis, OH. Please
pray for their family as they make
this transition.
We have hosted several teams
in the past month. An orthopedic
surgical team from South Carolina
visited and provided valuable
surgical services. A touching
case they were able to help was
a young girl whose ankle was
injured in the 2010 earthquake
and did not heal correctly. The
team was able to surgically repair
the ankle. Prayers for the girl’s
healing are appreciated. Another
team of medical professionals from
several of our churches provided
a cervical cancer screening clinic.
We thank this team for providing
the screening as well as health
education to Haitian women.
We encourage anyone with
an interest in Hospital Lumiere
to check the team schedule and
join an upcoming team. The time
and talents of those who come
to further the work are vital to
this mission. In addition, the
fellowship with believers in Christ
is very beneficial to the spiritual
and emotional health of our
missionary team. Thank you for
supporting us in this way.
We welcome Sis. Leah
Bertschi who has joined our
missionary team as a teacher.
Roanoke, IL is her sending
congregation. After a few weeks
of acclimating to life in Haiti,
she will be joining Sis. Desma
Klopfenstein in teaching our
missionary children.
“And Jesus saith unto him, I will
come and heal him.” Matthew 8:7
Haiti, Les Cayes
Mike & Susie Walder
Greetings from Les Cayes!
(Pronounced luh-kies, emphasis
on “kies.”) We are thankful to
begin contributing monthly news
from Haiti. Hopefully getting
regular updates from us will help
you keep more connected to the
families serving here. Many of you
have visited here over the years
while some of you will never have
that opportunity. We feel we can
speak for everyone here: we all
truly appreciate your on-going
interest, prayers and support.
The middle of August
we enjoyed a visit from our
counseling Elder Bro. Marvin
Dotterer, along with his wife, Sis.
Nancy, lead minister Bro. Jon
Zeller, and the ACWR Outreach
Coordinator Bro. Kirk Plattner.
We all had the opportunity to
visit with them and share both
concerns and encouragement.
The Sunday they were here we all
traveled up to Hospital Lumiere
for an English service and the
farewell cookout for Bro. Eric and
Sis. Jami Hartzler and family. We
will miss this special family and
October 2015
SILVER LINING
17
the cheerful way they shared the
love of God with us in Les Cayes.
Once a month we alternate an
English service between Les Cayes
and the hospital.
Many people ask how far
apart Les Cayes is from Hospital
Lumiere. Les Cayes is located on
the south coast and the hospital
is only 25-30 miles north in the
mountains, but it takes about an
hour to drive there.
All the missionaries returned
from summer furloughs before
school started, but two families
here are doing it a little differently
this year. Bro. Jan and Sis. Val
Gutwein and sons are staying in
Francesville for a long break and
we will miss them! Bro. Brent and
Sis. Alisha Wagenbach actually
stayed here all summer so they
left the end of August for their
furlough in the States. Just as Jesus
found it good to “come apart for
a little while,” we pray that their
time off and a change of scenery
will be helpful to their ministries
and their family relationships.
Living in a desperate country amid
desperate people is very draining.
Need we say more?
The middle of September we
hosted an English service here
in Les Cayes. There were no
visiting ministers present so we
shared a time of singing and a
Bible study. We have a number
of other missionaries from the
U.S., Canada and Germany
living in close proximity to us
so they are always invited to the
service and the meal we share
afterward. A medical team here
18
to work at the hospital blessed
us by also attending. The time of
spiritual encouragement coupled
with extended fellowship is a real
blessing for everyone.
Also in mid-September a
“Vision Team” was here to tour
all the work being undertaken
by ACWR in South Haiti. We
enjoyed their interest and their
questions as they toured. That
was followed by an evening meal
where we had time to share how
God called our families to serve in
Haiti. Thanks for your visit!
“Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye steadfast, unmovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your
labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1
Corinthians 15:58
There are several missionary
positions open in Les Cayes and
also at Hospital Lumiere. Please see
the advertisements posted in the
back pages and prayerfully consider
how God is speaking to you or your
family. Some of the positions have
been open for some time, so we pray
that God will be speaking clearly
to the right people who will then
respond. There are several pages of
week-long Haiti work teams listed
as well. We warmly welcome you to
come take part in sharing God’s love
in Haiti however you can.
Illinois, Belvidere
Krista Anliker, Shayla Steffen
“We give thanks to God and
the Father our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you,” Col. 1:3
We are praying that Elder Bro.
Duane Rocke (Minneapolis, MN)
will be blessed and given godly
wisdom as he shepherds our little
flock here in Belvidere. He was
here recently. We thank him for
preaching the Word in truth and
for his continual efforts in driving
the miles to attend church on so
many occasions.
We pray for Bro. Jeremy and
Sis. Charity as they were united in
marriage. May they always rely on
God so that He may be glorified
through their union. We thank
Bro. Matthew Rassi (Sis. Bridget)
for being willing to preach the
truth from the pulpit alone on
the weekend of Bro. Jeremy and
Sis. Charity’s wedding. Because of
Bro. Matthew’s willingness, all of
our ministers were able to witness
the union of hearts in Morton IL.
We continue to pray for Sis.
Lana (Bro. Bill), Bro. Dean (Sis.
Carol), and Bro. Brian (Sis. Peg) as
they all struggle with ailments of the
flesh. As we look on we sometimes
struggle with what to say, never
knowing if we should keep asking
how things are going or how to
help. May we always remember that
prayer changes things and to trust
in the Lord and take heart.
“For this cause we also, since the
day we heart it, do not cease to pray
for you, and to desire that ye might
be filled with the knowledge of his
will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding;” Colossians 1:9
Illinois, BloomingtonNormal
Megan Kaeb, Sarah Maurer
With September behind us,
Sunday school and LINC are in
full swing! Our church family
had a blessed time at our annual
Church Campout where we were
able to share in fellowship, song,
and food.
“For ye shall go out with joy,
and be led forth with peace: the
mountains and the hills shall break
forth before you into singing, and all
the tress of the field shall clap their
hands.” Isaiah 55:12.
This month has brought a new
addition for Kale and Heather
Farney as they welcome Kalan
Ford into their growing family.
Kalan’s grandparents are Bro.
Ron and Sis. Ellen Farney of
Bloomington and Gary and Patty
Ford of Hudson.
As one life begins, another ends.
Wilmer Dean Stork of Fairbury
passed away this month. Wilmer
was a brother to Sis. Wilma (Bro.
David) Kieser. Also, we say goodbye
to Robert Lockwood, husband of
Virginia, as he passed away this
month as well. Our thoughts and
prayers are with both families
as September has brought much
change into their lives.
Our church was blessed to
hear of the work the Lord is doing
in Brazil through His faithful
workers, Bro. Matt and Sis. Janelle
Steidinger and their family. They
have brought much joy with them
from Brazil through stories of how
God is working, much like the
stories we share of how God works
in our daily lives as well.
Bloomington was happy to
host an ACYF Day with Eureka,
Gridley, and Princeville this
month. It is an opportunity for
our church’s younger generation to
form new relationships, strengthen
old relationships, and unify our
church even more.
Our thanks and appreciation
extends to Bro. Tim (Sis. Kathy)
Hohulin from Roanoke and Bro.
Mike (Sis. Faye) Hohulin from
Fort Lauderdale, FL for the Word
they brought to our congregation
this past month.
“So faith cometh by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17
Illinois, Bradford
Roseann Stahl, Sandi Joos
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and
again I say Rejoice.” Philippians 3:4
We are instructed to rejoice
in the Lord, and this past month
we were given many reasons to
rejoice.
“And when he cometh home,
he calleth together his friends and
neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice
with me; for I have found my sheep
which was lost.” St. Luke 15:6
We rejoice to have three new
converts: Shannon Gudeman
(Brianna), Mikaela Endress (Bro.
Bill and Sis. Renee´), and Brooke
Barto have begun their walk with
the Lord.
This month we were also
privileged to hear the testimony
and witness the baptism of Bro.
Lucas Herrmann (Bro. Marvin
and Sis. Lavonne, Princeville, IL).
“Let thy fountain be blessed: and
rejoice with the wife of thy youth.”
Proverbs 5:18
August 23 was the wedding
of Sis. Lana Stoller (Bro. Steve and
Sis. Anna Marie) and Bro. Ernie
Wiegand (Dale and Sis. Fredora,
Eureka, IL). We pray for the blessing
of the Lord on their marriage.
“He maketh the barren women
to keep house, and to be a joyful
mother of children. Praise ye the
Lord.” Psalm 113:9
Sadie Elizabeth was born on
August 20 to Bro. Ben and Sis.
Katie Endress. She is welcomed
by her siblings: Corbin, Marissa,
Maria, Mallory, Elijah, Libby,
Aubrey, and Ellie. Grandparents
are Bro. Larry and Sis. Becky
Endress and Bro. Richard and Sis.
Marilyn Slutz.
On August 24, Bro. Chad and
Sis. Joanna Joos welcomed their
first child, a daughter, Adrienne
Rose. Grandparents are Bro.
Ralph and Sis. Jenny Joos and Bro.
Nathan and Sis. Sherrill Stoller.
“…How beautiful are the feet
of them that preach the gospel of
peace, and bring glad tidings of good
things!” Romans 10:15
We were blessed to have many
visiting ministers with us the
past month. Among them were
Elder Bro. Jon Schmidgall (Sis.
Julie, Mediapolis, IA), Bro. Bill
Wettstein (Sis. Heidi, Eureka,
IL), Bro. Ned Stoller (Sis. Heidi,
Alto, MI), Bro. Jim Butikofer (Sis.
Diana, Iowa City, IA), Bro. Kevin
Fehr (Sis. Lonnie, West Bend, IA),
Bro. Mark Wettstein (Sis. Karen,
LaCrosse, IN), Bro. Craig Martin
(Sis. Terri, Princeville, IL), Bro.
Ryan Hoerr (Sis. Joy, Princeville,
IL), Bro. Kevin Wulf (Sis. Annie,
Morris, MN), Bro. Brandon Emch
(Sis. Maria, Kansas City, MO),
October 2015
SILVER LINING
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and Bro. Gregg Rumbold (Sis.
Heather, Peoria, IL).
Along with the many visiting
ministers we had throughout the
month, we rejoiced to have many
brethren gather together with us on
September 13 for our invite-a-guest.
“The Lord is my strength and my
shield; my heart trusted in him,
and I am helped: therefore my heart
greatly rejoiceth; and with my song
will I praise him” Psalm 28:7
Bro. Gary Endress (Sis. Ev)
was in the hospital at Mayo’s. We
are thankful, not only to have
him home, but also thankful his
outpatient treatments for leukemia
have been completed.
Illinois, Champaign
Dona Fehr
Greetings from Champaign!
We have much to be thankful for
this month!
Congratulations to Brittany
Walder (Bro. Jim and Sis. Beth
Walder) and Brad Forster (Eugene
and Denise Forster) in their recent
engagement. We wish them God’s
blessings as they plan and look
forward to their future together!
We rejoice with Dawn Finch
as she has heard the Lord’s call and
turned her heart to Him! It is always
a joy to see God’s grace and power
continue to touch hearts and lives.
August 23 marked the return
of the U of I and Parkland students
as the church hosted a New
Student Welcome weekend for
the students and their families.
We were thankful to see the
benches full! As we saw new
students starting at both U of I and
20
Parkland, we also watched some
of our own leave for college, some
for the first time, some nearing the
end of their college career. We wish
them the best and hope they can
feel the love of their home church
while away for school.
The same weekend that we
welcomed college students, we
also started our new Sunday
school year and welcomed three
new preschoolers to the roster!
It is always refreshing to see the
excitement and eagerness the little
ones bring when they first start
Sunday school!
We appreciate this month’s
visiting ministers: Elder Bro.
Wayne Grimm (Sis. Rose, West
Bend, IA), Elder Bro. John
Wiegand (Sis. Jane, Silverton,
OR), Bro. Aaron Frank (Sis.
Sharla, Elgin, IA), and Bro.
Matt Kaufmann (Sis. Rebekah,
Bloomington, IL). We thank these
brothers for their willingness to
share God’s word with us!
Illinois, Chicago
Diana Eisenmann
Greetings from Chicago!
Thanks to the following ministers
for visiting and sharing the word
in September: Bro. John Lehman
(Sis. Tamara, Wolcott, IN), Bro.
Loren Schrenk (Sis. Betsy,
St. Louis, IL), and Elder Bro. Ted
Witzig, Sr. (Morton, IL).
In August we welcomed
Sis. Zoe Koehl from Forrest as
she begins a semester of student
teaching in Chicago Public Schools.
In September we held our
fall World Relief activity day and
completed approximately 1,000
school kits and 500 medical kits
for Mexico.
We extend thanks to Elgin
Church for hosting us for a
potluck and singing in September.
Many from Chicago attended. We
appreciated the warm welcome
and sweet fellowship.
We rejoice with Marissa
Wuethrich as she begins her
repentance. Marissa is the
daughter of ministering Bro. Chris
and Sis. Carla Wuethrich.
Please remember Peggy Ryan
in your prayers as she was recently
diagnosed with pneumonia.
Our dear Sis. Lois (Witzig)
Metzger passed away on
September 5. We mourn the loss
of a faithful sister and friend and
grieve with her husband, Bro.
Boyd, during this difficult time.
May God provide grace and
comfort to the family.
Illinois, Cissna Park
Janie Waldbeser, Sandy Rudin
The angels in heaven rejoice
over every soul who repents. Philip
Eisenmann (Bro. Steve & Sis.
Cheryl) and Jared Waldbeser (Bro.
Mark & Sis. Janie) have expressed
the desire for repentance. We pray
they can draw near to God and
build a firm foundation in Jesus
Christ our Lord.
We were recently blessed when
the Latty Choir came to spend a
weekend with us. We thank Bro.
Chris Laukhuf who shared the
Word of God on Sunday.
Our sympathy is extended to
the family of Bro. Lynn Knapp
who went to his eternal rest this
month. May God comfort his two
daughters and sons-in-law, Sis.
Melinda & Bro. Larry Gramm of
Bremen, IN; and Darlene & Bill
Medler of Hoopeston, IL; three
granddaughters, Nikki, Cassie and
Jasmine Gramm; and one brother,
Roy Knapp of Cullom, IL. Also
surviving Bro. Lynn are two sistersin-law, Sis. Lucille and Sis. Marilyn
Knapp, and brother-in-law, Wes
(Judy) Knapp of our congregation.
Bro. Rod & Sis. Beth
Steffen are thankful for two new
grandchildren born one day apart!
June Ivory was born on September
7 to Quinn & Sadie and big sister
Skye Steffen from Hannibal, MO.
On September 8, Knox August was
born to Brett & Olivia Steffen and
siblings, Obie, Zion, and Hutch
from Chiang Mia, Thailand.
Ryan Walder (Bro. Doug & Sis.
Julie) and Tamar Hickman were
united in marriage on August 29.
We pray God will bless their union.
A special evening was enjoyed
by our Sunday School students
as they hosted the annual Senior
Citizen meal. It warmed my heart
to see them all reminiscing and
spending time with those they
love! What a blessing!
Sis. Lucille Knapp has been
experiencing some medical issues
and is recuperating in Heartland
Nursing Home in Paxton for a
time and would appreciate prayers.
Sis. Judy Edelman’s husband,
Urban, was in a bad tractor
accident and is in Chicago for
some extensive medical attention.
Thanks for your prayers on his
behalf and for his family as they
go through this trial in their lives.
We can’t always see where the road
leads, but God promises there’s
something better up ahead we just
have to trust Him.
-Author unknown
Illinois, Congerville
Erica Steffen
“And I will restore to you the years
that the locust hath eaten...”
Joel 2:25
The harvest is upon us here
in Central Illinois, and living
between the grain bins and a seed
corn company has meant a lot of
dust around our house! Although
autumn is my favorite time of
the year in this area, I could
do without all the dust and the
plague of grasshoppers that has
descended upon us. But what a
joy it is to witness another harvest
that has come to our church, as
we have seen six young souls come
in repentance in the last month!
These dear ones have chosen to
shake off the dust of the earth and
have decided to follow Jesus! Our
prayers are with Steffani Wiegand
(Bro. Joe and Sis. Myra), Russell
and Rose Knobloch (Jerry and Sis.
Linda), Nathan Steffen (Bro. Jay
and Sis. Melinda), & Rebekah and
Hannah Schrock (Bro. Kevin and
Sis. Rachel) as they begin their
walk with the Lord.
This month we had the
opportunity to share with the
ministers who have helped serve
our church over the last year
at a potluck and singing. We
thank these ministers for their
service and support to us, and for
fellowshipping with us once again!
We are thankful that
Bro. John Rowell (Sis. Nelda,
Burlington) and Bro. Ron Isch
(Sis. Jane, Lamont-Gridley) were
willing to share the Word with our
church this month. May they be
blessed for their efforts.
Bro. Andy and Sis. Maxine
Virkler’s daughter, Cindy Virkler, is
moving to a new home and would
like to share her new address:
Cindy Virkler
612 E. Polk St.
Morton, IL 61550
Feel free to send her a note to
welcome her to her new home!
Illinois, Elgin
Amy Gasser
We thank Elder Bro. Brad
Eisenmann and Bro. Rick Kaisner
(Chicago, IL) for ministering to
us recently.
The Sunday School Pancake
Breakfast was held on Saturday,
September 12, at the Fellowship
Center. It was hosted by our Bible
Class students to raise money for
their ACYF bus trips and other
Sunday School activities. We
thank them for their efforts.
Sis. Lois Metzger (Bro. Boyd,
Chicago, IL) passed away on
September 5, after a long and
courageous battle with cancer. Her
funeral was held on September 11 at
the Chicago church, followed by a
graveside service at the Elgin church
cemetery. We extend our sympathy
to Bro. Boyd and his family and to
Ella (John) Martin, who is a sisterin-law from our Elgin church.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
21
Bro. Walt Steffen passed away
on September 7. His funeral was
on September 12 at the Milford,
IN church. We extend sympathy
to his family, including his sisters,
Sis. Louise and Sis. Lenora Steffen
from Elgin, IL. Bro. Walt is
remembered for his gentle manner.
Bro. Gary (Sis. Edie) Anliker
was readmitted to the hospital
recently. Sis. Judy (Bro. Dick)
Klopfenstein had emergency
surgery recently and is presently
recovering at home. Sis. Wava
(Bro. John) Steffen had her second
knee replacement surgery at the
time of this writing.
Illinois, Eureka
Debra Blunier, Linda Rocke
As we see the harvest
underway in the golden grain
fields around us, it brings special
meaning to the words of the
hymn: “Hasten gladly to the labor,
Consecrate to God your heart; Say
this day unto your Saviour, ‘Lord,
I’ ll gladly do my part.’”
Hymns of Zion, #46
We have had quite a number
of funerals this year as we lay to
rest many who have faithfully and
gladly done their part.
Our sympathy to the family
of Sis. Lorine (Bro. George,
dec.) Stoller. She was the sister
of Bro. Lloyd (Sis. Betty, dec.)
Schumacher and stepmother of
Donald (Iantha) Stoller of Gridley,
IL, Sis. Nancy (Bro. Merle) Sauder
of Tremont, and Sis. Elaine (Bro.
Jack) Schmidgall of Morton.
Another loss to our
congregation came with the
22
passing of Sis. Sonia Banwart,
wife of Bro. Joel. Again, we send
our deepest sympathy to all the
family. She was mother to Bro. Jeff
(Sis. Lisa) Banwart, Bill Banwart
of Vail, CO, Ann Milborn of
Carmel, IN, Joan (Francis) Franke
of Evergreen, CO, and Ellen
(Mike) Anders of Tolono, IL.
Sonia was sister to Sis. Millie (Bro.
Jack) Prather of Eureka and many
others. Her cheerful patience in
affliction was an inspiration.
Special thanks to Bro. Jim (Sis.
Diana) Butikofer of Iowa City,
IA, who served us in the pulpit, as
well as to our many other visitors
this past month. Fellowship adds
to the spiritual benefit of Sundays!
Thanks always as well to our
Eureka ministers for their faithful
service to us.
Austin Michael was born
September 21 to Bro. Jared and
Sis. Sara Fehr. Delighted to
welcome their baby brother home
are Audrey, Serena, and Jayla.
Grandparents are Bro. Ken and
Sis. Sandy Fehr, and Bro. Tom and
Sis. Edie Stoller.
The news that someone is
repenting is the most joyful of all.
We rejoice that Tara Edelman,
daughter of Bro. Keith and Sis.
Nadine Edelman, has found grace
to take that step. We wish her
God’s direction and blessings in
her new walk of faith.
Note of Thanks:
To be remembered by many
dear souls for my one hundredth
birthday has been overwhelming. I
wish to express my sincere thanks
to all, and God’s richest blessings
for the love and kindness shown.
Sis. Wilma Huber
Illinois, Fairbury
Angela Herr, Janelle Stoller
“Haste and seek your soul’s
salvation; heed the word of
God today! Haste to flee His
condemnation; seek the straight
and narrow way. Evil are the
worldly pleasures, leading to
eternal fire; seek the everlasting
treasure, ere the day of grace
expire.” Repent Ye!,
Zion’s Harp # 52, verse 1
Our hearts are rejoicing with
the angels in Heaven over many
souls who have recently made a
beginning in repentance. Ross
Steidinger (Bro. Martin and Sis.
Trish), Ryan, Jeremy, and Tami
Steffen (Corey and Sis. Beth),
Gideon Moser (Bro. Kevin and
Sis. Kara), Arthur Moser (Sis. Julia
and late Bro. Doug), Seth Miller
(Bro. Roger and Sis. Crystal),
Darla Meiss (Bro. Kevin and Sis.
Kati), Paul Leman (Bro. Chad
and Sis. Kim), Milan Teubel (Bro.
Nathan and Sis. Jennifer), and
Sonny Montgomery have answered
God’s call. Our prayers are with
each one as they turn their backs
on the world and walk in the ways
of our Lord and Savior.
“There is beauty all around, when
there’s love at home; There is joy
in every sound, when there’s love
at home. Peace and plenty here
abide, smiling sweet on every side,
time doth softly, sweetly glide,
when there’s love at home.”
The Christian Home,
Hymns of Zion #64, verse 1
The engagement of Bro. Thane
Zehr (Bro. Quinn and Sis. Joan)
and Sis. Myrna Moser (Bro. Jeff
and Sis. Sara) was announced on
August 30. May God bless and
guide them as they prepare for
their wedding and life together.
Carrie Rinkenberger (Doug
and Beth) and Jensen Lanz (Bro.
Troy and Sis. Kathleen, Forrest,
IL) exchanged wedding vows on
September 5. We wish them God’s
blessings in their marriage.
Bro. Karl and Sis. Carrie
Steidinger have adopted a 3-yearold boy, Ian, from South Korea.
Addison and Maddox lovingly
welcome Ian as their new brother.
His grandparents are Bro. Chris
and Sis. Kay Steffen and Bro.
Randy and Sis. Dawn Steidinger.
Our prayers are with Ian and this
dear family as he adjusts to a new
life in America.
While we rejoice with those
who rejoice, we also weep with
those who weep. We extend our
sympathy to Bro. John Stork (Sis.
Eunice) in the loss of his brother,
Wilmer Stork, who passed away
on August 23.
Our prayers have been
with Sis. Martha Fehr who has
undergone surgery and spent
extra time in the hospital. May
God’s healing hand be upon her
according to His will.
The weekend of August 29-30
we hosted a commemoration in
recognition of 50 years since our
church building was erected and
dedicated. We enjoyed a singing
and historical presentation on
Saturday evening along with
numerous visitors who once
attended church in Fairbury. We
were reminded of our forefathers
who have gone on before us and
have left us a blessed heritage. May
we each do our part to uphold our
precious denomination for those
who follow after us that they may
know the way of the cross and find
shelter from a sinful world.
On September 20 our
Bible class hosted Cissna Park,
Morton, and Washington for
ACYF Day. We were thankful to
have Bro. Randy Beer (Milford,
IN) and Bro. John Steiner
(Oakville-Mediapolis, IA) with
us for the day.
Other visiting ministers serving
our congregation this month were
Bro. Art Mueller (Belvidere, IL),
Bro. Jerry Wagenbach (OakvilleMediapolis, IA), and Bro. Curt
Kaufman (Tucson, AZ). We thank
each of these brothers for sharing
God’s Word and pray that He will
richly bless them.
We have been listening to the
conference recordings and are
thankful for the kind exhortation
and encouragement from our dear
elder brothers. May we continue
to lift them up in prayer along
with our ministering brothers who
faithfully serve us each week.
Illinois, Forrest Carissa Knapp, Shannon Brown
“Repent ye: for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
We are very thankful for the
souls that have answered the Lord’s
call to repentance. Jesse Leman
(Bro. Ernie and Sis. Carol), Clay
Zimmerman (Bro. Kent and Sis.
Paulette), Nathan Dotterer (Bro.
Jason and Sis. Lynn), Chase Leman
(Bro. Arlen and Sis. Denise), and
Rollie Mueller (Bro. Ron and Sis.
Vicki) have all turned their backs
on Satan and the world. We pray
as a church we can support and
encourage them onward.
Congratulations to Jensen
Lanz (Bro. Troy and Sis. Kathleen)
and Carrie Rinkenberger (Doug
and Beth), who were married
on September 5. On September
13, we witnessed the marriage of
Sis. Amanda Zimmerman (Bro.
Kent and Sis. Paulette) and Bro.
Trevor Edelman (Bro. Karl and
Sis. Bethany). We thank Elder Bro.
Paul Messner (Winthrop, MN),
Bro. Cal Schneider (Lacrosse, IN),
Bro. Nicholas Waibel (Francesville,
IN), and Bro. Paul Kilgus
(Fairbury, IL) for being with us
that day and sharing God’s Word.
Also sharing God’s Word
this month were Bros. James
Fehr (Tremont, IL), Earl
Beery (Rittman, OH), Leland
Plattner (Zapata, TX), Kenneth
Eisenmann (Cissna Park, IL),
David Eisenmann (Champaign,
IL), and Elder Bro. Brad
Eisenmann (Chicago, IL). What
a blessing to be able to travel and
fellowship together.
We have been listening to the
topics from the summer Conference
and want to again thank our elder
brothers for their love and efforts for
our precious brotherhood.
Laine Elizabeth is the new
daughter of Kyle and Sarah
Steidinger. Her big sister, Harper,
October 2015
SILVER LINING
23
and grandparents, Bro. Duane
and Sis. Mary Ifft, are excited to
welcome her into their family.
Marjorie Stephens and Sis.
Sally Schaffer (Bro. John) both had
hip replacement surgery. May God
be with them as they recover. Our
prayers are also with Bro. Glen
Zimmerman (Sis. Mildred) who
spent some time in the hospital.
Illinois, Goodfield
Kayla Wiegand, Melissa Rokey
We celebrated two weddings
in our congregation this month.
Congratulations are offered to
Luke Lowery (Ken and Sis. Jaci)
and Rachel Schmidgall (Mark and
Kimberly). We also congratulate
Bro. Jake Rokey (Bro. Ben and Sis.
Shelley) and Sis. Autumn Hohulin
(Bro. Doug and Sis. Sharolyn,
Denver, CO).
We grieve the loss of a loved
one as our Paul Puzich passed
away on September 4. Our
sympathy extends to Sis. Melita
Hodel (Bro. Curt) upon the
passing of her father, Melvin
Martin, on September 4.We also
are supportive of Sis. Audrey
Rocke (Bro. Steve) upon the death
of her grandmother, Audrey Potts,
on September 10.
Our Bro. Mel Blunier (Sis.
Marilyn) was in a serious tractor
accident. We are thankful to God
for His mercy and ask for prayers
as Bro. Mel recuperates. We’ve
been praying for Bro. Eric Wiegand
(Sis. Carrie, Zambia, Africa) who
was attacked by wild bees. We are
thankful for his recovery. Both Bro.
Steve and his wife, Sis. Mary Ellen
24
Wiegand, have been hospitalized
with serious health concerns, and we
are prayerful for their family. Bro.
Tony Monfre (Sis. Deonne) had
some complicated surgery on his
arm and we pray for him as he heals.
Bro. Bill and Sis. Mary
Masters from Fort Myers, FL
recently gave a presentation about
the New Beginnings home for
single mothers in Fort Myers.
This is a very encouraging and
effective ministry that is changing
and helping bring moms and their
children to Christ and developing
life skills. We rejoice with Jessica
Wiegand, Wyatt Moser, Job
Knapp, and Roman Bauman as
they have turned their lives over
to the Lord in repentance. May
they feel God’s nearness and grace!
Surely there is joy in heaven.
Jessica is Bro. Mike and Sis. Jenise
Wiegand’s daughter. Wyatt is Bro.
Sam and Sis. Ruth Moser’s son.
Roman is Bro. Rick and Sis. Stacie
Bauman’s son. Job is Bro. Josh and
Sis. Carolyn Knapp’s son.
We express our appreciation
to the visiting ministers who have
served our congregation recently,
including Bro. Darren Plattner
(Sis. Sue, Champaign, IL), Elder
Bro. Doug Schock (Sis. Clara,
Bloomfield, IA), Elder Bro. Earl
Ringger (Sis. Dixie, Gridley,
IL), Brian Huber (Sis. Jacki,
Francesville, IN), and Gregg
Rumbold (Sis. Heather, Peoria, IL).
We have begun work on our
fellowship hall renovation and we
wish to thank the many hands
who make the work light.
Illinois, Gridley
Perry Klopfenstein
We were blessed recently with
a sermon on the third chapter of
Colossians where emphasis was
made on “putting off” and “putting
on” in terms of changing from the
old life (of sin) to the new life (of
holiness and obedience). Surely,
it is an encouragement to note
the Bible’s teaching of repenting
and being converted. “For ye are
dead, and your life is hid with
Christ in God.” (verse 3). It follows
that in our quest to draw nigh to
God, we are to heed the Apostle’s
exhortation to “seek those things
which are above, where Christ sitteth
on the right hand of God”.
Our congregation welcomes
Tim and Kim Metzger of Lester,
IA to our assembly. He has taken
employment here and they have
moved to Gridley.
The church remodeling process
continues. We are thankful to be
worshipping in our main assembly
room. We are enjoying the new
dining room as well as benefiting
by a larger fellowship area.
Marilyn Schieler of the
Meadows Home is struggling
with heart issues. We surely
pray that God can be near to
her, and heal her according to
His will. Sis. Judy Dohman has
surgery and is recovering nicely.
Sis. Ruth Rinkenberger had hip
replacement surgery. Sis. Linda
Kinder also had surgery. Chandler
Jones had a heart procedure
recently that was successful.
Our sympathy is extended to
Sis. Linda Wettstein over the loss
of her sister, Sis. Sonia Banwart,
of Eureka. We offer sympathies
as well to Don and Iantha Stoller
over the loss of her brother. Too,
we are sympathetic to Bro. Val and
Sis. Bill Funk in the passing of her
sister, Kathy Gramm.
By mid-September the corn and
soybean harvest was in progress and
many of our brethren were occupied
in “bringing in the harvest.”
Illinois, Morton
Annette Tanner, Julie Bahr
Our Morton Congregation
was sufficiently blessed this month
with visiting ministers. Elder
Bro. Steve Sauder (Sis. Mary)
and Bro. Tom Bolliger (Sis. Jane)
from Tremont, Bro. Ted Schock
(Sis. Heidi), Bro. Art Mueller (Sis.
Marlene), and Bro. Dean Steffen
(Sis. Carol) all from Belvidere,
and Bro. Dan Moser (Sis. Anne,
Elgin). Bro. Justin Koch (Sis.
Marcia, Washington) gave us our
Family Worship Topic “Gems of
Proverbs”. Our “Words” which
most definitely can offer life or
death to the souls of men. Elder
Bro. Ron Messner (Sis. Pam)
Washington, also came to deliver
a presentation on the lives of those
from our Apostolic Christian
Home for the Handicapped.
The extended arms of Christ were
presented plain and evident!
We have been extremely
blessed with a host of new
little miracle births!
On August 25, Bro. Clayton
and Sis. Trish Monfre, along with
siblings Stella and Ace, welcomed
a new baby girl Letty Joy.
On August 31, Bro. Daniel
and Megan Martin were doubly
blessed with twin daughters,
Nora Jo and Mary Mae. Siblings,
Abram and Emery welcome them
home. Thankful grandparents are
Bro. Doug and Sis. Karen Martin
and Mike and Donna Reese.
Bro. Daniel and Sis. Diane
Wuthrich were excited for a
new baby daughter, Ila Mae, on
September 10. Ila’s siblings are
Lana, Leia and Asher. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Mark and
Sis. Cheryl Wuthrich and Bro.
Lawrence and Sis. Annette Tanner.
Our prayers and comfort
are shared with Sis. Elaine
Schmidgall (Bro. Jack) in the
passing of her stepmother Sis.
Lorine Stoller, Eureka.
Our love and sympathy is also
shared with Bro. Harold Witzig
who experienced the loss of his
sister, Sis. Lois Metzger (Bro.
Boyd) from Chicago.
The beautiful wedding day
of Sis. Charity Steffen and Bro.
Jeremy Oswald took place on
August 30. Sis. Charity’s parents
are Bro. Dean and Sis. Carol
Steffen, Belvidere. Bro. Jeremy’s
parents are Bro. Mike and Sis.
Michelle Oswald, (Tremont).
Illinois, Peoria
Pam Fritzenmeier
We are thrilled to report three
engagement announcements!
August 23, Sis. Larissa Feucht
was announced to Bro. Tristan
Herrmann, Princeville. Parents are
Bro. Tim and Sis. Robyn Feucht
and Bro. Roger and Sis. Darlene
Herrmann, Princeville. Bro. Isaac
Funk was announced to Sis. Elise
Waldbeser, Atlanta, on August 23
also. Parents are Elder Bro. Tim
and Sis. Debi Funk and Elder Bro.
Tom and Sis. Susan Waldbeser,
Atlanta. Then on September 6,
Sis. Danae Hoerr was announced
to Bro. Drew Martin, Princeville.
Parents are Bro. Don and Sis.
Jackie Hoerr, and Bro. Alan and
Sis. Janice Martin, Princeville.
It is such a blessing to report
three new converts too. They are
Ashley Triplett, (Bro. Matt and
Sis. Kristi), Kenedi Streitmatter,
(Bro. Dennis and Sis. Stephanie)
and Lanae Christ, (Bro. Fred and
Sis. Tina, Princeville).
Our Peoria Young Group
traveled to Kansas City on the July
26 weekend. They want to extend
their thanks to the whole Kansas
City church for the potluck supper
that was provided at the Park, and
also for such a blessed weekend of
love and fellowship. We again have several families
who experienced the death of a
loved one this past month.
August 16, Sis. Kathy
Wickert’s father, Edward James
(Jim) Wickert, passed away.
Also on August 16, Sis. Eleanor
Steffen, Morton, passed away.
She is Bro. Kent (Sis. Joanne)
Steffen’s mother and Sis. Vonnie
(Bro. Verle) Kieser’s sister. On
September 1, Bro. Walter Feucht
passed away. He is Sis. Debi
(Elder Bro. Tim) Funk’s and Bro.
Tim (Sis. Robyn) Feucht’s father.
Our prayers and sympathy are
extended to these families.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
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We have many in need
of prayers for health issues.
These include Sharon (Feucht)
Hopwood, Andrea (Aaron) Staley,
Mary See, Sis. Linda Miller,
Rosalie (Bruce) Johnson, Mark
Funk, Bro. Harry (Sis. Loretta)
Eisenmann, Sis. Nanette David,
Aleah Hartter, baby daughter of
Bro. Ben and Sis. Heidi, Sis. Beth
(Bro. Greg) Herman, Bro. Dave
and Sis. Kathy Obergfel, Sis. Dee
Metzger, and Wilma Schubert.
Please also pray for our
families serving at CVE in
Magdalena, MX: Bro. Jonathan
and Sis. Bere Aupperle, Bro. Jason
Grassi, and Bro. Zach and Sis.
Daniela Knobloch.
Illinois, Princeville
their son, Joshua, has begun his
repentance. Also Bro. Troy and
Sis. June Wagenbach have a son
Nolan repenting. We are very
thankful they have begun on the
straight and narrow way that leads
to heaven.
A new grandson joined the
family of Bro. Alan and Sis. Janice
Martin. Ezra Sha was born August
18 to Bro. Shane and Sis. Megan
of Bloomington, IL.
Sis. Arlene Martin, Sis. Edna
Martin and Sis. Martha Jane
Siebenthal spent time in the
hospital this month. Sis. Edna
Martin is currently receiving
therapy at Peoria Skylines. We pray
God will continue to be near each
of them in their physical battles.
Gloria White, Renee Herrmann
Illinois, Roanoke
We were blessed by several
visiting ministers this month.
Bro. Doyle Frauhiger (Bluffton
North, IN), Bro. John Grimm
(Columbus, OH), Bro. Jeff Fischer
(Fort Scott, KS), Bro. Fred Witzig
(Washington, IL) and Bro. Fred
Funk (Morton, IL). May God be
their rich rewarder.
The engagement of Bro.
Tristan Herrmann (Bro. Roger
and Sis. Darlene) to Sis. Larissa
Feucht (Bro. Tim and Sis. Robyn)
of Peoria was made known to
us. Also Bro. Drew Martin (Bro.
Alan and Sis. Janice) to Sis. Danae
Hoerr (Bro. Don and Sis. Jackie)
of Peoria. We wish them God’s
nearness as they plan/or this most
important step in their lives.
We rejoice with the family of
Bro. Doug and Sis. Ann Stahl as
Barb Schwind, Judy Sauder
26
August 21 and 22 were
Nursing Home Benefit Days. It
was wonderful to see the many
volunteers from church and the
community working together and
generously donating to help the
elderly in our Home. We thank the visiting
ministers for sharing God’s Word:
Elder Bro. Kent Heimer (Taylor)
on August 23, Bro. Mike Hohulin
(Ft. Lauderdale) and Bro. Brad
Strahm (Bern) on September
6, and Bro. Duane Reutter
(Rockville) on September 13.
We wish God’s blessings on
Annie Hodel (Sis. Joyce) and Tory
Wentworth (Dennis and Kathy) of
Leroy, who were married August
29. We rejoice with Justin Fehr
(Bro. Jon and Sis. Jill) and Kerri
Zimmerman of Peoria (Jill Levine
and Gary Zimmerman), who are
engaged to be married. We rejoice with those who
have surrendered their hearts to
Jesus: Jason Schwind (Bro. Dennis
and Sis. Rita), Carla Martino, and
Kendall Knapp (Bro. Norm and
Sis. Kathy).
It was a blessing to hear
the testimonies and witness the
baptisms of Adam and Jackie
Knepp on September 5 and 6.
We feel Bro. Rich Knepp must
be rejoicing in heaven over this
wonderful event!
Bill and Jan Rassi welcomed
a sweet little granddaughter,
Scarlett Elizabeth, born September
9 to Ryan and Kayla Hedrick of
Marine, IL.
Our hearts go out to those
who have lost loved ones. Bro.
Virgil Hartter (Sabetha) passed
away on July 29. He was the father
of Bro. Bob (Sis. Chris) Hartter.
Bro. Walter Feucht (Peoria) went
to be with the Lord on September
1. He was the father of Bro.
Randy (Sis. Carol) Feucht. Derek
Potkovic of Wisconsin passed away
on September 3. Derek was the
grandson of Sis. Jane Schumacher.
We welcome Sis. Emma Hoerr
(Taylor) to our church. On September 20, Roanoke
hosted ACYF day with visiting
Bible classes from Taylor, Peoria,
Goodfield and Tremont. It was a
joy to see so many young people
fill our church. We continue to pray for those
battling health problems: Bro.
Dennis Schwind (Sis. Rita), Sawyer
Kaufman, Bro. Jim (Sis. Annie)
Leman, and Sis. Marge Fischer. We bid farewell to Sis. Leah
Bertschi, who will be teaching
in Haiti, and Sis. Marisa Leman,
who is doing social work at
Gateway Woods. We welcome
home Sis. Brooke Marcille, who
spent the summer in Uganda
doing Christian work with youth,
Bro. Tim Martin, who helped
document a ceremony in Tanzania
where 6 new Bible translations
were released in local groups’
languages, and Bro. Rich Bertschi
and Bro. Bill Leman, who did
mission work in Haiti.
We also appreciate brethren
who worked on the World Relief
roofing project in El Paso, IL.
How wonderful it is to have
opportunities and willing brethren
to serve the Lord! Whether He calls
us to foreign soil or to our own
home, workplace or neighborhood
we all have opportunities to share
the love of Jesus with others.
It’s harvest time on the
prairie, and we see farmers
working diligently in the fields.
May we all be diligent workers in
the Lord’s harvest!
Matthew 9:38 “Pray ye therefore
the Lord of the harvest, that he will
send forth laborers into his harvest.”
Illinois, Tremont
Teresa Rowell, Janice Sauder
“And the LORD God said, It is
not good that the man should be
alone; I will make him an help meet
for him.” Genesis 2:18
We are praying God’s blessings
upon Bro. Eric Rocke and Sis.
Leann (Stoller) Sauder, as their
engagement was announced.
As they prepare for marriage,
may each find his/her special,
important place in this new
family—which includes children:
Lexi, Wesley, Whitley and Lainey.
We also congratulate Bro.
Jeremy and Sis. Charity Oswald,
as they exchanged wedding vows
on August 30 in Morton, IL.
Bro. Dean and Sis. Carol Steffen
(Belvidere, IL) and Bro. Mike
and Sis. Michelle Oswald are the
thankful parents.
We extend sympathy to
the family of Sis. Alice (the late
Charles) Patton. She is survived
by sons: Randy (Diana) Patton,
Tremont; David (Cindy) Patton,
Bloomington; Doug (Lori) Patton,
Germantown Hills; and daughter:
Vicki (Steve) Ely, Sequim, WA;
grandchildren and two brothers.
We also were saddened at the
death of Bro. Levi and Sis. Dani
Hancock’s grandpa, Richard
(Greta) Chambliss, of Tremont.
May God draw near to comfort
these dear ones.
Bro. Rich and Sis. Carol
Sauder welcome another
granddaughter, Joanna Joy. Brad
and Kim Grant (Hicksville,
OH) are her happy parents.
Siblings: Leah, Micah, Jonathan,
Titus, Levi, Susanna, Rebekah,
Benjamin, and Lydia also welcome
her home.
We will be praying for Bro.
Matthew Koch (Bro. Roger and
Sis. Sally) as he has left for Kobe,
Japan. He will be living with a
Japanese couple as he studies at
the Konan International Exchange
Centre (Konan University) for
the next nine (possibly twelve)
months. May Bro. Matt’s faith be
strengthened during this time of
preparation for his earthly career.
Illinois, Washington
Kendra Funk, Patricia Knapp
“And for their sakes I sanctify
myself, that they also might be
sanctified through the truth.”
John 17:19
We are blessed! Our church
families have been blessed with
weddings, babies and baptisms.
God is good! God is great!
We rejoice with Mark Messner
and Laura Olson as they were
united in marriage on Aug 15.
Bro. Ron and Sis. Pam Messner
welcome their new daughter. On
the same day, Bro. Mark and Sis.
Tammy Herrmann added a new
son to their family their daughter
Haley and Eric Kolowski were
married. On September 5, Bro.
Myron and Sis. Lori Rumbold’s
daughter Katlyn and Bryan
Sandeen became one in the Lord.
As a church family we pray God’s
blessings and guidance on each of
these three couples.
A precious baby boy, Noah
Ray, was born on September 3
to Bro. Layne and Sis. Heather
Steffen. Welcomed home by big
brother Gabe and grandparents
Bro. Scott and Sis. Marvella
Steffen and Bro. Leroy and Sis.
Carolyn Wulf from Oakville/
Mediapolis. Another precious
baby boy, born on the same day,
Leonidas “Leo” Otho, joined Bro.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
27
Luke and Sis. Natalie Baker’s
family. Waiting at home for him
are sisters, Mercedes and Jade,
along with grandparents Joe and
Sis. Karen Baker and Bro. Bill and
Sis. Jeanne Leman from Roanoke.
As our church family grows, we
pray guidance on these “lil” ones
as they are raised in a godly home.
We rejoice and praise God
as witnessed baptisms of four
souls on September 13. Bro.
Kyle Streitmatter (Bro. Paul and
Sis. Jean), Sis. Holly Fritz (Bro.
Phil and Sis. Jessica), Sis. Esther
Hofstetter (Bro. Keven and Sis.
Ann) and Sis. Lydia Pfaffmann
(Bro. Robert and Sis. Lily). As
a church family we pray for His
guidance for our new brother and
three sisters in faith.
We were blessed to host the
Annual Men’s Sing on August
30. Thanks to all who came to
worship with us, and bless you for
sharing your talents.
We thank each of the willing
servants visiting us this month, Bro.
Randy Kellenberger (Sis. Karen,
Kansas City, MO), Bro. Aaron
Luthi (Sis. Maria, Lamont-Gridley
KS), Bro. Dewayne Dill (Sis. LaRae,
Minneapolis, MN), Bro. Matt
Steffen (Sis. Deanna, Princeville IL),
Bro. Trent Meiss (Sis. Lucy, Eureka,
IL), Bro. Bill Wettstein (Sis. Heidi,
Eureka, IL), and Bro. Jeff Wiegand
(Sis. Janell, Goodfield, IL).
Indiana, Bluffton
Suzie Fiechter, Kim Meyer
“There are no shortcuts to
holiness.” Amy Carmichael
Holiness, according to the
28
Vine’s Expository, is translated
from the Greek words hagiasmos
or hagiosune. It means “separation
to God, and the conduct befitting
those so separated. It denotes the
manifestation of the quality of
holiness in personal conduct.”
I don’t understand Greek,
and honestly, I can’t fathom true
holiness. I know that I cannot
attain it on my own and yet, God
expects it of me.
“Be ye holy, for I am holy”
1 Peter 1:16
The Word states that our
bodies, as His temple, are holy.
The greeting with a kiss is holy,
our calling is holy, the Scriptures
are holy. Holiness is not an option,
it is essential. In the Psalms we
read of the beauty of holiness.
I am convicted and challenged
as I think of my lack of striving
for holiness. I am filled with awe
and worship as I meditate on the
holiness of God. I am confident
that He will teach me as I pray for
grace to grow in holiness and for
direction to live in holiness.
We are praising God for the
souls who are seeking Him in
repentance: Colton Frauhiger
(BJ Frauhiger and Ben and Lana
Sprunger), Lilly Pfister (Bro. Vince
and Sis. Brandy), Riley Tonner
(Bro. Brent and Sis. Rachelle),
Marcus Kaehr (Bro. Jon and Sis.
Juli), and Will Pfister (Bro. Rich
and Sis. Amber).
Bro. John and Sis. Jill Bradle
(Roanoke) and Bro. Joe and Sis.
Tara Sprunger (Indianapolis) blessed
us with their pulpit ministry. We are
grateful to them, as well as to all our
ministers and their families, for their
faithful service!
Our prayers have been with
those facing health challenges.
Bro. Gary Garman (Sis. Deb)
had surgery and Bro. Doug
Dailey (Sis. Sue) is undergoing
chemotherapy.
Our dear Bro. Keith
Baumgartner has won his earthly
battle and gone Home. He will
be sorely missed by all of us, but
especially by his loving wife, Sis.
Ruth; his children: Bro. Dan
and Sis. Tricia Tucker, Bro. Nick
and Sis. Leah Baumgartner, Bro.
Chet Baumgartner; his mother,
Sis. Betty Baumgartner; and
many grandchildren.
We extend our loving
sympathy to Bro. Dennis and Sis.
Carol Klopfenstein on the death of
her mother, Sis. Vi Ringger (Bro.
Sib, dec.) of Bluffton North.
Sis. Beth Klopfenstein of Latty
and Haiti has moved to Bluffton.
We welcome her and pray that she
will feel our love and support!
Our Jr. High School students
attended ACYF in Francesville.
Thanks to our brethren there who
provided this special opportunity
for making new friendships that
will hopefully last a lifetime.
We held our annual church
picnic on September 13. It’s such
a blessing to see the yard filled
with brothers, sisters and friends
eating under the huge white tent,
the children playing games and
then everyone singing praises to
our Lord. We enjoy worshipping
together and we appreciate our
fellowship outside the walls of the
church building as well!
Bro. Brady and Sis. Jacki, Myah,
Cruz and Emri Ripple welcome
Beau Markus into their family. Sis.
Wanda Fiechter (Bro. Mark, dec.) is
rejoicing with a new grandson.
Bro. Nathan and Sis. Leann
Gerber are thankful grandparents
of little Ava Jae Rokey, born to
their daughter, Sis. Leah, and Bro.
Jordan Rokey of Bern, KS.
Congratulations to Bro. Mark
and Sis. Barb Gerber on the birth
of their new grandson, Ivan J.
Feller, born to Bro. Ross and Sis.
Leah Feller of Leo.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which
is your reasonable service. And be
not conformed to this world; but be
ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what
is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1,2
Indiana, Bluffton North
Corinne Stettner, Amy Moser
Earthly treasure is a deceitful
measure of true pleasure.
Our Sis. Bethany Maller was
able to have surgery on August
28 to relieve shoulder pain. We
pray that she can make a full and
healthy recovery.
Our dear Sis. Violet Ringger
(Bro. Sib-dec.) passed away on
September 5. We will miss Sis. Vi
and the kindness that she shared
with others, but rejoice in the
fact that she is with our Lord.
Her children are Carol (Dennis)
Klopfenstein, Sam (Becky)
Ringger, Steve (Myra) Ringger,
and Lela (Greg) Leman.
The middle school Sunday
school classes enjoyed being in
Francesville on September 13 for
ACYF. Christian friendships and
connections were made that will
last a lifetime.
We were blessed with a
beautiful evening on September 13
for our annual church picnic. We
are very thankful to have this time
set aside for singing and fellowship
with our church family.
Two beautiful babies were
born to two sisters in our
congregation this past month.
Boden Lee joined Bro. Zach and
Sis. Julie Reinhard’s family on
July 31. He joins big sister Bree
at home. Grandparents are Bro.
Gene (Sis. Darlene) Reinhard
and Bro. Marvin (Sis. Robin)
Beer of Mansfield. Adleigh Rose
joined Bro. Kurt and Sis. Staci
Fiechter’s family on August 19.
She joins siblings Colten and Kali.
Grandparents are Bro. Rick (Sis.
Beth) Fiechter and, again, Bro.
Marvin (Sis. Robin) Beer.
Indiana, Francesville
Jacki Huber, Mildred Clauss
Luke 15:7 “I say unto you, that
likewise joy shall be in heaven over
one sinner that repenteth, more than
over ninety and nine just persons,
which need no repentance.”
We rejoice with the angels
that a precious soul has repented,
given her testimony of faith in
Jesus, and was baptized! Cassidy
Tanner (daughter of Glenn and
Darla Tanner of Francesville)
shared what Jesus did to change
her life. We welcome her into the
family of God. Sis. Cassidy gave
her testimony on a recent Sunday
morning before services, and was
baptized that afternoon. Instead
of the “traditional” meal after her
baptism, the entire church was
invited to a pork dinner/potluck at
the Fellowship Center that evening.
After the dinner, we enjoyed
a beautiful evening of singing
outside, and also listened to Bro.
Les Kaeb, who is leaving “home”
to work in Haiti with World Relief
for the next few years, as he told
of how God called them into
that ministry. We will miss Bro.
Les, Sister Christine, and their
daughters, Sis. Leah and Lana, who
plan to be in Haiti as well, but trust
our Lord’s leading and commit
them into His loving care.
Bro. Lance and Sister Erica
Gutwein and their children,
Kelsey, Landon and Maddox,
are thrilled to have a new family
member, Jia Kai. Jia was born
in China. She will be two years
old on November 2 of this year.
Adoption reminds us of the
beautiful picture of God adopting
us into His family, because He
loves us and wants us all to be
a part. We pray that the Lord’s
wisdom will be with them as they
raise precious little ones for His
glory. Grandparents are Dennis
and Phyllis Koebcke and Bro.
Harv and Sis. Ellen Gutwein, all
from Francesville, IN.
We have been blessed by the
visits of three ministers this month.
Bro. Andy Kaufmann (Sis. Marie,
October 2015
SILVER LINING
29
Bloomington, IL) was with us
on a recent Sunday, Bro. Steve
Frauhiger (Sis. Irene, Bluffton
North, IN) shared the day when
our Sunday School grades 6-8
hosted ACYF for the Indiana
churches, and Bro. Jeff Neihouser
(Sis. Sue, Morton, IL) shared with
us on the Sunday of Sis. Cassidy
Tanner’s testimony and baptism.
Bro. Wendell Anliker (Sis.
Karel) was a recent hospital patient.
We are thankful he is home again
and doing well.
Indiana, Indianapolis
Nancy Pfeifer, Sandy Lichtle
“Happy is the man that hath his
quiver full of them (children): they
shall not be ashamed, but they shall
speak with the enemies in the gate.”
Psalm 127:5
Oh, how our quiver continues
to be filled. Ivy Marcella was born
August 16 and is blessing the
home of Bro. J. R. and Sis. Tiffany
Sauder and sisters, Aubrey and
Ainsley. Grandparents are Bro. Jon
and Sis. Wendy Schwab (Wolcott,
IN) and Bro. John and Sis. Peg
Sauder. The Sauder’s also have
another new granddaughter in
Morton, IL. Bro. Clayton and Sis.
Trisha Monfre had Letty Joy on
August 25. Her siblings are Stella
and Ace. Her other grandparents
are Bro. Tony and Sis. Deonne
Monfre (Goodfield, IL).
Meeting at the gate with
enemies are four new members in
the army of God. The weekend of
September 12 and 13, four young
women gave their testimonies of
faith and were baptized. Ireland
30
Beebe (Bro. Mark and Sis. Julie),
Kaitlyn Gutwein (Bro. Kevin
and Sis. Laura), Brittaney Lintner
(Marty and Tabitha, Rensselaer,
IN), and Emmy Stieglitz (Bro.
Greg and Sis. Lisa) are our new
sisters in Christ.
We have been blessed with
visiting ministers. The weekend
of the baptisms, Elder Bro.
Wayne Banwart (Sis. Charlen,
Champaign, IL), Elder Bro. Steve
Gutwein (Sis. Linda, Francesville,
IN), Bro. Bob Beebe (Sis. Sue,
South Bend, IN), Bro. Randy
Gasser (Sis. Sue, Detroit, MI),
Bro. Justin Koch (Sis. Marcia,
Washington, IL) and Bro. Fred
Witzig (Sis. Nancy, Washington,
IL) participated in serving us
during the weekend. Prior to that
on August 16, Bro. Tom Troxel
(LaCrosse, IN) served us.
Indiana, Lacrosse
Meagan Frank, Julie Rocke
“So teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto
wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
There are many opportunities
to be taught and to gain wisdom,
then in return to teach others of
God and His marvelous ways.
From the youngest to the eldest
of us, we can and should be
learning all God has to teach
us. The youngest member of
our congregation joined us this
month. Bryce David was born to
Bro. Brad and Sis. Meagan Frank.
Older sisters, Brielle and Adree,
along with grandparents Elder
Bro. Curt and Sis. Lyla Frank
and Bro. Chris and Sis. Carla
Wuethrich (Chicago, IL) welcome
him home with joy. There is so
much to learn and teach when
God sends children into a family.
After taking the month of
July off, our Sunday School classes
have resumed. A special thanks to
Bro. Glen and Sis. Kerri Gudeman
who completed their teaching
term in June. Bro. Rudy Troxel
and Sis. Julie Rocke were asked
to take their place. Our prayer is
that the students will be interested
and willing learners and that the
teachers will learn alongside them
and be willing to teach that which
God provides.
School is back in session in
our area. We have been prayerful
for each of our school-age children
as they start back – some for the
first time, some continuing in the
same school, some in new schools,
and some into college.
For each of us on the way
of truth, no matter our age, we
had the occasion to attend the
General Conference in Morris,
MN and now to listen to the
Conference recordings at church
on Wednesday evenings. It is with
thankful hearts that we sit under
the sound of the Word, praising
God for answering our prayers for
the presence of His Holy Spirit
during the conference week. There
is much to absorb and apply in our
daily lives!
We also appreciated the
services of Bros. Joe Gerst (Sis.
Connie, Iowa City, IA) and Mark
Zimmerman (Sis. Cheryl, Eureka,
IL) this month. May God provide
a special blessing to those who are
given the responsibility to teach
from the pulpit.
May God bless each one with a
mind to learn and a heart to serve
Him wherever we may be and
whatever our lot and stage in life.
“So teach us to number our days…”
Indiana, Leo
Kirby Reutter
“Now faith is the substance of
things hoped for—the evidence of
things not seen!” Hebrews 11:1
It seemed like such a boring
month. Nothing interesting
happened that I could remember.
I could not think of a single thing
to write about. Sincere panic
started to set in. What if—for the
first time in Leo’s history—there
was nothing to report?? (I should
not have been concerned.)
That’s when I remembered
that the Wiegand’s—serving in
Africa—did not have a boring
month. “Please pray for Bro. Erik
who got attacked by bees today.
Erik was working in the skid steer
and the bees got disturbed. The
bees attacked him in the skid
steer. He got out and tried to run
for the reservoir. There were so
many bees and so many stings
that they knocked him down. At
that point he said he knew if he
didn’t get up that he might die.
So he forced himself to get up and
stumble to the water. He jumped
in and went under repeatedly,
but the bees were still waiting for
him. He started yelling for help. I
couldn’t figure out what was going
on!” Fast forward: “Please send
my sincerest thanks to the church
for praying for me. After a few
hours of high fever, vomiting, and
muscle pain, my body finally got
rid of the poison from the bees. I
am thankful to have had the
strength to work a full day today.
I am also happy to report that the
bees and I are still friends and they
are still pollinating our berries. We
now have a mutual understanding
regarding property rights,
excavators, and honey sharing.”
And then I remembered that
Bro. Ross and Sis. Leah Feller
didn’t have a boring month either.
“BOY! Praising God for little
Ivan J. Feller, born at 6 pounds,
11 ounces, 19 inches. Leah is
doing well. Ivan, on the other
hand, is being a little champ, but
is having some respiratory issues.
After some time in our room last
night, he was transferred to the
NICU and is being treated for an
infection. It doesn’t seem to be
terribly serious, but your prayers
would still be greatly appreciated!”
Fast forward: “I just wanted to let
you know that Ivan is doing really
well! Last night they removed his
oxygen and his feeding tube. He
is breathing mostly normal and all
indicators point to the infection
being under control and going
away. Thanks so much for the
prayers and encouragement!” And then I remembered
that the Gateway Foster Care
Department did not have boring
month. “I have a big, immediate
prayer request! Ky and Dean (not
their real names, but God knows)
have been in one of our foster
homes for two weeks. They will
need a new foster home tomorrow
evening, due to a few different
things. Currently, DCS is vetting
some relatives of theirs to place
them with. PLEASE PRAY that
the relatives are approved within
the NEXT 24 HOURS, as these
two boys are just as distraught
today as they were the first day,
and this will be the best place
for them. There are many more
details, but I believe this is enough
to collectively and effectively
bring these two sweethearts to the
throne!” Fast forward: “Thank you
SO MUCH for prayers sent up
on behalf of Ky and Dean. Just
as the clock was hitting 24 hours,
I got a call from the county that
placed them with us. They had
located a wonderful foster home
that could meet these boys’
cultural needs just as well as the
relatives could. Your prayers made
a difference. These children ARE
in God’s hands!”
And then I remembered
that the Gateway Adoptions
Department didn’t have a boring
month either: “I just wanted to
put out an urgent plea for prayers
and to add to my request placed
on the prayer list this morning.
Things are heating up at the
hospital with our birth mom in
labor and the birth dad pitching
a fit and threatening to stop the
adoption. Pray for a miracle in
the birth dad’s heart. Pray that
he can connect with the adoptive
parents and see their love for him
and the love of Jesus.” Fast forward:
“Thanks all for your prayers. God is
working. The battle still is ongoing,
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but the birth mother has given the
adoptive parents voluntary custody
for the time being. Continue to
pray that birth dad’s heart will be
softened and that he will not fight
the adoption. There is hope. Our
God is big. I was able to give the
birth dad a big hug before I left the
hospital today and tell him that I
was praying for him.”
And then I remembered
that Bro. Zachary and Sis. Abby
Schumacher didn’t have a boring
month either: “To our church
family at Leo: We have felt called
to take a leap of faith and be used
by the Lord to serve with The
New Beginnings as a Mentor
Couple in Fort Myers, FL. We
want to express our gratefulness
for the love and support we
have experienced from the Leo
congregation. We will miss being
a part of this community, but are
excited to see how God will use us
with The New Beginnings. Thank
you for your prayers and words
of encouragement; we have been
blessed by you all!”
Once I started to look beyond
my own nose, I couldn’t believe
how non-boring my life had
become! By faith, babies were
born, babies were adopted, foster
homes were opened, couples were
called—and bees were banned
from harming God’s elect. And
what shall I more say? For the
time would fail me to tell of Sis.
Stephanie Moser (visiting from
China), or of the Princeville Choir
(including three visiting ministers),
or of everything else that happens
when we open our eyes to the
32
needs of others—not to mention
the vibrant work of Christ through
His Spirit and Body!
Thank God for such a
“boring” month…
Indiana, Milford
Jodi Beer, Minnie Beer
We send our love and sympathy
to Bro. Larry and Sis. Melinda
Gramm in the passing of her father,
Bro. Lynn Knapp (Cissna Park, IL.)
Bro. Walt Steffen (late
Sis. Dorothy) passed away on
September 7. May God comfort
his family: Bro. Dick (Sis. Gwen)
Steffen, Pat (Wade) Stoller, Sis.
Shirley Stoller (Latty), Tim (Marla)
Steffen, Marlene Bokholdt, Kristi
(Niles) Miller, and Caralee Steffen.
We appreciated having visiting
ministers: Bro. Daron Price (Sis.
Monica, Athens), Bro. Daren
Metz (Sis Rita, Gridley), Bro.
Brett Lanz (Sis. Renee, Rittman),
Bro. Matthew Rassi (Sis. Bridget,
Chicago), and Bro. Les Kaeb (Sis.
Christine, Francesville). We ask
for God’s blessings on each one for
laboring on our behalf.
Bro. Bob and Sis. Sue
Bowerman are thankful for another
granddaughter. Eleanor Kathryn
was born to Bro. Rick and Sis.
Carla Bowerman (West Lafayette).
Indiana, Remington
Jenni Honegger, Marcella Tyler
Visiting ministers Bro. Ed
Fritz from Washington, IL, Bro.
Ken Eisenmann (Sis. Sharon) from
Cissna Park, IL, and Bro. Chuck
Kellenberger (Sis. Debbie) from
Elgin, IL all gave of their time and
heart to minister to us this month.
We thank each one and hope to
see them again soon!
Sis. Helen Waibel (Bro. Ralph)
spent some time in the hospital
recently with a blood clot and is
now recuperating at home. We
pray for God’s healing hand to
be upon her and for strength and
compassion for her family as they
help to care for her.
Indiana, South Bend
Joshua Martinez
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat
is to do the will of him that sent me,
and to finish his work.” John 4:34
Our thanks and prayers are
with all those who serve the Lord
at home and in distant lands.
Bro. Richard and Sis. Samantha
Gramm hosted the annual
Sunday School Picnic at their
pond. We are thankful to have
Bro. Caleb Schafer (Sis. Laura)
safely home from a mission trip
to Haiti with Loving Shepherd
Ministries. We also pray for Bro.
Bob and Sis. Sue Beebe who will
spend a week serving at Hospital
Lumiere in Haiti. May the Lord
bless Bro. Jeff Waibel (Sis. Margo,
Leo, IN) for sharing the Good
News from the pulpit.
“All that are with me salute thee.
Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.”
Titus 3:15
Indiana, Valparaiso
Sherry Meiss
Our thanks goes out to Bro.
Paul Schulz and Sis. Kelli from
Burlington, IA for spending time
with us in worship and sharing
their family in Sunday school.
What a wonderful surprise to
have Bro. Bob and Sis. Marguerite
Hoerr in church with us last
Sunday. They are such a true
blessing to us all and we are so
grateful God has brought them to
our Valparaiso congregation.
Sis. Sharon Pratt has taken
charge of our ladies meeting since
Sis. Lois Bucher resigned after
serving for many years. There are
many sewing projects going on
at once, the making of quilted
blankets that get sent to Haiti and
local community organizations,
pillows are sewn, stuffed and
sent to Mexico. Then, parachutes
are cut out, ribbon is sewn on
and words of encouragement are
written on them. These are for
Bibles to be dropped over rural
parts of Columbia that cannot be
reached by any other means. Plus,
the church members put together
personal hygiene kits that were
sent to Haiti as well. May God
bless all the hands that work so
hard for these projects.
Please pray for Bro. Tim
Bucher who will be having hip
surgery in October and the
members of our congregation who
are having health issues and their
families. Plus, don’t forget to pray
for each other.
If you are in the area, please
know you are welcome to come
and worship with us. We are just
south of US Hwy 30 on Hwy 49.
Indiana, West Lafayette
Indiana, Wolcott
Kris Widmer, Libby Wahl
Beckie Lehman, Erica Blume
Our congregation relishes the
Fall return of the students! We a re
buoyed up by their youthful zeal
and enthusiasm for the Lord! Also
anticipating our fall startup are
the little ones thru teenagers as we
once again begin Kids Club!
Our all church Bible Study
will be“Four Great Loves”. Thank
you Bro. Les (Sis. Christine) Kaeb,
Francesville, and Bro. Ryan (Sis.
Jessica) Bertsch, Bluffton North, for
your pulpit services and the startup
of our mid-week minister rotation! We are all beneficiaries of coming
when the church doors are open! We received that blessing
again when many joined us for
Sunday worship after the PYG
Fall Semester Sing.
New to our area are r ecently
married Bro. Troy and Sis. Alexa
Fiechter (Bluffton). We embrace
you as our own! We also appreciate the
opportunity to welcome Bro.
Kirk and Sis. Keri Plattner’s
foreign exchange student, Tiffany
Scafe (Jamaica).
Joyfully welcoming little
Eleanor Kathryn, are Bro. Rick and
Sis Carla Bowerman, Sadie and
Sam, born September 15!
We look forward to the
opportunity to host the
Eastern World Relief Meeting,
“Proclaim and Serve”, November
7! Please mark your calendar
and save the date!
Sis. Rebekah Edelman (Bro.
Kip and Sis. Donita) has moved
to China for 11 months as an
English teacher. We pray that she
will return safely and know that
she will have many experiences to
share from her sojourn to China!
Two dear sisters in our
congregation have recently said
an earthly goodbye to their
grandfathers. Sis. Jody Bahler (Bro.
Mike) will remember her grandpa,
Bro. Virgil Hartter (Sabetha, KS)
with much fondness. Bro. Virgil’s
brother, Bro. Lester Hartter (Bern,
KS), also passed away, leaving
memories to fill the heart of his
granddaughter, Sis. Heidi Bahler
(Bro. Jeff).
On August 29, we were
privileged to hear the testimony of
God’s work in the lives of our new
brothers, Justin Schwab (Bro. Tim
and Sis. Rachel) and Ryan Warren
(Randy and Beth) and witness
their baptisms the next day. Elder
Bros. Dan Kilgus (Sis. Jenna,
Remington), Ted Steffen (Sis.
Sandy, Alto) and Nick Gutwein
(Sis. Suzanne, West Lafayette)
were part of this work. Bro. Tom
Schambach (Sis. Connie, Elgin)
shared the word with us on
Sunday August 30.
Elder Bros. Lynn Steiglitz
(Sis. Leonda, Leo), Tom Klotzle
(Sis. Jody, Altadena), and Steve
Gutwein (Sis. Linda, Francesville)
were also with us on August 30
to assist with the elder ordination
of our Bro. Greg Lehman (Sis.
Mary Beth). We repeatedly offer
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our prayers for the Lord’s Spirit
and guidance in Bro. Greg’s efforts
to shepherd our flock. We are
thankful for the years that Bro.
Dan Kilgus has given himself for
our benefit, but are so grateful that
the Lord has opened this door for
local elder leadership!
Fellowshipping with others
of like mind and faith was a
blessing for our church on the
weekend of our invite-a-guest
event, September 12 and 13.
Bro. Merlin Meyer (Sis. Marilyn,
Lester) willingly served our church
spiritual food. We are appreciative
that so many visitors would travel
to spend time with us.
Michael and Sis. Melissa
Blanding, Kylie, Michaela and
Evan are grieving the loss of
Michael’s brother, Carl Berg, who
passed away unexpectedly. Our
hearts and prayers have ascended
to the Father for the family.
Iowa, Bloomfield
Teresa Schock
We sang, “God Be with You”,
to Bro. Dennis and Sis. Gerty
Esslinger as they have moved to
central Illinois. “God be with you
till we meet again; By His counsels
guide, uphold you…”
Bro. Randy Beer (Sis. Deb,
Milford) was here August 16. He
mentioned that we tend to say
we are blessed if we have a good
harvest. But those who don’t are
they not blessed? We need to be
careful what we call blessings.
On August 23, we were
blessed to have Bro. Zach
Anderson (Sis. Carla, Congerville)
34
for the weekend. He said that, if
we all had that Christ-like love,
there wouldn’t be any schisms.
Also ministering here was Bro.
Tom Lanz (Sis. Mary, OakvilleMediapolis). His parents, Bro. Ed
and Sis. Joan, came with them. It
was a special time. Bro. Ed was our
elder in Pulaski before Bro. Doug.
Bro. Roy Metzger (Sis. Evelyn)
lost his brother, Bro. Elmer
Metzger of Lester. May God
comfort his heart.
Iowa, Elgin
Maria Rocke
My husband (Bro. Dean) and
I were blessed with another little
girl, Myra Ann, on September
1. Her big sister Rylee and
grandparents Bro. Lon & Sis.
Sandy Butikofer and Sis. Kathy
Rocke (Tremont, IL) are thankful
for her arrival. Bro. Lon and Sis.
Sandy Butikofer’s family grew
again this month with the birth
of their granddaughter Shelby
Grace on September 14. Shelby is
the daughter of Aaron & Andrea
Butikofer and joins her big sister
Jaelyn at home. What precious
little bundles of love!
We appreciate elder Bro.
Wayne Grimm (Sis. Rose, West
Bend, IA) coming and exhorting
us one Wednesday evening this
month. May God bless his effort.
Sis. Beulah Butikofer has
moved to another care facility. Her
new address is:
Good Neighbor Home
c/o Marietta’s Place
105 McCarren Dr.
Manchester, IA 52057
Iowa, Garden Grove
Laura Funk
Visiting ministers this month
included Bro. Dana Nieman
(Remington, IN), Bro. Dale
Wulf (Lester, IA) and Bro.
Darren Massner (West Bend,
IA) and Elder Bro. Doug Schock
(Bloomfield, IA). We pray for
God’s blessing on these brothers
and their families for the time,
effort and traveling for our
benefit. We also enjoyed many
other visitors.
We thank Bro. Leland and
Sis. Kathy Metzger for hosting
a fall picnic and singing at their
“southern home”. We had many
visitors for this annual event. A
beautiful evening was enjoyed by
all—food, fellowship and singing.
Sis. Dorothy Neal spent
several days in ICU and then a
medical floor in a Des Moines
Hospital. She is home now and
improving slowly.
I was looking through a
magazine ... some advice “from an
old farmer”-“It don’t take a very
big person to carry a grudge.”
Iowa, Iowa City
Diana Butikofer
We were blessed to have Bro.
Kent and Sis. Betty Getz (Elgin,
IA) and their family with us
recently. We pray the Lord will
bless Bro. Kent for ministering.
Iowa, Lester
Audrey Metzger, Joyce Moser
We have completed listening
to the recording from our annual
Brotherhood Conference. We
want to express thankfulness
for the loving and wise counsel
shared to us.
Our hearts are always filled
with joy when we can share the
news that a dear one has peace
with God and man. Michael
Leuthold (Ashley) has made this
known to us. We are thankful for
him. We pray for God’s Spirit to
continue to work in his life.
Hospital patients this past
month include: Bro. Bill (Sis.
Erma) Gerber and Dalton VerBeek
(Tim and Sis. Becky). Our hope
for each one is restored good
health and God’s help on their
way to recovery.
Several families from Lester
feel the void left by the passing of
their sister-in-law, Sis. Lois (Bro.
Boyd) Metzger, from Chicago, IL,
on September 6. Our sympathy
goes out to Bro. Donald Metzger,
Bro. Art (Sis. Kristy) Metzger, Bro.
Harvey (Sis. Mary) Metzger, and
Bro. Rodney (Sis. Polly) Metzger
and their families, as this large
family circle has lost another link.
Lester’s oldest brother-infaith, Bro. Elmer Metzger, died
September 11, at nearly 97 years
of age. Thankful for having shared
his life are his wife, Sis. Mariann,
and surviving sons: Bro. Jim (Sis.
Lois), Bro. Gary (Sis. Beth), Bro.
Ray (Kathy), Don (Pat), and Arlyn
(Nancy), as well as son-in-law, Bro.
Lynn (Sis. Kathy) Doorneweerd,
along with many grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
Surviving sisters-in-law from
Lester area are: Sis. Alice Metzger,
Sis. Estellyn Metzger, Sis. Donna
Metzger, Sis. Estelle Leuthold, Sis.
Janet Wysong, Sis. Leona Moser,
and a brother-in-law, Bro. Frank
Moser. Our sympathy goes out
to them, but we also recognize a
measure of thankfulness that his
earthly challenges are done. Bro.
Elmer was fondly remembered for
greeting nearly anyone he met with
“You’ve got it made!”, but during
his funeral service, Bro. Kevin
Wulf made that very meaningful
by reminding us that “if the Lord
is our Shepherd, we truly do have it
made ” when we leave this life.
We want to truly thank visiting
ministers who so faithfully give of
themselves to share God’s Word.
Often, they come for a weekend
of fellowship only to be spent
in service on our behalf, and we
appreciate their willingness---and
that of their families---to be used in
this way. During the past month,
the following brothers shared our
pulpit: Bro. Dean (Sis. Wanda)
Messner (Winthrop, MN); Bro.
Kevin (Sis. Sandy) Banwart and
Bro. Darren (Sis. Nora) Fehr (both
from West Bend, IA); Bro. Jon (Sis.
Lori) Baumgartner (Bern, KS);
and Bro. Kevin (Sis. Annie) Wulf
(Morris, MN).
Iowa, Oakville-Mediapolis
Kelsey Banwart, Tami Lanz
We are thankful for our
visiting ministers this month:
Elder Bro. Rod Bajema (Sis. Sue,
Lester, IA) and Bro. Greg Fehr
(Sis. Denise, West Bend, IA). May
God bless them for their labors.
We enjoyed listening to the
conference recordings on four
Wednesday nights. It was good to
hear the many teachings from the
Bible. We are thankful for our elders
and for all their time and effort.
“Let the elders that rule well be
counted worthy of double honour,
especially they who labour in the
word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:17
Iowa, West Bend
Yvonne Bruellman, Becky Virkler
“To every thing there is a season
the heaven:”Ecclesiastes 3:1
Bro. Wendell and Sis.
Karen Schmidt are hosting
foreign exchange student, Luna
Micheletti, from Italy. We
welcome Luna and ask God to
bless her and the Schmidt family.
Bro. Duane and Sis. Ruth
Metzger have opened heart and
home to Jean Almonor, originating
from Haiti and relocating here
from Fort Lauderdale, FL. We
welcome Jean and are thankful he
has employment in our area. May
God continue to guide and bless
his future.
Many thoughts and prayers
are with our college students. For
those who moved away, we count
it a blessing when you can come
back and assemble with us.
Jack Fehr has announced his
engagement to Lauren Link. May
God be present as they make
future plans. Jack’s parents are
Bro. Cory and Sis. Jennifer Fehr.
Each visitor has been a
blessing to our congregation.
Those visitors who ministered
the Word were: Bro. Aaron
Frank (Sis. Sharla, Elgin,
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IA), Bro. Bruce Frank (Sis.
Bonita, Cissna Park, IL), Bro.
Dale Frank (Sis. Christine,
Oakville-Mediapolis, IA), Bro.
Ryan Schock (Sis. Melanie,
Bloomfield, IA), and Bro. Ron
Isch (Sis. Jane, Lamont-Gridley,
KS). May God bless their labors.
Hospitalized this month were:
Sis. Kathy Fehr (Bro. Wayne), Sis.
Carole Fehr (Bro. Larry), Connie
Zaugg (Bro. Bill), and Bro.
Chuck Mogler (Sis. Beth). We ask
God’s presence as they deal with
their afflictions.
Sis. Sonia Banwart (Bro. Joel,
Eureka, IL) was called to her
eternal rest. Our sympathy and
prayers are with this family circle,
including Sis. Joyce Banwart.
Japan, Tokyo
Anna Inoue, Marie Inoue
Our Sunday School has
resumed again after a month of
vacation. We enjoy several new
faces in attendance and thankful
they can also learn of the blessed
story of Jesus.
Several have appreciated
encouragement and prayers for their
surgical procedures in the hospital:
Sis. Haruyo Onoda and Kazuko
(Utsuki) Sugibayashi. Kazuko is the
oldest sister of Sisters Yoshiko and
Hiroko. May our ongoing prayers
for them and their families help
them in their recoveries.
It was nice to welcome several
visitors this month: Barbara
Woloszczyk from France (cousin
of Sis. Marie Inoue), Timothy and
Alison Stillwell of Indy, school
friend of Sis. Anna Inoue. We are
36
always glad for Hisato Inoue’s
visits, plus the ministry of Bro.
Akihiro (Sis. Carrie) and sons of
our Shioda church on August 30.
This week there were several
national holidays. One of those days
was used for our church cleaning.
We were thankful for good weather
for doing outside and inside special
jobs and all who could help. The
church area also experienced a
rather strong earthquake, #4 on the
Richter scale a few weeks ago. We
were thankful nothing was broken,
although drawers in the church
kitchen were half ajar, things fell on
the counter, and adhesive between
some tiles cracked and fell.
Several of our assembly
traveled this summer. We were
very thankful for safety and
blessed fellowship in the Lord.
thankful for God’s many provisions
and for His guiding hand!
We rejoice with first-time
parents, Bro. Jordan and Sis. Leah
Rokey as little Ava Jae Rokey
joined their family on August
18. Grandparents are Galen and
Nancy Rokey (Sabetha, KS) and
Bro. Nathan and Sis. LeAnn
Gerber (Bluffton, IN). May God
bless them as they seek His guidance
in the journey of parenting!
We were also able to witness a
“spiritual birth”, as Sis. Michaela
Strahm (Bro. Mike and Sis.
Diane) was baptized on August
23. Our prayers are with her as she
seeks God to direct her paths!
Visiting ministers this month
were Bros. Jeff Bahr (Sis. Janice,
Kiowa), Aaron Luthi (Sis. Maria,
Lamont) and Klint Beyer (Sis. Kara,
Sabetha). May God richly bless
Kansas, Bern
them for their willingness to serve us
Jill Meyer, Rita Menold
by bringing forth the Gospel.
“Thankful for health, thankful
Many prayers have been offered
for life,
for Sis. Connie (Elder Bro. John)
Thankful for guidance in sorrow
Lehman as she has undergone
and strife.
different medical procedures. We
Thankful for food and ripe
are thankful she is back home
golden grain,
and recovering and pray they will
For all that is needful our life
continue to feel God’s nearness.
to sustain.
Retired Elder Bro. Lester
Thankful for those who daily impart, Hartter passed away on August 29,
Strength for the journey, cheer for at the age of 99. He spent 28 years
the heart.
in service to our congregation as
Thankful to hear the still small voice, an elder and will be missed by all.
Making our heart in life’s
Our sympathy goes to his sons,
sorrows rejoice.”
Bro. Steve (Sis. Lois), Lynn (Barb),
Gospel Hymns, #480, vs. 1,2,5,7
Bro. Neil (Sis. Evelyn) and his sonWhat a comforting reminder
in-law, Bro. Leonard Baumgartner,
that no matter what stage of life we as well as many grandchildren and
find ourselves, or whatever situation great-grandchildren.
we may be facing, we can be
Kansas, Ft. Scott
Karen Kellenberger
We appreciated our visiting
ministers, Elder Bro. Randy
Kellenberger (Sis. Karen, Kansas
City, MO), and Bro. Daren Metz
(Sis. Rita, Gridley, IL).
On consecutive Wednesday
evenings, we were blessed to listen
to the recordings of the General
Brotherhood Conference.
Sunday, September 20, the
annual fall church picnic was
enjoyed with those from the Kansas
City and Lamar congregations.
One ministering brother
related that, as a Christian we
have to say, “I’m not going to stay
in place.” As he observed his great
granddaughter furiously rocking
back and forth on a rocking horse,
but never moving forward, he
admonished that the same is true
of us if we are going back and
forth and making a lot of activity,
but are not really growing in our
walk with the Lord.
“But grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. To Him be glory now
and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18
Kansas, Kiowa
Millicent Frieden, Janice Bahr
“Therefore, whosoever heareth
these sayings of mine, and doeth
them, I will liken him unto a wise
man, which built his house upon a
rock: And the rain descended, and
the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell
not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these
sayings of mine, and doeth them
not, shall be likened unto a foolish
man, which built his house upon
the sand: And the rain descended,
and the floods came, and the winds
blew, and beat upon that house; and
it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
Matt. 7:24-27
I’m sure we are all familiar
with the Sunday School Action
song: “The wise man built his house
upon the rock, the wise man built
his house upon the rock, the wise
man built his house upon the rock,
and the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down and the floods
came up, the rains came down and
the floods came up, the rains came
down and the floods came up, and
the house on the rock stood firm.
The foolish man built his house
upon the sand, the foolish man
built his house upon the sand, the
foolish man built his house upon the
sand, and the rains came tumbling
down. The rains came down and
the floods came up, the rains came
down and the floods came up, the
rains came down and the floods
came up, and the house on the sand
went splat. So build your house on
the Lord Jesus Christ, so build your
house on the Lord Jesus Christ, so
build your house on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and the Blessings will come
down. The Blessings come down
as the Prayers go up, the Blessings
come down as the Prayers go up, the
Blessings come down as the Prayers
go up, so build your house on the
lord.” Several years ago, the littlest
Sunday School class wanted to do
a demonstration of that song for
the big classes. So here they came
with a cup of water and two little
boxes. One box had a rock with a
little house on top of it. The other
had a pile of sand with a house
on top of it. They asked us to sing
the song with them and as we
sang about the wise man, and the
rain came down, they poured the
water on the house on the rock,
and it just stood firm. But when
we sang about the foolish man
and they poured the water on the
little house, the sand just melted
or went splat. It was so precious,
and they were so excited to show
the big kids their lesson. I have to
say the blessings did come down
in more ways than one.
It is fall harvest time in our
area, and I again marvel at God’s
handiwork as those tiny seeds are
planted, die and come up green:
Then die again leaving soybeans,
or corn, or milo, or sunflowers to
harvest. I like the way the Bible
states it best.
“The heavens declare the glory of
God; and the firmament sheweth his
handywork.” Ps. 19:1
Our prayers go out to Sis.
Donna Piper, who fell and suffered
a slight concussion. There have been
several others who are having some
medical issues also. May God, our
Great Physician, grant them all His
loving hand of healing.
Kansas, Lamont-Gridley
Dorene Metzger
Labor Day weekend brought
a number of guests to our locale.
The brothers and sons came for
the opening days of dove season,
but the fellowship of families
was a bright spot. A supper and
October 2015
SILVER LINING
37
singing on Sunday evening was a
time of renewing acquaintances
and an encouragement that lingers
for all of us.
Fourteen cases of canned turkey
were picked up at the Mennonite
Central States Distribution Center
in Newton, KS this week and
brought to three local food pantries.
This is such a wonderful way to help
lessen the food needs with the less
fortunate. Our Kansas brethren help
at the Mennonite Center in Newton
usually two times a year boxing and
banding cases of meat, filling health
kits and school kits, as well as other
work. These are blessed times of
fellowship as well as helping others
do work for the Lord.
Like the Good Samaritan,
we need to be about doing for
the Lord--not for our glory here
on earth, but these “works” are
proofs of our thankfulness for
our salvation and to glorify our
Heavenly Father. Extending the
hand of friendship, sharing Bibles
as well as caring for the hurting,
grieving, and lonely around us
testifies of God’s love for His
people here on earth thru our
small efforts.
Kansas, Sabetha
Crystal Hartter, Dawn Strahm
It is always a blessing to
have visiting ministers. This
month we were privileged to hear
Bro. Aaron Luthi (Sis. Maria,
Lamont-Gridley, KS), Bro. John
Baumgartner (Sis. Lori, Bern,
KS), Bro. Don Sinn (Sis. Linda,
Silverton, OR), Bro. Dennis Rassi
(Sis. Diane, Austin, TX) and Bro.
38
Ed Strahm (Sis. Ramona, Bern,
KS) bring forth the Word of God.
May God bless them.
Sunday school has resumed
after our summer break. Our
prayers are with the teachers as
they help the students learn about
the ways of the Lord.
“The Sunday school is our delight.
We love it more and more; ‘Tis
here we learn to do the right And
live forever more. We hear the
truth, so pure and clear, Of Jesus’
love so sweet and dear; There we
are taught to lift our eyes to Him
who lives on high.” The Sunday
School, Hymns of Zion, #73
Sabetha enjoyed hosting
the Senior Bible Class Kansas
Churches. It is always a pleasure
to see the young adults renew and
create friendships. Thank you to
all who made the effort to attend.
We welcome into the fold Sis.
Emily Meeks (Bro. Jerry and Sis.
Christy) as we heard her testimony
and witnessed her baptism. May
God grant her grace to continue
striving to our Heavenly goal.
Elder Bro. Jay Luthi (Sis. Jane,
Lamont-Gridley, KS) and Elder
Bro. Brad Strahm (Sis. Michelle,
Bern, KS) helped with this work.
Our prayers for healing and
encouragement are with Bro. Harlan
Meyer (Sis. Florence) as he was a
hospital patient this month and has
become a resident of the Apostolic
Christian Nursing Home.
We laid to rest our dear Sis.
Mildred Strahm this month. We
pray that her family can feel the
comforting hand of our Heavenly
Father. We also lift up in prayer
Bro. Rod and Sis. Arlene Grimm
and family as they grieve the loss
of their sister-in-law and aunt,
Lois Metzger.
We will soon begin listening
to the conference recordings. May
each of us have a pliable heart and
apply the teachings to our lives.
We thank the elder brothers for
their labors on our behalf.
Note of Thanks:
The family of Sis. Ruby
Grimm would like to express our
sincere thanks and appreciation to
each one of you who remembered
us with prayers, cards, memorial
donations, and other acts of
kindness in the passing of our
loved one. May God richly bless you. Gerald
Grimm, Darin & Marci Grimm
& family, Mark & Brenda
Nenadov & family
Kansas, Wichita
Max and Judy Reimschisel
Sunday school fellowship,
at Sabetha gave our high school
students an interesting weekend.
Challenging games and
activities reflect physical strength
and talents of different students.
It just goes to show that we each
have different abilities and we are
not all alike. When it comes to the
spiritual area of our life, we realize
that we all have a common thread
to all. 1 Cor. 10:13 “There hath no
temptation taken you but such as
is common to man.” Bro. Dennis
Rassi asked what would they like
talk about? Temptation was the
response. It is evident that we all
have to deal with different types
of temptations. Hymns of Zion,
number 166, seemed to sum it up
pretty well, “Yield not to temptation,
for yielding is sin; Each victory will
help you some other to win; Fight
manfully onward, Dark passions
subdue; Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry
you through.Chorus: Ask the Savior
to help you, Comfort, strengthen, and
keep you; he is willing to aid you, he
will carry you through.” 1 Cor. 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you
but such as is common to man: but
God is faithful, who will not suffer
you to be tempted above that ye are
able; but will with the temptation also
make a way to escape, that ye may be
able to bear it.”
Sisters Anna Marie Warner,
Emma Miller, and Rose Reeves
are still homebound with illnesses
and stages of life, it is not good
for them to venture out. Our
prayers, home visits and singing
have become a part of our worship
service. This is the part that keeps
us together. Sis. Judy Reimschisel
is off her crutches and is striving to
have her normal gait in walking.
Fall is quickly approaching
and reminds us of the beauty of
God’s creation. The leaves on the
trees are dying and yet the death
brings about beauty when the
leaves become vibrant shades of
crimson, orange, and yellow. The
death and deterioration of fall also
brings forth life soon after in the
spring. Just as Jesus Christ suffered
and died on the cross at Golgotha
and gloriously rose three days later,
fall is a wonderful example of
what Jesus did for us and a great
season for us to enjoy.
Bro. Jay Luthi and Sis. Jane
of Lamont, KS, and Bro. Duane
Metzger and Sis. Ruth of West
Bend, IA were our visiting visitors
of the month.
Mexico, Ixtlán
Ruth Gerber
Missionary, you’re in a faraway
land/Forgotten by many/Ignored by
some/But not by me./Missionary,
preach with boldness and
confidence/Jesus is with you/Giving
you faith and his protection/ And
victory until the end.
Missionary, today I remember
you in this song/ You said “No” to
yourself to say “Yes” to Him/And
you went far away/ You didn’t
care that you would suffer/Just to
take the Word to the souls that
are lost/Missionary, don’t forget
I’m praying for you/ Missionary,
there’s a people that prays for you.
This is a rough translation
of the special number we sang
for Bro. Marshall and Sis. Jan
Heinold as we bid them farewell
on Sunday, September 20. After
more than 20 years of faithfully
serving and shepherding the
church here they are returning to
their home church of Washington,
IL. It was a day of mixed emotions
for us all. We are sad to have them
go, not ready to cut the strings
from our spiritual “parents”; but
happy that they can be with their
family again, thankful for their
work in the church and their
good testimony in the whole
town. Praise be to God for his
faithfulness and theirs. We simply
want to recognize those that labor
among us, and are over us in the
Lord, and admonish us; and to
esteem them very highly in love
for their work’s sake (1 Thes. 5:1213). May God receive all the glory
for the sheaves they will bring
with them.
Michigan, Alto
Renee Steffen, Shelli Oesch
This month our congregation
joined with Bro. Lloyd Blough in
celebrating a landmark event. Lloyd
reached his 100th birthday this
August. He, along with many friends
and family, enjoyed a birthday
reception honoring him and his
legacy over the past century. Happy
birthday and God’s blessings from all
of us, Lloyd.
Also this month we had the
privilege of hearing the spiritual
testimony of Abigail Steffen
and witnessing her baptism. We
rejoice with you, Abigail, and
are thankful for you and God’s
work in your life. Bro. Mark
and Sis. Karen Wettstein from
Lacrosse, IN joined us Sunday
for Abigail’s baptism.
August 29 was the wedding
day for Paula Blough and Michael
Gamerl. Paula’s parents are Carl
and Brenda Blough of Alto.
Born this month to Sis.
Megan and Bro. Shane Martin
was baby Ezra Shea. His great
grandparents are Bro. Tom and
Sis. Joan Schrenk. Baby Adeline
Kay was born to Bro. Brett and
Sis. Laura Plattner of Detroit. Her
grandparents are Bro. Jim and Sis.
Julie Blough and Bro. Howard
and Sis. Kristin Plattner.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
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We extend a special thanks
to ministers who have visited
recently: Bro Mark and Sis. Karen
Wettstein from Lacrosse, IN, Bro.
Matt and Sis. Rebekah Kauffman
from Bloomington, IL, Bro. Ryan
and Sis. Jessica Bertsch from
Bluffton North, IN, and Bro. John
Leman from Wolcott, IN.
Prayer requests for healing this
month have come from Sis.
Donna Oesch, Bro. Tom Schrenk,
and John Schlatter. All have
undergone surgery recently with
good outcomes. Praise God.
Congratulations to our Sis.
Heather Steffen as she is newlyengaged to Bro. Joe Klotzle. Joe
is from Altadena, the son of Bro.
Tom and Sis. Jodi Klotzle from
Altadena, CA. Heather’s parents
are Bro. Ted and Sis. Sandy Steffen.
Note of thanks;
I would like to thank the Alto
church for your prayers, words of
encouragement and cards during
the last several months as I have
undergone chemo treatments for
leukemia. A recent bone marrow
biopsy has given a good report
that the leukemia cells have been
greatly reduced to being barely
detectable and at this time my
chemo treatments have ended.
While there is presently no cure
for this type of leukemia, it
remains very treatable and I am
grateful to our great God and
Savior and for the support of my
church family and loved ones
during this special time in my
life. May all things resound to the
honor and glory of His name. In
Christ’s love, Bro. Wally Gerst
40
Michigan, Bay City
Sarah Knochel
“To every thing there is a season,
the heaven: A time to be born, and
a time to die; a time to plant, and
a time to pluck up that which is
planted;” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
Our congregation truly felt
verse two this past month. We are
thankful for the times of rejoicing
and understand that in this life
there will be times of sadness, but
in the end, God is ever gracious
and merciful to us.
We rejoice with Scott and
Summer Schmidt on the birth of
a daughter, Macie Rae. Excited
older brothers are Chase and
Owen. Grandparents are Mike
and Sis. Cheryl Schmidt. Sis.
Margaret Schlatter is Macie’s
great grandmother.
Our hearts are saddened
with the passing of Bro. Glenn
Ruegsegger, Jr. We want to
remember his wife, Sis. Maria, and
his children Glenn III, Roxanne
(Jacob) Cutchins, Michelle (Brad)
Marciniak and Sis. Rebekah (Bro.
Chad) Wieland; his grandchildren:
Erikah and Chase Ruegsegger,
Tess and Austin Wieland. We also
want to remember his siblings:
Anita Hine, Bro. Clinton (Sherry),
Sis. Winifred (John) Gorney,
Kathleen (David) Wernli, Paul
(Diane), and Bro. Lee (Sis. Alice,
Goodfield). Bro. Glenn was very
involved with World Relief and
we are thankful for the example of
service he left to our congregation.
Sis. Brooklynn Lehner, Bro.
Greg (Sis. Lynette) Munsel and
Bro. Kurt Munsel are our new
Sunday School teachers. We
pray that God will fill them with
wisdom that they may teach our
youth of God’s will for their
lives. Outgoing teachers are Sis.
Jenay Knochel, Bro. Derrell (Sis.
Sue) Steffen and Bro. Brian (Sis.
Char) Wieland.
We celebrated Sis. Mabelle
Wackerle’s 100th birthday at lunch
on a recent Sunday. We are thankful
that God has blessed Sis. Mabelle
with many wonderful years!
We appreciate that Bro.
Gary Maibach (Sis. Marianne,
Smithville, OH) stopped by Bay
City on his vacation in our area.
It is always nice to have mid-week
visitors to our congregation.
Evidence of the earthly harvest
is all around us. We pray that just
as we see fields “ripe onto harvest”
our hearts and lives would be
bearing fruit for harvest. May
God’s hand of safety and provision
be with each one.
Michigan, Detroit
Manuela Denes
“The works of the Lord are great,
sought out of all them that have
pleasure therein.” Psalms 111:2
Here’s an easy equation:
warm days plus cool nights
equal an array of early autumn
colors! Here in southern Ontario
and southeastern Michigan, the
weather has been outstanding
allowing for a number of outdoor
activities and the promise of an
amazing harvest.
Labor Day weekend is the
time of year that our dads and
children have their campout. This
past Sunday we had a beautiful
afternoon for the fall church
picnic hosted by the Sunday
School. The Sunday school had
the opportunity to travel to
Alto, MI for Michigan Youth
Day. We’re truly blessed to have
so many opportunities for fun
memories and fellowship.
A big “thank you” to Bay
City, MI and Bro. Bill Waibel for
making the drive out to minister
to the residents of Woodhaven.
Making the trip with him was his
wife, Sis. Carol, along with Sis.
Diana Jacobs and Sis. Janet Kober.
We’re always appreciative of your
time and efforts!
Our heartfelt sympathy goes
out to Bro. Mark Bahr (Sis. Bev)
and Bro. Phil Bahr (Sis. Dawn) at
the passing of their uncle, retired
elder Bro. Lester Hartter of Bern.
“For the poor shall never cease out
of the land: therefore I command
thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine
hand wide unto thy brother, to thy
poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.”
Deuteronomy 15:11
As we start the season of giving
and thanks, the church held its
annual clothing drive for God’s
Storehouse. Thanks so much to all
who donated clothes and came out
to sort, then deliver the items.
We congratulate Bro. Hartzell
and Sis. Mary Kaisner on the birth
of their twin granddaughters,
Allison Mary and Madeline
Ann. Extra prayers are certainly
appreciated as the girls came into
the world earlier than expected on
September 11. They are currently
in the NICU (neonatal intensive
care unit). May the Lord give
parents Curtis and Meredith
Kaisner the strength to make it
through this difficult time.
Congratulations to Bro. Mitch
Ault and Sis. April Schar on their
recent wedding in Rittman, OH.
Their parents are Bro. Dave and Sis.
Kathy Ault of Smithville, OH and
Bro. Nathan and Sis. Linda Schar
of Rittman, OH. We’re so happy
that they will be making their home
with us and we welcome Sis. April
into our local church family.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Brenda Messner, Betty Lindwall
Our beautiful fall is upon us
and we are so thankful for God’s
artistry. Our Sunday School
outing today is going to Sever’s
Corn Maze and Fall Festival and
experiencing all of the beauty and
excitement of fall.
We had a number of visitors
during the Minnesota State Fair,
the Great Minnesota Get-together!
We are always thankful for visitors
to our small church.
The ladies of our church
gathered at a local restaurant to
celebrate the return of Laura (Bro.
David and Sis. Diane Stewart) and
her husband, Paul Kolars to the
Twin Cities. We are so thankful to
have them back in our area.
We welcome our returning
college students: our convert,
McKenzie Elders, Sis. Leah
Knobloh, Lexi Smithberg, Abby
Neisen, and Kyle Wewetzer. Sis.
Claire Dill and convert, Adrian
Rocke are our local college
students. May each of these dear
young people experience God’s
love and peace through our
welcome to them and through His
Loving Care of them.
Minnesota, Morris
Amy Ekren, Heidi Pfaffmann
Bro. Lafe & Sis. Kristen
Grimm, along with big sisters
Bria and Brynn, welcomed
home baby boy Cohen Dale.
Grandparents are Bro. Rod and
Sis. Arlene Grimm (Sabetha, KS)
and Merle and Jean Spohr. We
are very thankful for the arrival
of this blessing.
Bro. Jim Reuter (Sis. Carolyn)
was hospitalized this month. May
God provide healing and comfort
to all of those with afflictions and
also to those who have recently
lost loved ones.
“And we know that all things
work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28
Minnesota, Morris North
Lois Schmidgall, Wanda Gramm
Greetings from Morris North!
What a beautiful time of the year
to see the seasons change into fall.
Let’s encourage each other to take
time in this busy season to stop
and spend some time taking in the
wonders of God’s Creation.
“In the harvest field there is work
to do, for the grain is ripe and the
reapers few;
And the Master’s voice bids the
workers true heed the call that He
gives today.
Crowd the garner well with its
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41
sheaves all bright, let the song be
glad, and the heart be light;
Fill the precious hours, ere the
shades of night take the place of
the golden day.
In the gleaner’s path may be rich
reward, tho’ the time seems long,
and the labor hard;
For the Master’s joy, with His
chosen shared, Drives the gloom
from the darkest day.
Lo! The harvest home in the
realms above shall be gained by
each who has toiled and strove,
When the Master’s voice, in its tones
of love, calls away to eternal day.
Labor on! Labor on! Keep the
bright reward in view; For the
Master has said, He will strength
renew; Labor on till the close of
day!” Gospel Hymns #328
Our church family has been
in our church building for one
year. We enjoyed a supper together
and also words of inspiration.
We are so thankful for our little
fellowship! And our church family!
God has so richly blessed us, and
we just say “Thank You Lord!”
September 13 was the start
day for our Sunday School. We
pray for our teachers and for the
students. Bro. Doug and Sis.
Dawn Moser opened their “barn”
for the annual Sunday School
kick-off. Students and the entire
church enjoyed an afternoon and
evening together.
We are thankful that surgery
went well for Amy Schmidgall
and Seth (Bro. Carter and Sis.
Amanda) Feuchtenberger. Our
prayers are with them that they
will feel God’s healing power.
42
Thank you to Bro. Kevin (Sis.
Annie) Wulf from the Morris
Country church who were with
us. May God bless you for giving
of yourself to further The Word.
Several from our church spent
an evening helping with Feed My
Starving Children Food drive. We
just don’t realize how fortunate we
are, and pray for those who do not
have even the very essentials.
Our church has started the
Bible study on James. May God’s
Spirit be felt and may we grow
spiritually through these studies.
LABOR ON!!
Minnesota, Winthrop
Lindsay Schmidt, Becky Braulick
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God.” John 1:1
We were blessed to have two
visiting ministers this month,
Bro. Phil Schultz (Sis. Kelli,
Burlington, IA) and Bro. Darin
Massner (Sis. Twila, West Bend,
IA). We thank them for their
willingness to serve and bring
forth God’s Word. We are also
thankful for all of our visitors this
past month. If you are traveling
through our area, please stop and
worship with us.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace
I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid.” John 14:27
We rejoice with McKenzie
Elder (Bro. John & Sis. Joleen)
and Eldwin Schmidt (Lois) as they
have professed to have peace with
God and man. We look forward to
their testimony and baptism.
“We’ ll learn and we’ ll labor in
cheerful accord,
And do what we can in the
strength of the Lord.
O blessed is he, when the
summer is gone,
Who harvests the fruit from good
seed he has sown!”
Zion’s Harp #165 vs. 4
The Sunday school year has
resumed and the students and
teachers enjoyed a bike trip on
September 12. The students
also celebrated the beginning of
Sunday school after church with
the annual picnic in the park.
May God abide with each one
of them throughout this coming
school year.
“All that are with me salute thee.
Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.”
Titus 3:15
We want to welcome Bro. Josh
Eberhardt (Tyler, MO) and Landon
Fehr (Bro. Anthony & Sis. Lila,
Fairbury, IL) into our congregation.
Josh has been transferred to our
area for work. Landon will be
going to school here. We hope they
will feel our love and support and
feel at home here.
“Children’s children are the crown
of old men; and the glory of children
are their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6
We want to congratulate two
sets of grandparents on the births
of two granddaughters. Bro. Ed
and Sis. Ginny Stoll are pleased to
welcome Ashlyn Tracey into this
world. Parents Trey and Stephanie
Stoll and big brother Edward
IV were pleased to bring her
home. Bro. Dean and Sis. Wanda
Messner were blessed to add
granddaughter, Leah Rose, to the
family. Parents Brett and Becky
Messner and big brother Nathan
will welcome Leah home. We pray
God’s grace and blessings on these
two little girls and their families.
“Wait on the Lord: be of good
courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart: wait, I say, on the
Lord.” Psalm 27:14
Our prayers and sympathies
go out to Darlene (Bro. Darrel)
Schmidt and her family with
the passing of her sister, June
Schoenrock of Sandstone, MN.
May God grant peace and
comfort. Our prayers of healing
and strength go out to Anita
(Kyle) Messner (daughter-in-law
of Bro. Kenneth and Margaret
Messner) as she continues to
heal from her accident and Sis.
Dorothy Jacobson as she recovers
from total knee replacement
surgery. We also pray for those
who continue to have health
issues and that God will continue
to be near each of them in their
physical battles.
Missouri, Kansas City
Julie Webel
Once again, Labor Day
weekend signaled the start of a
new Sunday school term. May we
keep our teachers and students in
prayer as God’s Word is planted
in tender hearts.
We are thankful to Bro. Larry
Bahr (Sis. Julie) from Ft. Scott for
ministering this past month. We
always appreciate visiting ministers
in our small congregation. May
God bless Bro. Larry for his
willingness to serve.
We would like to express our
sympathy to Bro. Don Braker (Sis.
Eileen) whose uncle, Bro. Leonard
Braker, passed away.
Please keep Sis. Marty Rokey
in your prayers as she is not able
to assemble with us regularly at
this time.
Also, may we continue to
pray for Andrew Kellenberger
(Bro. Brent & Sis. Beth) who
has recently had another tracheal
scope procedure and is continuing
to grow and progress.
For those of us who have
many loved ones (either near
or far away), know that we are
always thinking of you and extend
an open invitation to visit us in
Kansas City anytime!
Missouri, Lamar
Venetta Banwart
Many thanks to our visiting
minister this month for feeding
us from God’s Word and being
willing to be used in God vineyard
and fellowshipping with us here
in Lamar. They were: Bro. Sam
Schlatter (Sis. Linda, Junction,
OH), Bro. Brad Metz (Sis. Karen,
Bloomington-Normal, IL), Bro.
Jim Koehl (Sis. Hildy, Morris,
MN), Bro. Tom Troxel (Sis.
LuAnn, LaCrosse, IN), Bro. Mark
Schmidgall (Sis. Sally, OakvilleMediapolis, IA).
Our hospital patient this
month was Sis. Bonnie Braker.
May God continue to grant her
healing and strength.
Our deepest sympathy goes to
Sis. Bonnie Braker and family: Sis.
Carol Marti, Linda (Rick) Barton,
Tim (Terry), Terry (Rhonda) in
the loss of their husband/father,
Bro. Leonard Braker. May each
feel God’s nearness in this difficult
time. He will be missed in our
small congregation.
We appreciated Retired
Elder Bro. Joe Braker (Morton,
IL), Elder Bros. Doug Schock
(Bloomfield, IA), Brad Strahm
(Bern, KS), and Bro. Jeff Fisher
(Ft. Scott) for their labors of love
in the funeral service.
Missouri, St. Louis
Kary Mangers
Our church has been praying
for direction for adding to our
pulpit ministry. This month we
were able to see the answer of this
prayer request come to fruition.
Bro. Nathan and Sis. Michelle
(Beery) Rassi have felt the Lord’s
direction in this ministry. Their
children are Ashton (5), Morgan
(3), and Quinton (1). Elder Bro.
Kent Heimer (Taylor), Bro. Greg
Rassi (Chicago), and Bro. Loren
Schrenk took part in a special
ordination service covering: the
duties of a minister, the duties
of the audience, and a special
encouragement to Bro. Nathan
and Sis. Michelle. Their parents,
Bro. Greg and Sis. Carla Rassi
(Chicago) and Bro. Walt and Sis.
Lynda Beery (Rittman), were able
to join us, as well as some family
and friends to show their support
including Bro. Matthew and Sis.
Bridget Rassi (Chicago) and Bro.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
43
Frank and Sis. Kathy Sauder
(Roanoke). Our prayers continue
to be with them as they serve the
Lord is this way.
Our prayers continue to also
be with Bro. Morris Braker as he
continues to recover with family
in the Lamar area from his illness
that occurred this summer.
We were again blessed by the
support of our visiting ministers.
Bro. Ryan and Sis. Joy Hoerr
(Princeville) brought a charter bus
of support with them. Not only
did this group support us with
abundant fellowship and lovely
singing, but also with the tasks of
serving a large group by providing
help with food, pulpit ministry and
Sunday School. They were willing
to help out in any way to make the
weekend doable and enjoyable for
all. We also appreciated the love
and support from Bro. Dave and
Sis. Lori Marquart (Taylor), Bro.
David and Sis. Jackie Eisenmann
(Champaign), and Bro. John and
Sis. Nelda Rowell (Burlingtonretired). May each be blessed
for their part in furthering the
gospel of Christ.
Missouri, Taylor
Marcia Sutter
On 8/23/15, Bro. Tom (Sis.
Connie) Schambach from Elgin,
IL was here and preached the
morning service.
The Sunday school will be
starting back up after vacation.
We thank the teachers that are
going out and truly appreciate
all the hard work in showing our
children the way to Jesus and
44
His salvation. Many of the Bible
class and Junior Bible class have
started on the road of repentance.
The new teachers include: Bro.
Jimmy (Sis. Rachael) Sutter, Bro.
Josh (Sis. Colby) Steffen, Bro.
Rick and Sis. Kim Steidinger, Sis.
Charlotte (Bro. Brent) Hoerr, Sis.
Jolene (Bro. Tom) Young, and Sis.
Katie (Bro. Adam) Reinbeck. Our
prayers will be for God’s grace
and wisdom to be given in rich
measure to these new teachers.
On 8/29/15, the following
gave their testimonies and were
baptized on 8/30/15: Bro. Clayton
Steidinger, son of Bro. Rick and
Sis. Kim Steidinger; Bro. Seth
Pflum, son of Bro. Keith and Sis.
Tami Pflum; and Sis. Brittany and
Bro. Kyle Grimm, daughter and
son of Bro. Don and Sis. Tricia
Grimm. We wish them much
grace and God’s richest blessings
in their life in serving God.
Elder Bro. Steve (Sis. Myra)
Ringger from Bluffton North came
to assist with the testimonies and had
the Sunday morning service. Bro.
Craig (Sis. Jackie) Stickling from
Peoria had the afternoon service.
The Taylor church welcomes
Sis. Amy Rocke from Bern, KS
while she is attending school in
Quincy, IL. Sis. Ruth Verkler has
completed her summer at HIS
Ranch and will be returning home
to Bluffton, IN. We will miss her
and ask for God’s blessing for all
her help at the ranch.
We are thrilled that Rita (Brad)
Schaefer is seeking the Lord in
repentance and will be praying that
God will richly bless her.
We had two in the hospital
this month: Merry Ann Maynor
(one of our converts) and Bro.
Arnold Gerst. We are praying that
the Great Physician will provide
healing and comfort.
On 9/2/15, Bro. Loren Schrenk
came to do our monthly Bible study
on the “Attributes of King David”.
Thanks to all visiting ministers
for preaching the Word and
encouragement to stay the course.
On 9/22/15, the young folks
hosted the Invite-a-Guest weekend
dinner as a fundraiser for the
upcoming Taylor Invite.
Ohio, Akron
Carla Miller
We are grateful for the
engagement of Sis. Katie Palitto
(Bro. Bryon and Sis. Lisa) and
Bro. Justin Miller (Bro. Roger and
Sis. Dorina, Mansfield, OH).
Bro. Matthew, Sis. Rebecca,
and Megan Stoller welcomed
Emily Rose on September 9.
Grandparents are Bro. Ken and
Sis. Lori Stoller (Rittman, OH)
and Steve and Arliss Pamer.
We are thankful for God’s
healing and provision for those
who have been hospitalized
recently: Sis. Mary Ann Weigele
(Bro. Al) and Abel Gherian (Bro.
Micah and Sis. Marcy).
Our sympathy and prayers are
extended to Bro. Sandor Hegedus
(Sis. Gyongyi) in the passing of
his mother, Sis. Ilona Hegedus
(Nagyer, Hungary).
We welcome Bro. Clark
Schlatter (Bro. Ray and Sis.
Corrine, Junction, OH) to our
congregation while he is in our
area to continue his education.
Ohio, Junction
Elizabeth Manz
Greetings! We have been
blessed this month with two
precious babies! Daniel Stephen
was welcomed into the family of
Bro. Travis and Sis. Lilly Schlatter
on August 23. His big brother
is Joshua. Daniel’s grandparents
are Bro. Denny and Sis. Laurie
Schlatter and Bro. Russ and Sis.
Vera Manz. Bro. Derek and Sis.
Hannah Schlatter are thankful for
the safe arrival of their first child,
Elena Carol, born on September 1.
Elena’s grandparents are Bro. Denny
and Sis. Laurie Schlatter and Bro.
Jim and Sis. Sarah Steiner (Rittman,
OH). We pray that God will bless
both of these families with wisdom
and patience as they raise their
children to know and love God.
We are saddened to hear of the
passing of Shirley Miller’s (Bro.
Randy) mother, Vivian Thomas.
We pray that God will be near
her and her family and give them
comfort during this time.
This month we were thankful
to have visiting ministers to share
the Word. They included Bros.
Don Steidl (Sis. Nan, Akron, OH),
Tim Ramsier (Sis. Jonell, Rittman,
OH) and John Grimm (Sis. Julie,
Columbus, OH). We pray that God
will bless them for their ministry.
Ohio, Latty
Carmen Stoller, Mindy Stoller
Greetings to each one! We
have had lovely autumn weather
the past couple of days here. It is
so refreshing! We certainly have so
much to be thankful for!
We have been prayerful for
several loved ones who have met
with accident or illness in the past
month. They include Maria Stoller
(Bro. Ben and Sis. Kendra), Brant
Moser, and Emery LaBounty
(both grandchildren of Bro. John
and Sis. Marcia Laukhuf). We
pray each one can have a full and
complete recovery!
Our choir recently enjoyed a
trip to Cissna Park, IL. Thank you
all for your hospitality and warm
welcome. We are so thankful for
the fellowship we can find among
others in Christ!
Our heartfelt thanks go
to Bro. Warren Schlatter (Sis.
Cindy, Junction, OH) and
Bro. Dan Stoller (Sis. Deb,
Remington, IN) for ministering
to us in the recent month. May
God be your rich rewarder!
We continue to lift up the
families of Bro. Bob Laukhuf and
Bro. Walt Steffen (Milford, IN),
who is the father of Sis. Shirley
Stoller. Bro. Bob died September
9. Bro. Walt passed away
September 7. May these families
feel our love and prayers during
this time of loss.
Rev. 14:13 “And I heard a voice from
heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed
are the dead which die in the Lord
from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit,
that they may rest from their labours;
and their works do follow them.”
Ohio, Mansfield
Elizabeth Walter
We thank God for His
provision in the lives of Bro. Justin
Miller (Bro. Roger & Sis. Dorina)
and Sis. Katie Palitto (Bro. Bryon
& Sis. Lisa, Akron, OH) who
were recently engaged. May they
feel the bond of love grow as they
begin a new life together.
Our hearts go out to our loved
ones who have suffered from illness,
accident, or surgery. We pray for Sis.
Clara Zimmer, Sis. Cheryl Dotterer,
and Bro. Mike Garunovic.
A sincere thank you to Bro.
Ron Palitto (Sis. Lynell, Akron,
OH) for visiting and preaching
the Word to us. May the Lord’s
Spirit continue to inspire and
enlighten the hearts of each one.
Ohio, Rittman
Julie Steiner, Maria Beery
Isabel Steiner (Bro. Brent &
Sis. Andrea), Emily Katanic (Bro.
Mike & Sis. Heather), Braelyn
Steiner (Bro. Eric & Sis. Tricia),
Kevin Dotterer (Bro. Gary & Sis.
Sandy), and Jon Maibach (Bro.
Alpha & Sis. Denise) have chosen
the higher road, of repentance.
“But I prize the friendship highest,
of the one whose heart is true.”
(Hymns of Zion # 91) And yet,
there is room.
God has pursued His lambs,
and now they have come home.
Bro. Terry & Sis. Dorothy Sample,
and Sis. Martha Jenkins (Bro.
Tom & Sis. Deb) were baptized
this past month. Though years
pass by, God knows EVERY one
of His lambs, and desires them.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
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Bro. Mitch Ault and Sis. April
Schar experienced the joy of a
threefold cord. Parents of this new
couple are Bro. Dave & Sis. Kathy
Ault, and Bro. Nathan & Sis.
Linda Schar.
Grandchildren joined the
extended families of three couples
this past month. Bro. Walt &
Sis. Lynda Beery welcomed Evan
Benjamin Maibach, to parents
Bro. Garth & Sis. Hannah
Maibach (Sardis). Earlier, Bro.
Jim & Sis. Sara Steiner welcomed
Elena Carol Schlatter, born to
parents Bro. Derek & Sis. Hannah
Schlatter (Junction). Also, Bro.
Ken & Sis. Lori Stoller were
blessed with Emily Rose Stoller,
given to parents Bro. Matthew &
Sis. Rebecca Stoller (Akron).
Bro. Dan Baltic (Sis. Betty),
Bro. Mike Gasser (Sis. Kristin),
Sis. Doris Gasser, and Ron Woyat
(Jeannette) experienced the pain,
and hopefully healing that comes
from surgery, this past month.
Those who have undergone
surgery recently, are thankful for
today’s technology, but feel just as
much, the need for the Touch of
the Master. Also hospitalized were
Sis. Gail Steiner (Bro. Matt) and
little Madison Gasser (Bro. Brant
& Sis. Tiffany).
We reminisce with Bro. Henry
Beer, as he wrote, “Friends of
higher rank and station, friends
that live from us apart, find a place
of highest merit, in our fellowship
with God.” (Hymns of Zion
#91) On Labor Day Weekend,
we were blessed with Invite-AFamily guests. Then, a week
46
later, baptisms brought guests
as well. May each guest receive
the strength of God, to carry on
HIS work, in their vineyards.
Our guest ministers included
Elder Bro. John Schmidgall
(Oakville), Elder Bro. Dave Graf
(Akron), Elder Bro. Vic Bauman
(Smithville); and ministers Bro.
Wes Moser (Lester), Bro. Ryan
Schock (Bloomfield), Bro. Matt
Knapp (Peachtree City), Bro.
Dana Indermuhle (Sardis), Bro.
Todd Stoller (Latty), and Bro.
George Gal (Akron).
Ohio, Sardis
Faith Beard, Joy Indermuhle
Recently, as I passed through
one of our local communities, I
saw on a church sign:
Buried Under Satan’s Yoke
(BUSY). It struck me how these
words speak very well of the
current American lifestyle. It seems
no one is exempt from daily life
filled to the brim with activity.
Speaking for myself, sometimes I
groan inwardly when another event
or activity is planned. How do I
make time to attend? What priority
do I place on everyday life events
and what priority do I place on
church gatherings? Which should
take precedence and am I placing
importance on the right things in
life? It seems that when we allow
daily life to overtake our time, we
are in danger of being buried under
Satan’s yoke. Wouldn’t it be better
to carry the joyful yoke of serving
Jesus. Hence, serving our fellow
man and enjoying the fellowship of
our brethren and friends?
Seeking to carry Christ’s
yoke to the Haitian people, our
Bro. Eric and Sis. Jami Hartzler
have willingly served at Hospital
Lumiere for the past three years.
It is with great thankfulness that
we now welcome them home to
stay! When Eric and Jami left, they
took with them their four oldest
children: Leah, Gracie, Conrad
and Quincy. Returning home, they
also bring with them Gideon, who
was born in Haiti. We welcome
these dear children back to our
Sunday school and pray they can
renew their friendships here and
that Gideon will make new friends
as he adjusts to his new home. We
are thankful to have the Hartzler’s
home and pray for them as they
adjust to living in the States again.
We are thankful that two of
our converts have laid aside the
burden of Satan’s yoke, repented
of their sins and now are at peace
with God and man. Baylee Figel
(Bro. Andy and Sis. Cyndi) and
Thad Indermuhle (Bro. Dana
and Sis. Joy) are looking forward
to giving their testimonies and
being baptized the weekend of
November 7-8.
On a recent Wednesday
evening, our congregation rejoiced
as one of our young men, feeling
the need to repent and put away
Satan’s yoke as well, came to
church with a humble and willing
heart to serve Jesus. We are
thankful that Jared Ramsier (Bro.
Mark and Sis. Alice) has heeded
the call. We pray for him in the
days and months ahead as he
allows Christ to work in his heart.
As school has begun again,
so too is the time in Sardis that
some of our children move up to
a new Sunday school class. They
look forward to this. We thank
both the outgoing and incoming
teachers that labor on behalf of
our children, teaching them the
true Word of Christ. Preparing
a Sunday school lesson is a
worthwhile activity as these sisters
and brothers take time to nurture
our children, planting seeds that
we pray will someday enable them
to put off the yoke of Satan and
put on the light yoke of Christ.
Through the month of
September, we have been listening
to the conference recordings.
We are thankful for the wise
instruction and leadership from
our elder brothers. May God
continue to grant grace and
strength for each of them as
they take up the daily mantle of
leadership that they have been
called to and to continue to strive
on our behalf, to keep the burden
of Satan’s yoke at bay.
“His yoke is easy, His burden is light,
I’ve found it so, I’ve found it so.
He leadeth me by day and by night,
Where living waters flow.”
His Yoke is Easy,
Hymns of Zion #130 (chorus)
Ohio, Smithville
Kara Stoller, Millie Stoller
Congratulations to Bro. Doyle
and Sis. Naomi Stoller on the
birth of Lilly Joy. Their precious
daughter arrived August 20 and
joins a brother, Josiah. Grateful
grandparents are Bro. Scott and
Sis. Charlene Stoller and Mike and
Barb Ursu of Kitchener, Ontario.
On August 23 we witnessed
the baptism of Sis. Heather Beery
(Bro. Dwaine and Sis. Shelly). We
are thankful she has chosen the
path of salvation and justification
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
“But the path of the just is as the
shining light, that shineth more and
more unto the perfect day.”
Prov. 4:18
Our thoughts have been
toward those recently hospitalized:
Sis. Cheryl Dotterer, Bro. Dave
Maletich (Sis. Connie), Sis.
Florence Hartzler, Sis. Whitney
Indermuhle (Bro. Jason).
We were thankful to have
several visitors to our pulpit. They
included Elder Bro. Dave Graf
(Sis. Barb, Akron OH), Elder Bro.
Art Ingold (Sis. Bonnie, Rittman
OH), Bro. Bob Riggenbach (Sis.
Lorie, Rittman OH), and Bro.
John Hartman (Sis. Rosemary,
Fairbury IL). May our hearts
retain the words of “good doctrine”
(Proverbs 4:2) so that we may each
experience true life according to
our loving Father’s design.
Ohio, Toledo
Deanna Manz, Jenny Manz
We extend our congratulations
to Ellie Rywalski (Sis. Teresa) and
Demetrius Washington as they
were recently united in marriage.
May God bless their union with
peace and love.
We were privileged to have
several visiting ministers this
month. Our heartfelt thanks
to Bro. Randy Gasser (Sis. Sue,
Detroit, MI), Bro. Todd Graf (Sis.
Lydia, Akron, OH) and Elder Bro.
Bill Schlatter (Sis. Emily, Junction,
OH) for being willing to preach
the gospel of salvation!
The beginning of a new
school year gives us reason to be
thankful for the return of college
students who had gone home for
the summer, and the excitement
of meeting those joining us for
the first time! Our annual College
Picnic was a blessing as we were
able to spend the afternoon with
many of our students and their
families. May the Lord give much
grace to these students as they
strive to be a beacon of light to
those around them.
Ontario, Kitchener
Johanna Fortenbacher
Elder Bro. Mark Bahr and
his wife, Sis. Bev, came to our
church and shared wonderful
news. Shannon Metzger and his
sister, RoseLynn, (children of
Bro. and Sis. Murray & Esther
Metzger) have a testimony of
faith, r epentance, conversion,
the nearness of God’s grace, and
the joy of God’s peace and they
desire baptism in the future.
“Therefore being justified by faith
we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus:” Romans 5:1.
We are so thankful for the
ministers and their wives who
came to fellowship and minister
to us: Bro. Mark & Sis. Cheryl
Zimmerman, Eureka ; Bro. Greg &
Sis. Mary Beth Lehman, Wolcott;
Bro. Ken & Sis. Linda Indermuhle,
Sardis; Bro. Ryan & Sis. Joy Hoerr,
October 2015
SILVER LINING
47
Princeville and Bro. Dan & Sis.
Anne Moser from Elgin. God is
blessing our church family.
Oregon, Portland
Louisa Gallup
On September 2, Jeff Jensen,
the father of Bro. Rick (Sis.
Miriam) Hoach, passed away. He
was in hospice care for serious
health problems at his home in
Sheridan. Mr. Jensen is survived by
his wife, Joyce, and three sons: Ron
(Rachael) Hoach of Portland, OR,
Kevin (Mely) Jensen of Hillsboro,
OR and Bro. Rick (Sis. Miriam)
Hoach of Sheridan, OR; and nine
grandchildren. We wish the family
the Lord’s blessings of comfort
and strength as they adjust to life
without their loved one.
Bro. Walt Steffen (Sis. Dorothy,
dec.), Milford, IN, whom many
will remember from regular
visits to Oregon, passed away on
September 4. Bro. Walt was Bro.
Garth Steffen’s first cousin. They
had a close bond, spending a lot
of time together over the years.
Our prayers of support go out the
Steffen families.
We thank the following
ministering brethren from
Silverton, OR for bringing us
the Word this past month: Bros.
Harvey (Sis. Jennifer) Kuenzi, Jim
(Sis. Tresa) Zollinger, Ron (Sis.
Liz) Jones and Don (Sis. Linda)
Sinn. As always, our profound
gratitude for your support and help
from the Silverton Song Leaders.
Note of thanks:
Bro. Rick, Sis. Miriam, Joyce
and family would like to thank
48
everyone for their prayers and
support at Dad’s passing. We
also want to thank everyone who
attended the Memorial Service
and helped with the meal, sent
flowers and cards.
Oregon, Silverton
Kelsey Walder, Ann Kuenzi
Elder Bro. Herb Knochel
(Sis. Laurie) from Phoenix, AZ
was here to assist Elder Bro. John
in the testimonies and baptisms
of Bro. Mathis Kuenzi (Bro.
Troy and Sis. Sherri) and Bro.
Nathanael Jones (Bro. Ron and
Sis. Liz) the weekend of August
22 and 23. We are thankful to
welcome these two new brothers
into our church family.
Visiting ministers this past
month have been Bro. Adam
Luginbuhl (Sis. Jami) from
Philadelphia, PA and Bro. Mike
Leman (Sis. Lisa) Portland, OR.
We so enjoy and appreciate visitors
coming to Oregon and want
to thank the ministers that are
willing to share the Word.
Violet Kuenzi has expressed her
faith in Jesus and His shed blood,
and her need for a Savior. We are
prayerful for God’s grace, that her
faith and love may grow each day.
Israel Herman Lincoln Stadeli
was born August 26 to Bro.
Greg and Sis. Susan Stadeli. Big
brother Abel will enjoy having a
playmate. Grandparents are Ron
and Arlene Stadeli and Herman
and Joan Glueck.
Rejoicing over a new little
son is Bro. Jeremy and Sis. Kristy
Kuenzi and their family, Micah,
Drew, Kate, Russ, Angela and
Maria. Curt Lincoln was born
September 17. His grandparents
are Jim and Joan Dietrich and
Bro. Terry and Sis. Ann Kuenzi.
We wish Jared Kuenzi (Bro.
Jason and Sis. Jo) and Makayla
Niehaus (Dave and Erica Niehaus,
and Tasha Cohen) many blessings
as they start married life together.
Their wedding was August 29.
September 12 was the beautiful
wedding day for Austin and
Hannah Kraft. Rejoicing with them
are their parents, Bro. Richard and
Sis. Marianne Kraft, and Kenneth
and Rebecca Tschiegg.
We enjoyed a Gateway
Wood’s presentation on Sunday,
August 30. Bro. Ed and Sis. Deb
Graf, as well as Bro. Todd and
Sis. Kara Strahm, were here for
the presentation. We enjoyed
the personal stories of life as
house parents, as well as learning
about the administration of the
organization.
We are so thankful to see Sis.
Becky Von Flue back at church.
Her husband, Bro. Dan, recently
had surgery on his shoulder, due to
an injury. We are prayerful for both
of them as they continue to heal.
Our sympathy is with Sis.
Laura Metz (Bro. Joel) and
her family in the loss of her
grandfather Bro. Elmer Metzger
(Sis. Mariann) from Lester, IA.
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia
Laura Isch
Our church has experienced
times of blessing and times of
difficulty this month. We thank
the Lord for being faithful
through all the times of our lives.
We rejoice with Kierstyn
Lanz (Bro. John and Sis. Kay) as
she has come to God in humble
repentance. May God provide His
grace and show Himself to her.
We can rejoice when we witness
God’s continuing work in the
souls of men and women!
Our church enjoyed our
annual Sunday School picnic this
month. Thanks to the Sunday
School teachers for their efforts
and to the parents for encouraging
their children to participate in
Sunday School.
Several in our church have
recently been hospitalized. We
are thankful for God’s protecting
hand on Tanner Metzger (Bro.
Shawn and Sis. Sandy) as he
was hospitalized after a serious
automobile accident. Sis. Bonnie
Isch (Bluffton, IN, Bro. Jerry
and Sis. Linda) had surgery this
month. Bro. Daryl Luginbuhl (Sis.
Norma) also has been hospitalized
with surgery recently. May God
provide healing and recovery to
each loved one.
Tennessee, Nashville
Buck & Taunia Henry
What a beautiful promise we
were reminded of as Bro. Randy
Gasser expounded upon the end
of the Old Testament in Malachi,
chapter 4. «Behold, I will send you
Elijah the prophet before the coming
of the great and dreadful day of
the Lord: and he shall turn the
heart of the fathers to the children,
and the heart of the children to
their fathers...» We then turned
a few hundred years later to the
beginning New Testament to see
the fulfillment of that promise in
Luke, chapter 1, where the angel,
Gabriel, announces the prophet
who would prepare the way of
the Lord.”And he shall go forth
in the spirit and power of Elias to
turn the hearts of the fathers to the
children...” God’s promises never
fail! The way of the Lord has been
prepared and He has come! May
we all be ready to meet Him when
He comes again!
We are so thankful for the
visiting ministers that served us:
Bro. Ted Hirstein (Sis. Joyce,
Morton), Bro. Timothy Gerber
(Sis. Wendy, Mansfield), Bro.
Randy Gasser (Sis. Sue, Detroit),
Bro. Lenard Meyer (Sis. Charlotte,
Chicago), Bro. Byron Stoller (Sis.
Carol, Gridley). We have also
enjoyed the fellowship of visitors
from Athens, Tremont, Rittman,
& Junction.
Our young group was blessed
to be invited to Fairbury/Forrest
on Labor Day Weekend where
many were able to attend. If you are traveling to or
through the Nashville area, please
plan to worship with us. Often
we gather on Saturday evenings
for fellowship. All are heartily
welcome. Please contact us to
confirm the schedule. Also, we
typically meet on Wednesday
evenings at 7:15 p.m. for call-in
services and would welcome any
midweek visitors. Contacts: Bro.
Buck Henry 615-920-9584 buck@
forhisglorypublishing.com or Bro.
Don Sauder 615-351-7734 don.
[email protected].
The Nashville Guesthouse is
available for free accommodations
to all those traveling through; please
contact Bro. Buck for reservations.
Texas, Austin
Candy Meiss
Sending our Love and
Greetings from Austin!
“I need Thee every hour, most
gracious Lord, no tender voice like
Thine can peace afford. I need
Thee every hour, in joy or pain:
come quickly and abide or life is
vain. I need Thee every hour most
Holy One; Oh! Make me Thine
indeed, Thou blessed Son!”
Every moment we can feel
His presence if we but ask,
acknowledging our need and
thankfulness. We have been
refreshed in recent weeks by God’s
Word shared by visiting ministers:
Bro. Scott Wegman (Taylor), Bro.
Jerry Bauman (Rittman), and
Elder Bro. Gerry Hertzel (Sabetha).
Our church continues to be
blessed with many children from
the nearby community. They love
hearing the Bible stories, learning
about Jesus, memorizing the fruit
of the Spirit, and lifting their
hearts to the Lord in song. We
continually pray for godly order,
guidance, and wisdom as we teach
these precious souls about Jesus
and His saving grace.
We are asking for all to pray
and consider a move to Austin
to help in this special endeavor
to mentor/teach the many
October 2015
SILVER LINING
49
children that God has brought
into our fellowship. “I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee; O bless me
now, my Savior, I come to Thee.”
Let us remember to daily
thank Him for His presence in
our lives.
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear… Be still
and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:1,2 and 10
We are so thankful for our
visitors and encourage everyone
passing through to stop and
worship with us!! Please refer
to our minister’s directory for
directions and contacts.
Texas, McAllen
we can prepare for meals and
fellowship. If interested in housing
on South Padre Island while
visiting the McAllen area, please
contact us for further details.
Occasionally there is a
schedule change, so if you plan
to be with us on Sunday, please
verify the date by calling the
Plattner’s at 956-607-8329 or you
may access www.acmission.org
and view the updated minister
rotation schedule.
Sunday services are held at
10:30 and 12:30 at the Holiday
Inn Express, 1921 South 10th St.
Take the 10th Street Exit off I-83
and go 1½ blocks south. Please
see the ministers’ directory for
local contact information.
Kristi Plattner
Vermont, Clarendon
We appreciate the willingness
of Bro. Leland Plattner (Sis.
Mary, Zapata, TX) and Bro.
Kevin Banwart (Sis. Sandy, West
Bend, IA) to share the Word this
month. The following churches are
scheduled for services: Roanoke,
IL (10/25) and Bluffton, IN (11/8).
We welcome anyone coming
to South Texas and ask that you
inform us of your plans so that
Nathan and Miriam Reutter
50
The colors of the leaves are
changing and are taking on a
gorgeous appearance that reminds
us of the changing seasons of life.
No matter what age or stage of
life, we can shine brilliantly for our
Maker, but only, like the leaves, by
reflecting light of the Son (sun).
The Son shined radiantly this
month, and we are grateful for
the opportunity to reflect it. For
example, we had a rather spirituallywarming time of fellowship with
our annual Sunday school picnic
on Labor Day. The adults enjoyed
sweet fellowship. The children
enjoyed sweet friendship. We, all
together, enjoyed singing a few
hymns and participated in a Bible
discussion of the life of Daniel. We
left the day with a full soul and a
full stomach.
Brother Warren (Sis. Bonnie)
Zahner and Bro. Tom (Sis. LaNae)
Bahler also filled us spiritually on
the respective Sundays they came
to visit us this month. Both of
these couples graciously spent time
with us and ministered to us. Bro.
Warren led the Bible discussion on
the life of Daniel. They both are
from Rockville, CT. Their many
years of service to us we can never
repay, yet they never seem to tire
of the effort it takes to serve us.
We trust God to bless these labors
in eternity.
As the fall leaf-peeper season
approaches, we heartily invite all
to come see the wonders of God’s
creation upon the mountains of
New England.
The News & Notices section of The Silver Lining provides a way for qualifying non-profit entities to make the brotherhood aware of church-related events,
opportunities, needs, and services that would be of special interest to Apostolic Christian Church of America members and regular attendees. Email us at
[email protected] for a copy of our advertising policy, which specifies who may advertise, sizes, file formats and deadlines.
News & Notices
Part II
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).
October 2015
SILVER LINING
51
House Parenting Opportunity at CVE in Mexico
CVE endeavors to provide Life and Hope to emotionally wounded Mexican
children within the context of a Christ-centered family campus environment.
The ministry presently is seeking married couples or
singles who are willing to answer the call and share their
God-given spiritual gifts in the harvest as houseparents.
Houseparents have the
opportunity to live with the
children, share the gospel through
daily nurturing, and endeavor to
help break cycles of abuse or neglect
from which many have come.
As one houseparent was quoted
“To see the miracle that the Lord
has done and is doing in the lives
of hurting children has been one of
the greatest blessings of our lives.
It’s the fulfillment of our purpose
here on earth, to be the hands
and feet of Jesus to those that
desperately need Him.”
The CVE campus is located on
the edge of Magdalena, MX and offers
a secured 50-acre ranch inclusive of
seven homes, a school, a church, and
an active agricultural operation.
Historically, many of the
houseparents have been younger, but more experienced
couples are also encouraged to seek direction to join
the CVE ministry. Experienced parents often bring
stability and a seasoned perspective.
While knowing the Spanish
language would be very valuable, it
is not essential. The most important
is having a desire to learn, both the
language and the culture of the
people we serve. Language training
is provided.
Please pray for CVE, their
ministry to the children, and the
community of Magdalena. Pray
that God will raise up brothers and
sisters to serve.
If you have questions or interest
please contact: Bill Schick at:
[email protected]
or Kirk Plattner at:
[email protected]
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]
52
Communications Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is seeking a brother or sister desiring to serve as the Communications Coordinator.
This position is open to full-time applicants and offers the opportunity to use one’s creativity,
organization and communications skills to further the ministry. If you are organized and able to
meet deadlines, have strong communication skills, and are a motivated self-starter, please contact
one of the brothers listed below for more information and a job description.
Development Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is seeking a brother or sister to tell supporters the story of helping broken children and
reuniting families. The Development Coordinator position is open to full-time or part-time applicants.
This position offers flexibility as applicants may work from Leo, IN or remotely from their Midwest
home. If you have a passion for helping hurting children and families, strong communication and
relationship building skills that can be used to develop financial partners and advocates, please contact
one of the brothers listed below for more information and a job description.
Chad Kaeb
Development Director
PO Box 151, Leo, IN 46765
888.443.4283
[email protected]
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd., New Haven, IN 46774
Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]
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 Plattner
Residential Program Manager
PO Box 125, Leo, IN 46765
888.443.4283
[email protected]
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd., New Haven, IN 46774
Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]
Interested in receiving a printed sermon?
To order, contact: Printed Sermons
P.O. Box 154, Forrest, IL 61741
(815) 848-5113 • [email protected]
September 2015
SILVER LINING
53
Sunday School Teacher Needed in Austin, Texas
The Austin Apostolic Christian Church has identified a need for someone to assist in their children’s
ministry as Sunday School Teacher. As a result of Outreach efforts, the church has been blest to have
many young people come to Sunday worship without their parents. For anyone who has a heart to sow
the seeds of the gospel in young hearts, prayerfully consider answering this call and becoming part of the
Austin church family. If you are interested, send an e-mail to the [email protected] with your name,
contact information and a brief description of why you are interested and feel that God is calling you into
this work. Your response will be directed to the appropriate brothers within the Church Establishment
Committee and the Austin Church leadership.
Desired Qualifications
1) Servant Heart - willingness to serve in children’s ministry and support a smaller Apostolic Christian Church in Austin, Texas.
2) Integrity - demonstrate high spiritual standards and be a committed Christ-follower.
3) Support local church efforts - willingness to understand the current outreach efforts within the
Austin church and work with established brethren.
4) Brother or sister with the support of the local elder.
5) Spanish may be helpful in communicating with parents/grandparents, but all children are fluent in
English.
Background
This request for assistance to our national churches is the result of “pilots” currently being undertaken by
the Church Establishment Committee in two of our smaller Apostolic Christian congregations – Austin,
TX and St. Louis, MO. The Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Mission Committee, is working
to assess the needs of these smaller congregations and assist in providing resources, tools and services
to help them become self-sustaining, thriving churches which exalt Christ through actively living our
4 Pillar Mission Statement. This includes 1) sharing the gospel with the lost, 2) nurturing the believers,
3) contending for the faith and preserving sound doctrine, and 4) meeting the needs of the community
through acts of service.
Teacher Needed – Athens Preschool
There is currently a teaching position available at the Apostolic Christian Preschool in Athens, AL. We are
looking for a preschool teacher who is willing to start in June of 2015. This is a wonderful opportunity to
support one of our smaller congregations.
This is a paid position with medical benefits. Church housing is available. Applicants must be at least 19
years old and be a member of the Apostolic Christian Church. Basic computer skills are necessary.
If you have questions contact Sis. Kalla Knobloch at (309) 231-1755.
You may also e-mail your resume to [email protected].
Thank you for your prayerful consideration!
54
515 E. Highland Street, Morton, IL 61550 Tel: (309) 263-5536 Fax: (309) 263-6841 www.accounseling.org
ACCFS has launched a new website!
We want to inform you of the launch of our new, responsive design website at www.accounseling.org.
Reformatted and designed to correctly respond to whatever device it is viewed on, our website should now
provide a similar experience whether accessing the site from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone.
The wealth of information from our old website will continue to be available in addition to much more!
We have added two links to our homepage with the following questions: Are you hurting? Desiring to
grow? These links will take you to a series of questions to help you find the area of the website which will
provide the information you are looking for in your present situation.
We have organized the majority of our website into six general content areas:
• Marriage • Parenting • Spiritual Growth • Sexuality • Relationships • Mental Health
For further quick reference, we have also grouped information into eight areas categorized by role, stage of
life, or specific need:
• Men
• Elders
• Singles
• Technology
• Women
• Ministers
• Mentors
• ACWP Mentors
There will be a “featured resource” posted every week to highlight the variety and extent of content
available for your use.
We invite you to explore the new website and welcome your feedback and suggestions (office@
accounseling.org). It is our desire to use our website to exemplify our mission statement:
Helping the Hurting, Nurturing Hope, Encouraging Growth
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:
Mid-week Service:
(held monthly at guesthouse residence)
10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
For information and reservations, contact caretakers:
Bro. Mark and Sis. Sandy Stork
4733 Birdie Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-0072
(held on 3rd Wednesday in Rochester area)
For information, contact:
Bro. Jim and Sis. Deb Tilbury
(507) 281-2875
For church services schedule please visit
www.acmission.org/minister-rotation
October 2015
SILVER LINING
55
Medical Team
Updated 10/17/14
Juarez
Medical
Location
Location
Magdalena
Juarez
Construction
Medical
Location
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Mexico Work Teams
Year 2015
Sep 9 - Sep 15
Coordinator
Cheryl Herrman
[email protected]
Year 2016
Coordinator
2015
Jan
Sep 99 -- 16
Sep 15 Bruce
CherylFrank
Herrman
217-375-4346
[email protected]
[email protected]
Year 2016
Coordinator
Jan 9 - 16
Bruce Frank
Feb 6 - 13
Troy
Lanz
217-375-4346
217-202-5959
[email protected]
[email protected]
Feb 6 - 13
Troy Lanz
Feb 13 - 20
Jon
Baner
217-202-5959
309-532-9435
[email protected]
[email protected]
Feb 13 - 20
Jon Baner
Mar 5 - 12
Gabe
Meiss
309-532-9435
ISU
[email protected]
309-222-7819
[email protected]
Mar 5 - 12
Gabe
Meiss
ISU
Mar 19 - 26
Dean
Sinn
309-222-7819
Silverton
Bible Class
[email protected]
503-873-4622
[email protected]
Mar 19 - 26
Dean
Sinn
Silverton Bible Class
Mar 26 - Apr 2 Greg
Moser
503-873-4622
Roanoke
Jr/Sr Sunday School
[email protected]
309-923-5791
[email protected]
Mar 26 - Apr 2 Greg
Moser
Roanoke Jr/Sr Sunday School
Apr 2 - 9
Joe
Beer
309-923-5791
Leo
Bible Class
[email protected]
[email protected]
260-466-5461
Apr 2 - 9
Joe
Beer
Leo Bible Class
Jun 11 - 18
Jeff
Stoller
[email protected]
Morton
Bible Class
260-466-5461
309-202-6468
[email protected]
Jun 11 - 18
Jeff
Stoller
Morton Bible Class Capacity
Year 2015
Coordinator
Jun 18 - 25
Jim
Rieker
309-202-6468
Jun 20‐27
David Zimmerman
8‐10
Peoria
Bible Class
[email protected]
[email protected]
309-231-7400
[email protected]
Jun 18 - 25
Jim
Rieker
Peoria Bible Class 2‐4
Jul 18‐25
David Zimmerman
Contact
Mike Fiechter
309-231-7400
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
260-597-7330
Aug 22‐29
David Zimmerman
Contact Mike Fiechter2‐4
[email protected]
[email protected]
260-597-7330
Year 2015
Coordinator
Capacity
Mexico Work Teams
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Bonne Finn, Haiti Aug 8‐15
Hospital Lumiere
Updated 10/17/14
Inventory Team
Haiti Work Teams ‐ Bonne Fin
Construction
Project
Magdalena
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Hospital Lumiere
Scheduling Questions?
Electrical
Hospital Lumiere
Scheduling Questions?
Plumbing
Project
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Haiti Work Teams ‐ Bonne Fin
Jun 20‐27
Oct 3‐10
David Zimmerman
8‐10
[email protected]
Jul 18‐25
2‐4
Hospital Lumiere
Nov 28‐Dec 5
David Zimmerman
8‐10
Electrical
[email protected]
Maintenance / Painting
Hospital Lumiere
Haiti
Plumbing
Project
Dumay
Hospital Lumiere
Lifeline
Construction
Aug 22‐29
David Zimmerman
Lifeline
Work
Teams
Year 2016
Jan
12-19
Oct 3‐10
Construction/Concrete
2‐4
[email protected]
Coordinator
Capacity
Neil
Bahler
12
David Zimmerman
8‐10
1-815-848-3861
[email protected]
[email protected]
Dumay
Jan
19-26
Darren
Fehr
12
Hospital Lumiere
Nov 28‐Dec 5
David Zimmerman
8‐10
Lifeline
1-815-674-9363
Maintenance / Painting
[email protected]
[email protected]
Dumay
Lifeline
Jan26-Feb 2
Dumay
Lifeline
Construction
Dumay
Lifeline
Construction
56
Paul Zimmerman
1-815-848-2173
[email protected]
12
Feb 2-9
Reuben Stork
1-217-898-3436
[email protected]
12
Feb 9-16
Matt Kinsinger
1-847-774-4015
[email protected]
12
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti Sept 12‐19 Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Haiti Medical Work Teams
Cancer Screening
Project
Year 2015 [email protected]
Coordinator
Capacity
Bonne Finn, Haiti Jun 13‐20 Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere Nov 7‐14
309‐253‐0402
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Nursing Proficiencies
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti Jul 11‐18
Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere Dec 12‐19 Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Medical Team
[email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
General Medical
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti Aug 8‐15
Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere
Project
Year 2016 309‐253‐0402
Coordinator
Capacity
Inventory Team Jan 9 ‐ 16
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Bonne Finn, Haiti Sept 12‐19 [email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
8
Inventory Team
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Cancer Screening Feb 13 ‐ 20 Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti Oct 10‐17
General Medical
Hospital Lumiere
Dental Team
Bonne Finn, Haiti Mar 12 ‐ 19
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti Nov 7‐14
Eye Specialty
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti Apr 9 ‐ 16
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti Dec 12‐19
Dental Team
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐253‐0402
8
8
8
8
8
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8 8
Bonne Finn, Haiti May 7 ‐ 14
May 7 ‐ 14 Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Hospital Lumiere
Project
Year 2016 309‐253‐0402
Coordinator
Capacity
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Cancer Screening
Bonne Finn, Haiti Jan 9 ‐ 16 [email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Bonne Finn, Haiti Jun 11 ‐ 18 Lydia Bertschi
8
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti Feb 13 ‐ 20 Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Bonne Finn, Haiti Jul 9 ‐ 16
Lydia Bertschi
General Medical
[email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
General Medical
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti Mar 12 ‐ 19 Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Bonne Finn, Haiti Aug 13 ‐ 20 Lydia Bertschi
Eye Specialty
[email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Well Child Visits
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti Apr 9 ‐ 16 Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Bonne Finn, Haiti Sep 10 ‐ 17 Lydia Bertschi
Dental Team
[email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti Oct 8 ‐ 15
Hospital Lumiere
Dental Team
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti Nov 12 ‐ 19 Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti Dec 10 ‐ 17 Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309‐253‐0402
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Project
Haiti Work Teams ‐ Les Cayes
Year 2015
Coordinator
Nov 13 ‐ 20
Maurice Schaefer
309‐253‐9003
[email protected]
4
Les Cayes
Nov 13 ‐ 20
Haiti Trade Schools
Vocational School
Andy Getz
574-870-5046
[email protected]
4
Les Cayes
SEED
Agricultural
Nov 13 ‐ 21
Art Mueller
608‐676‐4365
[email protected]
8
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Nov 18 ‐ 23
Jon Zeller
309‐266‐9009
[email protected]
ACWR‐CC
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Bluffton
Construction
Dec 4 ‐ 11
Lane Gerber
260‐241‐4099
[email protected]
12
Project
Year 2016
Coordinator
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Ohio
Construction
Jan 2‐9
Ron Palitto
330‐336‐5373
[email protected]
12
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
Jan 8 ‐ 15
Maurice Schaefer
309‐253‐9003
[email protected]
4
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Silverton
Construction
Jan 29‐Feb 5
Richard Kraft
503‐364‐3103
[email protected]
12
Les Cayes
SEED
Agricultural
Feb 12‐19
Larry Kaufmann
815‐716‐6018
[email protected]
12
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Roanoke
Construction
Feb 26 ‐ Mar 4 Rich Bertschi
309‐467‐2351
[email protected]
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
Capacity
Medical Teams
Physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, pharmacists,
laboratory techs, radiology techs, ultrasound techs,
occupational and physical therapists, nurses and other
specialists who are willing to assist with general medical and
surgical care are invited to participate on weeklong medical
teams. See the current schedule (including dates for 2016).
Construction Teams
Capacity
12
Les Cayes
March 4 ‐ 11
Haiti Trade Schools
Vocational School
[email protected]
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
March 4 ‐ 11
Maurice Schaefer
309‐253‐9003
[email protected]
4
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Peoria
Construction
April 1 ‐ 8
Steve Leuthold
309‐645‐2208
[email protected]
12
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Apr 13 ‐ 18
Jon Zeller
309‐266‐9009
[email protected]
ACWR‐CC
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Maintenance
April 19 ‐ 26
Jon Zeller
309‐266‐9009
[email protected]
12
Andy Getz
574-870-5046
Haiti Volunteers
Are Needed
4
Electricians, cabinet makers, plumbers and carpenters are
needed to continue the renovations. The work is great. This
is an excellent opportunity to help in the work and become
more familiar with the culture and Hospital Lumiere
campus. See the current schedule.
Church Ministers
The work at Hospital Lumiere is more than material and
the needs are more than physical. The Hospital staff
and the team workers understand the true objective is
that all may come to know and glorify God through a
born again life, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
and living in obedience to the Bible. Apostolic Christian
Church ministers are needed to assist in this role as they
accompany medical and construction teams to Hospital
Lumiere. Team ministers coordinate daily devotions and
provide spiritual support for the team members, hospital
staff, patients and their families.
For more information contact Rich Bertschi at
309-467-2351 or [email protected]
Haiti Awareness Tours
If you’d like to see the ministry of Hospital Lumière and
other Haiti projects in person, but do not have the time
or desire to participate in a week-long work team, please
consider our new Awareness Tours. These are quick trips
that give interested parties the opportunity to meet our
missionary families, learn more about the hospital, see
the completed renovations and work in process, and visit
some of the other World Relief projects in southern Haiti.
These trips are scheduled, as needed, based upon demand,
currently the next trip is scheduled for Mar. 4-9, 2016.
To learn more, contact: Rich Bertschi at
309.467.2351 or [email protected] or Rick Wuethrich
at 219.863.4163 or [email protected]
October 2015
SILVER LINING
57
Medical Director Needed at Hospital Lumiere
If you are a licensed physician
with a God-inspired desire
to provide medical care and
leadership in an under-served
part of Haiti, this may be the
opportunity of a lifetime.
The Need
A licensed physician is needed to
replace our Medical Director, Dr.
Lee Klopfenstein, when his term is
completed in 2016.
To fill this full-time position, one
must have a U.S. medical license,
be Board-Certified in some aspect
of medicine or surgery, be a Believer
in Jesus Christ, have experience
a team of excellent Haitian physicians and surgeons, and oversight of
the nursing, laboratory, radiology
and pharmacy departments of this
120-bed full-service hospital and
out-patient facility.
For more information contact:
Robert Beebe
Executive Director
[email protected]
574-276-6748
in leadership and management,
be capable of learning the Creole
language, and be willing to reside
with your family on the Hospital
Lumiere campus for up to five
years. The position involves leading
www.acworldrelief.org
Patient Care Manager Needed at Hospital Lumiere
H
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.
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.
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
58
degree and have at least 3 years
of nursing experience, some
management capability, be able
Medical Department Intern Opportunity in Haiti
Hospital Lumiere, Bonne Fin, Haiti
is presently seeking an energetic,
self-motivated, responsible Believer
to fill the position of Medical
Department Intern.
Position Description
This six-month position is involved
in helping the Medical Director
with staff scheduling, answering or
relaying inquiries from each medical department (Nursing, Pharmacy, Radiology, Laboratory), ensuring all inventory and supply reports
are transmitted and filed, and
assisting the Administration with
other assigned tasks and responsibilities. The hospital will provide a
translator, lodging, food and living
expenses. No medical training is
required, but is helpful. If you are
seeking an exciting opportunity
to serve God and others, have a
servant’s heart, appreciate new horizons and challenges and have six
months to devote to furthering the
Lord’s work in Haiti, please contact
us for a complete job description
and details of the internship.
Robert Beebe
Executive Director
[email protected]
574-276-6748
Surgeon and Medical Physician Needed at Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere in Bonne
Fin, Haiti, a medical ministry
operated by World Relief, is
seeking the following:
Surgeon
A surgeon is needed immediately to
provide professional and Christian
oversight and management of the
Surgery Department of Hospital
Lumiere, and actively be involved
in surgical cases in their specialty.
The surgeon can be boarded in
general, urologic, orthopedic or
other surgical field.
Medical Physician
A medical physician with family
practice, pediatrics, emergency,
or other medical subspecialty
experience is needed immediately
Both of these positions are fulltime, but can be adapted to
accommodate a physician who is
willing to reside on the campus
part-time or for several weeks at
a time.
Please prayerfully consider whether
God is calling you to serve in Haiti.
to enhance the diagnostic and
treatment capability of our Medical
Department, provide education
and mentoring of our Haitian
medical providers, encourage
patient-focused care and maintain
our mission of quality care with
Christian love.
Robert Beebe
Executive Director
[email protected]
574-276-6748
October 2015
SILVER LINING
59
Openings at Cite Lumiere, Les Cayes, Haiti
Mechanic, Construction Department Assistant
The AC World Relief Caribbean Committee is seeking to fill several missionary positions based at the Cite Lumiere compound in Les Cayes, Haiti. The specific job description may vary depending on the applicant’s interests
and skills. Help is specifically needed in the following areas:
Equipment mechanic
An equipment mechanic is needed
in the Construction Department
in Haiti to maintain the vehicles,
generators, and construction equipment at Cite Lumiere and Bonne
Finn, Haiti and order, purchase, and
maintain inventory of parts to support the World Relief programs in
southern Haiti. This position would also involve training and mentoring
a Haitian assistant to provide future mechanical maintenance. The equipment mechanic would reside in the Cite Lumiere compound in Les Cayes
and report to the ACWR Construction Operations Facilitator. The applicant should be experienced in mechanical maintenance.
Construction Dept. Assistant
An assistant is needed in the Construction Department at Cite Lumiere as the work has expanded for the
program and related ministries. This
applicant could be a single brother
or couple. Skills that would be valuable in the ministry include:
• Carpentry
• Mechanical experience
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to work with all types of people and personalities
Interested in receiving a
printed sermon?
To order, contact:
Printed Sermons
P.O. Box 154, Forrest, IL 61741
(815) 848-5113 • [email protected]
60
All applicants must be a member
in good standing of the Apostolic
Christian Church, willing to learn
Creole and relocate to Haiti for a
minimum of 3 years, and have a
heart to serve the Haitian people.
If you feel led to serve or
have questions, contact:
Bro. Jon Zeller
309-208-0639
[email protected]
Used Bible, Bible Story Book,
and Song Book Distribution
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
Give a Child Hope
Child Sponsorships
To sponsor a child
T
hose in the child sponsorship program have several things in common. They are very poor, desire to learn
and they have an undying soul.
To sponsor a student fill out this form
and send to the office. A student will
be assigned to you and you will be sent
further information.
The goal of this
program is to
provide an education to help
these children
learn life skills to improve their standard of living, and also to provide
spiritual training to address the true
need...the need for a knowledge of
and a personal relationship with God
through Jesus Christ.
Name _________________________
And all thy children shall be taught of
the Lord; and great shall be the peace
of thy children. IsaIah 54:13
Mr.
Mrs.
Miss
Spouse ________________________
Address _______________________
City ____________St ___ Zip _____
Home Ph ______________________
Cell Ph ________________________
Email _________________________
Please check preference:
Haiti
Guatemala
Jamaica
Mexico
Zambia
Wherever needed
If possible I would prefer:
Boy – Age
Girl – Age
No Preference
Cost: $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]
Haitian Handmade Shoppe
Friday, November 13, 2015 @ 1:00-7:30 pm
Saturday, November 14, 2015 @ 8:30 am-12:30 pm
Tremont Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall
601 S. Chestnut St.
Tremont, IL
Please come support the women of Haiti at the only open house
for Centre Lumiere in central Illinois this fall!
The students of Centre Lumiere are taught Bible, life-skills, health and needlework. Exquisite handmade
items will be available for purchase. All proceeds are returned to the school, providing the students an
income for their livelihood.
Contact Sis. Diane Koch with questions: (309) 634-5873
Items Available: doll clothes (fit American Girl Doll), baby items (new this year!) and children’s
accessories. Also, aprons, kitchen towels, napkins, bags, totes, purses, home décor, hats, scarves, shawls,
tablecloths and runners.
October 2015
SILVER LINING
61
Bible Studies offered by the Apostolic Christian Church
Jesus the True Vine
[1501] This Bible Study
focuses on John 15:1-8 and
is intended for a general
audience. Price: $4.50
Communication in
Marriage [1502]
This is a Bible Study that
is designed specifically for
use by engaged or married
couples. Price: $4.50
Who Is Jesus [1503]
This Bible Study is for
general use and is designed
to encourage self-study by
each participant as well as
discussion within a group.
Price: $4.50
Salvation Bible Study [1510]
God says that the most important thing of all is
to know Him personally, both now and eternally.
He desires a personal and intimate relationship
with you through His son, Jesus Christ.
This Bible study on Salvation is interactive with the
Word of God. You will be looking up the answers in
His Word to see what He says. His Word, the Bible, is
the authority on Salvation. It is the exclusive source for
information about how a man can be redeemed
NEW
from his lost condition and about how he is to
BIBLE STUDY
live after his salvation. Price: $4.50
AVAILABLE
The Second Greatest
Commandment [1504]
This Bible study seeks to
illuminate our understanding
of Bible teachings about
interpersonal relationships.
Price: $4.50
The Hand of God in
the Life of Joseph
[1505] We see the hand of
God in the life of Joseph,
which demonstrates how God’s
goodness is active in the lives of
his people. Price: $4.50
For additional information and ordering visit www.acpublications.org
Apostolic Christian Publications - 651 East Peoria St., Goodﬁeld, IL 61742
Mature Mentors Needed – The New Beginnings of Southwest Florida
Mentoring at The New Beginnings is a way for those who feel called to share God’s unconditional love
with hurting single mothers and their children. The New Beginnings is looking for mentor couples who
are outreach-minded and called by God to come join us in building relationships with these mothers.
We currently are looking for a couple who are in their 50’s or 60’s to serve with us in Florida. We see a
massive benefit to having mentors of all ages support the moms in our program, especially those who can
fill a “Grandma and Grandpa” roll to these women who’ve never had grandparents.
Please prayerfully consider this mission and helping single mothers.
Contact us for more information concerning this opportunity.
The New Beginnings
4810 Marine Dr.
Cape Coral FL, 33904
239.541.4312
[email protected]
62
Continued Articles
Choosing a Career
— Continued from pg. 3
it without concern for whether we
are being compensated fairly or
not; for we serve the Lord Christ.
This meshing of faith and work
may be a new perspective to some
believers. One may wonder, “How
can I accomplish this?” There are
some simple ways to demonstrate
the pureness of heart that a believer
has because of Jesus and through
the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the
Spirit includes; love, joy, peace,
gentleness, meekness, kindness,
etc.12 Working with joy will
immediately give us opportunity
to serve others. Coworkers and
customers alike will gravitate
toward a cheerful person. Serving
with a gentle and meek spirit will
quickly assure coworkers that we
are not there to run them down
or climb over them in a race up
the “corporate ladder.” Seeking
peace and being peaceable will
serve to calm a workplace and
provide those who are not peaceful
a source of inspiration and help.
The primary way to serve in the
workplace is to reflect the nature
of God through the reality of the
Holy Spirit living in us.
When we consider the
freedom that we have today, it
raises questions that would never
have been raised in ancient times.
Many throughout history had no
options. They were born to a trade,
or born to the farm, or perhaps to
tend livestock. It was difficult to
find other opportunities because
survival was much more important
than finding fulfillment in a
career. In our time, we have many
more options. Finding a career
that meshes with our talents and
abilities is a good thing. However,
whether one finds himself in a
job that is not fulfilling, or in a
job that is extremely gratifying,
the way in which we do the job is
much more important than which
job we have.
Preparing oneself for service
through the power of the Spirit
of Christ is the most important
ingredient in serving others
through work. What we do for
a living may not be as important
as how we do it—heartily and
honestly, with the mind of Christ.
(Footnotes)
1
Col. 3:23
2
Matt. 6:34
3
Matt. 6:25
4
Luke 2:49
5
Prov. 6:6-8
6
Prov. 24:27
7
2 Thess. 3:10
8
1 Thess. 4:11-12
9
2 Thess. 3:8
10
2 Cor. 11:9
11
Col. 3:22-24
12
Gal. 5:22-23
Haiti Water Aid
salary of the drillers and buys fuel
for the trucks. This also helps the
community to feel ownership and
take care of the well.
How you can help
We are very thankful for the
prayers and support shown to this
mission. We are very thankful we
have faithful brethren that continue
to volunteer for Water Aid work
trips. Without these volunteers we
would not be able to continue the
mission. But there continues to be a
need for more brethren to fill these
work teams. While mechanical
knowledge is helpful, it is not
absolutely necessary. On the work
trip, we usually spend several days
working on the equipment then
help drill a well.
Trip schedules can be found
in the Silver Lining or on
acworldrelief.org.
Prayers are needed for the
mission. This is difficult, and
sometimes dangerous, work. Wells
are occassionally drilled on top
of mountains and the roads are
treacherous. Pray for the Haitian
drill team’s safety. Also pray for
the health of the drillers as they
have many medical problems.
Donations can be made to
World Relief with Haiti Water Aid
October 2015
SILVER LINING
63
Continued Articles
Haiti Water Aid
designated. Since the current drill
rig is very old and requires much
maintenance, we are considering
purchasing a newer drill rig and
additional funding will be needed
to make this happen.
We also have a donated well
fund where you can donate $2,000
to provide a well for a community
that cannot afford the fee. The
community is then asked to pay
only a small amount they can
afford. If you participate in this
fund, information on where the well
is drilled and photos of the well will
be sent to the contributor. Contact
Maurice Schaefer at (309) 253-9003
or [email protected] for details.
The Church &
Singleness
encouragement, support and value
in this world? Only the Church.
May we do our part together to
make this a reality.
ACCFS continues to develop
resources to help singles in
their walk with the Lord. These
resources can be found on our
website at www.accounseling.org/
singleness. If you would like more
information or have requests/
comments, please contact ACCFS
at (309)263-5536 or singleness@
accounseling.org.
64
SILVER LINING September 2015
Establishing
Churches
We pray that through
this process the work by the
CAC brothers and everyone who
will answer God’s call will be a
blessing to the churches in Austin
and St. Louis and in time to all
of our small churches that desire
bolstering assistance.
Focus on Outreach
with an initial group of believers.
After considering several locations,
the CEC has elder support to
prayerfully research options near
Omaha, NE. In this effort, we
ask for prayer for the continued
direction of the Holy Spirit. A
sub-committee, led by Elder Bro.
Tom Waldbeser, will be working
alongside Elder Bro. John Lehman
in this endeavor.
Your Support Needed
We ask for your support in these
A consistent expression by those in endeavors, first through prayer
our small congregations is a desire
and then by considering how you,
for assistance with outreach to help your family, and your congregation
in their growth efforts. Several
could engage in these efforts. We
resources have been reviewed
would also welcome you to share
and tools are being developed to
your comments and suggestions
help brethren understand how to
with the CEC. Finally, we are
undertake outreach and ways to
looking for brethren (especially
overcome the inhibitors to sharing
ministers) that would have a heart
the gospel. We plan to pilot these
to help bolster a small church or be
materials within the congregations involved in the planting of a new
that are part of the bolstering
one by considering the possibility
efforts listed above. We would also of relocation. In all of this work,
like to communicate these outreach we pray that God will continue to
resources to our broader national
open opportunities before us as a
church with the intent to make
church, that He will call brethren
reaching the lost with the complete to labor in his vineyard, and that
gospel of truth a greater part of our His name will be exalted above all.
everyday living and church culture. CEC Committee Members:
Elder Bro. Duane Rocke, Elder
God’s Work in Establishing Bro. Tom Waldbeser, Bros.
New Churches
Frank Sauder, Matt Knapp,
The Committee has been given
Clint Dotterer, Matthew Rassi,
support to seek out a location
Chad Leman, Kirk Plattner and
to start a new church in an area
Arlan Miller.
Monthly Sermon, continued
that most of the congregation here
knew of the story, could remember
the loaves and the fishes and what
the miracle was. But, take yourself
back and make yourself a disciple
watching Jesus do it the first time,
or sit on the hillside and wonder
at what is going to happen next.
And when we get in the boat and
we’re part way across the water,
be fearful and quake! So as we
read these words again, I think
we’re somewhat disadvantaged
by knowing the whole story. So if
we can, try to step back from the
story you know and read these
words as if it were the first time.
Wonder in awe just like the people
at what would happen next.
As we begin reading this, the
apostles have just returned from
having done many miracles and
wonders and signs in His name.
They came back and are telling
Jesus. They are all bubbling about
what’s going on. They are very
excited. Just like this morning,
Jesus said, you know what? It’s
time to step back. Let’s go some
place and rest a little bit. You’ve
gotten a little bit worked into
this. It’s time to take a break.
Blessed is the hour! Let’s go some
place where there are not the
distractions. Let’s go to a desert.
I don’t know if you’ve had the
opportunity to be in the desert.
I’ve traveled through some on
the way to Magdalena, Mexico.
There’s not much there. It’s certain
you think if you could get out
of here there wouldn’t be much
to distract you. Where we live in
Chicago I can look at the sky and
probably 90% of the time find a
jet, a plane, a streak of a jet or a
plane somewhere. Everything is
busy. When you are in the desert,
you look up and around you
may not see anything in the sky,
perhaps some clouds, but certainly
not streaks of jets. In fact, we’re in
sort of a landing pattern. There are
times that they just seem to stack
up coming towards our house. I
wouldn’t see that in a desert. There
would just be peace.
Even last night we were at my
parent’s place. I got out of the car
and the crickets are chirping. You
country folk take that for granted.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve
heard the chirping of the crickets
and the locusts. I sat outside for a
little bit while I was working and
putting the car seats back in our car.
I thought I could stay out here for a
long time and listen to this. I have
a feeling if I brought my child out
and told her those are bugs she’d be
scared. I find that humorous, but
we just don’t have those noises in
the suburbs and I miss that. But the
peace of God lives in that silence
at night with the chirping of the
crickets and night noises and just to
be away and to rest.
So that’s where He takes them
into the desert. All these people,
though, know where He’s going
and they outrun the boat. They
beat Jesus to where He is going.
So as they head to the desert
and if you are like me, you’re
going someplace — this is good;
we’re going to get away. They
got there and if I’m a disciple,
I’m immediately disappointed,
because all these people are here
before me. This is supposed to be
my time. This is supposed to be
the time that I was going to get
away and have some peace. This
was supposed to be the time that I
could relax.
Have you ever been there?
Have you ever come up on a
weekend, perhaps that you looked
forward to because the calendar
was empty and said this is good
weekend? I can rest this weekend.
I can spend some time doing
maybe some things in the yard
which I find relaxing or I can do
this or I can do that. Something
comes up. They say there’s an
opportunity to go serve here, or
somebody’s coming through town
and wanted to know if we’d like to
get together for dinner. You name
it. I’m sure you can come up with
your own example. Immediately
you think, oh, but this is supposed
to be my weekend. But this was
supposed to be my time.
65
But you know, God had other
plans, and Jesus recognized this.
It doesn’t say that Jesus got out of
the boat and said, ‘Hey everybody,
go home. This is our time. Leave
us alone.’ No! “And Jesus, when
he came out, saw much people,
and was moved with compassion
toward them, because they were
as sheep not having a shepherd:
and he began to teach them many
things” (v.34). Jesus recognized
when God puts work in front of
us we have to step by sometimes
and say, ‘God, I’m going to do
the work and I’m going to happy
about it.’ It doesn’t say here that
Jesus was angry or frustrated or
anything. We just read this and
in my mind I assume He went
about this work willingly and
thankfully with a joyful heart much different than I approach
the work that’s sprung upon me in
my relaxing weekend.
Here Jesus is, and He begins
to teach the people. He begins to
tell them all the stories that God
would have them to know that
day. I wish we knew what this was.
Again all we have is the Scriptures
to go off of, and we just skipped
a big portion of the day between
when they see Jesus get out of
the boat and when His disciples
say it’s dinner time. I don’t know
happened in that time. I really
want to be there. I really want to
66
know what He taught the people.
I really want to be a disciple
sitting on the side. Were they like
me — when you’re sitting waiting
for someone, stamping your feet,
and kind of waiting for Him to
get done. Really? This is my time!
Really? Is that how we are as a
disciple sometimes? Really, God?
I’m glad that I can do this service
this weekend, but really this work
project will be over in about an
hour and I’ll be able to go back to
what I want to do. Is that how we
approach things when God has us
to work?
So here the disciples sit and
wait. They get to dinner time and
now is the time - send them away,
Jesus. Send them away into the
towns and the countries nearby.
There’s a business man in the
crowd — that’s wonderful! Again,
we’re in the big city. Every now
and then there’s a major event that
comes to town. You see things
about tourism dollars. There’s
people staying in hotels, and
they’re buying the food. Those are
things that are hard to quantify,
but if they have this convention,
all these people will come. There
will be all this money brought into
the local economy.
That’s wonderful the disciples
here are doing that sort of thing.
Send them into the countryside
that they can buy food, supporting
the local businesses. If we’re a
business man in a capitalist society
we say that’s a good thing. Jesus
says, no, no, no! You feed them!
Did the twelve look at one another
one at a time and say, ‘Did I miss
something? Did somebody forget
the food for 5,000?’
I’m pretty sure there’s a lunch
prepared here. In Chicago on more
than one occasion since I’ve been
up there for almost fifteen years,
we’ve left Sunday worship service
to discover that the person who is
scheduled to serve lunch — this,
by the way, is the beauty of a small
church — forgot. Thankfully,
because there are grocery stores
nearby, somebody had run during
morning service and bought some
crackers and cheese and some milk,
and we have a good lunch still.
We trust that somebody
here remembered that they were
feeding today. Then the disciples
had to look around and think
who missed this one. Who missed
this queue? Then they said, ‘Well,
what do you have? How many
loaves do you have?’ They take
a count. I don’t know how long
it took to count five loaves and
two fishes, but I doubt it was very
long. They took a count. They
found five loaves and two fishes.
He said to make them sit down in
companies, divide them up (v.3940). The disciples did this. Again,
if you’re in this crowd, I don’t
know where you put yourself in
this story this morning. Are you a
disciple thinking this is ridiculous!
I’ve got five pieces and two fish,
and I’m making all these people sit
down. What am I doing? Or are
you in the crowd thinking what
are we all getting into rows for?
Why are we all sitting in groups
all of a sudden? Why did He quit
teaching? Why are His disciples
bothering Him?
They all sit down in
companies. By the way, I don’t
think my eyes had ever seen this:
“upon the green grass” (v.39).
We’re in a desert place, and there’s
green grass. That struck me as an
interesting part of the Scripture.
The Scriptures, the Gospels in
particular, are loaded with details
that just catch our eye sometimes
and make us shake our head and
smile. Why did we need to know
it was green grass? I don’t know
how many times I’ve had this
open to me in the service. This is
the first time I’ve read green grass,
but God opens our eyes to these
little words.
They all sat down on the
green grass. He takes the bread
and breaks. He takes the fish and
breaks and blesses and passes it
out. They all eat. Five thousand
people eat off of five loaves of
bread and two fish! If that weren’t
a miracle enough to his disciples
who are passing it out, if that’s
where you put yourself in the
story. He says, ‘Now gather it all
up and bring back what’s left.’
They pass the leftovers down to
the end of the row, and they get
twelve baskets.
When you picked up your
basket in this story, how big was
it? Was it a little lunch basket you
could have for the next day to
remind you? Maybe that basket
contained five loaves and two
fish. Did you pick up a bushel
basket, and it was just huge and
overflowing? I’ve read this story
and had my mind go one way
and another way. One time I
think it would almost be a joke
to get a small basket with a few
loaves and couple fish, and that
would be what was leftover. For
the disciples, each one gets one.
There are twelve. They have these
twelve baskets. Every disciple
had their own basket. It’s a great
detail in this story. It had to be a
great faith building experience. If
you’re a disciple, I’m sure you’ve
just had your mind blown by
what just happened.
Then you get in the boat
because He says get in the ship
and go to the other side while I
send the people away (v.45). I’m
going to skip ahead a few verses,
and it said, “For they considered
not the miracle of the loaves: for
their heart was hardened” (v.52).
Wait a minute! Each one of them
took a basket! Each one of them
would have carried that basket
somewhere. I’m guess it’s in the
boat. Now they saw Jesus walking
on water, and they are shocked.
They can’t believe that He did this
because they’ve already forgotten
the miracle that happened just
hours earlier despite the reminder
of a basket sitting next to them.
Have you been there? Have you
ever done that? Have you ever seen
God do amazing things, and then
you came to the next crises and
you forgot what He did before?
I won’t get into many details,
but our daughter, when she was
born, went in the hospital for
some time after she was born.
As a new parent and as a first
time parent, it was a traumatic
experience. So many people told
us, after a while these days will
just seem a blur and you won’t
remember them much. Just last
night with some young couples
we were getting to know, I
mentioned that, and I said it’s
kind of funny. She’s over two
and half years old, and I don’t
even hardly think of those days
anymore. For two weeks, it
consumed us! For two weeks,
that was the crisis. For two nights
at the beginning of those two
weeks, my wife and I laid in bed
and wept to God and said we
don’t know what’s going on with
our child. She’s in Your hands.
67
He took care of her just like
we knew He would. He’s our
refuge and our strength. The God
of Jacob is our strength. We knew
that, and He did. Now we look
back, and I forget that. The next
crisis comes up and something
happens, and we get all wrapped
up in it. Do you think that my
mind goes back to the miracle of
Him saving my child? Or does
it even go back to the fact that I
have a child at all? That came up
last night in our conversation with
friends — the miracle of birth.
You enter the room as two of you,
you come out with three, and one
of you is perfectly formed but in
a tiny body. What an amazing
miracle! We see these miracles
around us all the time.
This is farming country. Some
months ago, you put a seed in
the ground. It just came out and
you’re yielding bushels you can’t
believe. Maybe you’ve seen yields
you haven’t ever seen before. Isn’t
it a miracle that this one seed is
producing ears of corn? Isn’t that
a miracle? Yet when something
happens and your car doesn’t start
tomorrow, do you remember that
miracle? These are the questions
God brings to my heart when I
read this story.
Now they get in this ship,
and they go the other way. There’s
a verse, verse 46, “and when he
68
had sent them away, he departed
into a mountain to pray”. Jesus
had brought His disciples away
for a time of quietness, a time
to reconnect, and they were
interrupted by the crowds. Jesus
has the crowds, and He talks to
them. He brings forth the message
that God put on His heart that
day. I don’t know what it is, but
He brought it forth. Then they
feed them this amazing miracle,
and everybody’s shocked. His
disciples are shocked. He sends
them away. He goes about what
He intended to do from the
beginning which is to head into
the mountains to pray, to get
away a little bit. By the way, He
sent the disciples on the water by
themselves, away. There’s nobody
to interrupt them as they rowed.
There’s a storm on the waters.
They are too busy being wrapped
up in that to take in the fact of
their quietness of alone time.
Maybe the farmers are
different than me. I’m in a car
driving and there are times that
it will cross my mind that I’m by
myself. Now would be a good
time to pray, but I’m quickly
distracted. When I think of
His disciples, it’s probably the
same way. When you’re in your
field and you’re coiling through
the corn or the beans, I’m sure
there are times when it’s good
time to pray, but then you’re
distracted by something on the
monitor or something in front
of you or something going on.
Whatever it might be. Perhaps
it’s even a quail flying out of the
field or a pheasant. I don’t know.
But something jars us and we
aren’t very good at staying in the
moment. Jesus went alone into
the mountain to pray. Take the
opportunities you’re given to
get alone with God. Take your
opportunities whether you’re
rowing your boat so to speak,
or whether you are away in the
mountains alone. Take the time
to speak with God, to commune
with Him. Ask Him to open your
eyes to where you missed the
miracle around you.
We go back to the story to the
disciples who are in the boat. If
you are in that boat as a disciple,
you are rowing, and it’s really,
really frustrating because there’s
a storm. Every time you put the
paddle in to go forward a wave
knocks you back. We say one step
forward and two steps back or
two steps forward and one step
back. That’s how the disciples
felt. Every row forward they are
getting hit back by the wind and
the waves. In the midst of this,
they see something, a person, the
form of a person, walking on this
water that they can’t row through.
Are you scared in the boat? You’re
scared enough because of this
storm, perhaps, and now you see a
figure walking. Aren’t you scared
too? Aren’t you with the disciples
that you cry out in fear? Can you
see them hitting each other on the
shoulder and pointing and yelling?
Maybe yelling go away, go away!
Leave us alone! Does it ever cross
their mind that it could be Jesus?
Does it ever cross our mind in
crisis when we see Jesus approaching
that it could be Him? I don’t know
how that scenario plays out today
for you and I in the boat when
we’re rowing and things get hard.
We see Jesus coming, and we don’t
recognize Him coming in the form
of someone, perhaps, who’s coming
to offer a lending hand that just
isn’t any good at that. Have you
been there when you’ve been in a
really difficult situation and could
use some help, and the person that
comes to offer help is not the person
who is going to be most helpful?
Again I use my children.
They’re great examples. When I
forget something and I send my
daughter, I know it’s a risk that
what I’ve sent her to get will come
back at all or in the form that it
was when she picked it up. Two
days ago, I sent her downstairs for
my cell phone. She’s pretty good
with it. I don’t worry that she’s
going to drop it, but she might
and she would break something
that’s valuable to me. But she was
the person I could call on to help.
Have you been there? When
Jesus came to help you and you
didn’t recognize the person
because they’re just not good at
cooking. So and so offered to
help me with a dinner, but she’s
just a little scattered. Is that
something you’ve said? She’s just
not really reliable. They’re going
to be late. They are always late.
But, it’s Jesus coming to help
you. You were frustrated, and He
offers you help. We sometimes
are more frustrated.
I just think why do I do this
to my Jesus? Here the disciples are
seeing this spirit, and now they are
more scared and more fearful. Jesus
says it’s okay! It’s okay! He comes
in the boat and the winds stop.
Again, are you taken back? Are you
a disciple who looks at this and says
‘the waters!’ Number one — it’s
Jesus. Number two — everything
goes calm. In another Scripture
it says they were immediately at
the shore (St. John 6:21). All these
things happen at once.
Put yourself in the story. Do
they help you trust your God
more? Do they help you realize
what a refuge and strength He is
when He provides the fish and the
loaves in abundance for a crowd
you didn’t see how you’d ever feed?
Does it make you realize what a
refuge that our God is when He
steps into the boat? First you’re
fearful of who it was, and He’s
made Himself known. Not only
has He made Himself known, the
waves have ceased, and the waters
are calm. We can go on in peace,
trusting in our God!
Are you in that boat today?
Where are you now? I don’t know
where you stand. I can think about
where I stand. I would say at the
moment I am not in a real heavy
storm, but there are times I’m sitting
on the shore instead next to the
crowd of people and thinking this
is supposed to be my time, Jesus. It’s
supposed to be my time, God.
Why are we here doing all
of this? We’ve been doing a lot
of running back and forth to
Central Illinois in the car with
our children. They are not the best
travelers sometimes, and it can get
old. But, have I sat and thought
this is what we are called to or
agreed to? We’re going to be okay.
It’s going to be alright. Where are
you in your life? What is taking
you and consuming you at the
moment? Are you able to sit in
the crowd and just be amazed at
the miracle? If we’re not amazed
at the miracle, take yourself back
and get away alone with God in
the mountain to pray if you need
too, and remember He’s your
refuge and your strength. You
can call on Him. He’ll make the
waters calm. He’ll feed you as
you need to be fed. He’ll provide.
He is our refuge!
69
Learning from our history
Remembering Our Spiritual Heritage
This month is focusing on a great revival in Lewis County,
New York in the summer of 1881. This research first
appeared in Marching to Zion, and it’s from this church
history book that excerpts are taken.
An Ingathering of Souls
During the Eldership of Peter Virkler, one of the
greatest ingatherings of converts in the history of
our church took place. In the summer of 1881,
140 converts were baptized. On thirteen successive
Sundays, beginning June 5 and ending August 28, 139
baptisms were performed; and a few weeks months
later on September 18, one more soul was baptized.
It was a time of great joy for the church. An
article entitled “Great Revival in New Bremen”
appeared in a local newspaper. It refers to a Rev.
Benedict Veianat who came from Illinois. The last
name was misspelled from the German to English,
and should have been Benedict Weyeneth.
The article reads as follows: “Early last June
Rev. Benedict Veianat, a minister of the German
Evangelical Baptists, from Illinois, began a series
of extra meetings of this sect in New Bremen.
Meetings have been held daily at the churches
either at Naumberg or New Bremen, and as the
fruit of this labor 127 persons, mostly between the
ages of 15 and 30 years, have been converted and
baptized into the church by immersion, and the
work still continues. The work is quiet, deep, and
thorough. The church is very particular in receiving
members and before baptism there must be evidence
of sincere repentance and conversion. As a result
of this work, the people all through the section
over the river have been deeply interested, and the
meetings have been crowded. Mr. Veianat has been
very successful as a revivalist among the Germans,
which language he speaks fluently.” (This article was
found in the Bible of Priscilla Farney.
70
Reason(s) For the Ingathering
One can only speculate on the reasons for such a
massive spiritual harvest. No doubt Peter Virkler’s Godgiven talents in preaching helped stir an awakening.
Too, the Mennonite infusion into the church twenty
years earlier was still in force, and it’s likely a good
number of the 1881 converts were those who decided
to leave the Mennonite faith, repent, and join with the
Evangelical Baptists (the initial name of our church here
in America, and which was used in upstate New York).
Also, there was a thirst for the truth, and when gospel
came forth in all its truth, there were positive responses.
Elder Peter Virkler
Peter Virkler’s travels took him to the central part of the
nation (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa) and all the
way to Oregon. He is credited with helping organize the
church in Silverton, Oregon, in approximately 1879. In
1871, he had traveled to Europe and toured widely. He
was accompanied by his wife, Anna Farney, whom he
had married in 1853. The couple had no children, but
were “foster parents” to many. He entered the ministry
in 1853 and died in 1889 at age 60. His funeral was
preached by Elder Michael Zimmerman of Congerville,
Illinois (an early church official of that era).
Elder Solomon Virkler
A few years after the death of Peter Virkler, his nephew,
Solomon Virkler, age 36, was ordained as Elder in 1891.
He is recognized as the first minister in the New York
churches (of our faith) to preach in the English language,
although he also preached in German as well. He served
until his death in 1897. Interestingly, Alpheus J. Virkler,
Jr., two years older than his brother Solomon, was
ordained as the next Elder in 1903. Alpheus was a farmer
and also worked as a carpenter. -By Perry Klopfenstein
Next Issue - A newspaper article about the church in
Lewis County, New York.
The Light of Hope
Not By Force
Recently the thought has come to me that no one
can be forced to repent and become a child of God,
or a Christian. A government could compel everyone
to become a Christian in name, but not inwardly.
If I understand it correctly, it has to be a working of
the Holy Spirit from within a person. However, for
us to be a good example of a true child of God and
to teach the Gospel message, gives the Holy Spirit
something to work with. Then the individual has to
decide to repent or not to repent.
The Lord Jesus Christ did not beg people to
follow Him. When many people no longer followed
Him, “Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also
go away?” John 6:67. I would have expected Jesus to
have said something like this, “Now don’t you go
away, too,” but He didn’t say that. He just asked,
“Will ye also go away?” This implies “You don’t have
to follow me if you don’t want to.” Jesus did not
try to force people to follow Him. His method was
simply a loving invitation.
In the Old Testament it is written, “Not by
might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord
of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6. The angel was speaking to
Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah at the time of
Israel’s return from the Babylonian captivity, if I’m
not mistaken. In any case, the message is that things
for God are not accomplished by man’s power or
ability. It takes the spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.
Both Jesus and John the Baptist began their
ministry with these words, “Repent ye: for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2 and 4:17. “Repent
ye” is in the imperative mood which indicates it is a
command, but it doesn’t mean your obedience will be
forced upon you. No one is going to handcuff you and
escort you into the kingdom of heaven. The only people
who go to heaven are those who want to go to heaven.
Jesus told a story of a man who made a great
supper and bade many people. Many people made
excuses as to why they could not come so the lord
of the supper told his servants to bring in the poor,
the maimed (disabled), the halt (crippled), and the
blind. There was still room so we read, “And the lord
said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and
hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may
be filled.” Luke 14:23. Here again “compel” is in the
imperative mood which indicates it is a command,
but it falls short of forcing anyone. We simply need
to do all we can to give the Holy Spirit the material
He needs to convict people and to lead them to
repentance. That desire and that conviction must
come from within them.
Timothy, Paul’s helper, was exhorted as follows:
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example
of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity,
in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12. All
believers should be a good example of what the Bible
teaches. Therefore I request that everyone observe
my appearance, as well as what I say and what I do,
and kindly bring it to my attention where he or she
thinks I could do better in accordance with what the
Bible teaches. Unless we all do this and listen to one
another, there is certainly danger that we will drift
into more and more worldliness. It is difficult for us
to see where we ourselves are failing.
Referring to the above Bible verse, Timothy was
exhorted to be an example of, among other things,
purity. People have a secret longing to be pure
and holy. If we believers, are not that kind of an
example, markedly different from the world, who
cares to be like us? Not by force, but by example
and the Holy Spirit.
-By Willis Ehnle
71
THE SILVER LINING
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so
panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul
thirsteth for God, for the living God: when
shall I come and appear before God?”
Psalm 42:1-2

- Apostolic Christian Church of America

Transcription

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