2013-02 Light from the Word February 2013

February 2013
SILVER LINING
“For I have not shunned to declare
unto you all the counsel of God”
(Acts 20:27)
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Light from the Word
The Faithful Church:
Based on the Whole Counsel of God
As believers, we can be so grateful that
God has revealed Himself to us. He does
that in a variety of ways but primarily
through His Word, the Bible. As we “labor
in doctrine” (1 Tim. 5:17) to discern the
whole counsel of God through His Word,
we need to rely on the Holy Spirit, the
authority of church leadership, and a
multitude of counselors as we humbly seek
to gain insight into God’s will for us.
As we consider the critically important
matter of determining the whole counsel of
God, we must humbly recognize our own
fallibility and hold a reverence for God
and His revealed Word. Our Sovereign
God has chosen what to reveal and what
will remain secret (Deut. 29:29). We must
also have a deep respect for the inspired
nature of God’s Word and a trust that it is
absolutely true and given for our learning.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works”
(2 Tim. 3:16-17). As Apostolic Christians,
we believe that “the Bible is the inspired
and infallible Word of God to man”
(Statement of Faith #1).
God’s Word is nowhere more manifest
than in the embodiment—or incarnation,
literally “in the flesh”—of His Son, the man
Jesus Christ. John begins his gospel with
this foundation, “in the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.” (John 1:1). John makes
it clear that this Word is Jesus Christ who
“was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and
we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only
begotten of the Father,) full of grace and
truth” (v. 14). Any effort to comprehend
the purposes and will of God should be
considered through the lens of Christ’s life
and mind which we are commanded to
mimic (Phil. 2:5).
The Word itself gives guidance on its
purpose and how we are to use it. “Let the
word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom;” (Col. 3:16) “Thy word is a lamp
unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
(Psa. 119:105). In applying God’s Word,
we soon find that it cuts to the heart of the
matter, true to its description as a sharp
sword (Heb. 4:12, Eph. 6:17).
We are warned to handle God’s Word
carefully and without deceit. “But (we) have
renounced the hidden things of dishonesty,
not walking in craftiness, nor handling
the word of God deceitfully;” (2 Cor. 4:2).
Rather we are entreated to apply it carefully
in our lives. “Study to shew thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
(2 Tim. 2:15).
These warnings are given because there
is a very real possibility that we could apply
the Word incorrectly. Even the Apostle
Paul was subject to verification of his
words and preaching. Indeed the Bereans
were commended for not only receiving
the word (from Paul) “with all readiness of
mind”, indicating an openness and engaged
heart and mind, but also a sincere desire to
discern the truth in the light of God’s Word
as they “searched the scriptures daily (to see)
whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
As fallible people, we are subject to the
temptation to approach God’s Word with
the intent to justify ourselves or to find
support for our beliefs. If we truly desire to
be directed of God, we must read the Bible
to see what He says we should believe and
how we should live without determining
beforehand what we think it says. It can be
all too easy to “proof-text” our beliefs – to
search until we find a verse that seems
to support our thought and stop there,
perhaps well short of the “whole counsel” of
God on the matter.
Another trap is to lift a verse from
the pages of God’s Word and use it in
isolation, or out of context. Satan did this
when tempting Jesus. The enemy told the
Lord, “For it is written, He shall give his
angels charge over thee, to keep thee” (Luke
4:10) and boldly suggested that Jesus test
this verse by throwing Himself from the
pinnacle of the temple. Jesus rebuked him
with the fullness of God’s Word and the
balance of “thou shalt not tempt the Lord
thy God” (Luke 4:12, Deut. 6:16).
In an example from the Civil War, a
preacher from the South used Joel 2:20, “I
Writings based on God’s Word
will remove far off from you the northern
army, and will drive him into a land barren
and desolate…and his stink shall come up,
and his ill savor” to suggest that the North
was wrong and would ultimately fail. The
outcome of that conflict reveals the folly of
such a thing and we must be careful today
not to make the same errors. Similarly,
countless attempts to pinpoint the end
of the world have been fruitless and have
caused many to scoff (2 Pet. 3:3-4). As we
heard at conference, we have no authority
to divide God’s Word more than He does.
The very real possibility that we
could take a verse out of context or
inappropriately emphasize one area of
Scripture to the exclusion of the other
necessitates a caution in the practice of
randomly opening the Bible and laying
too much weight on what we read there
in isolation from other Scriptures. This in
no way denies the blessings and benefits
of letting the Scriptures fall open and
preaching by the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit. But we should consider our flesh
whenever we approach God’s Word and be
especially aware that we could be tempting
God by pressing Him to answer our
specific questions. Job learned that God is
Sovereign and will reveal what He wants us
to know in His good time and way.
In our desire to be led of God we must
recognize that interpretation is not a private
or individual matter (2 Pet. 1:20-21). We
are influenced by a culture that prizes,
promotes, and exalts individualism. But
God’s Word is replete with warnings of
the dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and
independence. If we find ourselves resisting
the church, our parents, and/or the pattern
of Christian understanding throughout
the ages, we should stop and question our
thinking, motives, and heart. God is not
the author of confusion but of peace (1 Cor.
14:33).
Finally, we can be thankful to be a part
of a church that continues to seek to follow
the whole counsel of God together, and
in doing so, to experience the blessings of
unity of brethren (Ps. 133:1).
An editorial committee of elders prepares articles for this section of Silver Lining to address some special needs of our times.
Suggestions for subjects are welcome and can be sent to:
Silver Lining Editorials, 1523 County Road 400N, Congerville, IL 61729 or [email protected]
February 2013
SILVER LINING
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...The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the
Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew 9:37-38
New Hope in the Land
of the Rising Sun
J
apan is a group of 6,852 islands.
The four largest islands are
Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and
Shikoku, which together comprise
about ninety-seven percent of
Japan's land area. Japan has the
world's tenth-largest population,
with over 127 million people and
the world's third-largest economy.
Japan stands out as one the
largest least-reached groups of the
developed world. The culture of
Shintoism and Buddhism, though
not necessarily often practiced, still
have a strong hold on most of the
Japanese people. This influence is in
many different areas. For example,
even if someone dies that has not
practiced the Buddhist faith, the
families of the deceased still feel
peer pressure and perhaps a bit of
fear that causes them to choose a
Buddhist funeral.
The culture of conforming to
the majority is strong and can
drive people to excessive work
hours (often seven days a week),
diminishing time for family or
church.
Many Japanese Christians are the
only ones in their family, workplace
or school, which can make especially
the first few years of their Christian
walk more difficult. The Tokyo
and Shioda churches endeavor to
present the Gospel of salvation,
nurture the believer, uphold true
biblical doctrine, and serve others
in the love of Christ.
much work for the gospel has been
accomplished in the old church,
which is nearly 60 years old, we
look forward to worshipping in
a new building that we trust will
bless young to old and be an honor
to God.
A newer sound system will enable
us to provide better audio services
to the many members and friends
who listen either online or by
telephone. Please join us in praying
that interest in the Word will draw
people to attend, hear the Gospel,
repent and know the peace and joy
of the Lord.
Prayer needs
After the earthquake and subsequent
tsunami, many missionaries went
to the Tohoku region to lend aid
and share the gospel. Please pray
for these efforts and for the hurting
hearts there.
When tragedy or difficulty strikes,
people realize their weakness and
look for meaning and purpose.
Young and old alike need the
hope of a Savior when things look
hopeless due to economic pressures,
bullying, illness and other pressures
of life.
Also, in the area of our churches
we have opportunity to serve those
who are suffering from physical,
emotional or mental pain. Please
remember the churches in Japan in
prayer as they need energy, wisdom,
and grace to help these suffering
people.
Jesus expresses this so well, “The
Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because
he hath anointed me to preach the
New Church in Shioda
Gospel to the poor; he hath sent me
After much prayer and counsel, to heal the brokenhearted, to preach
a new church building in Shioda deliverance to the captives, and
is under construction. Though recovering of sight to the blind, to
www.acmission.org
set at liberty them that are bruised,
to preach the acceptable year of the
Lord.” Luke 4:18-19
In the Tokyo church, English
classes are offered to those who
attend church or Sunday school.
Many have come to church and the
seed has been planted through this
outreach.
We have experienced this in the
past in Shioda when the kindergarten
was an outreach ministry. On
occasion someone will come to
church through a connection with
the kindergarten. Many seeds were
planted in those early years. Oh, that
they might bring forth fruit.
Ways to serve
There are many ways to serve, both
long term and short term. Several
brethren have come to Japan to
teach English, as those jobs are
fairly easy to find. As they assemble
with the church, and fellowship with
them on Sunday, it is a tremendous
encouragement to everyone. These
individuals can be even more useful
as they learn the Japanese language
and understand the culture.
The Mission Committee is
exploring ways to provide support
for those who are interested
in serving in Japan. For more
information regarding this mission
opportunity, please contact your
local elder.
Again we rememeber the words
of Jesus, “Go ye therefore, and
teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of
the son, and of the Holy Ghost:
teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you:
and lo, I am with you always, even
unto the end of the world.”
Matthew 28:19-20
February 2013
SILVER LINING
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As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
The Gospel and
Deeds of Service
O
ur brethren seek to share a
Christ-centered Gospel with
the people of Ixtlan, MX. To
accomplish this purpose there is
a need to communicate the gospel
both in clear words of teaching, as
well as visible deeds of service that
build trust between one another.
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in
heaven. Matthew 5:16
Two boys and
a grapefruit tree
Absent fathers are not uncommon
in Mexico. Sometimes this is from
neglect; other times it is the consequences of the violence that has
besieged Mexico these last years.
Stepping in as a father-figure for
two young boys in town can build
trust within a whole neighborhood.
As Bro. Marshall eases his pickup
truck down the narrow and bumpy
street in adjacent Corea, 7-year old
Cesar and his 9-year old cousin
immediately stop what they are doing and run to their homes. Within
minutes they return, with permission from their mothers to ride for
a mile in the back of the pickup to
the grapefruit tree. It is not always
picking grapefruit; sometimes the
task for the day is watering trees
or other useful jobs. Neighbors are
out watching this recurring scene.
There are many warm hand waves,
and “Buenas tardes” exchanged.
There is a sense of trust as they leave.
The little community of Corea
has not been without brokenness
and hurt. There have been recent
moments of crisis where people
have cried out for help, counsel
and comfort. Those with a proven
track record of trustworthiness were
frequently the ones to whom they
turned.
When the boys return, the
grapefruit is shared generously
among many homes in that closeknit community. These are simple
deeds of service, but they build the
foundation of trust that is essential
for those moments when the Lord
breaks up fallow ground. In this
case, the immediate need was a
young boy in need of a father-figure,
but the more tangible fruit was fullgrown adults who knew where to
turn in times of crisis.
and ophthalmic equipment was donated. The Lord mercifully opened
the way to transport the equipment
across the border and to Ixtlan.
Many cataracts have been removed;
numerous eyeglasses have been
fitted. People frequently ask when
they plan to come down again.
Sharing of talents one week each year
Through these deeds, the church
becomes valued by the community.
Other services include medical
training for the community, counseling at a rehabilitation facility, a
private school, tutoring and others.
Sharing fruit in the town of Corea
These relationship-building activities are not planned, but simply
come from a response to the Spirit's
direction to serve people in need.
Nonetheless, missionaries struggle
with the same busyness as anyone
else in the working world. Please
pray that the Lord would grant our
brothers and sisters, overseas and
domestic, insight and compassion.
Eye surgery
and eye glasses
Work teams serve a similar function in this same important activity of building trust. For over ten
years brothers have been coming
to Ixtlan annually for eye surgery
and to fit eyeglasses. The optometry
www.acworldrelief.org
What you can do
The gospel message is not directly
communicated through these deeds,
but they cultivate relationships of
trust that the Lord uses to open
hearts and give people “ears to
hear.” It is not complicated, but
there is an element of self-sacrifice
that is required of the brothers
and sisters. They must stay openhearted to the needs of those the
Lord brings into their lives.
The brothers and sisters are
strengthened by your prayers,
encouraging notes, and personal
response to the needs in your own
local communities. As you train
your heart to listen to the Word
and Spirit in your own community,
you will train yourself for the most
important quality needed in the
mission field... a servant heart.
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Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped
achh.org
“And the King shall answer and say
unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one
of the least of these my brethren, ye
have done it unto me.” (Matt. 26:40)
“…Who is my mother? And who
are my brethren? And he stretched
forth his hand toward his disciples,
and said, Behold my mother and my
brethren! For whosoever shall do
t8he will of my Father which is in
heaven, the same is my brother, and
sister, and mother.” (Matt. 12:48-50)
These scriptures were read
recently at the funeral service of a
young man who lived at Timber
Ridge. BJ held a special place in the
hearts of many here at the Home.
He had a beautiful, radiant smile
that will long be remembered. The
whereabouts of BJ’s parents or
family were not known, so Timber
Ridge residents and staff were his
only ‘family’. He could not care for
himself, and relied on the loving
care of faithful workers, hour by
hour, day by day, for many years.
Jesus considered his ‘mother and
brethren’ to be those who did
the will of His father. We value
and place importance on earthly
families, and rightfully so, but in
the big picture, we care for those
without family as our own.
We are surrounded with countless
opportunities to participate in the
Lord’s work. May we be open and
willing to serve with our time and
talents, even though our efforts may
seem small, feeble, or insignificant.
Jesus said that if we serve the least of
His, we are serving Him.
We ask for your continued prayers
on behalf of residents, families and
staff as we serve the Lord.
SILVER LINING
GATEWAY WOODS
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN
CHILDREN’S HOME
Roger Gasser,
Residential Counselor
Dealing as counselors of our
residents and their families teaches
us the critical need of all people
to depend on God. Though our
residents come with a multitude
of problems, what they need to
develop is obedience to Biblical
principles. All scripture is profitable,
but most of our residents come with
little background in the Word, and
we can’t start with everything at
once. If I were to list five Scriptural
principles to begin with in dealing
with our residents and their parents,
I would pick the following:
1. “Love the Lord your God with
all your heart.” And of course,
this means we will love to read and
obey the book He wrote. I think top
priority would start with the Ten
Commandments, because many
of our residents have little sense of
rules, where they first came from,
and why they are important for
successful living.
2. “Love your neighbor as
yourself.” A very big part in
helping our residents deal with
life is helping them deal with each
other, and with adults. Sometimes
a resident has particular difficulty
getting along with one or two people
on campus, and we tell them those
individuals are wonderful treatment
opportunities for them. In any
business, family, school, or church,
the same applies. Why should we
avoid God’s treatment for us when
He places a difficult person in our
lives? And He told us if we couldn’t
do this one, we can’t do #1 either.
3. Pride is the worst thing that
can happen to you. And it’s the
most likely thing to happen. For our
young people, overcoming pride
February 2013
allows them to tell the truth, to take
responsibility, to obtain grace, and
to exhibit the transparency that
typifies a workable spirit.
4. There are huge benefits in
listening to older people, as well as
it being God’s way. The teenagers
come to us with lots of boundary
issues, and a very common one is
disdain for adult authority. Scripture
warns us this will get worse as time
goes on. They can run circles around
older people in setting up a smart
phone, but this is not equivalent to
lessons of life learned over decades.
We love kids for their enthusiasm
and youthful vigor, but it is highly
appropriate they submit to and learn
from those who have walked the
path long before they did. Ignoring
this is further violation of #1, 2, and
3 above.
5. Parents at their best are still
insufficient. The blessing on young
people is primarily God’s work.
A minister just reminded us, Noah
didn’t have to go out and lasso the
animals to get them in the ark. We
want our young people to come into
the ark so badly. We should conduct
our lives with this end in view, but
God can work just as easily with
them as with lions and tigers. There
is no sure-fire parenting manual
that will guarantee children turn out
a certain way. The best we can do
is heed diligently what He already
told us in His Word. And since not
everything is explicitly covered, (“I
have yet many things to say unto
you, but ye cannot bear them now,”)
we’re thankful He went on to say,
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth,
is come, He will guide you into all
truth.”
So, we have an ongoing work
adding to this short list as we
continually listen to the Holy
Spirit’s leading. I, personally, would
welcome your input as we serve at
February 2013
Gateway Woods. The Spirit certainly
often uses people.
News:
We are searching for a Summer
Volunteer Coordinator and a Top
Quality Coordinator. Please see
the notices in the ad section or
email Bro. Ryan Donaghy at ryan.
[email protected] for
more information. This is a great
opportunity to impact the lives
of the children on our campus!
As one former resident put it, “It
really makes a huge difference to
[residents] when volunteers come
out. It’s great when they work with
us and play Frisbee and stuff. We
notice.”
We are also searching for our
Summer Education Intern. Please
see the notice in the ad section
or email Bro. Adam McAfee at
adam.mcafee@gatewaywoods.
org for more information. This
is a great opportunity to gain
some experience working in an
educational environment while
impacting our residents!
Several of our staff have
experienced significant milestones
recently. Congratulations are in
order for Sis. Emily Kieser, who was
recently married to Bro. Andrew
Fischer. We would also like to
congratulate Devin and Emily
Wieland, who recently gave birth to
their first son!
Gateway Woods welcomed two
new residents to campus this past
month. Please pray with us as
they become accustomed to their
new homes. It can be a difficult
adjustment for new residents as
they discover a very different living
situation than they have experienced
before. We are very excited to
work with these new children and
their families. Also, please keep
the teachers, houseparents and
counselors of these children in your
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prayers.
Our Adoption Program saw four
children placed in forever homes
in the past two months. We rejoice
that these children will experience
the love of Christ through their
adoptive families. Please be
prayerful for these families as they
experience the various struggles that
occur with newly-adopted children.
We are grateful to God for
providing us with wonderful Staff.
We currently have three career
positions available. We have two
openings for Assistant Houseparents
as well as an opening for a Foster
Care Program Manager. For
more information please see the
notice in the ad section or visit the
Career Opportunities page on our
website at www.gatewaywoods.org/
supporters/career-opportunities.
We trust that God will continue to
provide qualified, mature brothers
and sisters who will serve Him in
a ministry that is ‘Turning Lives
Around’. Perhaps this includes you!
You are an important advocate
to help us spread the word about
God’s work at Gateway Woods.
Please continue to lift us up in
prayer. Check our website www.
gatewaywoods.org and our
Facebook page at facebook.com/
gatewaywoods often for updates.
Make sure that you are on our
mailing list. In an effort to be
as efficient as possible, we are
gathering as many email addresses
as we can for our Restoring Hope.
Please send a quick message to
[email protected].
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN
PRESCHOOL
Athens, AL
Susan Koch
The themes for January were
dinosaurs, winter, and the New Year.
We recently found some treasures
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hidden away in storage and have
been using them inside while the
weather is cold. The students have
been enjoying obstacle courses
where they have to weave between
chairs, duck under objects and crawl
through tunnels. They also love
the parachute (one of the hidden
treasures) especially when they get
to run under it. We studied the
letters O through R this month.
When I was introducing the letter
Q to my students, I showed them a
picture of Queen Elizabeth II in her
queenly regalia. And when I asked
them who this was, expecting them
to respond with a lady or a queen
or a princess, one student piped up,
“It’s Ms. Susan.” I thought that was
hilarious. So now that’s the joke in
my classroom when we are talking
about queens.
Alabama, Athens
Roger and Becky Roberts
Christian Friendships
“There are friendships that we cherish
In our daily walk of life
Friends with whom we meet and
labor
In our earthly toil and strife,
Friends among the aged and
youthful,
Friends that live from us apart
Friends of higher rank and station
Find a place within my heart.”
(Hymns of Zion #91)
We are thankful to host the
work teams on Sundays again this
year and strengthen our Christian
friendships and make new ones.
Please remember to keep the Lord’s
work in Cullman in your prayers
as World Relief continues to help
repair the tornado damage.
Among our many visitors this
month was Bro. Klint Beyer (Bern,
KS) and Bro. Sam (Sis. Linda)
Schlatter (Junction, OH). Thank
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you for ministering to us.
In our prayers this month are:
Sis. Corine Thomas, Sis. Barbara
Coulter, Frances Ray, Arnold
Haggenmaker, and William
Haggenmaker.
When traveling to the Fellowship
area using a GPS, use Frankewing as
the final destination. Once you turn
off Hwy 64 the Fellowship area is
the first drive on the left.
If you are traveling through the
area this winter, we would love
your fellowship! Please either call
or email us ahead of time so we can
make plans. Bro. Roger & Sis. Becky
Roberts (931) 309-9335 mrpipes@
afo.net
Arizona, Phoenix
Heather Hinrichsen
We are thankful for brothers who
are willing to share God’s Word.
This month they were Bro. Nick
Gutwein (West Lafayette, IN) and
Bro. Brad Bauer (Tucson, AZ).
Sis. Deanna Beyer (Bro. Clarence)
has our sympathy in the loss of
her daughter-in-law. Also, a long
time resident of the Phoenix
congregation, Sis. Dorothy Zollinger
(Rittman, OH) went home to be
with the Lord on January 4. We
grieve, but yet rejoice with her
family: Sis. Linda Zollinger, Sis.
Jenny Hand (Dennis) and many
others.
We also extend our sympathies
and prayers to Bro. Erik and Sis.
Cindy Langhofer and family in the
passing of Bro. Erik’s mother, Sis.
Judy Langhofer (Wichita, KS).
Bro. Jim and Sis. Candy Meiss
have moved to Austin, TX due
to employment. The Phoenix
congregation will miss the
innumerable gifts and talents
they have bestowed upon us over
the past 30 years. We continue to
pray for their children, Richelle
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(Los Angeles), Kaitlyn and Trevor
(Phoenix) and Lauren (Sweden).
Note of Thanks:
Sending you our thanks across
the miles for your birthday cards,
their messages with your thoughts
and prayers, and special gifts for
my mother’s 94th birthday. May
God bless each one of you. Our love
and thanks, Francys Klages and Sis.
Wilma Pulfer.
ARIZONA, PRESCOTT
Denise Steidinger
Our congregation was thankful to
witness the testimonies and baptism
of Lane & Beth Koehl on December
29 & 30. Elder Bros. Jon Kokanovich
(Sis. Nancy), Herbie Knochel (Sis.
Laurie, Phoenix) and John Wiegand
(Sis. Jane, Silverton, OR) were all
here for the weekend along with
ministering brothers: Jay Knapp
(Sis. Lisa, Tucson), Brad Bauer (Sis.
Sandy, Tucson), Keith Hinrichsen
(Sis. Tammy, Phoenix) and many
other visitors from Tucson, Morris,
Taylor and Phoenix. We give glory
to God for what He has done in
Lane & Beth’s life and look forward
to growing in Christ together.
We are looking forward to the
testimony and baptism of Richard
Manz the weekend of February 23
& 24.
We are thankful for the
ministering brothers that have
come this past month: Elder Bro.
Jon Kokanovich (Sis. Nancy), Gary
Endress (Sis. Evelyn, Bradford,
IL), Doug Brewer (Sis. Janelle, San
Diego, CA) and Keith Hinrichsen
(Sis. Tammy, Phoenix, AZ).
Arizona, Tucson
Lisa Knapp
After the flurry of holiday
activities we’ve had a little quieter
month. Our winter visitors are
joining us as the weeks go by and
February 2013
it’s good to see them and reconnect.
We are missing Bro. Gene and Sis.
Carol Zobrist (Eureka) who are
usually with us by now. Sis. Carol
is receiving medical treatment this
year and we are certainly keeping
her and Bro. Gene in our prayers,
we miss you!
We have had a lengthy spell of
“cold” weather by Tucson standards,
coats and gloves were dusted off and
put to use. We are happy to see our
sunshine return and I’m sure our
snowbirds would agree!
Lord willing, we look forward to
hosting a weekend of activities for
the California and Arizona churches
on President’s weekend.
California, Altadena
California, San Diego
Janelle Brewer
We were challenged at our New
Year’s service to press toward the
prize of Christ Jesus in the coming
year and put behind us those things
from the past year. We pray that
God will continue to grant each one
of us grace for each day that we walk
here.
We were blessed to have Bro.
Willis Ehnle (Sis. Lois, Peoria, IL),
Bro. Harvey Kuenzi (Sis. Jennifer,
Silverton, OR), and Bro. Gary
Endress (Sis. Evelyn, Bradford, IL)
with us this month. We were edified
by their gathering together with
us. May God bless them for their
efforts in ministering to us! We also
thank the many other visitors that
assembled with us!
“Lo, children are an heritage of the
Lord: and the fruit of the womb is
His reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
Brynnlea Marian Koehl was
welcomed into the family of Bro.
Terry and Sis. Yasmin on January
12. Brielle and Brennen are excited
February 2013
to have a little sister! We rejoice
with their family and pray a blessing
upon them! Thankful grandparents
are Elder Bro. Peter and Sis. Marian
Petrovic.
If anyone is vacationing in the
Palm Springs/Palm Desert area this
winter, please feel free to contact
Bro. Doug and Sis. Janelle Brewer at
[email protected] or 309256-9606 so that we can have an
opportunity to fellowship together
on Wednesday evening while you
are staying in the area.
CANADA, KITCHENER,
ONTARIO
Kim Leman
“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.”
(Romans 8:28)
We were blessed by the ministry
of Elder Bro. Mark Bahr (Sis. Bev,
Detroit, MI) and Bro. Ned Stoller
(Sis. Heidi, Alto, MI). We always
appreciate our loved ones who give
of their time to visit us and minister
God’s Word.
There are many blessings in
being part of a small church. If
God has given you a heart to be
an active part of a small band of
believers, please consider moving to
Kitchener. As in any assembly, there
are many roles to be filled to make a
church flourish. We would welcome
any of our brethren who have been
led of the Lord to support us in this
way.
Colorado, Denver
Lily Zarkovacki
“I was glad when they said unto me,
Let us go into the house of the LORD”
(Psalms 122:1)
We always appreciate the visiting
SILVER LINING
ministers who lend themselves to
bring forth God’s word to us. Our
thanks to Bro. David Marquart (Sis.
Lori, Taylor, MO) and Bro. Doug
Wagenbach (Sis. Lillian, San Diego,
CA) who were here this past month.
We would also like to wish our
dear Sis. Dominique Lasnier a sad
farewell, as she has accepted a job
in Garden Grove, IA. She will be
missed!
We are thankful to have Sis. Javon
Steffen (Bluffton, IN) here with
us for a few months as she will be
working in Denver.
Connecticut, Rockville
Sheila Gerber
Lauren Goric
“And the Lord added to the church
daily such as should be saved.”
(Acts 2:47)
Our congregation has been
blessed with four new converts.
Dylan Trombley, Lanae Schneider
(Bro. Doug and Sis. Jane), Leah
Mangold (Dave and Sis. Heather),
and Ben Carlson (Christie, son
of Bro. Wally and Sis. Judy) have
decided to turn their lives to the
Lord and live for Him.
We were thankful to have many
visitors this past month. Bro. Justin
Moser (Sis. Robin, Altadena, CA)
brought us the Word on December
23. Bro. Todd Graff (Sis. Lydia,
Akron, OH), Bro. Randy Gasser
(Sis. Sue, Detroit, MI) and Elder
Bro. Dave Graff (Sis. Barb, Akron,
OH) were with us for the wedding
of Bro. Samuel Greenbank (Bro.
Glen and Sis. Joan, Akron, OH)
and Sis. Laura Virkler (Bro. Terry
and Sis. Cindy). We appreciated the
many visitors that came from Akron
for the wedding on December 30.
We wish Bro. Sam and Sis. Laura the
Lord’s nearness as they begin their
life together.
9
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they
shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4)
We extend our sympathies to
those who have family members
who have recently passed away.
Sis. Barb Hangartner (Bro. Dave)
mourns the passing of her sisterin-law, Anna Fluckiger. Sis. Elsa
Champ’s sister-in-law, Sis. Lucy
Buser (Bro. Ernie, Sarasota, FL)
was also laid to rest. Sis. Joyce
Schneider’s (Bro. Roy) sister, Sis.
Sharon Elsasser (Bro. Jordan,
Bradford, IL), passed away. Bro. Ken
Crary (Sis. Deb) laid his mother,
Phyllis Crary, to rest. Sis. Shelia
Gerber (Bro. Ronnie) also lost
her mother, Ann Rowe. We will
continue to keep these loved ones in
our prayers and trust that the Lord
will bring them comfort.
District of Columbia,
Washington
Henrietta Meyer
For December we had two
families taking care of our church.
Bro. Ralph and Sis. Diane Lanz
(Rittman, OH) were here the first
few weeks. Over Christmas and
into January, our caretakers were
Bro. Mike and Sis. Donna Putt
(Francesville, IN). Our caretaker
schedule is booked for 2013, except
for the month of August. We are
currently taking reservations for
2014. If you feel led to support one
of our small churches, this 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 dkgsteffen@
gmail.com or 302-540-6574.
Our minsters this month
were Bro. Troy Leyse (Sis. Kelly,
Bluffton, IN), Bro. Todd Graff
(Sis. Lydia, Akron, OH), Elder
Bro. Ben Wiegand (Sis. Michelle,
Philadelphia, PA), Bro. Chris Kuenzi
(Sis. Mary, Silverton, OR), and Bro.
10
SILVER LINING
Jerry Bauman (Sis. Martha, Rittman,
OH). Other visitors this month
were from Sardis, OH; Forrest,
IL; and Philadelphia, PA. We are
truly grateful for the ministers and
families that travel, sometimes great
distances to be with us for services.
If you are planning to visit
Washington, D.C. area for vacation
or business, 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.
meeting Wednesday evenings at
the Three Oaks Elementary School
in Estero, just north of Bonita
Springs, FL. This location is near
central for most of the permanent
folks of our church. Our faithful
church relocation committee has
been constantly been making this
possible by meeting with everyone
to meet all the legal issues.
Our church was blessed this
last month when Elder Bro. Mark
Streitmatter (Sis. Sara, Bloomington,
IL) ministered to us.
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale
Renee Mangold
We were grateful to have several
visiting ministers recently. Visiting
in November were Bro. Tom Leman,
Denver, CO; Bro. Dennis Kaufmann
(Sis. Bonnie), Bloomington, IL and
Bro. Jedd Rocke (Sis. Marsha),
Goodfield, IL. Visiting in January
were Bro. Virgil Metzger (Sis.
Mary), Chicago, IL; Bro. Stephen
Baner (Sis. DonnaLou), Gridley, IL
and Bro. Virgil Kaeb (Sis. Suellen),
Sarasota, FL. We pray for a blessing
on His obedient servants that serve
and share His Word.
Bro. Virgil Kaeb also brought us
an update on World Relief.
It’s wonderful as January draws
to a close to have a full church with
many visitors to sing, worship and
fellowship. January also brings
to mind perhaps new resolutions
for the coming year. We heard
St. John 2:5 read from the pulpit.
“Whatsoever He saith unto you, do
it”. That sounds like a resolution
worth making and keeping.
Since we didn’t send our news
last month, there has been quite a
bit of ground traveled. Our young
mothers are well in their semester of
studies at Edison College and their
children have adjusted quite well
to daycare. The young women who
went to be with their families over
Christmas break had a nice visit.
New Beginnings had a board
meeting which was well-attended.
There was a Illinois college-age
group that traveled to visit us
between Christmas and New
Year’s. We enjoyed getting to know
them and appreciate their time of
trimming trees and playing with
the kids and interacting with their
moms. They were able to get a
closeup view of our vision here
at The New Beginnings. We hear
so much of orphans and abused
children. Our mission here is to
work with young mothers who may
not have a family support system.
Upon providing resources for the
mothers, she is able to have a stable
and healthy environment for her
children, all the while she attends
school to better her chances for
a good job. We feel strongly that
the children are better off staying
with a parent than being shifted
from foster home to foster home.
Florida, north ft. Myers
Victor Beer
Our North Ft. Myers church is
looking forward to the new location
sometime in the future. We are
News from the New Beginnings
February 2013
By providing for the mother and
her children, we hope the cycle of
dysfunction will be broken and
affect lives far into the future.
If you or anyone you know are
interested in being part of this
worthwhile ministry, please contact
Bro. Bill at 309-824-3981. At present
time, we have 3 young ladies and
their children. We are in need of
help before we take in any more
families. It is heartbreaking to turn
so many away.
This is still our message:
“Rescue the perishing, Care for the
dying
Snatch them in pity from sin and the
grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the
fallen,
Tell them of JESUS the mighty to
save.” (Gospel Hymns #463)
FLORIDA, SARASOTA
Kim Ott
“Be careful for nothing; but in every
thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God.”
(Philippians 4:6)
We lift up our hearts in prayer
for Sis. Marie Keller (Bro. Art) as
she has recently had surgery on her
knee. We also remain in prayer for
retired Elder Bro. Dale Eisenmann
(Sis. Judy) as he continues on with
his chemotherapy treatment and for
Sis. Linda Sabo (Bro. Doug) as she
moves through her healing process.
As we pray for good health for our
loved ones, we can thank God for
hearing our prayers and already
putting into motion the answers He
knows to be in each one of our best
interests.
Two recent car accidents caused
concern for a few loved ones in
our congregation. Sis. Carol Koehl
(Bro. Ron) along with her two
February 2013
grandchildren, Faith and Grace,
were able to escape a more serious
situation with only minor injuries to
Sis. Carol. Sis. DiAnne Brown (Bro.
Larry) also was involved in a car
accident when someone ran a stop
sign. Thankfully also, Sis. DiAnne
sustained injuries that were minor
as well. Even though by definition
the injuries were “minor”, we know
that even those kind need our
prayers for continued healing.
Our prayers and sympathy extend
to Bro. Ernie Buser as his dear wife,
Sis. Lucy, has passed away. We are
thankful that prior to Sis. Lucy’s
death, she had made the most
important life decision of all which
is to seek out her soul’s salvation and
walk with the Lord. What a comfort
we can have knowing that this is not
the end, our final forever good-bye,
but for those who have been saved
by the blood of Jesus Christ, we have
the hope that we will be reunited
once again in heaven. We were thankful to have four
visiting ministers share in God’s
Word with us this month. We never
tire of hearing God’s truth exhorted
and encouraged to us. It is our hope
that God would add His blessing to
these brothers and their families,
including: Elder Bro. Wayne
Banwart (Sis. Charlen, Champaign,
IL), Bro. Dennis Rassi (Sis. Diane,
Austin, TX), Bro. Curt Rassi (Sis.
Kathy, Tremont, IL), and Bro. Clint
Schmidt (Sis. Maggie, Winthrop,
MN).
Our annual business meeting
was held this month. Together we
reviewed the past year’s reports in
various areas of church business
as well as taking elections for new
offices. Voted to renew another
3-year-term for their current
positions were Bro. Mike Siladie as
our church treasurer and Bro. Aaron
Ott as a Sunday School teacher.
SILVER LINING
Other positions voted to be filled
with new terms included: Sis. Kim
Ott, kitchen committee; Sis. Lindsay
Brown, Sunday School teacher; Bro.
Todd Hebert, Sound Room; and
Bro. Timm Kaeb, trustee.
GEORGIA, ATLANTA
ILLINOIS, BELVIDERE
Doreen Moser
Shayla Steffen
Who are you working for?
This was the question that was
asked by a minister on a recent
work team in Cullman AL. Every
day when we go about our daily
tasks are we working for the Lord?
Is your light shining? Do others
around you know whom you serve?
Working in the Lords service...
The love of God was shared by our
loving shepherds and their families
this month. Bros. Gary Brown
(Forrest, IL), Dan Koch (Tremont,
IL), Ron Schambach (Elgin, IL)
and Mark Wettstein (Lacrosse, IN)
spent a Sunday in Belvidere. We
appreciate the effort it takes to travel
and are thankful for your work in
the Lord’s vineyard.
Working to bring relief to the less
fortunate…
Working to bring relief to those
that are less fortunate was put in
action during a recent Sunday with
world relief activities. Showing
the love of God is many times a
far greater service than just telling
people, the Love of God is greater
far than tongue or pen can ever
tell. Working to rebuild homes,
working on new relationships
with home owners, working with
brothers and sisters in the Lord has
been some of the blessings of the
work team in Cullman AL. Our
small congregation will have loved
ones working there throughout the
winter months.
11
May 2013 give us many
opportunities to work for the Lord
and to tell and show others what he
has done for us!
Illinois, BloomingtonNormal
Shelley Steffen
Gina Hodel
ILLINOIS, BRADFORD
Sandi Joos
Roseann Stahl
“Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your
labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
(1 Corinthians 15:58)
Our congregation was reminded
twice this month that we know not
when our work on earth for the
Lord will be finished. May it be
said of us “She hath done what she
could…” (Mark 14:8)
On Saturday, December 29 we laid
to rest a dear sister, Sharon Elsasser.
Sis. Sharon passed away after a short
illness. Our sympathy extends to her
husband, Bro. Jordan, along with
her children: Michael (Sue) Elsasser,
Marina (Kevin) Endress, Bro.
Matthew (Sis. Becky) Elsasser, Troy
(Leslie) Elsasser, Sis. Heather (Bro.
Troy) Pyles, Josh Elsasser, and Brock
(Mindy) Elsasser.
Less than two weeks later, we
again gathered for the funeral of our
dear brother, Ben Ehnle. We pray for
God’s comforting spirit for his wife,
Sis. Audrey, and his children, Sis.
Pat (Bro. Sam) Plattner (Goodfield,
IL) and Sis. Connie (Bro. Don)
Manz (Junction, OH). Although
Bro. Ben had recently assembled
with the Eureka congregation, we
have fond memories of the many
years he spent in Bradford. We
appreciate Elder Bro. Ervin Knecht
12
(Sis. Sandra, Eureka, IL) and Bro.
Mark Zimmerman (Sis. Cheryl,
Eureka, IL) being with us for the
funeral.
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
the heaven: A time to be born, and a
time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
Although we sorrow with those
that sorrow, we also rejoice with
those that rejoice. We rejoice with
Bro. Tyler and Sis. Tonya Joos in the
birth of a daughter, Rhea Louise.
Her siblings, Tori, Lane, and Alex,
welcome her with joy. Grandparents
are Bro. Ralph and Sis. Jenny Joos
and Bro. Brad and Sis. Teresa
Gudeman.
We also have joy this month as
Sarah Endress (Elder Bro. Bruce and
Sis. Elizabeth) has sought the Lord
in repentance.
We always appreciate visitors. We
appreciated Bro. Scott Schambach
(Sis. Hope, Columbus, OH)
assembling with us and bringing
forth the Word. In addition, the
fellowship of the Princeville, IL
congregation was enjoyed on a
Sunday evening when they gathered
with us for a church singing.
Our prayers are with Sis.
Charlene Dietz as she undergoes
chemotherapy. We look forward to
when she can again assemble with
us.
Shannon Pyles and Steve Varga
were united in marriage. Their
parents are Bro. Dennis and Sis.
Becky Pyles and Joe and Rose
Varga. We will miss Shannon as she
has moved and is now assembling
with the Kitchener, Ontario
congregation.
“For we walk by faith, not by
sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7)
SILVER LINING
Illinois, Champaign
Sarah Drake
Greetings from ChampaignUrbana!
The new year brings new
beginnings, but it brings endings
as well. Our hearts go out to
many whose loved ones have
recently ended their time on this
earth. Sis. Jackie and Bro. David
Eisenmann, along with their
children: Sis. Sydney, Cortney, and
Mackenzie, said goodbye to Sis.
Jackie’s grandfather, Jim Claudon
of Fairbury, IL. Our Sis. Dona Fehr
and our Bro. Tom Fehr (Sis. Sarah,
children: Trace and Shay), laid to
rest their dear grandfather, Bro.
Elmer Fehr of West Bend, IA. Bro.
David Bauer and Bro. Sherm Bauer
said goodbye to their aunt, Sis.
Loretta Bauer of Gridley (formerly
from Cissna Park). Sis. Beth
Walder and her children: Brittany,
Jeremy, Jonathan, Brooke, and
Jordan, mourn the loss of Sis. Beth’s
grandmother, Sis. Sarah Frank of
Morton, IL. May God comfort all
who mourn as we look forward to
reuniting with our loved ones in
Heaven.
Our Bro. Steve Joos has moved
from his home in Poseyville, IN
to a new residence in Lewistown,
IL. We wish him the best and trust
that God will be with him in this
transition.
We appreciated our visiting
ministers this month: Elder Bro.
Ben Wiegand (Sis. Michelle,
Philadelphia, PA) and Elder Bro.
John Wiegand (Sis. Jane, Silverton,
OR). May God bless you for all you
do.
ILLINOIS, CHICAGO
Rachel Meyer
Greetings from Chicago. As we
move into 2013, we have many
from our congregation in need
February 2013
of prayer for health issues. Our
Sis. Jean O’Shea (Bro. Tom) is
recovering at home from surgery.
Cristela Cardenas (Tony) was also
in the hospital and is now home.
Bro. Norm Stahl (Sis. Gloria)
is recovering from a leg injury.
Janet Eckel, Sis. Christine Eckel’s
daughter, continues to receive
chemo treatments. Retired Elder
Bro. Dale Eisenmann (Sis. Judy) and
Sis. Lois Metzger (Bro. Boyd) are
dealing with new treatments and
tests. Our sincere hope is for God’s
healing and comfort for each one.
We welcome Sis. Tami Inoue from
Bloomington, IL to our Chicago
church family. We are thankful to
have her worshipping with us and
pray she will soon feel at home.
Each one is a blessing.
Sis. Julie Eisenmann has gone to
Spain to study and plans to return
in May. We are happy she has this
opportunity and pray she has a
blessed experience and safe return.
Do you ever look, but not see?
This week at work I used our fax
machine and was not sure if the
papers went face down or face up.
None of my co-workers were there
when I faxed, so I sent it both ways
to ensure it would be received.
Imagine my chagrin when I asked
someone later and she pointed to
where it said on the fax machine
tray – “face down.” I had stood
there looking at the tray for several
minutes but did not see the answer
clearly written in front of me.
Jesus commended his disciples
in Matthew 13:16 when he said,
“But blessed are your eyes, for they
see: and your ears, for they hear.”
Just prior to saying this, he had
been teaching about the parable
of the sower and the seed. What a
wonderful commendation to receive
from Jesus! In our current day, we
have the Bible at our fingertips. It is
February 2013
SILVER LINING
the resource that will lead us safely
through our spiritual journey and
ultimately to our home in Heaven.
Do we appreciate this privilege and
take advantage of it often?
(The following pledge was said
before every VBS session and
program during my childhood. It is
a memory that I love.)
Bauer, including Bro. Fred and
Sis. Joan Waldbeser and Sis. Helen
Jansen. Sis. Loretta lived here much
of her life, but was living in Gridley
at the time of her passing.
Our prayers of healing are with
Marvin Martin and Sis. Myrna
Weerts and Sis. Nancy Hauptli,
who went through knee surgeries
recently.
“I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s
As the new year unfolds, there
Holy Word.
seems to be many uncertainties, but
A lamp unto my feet, a light unto my
a brother recently encouraged us to
path.
keep simply trusting our Lord and
It’s words will I hide in my heart, that
He will continue to provide as He
I may not sin against God.”
has in the past.
Illinois, Cissna Park
Tina Walder
Janie Waldbeser
Grandchildren are a special
blessing. Little Kendyn Ethan was
born to Bro. Curt and Sis. Amber
Wiegand (Congerville, IL). His
grandparents are Bro. Dennis and
Sis. Sharon Walder. Happy siblings
welcoming him home are Olivia,
Braden , Mallory and Lainey. Logan
Greg was born to Bro. Chad and
Sis. Janice Kaeb (Remington, IN).
His thankful grandparents are Bro.
Eric and Sis. Luann Kaeb and his
two excited siblings are Rose and
Preston.
We thank Elder Bro. Tom
Waldbeser (Atlanta, GA) and Bro.
Dan Moser for sharing God’s Word
with us over the holiday season.
At our annual church business
meeting, Bro. Dan Walder and Sis.
Adrea Wells were asked to serve
in Sunday School and Bro. Walt
Laubscher and Bro. Stan Maul were
selected as trustees. Serving on the
Fellowship Hall committee is Bro.
Rod Steffen and Bro. John Conrad.
Thanks to those who have served in
these positions in our small church.
Our love and sympathy is
extended to the family of Sis. Loretta
ILLINOIS, CONGERVILLE
Rachel Currier
Bro. David and Sis. Erica Steffen
welcomed their first child, Josiah
Eric, into their home. Grandparents
of Josiah are Kent and Sis.
Beth Steffen and Eric and Pam
Kuchenmeister. We certainly wish
them God’s continued blessings as
they raise their little son.
Bro. Harold and Sis. Ashley
Schieber also embraced a son, Job
Michael, into their family. He is
welcomed by older sister, Mila, and
grandparents: Bro. Mike and Sis.
Mary Schieber and Bro. Mark and
Sis. Lisa Schmidgall (Eureka).
Our thoughts and prayers go out
to those in our congregation who
have lost loved ones. Bro. Scott and
Sis. Jan Stickling and Bro. Dennis
and Sis. Gayle Virkler have felt
the loss of their father, Bro. Ben
Stickling (Peoria), recently. May the
Lord comfort them during this time
of sorrow.
Sis. Lulu Zimmerman spent
several days in the hospital. We
are thankful she was able to come
home, and for the Lord’s providence
for her.
We appreciate those who were
willing to bring forth God’s Word
13
this past month. Visiting ministers
include Bro. Brent Kellenberger
(Sis. Beth, Kansas City), Bro. Mark
Rufener (Sis. Julie, Mansfield), and
Bro. Brent Walder (Sis. Naomi,
Rockville). May they continue to
feel God’s guiding hand.
Illinois, Elgin
Amy Gasser
We thank visiting Bros. Ron
Bollier (Indianapolis, IN), Scott
Schambach (Columbus, OH), and
Todd Stoller (Latty, OH) for their
services in the ministry.
Bro. Dave expressed appreciation
for the help, support and prayers
for the elder forums held in Elgin
in January. A special thank you to
those who provided transportation,
meals and daily help during the
forums.
Bro. Paul Weiss spent time in the
hospital recently. We are thankful
that he is now recovering.
Our sympathy is extended to Sis.
Marie Hugh as her younger sister,
Lucille Fuqua, passed away on
January 3 in Simi Valley, CA.
We welcome Sis. Shanna Rayburn
(Francesville, IN), who recently
relocated to Downers Grove, IL for
employment. We hope that she will
soon feel at home.
Krista Schifferer and Adam Jones
of San Jose, CA have announced
their engage-ment. Their parents
are Wayne Schifferer and Sis. Joyce
Schifferer and Rick and Sandy Jones.
An August 3 wedding is planned.
At our annual business meeting
on January 16, the results of three
elections were announced. Bro. Fred
Dietz replaced Bro. Matt Schambach
as Church Treasurer; Bro. Matt
Kinsinger replaced Bro. Dick
Kilgus as ACR Director, and Bro.
Mark Gasser replaced Bro. Dave
Rinkenberger as Fellowship Center
Trustee.
SILVER LINING
14
ILLINOIS, EUREKA
Debra Blunier
Linda Rocke
Christmas is a wonderful time
full of spiritual blessings. We
were especially blessed by visiting
ministers who shared the joy
and hope of the Word with us,
including Bro. Randy Mogler (Sis.
Evie, Washington, IL), Bro. Jeff
Grimm (Sis. Ruth, Goodfield, IL),
Bro. Randy Beer (Sis. Deb, Milford,
IN), and Bro. Chad Leman (Sis.
Kimberly, Kitchener, ON). Elder
Bros. John Wiegand (Sis. Jane,
Silverton, OR) and Duane Rocke
(Sis. Bonnie , Minneapolis, MN)
also shared the Word with us, as
well as Bro. Kent Getz (Sis. Betty,
Elgin IA) and Bro. Ned Stoller (Sis.
Heidi, Alto, MI).
Singing at Christmas seems to
truly reflect the joy of the season.
Eureka had a special night together
with all-church caroling that all
generations could enjoy. Everyone
from the smallest toddler to the
eldest grandparent also enjoyed the
Christmas program as the Sunday
School students retold the story that
never grows old.
We extend our sympathy to the
family of Sis. Mabel Wittmer, whose
funeral was on the last day of the
year.
Sis. Norma Hangartner
was hospitalized and is now
recuperating at our Nursing Home
in Eureka. Sis. Carol Zobrist and
Sis. Sherry Martin (Bro. Bruce) are
continuing treatment and appreciate
your prayers.
ILLINOIS, FAIRBURY
Angela Herr
Kay Steffen
“When upon life’s billows you
are tempest-tossed, when you are
discouraged, thinking all is lost, count
your many blessings, name them one
by one, and it will surprise you what
the Lord hath done.”
(Hymns of Zion #116)
The weekend of January 5 and 6
was a blessing for our congregation
as we heard the testimonies and
witnessed the baptisms of three
dear souls. We welcome Sis. Kelly
Waldbeser (Jim and Sis. Renae), Bro.
Drew Banwart (Bro. Dale and Sis.
Donna), and Bro. Jake Steidinger
(Bro. Keith and Sis. Kristine) as
our new sister and brothers in
Christ. We pray that they may stay
grounded upon the Rock of our
Salvation, Jesus Christ. We thank
Elder Bro. Tom Waldbeser (Atlanta,
GA) and Elder Bro. Marvin Dotterer
(Forrest, IL) for assisting our Elder
Bro. Rick Plattner in this important
work.
We are thankful for the many
visitors who worshipped with us
this past month, including several
visiting ministers. May God bless
Elder Bro. Jay Luthi (LamontGridley, KS), Elder Bro. Ben
Wiegand (Philadelphia, PA), Bro.
Jerry Wagenbach (Oakville, IA),
Bro. Kerwin Edelman (Athens, AL),
Bro. Chad Leman (Kitchener, ON),
Bro. James Fehr (Tremont, IL), Elder
Bro. Duane Rocke (Minneapolis,
MN), Bro. Al Schambach
(Remington, IN), Bro. Brian Waibel
(Champaign, IL), Bro. Dan Moser
(Elgin, IL), and Bro. Todd Sinn
(Latty, OH) for sharing God’s
Word with us. May we continue to
remember our dear ministering and
elder brothers in prayer.
We extend our sympathy to
William Fehr (Helen), Sis. Anna
Mae Fehr, and Sis. Eunice Stork
(Bro. John) in the loss of their two
sisters, Norma Edelman who passed
away on December 23 and Mary
Fehr who passed away on January
18. Our thoughts and prayers have
February 2013
also been with the family of our Bro.
Marvin Bender (late Sis. Clara) who
passed away on January 1. May each
one feel the comfort of God’s Holy
Spirit as they mourn the loss of their
loved ones.
ILLINOIS, FORREST
Lisa Aberle
Lynn Dotterer
“Lo, children are an heritage of the
LORD: and the fruit of the womb is
his reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
Bro. Shawn, Sis. Tami, Aaron,
Abigail, Laurel, Jordan, Caden, and
Colton Aberle welcomed Madison
Joy. Her thankful grandparents are
Bro. Gary and Sis. Jane Brown and
Bro. Mark and Sis. Laverne Aberle.
Emma Joy is the new daughter
of Bro. Mark and Sis. Natalie
Schneider. Her excited siblings
and grandparents are: Allie, Kate,
Ian, Bro. Kevin and Sis. Denise
Kilgus, and Bro. Jim and Sis. Sandra
Schneider.
Nora Jo Mueller was born early
to Bro. Mark and Sis. Erika Mueller
and big brother, Ty. Her thankful
grandparents are Bro. Jim and Sis.
Lucy Slagel, Sis. Connie Mueller
(Bloomington, IL), and Chuck
Mueller.
Our prayers are with Bro. Mark
and Sis. Erika as Nora has to spend
some extra time in the hospital.
Sis. Nettie Kyburz, Sis. Erika
Mueller (Bro. Mark), and Bro. Glen
Zimmerman (Sis. Mildred) all spent
time in the hospital this month.
We are thankful visiting brothers
are willing to be used in God’s
service. We thank Bro. Gary Anliker
(Elgin, IL), Bro. Brian Waibel
(Champaign, IL), and Bro. Michael
Wagenbach (Wolcott, IN) for
sharing God’s Word with us.
We extend our heartfelt thanks
to Bro. Reuben Stork (Sis. Devra)
February 2013
for teaching our children in Sunday
School for the last ten years. May
God grant Bro. Nate Kelson (Sis.
Paula), Bro. Adam Zimmerman (Sis.
Rachel), and Bro. Tory Zimmerman
(Sis. Wendy) grace and wisdom as
they begin their teaching terms.
Illinois, Goodfield
Melissa Rokey
Kayla Wiegand
Our thoughts and prayers have
been with Sis. Maribeth Rocke (Bro.
Adam) as she has recently been
hospitalized. We trust that God will
be with her while she recovers. Also,
our dear Madolyn Tanner has spent
several days in the hospital.
“I will not leave you comfortless: I
will come to you.” (St. John 14:18)
Sis. Pat Plattner’s (Bro. Sam)
father, Bro. Ben Ehnle (Bradford,
IL), went to his heavenly home
this past month. May each family
member feel our prayers and God’s
presence during this time.
“Train up a child in the way he
should go: and when he is old, he will
not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Bro. Wade and Sis. Hallie
Wettstein are thankful to announce
the arrival of their daughter,
Annalise Mary. Annalise was born
on January 11 and was welcomed
home by her big sister, Macy,
and brother, Talon. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Mike and Sis.
Mary Schieber (Congerville, IL) and
Bro. Jake and Sis. Mary Wettstein.
May God grant them the wisdom to
raise their precious children.
“And I will set up shepherds over
them which shall feed them: and they
shall fear no more, nor be dismayed,
neither shall they be lacking, saith the
Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:4)
As God so beautifully revealed,
SILVER LINING
we are looking to Bro. Jeff Grimm
(Sis. Ruth) to be our next elder in
Goodfield. He will go to the elder
conference the first full week of
February and will be interviewed
before the entire elder body to be
approved by them. We continue
to lift them up in prayer as God
prepares them for this job. We know
that God is a faithful employer and
they will be blessed by this work.
We are so thankful for the
visiting ministers that we had
this past month. Those who
have lent themselves to serve
our congregation include: Elder
Bro. Earl Ringger (Sis. Dixie,
Gridley, IL), Bro. Steve Baner (Sis.
Donnalou, Gridley, IL), Bro. Don
Manz (Sis. Connie, Junction, OH),
and Bro. Darren Plattner (Sis. Sue,
Champaign, IL). May God richly
bless them for sharing His Word.
“While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky; But
when traveling days are over, Not a
shadow not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting serving every day; Just one
glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils
of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us! Soon
His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the
pearly gates will open, We shall tread
the streets of gold.
Chorus: When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will
be! When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing
and shout the victory.” (Tabernacle
Hymns #51 vs.2-4)
Illinois, Gridley
Perry Klopfenstein
Sis. Loretta Baurer, 86, passed
away on January 6, 2013. It appears
that she died while praying next to
her bed. She had moved to Gridley
from Cissna Park about 18 months
ago. She was preceded in death
15
by her husband of 55 years, Bro.
Kenneth R. Baurer.
She is survived by a daughter,
Sis. Marla Ringger, Gridley; and by
three sons, Rick Baurer, Franklin,
TN, Jim Baurer, Champaign, and
Mike Baurer, Floyds Knob, IN. She
is survived as well by two brothers,
Don Feller, Morton and Bro. Todd
Feller, Kouts, IN; and by four sisters,
Sis. Elna Grimm, Goodfield, Sis.
Geri Neukommmmm, Morton,
Sis. Dona Grimm, Quincy, and Sis.
Joan Waldbeser, Cissna Park. Also
surviving are 11 grandchildren and
16 great-grandchildren. She was
the daughter of deceased Elder Ezra
Feller, Cissna Park.
Although she was among us
here in Gridley for a short period,
we enjoyed her kindness, and her
appreciation for the brethren here.
Bros. Paul Klopfenstein and Keith
Zimmerman had surgery. Also, Bro.
Roy Zimmerman had open heart
surgery. Sis. Carolyn Schlipf and
Sis. Linda Kinder had surgery this
past month. Sis. Jane Staudinger
continues to take radiation therapy
in Indianapolis. Bro. Stan Ringger is
taking treatments for brain tumors.
Peter Edward Stoller was born
on December 5. He is the son of
Bro. Jeff and Sis. Cynde Stoller.
Grandparents are Bro. Joe and Sis.
Karen Stoller, and Bro. Gary and Sis.
Elna Wettstein, Roanoke. Peter has
six siblings: Jeremiah, 14, Faith, 13,
Patience, 11, Matthew, 7, Mercy, 4,
and Micah, 2.
Tyson Grey Stoller was born on
December 27. He is the first child
of Bro. Josh and Sis. Julie Stoller.
Grandparents are Bro. Roger and
Sis. Mary Stoller, and Bro. Dave and
Sis. Barb Kaeb, Tremont.
Sis. Kristin Kaeb was announced
to marry Bro. Brent Fehr. She is
the daughter of Bro. Harvey and
Sis. Judy Kaeb. His parents are
16
Bro. Nathan and Sis. Marsha Fehr,
Fairbury
Illinois, Morton
Annette Tanner
Julie Bahr
We are thankful for the brothers
who commit their time to bringing
us the Word of Truth. Our thanks
to Bro. Les Kaeb (Sis. Christine,
Francesville, IN) and also to Bro.
Steve Sauder (Sis. Mary, Tremont,
IL) who assisted Bro. Ted Witzig
Sr. with the Memorandum to the
church.
Congratulations to first-time
parents, Brad and Crissy Stephens,
who welcomed baby girl, Madison
Sue, on December 19. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Mark and Sis.
Esther Stephens and Tim (Pam)
Hucol.
On December 25, baby boy, Pierce
Bradley, entered the home of firsttime parents, Bro. Ryan and Sis.
Laura Luginbuhl. Grateful for his
safe arrival are grandparents, Bro.
Bradley and Sis. Deb Braker and
Bro. Rob and Sis. Gina Luginbuhl
(Roanoke, IL).
The parting of a loved one is like
a farewell greeting mingled with
sorrow. Our sympathy is with Sis.
Geri (Bro. Al) Neukomm in the loss
of her dear sister, Sis. Loretta Bauer
(Gridley, IL).
Bro. Karl Schuon (Sis. Elsa)
also said farewell to his departed
brother, Julius Schuon, who lived in
Germany. Our prayers are for the safe health,
energy and guidance of the Holy
Spirit for our ministering Bro. Jon
and Sis. Christie Zeller who have
committed a few months to the
work in Haiti. Our church is also
aware of others that are attending
work teams and are praying for
them. Let God be praised! Prayer
is the POWER HOUSE of the
CHURCH!
SILVER LINING
ILLINOIS, PEORIA
Pam Fritzenmeier
We thank and praise God
to report two life-changing
announcements! First, we have
a new convert, Caleb Stickling,
son of Chris and Sis. Marsha.
Then, January 6, we heard of the
engagement of Bro. Zach Knobloch
to Sis. Daniela Robles Martinez,
both from Magdalena, MX. Bro.
Zach’s parents are Bro. Paul and Sis.
Lynne.
Bro. Shayne and Sis. Emily Fehr
(Chicago, IL) were blessed with a
baby girl, December 18. Madelyn
Mae is named after two of her great
grandmas. Her big brother is Brady
and grandparents are Bro. Dave and
Sis. Kathy Obergfel and Dave and
Sis. Linda Fehr (Washington, IL).
Our sincere thanks to Bro. John
(Sis. Jill) Bradle (Roanoke, IL) for
spending Wednesday night, January
9, teaching us from God’s Word.
Several families have laid loved
ones to rest this month. We extend
our sympathy and prayers to each
one. They include Bro. Merle (Sis.
Mary) Weyeneth and family, as Bro.
Merle’s brother, Clarke (Eureka,
IL) passed on December 24. On
January 1, Bro. Ben Stickling passed
away. His family from Peoria
includes three sons: Bro. Craig (Sis.
Jacki), Chris (Sis. Marsha), and
Bro.Gabe (Sis. Molly) and many
grandchildren. Bro. Willis (Sis.
Lois) Ehnle’s brother, Bro. Ben (Sis.
Audrey, Eureka, IL) passed away
January 5.
Many are suffering health issues
and would appreciate your prayers.
These include Sis. Lillian (Bro. Bob)
Cagle, Sis. Michelle (Bob) Coburn,
Sis. Maria Graham, Sis. Bernie (Bro.
Ed) Meister, Sis. Dee Metzger, Bro.
Harry (Sis. Loretta) Eisenmann,
Sonny (Rhoda) Hess, Bro. Irvin
(Sis. Sharon) Hodel, Bro.Wayne
February 2013
(Sis. Carol) Klopfenstein, Bro. Ken
(Sis. Darlene) Hoerr, and Joy Bao,
daughter of Bro. Willis and Sis. Lois
Ehnle.
Our local missionaries serving
in various places also desire our
prayer support. These include Bro.
Tim and Sis. Joan Reinhard and
family, and Sis. Kelsey Klopfenstein,
all in Haiti, and in Magdalena, Bro.
Zach Knobloch, Bro. Jason Grassi,
and Bro. Jonathon and Sis. Bere
Aupperle.
Illinois, Princeville
Renee Herrmann
Gloria White
Sunday January 6 was the wedding
of Sis. Brittany Martin (Bro. Larry
and Sis. Tiffany) to Bro. Tim
Schwind (Bro. Dennis and Sis. Rita)
of Roanoke. Visiting ministers for
this special occasion were Elder Bro.
Tom Hoffman (Roanoke, IL), Bro.
Tim Hohulin (Roanoke, IL) and
Bro. Justin Koch (Washington, IL).
We are always thankful for God’s
direction in life. Other visiting
ministers this month were Elder
Bro. Paul Messner (Winthrop, MN),
Bro. James Fehr (Tremont, IL), Bro.
John Grimm (Columbus, OH) and
Bro. Matt Feucht (Roanoke, IL).
Ashley Ehnle (Bro. Phil and Sis.
Barb) and Adam Gilbert (Fred and
Gale) of Princeville were united
in marriage on January 5. We
wish them God’s blessings as they
begin this new chapter in their life
together.
We are always thankful when a
soul turns from sin and darkness
to the light of Jesus Christ. Cody
Blunier (Bro. Darin and Sis. Keri)
and Elisabeth Martin (Bro. Ed and
Sis. Gladys) have made this decision
in their lives. We pray they can walk
the same path that so many have
walked before them.
Sis. Martha Jane Siebenthal was
February 2013
our hospital patient recently. She is
now assembling with us again. Sis.
Lucille Rumbold was in the hospital
in late November and is now
recuperating at Peoria Skylines.
Our hearts go to Sis. Mary Stoller
(Bro. Bruce) in the recent loss of
her mother, Sis. Judy Langhofer
(Wichita, KS). God is a great
comfort in our great loss.
Our annual business meeting was
held Wednesday, January 9. We
wish to extend a sincere thank you
to those who have fulfilled their
terms of service. We pray for those
assuming new responsibilities; for
diligience and willingness to take
their place and do what God has for
them to do.
Note of Thanks:
I would like to thank everyone
for their prayers, cards, meals, gifts
and many kind deeds extended to
me this past year while I was in the
hospital and recovering. May God
bless each of you.
Harvey Stahl
Illinois, Roanoke
Jamie Hodel
Barb Schwind
“Lo, children are an heritage of the
Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his
reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
Our congregation rejoices with
those who have welcomed home
new babies this month. Grace
Elizabeth Schumacher was born on
December 26 to Dustin & Cassie
of Washington. Her grandparents
are Bro. Glen & Sis. Carol Martin,
Karen Schumacher of Washington,
and Mike Schumacher of Roanoke.
Pierce Bradley Luginbuhl was
born on December 25 to Bro.
Ryan & Sis. Laura (Morton). His
grandparents are Bro. Brad & Sis.
Debi Braker (Morton), and Bro.
SILVER LINING
Rob & Sis. Gina Luginbuhl. Reese
Violet Janssen was born on January
15 to Craig & Laura of Peoria. Her
grandparents are Bro. Fred & Sis.
Cheri Janssen and Kurt & Janine
Young of Bartonville. Bro. Jeremy
& Sis. Melinda Knepp welcomed
another daughter, Ella Rose,
into their family on January 16.
Ella is welcomed by older sister,
Mackenzie, older brother, Jacob, as
well as grandparents: Bro. Gene &
Sis. Carol Metz and Bro. Bob & Sis.
Ann Knepp.
“And God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes; and there shall be
no more death, neither sorrow, nor
crying, neither shall there be any
more pain: for the former things are
passed away.” (Revelations 21:4)
Clark Weyeneth of Eureka passed
away December 24. Our prayers are
with his parents: Bro. Melvin & Sis.
Leona Weyenth and his brothers:
Keith (Morton) and Bro. Merle (Sis.
Mary) (Peoria). Sis. Doris Bowald
finished her earthly journey on
December 25. Lawrence Hinthorne
of El Paso passed away January
10. He leaves behind his wife: Sis.
Viola, and children: Jim of El Paso,
Harry (Debbie) of Bloomington, Jeff
(Diane) of ElPaso, John (Karlene) of
Effingham, Ruth (Larry) Rutledge
of Bloomington, Pat (Dale) Blue of
ElPaso, and Sis. Janet Knepp. Eunice
Hufford of Lexington, NE passed
away January 12. She was a sister to
Sis. Verla Leman.
We rejoice in the establishing of
another Christian home as Bro. Tim
Schwind (Bro. Dennis & Sis. Rita)
married Sis. Brittany Martin (Bro.
Larry & Sis. Tiffany, Princeville) on
January 6.
Once again this month, we were
blessed to have visiting ministers
with us. Bro. Ed Stoller (Denver)
was with us on December 23. Bro.
17
Dan Beer (Milford) shared with us
on January 6. Elder Bro. Marvin
Dotterer (Forrest) was here for the
reading of the Memorandum on
January 9.
Notes of Thanks:
The family of Merlyn Getz would
like to say thank you for all the
love, support, and prayers during
Merlyn’s illness and especially in his
passing. Words cannot express the
thankfulness held in our hearts for
you. We love all of you.
Sis. Jan Getz & Family
Thank you for the love and
concern showered to our aunt, Sis.
Doris Bowald, during the 14.5 years
she lived at the nursing home.
Also, thank you for everything
that was done for us at the time of
her passing. It is appreciated very
much.
Bro. John & Sis. Mary Lu Bowald
Bro. John & Sis. Shirley Kilgus
Donald Bowald
ILLINOIS, TREMONT
Teresa Rowell
Janice Sauder
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, and obtaineth favour of the
LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22)
Two of our church families
welcome new sons-in-law: Paul and
Carrie Wildermuth were married
on January 5. Bro. Roger and Sis.
JoAnn Beutel and Sharon (the late
Paul) Wildermuth, of Tremont, are
their parents. One week later, Jason
and Lisa Leigh exchanged wedding
vows. Lisa is the daughter of Bro.
Ron and Sis. Liz Wagenbach and
Jason’s parents are Jim and Becky
Leigh, Pekin, IL. Bro. Pete and
Sis. Debbie Aberle are happy to
announce two engagements in their
family, with wedding dates planned
in this coming year: Royce Aberle
SILVER LINING
18
and Kirstin Mills (Dave and Mary
Mills, Morton) and Rachel Aberle
and Weston Berchtold (Rick and
Susan Berchtold, Tremont). May
God’s guidance and blessings be
sought by these four dear couples.
Our church was blessed to have
Bro. Glen (Sis. Rachel) Steiner,
Winthrop, MN, and Bro. DeWayne
(Sis. LaRae) Dill, Minneapolis, MN,
visit over the Christmas holidays.
May God bless them for sharing
God’s Word.
We extend sympathy to the
Wagenbach family, at the death of
Sis. Sharon (Bro. Jordan) Elsasser
of Bradford, IL. Surviving brothers
in Tremont are: Bro. Bob (Sis.
Barbara), Bro. Si (Sis. Lavonne), Bro.
Jim, Steve, Bro. Dave, and Bro. Ron
(Sis. Liz) Wagenbach. Sisters are Sis.
Jeannette (Bro. Fred) Beutel and Sis.
Kathy Rocke. May God comfort Sis.
Sharon’s family at this time of loss.
First-time grandparents, Bro.
Dave and Sis. Barb Kaeb, are
enjoying getting to know little Tyson
Grey. He is the son of Bro. Josh and
Sis. Julie Stoller, Gridley, IL. We will
all enjoy their visits to Tremont!
Illinois, Washington
Marlene Prather
Jodi Fehr
“For I know the thoughts that I think
toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts
of peace, and not of evil, to give you
an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
As we enter into a new year, may
we always trust, and continue to
keep the faith. May God bless our
dear country and church in the
coming year.
We thank the dear brothers who
came to worship with us the past
month, Bro. Doug Wagenbach
(Sis. Lillian, San Diego, CA) and
Bro. Roger Aberle (Sis. LaVonne,
Sabetha, KS).
Our hearts were saddened when
we received the news that Sis. Marie
Wagenbach’s brother, Ben Stickling
of Peoria, IL and Sis. Vicky Bucher’s
father, Bro. Bob Aschleman of
Bluffton, IN passed away. We pray
that, only God will comfort our dear
loved ones.
On January 16, we lost our Sis.
Sue Ruppert, due to her battle with
multiple illnesses. She was a dear
sister and our Washington church
will miss her greatly. She is leaving
behind a best friend, Sis. Denise
Romesberger (Washington), her
mother, Clarice Ruppert and a
brother and two sisters. We will
continue to keep Sis. Denise and her
family in our prayers.
INDIANA, BLUFFTON
Kim Meyer
Suzie Fiechter
We pray that our loved ones who
are struggling with illness will
feel the arms of our loving Savior
around them: Bro. Roger (Sis.
Carol) Compton, Bro. Steve ( Sis.
Renee) Reinhard, Sis. Emily Moser,
Bryan (Bro. Skip and Sis. Connie)
Aschliman, Bro. Carl (Sis. Evelyn)
Hackenjos, Bro. Gary (Sis. Deb)
Garman, Bro. Zach (Sis. Jenny)
Bertsch.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
(2 Cor. 5:7)
“My eyes see meaningless pain and
suffering.
My faith sees a plan and purpose to
bring souls to Christ.
My eyes see discouragement and
despair.
My faith sees a reason to rejoice in
the midst of trials.
My eyes see a pointless end in death.
My faith sees hope and promise for a
much better future in Heaven.”
(Zach Bertsch)
February 2013
Our Sis. Irene Steffen passed into
eternity. Surviving are her son,
Alan (Carla) Steffen, and daughter,
Janice Ringger and families. Bro.
Jesse Terhune is now walking
streets of gold, free of pain. Bro.
Jesse started attending our church 6
years ago. We’re so thankful he was
able to repent and become part of
our church family. We extend our
sympathy to Bro. Bill Gerber (Sis.
Carolyn – dec.) on the death of his
mother-in-law, Berniece Frauhiger.
Bro. Bob Aschliman is now “safe
in the arms of Jesus.” Mourning
their loss are his wife, Sis. Ida, and
children: Sis. Becky (Bro. Perry)
Isch, Sis. Vicki (Bro. Steve) Bucher
of Washington, Gayle (Clint) Bucher
of Carmel, Bro. Keith (Sis. Connie)
Aschliman, Bro. Kevin (Sis. Beth)
Aschliman, Bro. Kelly ( Sis. Lisa)
Aschliman and many grandchildren
and great grandchildren. Heaven
also welcomed Sis. Aldine Moser.
Her children are Bro. Phil (Sis.
Jean) Moser, Dwight – dec. (Sis.
Pat Bertsch) Moser, Sis. Ann (Bro.
Jerry) Gerber and Sis. Cindy (Leon)
Kauffman. Our love and sympathy
go out to Bro. Rocky and Sis.
Melinda Giltner with the death of
her mother, Sis. Judy Langhofer of
Wichita. We’ve been honored to lift
Leontien (Bastiaan) Van de Laar
Osstdijk up in prayer the past year.
From the Netherlands, she became
acquainted with Jesus through the
friendship and ministry of our
brethren. At age 33, she now sees
Him in person. We grieve with her
young husband and family.
Thank you Bro. Dick (Sis.
Sharon) Meister (West Lafayette)
and Bro. Fred (Sis. Nancy) Witzig
(Washington)! We were blessed
and challenged as they presented
“Our Christian Heritage” and
“Anabaptists – willing to sacrifice all
to follow Christ”.
February 2013
We are praising God for our new
convert, Jason Isch, son of Bro. Jeff
and Sis. Karen.
Our family increased as we
welcomed our new Bro. Spencer
and Sis. Breanna Pfister and Bro.
Phillip Gerber into our fellowship.
Their parents are Bro. Courtney and
Sis. Jody Pfister, Bro. Larry and Sis.
Sharon Stoller and Bro. Darryll and
Sis. Ginny Gerber. We appreciate
Elder Bro. Steve and Sis. Myra
Ringger coming over from Bluffton
North to assist Elder Bros. Ed and
Lynn with the testimonies and
baptisms.
We’ve also enjoyed the visits
of ministering Bro. Seth Gerber
(Magdalena), Bro. Jeff and Sis. Val
Leman (Bluffton North), Bro. Dan
and Sis. Sherri Pfister (Bluffton
North), and Bro. Jerry and Sis.
Linda Isch (Philadelphia).
Bro. Preston and Sis. Wendy
Kaehr welcomed their firstborn son,
Griffin Douglas. Grandparents are
Bro. Doug and Sis. Tammy Kaehr
(Bluffton North) and Bro. Dee
and Sis. Laura Neuenschwander.
Little Delayna Jo Reinhard joined
the family of Bro. Kent, Sis. Jody,
Desiah, Deena, Deidra, Darin,
Daylin, Devin, and Denessa.
Her grandparents are Sis. Ann
Reinhard and Bro. Steve and Sis.
Irene Frauhiger (Bluffton North).
Bro. Dean and Sis. Julie Tonner are
rejoicing over the birth of their first
grandchild, Samara Kay Tonner,
born to Bro. Trevor and Sis. Rachel.
Many of us have started our
church-wide Bible Study, “What
We Believe”. Thanks to our
ministering brothers for creating
this study, beginning with general
Christian beliefs and moving on
to our specific Apostolic Christian
practices and applications. God has
blessed us beyond comprehension
with a denomination solidly
SILVER LINING
founded on His Word. May we be
true and faithful unto His return!!
INDIANA, BLUFFTON NORTH
Jessie Longenberger
Amy Moser
We rejoice with the families of a
new addition to our congregation.
Bro. Preston and Sis. Wendy
Kaehr became first-time parents to
Griffin Douglas on December 12.
Grandparents are Bro. Doug and
Sis. Tammy Kaehr and Bro. Dee and
Sis. Laura Neuenschwander. Bro.
Steve and Sis. Irene also became
grandparents again with the birth
of Delayna Jo on December 26. She
is the daughter of Bro. Kent and Sis.
Jodi Reinhard of Bluffton.
Our congregation was also blessed
with two visiting ministers on
December 30. Bro. Jeff (Sis. Margo)
Waibel from Leo and Bro. Ron (Sis.
Pam) Messner of Washington, IL
were kind enough to share to Word
of God with us.
We mourn with many who
have recently lost loved ones. Bro.
Kelly (Sis. Lisa) Aschliman lost
his father, Bro. Bob Aschliman
(Bluffton) on December 8. Bro.
Walter Aeschliman passed away on
December 25. Our prayers go out to
these families.
“I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)
*What on earth are you doing...for
heaven’s sake?*
Indiana, Francesville
Mildred Clauss
Jacki Huber
Indiana, Indianapolis
Katy Frantz
Sandy Lichtle
Paul prayed that the Church
at Colosse “might be comforted,
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being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full
assurance of understanding, to the
acknowledgement of the mystery
of God, and of the Father, and of
Christ.” (Colossians 2:2)
With this New Year may the peace
of Christ rule in the hearts of His
church, as we seek to know Christ
and make Him known.
Bro. Eric Strassheim (Sis. Jodi) led
a Bible study on 2 Peter on January
9.
We all pray for our Bro. Bert
and Sis. Karen Aeschliman and
their family. Bro. Bert’s father, Bro.
Walt Aeschliman, passed away on
December 25. The Aeschliman
family is thankful that he is safe in
the arms of our Lord Jesus.
We appreciate the service of the
following visiting ministers this
past month: Bro. Mark Gerber (Sis.
Barb, Bluffton, IN) and Bro. Troy
Leyse (Sis. Kelly, Bluffton, IN). May
our Lord bless you in the work of
encouraging and exhorting His
church.
INDIANA, LACROSSE
Julie Rocke
Meagan Frank
We were reminded this past
weekend that the sun shines
beautifully even when the clouds
get in the way. To apply that to our
lives here, we need to remember
that God’s blessings are present
every day, even when other things
cloud our vision. Let’s work together
to remember to look for those
blessings all around us!
January 4 was bittersweet as we
gathered for a singing to bid farewell
to Bro. Josh and Sis. Bethany
Johnson and their three little girls:
Emily, Erin and Ava. We are so
thankful that God has provided
employment for Bro. Josh at Latty,
OH, yet we will miss each of them.
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May you continue to feel God’s
nearness and direction as you settle
in to a new position, home, and
church family.
We had the blessing of having
several visiting ministers this
month. Bros. Jim Butikofer (Sis.
Diana, Iowa City, IA) and Lucas
Frank (Sis. Crystal, Detroit, MI)
shared the Word with us over the
holidays. January 5 was an evening
filled with blessings as we gathered
for a meal followed by the reading
of the Memorandum. Elder Bro.
Mike Leman (Sis. Deb, Denver, CO)
travelled to share the duty with our
Elder Bro. Curt Frank. We enjoyed
the time of fellowship before our
meeting and the presence of the
Spirit as our elder brothers read and
expounded on the Memorandum.
We enjoyed Elder Bro. Mike’s
services on Sunday as well and
pray that God will bless all those
who serve Him and minister to His
children.
Our hearts are with Bro. David
Virkler (Sis. Betsy) in the loss of
his grandfather, Bro. Ben Stickling
(Peoria, IL).
Another wonderful blessing is
hearing that Lauren Moser (Sis.
Becky Moser and Bro. Lonny Moser,
Bluffton, IN) began her repentance.
It is truly encouraging to once again
have several converts and see the
joy on their faces as they turn their
hearts to God.
No sooner had we sent on our last
article reporting on Sis. Carolyn
Levy’s recovery from surgery, than
we received word that she had gone
to her heavenly home. Her funeral
was a beautiful reminder of the
joy in a life lived for Christ. We
were blessed to welcome home her
children who were raised in our
LaCrosse church: Bro. Roger & Sis.
Sue Levy (Indianapolis,IN), and
Bro. Bill & Sis. Janet Baumgartner
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(Leo, IN) along with their children
and grandchildren. While each
one is thankful Sis. Carolyn is now
experiencing the joys of heaven, her
love and positive personality will be
sorely missed by her family, church
family, and those at Parkview Haven
who saw her daily.
February 2013
we listened carefully to the three
testimonies, I noticed that neither
elder offered the following advice:
“Dear ones, as you now take your
place in the fellowship, I would
encourage each of you to undermine
and discredit your church leadership
as much as possible.” If we would
never give such awful advice to our
INDIANA, LEO
new converts, then why would we
Kirby Reutter
model this sort of behavior for the
lambs of the flock?
“Can two walk together, except they
Bro. Andrew Fisher and Sis. Emily
be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)
Kieser were married in the Lord
Just when I think that things have on 1/20/13. Ministering Bro. Jeff
finally started to stabilize in Leo, this Waibel and our local elder Bro.
is what happens: three testimonies, Lynn Stieglitz led us in a beautiful
ceremony to commemorate this
three baptisms, one business
union of hearts. As we listened
meeting, one memorandum
carefully to the wedding service, I
reading, one wedding, and one
noticed that the following advice
baby—all in a single month. For
was never offered: “Bro. Andrew,
starters, we rejoice with Bro. Jason
only love your new bride when it
and Sis. Rachel Klopfenstein at the
safe arrival of their precious bundle is convenient. Otherwise, criticize
every single fault, defect, and
(Eve Airrah) on 1/2/13.
Our local Elder Bro. Lynn Stieglitz blemish so that she can learn from
her mistakes. Sis. Emily, only
expounded upon the church
respect your new husband when you
memorandum on 1/9/13. As we
listened carefully to this exhortation, agree with him. Otherwise, make
sure you publically humiliate him
I noticed that Bro. Lynn never
(or anonymously) so that he can
offered the following advice: “Dear
ones, instead of spreading the gospel appreciate your perspective. As for
both of you, do not use your Godof peace to the lost, let us now
given differences to complement
spread seeds of doubt, discord, and
dissension within the brotherhood.” each other or to bring you closer to
Him. Rather, use your differences
If no elder would ever give such
as constant points of contention.
awful advice, then where do these
When you finally realize how
behaviors come from? (James 4:1)
different you are from each other,
The following three souls
then you must part ways.”
professed faith in the life, death,
If we would never give such awful
and blood of the Lord Jesus
advice to a newlywed couple, then
Christ on 1/12/13: Kendall Rager,
why would we treat the Bride of
Kacie Klopfenstein, and Jordan
Christ in this manner?
Reimschisel. All three individuals
Our annual business meeting was
were baptismally buried into the
also held on 1/9/13. As I scanned
death of Christ the following day.
the ballots for the various positions,
Elder Bro. Randy Kellenberger
I had to marvel at how much we
(Kansas City) assisted our local
truly need each other! What if (just
elder Bro. Lynn Stieglitz with
for one Sunday) we all decided to do
the labors of the weekend. As
February 2013
our own thing? What if all the song
leaders led us in different hymns—
at the same time? What if all of
our ushering brothers pointed us in
different directions? What if we all
did that which was right in our own
eyes? What if the hand said to the
foot: “I have no need of thee!”
What kind of a church do we want
baby Eve Klopfenstein to encounter
in 20 years from now? I know it’s
been weeks since Christmas, but
the words of my favorite Christmas
carol from all times still echo
through my mind: “His law is love
and His gospel is peace.”
INDIANA, MILFORD
Janie Price
Paula Haab
The New Year brought our annual
business meeting. We certainly
want to thank all of the brothers
and sisters who spent much time in
the past few years filling the various
officies, and may God bless them
richly. Needing our prayers are the
newly-elected officers: Bros. Tom
Price, Rich Schlipf, Marc Beer, Regg
Beer, Abe Habegger, Dick Steffen
and Al Wuthrich; also, Sisters Kara
Laukhuf, Julie Habegger, Kathy
Schlipf, Jodi Beer and Barb Beer.
It took several days for Hope Beer
(Bro. Brent and Sis. Pam) to recover
from a surgical procedure that sort
of ruined her Christmas break.
We are thankful that God healed
her and she is back in church and
school.
Bro. Tom and Sis. LuAnn Troxel
(LaCrosse) were visiting here for a
family gathering. We all received
the benefit of his willingness to
share the good news of Jesus Christ.
Our Sunday School Bible class has
been enjoying a “Second Sunday” of
spending time together after church
participating in various activities
and praising God. A special thank
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you and added blessings go to the
teachers who spend this extra time
with our young people.
After a few “get-way days” in
our area, the Drayer family from
Bluffton North, blest us with their
presence on Sunday. Psalm 100
came along and inspired us with
some beautiful hymns after services. This brought Bro. Tim (Sis. Gwen)
Drayer and Bro. Ryan (Sis. Jessica)
Bertsch into our midst. They ably
fed us from the Living Word. One
of the morning hymns selected
was “Holy, Happy, Heavenly Day”
(Zion’s Harp #254). This seemed to
set the tone for the day. Thank you
and God bless all of you.
We are looking forward to
meeting Bro. Bob and Sis. Barb
Beer’s newest grandchild, Khloe
Lynn, who was born to daughter,
Sis. Sonya and Bro. Brad Bertsch
(Bluffton).
INDIANA, REMINGTON
Jenni Honegger
Marcella Tyler
We would like to thank our
visiting ministers this month.
Bro. Ryan Schock (Sis. Melanie)
of Bloomfield was here for our
Christmas service and Bro. Tom
Waldbeser (Sis. Susan) from Atlanta
was here for our New Year’s Eve
service with the Wolcott church.
We were challenged to evaluate our
spiritual growth over the past year
and to think about how we might
grow more in the year ahead. May
God’s blessings be on both men
for their willingness to preach the
Word.
We again ask your prayers for
Sis. Marge Pitman as she was in
the hospital again recently. The
pain and discouragement that
sometimes comes with growing
older can be disheartening, so we
need to remember to continually
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lift our suffering brothers and
sisters up in prayer and try to be an
encouragement to them.
We rejoice with Bro. Chad, Sis.
Janice, big sister, Rose, and big
brother, Preston Kaeb, at the birth
of Logan Greg on January 6! Logan’s
grandparents are Bro. Eric and Sis.
Lou Ann Kaeb of Cissna Park and
Bro. Ken and Sis. Gwen Manz of
Junction. We praise God for little
Logan’s safe arrival and ask His
continued provision for Bro. Chad
and Sis. Janice as they seek to raise
their little ones in the Lord.
We recently held our annual
business meeting and selected new
Sunday School teachers, trustees,
and other church offices. We
sincerely thank each one whose
term has expired for their faithful
service and pray a blessing on each
of the newly-elected.
As we look ahead to the elder
winter conference in February,
we want to remember to lift our
dear elder brothers in prayer. May
the Lord grant them wisdom and
discernment to know His will as
they seek to serve Him.
INDIANA, SOUTH BEND
Joshua Martinez
“Let every thing that hath breath
praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”
(Psalm 150:6)
We offer heartfelt thanks to the
ministering brethren, their wives
and families who served and
fellowshipped with us this month.
We thank Elder Brothers Curt Frank
(Sis. Lyla, LaCrosse, IN) and David
Graf (Sis. Barb, Akron, OH) for
helping us with the reading of the
Memorandum and for their service
from the pulpit the next day. We
also wish to thank Bro. Tony Manz
(Sis. Denise, Junction, OH), Bro.
Vince Pfister (Sis. Brandy, Bluffton,
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IN), and Bro. Troy Leyse (Sis. Kelly,
Bluffton, IN) for sharing the Great
News of the Gospel with us.
Diana Schlatter (Bro. Otto and Sis.
DeAnn) is safely home after time
spent in the hospital. Our prayers
and get-well wishes go out to her
and our thanks and praise to the
Heavenly Father for His healing
mercies.
Sis. Judy Langhofer, wife of
departed ministering Bro. Al
Langhofer (Wichita, KS) was called
Home on January 8. She is the
beloved mother of Bro. Marty (Sis.
Lavilla) Langhofer and Sis. Jocelyn
Payton of our congregation. Sis.
Judy’s sweet and simple demeanor,
powerful living witness and faith
continue to affect, shape and inspire
the generations that follow her and
all those who knew her. We will
miss Grandma Judy and rejoice in
the knowledge that she finished her
race strong and is now safe in the
company of our Lord and Savior.
“I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the
faith: Henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous judge, shall
give me at that day: and not to me
only, but unto all them also that love
his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
INDIANA, VALPARAISO
Marguerite Hoerr
Bob jotted down these words as
we heard them from a broadcast
one Sunday when we couldn’t go to
church.
“Go where you have never been; Do
what you have never done.
Give more than you’ve ever given;
Surrender what you hold.
Love people never loved before;
Forgive those things never forgiven.
Trust what you never trusted before;
Become what you have never been.”
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If we do all of these things we
will have a new life and a new
beginning, and certainly we couldn’t
do any of it without a life centered
in God.
The following poem was given to
me too late to include with our news
last month. Sisters Rachel Feller and
her twin sister, Hannah, are the two
youngest members in our church.
Both girls contribute their talents
so often. They both are good singers
and are often in trios and quartets.
Rachel wrote this poem entitled
“What Christmas Means” for our
Christmas program and I felt I
couldn’t wait until next year to share
it with you.
“What does Christmas mean to us, in
this world today?
Is it just about gifts, and a baby born
in the hay?
Maybe to some, it’s about fun and
times with family.
But let me share with you, what
Christmas means to me.
To me it’s about love of our Holy
Father and Lord.
He looked down on earth and saw
that we needed help we couldn’t
afford.
God looked around for a way to help
us, and he found only one.
To save us from our sins, He must
send His only Son.
So through the manger he sent Jesus,
who died to show us His love;
And through Him we can live in
Heaven, through Eternity with God
above.
This is what Christmas means to me,
I’m telling you today,
It’s about God sending His only Son
to show us the way.
So what is Christmas to you, and
what will you say?
When someone asks you, what is the
meaning of Christmas today?
(Rachel Feller)
February 2013
We’re sad to report that Sis. Gwen
Bucher was in a hospital near Ft.
Meyers. One of her sons gave her a
winter vacation (a condo for several
months) as a gift. She became ill
soon after arriving in Florida. Gwen
is a stalwart, loved member of our
little Valpo church and prayers
are being lifted up in her behalf.
May she soon be able to enjoy her
vacation in the sunny south with all
the vigor she usually displays.
This day, January 20, Bro. Jon
Pratt of our Valpo congregation
and Sis. Sharon Gerst will be
married in Iowa City. So many of
our congregation are attending
their wedding that our church will
be closed on this Sunday. We are
among the few who are unable to
attend and we will be with them in
thoughts and prayers as they make
their promises to God and man
and become husband and wife. We
are looking forward to having Sis.
Sharon in our Valpo church. We
have all learned to love her and
are looking forward to seeing her
each Sunday. May God bless their
marriage and their home. Jon has
been a blessing to us ever since he
came to worship with us the first
Sunday as a student at Valparaiso
University.
We ask you to stop in and visit us
if you are in our vicinity. You will be
most welcome and appreciated and
God will bless you for sharing your
love with us.
INDIANA, WEST LAFAYETTE
Ben Stoller
Katie Widmer
INDIANA, WOLCOTT
Sasha Kyburz
Donita Edelman
I apologize for an error in last
month’s news. Samuel Asher, son of
Bro. Ryan and Sis. Kim Schleman,
February 2013
was born on December 11. This
was incorrectly reported in the last
article.
We had a very blessed weekend on
January 12 and 13 when three dear
souls shared their testimonies and
were baptized. Our new brothers
and sister in faith are Bros. Kaleb
Wagenbach (Bro. Michael and Sis.
Erica) and Marcus Schwab (Bro.
Mark and Sis. Shari) and Sis. Leah
Lehman (Bro. Rob and Sis. Beckie).
We want to continue to pray for
these souls as they are new lambs in
the fold and we know satan is still
trying to pull them back into sin.
Visiting ministers for the weekend
of the baptism were Elder Bros.
Ted Steffen (Sis. Sandy, Alto, MI),
Rick Plattner (Sis. Mary, Fairbury,
IL) and Dan Kilgus (Sis. Jenna,
Remington, IN). Other visiting
ministers that took part in the
services and/or Sunday School
were: Bros. Gerry Wagenbach (Sis.
Bonnie, Oakville, IA); Fred Witzig
(Sis. Nancy, Washington, IL). May
the Lord richly bless each one of
these brothers and their wives and
families for being willing to share
with us.
Our annual church meeting was
held in January. We want to thank
each one leaving office for the time
and effort that has been spent on
behalf of the church. We also want
to pray for those that have received
new responsibilities.
Our church, along with the
Remington congregation, is
enjoying time spent on Monday
evenings doing World Relief
projects. We have various projects
that we complete during January
and February. It is a blessing to meet
and have a light meal and then work
with our families and each other to
help those that are less fortunate and
in need.
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Iowa, Ames
Jacob Schulz
IOWA, Bloomfield
Teresa Schock
Bro. Lloyd and Sis. Carol
Wettstein have adopted, Cambria
a 5½ year old girl from Bulgaria.
Her siblings are Bro. Nathan, Bro.
Caleb, Derek and Blake. We wish
them God’s blessings. December
25, Bro. Brad Funk (Sis. Laura,
Garden Grove, IA) ministered to
us and shared with us the beautiful
Christmas story. We always enjoy
them visiting us.
Those spending time in the
hospital were Sis. Lynn Townsend
(Danny), Sis. Wila Teubel and Bro.
Harold Knapp (Sis. Mary Jane). We
are thankful for God’s nearness and
healing hand.
We were blessed with the reading
of the Memorandum. Elder Bro. Jim
Plattner (Sis. Marlene, Princeville,
IL) was here to assist. It is always a
joy to our spirits when the truths
of God’s Word are so beautifully
illuminated on those special
evenings of the memorandum. We
were reminded of our “high calling”
and to uphold the “faith of the
gospel.” Phil. 1:27
IOWA, BURLINGTON
Marilyn Anderson
Monica Eisenmann
December 2, the Sunday School
children told the story of Christ’s
humble birth through songs and
reading of scripture. We appreciate
the work the teachers and students
put into the program and ask God
to bless each one.
December 13, the young group
gathered to prepare and deliver
encouragement baskets to show love
and support to those who have trials
in their heart at this time.
Bro. Gary and Sis. Melody Schulz
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are thankful for the safe arrival
of granddaughter, Kayra Karen
Dotterer. Kayra is the daughter of
Bro. Tim and Sis Laura Dotterer
(Bloomfield, IA). Sis. Laura is the
daughter of Bro. Gary and the late
Sis. Karen.
On the evening of January 5,
we gathered at the home of Bro.
Gary and Sis. Melody Schulz for
potluck to bid a fond farewell to our
ministering Bro. John Rowell and
his wife, Sis. Nelda. They have taken
residence at Tremont, IL to be near
some of their family. We wish them
God’s blessings in their move and
look forward to the times they will
return to worship with us.
We have been privileged to have
many visitors come to worship
with us, and especially want to
thank Elder Bros. Jon Schmidgall
(Oakville, IA) and Ben Walder
(Congerville, IL); as well as
ministering Bros. Dale Frank,
Tom Lanz, John Steiner, and Mark
Schmidgall, all of Oakville, IA.
May the Lord be near each one to
strengthen them as the Word is
brought forth.
Love and prayers are extended
to those who have health issues at
this time. May they feel the Lord’s
healing touch.
Iowa, Elgin
Maria Rocke
Once again, we held our annual
business meeting in January. We’re
thankful for each one who’s accepted
new responsibilities, as there seem
to be many in a small church: Bro.
Wade Halverson (trustee, sound
system), Bro. Jim Knobloch (trustee,
sound system), Bro. Lon Butikofer
(parking attendant).
In Ecclesiastes we read, “Let us
hear the conclusion of the whole
matter: Fear God and keep His
commandments: for this is the
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whole duty of man.” (12:13). As we
work toward completing our daily
responsibilities, from the greatest to
the least, let us keep in the forefront
of our mind our utmost duty in this
life. If fulfilled, we will be blessed
not only in our life here, but much
more in eternity.
Bro. Jim Butikofer (Sis. Dianna,
Iowa City, IA) and Elder Bro.
Wayne Grimm (Sis. Rose, West
Bend, IA) visited this month. We
thank them for ministering to us.
May God bless their efforts.
IOWA, Lester
Joyce Moser
Gloria Moser
ioWA, Garden Grove
Laura Funk
Traveling to deliver God’s Word
this month was Bro. Gerry Hertzel
(Sabetha, KS). God bless you and
those who traveled with you.
Two more soul have found peace
with God and man, Sara and Duane
Lester, daughter and son-in-law of
Sis. Willa Clark. We are thankful
the Lord is still calling souls and our
congregation is slowly growing. “Have you any room for Jesus,
As in grace He calls again?
O today is time accepted,
Tomorrow you may call in vain.” (Hymns of Zion #193 vs. 3)
The Sunday School children
brought forth not only the birth
of Jesus, but also His death which
sets us free. Without the birth or
the death of Jesus, we could not
attain eternal life. Thanks to God
for providing eternal rest for His
children.
Iowa, Iowa City
Diana Butikofer
“For we walk by faith, not by
sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7)
”Every good and perfect gift is from
above.” (James 1:17)
First-time parents, Bro. Alvie and
Sis. Alice Meyer, have received the
gift of a precious daughter, Kasha
Rae, born on January 9. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Mike and Sis.
Mavis Schmidt and Bro. Dean and
Sis. Linda Meyer.
We extend our appreciation to
visiting ministers who were with us
during the Christmas season. They
were Bro. Larry Bahr (Ft. Scott, KS),
Bro. Mark Schmidgall (Oakville,
IA) and Bro. Roger Aberle (Sabetha,
KS). May God continue to inspire
them to preach the truth.
We have many who are under
the care of a physician. Sis. Harriet
Metzger (Bro. Bruce) has been a
hospital patient. Sis. Shirley Nester
is receiving therapy at the Lyon
Manor Rehab Center following a
surgical procedure. May we always
look to the Great Physician for
comfort and healing.
“Jesus knows thy sorrow. Knows
thine every care; Knows thy deep
contrition, Hears thy feeblest prayers.
Do not fear to trust Him, Tell Him all
thy grief: Cast on Him thy burden,
He will bring relief.” (Hymns of Zion,
#74)
We remember Bro. Bill and Sis.
Charlotte Metzger and Bro. Jim
and Sis. Lois Metzger as they grieve
the loss of a dear sister, Sis. Sharon
Elsasser (Bradford, IL). Bro. Howard
and Sis. Lillian Mogler have bid
farewell to a special stepmother, Sis.
Lillie Luthi (Morris, MN). We also
extend our sympathy to Sis. Gladys
Knobloch, Sis. Elgeva Knobloch
and Dale and Sis. Mary Knobloch
as their brother-in-law, Bro. Elmer
February 2013
Fehr (West Bend, IA) passed into
eternity.
Reflecting back on the year 2012,
our church has had joy mingled
with sorrow. The annual statistics
in our Lester congregation were 2
deaths, 9 births and 5 baptisms. As
we embark on the new year, may
our focus be on a closer walk with
Christ.
“I am weak but Thou art strong,
Jesus keep me from all wrong: I’ll be
satisfied as long, As I walk let me
walk close to Thee. Chorus: Just a
closer walk with Thee. Grant it Jesus
is my plea. Daily walking close to
Thee. Let it be dear Lord, let it be.”
(Gospel Hymns #805)
IOWA, OAKVILLE
Sharla Wiegand
Visiting ministers this month
included Bro. Michael Wagenbach
(Wolcott IN) and Bro. Phil Schulz
(Burlington IA). May God bless
them for sharing the Word with us.
The first services in our new
church in Mediapolis were held
Sunday, January 13. It will take time
to adjust to the new surroundings,
but the congregation has not
changed and we are thankful for
God’s unchanging faithfulness and
character. Open house is scheduled
for February 23 and dedication on
February 24.
Iowa, West Bend
Leona Fehr
Becky Virkler
Joining hands in matrimony on
December 29 were Bethany Wirtz
(Bro. Jim and Sis. Joan) and Mathew
Kirk. May the Lord bless this couple
as they establish their home in
Mankato, MN.
Bro. Chuck (Sis. Beth) Mogler is
thankfully recovering from back
surgery. Other hospital patients
February 2013
were Sis. Elma Mogler, Sis. Joyce
Banwart, Sis. Helen Zaugg, and Bro.
Ivan (Sis. Evelyn) Schmidt. God has
provided healing and each one has
returned home.
A little boy, Rowen Truth, joined
the family of Bro. Quinn and Sis.
Ruth Dahlhauser on January 1.
His happy siblings are Braxton
and Grandon. Baby Rowen’s
grandparents are Bro. Marin and
Sis. Doris Zaugg and Bro. Kenneth
and Sis. Ellen Dahlhauser. May God
grant wisdom as they raise their
children.
Our congregation gathered
together to bid farewell to Bro.
Elmer Fehr who passed from life
into eternity on January 4 at the
age of 94. Bro. Elmer was a strong
pillar and beautiful example to us.
Left with precious memories is Sis.
Matilda, his wife of 71 years, and
children: Sis. Doris (Bro. Martin)
Zaugg, Bro. Wayne (Sis. Kathy,
Portland, OR), Bro. Robert (Sis.
Barb, Iowa City, IA) and Bro. Jim
(Sis. Sharon), Sis. Ruth (Bro. Duane)
Metzger, and Bro. Dan (Sis Eunice)
of West Bend. Bro. Elmer often
longed for the Lord to take him
home and we were reminded in his
funeral service of Rev. 21:20, “Even
so, come, Lord Jesus”. May we be
ready and waiting for that time.
It is a joy to have Tory Metzger
(Bro. Leland and Sis. Kathy) living
back in our area. May God bless and
guide his future.
JAPAN, SHIODA
Carrie Ito
JAPAN, Tokyo
Manuela Denes
Marie Inoue
We finished the year of 2012 with
the Christmas message and Sunday
School program on December 16.
The recitations and songs by the
SILVER LINING
children were so enjoyed. A flash
card presentation was also given by
the father of two of our children.
After that all of the men sang a
song. Several fathers had never sung
the song before, but participated
anyway. We then enjoyed cake and
tea afterward. We hope that through
the songs, Bible recitations, and
fellowship all could understand
more of the Christmas message God
gave to the world that Jesus who was
born as the Babe of Bethlehem grew
up to be our Savior and Redeemer.
The next Sunday we enjoyed a
Christmas meal together in the
evening. This gave time to prepare
special foods and have relaxed
visits together. One of the ladies
shared her thoughts and feelings of
Christianity. She mentioned that she
reads violence and unrest in some of
the Old Testament stories whereas
in Buddhism the gods are peaceful
and calm. We don’t know all the
reasons behind God’s leading in the
Old Testament, but we do know He
is trying to teach and train us in His
ways, and many times test us to help
us know God’s perfect will.
On Sunday, January 13 a
memorial service was held for
our Sis. Shizuko Urushino. She
resided in the Yokohama area with
her family and a service was first
held there at the time of her death
in December. Our Bro. Akihiro
Ito along with our local retired
elder had the memorial service.
Matt. 25:31-46 was shared how
our Lord will separate the sheep
and the goats, and 1 Cor.15:50-58
was meditated upon that in the
twinkling of an eye we shall be
changed. It was mentioned how we
often only seek for our immediate
needs and future, where our sister
thought of her undying soul and
made preparation for eternity. Our
hope is that all who attended could
25
receive a clearer, Bible message
of our hope in Christ. May the
life of faith of our dear sister be a
continued memory and comfort
in the lives of her dear husband,
Toshio, and children: Kenichi,
Sachiko, and Takeshi, along
with her daughter-in-law, and 2
grandchildren, all who cared so
faithfully for her. After the service
we enjoyed a meal and a time of
sharing on the second floor.
Several of our single folks enjoyed
trips to Australia and the U.S. over
the holidays. We were so thankful
they had pleasant times and safe
travels.
KANSAS, BERN
Sheri Edelman
Rita Menold
We enjoyed our annual Sunday
School Christmas program and all
church caroling in December. It
is always a blessing to be together
and spread the Good News of Jesus
Christ!
Jessalyn Strahm (Bro. Faron and
Sis. Jana) is seeking the Lord in
repentance! We rejoice with her and
her family! May God lead her to a
close relationship with Him!
Our visiting ministers were
Bro. Roger Aberle (Sis. LaVonne,
Sabetha, KS), Bro. Wayne Hartzler
(Sis. Camille, Rittman, OH) and
Bro. Jeff Bahler (Sis. Heidi, Wolcott,
IN). We thank you for your labors
in the Lord’s vineyard.
Two new babies have joined us
in Bern! Scott and Valerie Edelman
added their fourth boy on January
10. Sawyer William will be well
loved by Cayden, Carson and
Tate. Happy grandparents of this
little boy are Bro. Rod and Sis.
Joleen Edelman. Bro. Jason and
Sis. Maggie Kaeb had their second
boy on January 14. Kendon David
is welcomed home by big brother,
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26
Kyson. Happy grandparents of
Kendon are Bro. Paul and Sis. Joan
Kaeb and Bro. David and Sis. Shari
Eisenbise (Sabetha, KS).
Bro. Bill Berg (Sis. Mary)
underwent another back surgery in
December. May the Lord heal him
quickly and completely!
kANSAS, FORT SCOTT
Teresa Bahr
KAnsas, Kiowa
Janice Bahr
Jenny Stewart
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He
is good; for His mercy endureth for
ever.” (Psalm 118:29)
May we be thankful for the
blessings He bestows upon us daily.
Our hospital patients this month
were Sis. Courtney Schupbach (Bro.
Matt), Sis. Donna Piper (Glen), and
Sis. Jenny Stewart (Bro. Kelly). Our
prayers continue to be with them all
as they recover.
Our congregation shared God’s
Word this month as we held services
at the Kiowa Manor.
Let us allow God’s leading hand to
guide us in this coming year in all of
our endeavors.
Kansas, Lamont-Gridley
Sarah Somerhalder
The annual business meeting was
held Sunday afternoon, January 13.
May we prayerfully support those
who have been elected to serve new
terms.
Visiting ministers this month
were Bro. Cory Metzger (Sis.
Jodi, Wichita, KS) and Bro. John
Baumgartner (Sis. Lori, Bern, KS).
We appreciate their willingness in
ministering God’s Word.
KANSAS, SABETHA
Dawn Strahm
Sally Strahm
February 2013
of Sabetha, KS and Lana and Eldon
Kaster of Bern, KS. Sis. Arleta had a
number of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren she dearly loved. We
“Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks
will miss the example she was to all
unto the Lord; for he is good: for his
of us. May God comfort those who
mercy endureth forever.”
are left behind.
(Psalm 106:1)
We are thankful to have visiting
ministers
with us. Bro. Don Sinn
We rejoice with Bro. Brett and
(Sis. Linda, Silverton, OR) was with
Sis. Rosanna Kellenberger as they
us this past month. We appreciate
welcome another little girl, Emery
Bro. Don being willing to be used in
Dawn, into their family circle.
His service.
Emery’s siblings are Quinn, Alia
Bro. Brad Kellenberger (Sis.
and Kallie to welcome her home.
Teresa)
was a surgical patient this
Grandparents are Bro. Brad and Sis.
past month. We pray for God’s
Teresa Kellenberger and Bro. Don
and Sis. Linda Sinn of Silverton, OR. healing hand during his recovery.
We pray for God’s spirit to be
Frank and Sis. Julie Krogmann
among
the elders as they meet
welcome the addition of their
together during the Mid-Winter
granddaughter, Sophia Eilene
Conference in Oakville, Iowa. It is
Gibson. Sophia’s parents are Jason
and Rachel Gibson of Leona. Twins very necessary that we consistently
and fervently hold them up in
siblings, Eli and Emmy, age 2½, are
excited to have a little sister. Great- prayer, not only during this time,
grandparent is Bro. Harvey Wenger but always.
The Sabetha church held their
(the late Sis. Arleta Wenger).
annual
business meeting on January
Bro. David and Sis. Shari Eisenbise
8. We appreciate all the efforts
are thankful for another grandson,
of the brethren who have spent
Kendon David. Kendon’s parents
their time and love in the past year
are Bro. Jason and Sis. Maggi Kaeb
to serve our congregation in the
of Bern, KS. Kendon has one older
various responsibilities. May the
brother, Kyson.
brethren who have been selected to
Our prayers are with Jason
take on new responsibilities feel our
Rudin (April) as he has begun his
love and support.
repentance. May God ever put His
arms around Jason as he makes a
“Thus our duty is made plain,
beginning in Him.
Trusting and in God abiding.
We rejoice with our convert,
Faithful to thy Lord remain;
Whitney Grimm (Bro. Rodney
Till your eyes in light beholding,
and Sis. Arlene), as she has been
See prepared there for the blest
announced for peace and is awaiting Shining crowns of righteousness.
baptism.
Shining crowns of righteousness.”
Our dear Sis. Arleta Wenger
(Faithful Until Death Remain,
passed away. Surviving is her
Zion’s Harp #105, )
husband, Bro. Harvey Wenger, and
children: Sis. Mary Kay Wenger,
Note of Thanks:
Sis. Julie and Frank Krogmann,
Your prayers, love and many deeds
Bro. Wayne and Sis. Jean Wenger,
of kindness shown to us while I was
Janice and Roger Young, Valerie
in the hospital and during the time
and Curtis Keim and Dan Wenger
February 2013
my wife, Sis. Arleta Wenger, was in
the nursing home until she passed
away were very much appreciated.
May God bless each of you for your
many prayers and expressions of
sympathy during this difficult time.
Bro. Harvey Wenger
KANSAS, Wichita
Emma Miller
Bro. Jerry and Sis. Pauline
Carnahan recently celebrated their
40th wedding anniversary.
Sis. Lillian Bowers celebrated her
90th birthday in December.
Also in December, Bro. Kevin (Sis.
Sue) Banwart from West Bend, Iowa
was our visiting minister.
Sis. Judy Langhofer went to her
heavenly home on January 8, 2013.
Her husband preceded her in death
this past summer. She was a loving,
faithful wife to C.A. Langhofer for
64 years. They raised 7 children
who gave me 29 grandchildren,
61 great grandchildren and 2
great, great grandchildren. Their
children are as follows: Steve and
Jeanne Langhofer, Dr. Martin and
Lavilla Langhofer, Jocelyn Payton
(whose husband preceded her in
death), Erik and Cynthia Langhofer,
Bruce and Mary Stoller, Rocky and
Melinda Giltner, Robert and Misty
Langhofer. Judy is survived by one
brother, Chuck Young, and a sister,
Liseten Strahm, of Burlington, KS.
Kentucky, Lexington
Barb Huber
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we
are not consumed, because His
compassions fail not. They are
new every morning: great is thy
faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22,23)
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care for His sheep. We pray a special
blessing on Elder Bros. Andy Stoller
(Sis. Roberta, Smithville, OH) and
Ken Indermuhle (Sis. Linda, Sardis,
OH) as they came to serve and
minister that His Kingdom may
be furthered here on earth. The
Lord›s faithfulness was yet extended
when Bros. Vic Bauman (Sis.
Brenda, Smithville, OH) and Dana
Indermuhle (Sis. Joy, Sardis, OH)
came to minister and share God›s
Holy Word.
We feel deeply indebted to these
dear Servants of God and pray the
Lord to richly reward them for their
sacrificial efforts put forth to labor
in His service.
The Lord has brought another
young brother in faith, Bro. Kurt
Dotterer (Bloomfield, IA), with a
heart to serve here at Lexington.
He has joined Bro. Jason Brake in
seeking to serve as the Lord leads
in His vineyard. We pray the Lord to
bless and provide for their needs.
Our thoughts and prayers have
been with the family of a dear
friend, S.T. Smallwood, who
recently passed away after a lengthy
illness. S.T. had been faithful in
attending church for many years.
A warm welcome is extended
to all who may be in our area or
travelling through to worship
with us. You may contact Bro.
Lester Huber (859) 745-2541.
Church services are held at 3938
Becknerville Rd., Winchester, KY.
Directions are in the Minister’s
Book.
Mexico, Ixtlán
Matt Gerber
“Having then gifts differing according
to the grace that is given to us,
We continue to witness the Lord’s
whether prophecy, let us prophesy
faithfulness to always provide. We›re
according to the proportion of faith;
thankful for our faithful elder’s
Or ministry, let us wait on our
untiring efforts to shepherd and
27
ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on
exhortation: he that giveth, let him
do it with simplicity; he that ruleth,
with diligence; he that sheweth
mercy, with cheerfulness.”
(Romans 12:6-8)
Bro. Rudy and Sis. Rosario
Troxel (Lacrosse, IN) visited Ixtlán
and Barra Vieja. The church was
blessed by their fellowship and
encouragement.
After our fourth grade teacher
suddenly left to take a position in
the public school system, we were
relieved to find a replacement to
finish out the year. Thank you to
those who were aware of the need
and prayed.
An English teacher is needed to
finish the current school year and
to continue next year. See the back
section of this current issue for
more details.
Mexico, Magdalena
Michigan, ALTO
Listyn Oesch
Melissa Blough
The hustle and bustle of the
Christmas season is behind us but
for us, as followers of Christ, the joy
lives on and carries us into this new
year.
In December our little ones
blessed and warmed our hearts with
stories and songs of the coming of
our Savior as a baby. We thank all
the students and teachers for their
preparation and willing hearts.
Visiting our congregation this
past month was Bro. Matthew
Steffen (Sis. Deanna, Princeville IL).
We were thankful for the Spirit’s
presence and for his attitude of love
that enabled him to be used of the
Lord.
Winter has hit here in Michigan,
and with that, many of our dear
28
loved ones have headed south for
several months. We will greatly miss
them, but pray for their safety as
they travel. May the Lord bless and
be near unto them until we can be
together again.
Life can bring many trials and
questions, but we have assurance
in Christ. Our groanings are heard.
Our congregation has bent our
hearts and knees before the Lord
for our loved ones with recent
hospitalizations and surgeries. Bro.
Joe Oesch (Sis. Melva), Sis. Darlene
Goodwin, and Judah Oesch (Bro.
Matt & Sis. Shelli).
Prayer lights the way
On my dark cold days.
Someone out there is caring.
Someone out there is praying
To get me through this day.
So when I feel all alone
And no one is there.
I remember someone is on their knees
Lifting up my needs.
Prayer lights the way
On my dark cold days.
So when I am faced with great
temptation
And my hope diminished to dust,
I remember someone is on their knees
Praying for my needs.
So when you dear friend are troubled
And are in a dark cloudy day,
Just remember
Someone out there is caring.
Someone out there is praying
To get you through this day.
For God is listening
And will heed our humble request.
Go in peace and love
He will guide you through the cold.
‘Til you shall find
The sun behind the cloud
For His faithful, prayerful child.
(Melissa Blough)
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Michigan, Bay City
Sarah Knochel
Janelle Ramseyer
Bro. Dave Steffen (Sis. Linda,
Elgin, IL) spent the last Sunday in
December with our congregation.
We are thankful for his service on
our behalf.
Our annual business meeting
was held on January 9. It is such
a blessing to see a congregation
come together to make decisions
for the physical needs of the church.
In addition, a number of office
positions were filled: Bro. Jack
Knochel (Sis. Debbie) as trustee, Sis.
Carol Meylan (Bro. Gene) for a term
on the Kitchen Committee and Bro.
Jim Knochel (Sis. Kay) as Sunday
School Superintendent. Sis. Barb
Knochel was selected for the Sewing
Committee and Bro. Bob Knochel
(Sis. Rhonda) for the Distribution
Center Board.
“In every thing give thanks: for this
is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
MICHIGAN, DETROIT
Krista Wieland
The other day, I was thinking
about my grandparents living up in
Heaven and it hit me once again:
WOW! They are living with Jesus
in that perfect home above called
Heaven and it made Heaven seem
so real to me. Even though I always
know Heaven is a real place, this
was a good reminder that this earth
is not my home, and through the
shed blood of Jesus, I will be able to
one day live there too.
“But as it is written, Eye hath not
seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the
things which God hath prepared for
them that love him” (1 Cor. 2:9)
February 2013
It was nice to spend time with
family over the Christmas season.
Many of our congregation travelled
to be with loved ones. It is also very
nice to be back together with our
church family as we start a New
Year together. We treasure and rely
on each other and so appreciate the
bond we have through Jesus Christ.
Bro. Pat and Sis. Jeanie Allen
along with daughter, Ann Marie,
and grandsons, Cody and Luke,
express their sincere thanks for
your love and prayers. Sis. Jeanie is
suffering from an inoperable brain
tumor. She is currently able to be at
home, but her physical condition
remains tender and serious. Please
continue to pray for their entire
family during this difficult time.
Debbie Bruck, niece of our Sis.
Judy Aberle, who we have prayed
for over the last number of months,
had brain surgery this month and
there is a plan for another surgery
in about 6 weeks. We are thankful to
God for healing and offer continued
prayers for Debbie and the family.
Our prayers are with Bro. Russ
Rambeau and his family regarding
the death of his grandmother, Ella
Rambeau (age 98) and the death of
his uncle, Sam Cipkar.
We wish to thank visiting minister
Bro. Bob Knochel (Bay City, MI)
who served at Woodhaven this
month.
Minnesota, Minneapolis
Brenda Messner
Betty Rassi Lindwall
MINNESOTA, MORRIS
Amy Ekren
Heidi Pfaffmann
We are very thankful for our
visiting ministers this month, Bros.
Brian Metzger (Sis. Angie, Lester,
IA), Myron Knoblock (Sis. Beth,
Lester, IA), Daren Metz (Sis. Rita,
February 2013
SILVER LINING
Gridley, IL), and Dewayne Dill (Sis. us. May our resolution for the New
LaRae, Minneapolis, MN). May God Year be, that we will focus on Christ
bless them for their labors!
more fervently and that we will be a
loving light to those about us. In so
“I think when I read that sweet story
doing, we will draw closer to Him
of old, when Jesus was here among
and to each other.
men, how He called his little children
We were blessed to have Bro. Tom
as lambs to His fold, I should like to
(Sis. Connie) Schambach of Elgin,
have been with them then.”
IL visit us. May God richly bless
(The Sweet Story of Old,
you for sharing His Word.
Gospel Hymns #201)
The first of the year our church
started the “Forgiveness” Bible
On December 16 we had our
study. We pray that we will all grow
annual Christmas program. The
from this Bible Study, and that we
children shared the story of the
can become closer to God and to
miraculous birth of Jesus through
each other.
words and song.
We have missed our Bro. Harold
As 2012 came to a close, we
Gramm, who has not been able
reviewed the past year. In 2012,
to be with us for quite some time.
we had one funeral, one wedding,
We pray that God will grant him
five baptisms, five births, and
strength according to His will.
seven converts. We have truly been
Our Youth Fellowship Night has
blessed and continue to look to Him
begun again. We thank those who
for guidance and direction for the
are giving of themselves to make
upcoming year!
this possible. We pray that God will
Our prayers are with Richard
add His increase to those labors of
Greiner, Arlene Greiner, and Bro.
Love.
Caleb Pfaffmann as they were
hospitalized. May God provide
NEW YEARS PRAYER
them comfort and healing.
“May God make your year a happy
Our thoughts and prayers also go
one,
to the families who have recently
Not by shielding you from all sorrow
lost loved ones: Bro. Lowell & Sis.
and pain,
Karen Moser and family with the
But by strengthening you to bear it,
passing of Karen’s father, Myles
as it comes;
Thorstad, and to the family of our
Not by making your path easy,
dear Sis. Lillie Luthi who passed
But by making you sturdy to travel
away at the age of 104. May God
comfort their hearts as only He can. any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
MINNESOTA, MORRIS North But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken
Lois Schmidgall
sunshine,
Wanda Gramm
But by keeping your face bright, even
“Another year is dawning, dear
in shadows;
Master, let it be.
Not by making your life always
In working or in waiting, another
pleasant,
year with thee.”
But by showing you when people and
(Hymns of Zion #150)
their causes need you most,
As we enter the year 2013, we pray And by making you anxious to be
there to help.
that God will be with each one of
29
Gods Love, Peace, Hope and Joy to
you for the year ahead.”
Anonymous
MINNESOTA, ROCHESTER
Mark Stork
MINNESOTA, WINTHROP
Rebecca Messner
Heather Steiner
Sis. Julia Messner and Melvin
(Vernita) Messner spent time in the
hospital. We are thankful they have
recovered and are once more able to
gather with us.
Missouri, Kansas City
Brittany Fehr
We appreciate the labors of
ministering Bros. Matt Feicht
(Sis. Jennifer, Roanoke, IL), Cory
Metzger (Sis. Jodi, Wichita, KS),
Glen Funk (Sis. Sally, Wichita,
KS), Mark Rufener (Sis. Julie,
Mansfield, OH), and Brad Strahm
(Sis. Michelle, Bern, KS). Bro. Cory
was with us one weekend when our
single group hosted guests, and Bro.
Brad had our service on Christmas
morning. May God bless each of
these brothers.
Many thanks to the students and
teachers who prepared our Sunday
School Christmas program! What
an encouragement to know that
seeds of the truth are being planted
in young hearts. Sis. Marty Rokey (the late Bro.
Garry) has been in our prayers
lately as she has dealt with health
challenges. Missouri, Lamar
Venetta Banwart
May we feel God’s rich blessing in
the coming year, as He has this past
year.
Our visiting ministers this month
were Bro. Larry Barr (Sis. Julie,
Ft. Scott , KS), retired Elder Bro.
February 2013
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30
Don Braker (Sis. Elieen, Kansas
City , MO), Bro. Brad Strahm (Sis.
Michelle, Bern , KS), Bro. James
Koehl (Sis. Hildy, Morris , MN),
Bro. Scott Wegman (Sis. Dawn,
Taylor , MO), Bro. Les Kaeb (Sis.
Christine, Francesville , IN) and
Bro. Brandon Emch (Sis. Maria,
Kansas City, MO). Many thanks
for the labors of love for serving us
from God’s Word.
Our hospital patient this month
was Sis. Corrine Marti (Bro. Dale).
May God continue to grant her
healing.
MISSOURI, ST. LOUIS
Kary Mangers
We have special news to
share from Bro. Loren and Sis.
Betsy Schrenk. They welcomed
granddaughter, Lydia Joy Schrenk
to their family. She was born on
November 23 to Peter and Liz
Schrenk and big brothers, John and
Andrew. We wish all of them God’s
blessings.
Our thanks and appreciation to
Bro. Earl and Sis. Suzanne Beery
(Rittman) and Bro. Ron and Sis.
Kayleen Heiniger (BloomingtonNormal) for taking time to serve us
for the November and December
rotations. We know many times
these ministers are missing out
on events in their home churches
to be with us. We also appreciate
those who came from Rittman for
our January rotation, with special
thanks to ministering Bro. Wayne
and Sis. Camille Hartzler.
MISSOURI, TAYLOR
Marcia Sutter
“Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year for thee.
Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace.
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face.
Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be,
On earth or else in heaven
Another year for thee.”
(Hymns of Zion #150)
who is from Cissna Park.
We miss seeing our dear retired
Elder Bro. Roy Grimm as he is
unable to attend church anymore.
Sis. Dona and their children and
grand-children help take care of
him at home.
Another year is dawning at the
Little White Church on the Levee
in 2013 as it has the past 86 years.
I doubt that our grandparents and
great-grandparents could ever
envision what a wonderful legacy
they would be leaving for us. Their
faith and desire to serve God was
handed down to us despite pain,
loss, death and yes, many joys.
We have been blessed with 3
new converts. Jen and Jarrod Haas
(Tremont, IL), who often visit
her brother and sister [Sis. Carrie
Rocke (Bro. Jeff) and Bro. Adam
Reinbeck (Sis. Katie)], have started
repenting. Brian Luttrull, who has
been coming regularly to church, is
also repenting. We wish them much
grace.
Bro. Nathan Sutter (Bro. Dan and
Sis. Tina Sutter) is moving to Peoria
where he has accepted employment.
He will be attending the Washington
Church. We will miss him and pray
he comes home often to visit.
Several have been ill, had tests or
had surgeries: Sis. Kris Sutter, Sis.
Lois Sutter, Bro. Don Hoerr and
Barb Plank. We wish them God’s
healing hand as they recover.
Our visiting minister this month
was Elder Bro. John Lehman (Bern,
KS). We so appreciate when he and
Sis. Connie come to visit family
here.
We extend our sympathy to Sis
Barb Uppinghouse at the death of
her sister.
We also extend our sympathy to
Sis. Dona Grimm at the loss of her
sister, Loretta Bauer (Bro. Kenneth)
New York, CroghanNaumburg
Hope Graves
We were thankful for the safe trip
our Elder Bro. Duane Farney had
to Haiti this January. He brought us
back a good report of the physical
labor and spiritual work they were
able to accomplish. May the Lord
continue to bless the efforts of the
many World Relief projects that are
ongoing around the world.
Hospitalized this past month
was our Sis. Celia Virkler. We are
thankful she is back home now and
feeling better.
Our prayers go out to Cassie Bush
in the birth of her daughter, Callie
Gracelynn, on January 15. May the
Lord be with her and guide her in
the raising of this precious new life.
Many hearts were saddened at the
death of our dear, Loren Virkler,
on December 28. Our prayers go
out to his family during this time.
His parents are Bro. Lowell and Sis.
Celia Virkler; siblings: Bro. Floyd
and Sis. Linda Graves Jr. and Joe
and Linette Bush; and sons: Bradley,
Daniel and Jay. Our church was
filled for Loren’s funeral on New
Year’s Day and we were reminded
that “His mercy endureth forever.”
(Psalm 136)
Note of Thanks:
The family of Loren Virkler would
like to express our heartfelt thank
you to all those who have helped
support us throughout the past
months and recent days. We truly
appreciate the love, prayers, spiritual
February 2013
support, cards, food and phone calls
to our family. Knowing so many
were keeping us close in prayer,
even across the miles, helped so
much. We also thank the Rockville
brethren who came and helped with
food and the funeral singing. We
would be so appreciative of your
continued prayers. May God richly
bless each one of you!
Correction: Our Sis. Elveria
Martin passed away on November
30, not October 30.
Ohio, Akron
Erika Gal
We rejoice with Bro. Daniel and
Sis. Rachel Pamer in the safe arrival
of Larissa Hope on December
17, 2012. She is welcomed home
by Brennan and Abby. Her
grandparents are Bro. Steve and Sis.
Arliss Pamer and Bro. Don and Sis.
Nan Steidl. We wish them God’s
grace and strength as they raise
these precious children.
Congratulations to our dear Bro.
Samuel Greenbank and Sis. Laura
Virkler as they were united in the
Lord on December 30 in Rockville.
His parents are Bro. Glen and Sis.
Joan Greenbank. Her parents are
Bro. Terry and Sis. Cindy Virkler
from Rockville. We wish them God’s
rich blessings of love and peace
as they begin their married life in
Rockville.
Our thanks extend to Bro. Troy
Leyse (Bluffton), Bro. Jerry Bauman
and Bro. Tim Ramsier (both from
Rittman) as they have shared the
Word with us this month. May God
always bless their labors.
“For I say, through the grace given
unto me, to every man that is among
you, not to think of himself more
highly than he ought to think; but to
think soberly, according as God hath
dealt to every man the measure of
faith. For as we have many members
SILVER LINING
in one body, and all members have
not the same office: So we, being
many, are one body in Christ, and
every one members one of another.
Having then gifts differing according
to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our
ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on
exhortation: he that giveth, let him
do it with simplicity; he that ruleth,
with diligence; he that sheweth
mercy, with cheerfulness.”
(Romans 12:3-8)
We had our annual church
business meeting. The following
brothers and sisters have been
appointed to serve in Sunday
School: Bro. Doug (Sis. Maria)
Demiter, Bro. Brad (Sis. Amanda)
Gasser, and Bro. Roger (Sis.
Judy) Gal, Sis. Katie Palitto, and
Sis. Beth Pamer. Our Cemetery
Caretaker Assistant will be Bro.
Arthur Greenbank. Sis. Judi (Bro.
Les) Steidl will be on the Kitchen
Committee. Our new trustee is
Bro. Tim (Sis. Joanne) Schar. Bro.
Trent (Sis. Molly) Gasser will serve
as usher. Bro. Virgil (Sis. Veronica)
Craiu will be on the World Relief
Center Board. Bro. Brad (Sis.
Amanda) Gasser will serve as our
Gateway Woods Representative.
Bro. Marvin (Sis. Carol) Indermuhle
will continue to serve as our Home
for the Handicapped Representative.
Sis. Joan (Bro. Glen) Greenbank will
help on the World Relief Sewing
Committee. We wish to sincerely
thank each of the brothers and
sisters who have faithfully served
their terms and offer our prayers
and support to those who take their
places.
31
OHIO, COLUMBUS
Lauren Rufener
We have been reminded to
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice
and weep with them who weep.”
(Romans 12:15)
“To every thing there is a season, and
a time to every purpose under the
heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
We appreciate Elder Bro.
Mark and Sis. Jeannine Masters
(Mansfield, OH) for ministering
God’s Word to us on Christmas day.
It was a blessing to gather together
as a church on New Year’s Eve. We
are thankful that God has blessed
us in the past year, and we know He
is able to provide in the new one.
We were reminded in the service
that God has given us a year of
opportunity. With the coming year,
He gives new opportunities to serve
Him, love Him, and worship Him.
May each of us take and appreciate
these blessed opportunities as we go
forward in the days He gives to us.
OHIO, JUNCTION
Vicki Boroff
We were thankful to have Bro.
Don Steidl (Sis. Nan, Akron)
minister to us this month.
Several babies joined our church
family recently. Bentley Thomas
was born December 15 to Kevin
and Heather Manz. Grandparents
are Bro. Les and Sis. Karen Manz,
and Kerry and Kathy Kaufmann of
Roanoke, IN. Alexandria Lynn was
born January 8 to Joe and Jessica
Manz. Grandparents are Bro. Roger
and Lisa Manz, and Tim and Vicki
Steele of Paulding. Kendyl Erin
was born January 12 to Shawn
and Katie Hurd. Grandparents are
Bro. Pete and Sis. Helen Hurd, and
Wilbur and Dianne Klopfenstein
of Silverton, OR. Kendyl was born
premature, and may spend several
32
weeks in the hospital. Prayers are
coveted by her family.
Our prayers go out to Sis. Connie
and Bro. Don Manz. We were
saddened to hear that Sis. Connie’s
dad, Bro. Ben Ehnle, passed away
unexpectedly.
OHIO, LATTY
Carmen Stoller
Mindy Stoller
Greetings of love to each of you!
We pray that 2013 will be a year of
joy for each of you. At our annual
business meeting, it was reported
that we observed 7 baptisms, 4
weddings, and 4 funerals, welcomed
6 new babies into our church
in 2012, and currently have 10
converts.
We want to be prayerful for
the brothers and sisters that were
elected into church offices. Sunday
School teachers are Bro. Eric Rager
(Sis. Sherri), Sis. Diane Sinn (Bro.
Mark), and Sis. Mindy Stoller (Bro.
Blane). Fellowship hall trustee
was Bro. Thad Sinn (Sis. Kara)
and church trustee was Bro. Jerry
Klopfenstein (Sis. Cherry). Joining
the kitchen committee was Sis.
Karen Steffen (Bro. Donn) and Sis.
Paula Nuest (Bro. Lee). May they
each feel our love and support.
January 3 was the birthday for
Aylan Marie. She was born to Bro.
Trent and Sis. Jodi Stoller. She was
welcomed home by Abbie, Kyle,
Addison, Aubrie, and Kolson.
Thankful grandparents are Bro.
Craig and Sis. Ruth Stoller and
Bro. Dave and Sis. Kathy Manz
(Junction, OH).
We are thankful that our convert,
Megan Miller (Bro. Roger and Sis.
Kay), was announced as having
found the wonderful peace of God.
May God continue to bless her with
His peace, joy, and mercy.
Our prayers are with our hospital
SILVER LINING
patients this month. They included
Bro. Wayne Stoller (Sis. Dorothy),
Bro. Lee Nuest (Sis. Paula), and Sis.
Dolly Laukhuf. We also want to
remember young Nyle Stoller, (son
of Reid and Amanda Stoller and
grandson of Bro. Bill and Sis. Barb
Stoller) who had a heart valve repair.
We are thankful that all went well
and he is now recuperating at home.
We would like to welcome Bro.
Josh and Sis. Bethany Johnson and
their family to Latty. Bro. Josh has
accepted the administrator position
at the Country Inn, our church’s
assisted living center.
Finally, we bid farewell to Bro.
Lee, Sis. Desma, Beth, Bekah, Jared,
and Chloe as they move to Haiti to
serve at Hospital Lumiere. We will
miss them, but will be prayerful
that God will bless them with His
continued nearness.
OHIO, MANSFIELD
Elizabeth Walter
We extend sincere appreciation
to our recent visiting ministers.
Bro. Matthew Manz (Sis. Deanna,
Toledo, OH) and Bro. Scott
Wegman (Sis. Dawn, Taylor, MO)
were willing vessels for the Master’s
use. May He richly reward their
efforts to visit and serve us.
Our thoughts and prayers are
with Rex Beer (Sis. Marilyn) as he
spends time in the hospital fighting
illness. May he feel the Comforter’s
hand upon him. Also, our prayers
continue to lift up Bro. Dave Eyerly,
who is at home recovering from
treatment.
OHIO, RITTMAN
Julia Zollinger
Anna Bauman
“Holy Spirit faithful Guide,
Ever near the Christian’s side,
Gently lead us by the hand,
Pilgrims in a desert land;
February 2013
Weary souls fore’er rejoice,
While they hear that sweetest voice,
Whisp’ring softly, ‘Wand’rer, come,
Follow Me, I’ll guide thee Home.”
(Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide,
Hymns of Zion #220)
We can truly say that God has
been our faithful guide in the past
year and will continue in this new
year. We were able to witness this
on December 30, with the union of
Bro. Kent Dotterer and Sis. Greta
Beery. Parents are Bro. Gary and
Sis. Sandy Dotterer, and Bro. Earl
and Sis. Suzanne Beery. We wish
Bro. Kent and Sis. Greta the Lord’s
blessings.
We are thankful for the new
babies that were born this month.
Claire Rebecca was born to Bro.
Aaron and Sis. Becky Bauman
on January 4. Siblings are Lauren
and Sierra.Grandparents are Bro.
Vic and Sis. Brenda Bauman of
Smithville and Sis. Diana Raifsnider.
Bro. Dean and Sis. Brienna Stoller
became first-time parents with the
birth of Breton Dean on January 6.
Grandparents are Bro. Joe and Sis.
Marian Stoller and Bro. Brian and
Sis. Beverly Indermuhle. Also, Bro.
Kurt and Sis. Kelly Gasser rejoiced
in the safe arrival of Troy Eric on
January 10. Welcoming their new
brother are Molly, Bethany, and
Kya. Grandparents are Bro. Dan and
Sis. Diane Gasser and Sis. Nancy
Bauman. Bro. Eric and Sis. Jami
Hartzler welcomed Gideon August
on January 15. Grateful siblings are
Leah, Grace, Conrad, and Quincy.
Grandparents are Bro. Dean and
Sis. Jan Hartzler (Rittman, OH) and
Bro. Gary and Sis. Terry Zollinger
(Sardis, OH). Bro. Eric and Sis. Jami
are currently serving in Haiti. May
God grant these parents wisdom
and grace to raise these precious
children.
February 2013
SILVER LINING
33
I would like to sincerely apologize
for not including the repentance
of Hannah Steiner (Bro. Jim and
Sis. Sarah) sooner. We rejoice
with Hannah and wish her God’s
blessings as she begins her walk of
faith.
We were blessed by several visiting
ministers last month. They were
Elder Bro. Bill Schlatter (Junction,
OH), Bros. Nelson Beer (Milford,
IN), Gary Sinn (Latty, OH), Dean
Messner (Winthrop, MN), Bob
Dotterer (Sardis, OH), Matt Feucht
(Roanoke, IL), and Randy Gasser
(Detroit, MI).
In the hospital this past month
were Sis. Brenda Saurer (Dan), Bro.
Stan (Sis. Karen) Beery, Sis. Carolyn
(Bro. Dale) Hartzler, and Cameron
Stoller (Bro. Jordan and Sis. Joy).
We wish them God’s nearness and a
quick recovery.
God’s guidance and nearness is
especially needed in times of loss.
Our sincere prayers are with the
family of Sis. Dorothy Zollinger,
who passed away on January 4. Her
family includes siblings Sis. Linda
Zollinger, Bro. John (Sis. Marjorie)
Zollinger, Bro. Edward (Shirley)
Zollinger, and brother-in-law
Bro. Henry Dotterer. Sis. Marilyn
Trent passed away January 12,
2013. She leaves behind husband,
Bro. Edward, and children Kevin
(Marcia) Trent, Greg (Brenda)
Trent, Jeff Trent, Paul (Nicole) Trent,
and Heidi Mills. Our prayers are
also with Randy and Sis. Bev Moore
and their family with the passing
of their daughter-in-law, Kristie
Moore.
The family of Sis. Dorothy
Zollinger would like to express
their sincere appreciation for all the
many deeds of kindness shown unto
Dorothy and the family during her
illness and passing. May God be
your rich rewarder.
Ohio, Sardis
Faith Beard
for God’s healing as He wills. Our
congregation has also had three dear
loved ones diagnosed with cancer
recently. We would covet prayers
on behalf of Bro. Roger Saurer (Sis.
Sue), Sis. Connie Maletich (Bro.
Dave), and Sis. Dawn Maibach (Bro.
Steve). We are reminded that, “The
effectual fervent prayer of a righteous
man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
We extend our heartfelt sympathy
and prayers to Bro. Roger Saurer
(Sis. Sue) in the passing of his
sister, Sis. Marilyn Trent (Bro. Ed,
Rittman, OH). We also offer prayers
and comfort to Bro. John Zollinger
(Sis. Marjorie) in the passing of his
sister, Sis. Dorothy Zollinger.
We were blessed with many
visiting ministers this past month:
Bro. Tim Ramsier (Sis. Jonie,
Rittman, OH), Bro. Mark Ramsier
(Sis. Alice, Sardis, OH), Bro. Jeff
Waibel (Sis. Margo, Leo, IN), Bro.
Randy Gasser (Sis. Sue, Detroit,
MI), Bro. Doyle Frauhiger (Sis. Jane,
Bluffton North, IN) and Bro. Jeff
Lehman (Sis. Val, Bluffton North,
IN). We appreciate your service in
the ministry and your willingness to
share God’s Word.
Ohio, Smithville
Sara Crist
Kara Stoller
We rejoice with Bro. Dave and
Sis. Dottie Ramsier on the birth of
their granddaughter, Addison Joy.
She was born on November 8 to
Bro. Lucas and Sis. Crystal Frank
(Detroit, MI) and welcomed home
by siblings Logan, Kaleigh, and
Carson. Congratulations to Bro.
Aaron and Sis. Becky Bauman who
added a daughter, Claire Rebecca,
to their family on January 4. She
joins sisters, Lauren and Sierra.
Grandparents are Bro. Vic and
Sis. Brenda Bauman, and late Bro.
Doug and Sis. Diana Raifsnider
(Rittman, OH). Bro. Derek and Sis.
Juliet Nieman also were blessed with
an addition to their family, Tyler
David born on January 9. Tyler is
welcomed home by his big brother,
Caleb, and grateful grandparents,
Bro. Denny and Sis. Kay Nieman
and Bro. Dave and Sis. Luanna
Dotterer.
January 6 was the wedding of Bro.
Ben Gerber (Leo, IN) and Sis. Alissa
Maibach. Parents of the couple are
Scott and the late Anna Melinda
Gerber of Kokomo, IN and Bro. Jay
and Sis. Marsha Maibach. It was
a joyful occasion to witness God
bringing these two souls together, to
walk as one in the Lord.
We are thankful for a loved one
that has seen the need to repent
of his sins and turn to Jesus for
salvation. We rejoice with Kurt
Steiner (Robin) as he begins his
walk with the Lord. Kurt’s parents
are late Bro. Dave and Sis. Carole
Steiner.
Nathan Beery was hospitalized
this month (son of Bro. Dwaine
& Sis. Shelly). We certainly pray
OHIO, TOLEDO
Deanna Manz
Jenny Manz
We are thankful for the safe arrival
of another new addition to our
congregation. Lewis Andrew was
born on January 11 to Bro. Brad
and Sis. Holli Shields. Welcoming
him home are excited siblings: Isaac,
Haven, Micah, Joseph, and Titus.
We continue to thank God for the
abundance of blessings He provides
to each of us.
Oregon, PORTLAND
Rebekah Jones
34
OREGON, SILVERTON
Kelsey Walder
Ann Kuenzi
We rejoice with Evelyn Hari
(Ernest, dec.), as she has begun
her repentance and now professes
having peace with God and man.
We look forward to baptisms the
weekend of February 24.
Spencer and Amy Rockwell have a
new baby boy to love. December 28
was the birth date of Marshall Craig.
His grandparents are Vance and
Sis. Liz Snook, Nancy Rockwell and
Craig Rockwell (deceased).
Bro. Craig, Sis. Juanita, Adrielle,
and Trenton Schurter, have added
a new little one to their household.
Kaitlin Angela joined their family
January 5. Grandparents are Bro.
Don and Sis. Linda Sinn and
Leonard and Cheryl Schurter.
Bro. Paul and Sis. Marie Jensen
spent time in the hospital a few
weeks ago. They are home now
recovering slowly. Sis. Marian
Sinn (Bro. Otto, dec.) had cataract
surgery recently and is doing well.
Visiting ministers this past month
were Bro. Ron Jones (Sis. Liz,
Portland, OR), and Bro. Darren
Fehr (Sis. Nora, West Bend, IA). We
appreciate their willingness to labor
on our behalf.
SILVER LINING
and Roanoke, IL; Remington, IN;
St Louis, MO; and Akron and
Mansfield, OH.
If you are traveling to or through
the Nashville area, please plan to
worship with us. The following
churches are scheduled for services
in the near future: Roanoke, IL
(2/24); Bay City, MI (3/3); Peoria,
IL (3/10); Fairbury, IL (3/17); San
Diego, CA (3/24); and Denver
(3/31). If you plan to worship with
us, please call ahead to confirm
our schedule. Often we gather on
Saturday evenings for fellowship,
and all are heartily welcome. Also,
we typically meet on Wednesday
evenings at 7:15 p.m. for call-in
services and would welcome any
midweek visitors. Contact Bro.
Mike and Sis. Monica Fritz, (615)
866-5543, fritzmb.family@gmail.
com.
TEXAS, AUSTIN
Serenity and Jasmine Ringger
“All the way my Saviour leads me;
What have I to ask beside? Can I
doubt His tender mercy Who thro’
life has been my guide?”
(All The Way My Saviour Leads,
Hymns of Zion #21)
We extend a warm welcome
to some additions to our church
family this month. Bro. Jim and Sis.
PENNSYLVANIA,
PHILADELPHIA
Candy Meiss moved from Phoenix
to Austin for work. Also coming to
TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE
Austin is convert Amber Abrams
Mike and Monica Fritz
from Silverton, OR. She is here for a
few months on an internship.
We have been encouraged by
We are thankful for the
the Word of God, brought to us
willingness of ministers to bring the
so faithfully by our recent visiting
Word to us: Bros. Ken Wuethrich
ministers: Bros.Duane Reutter
(Sis. Lynn, Indianapolis, IN), Todd
(Rockville, CT), Joe Sprunger (Sis.
Sinn (Sis. Janet, Latty, OH), Mike
Tara, Indianapolis), and Matthew
Walder (Sis. Suzie, Smithville, OH),
Rassi (Sis. Bridget, Chicago, IL).
Joe Klotzle (Sis. Sue, Altadena, CA),
We have also been blessed by the
fellowship of visitors from Rockville, and Leland Plattner (Zapata, TX).
We also appreciate the many
CT; Chicago, Cissna Park, Gridley,
February 2013
visitors we get in the winter months.
We had visitors from Sabetha, KS;
Mansfield, OH; Leo, IN; Eureka, IL;
Morris, MN; Lester, IA; Forrest, IL;
Cissna Park, IL.
The following is the minister
schedule for March: (10) Sabetha,
KS; (17) Francesville, IN; (31)
Princeville, IL.
Please refer to the minister’s
directory for directions and
contacts.
Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth
Texas, McAllen
Gloria Walder
“Thy word, O Lord, forever is the
mirror where we see Our faults and
duties as they are, Our likeness unto
Thee.” We humbly thank Bro. Neil
Ramseyer (Bay City, MI) and Bro.
Dale Stoller (Sis. Sandra, Fairbury,
IL) for their labors of love in
ministering God’s Word to us. May
He richly bless them.
We also enjoyed other visitors
from Belvidere, IL, Morris, MN,
and Zapata, TX. We encourage
our visiting ministers to feel free to
bring others along. Since we do
not know which minister is coming
from the congregation scheduled,
we depend upon you to inform us,
rather than our contacting you.
We heartily welcome each one and
wish to make plans for meals and
fellowship as soon as possible each
week.
Services are scheduled for March
10, LaCrosse, IN; March 17, Taylor,
MO; March 24, Latty, OH; April 7,
Washington, IL; April 14, Rittman,
OH; and April 28, Mansfield,
OH. We also meet on Wednesday
evenings at the home of Bro. Lloyd
and Sis. Joyce Nohl. Occasionally
there is a schedule change; if you
plan to be with us on Sunday or
mid-week, please verify the date by
February 2013
calling the Nohl’s.
Andy and Kristi Plattner have
a 2-bedroom apartment available
one block from the Gulf at South
Padre Island for visitors who wish
to spend time there. You may call
them at 956-433-9844 for more
information.
Sunday services are held at
10:30 and 12:30 at the Holiday Inn
Express, 1921 South 10th St. Take
the 10th Street exit off Expressway
83 and go 1 ½ blocks south. Please
see the ministers’ directory for local
contact information.
Texas, Zapata
Mary Plattner
Our Zapata and McAllen churches
have taken on a project to build a
handicapped room as an addition to
the home of a family with a 7-yearold boy who has been diagnosed
with muscular dystrophy. His family
didn’t have the means to provide
those facilities for him, so we have
been given this opportunity to
serve. We started the foundation
on January 21 and should have it
ready for his use before our winter
visitors, who are deeply involved in
this project, leave for their homes in
the north.
We have appreciated our winter
visitors. Our Elder Bro. Marvin
(Nancy) Dotterer spent a few days
in Zapata and we anticipate their
return later this winter. Bro. Wayne
(Kathy) Fehr, Portland, OR has
returned for the winter and we
appreciate his sharing the Word.
We are enjoying the fellowship
with our winter visitors, and
welcome anyone coming to South
Texas to spend some time with us.
Vermont, NORTH
CLARENDON
Nathan and Miriam Reutter
SILVER LINING
35
Light from the Word
Now available by downloadable PDF from the Apostolic Christian
Publication website:
www.acpublications.org
After entering the website, click on the item located at the left
hand frame entitled, “Light from the Word Reprints”. The entire
set of editorials are available in a complete download (June 1987 to
current).
Interested in receiving a printed sermon?
To order, contact:
Printed Sermons
102 Lake View Drive
Fairbury, IL 61739
(815) 692-3616
[email protected]
Bible Distribution
Sharing the Word in Love
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law,
happy is he. Prov 29:18
Bibles in English and other languages, plus Bible Story Books
approved by the Apostolic Christian Mission Committee, are available
for those who wish to distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ. The
inventory is computerized. These materials can be drop-shipped do
nearly any address.
To order, contact:
Apostolic Christian Church
Bible Distribution
P.O. Box 30
Bluffton, IN 46714
Ph/Fax: (260) 824-5587
[email protected]
February 2013
SILVER LINING
36
USA World Relief Committee
Brother
Tom Klotzle
Chuck Kellenberger
Bill Leman
Les Schambach
Ray Slagel
Paul Kaeb
Stan Schambach
Doug Fiechter
Keith Kloter
Contacts for area work or disaster projects
Position
Home Church
Counseling Elder
Altadena, CA
Chairman
Elgin, IL
Treasurer
Roanoke, IL
Administrator/Secretary Elgin, IL
Consultant
Fairbury, IL
Consultant
Bern, KS
Consultant
Prescott, AZ
Consultant
Bluffton, IN
Consultant
Rockville, CT
Cell Phone
(818) 522-3307
(224) 629-6531
(309) 241-0257
(630) 247-5271
(815) 848-3714
(785) 547-5269
(224) 698-0899
(260) 307-6595
(860) 836-7935
Winter Work Project 2013
An Opportunity to Serve
Register Online
All volunteers must register online
at www.acworldrelief.org.
In Cullman, Alabama
Beginning January 7, 2013 and
continuing through March 2013,
there are opportunities to serve in
Cullman, Alabama. The project
involves building new homes and
repairing damaged homes for
victims of the April 2011 tornadoes.
Displaced families need help
rebuilding their shattered dreams.
A job for everyone
50 volunteers are needed each week.
All skill levels are needed; even the
unskilled. There will be a job for
every willing heart. Participants
must be at least 14 years old to serve
on a work team.
More information
Volunteers will be housed at Stoney
Creek Camp near the town of
Cullman. Meals will be provided
Sunday evening through Friday
evening at the camp. Mid-week
services will be held at the camp.
Skills needed
Carpenters, electricians, plumbers,
drywall hangers and finishers,
painters, housecleaners and kitchen
helpers.
More project information is
available on the website. Before
registering, check the work team
schedule to be sure the dates you
have chosen are available.
Volunteers are encouraged
to worship at Athens, Alabama
Church at the beginning of their
work week. Stoney Creek Camp is
approximately one hour south of
the church.
www.acworldrelief.org
Updated 6.1.09
February 2013
SILVER LINING
Mexico Work Teams
Coordinator
Location
Year 2013
Magdalena
Construction
Feb 16-23
Jon Baner
309-747-4085
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 9-16
Drew Martin
Illinois State University
309-635-0878
[email protected]
Reynosa
Construction
Mar 16-23
Ryan Eisenmann
University of Illinois
815-953-1443
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 23-30
Chuck Koch
Tremont Bible Class
309-925-3905
[email protected]
Reynosa
Medical
May 14-21
Todd Drayer
260-273-3112
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
May 25 - Jun 1
Mark Steffen
Phoenix Bible Class
602-980-2451
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Jun 8-15
Benj Knapp
Washington Bible Class
309-208-7450
[email protected]
Medical Team
Sep 18-25
Cheryl Herrmann
[email protected]
Questions?
Contact Mike Fiechter
[email protected]
260-597-7330
37
SILVER LINING
38
February 2013
Jamaica Work Teams
Project
Year 2013
Coordinator
Capacity
Kingston School
CCCD
Mar 23-30
Ryan Steidinger
815-848-2500
[email protected]
Gridley
SS
Montego Bay
CCCD
Mar 23-30
Link Rinkenberger
260-273-3566
[email protected]
Bluffton SS
Knockpatrick School
CCCD
Jun 15-22
Luke Rocke
309-448-2421
[email protected]
Goodfeild
SS
Knockpatrick School
CCCD
Jun 22-29
Trent Johnson
608-882-1259
[email protected]
Belvidere
SS
JDV
CCCD
Jun 29-6
Harvey Landis
330-466-8274
[email protected]
Akron SS
Rittman SS
Smithville SS
If you are interested in sponsoring a work team to Jamaica
contact Loren Dettwyler at [email protected]
Haiti Construction Work Teams
Project
Year 2013
Coordinator
Dumay
Lifeline
Construction/Medical
Feb 18-25
Paul Zimmerman
1-815-848-2173
[email protected]
Full
Dumay
Lifeline
Construction
Feb 25-Mar 4
Neil Bahler
1-815-848-3861
[email protected]
Full
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Mar 1-8
Steve Leuthold
309-645-2208
12
MEBSH
Construction
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
Capacity
484-433-1205
[email protected]
Mar 8-15
Maurice Schaefer
309-253-9003
[email protected]
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February 2013
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Les Cayes
FRW
Vocational School
Mar 8-15
Rick Wuethrich
219-863-4163
[email protected]
SEED Ag School
Haiti Agriculture
Mar 8-15
Larry Kaufmann
815-457-2924
[email protected]
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Construction
Mar 15-22
Rich Bertschi
309-467-2351
[email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
MEBSH
Construction
Apr 6-13
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
[email protected]
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Maintenance
Apr 16-23
Jon Zeller
309-266-9009
[email protected]
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Apr 25-29
Jon Zeller
309-266-9009
[email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
MEBSH
Construction
May 4-11
Daryl Luginbuhl
484-433-1205
[email protected]
Les Cayes
FRW
Vocational School
Jun 7-14
Rick Wuethrich
219-863-4163
[email protected]
Haiti Medical Work Teams
Project
Year 2013
Coordinator
Bonne Fin, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Medical Teams
Jan 18-26
Alice Widmer
[email protected]
330-939-0083
Bonne Fin, Haiti
Feb 15-23
Alice Widmer
Bonne Fin, Haiti
Mar 15-23
Alice Widmer
Bonne Fin, Haiti
Apr 19-27
Alice Widmer
Bonne Fin, Haiti
May 17-25
Alice Widmer
Trip includes travel dates of Friday thru the following Saturday.
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40
February 2013
Top Quality Coordinator Needed
Gateway Woods is in need of a Top Quality Coordinator for the summer. The Top Quality Coordinator position offers the opportunity to grow deep relationships with Gateway Woods Staff and summer volunteers,
as well as the chance to spend a significant amount of one-on-one time with residents. If you feel the call to
explore the possibilities and to have play a role in a group of residents lives this summer, please call one of the
brothers listed below:
Ryan Donaghy
Lynn Stieglitz
Assistant School Administrator
Counseling Elder
PO Box 125
15417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
1-888-443-4283
260-657-1033
[email protected]
Education Intern Needed
Gateway Woods is in need of a Education Intern for the summer of 2012. The Education Intern position offers the opportunity to grow deep relationships with Gateway Woods Staff, as well as the chance to grow as a
teacher and spend a significant amount of one-on-one time with residents. If you feel the call to explore the
possibilities and to have a positive impact in the lives of residents this summer, please call one of the brothers
listed below:
Adam McAfee
School Administrator
PO Box 125
Leo, IN 46765
1-888-443-4283
[email protected]
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd.
New Haven, IN 46774
260-657-1033
Foster Care Program Manager Needed
Gateway Woods has an opening for a brother or sister to manage our Foster Care Program. We are seeking
someone who desires to serve in a ministry that serves troubled and broken children and families. The Foster
Care Program Manager is a key full-time position that offers responsibility, management and creativity. If you
have a dedicated interest, love and sensitivity for youth and families, at least a bachelor’s degree in social work,
counseling or a related field, and possess good motivational, organizational, teaching and communications
skills, please contact one of the brothers listed below for more information and a job description.
Jeff Schumacher
P.O. Box 125
Leo, IN 46765
(888) 443-4283
[email protected]
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd.
New Haven, IN 46774
(260) 657-1033
February 2013
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Used Bible, Bible Story Book, and Song Book Distribution
We currently have outlets for Bibles, Bible Story Books, Hymns of Zion, Zion’s Harp, Gospel Hymns, and
Tabernacle Hymns. The cost of sending books airmail to foreign countries is greater than what new books
could be purchased. We are currently working with organizations (such as Christian Aid Ministries) that send
materials to foreign countries by sea container, which is more reasonably priced. Some of the books are also
used by U.S. churches and missions. Thank you for providing these materials and for those who help repair
them.
Jerry and Arlene Banwart
307 First St.
Congerville, IL 61729
(309) 265-0857
Christian Guesthouse and Worship Services in Rochester, MN
Accommodations for Mayo Clinic outpatients and families:
Three bedrooms with private baths, laundry, kitchen and family room area.
Sunday Service: (held monthly at guesthouse residence) 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
For schedule, see: www.acmission.org/minister-rotation
For information and reservations, contact caretakers:
Bro. Mark and Sis. Sandy Stork
4733 Birdie Lane NW
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-0072
Mid-week Service: (held on 3rd Wednesday in Rochester area)
For information, contact:
Bro. Jim and Sis. Deb Tilbury
(507) 281-2875
Important Notice to Americans Crossing
the Canadian Border by Land
All adults will need just ONE of the following documents:
1. Regular U.S. passport
2. U.S. passport card
3. Enhanced driver’s license
4. Any Trusted Traveler Program (for example, Nexus card)
U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under the age of 19 if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth
group) may present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a naturalization certificate. Birth
certificates can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.
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February 2013
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Interested in Houseparenting?
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.
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd.
New Haven, IN 46774
(260) 657-1033
Ed Graf
Residential Program Director
P.O. Box 151
Leo, IN 46765
(888) 443-4283
[email protected]
“We have always considered our position a ministry
for our entire family not just a job for us.
Relationships built during this time can last for a lifetime.”
- Bro. Jason & Sis. Joy Kilgus, Houseparents
Give a Child Hope
Child Sponsorships
T
To sponsor a child
hose in the child sponsorship program have several things in common. They are very poor, desire to learn
and they have an undying soul.
To sponsor a student fill out this form
and send to the office. A student will
be assigned to you and you will be sent
further information.
The goal of this
program is to
provide an education to help
these children
learn life skills to improve their standard of living, and also to provide
spiritual training to address the true
need...the need for a knowledge of
and a personal relationship with God
through Jesus Christ.
Name _________________________
And all thy children shall be taught of
the Lord; and great shall be the peace
of thy children. Isaiah 54:13
Mr.
Mrs.
Miss
Spouse ________________________
Address _______________________
City ____________St ___ Zip _____
Home Ph ______________________
Cell Ph ________________________
Email _________________________
Please check preference:
Haiti
Guatemala
Jamaica
Mexico
Zambia
Wherever needed
If possible I would prefer:
Boy – Age
Girl – Age
No Preference
Cost: $25.00/month
For details: www.acworldrelief.org
Send to:
ACWR Child Sponsorship
PO Box 36
Morton, IL 61550
Phone: 309-266-6080
Fax: 309-266-5281
E-mail: [email protected]
www.acworldrelief.org
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43
Summer Volunteer Coordinator
Gateway Woods is currently searching for a Summer Volunteer Coordinator. The Summer Volunteer
Coordinator position offers the opportunity to grow deep relationships with fellow volunteers as well as
Gateway Woods Staff and residents. If you feel the call to explore the possibilities, please call one of the
brothers listed below:
Ryan Donaghy
Assistant School Administrator
PO Box 125
Leo, IN 46765
1-888-443-4283
[email protected]
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd.
New Haven, IN 46774
260-657-1033
2013 Alabama/Tennessee Memorial Day Weekend
Save the date, May 25-26! Plan to come to the 2013 Alabama/Tennessee Memorial Day Weekend. This year,
the theme/topic for the weekend will be centered around prayer spoken on by Ordained Deacon Bro. Leland
Plattner from Zapata, TX. Additionally, an auction is being planned for Saturday afternoon beginning at 2:00
p.m. Donation of auction items is appreciated. See additional weekend details below, including the prayer focus
areas and a schedule of activities.
If you are in the Central Illinois area and would be interested in riding a bus to the Tennessee Fellowship
Area from Morton, IL, please contact Bro. Andy or Sis. Jayne Sauder at (309) 263-9965 or e-mail them at jayne.
[email protected].
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend the weekend! Please RSVP to one of the contacts listed below.
Sis. Gwen Leuthold - 615-969-0958 or [email protected]
Bro. Don Sauder - 615-373-8928 or [email protected]
Bro. Kerwin Edelman - 256-777-1107 or 256-230-2151 or [email protected]
Bro. Andy Stoller - 330-682-8171 or [email protected]
Weekend Schedule
Saturday, May 25 - All activities at the Tennessee Fellowship Area located in Pulaski, TN.
12:00 p.m. - Registration (and donation of auction items)
2:00 p.m. - Auction commences with song and prayer
6:00 p.m. - Supper
7:00 p.m. - Singing (congregational and special group singing)
7:30 p.m. - Bro. Leland Plattner speaks on “Pray without Ceasing”
8:00 p.m. - Singing
Sunday, May 26
10:00 a.m. - Church services at Athens Apostolic Christian Church in Athens, AL.
3:30 p.m. - Fellowship begins at Tennessee Fellowship Area
4:00 p.m. - Singing
5:00 p.m. - Bro. Leland Plattner speaks on “The Effectual Fervent Prayer”
5:30 p.m. - Supper
7:00 p.m. - Singing
February 2013
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Apostolic Christian
Counseling and Family Services
515 E. Highland Street, Morton, IL 61550 • Tel: (309) 263-5536 Fax: (309) 263-6841 • www.accounseling.org
God’s Promises to the Believer
Third in a Series of Five Articles
2 Peter 1:3-4, “According as his divine
power hath given unto us all things
that pertain unto life and godliness,
through the knowledge of him that
hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding
great and precious promises: that
by these ye might be partakers of
the divine nature, having escaped
the corruption that is in the world
through lust.”
God’s Word is full of promises for
the believer. However, in times of
struggle or difficulty, it may be hard
to grasp these promises and believe
them. Many people know the words
of the verses but do not internalize
them and experience the power of
their truth. It is important for the
believer to personalize the promises
and choose to believe they are true for
him or her! Below are some steps for
internalizing these promises:
• Identify the promise from the
Scripture as the truth.
• Make the choice to affirm it as
truth in your life. That is, believe
that the promise is true for you.
• Ask yourself, “If I lived like this
promise was 100% true, how
would I live? What type of difference would it make in my
life?”
• Make the choice to live like the
truth is completely true even if
your feelings don’t match. Remember, when your feelings and
the truth are in conflict, always
follow the truth of the Word.
Believers can claim the promises
below because of God’s grace and
goodness toward them. We cannot claim any right to these promises based on our own worthiness.
Therefore, in order to keep these
promises in perspective, it is helpful
to use the following sentence stems:
• Because of salvation through
Christ…
• Because of the Holy Spirit’s work
in me…
• Because of God’s love, power,
and plan…
In this series of articles, we will
examine some sets of promises in
God’s Word and discuss how these
promises could have application in
our lives of faith.
Set 7: He created and fashioned me
and gave me a purpose to fulfill. I
am not an accident.
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath
before ordained that weshould walk
in them.”
Not only were you created by God,
but you were created for a purpose.
It wasn’t just a chance happening.
His promise to us is that we are not
accidents, but our lives have meaning and He wants us to fulfill His
purpose by His grace.
Set 8: I am accepted.
Ephesians 1:6, “To the praise of the
glory of his grace, wherein he hath
made us accepted in the beloved
[Christ].”
Satan wants to discourage and mislead by tempting us to feel alone and
outside of God’s inner circle. Here
we see that in Christ we are accept-
ed into communion with the Father.
Set 9: He cares for me when I’m
weak.
Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we have
not an high priest which cannot
be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without
sin. Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and findgrace to help
in time of need.”
1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care
upon him; for he careth for you.”
We may often feel weak and unable
to deal with the stresses of life, but
God has promised that He will care
for us and even invites us to come
boldly into His presence.
Set 10: I am forgiven.
Colossians 2:13-14, “And you,
being dead in your sins and the
uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he
quickened together with him, having
forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting
out the handwriting of ordinances
that was against us, which was
contrary to us, and took it out of the
way, nailing it to his cross;”
Romans 8:33-34, “Who shall lay any
thing to the charge of God’s elect? It
is God that justifieth. Who is he that
condemneth? It isChrist that died,
yea rather, that is risen again, who is
even at the right hand of God, who
also maketh intercession for us.”
Forgiveness is promised to those
who will claim it by submitting to
God in repentance. We are then
justified and quickened, or restored,
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to full communion with Him. Satan
would love to condemn us, but God
forgives all trespasses. We need to
claim this promise of God even if
we don’t feel forgiven. Our feelings
do not change His promises.
Set 11: I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now
no condemnation to them which are
in Christ Jesus, who walk not after
the flesh, but after theSpirit.”
This is similar to forgiveness but yet
deeper as we are no longer condemned in Christ but called to walk
after the Spirit. He will convict us if
we stray but with outstretched arms
bidding us to return fully to Him.
Set 12: I am a new creature in
Christ. I have been transformed.
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if
any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.”
Our transformation is complete in
Christ as it is His promise that all
things are new; no exceptions.
Set 13: God will strengthen me to
do all I need to do.
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth
me.”
This promise can be difficult to
grasp considering the idea of all
45
things being possible through
Christ. Nevertheless, this thought
ought to give us courage and
strength.
Set 14: I have peace with God. My
peace is based on Christ, not my
emotions.
Romans 5:1, “Therefore being
justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
The peace of God is so elusive in
the world but so abundant in the
heart of a believer. This verse isn’t
a suggestion but a statement and a
promise from God. Through our
Lord we have peace with God.
World Relief Informational Meetings
Opportunities to
Serve One Another
presentations scheduled by the
church holding the conference.
For more information, go to
the World Relief web site (www.
acworldrelief.org) and check under
Informational Meetings.
T
he mission of World Relief is to
provide humanitarian aid and
volunteer labor to alleviate human
misery and suffering throughout the
world, first to the household of faith,
and then to others as much as we
are able, in a way that is a Christian
witness and brings glory to God.
We thank God for the various
opportunities to help the needy
of the world made available to
our congregations through World
Relief, not only with funds, but with
volunteer labor by our brethren.
One way to hear about these
opportunities is to attend one of
three presentations held throughout the year.
Next meetings
Schedule
The Western Meeting is held the
second Saturday of March and
is rotated between the Apostolic
Christian Churches west of the line
between Indiana and Illinois.
The Eastern Meeting is held on the
second Saturday of November and
is rotated between the churches in
Indiana and all churches eastward.
Also, Thursday before the
conference in August, there are
Western:
Goodfield, IL
March 9, 2013
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Before Conference:
Fairbury, IL Fellowship Hall
August 8, 2013
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
www.acworldrelief.org
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walk with Him. How reliant we are
on His grace! He tells us He prayed
called us to serve, love, and care for
for Simon. He prayed for Peter that
those of His creation. He said, “And
I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my his faith would not fail. Often times
father hath appointed unto me; That we feel we are at our wit’s end. We
don’t know. We can’t see another
ye may eat and drink at my table
inch before us. When we get on our
in my kingdom, and sit on thrones
judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” St. knees, we become strengthened
Luke 22:29,30. He gave His Apostles again. This Savior we have pleading
our cause strengthens us and we can
a little bit of a glimpse of perhaps
go another step.
the future for them.
We know the life of Peter. We
You know Loved Ones, we might
saw
it here, when he said, “…I am
not have a kingdom as such, but
ready to go with thee, both into
even in your homes, dear brothers,
where you are called to be priests of prison, and to death.” St. Luke 22:33.
I. I am ready. I am strong. I can
your home and you are responsible
do this. But he wasn’t, was he? We
to serve your family and to bring
read how a few short hours later he
forth the Word of God and the way
unto salvation, not just by word but had his chance to show and prove
his strength, and what did he do?
also by your actions, it is so imJust like all of us would have done
portant that we take up our place
without the Lord: ‘I don’t know that
and willingly desire to be that true
man’, ‘No, I am not one of them’, unservant in our home. And our dear
til he was reminded when the cock
sisters also that they take up their
place as God has so called them - in crew, ‘the Lord told me that, didn’t
their homes, at their job, or wherev- He?’ (St. Luke 22:58-61)
er they are - and be willing to serve.
It says, “And Peter went out, and
What a blessing it is to give.
wept bitterly.” v.62. I often think
about the feeling that must have
Didn’t Christ tell us that? It’s so
been in Peter’s heart. We wanted to
much more blessed to give than
so badly - you and I want to serve
to receive (Acts 20:35). If we start
God. Especially when we are young,
turning that around in our mind
and think that we are owed and that we feel our physical strength and
think we can do it. But unless God
people should give to us, we probis with us and we are operating in
ably are not going to be close to the
His grace, we can’t do it. Without
kingdom of heaven. But when we
serve and give, we feel the blessings Him we are nothing at all. So we
find here at this time, yes, Peter
of God, and God asks us to do so
with our very life and being as a liv- wept bitterly.
ing sacrifice unto Him.
As we read on through the Gospel,
we find out what happened to
He tells us here, “…Simon, Simon,
a different Peter upon the day of
behold, Satan hath desired to have
Pentecost when the Spirit came and
you, that he may sift you as wheat;
But I have prayed for thee…” St. Luke the conversion was finished. Peter
22:31,32. This just gives me strength, went out before the very enemies of
Christ and preached a sermon that
and I hope each one of you today
thousands were saved by. (Acts 2:14find that same strength and faith in
41) He was not afraid to go to jail
the Lord. We believe our Savior Jesus at the right hand of God is pray- anymore. He was ready at that time
then to go to death and to serve his
ing for us, pleading our cause even
God faithfully. He had the power of
in our weaknesses. We can trust
God.
His love for us is so great that He is
desiring that we be successful in our
Sermon continued from Page 2
February 2013
When we walk with Him in the
light of His love, His Spirit within
us, we are empowered to do those
kinds of works. That’s where we
receive our power and our strength
to do anything good. It is His work
coming forth from us. It is still His
work. All power and glory, all praise
and honor be to God. It is His work
in our lives. May we be fruitful in
our walk here as children of God. A
life that confesses Christ and then
ceases to labor and continue on
the way is fruitless. When the Lord
comes and He looks for fruit upon
you, Dear Brother and Dear Sister, or me and there is nothing but
leaves, what will He say? What can
be done anymore?
It tells us our dear Lord went to
the garden and prayed that even this
cup could be taken from Him (v.42).
The awful death of crucifixion was
terrible! Nothing that you and I have
ever experienced would be close
to it. None of us have been crucified unto death, to hang by nails in
our hands and our feet, to struggle
upward for breath, to go back down
again in what rest you could have
in that position, all the time struggling for breath and strength to go
up and get another breath as your
poor body tries to live. That was the
way it was for those on the cross. We
can’t tell you of the agony, the pain,
the suffering involved, but you can
imagine a little bit in your heart and
your mind how this was. He knew
this. He knew what He faced. He
prayed that it could be taken from
Him. But, He was strengthened by
the Angel of God (v.43) and He
bore it all for you and me. He went
through with it.
Sometimes in our lives we don’t
want to go through even the smallest discomfort of life that God might
ask of us. In the smallest little trial
in our life, we are whining and complaining to God. Jesus didn’t do that.
He submitted to the will of God.
February 2013
You know, Loved Ones, when we
fight against it, it’s that much harder.
When we submit to God’s will, there
is a peace that comes over us, and
we can accept His will. Soon He lets
us even see why. Maybe not always
but quite often we can look back
and see it was a blessed way the
Lord did plan for me. I see now it
made me grow. I felt His nearness
through even that trial. The next
one does not frighten me anymore.
Those are the important lessons we
need to learn. That is the experience that we learn after having gone
through the tribulation. We have
patience through it. We know we
can have patience for the next one
because He helped us through this
one. That’s just the way it is when we
walk with God.
We find the betrayal of Judas so
sad. I think of the darkness that
must have come into his soul when
he lost faith in the Lord. He must
have thought, ‘This is not the man
so I’m going to take what I can
get out of this. I’m going to sell
my knowledge of who He is to the
priests.’ With that blackness in his
heart, he didn’t just come up and
say, ‘yes, there He is’. No, he kissed
Him (v.47). We talk of a Judas kiss.
We talk about one that comes and
kisses without love, care, compassion – a Judas kiss, when you don’t
have love for the other person.
Even as brothers and sisters, we
greet one another. Let us love one
another. Satan might put before you
the error or the fault of your brother
or sister, and he makes you want
to withdraw from them. That’s not
right. What are we doing? We are
judging at that time. Let’s not do
that. He tells us here that we need
to love. We need to be willing, even
when there is iniquity abounding,
to continue to love. May the Lord
give us grace that we love and not
become like Judas and just do it on
the outside but our heart is black
and dark.
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We also see how those rose up
against them who were going to take
Christ. They took the two swords
they had, and they said, ‘shall we
smite?’ But they didn’t wait for an
answer. They went and cut off the
right ear of Malchus, and Christ
had to heal it. (St. Luke 22:49-51, St.
John 18:10) I often wonder why that
had to be, but it was the fulfillment
of prophecy it tells us here. Christ
taught them a lesson though it, not
necessarily in this chapter but in the
other - He said those that take up
the sword will die by the sword (St.
Matthew 26:52).
That, Brothers and Sisters, is why
we don’t take up arms against our
fellow man. We are a nonresistant
people. We want everyone to go
to heaven. There is no person in
this world, enemies or not, that we
desire to go to hell. Hell is a terrible
place! You wouldn’t want your worst
enemy to have to experience hell.
We don’t want to end a life that can
possibly be changed by our Lord
and Savior. So we don’t go to war
and kill others. We don’t take up
a job where we would have to end
someone’s life.
In past wars, there were many
times that different countries
fought each other, and they were
brethren. They were called to bear
arms against each other. They were
shooting their brothers in the Lord,
or they were shooting unconverted
people and ending their opportunity. Terrible when we think about
it! Christ taught us differently, didn’t
He? Love your enemy. Do good
to those that despitefully use you.
Suffer persecution. (St. Matthew
5:44) It is only a short while until
He comes for us. Live as He did so
that we can receive the entrance
that we long for into the glories of
heaven where He is. We want to go
this same pathway, not a different
pathway.
We read together here about the
ark (Genesis 8). It did remind me
47
how God gave this command to
Noah - He said build me an ark.
He’s planning this great flood on
the earth. So he built this big boat,
big ship, whatever we want to call
it, according as God taught them. I
believe just lately in the news I read
where they thought they maybe
found a portion of it up on the
mountain. Whether it is or not we
don’t know, but we believe that it
happened and it was there. Whether
there is a sign today doesn’t really
matter, does it.
But that great ark that was built
bore them up in this big flood, and
they remained in that ark. It would
have been suicide to step out of that
ark or to put down a little rowboat
and take off for shore. There was no
shore, but they did not know that.
They went out in the raging waves
as the fountains of the deep bubbled
up and the rains poured down. It
must’ve been a terrible, terrible
storm. You have your storms here,
but they don’t hold a candle to what
happened there nor do they change
the earth as that big flood did. Yet
we see those that believed God safe
in that ark and kept until that time.
One of the dear old elder brothers from bygone years was talking
about the shipwreck of Paul. Here
again was a boat. They were on this
boat, this ship. As they tried to find
land, they were fasting and tossed
to and fro. I believe it was fourteen
days at least that they hadn’t eaten.
For weeks they were on this stormtossed boat. Finally they started
sounding, and it was getting shallower. They knew they were approaching land. They came to the
time when they knew there was
an island there. There were those
who were running the ship that
wanted to put down the lifeboats
and escape. Paul had to tell them,
‘if you go out into the lifeboat, you
will perish. Stay with the ship.’ They
cut it off. They believed Paul. They
Sermon continued on Page 48
48
Sermon continued from Page 47
cut the ropes and let the lifeboats go
away. That was faith.
Then they waited for the day. In
the day, they saw there was a stream,
and they headed the boat into that
stream and let the storm drive them
into that. It struck ground a ways
off from the shore. It says the waves
beat the ship on the backside and
the poor ship was broken up and
was going to sink. They wanted to
kill all the passengers because most
of them were in jail or imprisoned
and had various things that they
were going to get judged by. The
centurion said, because of Paul and
his faith, he had someone that was
special and said, ‘no, spare them.
Grab whatever piece you can of
the ship, swim, whatever way you
can do it, make for the shore.’ Paul
had been assured by the angel there
would be none lost if they stayed
with the ship. It says they all made
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it safely to shore. Some even had to
take pieces of the boat. (Acts 27)
We think about that - staying with
the ship. So oft times we are tempted to go onto a lifeboat here or there
that looks like it has promise, looks
like it has some safety maybe or we
are hoping it will have some safety
for us, but unless we stay with the
ship, we can go lost. It is that way
even in our faith today loved ones.
We need to keep bailing. We need
to keep running the bilge pump.
We need to keep doing what we can
do to keep the ship afloat. We don’t
want to jump into lifeboats. We’re
near to the end of the shore when
the Lord is going to come again.
May God give us all grace to know
and believe that when the Lord
comes, all things will be right. The
ship has holes in it. The ship has
cracks in it. It has been broken up
by the storms of life. It’s to be that
way, but there is still safety in the
February 2013
ship. May God help us all.
As we read of Noah, they stayed
in the ship until the time when
they knew they were there. God has
blessed us and carried us this far;
let’s have our confidence in Him and
His Son Jesus Christ. Focus yourself
on Jesus. If these disciples had been
thinking of the greatness of their
Leader, Jesus Christ, they would not
have been worried about where they
would fit in. They would have just
been happy to hold up His name
and to make His kingdom great.
May the Lord help us that we can do
this, that we don’t deny our Lord in
time of trial, that we are not asleep
when we are needed so desperately.
And Dear Friends, may the Lord
call you into the service for others
and for Him. We need you. God
needs you. Jesus is praying for you.
He shed His blood for you. May
God give you grace to come to Him.
February 2013
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49
English Teacher Needed
Description:
The Ixtlán church has started a private elementary school that presently teaches first through fourth grades,
with plans to add a fifth grade in August 2013 and a sixth grade the following year. We are looking for a replacement English teacher who is available to begin teaching in late March 2013. Classes continue through July
5 and begin again in mid-August for the 2013-2014 school year.
If there would be a graduating college senior who would like to apply for the position but cannot come down
until after graduation in May or until the beginning of next school year, we would be open to that possibility.
We also would consider applicants to just finish out the 2012-2013 school year.
Qualifications:
• Member in good standing of the Apostolic Christian Church
• A degree in Education and/or TESOL is preferred but not required
• Ability to communicate in the Spanish language
• Enjoys being with and working with children
• Willingness to be sent by the AC Mission Committee and to work together as a missionary team in Ixtlán
Grant and Hannah Herrmann
(Current English Teacher)
[email protected]
Matt Gerber
(School Administrator)
[email protected]
Mike Leman - Counseling Elder
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any
man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)
February 2013
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50
Our Spiritual Heritage
The Remembering column intends
to draw attention to the history of
our church, and to keep alive many of
the interesting tidbits of information
that have added a richness to our
heritage and general understanding
of our Apostolic Christian Church
Defender of the Faith
It is interesting to note that the
men who translated the Bible into
the English language back in 1611
wrote an eloquent cover letter to
their ruler, King James I when they
had completed their task. In this,
they referred to him in lofty terms.
Among the esteem they showed him
were phrases such as “the most high
and mighty prince” and “defender of
the faith.
This two-page letter, which was
called “The Epistle Dedicatory,”
is cited in the front of most King
James Bibles, including those in our
church pews. The King of England
was considered the nominal head of
the Church of England (otherwise
known as the Anglican church). The
faith he “defended” differed from
that of many other denominations,
including ours. Whether his
“defending the faith” was an
embellishment, or actually true, is
known only to God.
I remember, years ago, when I
noted the description of King James
being a defender of the faith. I was
intrigued by that term and thought
such a trait was indeed noble.
Hardly anything could be more
important than defending the faith.
From this reference, I personally
wanted to become a defender of the
faith. I am thankful, by God’s grace,
that multitudes of brothers and
sisters in our denomination, by daily
living out their faith according to
God’s word, are defending the faith.
Henry Beer, Minister and
Translator of Hymns
Bro. Henry Beer of Milford,
Indiana, was a minister for several
decades, and served with his
brother, Elder Bro. Theo Beer, in
that capacity. He was also a hymn
writer and a translator of hymns
from the German language into
the English language. In this latter
capacity his work lives on as the
songs he worked on are sung from
Sunday to Sunday and provide
inspiration in the hearts of persons
who sing these hymns. He translated
these songs for the benefit of
brethren in subsequent generations,
and not for any glory or accord he
could win as time unfolded. Yet,
today we surely recognize his work
as important.
Among the hymns he wrote,
perhaps the most noteworthy
one was entitled “The Babe of
Bethlehem” which is found in
the Hymns of Zion hymnal (page
36). It is sung at Christmas time,
and alludes to the fact that while
the story of the manger (Christ)
is vitally important, the matter
of Christ dying on the Cross is
even moreso; and that persons
who observe Christ’s birth should
eventually go to the Cross and seek
their soul’s salvation.
The church history book,
Marching To Zion, makes reference
to Bro. Henry Beer on page 572:
“Henry Beer, an Apostolic Christian
minister from Milford, Indiana,
played an instrumental role in this
effort (of translation). As a young
brother-in-faith in 1921, he thought
it would be beneficial to translate
these German songs into English.
After translating a few songs on
his own, he sought and received
encouragement from some of the
older brethren to continue on. Elder
Ernest Graf, Sr., of Akron, Ohio,
especially encouraged translation
into the English language according
to Beer.”
Among the first hymns that Bro.
Beer translated were No. 47, “Strive
Aright.” No. 164, “The Image of
Christ,” and No. 87, “The Seven
Words of Jesus on the Cross.”
Several other brothers in faith
were assigned to help Bro. Beer:
Bros. Ernest Graf, Sr., Akron,
Ohio, Edward Grimm, Elgin, Iowa,
Amos Hartzler, Rittman, Ohio,
Noah Hartzler, Rittman, Ohio,
Will Stettner, Elgin, Illinois, and
Jake Stettner, Elgin, Illinois. This
was a huge undertaking and took
considerable time. Each brother was
given approximately 50 songs to
work on. The Zion’s Harp was thus
published into the English language
in 1924.
Bro. Henry Beer served the Lord
with much dedication as evidenced
by his hymn writing and translation.
It is interesting to note that his
daughter, Sis. Lois, is married to
Elder Bro. Willis Ehnle, now of the
Peoria, Illinois congregation. They
have spent many years in Japan,
working and nurturing the believers
in our churches there.
Historic Comment
The following comment is from
Marching To Zion, page 573, “Henry
Beer, who labored diligently on
the translation of the Zion’s Harp,
commented, ‘The Zion’s Harp is not
the oldest hymnal in the world, but
it is by far the most doctrinal. A
hymnal reflects a church’s soundness
of faith.’” (this statement is from an
interview with Bro. Henry Beer on
August 3, 1980 at Milford, Indiana)
By Perry Klopfenstein
Next Issue: Misc. Historical Data
February 2013
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51
The Light of Hope
Work Out Your Own Salvation
Retired Elder Bro. Willis Ehnle, formerly of Shioda, Japan
The last part of Philippians 2:12
reads, “Work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.” This
Scripture and other Scriptures such
as “Faith without works is dead,”
James 2:26, were often heard in the
church in my youth.
I recently read that in someone’s
opinion, the church has gone into
the world and the world has come
into the church. This was said about
evangelical churches in general. Do
you think this is a true statement?
If so, what do you think should be
done about it?
In our own church’s Statement
of Faith, item 16, we read, “The
believers live separated, sanctified
lives and are not conformed to the
world.” This is according to the
Bible, which reads, “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.” It sounds to me like our
lives are to prove what is the will of
God. Can we look at our own life or
the life of any child of God and say,
“That is God’s will?”
In studying the Japanese
translation of Philippians 2:12, I see
that it renders it something like this,
“By more obedience, with reverence
and awe, work to attain unto your
salvation.”
We all know that all our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags
(Isaiah 64:6) and that salvation is by
the Lord Jesus Christ alone. He said,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No man cometh unto the Father, but
by me.” John 14:6. We are also taught
in Ephesians 2:8 and 9, “For by grace
are ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should
boast.”
What then is the connection
between works and grace? Hebrews
3:14 reads, “For we are made
partakers of Christ, if we hold the
beginning of our confidence steadfast
unto the end.” It sounds to me that
we need to put forth much effort
to abide in Christ, or we may lose
our first love, or we may become
lukewarm. My mother taught me
that it is not the beginning of our
life of faith, nor the middle, but the
end, that is so very important. She
must have been taught that in the
church at that time. This verse in
Hebrews would indicate that.
Galatians 2:21 reads, “I do not
frustrate the grace of God: for if
righteousness come by the law, then
Christ is dead in vain.” We must be
careful not to frustrate the grace of
God. We are saved by grace through
faith, but we need to remember
that true and saving faith produces
works of obedience, accompanied
by great humility which makes us as
clay in the Potter’s hands. Romans
9:21 reads, “Hath not the potter
power over the clay?”
What can we do so that people
will look at us and say, “That
person’s life is God’s will.” We may
not like it, but we must be broken.
Jesus said, “Whosoever shall fall
upon this stone (Christ Himself)
shall be broken.” I understand this
to mean that we are at the end of
ourselves and willing to do anything
for Christ, or give up anything for
Christ. Our combative attitude
toward the teachings of the Bible is
gone and our combative attitude is
directed entirely toward evil and the
devil. We become very cooperative
with God and His teachings, and
not cooperative with the world, or
the styles of the world.
We conclude anew that the Bible
teaches that we are not in any way
saved by our works but that our
faith is to be shown by our works.
Let us therefore be reinvigorated
in our faith and in our life for the
Lord. He died for us and by His
atonement, salvation is offered to
all mankind. We need to repent, put
our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and live for Him and not for self.
May we understand that our
righteousness of itself is not enough
to get us to heaven. We must have
Christ. The devil may tell us that
we are not good enough and that
is true. We can never be good
enough by ourselves. It is Christ’s
righteousness imputed or given
to us that makes us good enough
to go to heaven. The Apostle Paul
wrote in Philippians 3:9, “And be
found in him, not having mine own
righteousness, which is of the law,
but that which is through the faith of
Christ, the righteousness which is of
God by faith.”
Let us rejoice exceedingly in what
Christ has done for us and in the
righteousness which is of God by
faith. That doesn’t mean that we
don’t have anything to do. We are
to work out our own salvation with
fear and trembling. This shows that
our faith is still genuine.
May God grant us all grace to look
for ways by which we can be more
obedient to His Word.
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1523 County Road 400N
Congerville, IL 61729