- Apostolic Christian Church of America

Transcription

Vol. 71, #3
Mar. 2016
“And as … the feet of the
priests that bare the ark
were dipped in the brim
of the water, the waters
… were cut off: and the
people passed over…”
Joshua 3:15-16
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Walking in Peace page 3
Monthly Sermon page 4
HarvestCall Ministry
Program Updates page 6
Understanding the
Bio-Psycho-SocialSpiritual Model page 8
Remembering Our
Spiritual Heritage
page 70
The Light of Hope
page 71
To Our Readers
Correspondence
For April issue
(news from Feb 16-Mar 15)
Due: Mar 20, 2016
“THE GIFT”
Dear Readers, as we look forward to the celebration of Easter, do we
truly grasp the immensity of the gift we’ve been given? God so loved
us that He sent His only begotten Son from heaven to become flesh
and blood and to be sacrificed for our sins! Blood had to be shed. For
without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of our sins.
(See Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22.)
So after He was tried, tested, and in all ways tempted such as you and
I are, yet without sin, Jesus continued in obedience, yielding Himself into
the hands of His Father. And God took His Son, nailed Him to a cross,
and there made Him, who had never sinned, to be sin for us.
“Who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were
healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
God in Christ did this for us, not by counting our sins or
transgressions, but out of love for all mankind. How will we respond
today to His gift of mercy? May we all give thanks for the awesome,
unspeakable, sacrificial gift of salvation, and live every day in gratitude
for the Lord’s incomprehensible love and grace.
Wishing you all a very blessed Easter!
Bro. Jeff Grimm, together with Bro. Rick Plattner, Counseling Elders
The Silver Lining
1523 County Road 400N
Congerville, IL 61729
USPS 496780
Published Monthly by the Apostolic
Christian Church of America
Counselors:
Rick Plattner, Jeff Grimm
Official Apostolic Christian Church
Website:
www.apostolicchristian.org
Send correspondence to:
[email protected]
(email is preferred)
The Silver Lining
Ph: 309-657-4455
The Silver Lining subscriptions are due from the
following churches:
1. Congerville
2. Garden Grove
3. Gridley, IL
4. Lamar
5. Phoenix
6. Bloomfield
7. Silverton
8. Valparaiso
9. Washington, DC
10.Zapata
Front cover: Jordan River, Yardenit, Israel.
Back Cover: Song Book and Calibrachoa.
2
SILVER LINING March 2016
Periodical non-profit postage paid
at Roanoke, IL 61561 and additional
Suggested donation:
$18/subscription.
post offices. The subscription rate is
Send all payments to:
Apostolic Christian Publications
P.O. Box 52
Eureka, IL 61530
of address. Send both old and new
a donation. Send zip number with
address. Remember to send changes
addresses (with both zips).
Postmaster send address changes to:
The Silver Lining
Writings based on God’s Word
Light from the Word
Walking in Peace
“And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.” 1
What is Peace?
In the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, peace
is often referenced in the context of war or conflict
among people—as the absence of such conflict. War
is nearly always a result of one nation, (or leader)
desiring what belongs to another – territory or power.
It may be motivated by envy, greed, or even because
of a perceived insult, which is pride. War is a costly
effort that saps the economy of both attacker and
attacked. It is a destructive force that kills and maims
the innocent as well as those who are pressed into
service as soldiers. Often, it depletes a nation of a
generation of young men. Those who instigate war—
and other forms of conflict among people—indulge
their selfish interests, expecting that others will pay
the price to benefit them. And though innocents are
drawn into the conflict and often strive valiantly to
put an end to it, the loss is often incalculable.
The spiritual conflict that Satan is waging against
God is war. In an effort to elevate himself to the
throne of God, the devil attempts to entice men into
his service. When we walk in sin, we are taking up
arms with Satan against God.
In many ways, sin is a form of spiritual terrorism,
propagated by Satan, the enemy of the soul. The
purpose of terrorism is to induce fear and create
a climate of mistrust. Although it may not be the
conscious intent of a sinner to induce fear and create
mistrust, it is often the unintended consequence and
has the same result. Those who have been the victims
of lies or slander learn to guard against being deceived
again–making it difficult to trust anyone. Those
who have been the victims of greed learn to become
protective of their goods—resulting in distrust and a
hardened heart. The effects and harm from sin often
reach far beyond the initial transgression.
Although the victims of sin are other human
beings, on a spiritual level sin is also an act of
rebellion against God. If we deliberately and
habitually sin, we become active participants on
Satan’s behalf in his war against God.
Walking in peace with God
The first step in walking in peace means that we no
longer take up arms in Satan’s war against God.
God has done more than His part to make peace.
He has offered terms of peace that are unheard of
in the world. He has paid the price Himself. In
many wars, the victors claim reparations from the
conquered–money to repair the damages caused.
In the spiritual war, God—although the victor–has
accepted the costs and the responsibility to repair the
damages, by accepting the blood of His own Son in
payment, and by offering to heal the brokenhearted in
order to repair the damage that was caused. God has
provided pardon, healing, and liberty to those who are
willing to trust Him. He has promised peace.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” 2
Peace with God is the certain result of genuine
faith in the shed blood of Jesus. This saving faith,
which enables us to cease walking in sin, is the first
step toward walking in peace. As a soldier laying
down his arms in surrender, the new believer forsakes
the life of sin that he once led and by faith has peace
with God. However, it is essential to not only cease
from sin, but also to pursue righteousness. Peter
quotes Psalm 34 and teaches us to seek peace and
pursue it.3 Walking in peace with God means that we
will no longer participate in Satan’s attacks against
God. We will depart from evil and do what is good.
Perhaps this pursuit of peace and active righteousness
— Please turn to pg. 63
March 2016 SILVER LINING
3
Monthly Sermon
Sermon by Bro. Bill Brake,
Sardis, OH
Ecclesiastes 3, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 & Luke 2:1 - 21
Greetings, Dear Ones. I surely would have liked to
greet each of you personally, but that’s pretty difficult
to comprehend that. I ask you to pray for the Word.
We’re here for the purpose of worshipping God.
God really wants us to hear His Word and obey His
Word. Right now we have the opportunity again to
hear His Word.
It’s always a question when we open the Word
randomly and seek to find what the Lord would have
us to read and to meditate upon for the next few
minutes here. The Word is open in St. Luke 2, the
birth of Jesus. We probably all know that account
pretty well. We wonder now what’s going to be here
for me, for us, for all of us. There’s quite a few people
gathered here. We realize that God is going to speak
to every one of you. We’re going to read about the
birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The twenty-first verse came to me in a little
different way today. “And when eight days were
accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name
was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel
before he was conceived in the womb”. Of course we
know that God had planned this from the beginning
of the creation - a very special day when His Son
would be born in this world. It really puts it in words
we can understand, those of us who are adults and
have seen and experienced the miracle of birth.
Jesus was born of a woman. His mother was Mary.
His Father was the Holy Spirit. His Father was
God Himself. He was called Jesus because that was
foretold already before this came to pass.
So how did Mary and Joseph come to this
point in time? They knew to some extent what was
happening. The angel had revealed it. They had
4
accepted their responsibilities, their role as parents to
this special Child. They lived in Nazareth, I believe.
It shows us here that we don’t always connect our
situation with what’s going to be down the road. Just
thinking back quite a few years, a visiting minister
came to Sardis from Bluffton, Orville Ringger. I was
unconverted at the time and in college and was home
for the weekend in Sardis. I was going through a very
serious struggle with submitting to God’s will. It was
either a weekday evening or a Saturday evening we
had a service at the church. Brother Orville brought
forth a message that was just exactly what I needed to
hear. It wasn’t long that I started to repent. That was
the beginning of a wonderful walk of life.
There are so many things we don’t know, we
don’t understand, we don’t comprehend, we can’t
visualize about how the future’s going to be, but God
knows and He has our best interest in His mind, in
His heart. The Word tells us that. The Word tells us
that He loved us before we knew Him. That will be
evident in all of our lives at some point. We trust that
the friends that are gathered here would take hope
in that, would put their trust in that God knows our
needs and what we should do. He wants to bless us.
So here was this married couple, Joseph and
Mary. They knew what was coming, but here all of
a sudden there was a decree from Caesar that all the
world should be taxed. We know how people view
that. Just about everybody complains about taxes.
If you look at world history, we really don’t have
anything to complain about because the tax rate here
and in most of history has been pretty exorbitant. I
suppose there was a lot of complaining. I suppose it
didn’t just fit Joseph and Mary’s plan very well that
they would have pick up and travel to Bethlehem to
satisfy the Roman government, but they went. It says,
“And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which
is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and
lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused
wife, being great with child” (v.3-5).
So it was the situation that wasn’t ideal anyway
you look at it. Some of us brothers and our wives
even would look back to that day when we got our
draft notice and think about the concerns we had
for the future, what we had to set aside, give up or
go away from in order to comply with the decree
of government. Brother Fred and I and you other
brothers wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for that
decree. Just an example of how things fall out in our
lives. I guess there were alternatives. Some young
men went to Canada and some perhaps went to jail
to resist the government. Like Joseph here, we felt
that we should comply.
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the
days were accomplished that she should be delivered”
(v.6). This baby was going to be born in Bethlehem.
Probably Mary had parents in Nazareth. Joseph
probably had parents in Nazareth, aunts and uncles,
people to help out, but here they were in Bethlehem
and couldn’t even find a place to sleep. We heard
this morning how Jesus had to sleep on the Mount
of Olives on the ground because there weren’t any
people in Jerusalem He knew or knew Him at that
time who would take Him into their home. But they
found a place in a barn we’d call it because there was
no room in the inn. We wouldn’t even think of going
to the Holiday Inn to have a child, and here they
were in the stable with the animals.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in
a manger; because there was no room for them in the
inn” (v.7). Jesus was born. When we have babies
born today, we have the exact time right down to the
second. They know the length and the weight and all
kinds of important information. Jesus was born at an
exact moment of time approximately 2,000 years ago.
“And there were in the same country shepherds
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by
night” (v.8). This was a tremendous message that
was brought to them by angels. How many of us
have seen an angel? Shepherds were not among the
highest of society in that day. They would have been
on the other end actually. It says they were abiding in
the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. It
tells me they were doing their job. Whatever job we
have or wherever we are in this current time we have
something to do. We need to be doing it. Abiding
and keeping. It’s a positive approach. It doesn’t say
they were complaining about their job or neglecting
the care of the sheep or anything else like that. They
were abiding and keeping. They had the privilege that
the Lord chose them to announce the birth of Christ
to. Then we say why them? Why not someone else?
Where would we have been in that day and time if we
were living back then? I hope we wouldn’t have been
among those who rejected the Lord, but you know so
many did. So many totally rejected the Lord.
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
they were sore afraid” (v.9). I think anyone would
be afraid if they were in the presence of an angel.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I
bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people.” And then they announced: “For unto you is
born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord.” And then the sign of the birth in the
stable: “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger” (v.10-12).
No sooner than that happened, it says, “And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
men” (v.13-14). So probably they were saying I can’t
believe my eyes. I don’t know what to think. I don’t
5
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
– Colossians 3:17
Ministry Program Updates
Hearing and Seeing
In Acts we read that Philip went down to the city
of Samaria proclaiming Christ and serving others…
“And the people with one accord gave heed unto
those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing
the miracles which he did.” (Acts 8:5-6)
Believers visually communicate the effects of the
Holy Spirit in their lives by the way they live and by
deeds that reflect the love of Christ. By singing in
prison Paul and Silas visually demonstrated the joy
of living for Christ; an attitude and lifestyle that was
surely profound to the Philippian jailer as he saw the
effects the Holy Spirit had on these two men of God.
Later that evening, this same jailer asked Paul
and Silas the most important question in all eternity;
“What must I do to be saved?” The Bible says that
Paul and Silas spoke unto him the word of God and
he and all of his house believed. (Acts 16:32-34)
While God often uses visual demonstrations of
lifestyle and deeds of compassion to soften hearts
and open ears of unbelievers, words are required to
communicate his message and explain the cause behind
transformed lives. “So then faith cometh by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
One of God’s greatest gifts to us is language; it is
this special gift that enables his children to obey his
command recorded in Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15,
Luke 24:47, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8. How else can
we convey the essentials of salvation?
The tag line “proclaim Christ and serve others,”
derived from the purpose statement of HarvestCall,
represents the call to all believers to demonstrate
and proclaim the gospel by word and deed. God
often uses his children’s visual lifestyle and deeds of
service to prepare the soil, and it is by words that the
seed is sown and people receive the answer to the all
important question: “what must I do to be saved?”
“And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and
the ears of them that hear shall hearken.” (Isa. 32:3)
6
Oh, may it be that as we proclaim and serve, men
and women will see and hear…and believe!
– John Huber, Exec. Director, HarvestCall
Thankful for the Past,
Hopeful for the Future
Carribean Committee – Hospital Lumiere
There have been many changes during the past
five years since Apostolic Christian World Relief
(now HarvestCall) assumed management of daily
operations at Hospital Lumiere. With God’s blessings
and the continued support of the brotherhood,
missionaries and their families have moved to the
hospital and improvements have been made in the
quality and scope of medical services provided. Major
renovations have been completed in all four medical
wards, the out-patient clinic, surgical wards, patient
welcome center and in most support areas.
More Patients Receiving Care
Many Haitians who previously had difficulty
obtaining relief from their suffering now receive
treatment and experience healing due to the
improvements at Hospital Lumiere. In the last five
years, inpatient census at Hospital Lumiere has risen
over 50% to an average of 56 per day. Out-patient
clinic visits and medical procedures are both up
over 250%. These increases illustrate how God has
blessed the Hospital Lumiere project and has made
it to prosper to better provide critically needed
healthcare in Haiti.
Providing Spiritual Support
As God has used Hospital Lumiere to provide a
place of relief to people in the tender moments of
physical trauma and need, the truth of the gospel
Together for morning devotions
has been shared and used as a living example of
Christ’s teachings. Our missionary families along
with visitors and employees gather for devotions,
pray with patients, uplift them with hymns and give
encouragement to them and to their family members.
In addition, over 5,000 Bible tracts are distributed at
the hospital annually. Through these efforts and with
God’s blessings, many lives have been surrendered to
the Lord Jesus and all have had the opportunity to
have their Christian faith strengthened.
Missionaries Face Challenges
There are currently 21 Apostolic Christian
missionaries and family members living at Hospital
Lumiere. The opportunity to serve in Haiti has
provided our missionaries with individual growth
as well as collective growth as a missionary family.
Daily challenges make all recognize their inability to
function without fervent prayer. Given godly wisdom,
they can face each situation and seek to resolve it in
a way that advances the mission of the hospital, gives
glory to Jesus Christ and reinforces the truthfulness of
God’s Word. Please keep them in your prayers.
Impacting our Brotherhood
The Hospital Lumiere mission has provided an
excellent opportunity for many brethren and
friends to serve in an unfamiliar culture. Being
involved has helped develop compassion, a Christ
like virtue. It has also given a greater perspective
of adversity and how people can deal with it. To
see the Haitian people’s joy and faith, despite their
hard life circumstances, has been an encouragement
to many. Because of Hospital Lumiere, many have
had the opportunity to grow spiritually, widen their
world vision and understand God’s love and presence
beyond their previous life experiences. As one brother
reflected— “Perhaps God led the Apostolic Christian
Church to assume management of this mission, not
so much so we can serve the Haitians, but for the
benefit and blessing of our beloved brotherhood.”
Hopeful for the Future
With the completion of the solar project, adequate
clean power is available at Hospital Lumiere. Reliable
power will open doors and enable the hospital to
provide an expanded scope of medical services (like
digital radiography) to the people of Haiti. We ask
for God’s continued guidance and direction in this
mission. People are still in need of excellent and
effective medical care with compassion and Christian
love. And for that, we are grateful for your ongoing
prayers and support.
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude,
and was moved with compassion toward them, and he
healed their sick. Matthew 14:14
– Rich Bertschi, Treasurer, Hospital Lumiere
7
Understanding the Bio-Psycho-Social-
We read in Psalm 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy
works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Truly,
we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God made
human beings at the pinnacle of His creation. From
the miracle of life seen in a newborn baby to the
latest advances in scientific research, God’s design
continues to bring us to awe.
God created human beings with four primary
aspects of life: the biological, psychological,
relational, and spiritual. Understanding these facets
allows us to be better stewards of each area and
helps us honor God’s design. Personal stewardship
in these areas consists of the care and maintenance
of our lives, for which God has made us responsible.
In today’s society, it is common for people to either
neglect or become consumed with the care and
keeping of these areas. The concept of stewardship
reminds us we are ultimately God’s and are called to
take care of what He has given us - neither neglecting
nor idolizing it. Below is a brief description of each
facet and a few examples for each area.
Biological/Physical
The Bible calls our bodies the temple of God (1
Corinthians 3:16). God wants us to be good stewards
of our bodies and treat them as the place He resides.
The biological area deals with doing what is within our
control to keep our bodies healthy through exercise,
rest, and nutrition. Everyone’s physical makeup,
metabolism, genetics, and general health are different.
Our health needs may vary greatly from someone else’s
needs. Sometimes it is easy to forget about taking care
of our bodies when we’re feeling good, only thinking
about our health when we’re sick. Taking reasonable
preventative measures, such as a regular checkup, are
great ways to steward our bodies.
• Get adequate sleep and rest. We need adequate
sleep to think clearly and handle the tasks of our
8
days. Realize that not getting enough rest may
make us more susceptible to sin. The difference
between an adequately rested body and a sleep
deprived or chronically stressed body is great.
• Start small and get started. Let’s says a
physician has asked a middle-aged man to
exercise and lose some weight because of high
blood pressure. He may feel unsure of what to
do or defeated before he even starts. However,
other times people make such ambitious plans
they are unable to sustain them and meet their
goals. It is important to be reasonable, start small,
but get started. Remember there will never be a
convenient time to get started. Don’t be afraid to
ask others for assistance and accountability.
Spiritual
Genesis 2:7 says God made human beings “a living
soul.” Unbelievers sometimes try to deny or downplay
the spiritual aspect of their lives while other times
they seek out “spirituality” that is separated from
biblical truth. Regardless of how much an unbeliever
tries to stay away from God’s laws, there is no
rest for his soul anywhere other than Christ. For
believers, the spiritual aspect is focused on the
process of sanctification and growing in grace and
the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
(2 Peter 3:18). This includes staying rooted in God’s
Word, worship (personal, family, and corporate),
prayer, service, recognizing and dealing thoroughly
with sin and so on. The goal is for our whole life to
be under the Lordship of Christ.
• Deal with issues directly. Dealing with issues
such as pride, inferiority, lack of forgiveness,
covetousness/lack of contentment or poor
stewardship will not only help one’s spiritual
growth, but will positively affect other areas of
life as well. For example, if a woman deals with
lack of contentment and grows by God’s grace
Spiritual Model
into living a grateful life, she will impact others
through expressing gratitude and viewing what
she has with thankfulness.
• Focus on God’s promises. We have been given
“exceeding great and precious promises” by God (2
Peter 1:4). Memorizing and meditating on verses
of the promises of God will help us have a lively
hope (i.e., a confident expectation) and live our
lives with a Heavenly perspective.
during these times. We must fight against that
isolation and reach out for help and support.
There is help!
Relational
God made human beings in His image (Genesis 1:27),
and being relational is one of the attributes of that
image. He knew already in the Garden of Eden that
human beings needed to connect with Him and with
one another. He also knew that isolation isn’t good for
Psychological/Emotional
us; we grow and heal best in relationships. As James
Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart,
5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray
so is he. . . ”. The psychological domain refers to our
one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual
patterns of thinking, which directly impact how we
fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
behave and handle our emotions. We are all familiar
• Relationships are blessings. Having good
with people whose thinking patterns lead to a joyful
relationships is certainly one of the greatest joys
outlook on life, while others have a gloom-and-doom
of life. In Romans 12:5 Paul explained that the
mindset. Scripture teaches us to train our thinking
Body of Christ was made up of individual people
toward certain things (Philippians 4:8) and away from
who were connected to one another, “so we,
others (2 Corinthians 10:5). Consider the practical,
being many, are one body in Christ, and every one
daily benefit to our lives and those around us when we
members one of another.” While life can be hard at
live out the spiritual truth found in Philippians 4:8,
times, God knew having supportive relationships
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
would be an encouragement to us. Ecclesiastes
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one; because
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
they have a good reward for their labour. For if
things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if
they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to
there be any praise, think on these things.”
him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not
• We all experience stress. In this life we all
another to help him up.”
go through times of stress, struggle, and grief.
• Relationships can be painful. Difficulties
Thankfully, we can take these things to God as well
relating to other people, marital problems,
as receive support from one another. Periodically
dysfunctional families, etc. can sometimes be
dealing with stressors is a common occurrence for
the source of great pain. Remember that while
nearly everyone. However, chronically high stress
God expects us to do our part in relationships,
eventually leads to a wearing down of our emotional
we can only control our behavior. Romans 12:18
and physical health.
says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live
• At times, more help is needed. When clinical
peaceably with all men.” Also, God knows how
symptoms of depression and anxiety occur,
badly bitterness harms human beings. That is
special attention is needed. Satan would like to
why God speaks so clearly about the need to
use shame and embarrassment to keep us isolated
9
Congregation Updates
Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped
of permanent impact we make.
This training reminded me that
www.achh.org
God can do BIG things in a short
Social media.
amount of time. God has given
If no one made a comment,
us this incredible opportunity to
shared, tagged or looked at a
have relationships with teenagers
picture or comment we posted,
while showing and teaching them
would we still post it? Do we post/
who God is. We are able to daily
share things because we want
demonstrate Christ’s love through
others to know what we’re doing,
our interactions with them.
where we’re going or have been?
One resident opened up to
Or, do we post/share because it’s
Gateway Woods Apostolic me after some time in placement,
important to us no matter if others Christian Children’s Home sharing that when she first arrived
comment, tag or share?
Alyssa Knobloch
she did not think she would ever
Now, are we kind, polite,
like me, and would trust me even
– Assistant Houseparent
compassionate to those around
Recently I had the privilege of less. But, by the time she left, she
us because we want others to
attending a weeklong training on
expressed that she believed I loved
“comment, share, tag” us? Or, are
counseling individuals with truths and cared about her. The amazing
we kind, loving, compassionate and from God’s word. One session
(and good) thing is that it is nothing
believe in those around us because
speaker talked about struggling to of myself; it is the love of God.
it’s important to us because God
find his grounding when attending
1 Corinthians 3:6-9: “I have
has commanded us to do so. “Be
college miles from home. During
planted, Apollos watered; but God
not forgetful to entertain strangers;
this time, another Christian
gave the increase. So then neither is
for thereby some have entertained
gentleman chose to mentor him.
he that planteth any thing, neither
angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2
The mentor went outside of his
he that watereth; but God that
Residents, agency wide,
own comfort zone to participate
giveth the increase. Now he that
enjoyed a month of activities.
in the speaker’s life. Looking back, planteth and he that watereth are
Some of them include Hymn
the speaker acknowledged the
one: and every man shall receive
Sings, Bible Studies, a Valentine’s lasting impression the mentor had his own reward according to his
Party, bowling, attending hockey on the speaker’s entire life – and
own labour. For we are labourers
games, Therapy Dogs coming
the surprising part? The mentor
together with God: ye are God’s
to visit, playing basketball,
impacted the speaker in the short
husbandry, ye are God’s building.”
and other various crafts and
period of nine months!
News:
activities. A favorite is when ISU
At Gateway, our residential
We are excited to announce
music students come to visit
program is set up for a six-month
that Autumn Gasser has been hired
and play music. Residents are
time frame, with most residents
as our Summer Education Intern.
encouraged to play along with
staying in placement six months
We are searching for a Summer
drums, bells, shakers and other
to one year. With such a short
Volunteer Coordinator for 2016.
various percussions.
time, I often wonder what kind
Please see the notice in this issue
10
As I write the word “resident”, it
makes me think that they are more
than people that we care for and
help throughout the day, they are
family. It’s just a reminder that we
don’t have to be related to be family.
Please visit our website www.
achh.org to learn more about us,
view job opportunities, current
events and ways to help.
or contact Bro. Clint Plattner at
clint.plattner@gatewaywoods.
org or 260.627.0220 for more
information. This is a great
opportunity to impact the lives of
the children on our campus!
We are also searching for our
Summer Top Quality Coordinator.
Please see the notice in this issue
or contact Bro. Adam McAfee at
[email protected] or
260.627.0220 for more information.
This is a great opportunity to gain
some experience while impacting
our residents!
We have a need to fill three
career positions at Gateway
Woods: an opening for an
Alternate Houseparent Couple,
one opening for an Assistant
Houseparent, and one opening for
a Communications Coordinator.
For more information please see
the notices in this issue or visit the
Career Opportunities page on our
website at www.gatewaywoods.
org/careers. We trust that God
will provide qualified, mature
brothers and sisters who will
serve Him in a ministry that is
‘Turning Lives Around’.
Alabama, Athens
Apostolic Christian
Preschool
Kalla Knobloch
The themes for February
were the color white, health and
nutrition, and winter. We also
studied letters R through T while
taking a short break for Valentine’s
Week. We asked the church
families to help us with making
sugar cookies and then invited
them to help the children decorate
and eat the delicious treats for our
afternoon snack.
Our Valentine’s Day party
was wonderful. The children sang
about God’s Love, passed out
Valentines, and shared who loves us
and what about them is so special.
This is a great time for the parents
to come and see what we do. The
two-three year olds practiced their
cutting skills and colors when they
made rainbows and roses for the
letter R. The four and five year
olds have been working on the
human digestive system! They love
learning in our science center and
making a mess! We have shown
the children how our bodies break
down food by placing crackers and
a banana into a Ziploc bag. We let
the teeth (our hands) break down
the food that is inside the mouth
(Ziploc bag). Then the food in the
bag gets passed to the esophagus
(paper towel tube) and then to the
stomach (grocery sack). Here we
add bile (lime juice) to the food
and shake it up well. The small
intestine (tights with a hole at
bottom) is where the body gathers
nutrients from the food. After
all that the food goes to the large
intestine (PVC pipe) to dry out
before leaving the body. This was
the children’s favorite part of the
digestive system.
We have also been remodeling
our church kitchen and
bathrooms. So, for one week this
month, we held Preschool across
the parking lot at the Fellowship
Hall. We were so thankful for the
church families during the moving
process. They did amazingly well
and helped so much! We will be
eating at the Fellowship Hall until
the project is completed, but we
are very thankful to be back at the
preschool for class time!
We have recently been blessed
with seven new students. The
current students have been very
big helpers with the new children
and the remodel. They have loved
being the big brothers/ sisters and
helping in all sorts of ways! We
would like to ask you to keep us in
your prayers and in your hearts.
Alabama, Athens
Monica Price
Life continues on and another
month goes by…How are you
spending your time here on earth?
It is easy to get caught up in the
business of life and forget that our
goal on earth is to worship our
Heavenly Father. Let’s consciously
use our time to glorify our Father
in Heaven.
This past month we had Bro.
Stephen Baner (Sis. Donnalou,
11
Gridley, IL) share the Word with
us. We thank them for the love they
have shown us and the time they
have given up in order to serve.
Our prayers are with Becca
Ray as she has had another surgery.
May God give her strength and
healing. We are thankful that she is
feeling better and has been able to
come back to church.
We have been working on a
remodeling project in the church
over the past few weeks, which has
caused us to relocate our worship
service to the fellowship hall for
the month of February. We are
looking forward to the end of the
project, so we can get back in our
church building, but we know
God is in our presence no matter
where we are worshiping.
As you think about making
plans for Memorial Day this year,
we would like you to consider
spending the weekend with us. On
Saturday and Sunday, May 28-29,
we have a program planned filled
with food, fellowship, singing and
speakers. See the back section of
this issue for more details. If you
are interested, please RSVP to
Sis. Susan Koch at susankoch2@
yahoo.com or (309)202-4897.
We would like to extend a
welcome to anyone who would
like to include Athens in their
travels, especially if you are
heading north after wintering in
the southern states. Please feel free
to visit us. If you would like to
stay in our guest house, please call
Sis. Rebekah Klaus at (815) 6745411 for accommodations.
12
Arizona, Phoenix
between those pieces. In the same
Marge Lindenbaum
day the LORD made a covenant
”And when the sun was going
with Abram.” Gen. 15:17-18a
down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram;
The darkness experienced by
and, lo, an horror of great darkness
Abram earlier was not a natural
fell upon him.” Gen. 15:12
darkness, as evidenced by this
It is reported in Jewish
later verse. When the natural
literature that this initial covenant,
darkness came, the covenant was
designating the people of God and
made as God passed through
their land, occurred on Nisan 14.
the split animals in confirmation
This is also the date of Passover
of his promise. This ritual was
and of the Crucifixion. This
most commonly a covenant
covenant between God and Abram
between a Lord and a servant, and
foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment usually the servant was the one
of God’s promises to His people in
to “pass through the halves” in
Christ Jesus. In scripture, “darkness” acknowledgment of what would
nearly always refers to death or sin.
happen to him if he failed to
It seems odd that when making
keep his part. Generally only one
His covenant with Abram, gifting
animal was split. Possibly here, the
him and his seed the designation
heifer symbolized this covenant of
of God’s “ownership” and a land
Obedience by Faith (and evidenced
of their own, that he would give
by circumcision in Genesis 17); the
this vision of horror, to show they
goat represented the covenant of
would be enslaved and afflicted
the Law and the ram is symbolic
in a different land, away from the
of Jesus and the covenant of Grace.
land of promise. God is a God of
And “I AM” took on the role
Truth, and hides nothing from His
of servant and walked between
children. His promise ends happily, the halves. At this point, God’s
that they would come out with great promises of “I will” give the land
substance and their captors would
and innumerable offspring to
be judged. It is also interesting that
Abram become “I have”.
the reason for their long captivity
“Now from the sixth hour there
is so the Amorites could reach their
was darkness over all the land
full “iniquity”. The Amorites were
unto the ninth hour. And about
Abram’s people of origin. So, his
the ninth hour Jesus cried with a
offspring would be held by another
loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama
nation while his ancestors were
sabachthani? that is to say, My God,
given every opportunity to turn to
my God, why hast thou forsaken
God, or reach the point where there me?” Matt. 27:45-46
was no hope of that happening.
When the sin of the world was
“And it came to pass, that, when
laid upon him, Jesus was forsaken
the sun went down, and it was
by His Father. This is the horror
dark, behold a smoking furnace,
He dreaded when He prayed in
and a burning lamp that passed
the garden. While Abram was
shown the horror of his progeny’s
suffering, Jesus experienced fully
the enslavement and affliction of
sin and death during that time of
separation, along with the very
wrath of God. Then he succumbed
to death. Darkness descended, the
earth quaked, the bodies of the
dead came out of their graves and
walked around the city, and the
veil of the temple was torn from
top to bottom. It is a mystery (to
this writer, at least) whether Jesus
was captured by Satan while His
body lay in the tomb, but we
know He was in Sheol during at
least a part of that time (Eph. 4:9).
We are given an indication He was
preaching to the angels who were
entrapped there (1 Peter 3:19).
We know God is there (Psalm
139:8, Job 26:6, Prov. 15:11) and
He brought Jesus out (Ps. 16:10,
Acts 2:27), demonstrating the
perfection of the sacrifice, the
fulfillment of the ages of promise.
“And the angel answered and said
unto the women, Fear not ye: for I
know that ye seek Jesus, which was
crucified. He is not here: for he is
risen, as he said.” Matt 28:5-6a
And “I AM’s” promise of “I
will” became “I have”.
We are very grateful for the
many visiting ministers who
are willing to serve us while
they are away from their home
congregation. This month we were
blessed by Elder Bro. John Lehman
(Sis. Connie, Bern, KS), Bro. Art
Mueller (Sis. Marlene, Belvidere,
IL), Bro. Wes Moser (Sis. Esther,
Lester, IA), and Bro. Jeff Leman
(Sis. Val, Bluffton North).
We rejoice with the angels,
as Jenna Freed made a decision
to live for Jesus. Plus, it was
announced Robert Newman finds
himself at peace with God.
We continue to enjoy our winter
visitors at our various fellowship
gatherings, and welcome all who
would like to enjoy our beautiful
sunshine to come out for a visit!
Arizona, Prescott
Autumn Rokey
We are thankful for visiting
ministers Bro. Lucas Frank (Sis.
Crystal) Detroit, Bro. Brian
Katich (Sis. Debbie) Phoenix,
Elder Bro. Herbie Knochel (Sis.
Laurie) and Keith Hinrichsen (Sis.
Tammy) from Phoenix. Our Young Group which
is growing in size traveled to
Phoenix for an invite and had a
joyous time! Their theme was joy
and Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly
rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall
be joyful in my God; for he hath
clothed me with the garments of
salvation, he hath covered me
with the robe of righteousness, as a
bridegroom decketh himself with
ornaments, and as a bride adorneth
herself with her jewels.”
Two of our converts, Devan
Cargill (Bro. Dan and Sis.
Stephanie) and Bridget Koehl
(Bro. Lane and Sis. Beth) have
shared that they have peace with
God and are looking forward to
giving their testimonies in April.
We are so excited and prayerful for
them as they grow in the Lord. A few of our brothers have
participated in the HarvestCall
work in Bastrop County, TX.
It reminds us how thankful we
should be for our homes. We
pray for their work and safety of
all those involved in building in
Texas this season. Arizona, Tucson
Dean and Jackie Knobloch
We are enjoying many visitors
here in Tucson, which is a delight
to our small congregation. We are
thankful for each and every one
who adds to our blessings as we
gather on Sunday and Wednesday
evening. We were privileged to
have Bro. Kevin Wulf (Sis. Annie,
Morris, MN) minister to us on
February 7. God provided His Holy
Spirit and we are to heed His Word.
We continue to lift up our
dear friends Rob and Angie
Wilson (son-in-law of Bro. Don
and Sis. Glo Bauer) in prayer
as Rob struggles with his brain
tumor. Our God is a great and
merciful God and we commit this
dear couple into God’s care.
California, Altadena/Los
Angeles
Kali Sauder
“I know not why God’s wondrous
grace, To me He hath made
known, Nor why unworthy—
Christ in love Redeemed me for
His own. But I know whom I
have believed, and am persuaded
that He is able, To keep that
which I’ve committed, Unto Him
against that day.”
Hymns of Zion, #109
This hymn exudes such
confidence. Life is full of
March 2016
SILVER LINING
13
uncertainty, but having settled
the greatest uncertainty, the state
of our souls, we can rest assured
regardless of what may come along
the way. “He is able.” Able to save,
able to keep, able to help, able to
comfort, able to strengthen.
“I know not what of good or ill,
May be reserved for me, Of weary
ways or golden days, Before His
face I see. But I know whom I
have believed, and am persuaded
that He is able, To keep that
which I’ve committed, Unto Him
against that day.”
Knowing this to be true,
in that confidence we send Sis.
Stephany Moser back to China
to resume her work for the
Lord. She is not separated from
the body of Christ, flung into
a foreign culture far away, but
rather is the fingertip of Christ
at the end of an outstretched
arm, reaching for those who have
yet to know Him. Godspeed,
Stephany, and many prayers!
We are also thrilled to have a
new little life among us! Emery
Mark was born this month to
Bro. Jim and Sis. Krissa Klotzle,
welcomed home by his older
siblings: Karlina, Ender, and
Aeslyn. And as with all of us, what
lies ahead is a path of unknowns,
but we entrust his little life to the
One “whom [we] have believed”!
California, San Diego
Annaleise Wagenbach
We were blessed by many
visitors this month, including
ministers Bro. Stephen Baner
(Sis. Donnalou, Gridley, IL), Bro.
14
Mike Rieker (Sis. Carol, Peoria,
IL), and Elder Bro. Bruce Endress
(Sis. Elizabeth, Bradford, IL). The
Memorandum was shared by Elder
Bro. Lynn Fiechter (Sis. Ronda,
Bluffton, IN) and Elder Bro. John
Wiegand (Sis. Jane, Silverton,
OR). We were encouraged on
many fronts. Be authentic and be
a living sacrifice, to name a few.
Our love and prayers are with
Sis. Mary Thiem as she remembers
her brother who recently passed on
to his reward.
We are enjoying our winter
residents and the care they
show. If anyone is vacationing in
the Palm Springs/Palm Desert
area this winter please feel free
to contact Bro. Doug and Sis.
Janelle Brewer at djbrewer2003@
gmail.com or 309-256-9606. We
plan to have midweek services
starting in January until the end
of March. Also, if you know of
anyone with church connections
living in the area we would also
like to know about them so we
can reach out to them.
This verse was expounded
upon in this last month and it
offers all believers hope.
Philippians 2:9-11 “Wherefore
God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is
above every name: That at the name
of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things
in earth, and things under the
earth; And that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father.”
Colorado, Denver
Naomi Wiegand, Tess Leman
Greetings from Colorado!
It is with much joy that we
share the engagement news of
Bro. Josh Martin (Bro. Mike and
Sis. Bethann, Denver, CO) to Sis.
Olivia Robinson (Bro. Mike and
Sis. Elizabeth, Bloomington, IL)!
We are thankful that soon we will
have another young couple in our
congregation.
As I write this, Sis. Dominique
Lasnier (Sarah Braun) is loading
up her vehicle in preparation
for her move back to Colorado
from Garden Grove, IA. We
sympathize with Garden Grove
church as we know they are going
to miss Sis. Dominique. We are
thankful that they have been so
loving and supportive of her over
the past few years as she seeks out
God’s plan for her life.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you.”
Connecticut, Rockville
Sheila Gerber, Lauren Gottier
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
and weep with them that weep.”
Romans 12:15
There were many happenings
within the Rockville congregation
this past month allowing us the
opportunity to rejoice with those
that are rejoicing, but also the need
for us to weep with those that weep.
We were deeply saddened to
learn of the passing of Douglas
Gottier, who was tragically killed in
an automobile accident on February
10. Our sympathy and prayers are
extended to his wife, Kim, and his
three sons: Nicholas, Lincoln, and
Calvin. Also mourning his passing
are his parents, Bro. Arthur and
Sis. Judy Gottier, as well as many
relatives and friends.
We also want to keep Bro.
David and Sis. Marla Moser in our
prayers since the passing of Marla’s
grandfather, Bro. Walter Sinn
(Latty, OH) on January 15.
Our dear Sis. Elsa Champ
passed from this life on to her
heavenly reward on January
23. Elsa had been living with
her daughter, Linda, in New
Hampshire for the past 5 months.
Also mourning her loss are her
two sons, Gary and Guy Champ.
We rejoice with the many
families that have welcomed
new babies into their hearts and
homes this past month. Carter
Reid Carlson was born to Nate
and Ashley Carlson on January
17 and joins brother Logan and
sister Dylan at home. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Wally and Sis.
Judy Carlson, Thomas and Monique
Burns, and Wendy Deprey and Ted
Vonasek. Jesse and Julie Brennan
welcomed their first son, Hunter
Robert, giving sisters Alivia and
Autumn a new little brother to love.
Grandparents are Bro. Dean and
Sis. Miriam Reutter. Welcoming
their first child are Bro. Sam and Sis.
Laura Greenbank. Their daughter
Skye Emily was born February 8.
Rejoicing grandparents are Bro.
Terry and Sis. Cindy Virkler and
Bro. Glen and Sis. Joan Greenbank
(Akron, OH).
And lastly, Bro. Ben and Sis.
Ashley Wagenbach have been
blessed with their first child. Brady
Drew was born February 15 and
is the grandchild of Bro. Dale and
Sis. Mary Wagenbach and the first
grandchild for Bro. Bruce and Sis.
Karen Luginbuhl.
We want to welcome Bro.
Brandon and Sis. Sarah Gudeman
along with their son Micah, as
they are now making Rockville
their home church.
We were thankful to have the
privilege of two visiting ministers to
bring forth God’s word. Bro. Tyler
Joos (Sis. Tonya, Bradford, IL) and
Elder Bro. Dan Kilgus (Sis. Jenna,
Remington, IN) were with us on
February 14. We were exhorted to
bring our minds to the subjection
of Christ and allow God to displace
the strongholds in our hearts.
District of Columbia,
Washington
Henrietta Meyer
We were very thankful to meet
our caretaker for February, Bro.
Jerry Messner (Winthrop, MN). If
you feel led to support one of our
small churches, being caretakers
here would be a wonderful way
to do so. If you are interested and
are free to spend 3-4 weeks in
the DC area, please contact Sis.
Doreen Steffen at dkgsteffen@
gmail.com or 302-540-6574. She
reports there are a few months still
available this year.
Our ministers this month
were Bro. Jerry Isch (Sis. Linda,
Philadelphia, PA), Bro. Todd Graf
(Sis. Lydia, Akron, OH) and Bro.
Jeremiah Psinas (Morton, IL).
Other visitors this month were
from Champaign, IL.
Since last month’s article was
written we have had almost 30
inches of snow, temperatures in
the 60s and wind chill numbers
around zero. With all the changes,
we are grateful for an unchanging
God. Also, we are thankful that
national and local churches provide
ways for us to listen to services
when we are unable to travel.
If you are planning to visit
Washington, D.C. area for
vacation or business, please
contact Bro. Joe and Sis. Holly
Bohart at [email protected] or
Sis. Henrietta Meyer at 703 9048301 for assistance and to let us
know how many to expect for
Sunday services.
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale
Renee Mangold
We were blessed to have
several visiting ministers this past
month. Visiting were Bro. Stephen
Baner (Sis. DonnaLou) Gridley,
IL; Elder Bro. Earl Ringger (Sis.
Dixie) Gridley, IL; Bro. Rick
Kaisner (Sis. Michelle) Chicago,
IL; Bro. Doyle Frauhiger (Sis. Jane)
Bluffton North, IN; Bro. Chuck
Kellenberger (Sis. Debbie) Elgin,
IL; Bro. Tom Bahler (Sis. Lanae)
Rockville, CT; and Elder Bro.
Kevin Ryan (Sis. Cheryl) Rockville,
CT. We pray for a blessing on
these ministers and their families
for the work they do in sharing
our Lord’s word.
We are thankful that Sis.
Josephine Martin returned home
March 2016
SILVER LINING
15
after a brief hospital stay. Our
prayer is that God will continue
to keep His hands on her and give
her strength and health.
Communion was held on
Wednesday, January 20, allowing
all who participated to experience
a time of searching themselves
prior to, and proving out that their
lives and hearts are on a true path
with the Lord.
We were grateful to
hear the Memorandum on
Wednesday, January 27. It is
important that we are able to
hear the ruminations of our Elder
brethren during this annual
sharing of the Memorandum. We held a Valentine’s Day
potluck this month. We had a
delicious dinner and a nice time
of fellowship.
“Search me, O God, and know
my heart: try me, and know my
thoughts: And see if there be any
wicked way in me, and lead me in
the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23-24
Florida, Ft. Myers
Dustin Hodel
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and
give honour to him: for the marriage
of the Lamb is come, and his wife
hath made herself ready.” Rev. 19:7
Every year at Valentine’s
Day, the Ft. Myers church has a
glorious Valentine’s Day potluck.
We have a delicious potluck
dinner while sitting around
Valentine-themed tables and
enjoy one another’s company.
This year as we were sitting and
chatting with the folks around
us, I thought about the marital
16
experience in the room. As I
looked around I realized there
was probably century’s worth of
marriage experience between all
the couples there. In a day and
age where the words “marriage”
and “love” are thrown around so
flippantly and not handled with
the care and sincerity they deserve,
I was in a room full of people who
understood what both of those
words truly mean. The marriages
in the room on Valentine’s Day
knew about happiness, good
times, blessings, romance and
the like. They also knew about
sacrifice, heartache, forgiveness
and suffering and about working
through those things because their
marriages are not about bringing
happiness to themselves, but rather
glorifying the Father by becoming
one with another human being!
Through all of the lows and the
highs and the trials and victories,
beautiful relationships had been
forged by faithfully following
Him. It made me think of the
verse above where Christ calls us
to be His bride. No matter how
great our marriages are here and
the depth of love we feel for one
another, nothing will compare to
that marriage celebration!
As always we’ve been greatly
blessed by the brotherhood this
month. Bro. Nathan Wiegand
(Sis. Laura, Goodfield, IL),
Bro. Matthew Kaufmann (Sis.
Rebekah, Bloomington, IL)
and Bro. Randy Gudeman (Sis.
Becky, Francesville, IN) all
came and gave of themselves by
ministering to our congregation.
We are grateful for the wonderful
fellowship we experience during
the winter from those looking to
escape the cold up north.
If you are considering a move
to the Naples/Fort Myers area
and would like to talk to someone
about it, please call Bro. Marvin
Steffen at 239-353-0508. He will
help you gather information on
anything from serving in a small
church to job opportunities and
housing in the area.
The New Beginnings
I messed up. Call it a
misjudgment, a honest mistake or
what have you, but it was my fault.
Last June a young lady applied to
be in our program and she was very
aggressive about needing a place
to stay. Most of the time when a
mother applies we don’t hear a lot
out of her until we make contact
saying there’s a spot open. This
one was different. At least once a
week she called or emailed asking
for a place to stay. She was living
in a women’s shelter. It was only
temporary and could we please help
her. This went on for the rest of the
year as we had no room for her at
the moment. However, this month
one of our mothers is getting ready
to graduate and so I thought maybe
we could make it work. It might
be a little cramped for a while, but
she needs the help! Things on the
applying mother’s end were getting
desperate as the state had found out
she was living in a shelter and taken
her kids away. “I just need to show
them I have stable housing and I
get them back,” she told me. So we
expedited the process and brought
her up for an interview and decided
to take her in. After bringing her
in, I got in touch with her case
manager and explained what we
do and that this young lady would
have long term housing along
with guidance and mentorship
to help her out. They told me it
didn’t matter; that this young lady
probably hadn’t been very honest
about her situation and that it
would be at least a year until she
had a chance to get her kids back,
not because of stable housing, but
because of choices she had made.
Boy did I look like a fool.
We had brought her in on my
recommendation because I had
gotten invested into this young
lady’s life over the course of the
months speaking with her, and,
even though I’d only met her once
face-to-face, I really wanted to help
her and in the process got burned.
We had to ask her to leave less than
a week after she had come.
Do I regret my decision? No
I do not. I most definitely learned
from the situation, to try and
remain objective and use the plans
we have to bring someone in rather
than rush it, but I’m not sorry
for giving her a shot. You see I’m
not called to have all the answers
or make all the right decisions.
I’m called to bring the Gospel to
people who need to hear it. Over
the months I was in contact with
this young lady, I was able to tell
her about Jesus and sprinkle God’s
word into our conversations. I also
would rather try and fail than to
have not tried to help her. It doesn’t
feel good to be lied to and misled,
but the Bible never tells me to
make sure someone is telling me
the truth before I help them. God
just tells me to go and do.
I’m continuing to pray for
this young lady and hope that our
conversations throughout last year
somehow find their way to her
heart that she remembers there is a
God who loves her and she needs
Christ and His atoning blood.
Would you pray with me?
If you are interested in more
information on The New Beginnings
or would like to have us come make
a presentation at your church, please
call Dustin at 239-541-4312 or email
us at thenewbeginningsofswfl@
yahoo.com.
Florida, Sarasota
Mary & Vera Martin
Once again our little church
blossoms as many winter residents
and vacationers arrive to enjoy
our sunshine. We are blessed with
many visiting ministers as they
travel in our area and appreciate
them taking time to share God’s
Word with us. We want to
thank Bro. Randy Gasser (Sis.
Sue, Detroit), Bro. Tim Ramsier
(Sis. Jonell, Rittman), Bro. Ted
Hirstein (Sis. Joyce, Morton),
Bro. John Cottrell (Sis. Gloria,
Eureka), Bro. Michael Thomas
(Sis. Claudia, Valparaiso), Bro.
Doyle Frauhiger (Sis. Jane, Bluffton
North), Elder Bro. Tom Hoffman
(Sis. Kathy, Roanoke), Elder Bro.
Wayne Banwart (Sis. Charlen,
Champaign), Elder Bro. Kent
Heimer (Sis. Jan, Taylor), Bro. Dan
Stoller (Sis. Debra, Remington) for
their willingness to share.
Our calendars and schedules
fill to capacity as we meet and greet
friends from the north. We meet
new faces and say farewell to ones
we love. We offer our sympathy
and yet rejoice that two of our
winter residents departed for their
Heavenly home. We will miss both
Sis Marguerite Stoller (Bro. Delmar
Latty) and Sis. Vivian Feldman
(Bro. Lyman, Alto) as they were
both an important part of church
family for many years. We pray for
God’s healing hand on Sis. Marie
Keller (Bro. Art), Bro. Miklos
Bozzay (Sis. Aranka) and Sis.
Rosalie Dresloer.
We had our annual Auction
to support our Sunday School for
mission trips and activities in our
small church. We want to thank
each of you who contributed.
Georgia, Peachtree City/
Atlanta
Lexi Knapp
We have had a month full
of many blessings! We rejoice
with Wynn Waldbeser (Elder
Bro. Tom and Sis. Sue) as he has
acknowledged his need for a Savior
and turned to Christ in repentance.
We wish him God’s abundant
blessings as he begins his walk with
the Lord. How beautiful it is to see
God’s work in each life around us!
We also are blessed to welcome
Bro. Cody and Sis. Victoria
Walburn (West Lafayette, IN) to
our congregation. Bro. Cody has a
six month internship in Georgia.
We are enjoying having them here
for this period of time!
March 2016
SILVER LINING
17
Also, Elder Bro. Steve Sauder
(Sis. Mary, Tremont, IL) assisted
in reading the Memorandum
the first weekend of February.
We are thankful for his service
and had a wonderful weekend!
We also appreciate Bro. Doug
Brewer (Sis. Janelle, San Diego,
CA) for ministering to us this
past month as well.
If anyone is coming to the
area, we would love to have you
worship with us! Our address is:
202 Robinson Road, Peachtree
City, GA 30269. However,
please all ahead! (Tom Waldbeser
770.463.4788 or Richard Aberle
678.364.0507). For photos and
additional information, visit our
website at www.ptcacchurch.org.
Haiti, Bonne Fin Hospital Lumiere
Rick and Komari Aberle,
David and Janella Zimmerman
The hospital is well into a
new year and busy with visiting
medical and construction teams,
as well as new volunteers and
short-term missionaries.
Sis. Rebecca Koch, Tremont,
IL, spent 5 weeks at Hospital
Lumiere serving patients in need
of sonography tests and training
some of our staff as a short-term
volunteer. She was visited by
her parents, Bro. Dan and Sis.
Julie Koch, who served us by
ministering the Word.
Over the past several weeks,
we have appreciated the services of
an Orthopedic Surgical Team, a
Pediatric Team, and a Solar Power
Installation Team. We are thankful
18
for their efforts that benefit our
patients in both medical care and
improving the stability of electricity
at the hospital.
We are thankful to welcome
Sis. Patty Banwart, shortterm missionary, and Moira
Kellenberger, short-term volunteer,
from the West Bend church. They
have joined us to serve here for
periods of 3 months and 4 weeks,
respectively. They both will be
involved with various aspects of the
hospital while here.
Bro. Marvin and Sis. Nancy
Dotterer (Forrest, IL) and Bro.
Jon Zeller (Sis. Christie, Morton,
IL) visited the hospital here to
serve the spiritual needs of the
missionary team. May God
continue to bless their efforts.
We were blessed to assemble
together in Cayes for church
services this month. Bro. Art
Mueller (Sis. Marlene, Belvidere,
IL) and Bro. Dale Frank (Sis.
Christine, Oakville-Mediapolis,
IA) served as ministers.
During the coming days,
please remember Haiti in prayer as
the country continues to struggle
through a transition in government.
This transition causes uncertainty,
unrest and even violence. May God
grant peace and continue to draw
those in need to Him.
“If my people, which are called by
my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and
turn from their wicked ways; then
will I hear from heaven, and will
forgive their sin, and will heal their
land.” 2 Chron. 7:14
Haiti, Les Cayes
Mike & Susie Walder
Silas Reid Wagenbach was
welcomed into the lives of Bro.
Brent & Sis. Alisha on February
7. We look forward to meeting
this new miracle when they
return soon from Indiana!
Thankful grandparents are Bro.
Doug & Sis. Lillian Wagenbach
(San Diego, CA), and Jan & Val
Gutwein (Les Cayes).
We are enjoying the presence of
two single sisters for a few months.
Sis. Janae Stork (Forrest, IL) is
teaching at the English missionary
school some of our younger
children attend. Sis. Miranda Kaeb
(Fairbury, IL) is living and helping
at a nearby orphanage. May God
bless their efforts as they share the
love of Christ with all those with
whom they come in contact.
We appreciated the recent
visit by two elders and their wives:
Bro. Marvin Dotterer (Sis. Nancy,
Forrest, IL), and Bro. Vic Bauman
(Sis. Brenda, Smithville, OH). Bros.
Marvin and Vic were teaching in a
3-day pastors’ conference in Dumay
before they came our direction. We
wish to thank each of them for their
loving encouragement and the kind
way they seek to support those of us
serving in Haiti.
This month we enjoyed
an English service here in
Cite Lumiere with many local
missionaries and two work teams
in the area. Bro. Art Mueller (Sis.
Marlene, Belvidere, IL) was the
visiting minister. He encouraged
us to keep our first love intact,
Revelations chapter 2.
Other ministers in the area
recently were Bro. Jon Zeller
(Morton, IL) and Bro. Dale
Frank (Oakville-Mediapolis, IA).
We are thankful for the many
visitors who have been able to
come, even though the political
situation in Haiti has been quite
unstable for some time.
Illinois, Belvidere
Krista Anliker, Shayla Steffen
Greetings from Belvidere!
We were privileged to have
many visitors! The Tremont
Choir came and ministered to
us through hymns and over the
pulpit. Thanks to Elder Bro. Steve
(Sis. Mary) Sauder and Bro. Tom
(Sis. Jane) Bolliger for bringing
forth the Word.
We had the opportunity to
spend time together as a church
family the weekend of our InviteA-Friend. We sang together at
church on Saturday, gathered for
worship on Sunday, sang at a local
nursing home and shared a meal
together. May God bless Bro. Jeff
Bahler (Sis. Heidi) from Wolcott,
IN and Bro. Dean Messner (Sis.
Wanda) from Winthrop, MN for
sharing God’s Word that weekend.
Illinois, BloomingtonNormal
Megan Kaeb, Sarah Maurer
We were blessed once again
with visiting ministers this month.
Bro. James Emch and his wife,
Sis. Gina, braved the cold and
snow to visit us from Phoenix,
AZ. In addition to sharing with us
on Sunday morning, Bro. James
shared his personal story of God’s
faithfulness through his life journey
on a Saturday evening in January.
All who attended were blessed.
We also had Bro. Mike Hohulin
and Sis. Faye trade in the sun for
colder temperatures as they came
to visit our congregation. Their
newborn grandson was a strong
motivator for this visit, but our
church family benefited as a result.
We rejoiced this month with
Demetrius Wiegand (originally
from Denver, CO) as he began
his faith journey. It is always
encouraging to see others commit
their lives to Jesus and remind us
of the amazing gift of salvation.
We also rejoiced with Bro.
Darin and Sis. Jessica Leman as
they welcomed baby, Haven Joy,
into their family on December
22, 2015. Haven is also welcomed
by her big brothers and sister and
her grandparents: Bro. Howard
and Sis. Gloria Leman of Morton,
IL, Charlie and Mary Flickner of
Kentucky, and Fred and Cynthia
Basham of Monticello, IN.
And, as February is a month
often associated with love, it was
only right that we celebrated the
engagement of Sis. Olivia Robinson
(daughter of Bro. Mike and Sis. Liz
Robinson) to Bro. Josh Martin of
Denver, CO (son of Bro. Mike and
Sis. BethAnn Martin).
This month was also filled
with sadness as we mourned the
passing of loved ones. Sis. Deb
DesCarpentrie (and Bro. Grant)
mourned the passing of her father,
Byron Martin of Gridley, IL. And,
Bro. Ray Ringger mourned the
passing of his wife, Sis. Nadine.
We are so thankful for the hope of
heaven, but saying good-bye is never
easy. Our prayers are with our dear
brothers and sisters as they grieve.
Our church was glad to
support our Bible Class as they
held a dinner to raise funds for
their upcoming mission trip
to New York City and, to help
support the Sunday School’s Pack
the Bag with Love Project. This
project involves filling “journey
bags” for children needing to be
taken from their homes and placed
in foster care. We are so thankful
for the opportunity to show love
to those who could be considered
the “least of these.” As 1 John 3:18
says, “My little children, let us not
love in word, neither in tongue; but
in deed and in truth.”
Illinois, Bradford
Roseann Stahl, Sandi Joos
Two couples announced their
engagement this month. Bro.
Lucas Herrmann (Bro. Marvin
and Sis. Lavonne, Princeville) to
Sis. Lynelle Berchtold, Princeville
(Bro. David and Sis. Leann), and
Bro. Tyler Endress (Bro. Bill and
Sis. Renee’) to Sis. Leah Beery,
Rittman, OH (Bro. Walt and Sis.
Lynda). Our prayers are with these
two couples as they prepare for a
life together as one in the Lord.
We welcome Sis. Abby
Rinkenberger to Bradford. She
has relocated due to work. We are
glad she is assembling with us on
Wednesday evenings.
We thank Bro. Donn and
Sis. Tracy Ehnle for their years
March 2016
SILVER LINING
19
of service in handling the many
janitorial duties for our church
here in Bradford. We look to Bro.
Ralph and Sis. Jenny Joos as they
assume these responsibilities.
We are glad to have Sis.
Sharon Bruell back assembling
with us after a recent injury.
What a blessing to have visiting
ministers with us this past month.
Among them were Elder Bro.
Jim Plattner (Sis. Marlene), Bro.
Erik Givens (Sis. Deb), Bro. Craig
Martin (Sis. Terri), Bro. Ryan
Hoerr (Sis. Joy), all of Princeville,
IL; and Bro. Jim Zollinger (Sis.
Tresa, Silverton, OR), and Bro.
Ned Stoller (Sis. Heidi, Alto, MI).
Along with spring comes the
awesome display of God’s creation.
God’s beauty is displayed all
around us. May we all go forth
and look for the miracles within
the earth, no matter how great
or small, and give Him all glory,
honor, and praise for the goodness
He has shown us.
“For as the earth bringeth forth
her bud, and as the garden causeth
the things that are sown in it to
spring forth; so the Lord God will
cause righteousness and praise to
spring forth before all the nations.”
Isaiah 61:11
We are thankful for our young
group, who hosted a Valentine’s
Day babysitting evening. The
children enjoyed the evening with
the young group and their friends.
The parents were able to enjoy
some quality time together as well.
We began a new series of
Bible studies this semester, titled
“Responding with Grace and
Truth.” The first study was on
“Standing for Biblical Truth in
a World of Tolerance,” which
seems very timely with some of
the changes and morality struggles
this country is facing. The study
started by talking about relativism
and the difference between
“tolerance” and “Tolerance.” The
idea of tolerance with a lower case
‘t’ is the action of being respectful
and kind to those we think are
wrong, because it’s the right
thing to do. The idea of Tolerance
with a capital ‘T’ is what most
people mean today when they
say “tolerance,” and it would
have us be respectful and kind to
others, because there is no right
or wrong. Christians should be
practicing tolerance, but should
not be accepting of Tolerance,
as we know from the Bible that
right and wrong is absolute. We
were given some tips for talking to
Illinois, Champaign
others who do not know God, and
Dona Fehr
were reminded of the importance
Our sympathy goes out to Bro. of the Great Commission and the
Dan and Sis. Mary Schmidgall
instruction to “sanctify the Lord
and their family in the recent
God in your hearts: and be ready
passing of Bro. Dan’s father,
always to give an answer to every
David. We pray the Lord will
man that asketh you a reason of the
provide comfort for them during
hope that is in you with meekness
this time.
and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15
20
We appreciate our visiting
ministers this month. Thanks to
Elder Bro. John Wiegand (Sis.
Jane, Silverton, OR) and Bro. Rick
Kaisner (Sis. Michelle, Chicago,
IL) for your service!
Illinois, Chicago
Diana Eisenmann
Greetings from Chicago!
We held our annual business
meeting in January. Thanks to all
who have served and continue to
serve in many different capacities
on behalf of our church. We
appreciate each one.
Elder Bro. Brad presented a
topical Bible study, “Lessons from
Turkey and Greece,” inspired by
a recent trip that included stops
from the Apostle Paul’s missionary
journeys and several of the seven
churches mentioned in Revelations.
In January, we had a Women
of the Word (WoW) Bible study
based on “The Mary/Martha
Dilemma,”. In February the
WoW group hosted an event for
the mothers in our congregation.
We appreciate the opportunity
to fellowship and share life
experiences to help one another in
our walk with Christ.
Illinois, Cissna Park
Sandy Rudin, Pam Walder
Our congregation has been
blessed this month with several
visiting ministers: Bro. Zach
Anderson (Sis. Karla, Congerville,
IL), Bro. Ryan Schock (Sis.
Melanie, Bloomfield, IA), Bro.
Don Sinn (Sis. Linda, Silverton,
OR), and Bro. Dennis Kaufmann
(Sis. Bonnie, Bloomington, IL).
May God bless them for their
labors in His vineyard.
Norman Knapp (Elinor) was
hospitalized this month. We need to
remember our loved ones in prayer
who are having health difficulties.
Enjoying a precious new
grandchild are Bro. Eric and
Sis. Louann Kaeb. Leni Jo was
born to Trent and Brandi Kaeb
of Cissna Park. Simona Ivory
was born to Bro. Jason and Sis.
Rebekah Stoller of Washington,
IL. Grandparents are Bro. Wayne
and Sis. Gloria Laubscher.
Our sympathy is extended to
those who have recently lost a loved
one. Jason Rudin passed away. His
parents are Greg Rudin and Patti
Rudin. Gary Rudin of Cissna Park
is his grandpa, and Bro. Ben Rudin
(residing at Fairview Haven) is his
great-grandpa.
Our Sis. Grace Bauer recently
passed from this life into eternity.
We extend sympathy to her family,
including Sis. Beth (Bro. Max)
Kaeb of our congregation. She will
be missed by all who knew her.
Note of Thanks:
The family of Sis. Grace
Bauer would like to express our
thanks for prayers, support, love
shown, help given, visits, cards,
gifts, flowers, food, and any and
all kindnesses given for Mom
and our family through the
years and in this recent difficult
time in our lives. May God bless
you. Psalm 23. Bro. Max and
Sis Beth Kaeb, Brent and Judy
Danforth and families
Illinois, Congerville
Erica Steffen
We are thankful that visiting
ministers Bro. Jerry Wagenbach
(Sis. Bonnie, Mediapolis, IA)
and Bro. Ron Palitto (Sis.
Lynell, Akron, OH), shared
God’s Holy Word with us this
month. It is such a blessing
to our church to have visitors
take the pulpit with our home
brothers. We encourage others
to visit if the Lord would allow!
The miracle of new life is such
a precious gift! Nathaniel Michael
was born to Bro. Kurt and Sis. Julie
Schrock on February 5. Welcoming
him home are big brothers: Josiah,
Gabe, Corbin; and big sister,
Kylie. Nathaniel’s grandparents
are Bro. Ken and Sis. Janet Schock
and Bro. Fred and Sis. Maryellen
Zimmerman, both of Congerville.
“Not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the
day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
These long winter months often
have us yearning for the warmth
and sunshine of Spring! With
sickness abounding in our house
this year, I’ve found myself and my
children suffering from dreaded
cabin fever! Although the little ones
would surely be content with even
a few precious moments outdoors,
I find myself longing for more
frequent attendance at church! We
were recently reminded in a sermon
that going to church is so necessary
in our walk as believers. Just as we
partake of food throughout the day
for nourishment, coming to God’s
house and listening to His Word is
the sustenance we need to make it
through each week. Skipping meals
leaves us empty and weak, as does
missing out on our opportunities
to commune with God and our
brethren at church each week. May
we all have a strong desire to be
strengthened in church surrounded,
by those who share our beliefs.
Although there are seasons (both
literally and figuratively) where this
does not happen, may it bring us joy
and strength when we can gather
around the table of God’s Word and
feast on the Bread of Life together
until the Lord returns!
Illinois, Elgin
Amy Gasser
We thank Bro. Chris
Wuethrich (Sis. Carla, Chicago,
IL) and our Elder Bro. Brad
Eisenmann for ministering to us
this month. Also, special thanks
to Elder Bro. Tom Hoffman
(Roanoke, IL) who conducted an
all-church topical presentation on
Wednesday, January 27 on “Pride,
Humility and Insecurity.”
Scott and Darline Krueger
welcomed their second son,
James David, on January 20. His
paternal grandmother is Mary
Krueger (the late Jim).
Our annual business meeting
was held on January 20. Bro.
Roger Weiss was selected as
church secretary, and Bro. Mark
Gasser as church trustee. They will
replace Bro. Jerry Cargill and Bro.
Eric Weiss. Bro. Keith Leman and
Bro. Chad Heiniger were chosen
to serve on the Highland Oaks
March 2016
SILVER LINING
21
Board of Directors. They will
replace Bro. Les Schambach and
Bro. Matt Kinsinger.
We extend sympathy to Sis.
Mollie (Bro. BJ) Schambach in the
passing of her grandfather, retired
Elder Bro. Ray Sinn (Latty, OH)
on January 29.
Illinois, Eureka
Debra Blunier, Linda Rocke
We are taught so many
wonderful spiritual lessons through
our sermons. If only we could retain
more of what we hear. One lesson
that was brought out was God’s will
for us to be active in His work.
Philippians 13 states, “For it is
God which worketh in you both to
will and to do of His good pleasure.”
We thank the Lord for
providing those who preach the
Word. This month our visiting
minister was Bro. Randy Mogler
(Sis. Evie, Washington, IL).
Those who have had
hospitalizations or surgeries this
past month include Sis. Charlene
Schumacher (Bro. Bob) and Sis.
Katy Wood (Doug and Lori,
Eureka). May God grant them
health and strength again.
Our church has remodeled
the former AC Publications
building. It is now the “Walnut
Creek Family Center.” It has been
used frequently since it opened.
We enjoyed having our February
Family Hymn Sing there.
Illinois, Fairbury
Angela Herr, Janelle Stoller
Our prayers have been with
little Kenton Zehr (Bro. Blake
22
and Sis. Kristin), Sis. Marguerite
Lorch, Sis. Norma Fehr (Bro.
Wayne), Sis. Karen Steffen (Bro.
Albert), and Dave Steidinger who
spent time in the hospital.
Sis. Esther Koehl took her
final breath on January 20 after a
long battle with cancer. We extend
our sympathy to her husband,
Dick; her daughter, Vicky Stewart
(Douglas, East Peoria, IL); son,
Kevin (Marlene, St. Johns, FL);
and brother, Willis Maurer (Rita).
Dave Schmidgall (Forrest,
IL), brother-in-law to Bro. Merle
Kaisner, passed away on January
27. Sis. Pat Hartman’s brother-inlaw, Wayne Hartman, passed away
on January 30. May God comfort
those who are grieving loss of
loved ones.
It was a joy to witness the
marriage vows of our Bro.
Timothy Hartman (Bro. Mark
and Sis. Judy) and Sis. Jenna
Kaeb (late Bro. Eldon and late Sis.
Stephanie, Forrest, IL) on January
24. We pray God will richly bless
their union and that Sis. Jenna
will feel a warm welcome in our
Fairbury church family.
When we observe the front
benches at church filled with
young brothers, sisters, and
converts, it brings much joy to
our hearts. We continue to pray
for each one of our converts,
including Troy Fehr (Bro. Randall
and Sis. Janis).
“Anywhere with Jesus, over
land and sea, Telling souls in
darkness of salvation free; Ready
as He summons me to go or stay,
Anywhere with Jesus when He
points the way.” Anywhere with
Jesus, Hymns of Zion #179 verse 4
Our prayers are with Bro. Karl,
Sis. Carrie, Addison, Maddox, and
Ian Steidinger as they relocate to
Florida. Though miles separate us,
we pray each of us can be faithful
and shine forth the love of Jesus
where God has placed us.
Illinois, Forrest Carissa Knapp, Shannon Brown
“Seeds of goodness we are sowing
in the hearts of man today. Bless
it, Lord, that it may prosper, and
bear fruit for harvest day.”
Hymns of Zion #46
We are thankful for the
safe return of the many in our
congregation who have traveled
to foreign lands and places in
our own country to help those
in need. We pray God will bless
them and those they have served.
January 24 was the wedding
day of Bro. Timothy Hartman
(Bro. Mark and Sis. Judy, Fairbury)
and Sis. Jenna Kaeb (late Bro.
Eldon and late Sis. Stephanie). We
wish them God’s richest blessings
as they begin their life as one. We
were blessed that day with many
visitors, including ministering Bros.
James Fehr (Sis. Brenda, Tremont,
IL), Darren Fehr (Sis. Nora, West
Bend, IA), Brian Waibel (Sis.
Wendy, Champaign, IL), Matt
Steffen (Sis. Deanna, Princeville,
IL), and Paul Kilgus (Sis.
Carmen), and John Hartman (Sis.
Rosemary), both of Fairbury. Also
ministering to us this month were
Bros. Virgil Metzger (Sis. Mary,
Chicago, IL), Scott Schambach
(Sis. Hope, Elgin, IL), and Ed
Fritz (Sis. Barb, Washington, IL).
May God bless each one for their
willingness to come and serve us.
We are rejoicing with the
angels as Chloe Mueller (Bro. Ron
and Sis. Vicki Mueller) has begun
her repentance. We also rejoice and
welcome Henry Friedman (Sis.
Marjorie) as our brother in Christ.
He was able to give his testimony
and was baptized on January 27.
Our sympathies are extended to
the family of David Schmidgall as
he passed from this life on January
27. His children are Sam (Sherrie),
Forrest; Bro. Dan (Sis. Mary),
Champaign, IL; James (Lisa),
Fairbury; Bro. John (Sis. Janet),
Forrest; Mary (Andre) Ross,
Urbana, IL; and one daughter-inlaw, Janet Schmidgall, Morris, MN.
May God be the great Comforter to
them as well as to his grandchildren
and all who loved him.
Janelle Slagel (Bro. Kevin
and Sis. Jodi) spent some time in
the hospital, but is home again.
Also, Bro. Eldon Waibel (Sis.
Marge) is home from the hospital,
recuperating from shoulder
surgery. We are thankful they are
both doing well.
Illinois, Goodfield
Kayla Wiegand, Melissa Rokey
We rejoice with Tate Taufer
(Bro. Ted and Sis. Kenda), Miriam
Dingledine (Rick and Deanne), and
Brock Wiegand (Bro. Greg and Sis.
Jenny) as they have turned their lives
over to the Lord in repentance. May
they feel God’s nearness and grace!
Surely there is joy in heaven today!
Bro. Roy Roth fell and fractured
his hip and is recovering. Sis. Marj
Bauman (Bro. Don) had a heart
attack and is recovering. Sis. Heidi
Schumacher (Bro. Dan) spent some
time in Kansas getting on-going
treatment for Lyme’s disease. Please
keep them in your prayers.
Our dear Chad Gerber passed
away February 1. We send prayers
of comfort to his parents, Bro.
Roger and Sis. Trish Gerber, as
well as his siblings: Sis. Stacie
(Bro. Rick) Bauman, Sis. Ali (Bro.
Jason) Knepp, Brock (Jodi), Blake
(Kristen), and Sis. Cassie (Bro.
Alex) Knepp.
Marvin (Muck) Knapp passed
away recently on February 6.
Marvin was the father of our dear
Jodi Knapp. Please keep Jodi,
Gavin and Ava in your prayers
during this difficult time.
Ed Kennedy’s mother passed
away recently. We wish to express
our love and support to him at
this time.
Many of us appreciated the
service the young group babysitters
offered conveniently, on Valentine’s
Weekend. Thank you!
A group travelled to Zambia,
Africa, where they spent time
with Bro. Erik and Sis. Carrie
Wiegand. We are thankful they
had safe travels. We want to
continue to lift up the Wiegand’s,
Sis. Erin Davis, and Bro. Kurt
and Sis. Joan Plattner’s families
as they continue serving God in
overseas mission fields.
Bro. Mark Schmidgall (Sis.
Sally, Mediapolis, IA) presented
a Wednesday evening Bible study
to us. His topic was “Living in the
world, but not of the world”. We
appreciated his time and talent.
Bro. Lynn Fiechter (Sis. Rhonda,
Bluffton, IN) also ministered to us
from the pulpit, on the weekend
that Sis. Becky Gerber and Sis
Rhonda Fiechter and their families
blessed us thru song at our Family
Hymn Sing.
Note of Thanks:
Thank you for all the prayers,
as the recent scan has shown
“cancer free”. Maintenance
treatments will continue every 3
weeks with scans every 3 months
at least thru 2016. We have and
continue to feel the love and
prayers of our dear church family,
that we appreciate so much!!
Bro. Herman and Sis. Sara Glueck
Illinois, Gridley
Perry Klopfenstein
We are sorry to report the
death of Bro. John Funk, 49, who
died on February 19, in Gridley.
He suffered from cancer. He was
the youngest child of the nine
children of deceased Bro. Roy and
Sis. Bertha Funk. He is survived by
two brothers, Randy Funk, Eureka,
and Jerry Funk, Bloomington;
four sisters, Rhonda Baurer,
Lithia Springs, FL; Sis. Charlene
Wagenbach, Burlington, IA;
and Lori Funk and Karen Funk,
Bloomington. Bro. John had a very
nice and kindly disposition and
will be missed in our assembly.
John Louis and Leslie Slagel
are the parents of their third child,
Amandrea, born on December 18.
The baby’s siblings are Branson,
March 2016
SILVER LINING
23
4, and Colton, 1. Grandparents
are Dennis and Lorene Slagel,
Fairbury, and Leonard and Cheryl
Schurter, Silverton, OR.
Bro. Bob Greiner is now a
resident at Fairview Haven. Bro.
Elmer Witzig is back at home
and is recovering from falling
and breaking his wrist. Bro.
Mark Funk had surgery on his
knee, and is recovering. Sis. Ruth
Rinkenberger also had surgery and
is back at home. Bro. Bob Hock is
recovering from health issues, but
is able to attend church.
We offer our sympathies to
Sis. Marge Kuntz over the death of
her sister, Alice Barnes, Pontiac.
We appreciated the visit of Bro.
Ron Bollier, Indianapolis, who
preached here in mid-February.
We also thank Bro. Jeremiah
Psinas for giving our Family
Worship topic “The Helmet of
Salvation” as another part of The
Armor of God series. Our church
has been encouraged in this series
as we are given teachings in being
transformed into the image of
Jesus Christ.
Thankful grandparents to a
new baby girl, Gloria Grace, are
Bro. Bruce and Sis. Becky Sauder.
Baby Gloria was blessed to parents
Jeremy and Tammy Hodel, along
with siblings Joelle and Maggie.
With joy Bro. Gary and
Sis. Debbie Rassi welcomed a
new grandson, Daniel James.
The parents, Bro. Trent and Sis.
Heather Barth, along with siblings:
Caleb and Silas, welcomed baby
boy, Daniel. Bro. Jim and Sis. Julie
Illinois, Morton
Barth, Washington are the paternal
Annette Tanner, Julie Bahr
grandparents. God has a divine plan to restore
Sis. Eunice Wuthrich
His world-the death, shedding
peacefully went to meet her Savior
of blood, and resurrection of His
on January 26. Our love and
One and Only Son! Needy and
sympathy goes to her children:
repentant sinners who acknowledge Bro. Mark (Sis. Cheryl), Carol
the need for a Savior are the only
(Don) Schmidgall, Sis. Pam (Bro.
ones who can experience the true
Mike) Heinold, Donna (Ron)
glory which God plans for His
Massner, and Mary Bertchi.
own. As Christian believers, we are
also the only ones to whom, God’s Illinois, Peoria
Holy Spirit reveals the mystery
Pam Fritzenmeier
of God’s purposes! Once again,
We are so thankful that four
this Easter should remind us to
converts have been announced
surrender our all to Jesus so we
for baptism. They are Norvin
might experience the “Very Mind
Schneider (brother of Bro.
of Christ”! What a glorious way it Norbin and Sis. Mary Jane),
would be to live out the year 2016! Heather Kieser (Bro. Randy and
We appreciate Bro. Wes Moser Sis. Brenda), Brock Streitmatter
(Sis. Esther, Lester) for visiting us
(Bro. Ron and Sis. Lori), and
and giving the Gospel message.
Ben Hofstetter (Bro. Ralph
24
and Sis. Karen). It is such an
encouragement to see the Lord’s
work in each one.
Sis. Cassie Feucht (Bro. Tim
and Sis. Robyn) has moved to
Red Rock, TX to serve with
HarvestCall for three months.
God bless her for her willing heart.
Bro. David (Sis. Rita) Sauder
passed away January 26. He was
the father of Bro. David Sauder
(Sis. Rachel) and Sis. Serena (Bro.
Johnny) Hoerr from our church
family. On January 28, Mary See
passed away. Our sympathy and
prayers are extended to the families.
Sunday, February 7, Elder
Bro. Ted Witzig, Sr. (Sis. Cindy,
Morton) served us in the reading
of the memorandum.
After a hospital stay, Sis. Lois
Ehnle is now residing at Skyline
Home. Remember her in your
prayers along with her husband
Bro. Willis and their children.
May they feel God’s nearness. “Yeah though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me.”
Psalms 23:4
Note of Thanks:
To our precious church family,
Another one of our treasures is in
heaven. We cannot tell you how
much your love, prayers, cards
and donations of food (to lighten
the load) and generous donations
to the Apostolic Christian Home
mean to our family. His loss is
unbearable, his home here is so
empty. We know he is with the
Lord in his heavenly home. For
that we are eternally thankful.
God bless you all for your out
pouring of love and care! The Harry Eisenmann family
Illinois, Princeville
Gloria White, Renee Herrmann
We were blessed this month
by the preaching of Bro. Brian
Waibel (Sis. Wendy, Champaign,
IL) and Bro. Brad Gudeman (Sis.
Teresa, Bradford, IL). May God
bless them for their willingness to
bring God’s Word to us.
Sis. Lynelle Berchtold (Bro.
David and Sis. Leann) and Bro.
Lucas Herrmann, Bradford, IL
(Bro. Marvin and Sis. Lavonne)
announced their engagement.
We rejoice with them and wish
them God’s rich blessings in
their lives together.
Our hospital patients this
month were Sis. Keri Blunier (Bro.
Darin), Benola Bowdoin (Henry),
Sis. Janet Martin Joos and Sis.
Wilma Martin. We pray for God
to bring complete healing to them.
We are thankful that God in
His mercy continues to call souls
to Him. Those beginning their
walk with Christ this month are
Lacey Givens (Bro. Erik and Sis.
Deb), Karl Christ (Bro. Kurt and
Sis. Connie), Claire Berchtold (Bro.
David and Sis. Leann), Lydia Sauder
(Bro. Paul and Sis. Marie) and
Tasha Martin (Bro. Craig and Sis.
Terri). It is a joy to know that there
are those who continue to choose to
serve Jesus. We pray that they will
receive the grace to continue to seek
the Kingdom of God in their lives.
I was recently reminded of
the fact that Joshua wrote out the
Law of Moses on stones for the
Israelites after they entered the
Promised Land. (Joshua 8:32) I
also heard of a man who had read
a chapter every day in the book
of Proverbs for twelve years and
the blessing it was to him. We
are blessed beyond measure to
have God’s written revelation, the
Bible, at our fingertips. Oh that we
would not neglect this treasure and
fail to receive the instruction and
promises that God intends for us.
Illinois, Roanoke
Barb Schwind, Judy Sauder
St. Matthew 25:40: “…Inasmuch
as ye have done it unto one of the
least of these my brethren, ye have
done it unto me.”
Our church gathered for a
HarvestCall Family work night
on January 27 at our Fellowship
Hall. We met for supper and then
assembled kits to be sent to Haiti.
We also heard inspiring accounts
of various individuals who had
served on work teams at various
HarvestCall ministry projects.
It was a blessed and worthwhile
evening. We thank all those who
organized and participated in the
evening to make it so productive.
1 Cor. 15: 54: “…Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Audchild Dominique of Haiti
passed away on January 21. He
was a brother to Mike Steevens
Dominique who worships with us.
Chad Gerber (Goodfield) went to
be with the Lord on February 1.
He was a brother of Sis. Ali (Bro.
Jason) Knepp. Robert (Bob) Rebbec
(Phoenix) passed away on January
31. He was a brother-in-law to Sis.
Dorothy Sauder. Then, Sis. Grace
Bauer (Cissna Park) went to her
eternal reward on February 6. She
was a sister of Bro. Russ Plattner
and a sister-in-law to Sis. Marie
Hohulin. Finally, Herb Blunier of
Roanoke died on February 13. He
was a brother to Bro. Wally (Sis.
Faye) Blunier. We extend our love
and deepest sympathy to these dear
families and pray for our Lord’s
comfort upon them.
Titus 2: 11: “For the grace of
God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men.”
We welcome Nick Sizemore,
who has begun his walk with the
Lord, to our congregation. We are
so thankful for the Lord’s work in
Nick and pray for God’s continued
blessing upon him.
We rejoice with Jon & Jessi
Schwind and Laura Bradle (Bro.
John & Sis. Jill) who have also
begun their walks with the Lord.
We pray for our Lord’s continued
nearness, peace and blessing
upon them as they take this most
important step in life.
Bro. Mike Hohulin (Sis.
Faye, Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and
Bro. David Prevo (Sis. Tara,
Bloomington, IL) were our guest
ministers on February 3. We
thank them for their faithful
service to us.
Bro. Byron & Sis. Jenean
Gerber welcomed Trey Broderick
into their family on February 1.
Trey’s older brother is Mason. His
thankful grandparents are Bro.
Tom & Sis. Connie Schambach
(Elgin) and Bro. Rick Gerber.
Bro. Dennis & Sis. Eva Rocke
March 2016
SILVER LINING
25
became grandparents again with
the birth of Madison Eliana who
was born to Brent & Staci Rocke
of Temple, TX on February 4. We
are so thankful for the arrival of
these precious children and ask
that God would bless these dear
families as they raise their children
in the ways of the Lord.
Sis. Margaret Beer celebrated her
105th birthday on February 6. We
are so thankful for Sis. Margaret’s
Christian example over the years.
On February 14, our church
met at the fellowship hall for our
annual church potluck and family
sing. It was a blessed evening of
fellowship and worship.
We pray for Bro. Dennis
(Sis. Rita) Schwind and Archer
Leman (Bro. Caleb & Sis. Erin)
who are dealing with health
issues. May our Lord grant them
health and strength.
How thankful we are that God feels
that way about us, and that we can
love and appreciate one another.
John 15:12 “By this shall all men
know that ye are My disciples, if ye
have love one to another.”
We appreciated Bro. Ed
Fritz (Sis. Barb, Washington, IL)
and Elder Bro. Jeff Grimm (Sis.
Ruth, Goodfield, IL) coming to
assist in the ministry. We once
again wish to thank the Belvidere
congregation for hosting our choir,
it was a blessed day for all.
Our thoughts and prayers for
healing have included Bro. Ron
Wagenbach (Sis. Liz), Sis. Lucy
Wagenbach (Bro. Marvin and Sis.
Paula), Bro. Jonathan Wagenbach
(Sis. Rebekah), and Sis. Dorothy
Meister (Bro. Mike).
We extend our sympathy to
Bro. Dick Miller (Cindy) at the
passing of his brother, Ronald
Note of Thanks:
Miller (Clinton, IL) and to Sis.
I thank all the people of the
Joann Sauder (Bro. Dale) in
Apostolic Christian Churches and the loss of her brother, David
all others for their prayers and gifts Schmidgall (Forrest, IL).
and all those who have helped in
any way for my daughter and son- Illinois, Washington
in-law, Ed & Judy Laskowski. All
Kendra Funk, Patricia Knapp
is greatly appreciated.
We are thankful to have
Sis. Carol Schwab
had Bro. Wayne Banwart (Sis.
Bro. Matt & Sis. Jennifer
Charlen, Champaign, IL) share the
Mangold & family
Memorandum with us this month.
Nathan & Jenna Mangold
Also sharing this month was Bro.
Joshua Mangold
Wes Moser (Sis. Esther, Lester, IA).
We appreciate these willing servants!
Illinois, Tremont
Our prayers are with Bro.
Debbie Aberle, Janice Sauder
Daniel Hofstetter as he was
Webster’s dictionary describes
hospitalized this month. His
love as strong attraction, warm
parents are Bro. Keven and Sis.
attachment, devotion, unselfish
Anne Hofstetter. We prayer that
loyalty, and benevolent concern.
he will feel our prayers and have a
26
quick recovery!
Bro. Robert and Sis. Lily
Pfaffmann joyfully welcome
another grandson, Colin Stanley,
born to Bro. Caleb and Sis. Heidi
Pfaffmann (Morris, MN).
Indiana, Bluffton
Suzie Fiechter, Kim Meyer
Greetings of love to you all in
the name of our Lord and Savior!
I cannot believe how time passes
so quickly from month to month!
Where does it go? No matter what
the date, we always find ourselves
blessed with opportunities to
serve, encourage, and praise.
Here in Bluffton, we embrace
the family of Bro. Truman Yergler
(Sis. Marcella) who went home to
Jesus. Sis. Sue Neuenschwander
(Bro. Tom), Kim & Sue Yergler,
and Bro. Jeff Yergler (Sis. Peg)
along with the grandchildren and
great-grandchildren will miss
the loving, yet solid, example
he was to them all. We also
extend our love and sympathy
to the family of Sis. Marguerite
Stoller of Latty. Sis. Marguerite
grew up in Bluffton and leaves
Sis. Shirley Fiechter, Sis. Luella
Schladenhauffen, Sis. Nancy
Honegger and Bro. Charles
Gerber here in Bluffton.
We are rejoicing with Bro. Kent
and Sis. Mary Gilliom as their son,
Koby, began his repentance. Bro.
Brad and Sis. Lynn Fiechter are
also rejoicing in the engagement
of their son, Bro. Josh Fiechter, to
Sis. Jackie Wilson (Jack and Carol)
of Smithville, OH. These are two
wonderful examples of God’s
faithfulness and love.
In the past month we have
had two topical presentations,
one geared toward the ladies
and one geared toward the men.
Both were a blessing to all who
attended and took part in the
events. Opportunities like these
encourage us not only to draw
closer to Jesus, but also draw closer
to one another. When we can
gather together and be real with
each other, it is a recipe for growth
all around that God loves to bless.
As we pray for those with health
concerns, we think of Bro. Doug
Dailey (Sis. Susan) and baby Decklin
Gerber (Bro. Kyle and Sis. Deone).
Our prayers also go out to
those involved in the HarvestCall
work teams at Bastrop County,
TX. Some are involved a week,
3 weeks, 1 month or the whole
time. But whatever the time
commitment, it’s all about making
God bigger in TX. We pray for
the community as they are helped
by HarvestCall. It is such an
opportunity to show God’s love
to those in need, and yet walk
away with your cup overflowing.
A special thanks goes out to the
Austin church as they open their
hearts in hospitality to all the
guests they will have during this
time. It truly is an honor to serve.
Thinking of serving, we want to
say thank you to Bro. Steve Frauhiger
(Sis. Irene, Bluffton North, IN) for
sharing a Sunday with us.
This month we will be
wrapping up our church-wide
Bible Study of David. It has been
such a blessing to study the life
of David, a man after God’s own
heart. He was not perfect, but he
was all in. What a comfort to know
we don’t have to be qualified to be
called, God will qualify the called!
David pulled off some amazing
stuff because he knew his God and
wanted everyone else to know who
He was too. What Goliath are you
facing today? Will you run toward
it like David did in the strength of
his Almighty God? God loves to do
the impossible. May we make an
extra effort this month to take time
to get to know God better; to know
what He loves, what He hates,
what His will is concerning you
and then follow hard after Him.
“And ye shall seek me, and find
me, when ye shall search for me with
all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Indiana, Bluffton North
Corinne Stettner, Amy Moser
Jesus achieved and then I believed, so
now I received my sin debt relieved.
Winter finally feels like it
has come here in Bluffton. Our
High School Sunday School
class recently took advantage
of the colder temperatures and
headed to Bittersweet Ski Resort
in Michigan for their annual
ski trip. This is always a popular
event and a wonderful time for
our students to be together.
Our 2nd – 12th grade Sunday
School students have been hard
at work over the past few weeks
memorizing verses pertaining
to Victory Over Death. They
plan to have a program during a
morning service in March to bless
the church with all that they have
learned. What better way is there
to fight the enemy than to hide
the Word in our hearts?
Our Sunday School teachers
work diligently at providing
opportunities for our young
people to be together, forming
relationships with their students.
They recently shared an evening
at Kingdom Academy eating pizza
and playing games. The kids always
look forward to an exciting evening
with their teachers every year!
A big thank you to our
church body and community for
supporting our Senior Class Work
Team trip to Reynosa, MX. 2,600
pizzas were sold, all of which had
to be assembled on a Saturday
morning in February! It was a fun
day of seniors and parents working
together. May God bless their trip,
as they head south in March to
share the love of Jesus in the deaf
village they will be visiting.
Bluffton’s annual Finding
Freedom event was held on February
5, at Kingdom Academy. All men
were invited to attend this evening
of loving encouragement. This
year’s speakers were Bro. John
Baumgartner and Bro. Lane Gerber.
Prayers go out for the family
of Bro. Truman Yergler as he
passed away on January 30. We
rejoice in his victory, but think
of his dear wife, Sis. Marcella;
and children: Sis. Sue (Bro. Tom)
Neuenschwander, Kim (Suzanne)
Yergler, and Bro. Jeff (Sis. Peg)
Yergler, and their families.
We are so thankful that
Darrell Murray (Sis. Terry) has
accepted the gift of new life
March 2016
SILVER LINING
27
through Christ and has repented.
As we pray for the Spirit’s presence
in Darrell’s life, so we pray for his
wife, dear Sis. Terry Murray, who
received news that her cancer has
spread. Let us commit to lift them
up before our Father, that His
peace, in the midst of suffering,
can be with the Murrays.
Indiana, Francesville
Jacki Huber, Mildred Clauss
JESUS — His shed blood
means we can live each day in
His forgiveness. His resurrection
means we can walk constantly
in newness of life. His presence
means we can know His victory in
each situation. His love means we
will never face anything alone.
Bro. Brent & Sis. Alisha
Wagonbach are blessed with the
arrival of their first-born child,
Silas Reid. We rejoice with them.
Happy grandparents are Bro.
Doug & Sis. Lillian Wagenbach
of San Diego, CA and Bro. Jan &
Sis. Val Gutwein.
We recently balloted to fill
several positions in our church.
They are as follows: Bro. Phil
Leman, Assistant Sunday School
Superintendent; Bro. Earl Johns &
Bro. Ryan Kaeb, Sunday School
Teachers; Sisters Deana Cook, Lily
Pelsy, Donna Putt, Sunday School
Teachers; Missionary Committee,
Bro. Ben Metz; and Trustee, Bro.
Dave Zeltwanger.
Indiana, Indianapolis
Nancy Pfeifer, Sandy Lichtle
Bro. Eric and Sis. Jodi
Strassheim were blessed with a baby
28
girl, Cosette Caroline, on January
30. She is welcomed home by her
siblings: Tatton, Landon, Selah,
and Keira. Thankful grandparents
are Bro. Dale and Sis. Carol
Strassheim (Bloomington, IL) and
Bro. Wes and Sis. Joyce Hohulin
(Goodfield, IL).
On February 14, Sis. Brittaney
Lintner (Marty and Tabitha
Lintner, Rensselaer, IN) and Bro.
Randy Lehman (Bro. John and
Sis. Tamara Lehman and the late
Sis. Ruth Ann, Wolcott, IN) were
united in marriage. We rejoice
with them and wish them God’s
richest blessings as they make their
home in Rochester, MN.
We are thankful for the
visiting ministers that served
us this month: Elder Bro. Steve
Gutwein (Sis. Linda, Francesville,
IN), Bro. Scott Schafer (Sis. Gigi,
South Bend, IN), Bro. Bob Beebe
(Sis. Sue, South Bend, IN), Elder
Bro. Greg Lehman (Sis. Mary
Beth, Wolcott, IN), Elder Bro.
Ted Steffen (Sis. Sandra, Alto,
MI), Bro. Jeff Bahler (Sis. Heidi,
Wolcott, IN) and Bro. John
Lehman (Sis. Tamara, Wolcott).
Indiana, Lacrosse
Meagan Frank, Julie Rocke
“But the mercy of the LORD
is from everlasting to everlasting
upon them that fear him, and
his righteousness unto children’s
children;” Psalm 103:17
I have overheard several people
lately sharing what a joy it is to
be a grandparent. Speaking from
the perspective of a parent, it is
a great blessing to have loving
grandparents for my children.
Such is the joy of Sis. Ruth Elcock,
whose first grandchild was born to
Seth and Emily Culver. Isaac Lee is
warmly welcomed by Sis. Ruth and
her family, as well as many other
family members and friends.
A small group of brothers spent
a week in Bastrop County, TX on
the HarvestCall winter ministry
this month. We are thankful for
their safe travels and also thankful
for the fellowship and labors that
they shared while there.
Several in our congregation have
received health diagnoses that require
surgery and in some cases, further
treatment. Our prayers are with Sis.
Evie Heinold (Bro. Gene) and Sis.
Shirley Frank. May God grant His
healing mercies to each of them.
Indiana, Leo
Kirby Reutter
“They shall run like mighty men;
they shall climb the wall like men of
war; and they shall march every one
on his ways, and they shall not break
their ranks.” Joel 2:7
How can it possibly be March
already? For both believer and
unbeliever alike, time marches on!
By its own admission, the world
seems to celebrate the march of
madness. So this month I had to
wonder: What does the march of
the believer look like? This was
the best conclusion I could reach:
Some ups, some downs…and
LOTS of encouragement!
Example 1: “Dear Leo Church
Family, as part of the many threads
that have made up the fabric of
our lives, and as one of our family’s
greatest blessings, we would like
to request the pleasure of your
company as Bro. Paul Huber and
Sis. Talitha Fischer celebrate their
union in holy matrimony!” The
parents include Bro. Chad and Sis.
Pam Huber (Francesville, IN) as
well as Bro. Paul and Sis. Leanne
Fischer (Leo, IN). The following
visiting ministers joined us for
this occasion: Bro. Chad Huber
(Sis. Pam, Francesville, IN) as well
as Bro. James Emch (Sis. Gina,
Phoenix, AZ).
Example 2: “Thank you all
for your love and prayers during
Luke’s almost two weeks at Riley.
We got home late last evening and
are grateful to all be under one roof
again. He is recovering amazingly
well from his surgery last week,
and has already asked me to bring
the treadmill upstairs so he can
walk to help get his body back into
shape. Learning first hand that the
hurting children and families that
Gateway serves are sometimes our
own was a humbling experience.
Luke told me on the way home that
his body was a little beat up, but his
spirit was buoyed by the experience.
In Him, Bro. Mark Maibach.”
Example 3: “Please
welcome Easton Gray Ringger!
(Dimensions include 8 pounds, 1
ounce, 20.5 inches). Subsequent
updates: Bro. Jon and Sis. Beth
Ringger’s baby, Easton, was
admitted to the NICU due to
some concerns about an infection.
It looks like they will be keeping
the baby in the NICU for about a
week. Please pray for baby Easton’s
health! Also, pray for Jon and
Beth - Jon will be taking care of
Josiah and Jude as Beth spends
time in the NICU with Easton.
Thanks to all who have offered
up encouragement and prayers for
Easton and family!”
Example 4: “Today will be
the last Sunday that Bro. Joe and
Sis. Lisa Leman worship with
us in Leo. They will be moving
to Vancouver, British Columbia
for training with Wycliffe Bible
Translators. They will be back
for a brief visit in September
before moving to Asia. Please be
prayerful for them as they begin
this new endeavor!” Example 5: “I just wanted to
say how much I will miss each of
you, and Gateway in general. I
know I’ll see you at church, the
Auction, and other things, but it
is still incredibly hard to step away
from this family. You all have
touched me in more ways than
you realize. I will forever cherish
the relationships and memories
that I made here. You all are doing
Kingdom work, and it shows
in how you live and impact the
people around you, including me.
Thanks for five plus wonderful
years! Bro. Ross Feller.”
Example 6: “Clark Laukhuf is
repenting! Please encourage him as a
young believer in high school. Clark
is the son of Bro. Mick and Sis. Lisa.
Other current converts include:
Brecken Beyer, Callista Rager, Holly
Rager, and Austin Swamgin.”
Example 8: A very dear brother
from Bluffton recently reminded
me that I was multiple moons
behind in my reporting, and
kindly informed me of the passing
of dear Sis. Irene Pulfer at age 94
with the following note. Here is an
example of a sister who marched
faithfully: “Sis. Irene was born
in Bluffton, but moved with her
parents to Leo at a young age. She
attended Leo all her life. She gave
her testimony of faith in our dear
Savior Jesus and was baptized in
1940. Although she never married,
Irene loved children. She served as
a Sunday School teacher for over
twenty years, teaching the children
about Jesus! She is the sister of Sis.
Sarah Reinhard (Bluffton, IN) and
the aunt of Bro. Christian Pulver
(Bluffton, IN). Irene was a very
discreet person and never liked a lot
of fuss. At her funeral, Bro. Lynn
mentioned: Irene didn’t have any
enemies—and if she did, she
outlived them!” (On a strictly
personal note, I think I have
much to learn from Sis. Irene’s
marching patterns.)
Example 9: And finally, our
very dear Sis. Janet Baumgartner
(head of adoptions) issued the
following marching orders at our
recent Gateway staff meeting:
Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be!
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor,
And a little less of me!
Dear brother and sister in Christ:
Let us be encouraged—His truth
is marching on! Let us run like
mighty men! Let us scale the walls of
adversity like men of war! Let us keep
March 2016
SILVER LINING
29
marching our way to Zion! And let
us never ever break our ranks.
Indiana, Milford
Minnie Beer, Pat Mikel
As I look forward to spring
and the renewing of the earth, it
makes me think of how we can be
renewed through Christ.
“Therefore if any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature, old
things are passed away; behold, all
things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17.
Condolences go to Bro. Ray
Haab (Sis. Paula) on the loss of his
brother-in-law and to Sis. Minnie
Beer (Bro. Nelson) on the loss of
her brother, Bro. Ray Sinn of Latty.
Our condolences go to Bro.
Rob and Sis. Kim Schlipf on their
loss and we pray for recovering
of health for Sis. Kim. Bro.
Ryan Schlipf is recovering from
a broken collar bone and we are
remembering him in our prayers.
Bro. Bill Troup (Sis. Ann)
had a stroke during surgery and
is undergoing many health issues.
Bro. Bill is instrumental in the food
bank that is operating in Milford
and he is really being missed. Our
prayers go to him and his family
for comfort and healing.
We appreciate visiting
ministers Bro. John Cottrell (Sis.
Gloria, Eureka, IL) and Bro. Bill
Wettstein (Sis. Heidi, Eureka, IL)
sharing the Word this month.
Indiana, Remington
Jenni Honegger, Marcella Tyler
One Wednesday evening,
Bro. Bruce Frank (Sis. Benita,
30
Cissna Park, IL) shared a topical
Bible presentation on the book
of James. Bro. Todd Stoller (Sis.
Pam, Latty, OH) and Bro. Mark
Wettstein (Sis. Karen, LaCrosse,
IN) both shared the Word on
a Sunday. We appreciate each
brother’s willingness to preach
the truth and encourage us in
our Christian walk while they are
visiting here in Remington.
Essie Nussbaum (husband
Marvin, deceased) passed away
recently. Essie and Marvin
worshiped with us here in
Remington for many years.
Several years after Marvin passed
away Essie, moved to California
to live near her son Neal. We
remember Essie fondly and ask
that you remember both of her
sons, Neal and Kent, as well as
their families in your prayers.
Indiana, South Bend
Joshua Martinez
“Pray without ceasing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
We pray for Bro. Caleb, Sis.
Laura Schafer and their children
as they travel to Texas and
elsewhere in the South and West.
With supplication in the
Spirit, we think of those who
are not able to worship with us
for health reasons, Sis. Sharon
Flis, Sis. Leona Lehman and Sis.
Ernestine Meister.
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be
perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of
love and peace shall be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:11
Indiana, Valparaiso
Sherry Meiss
1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love
one another; for love is of God; and
every one that loveth is born of God,
and knoweth God.”
We would like to thank Bro.
Jeffrey Fischer (Fort Scott, KA) and
his son, Noah, for being with us
in worship and sharing their time.
God’s grace is all we need, for when
we are weak, then we are strong.
Many visitors were with us
this month and what a surprise
for us and Bro. Tim Bucher. His
wife Sis. Julie Bucher planned a
surprise 60th birthday gathering
for him. All his children, their
wives and their children, cousins
and friends were in attendance.
Yes, he was surprised. I was told
all he could say was, What?
Here is a challenge that was
presented to our Bible study:
Open your heart to God’s love
and positive thoughts. Whenever
something negative presents itself,
stop it right in its track. Don’t
allow it to be planted and grow.
For there is something good in all
things, plant that seed and watch
God’s love grow.
Here is a praise report. Sis.
Leona Bucher has been back in
church and is mending well. Sis.
Dawn Ailes has a heart back in
rhyme; continue to pray it stays that
way. We all love one another and
hurt when one of us hurt. Please
continue to pray for each other.
If you ever are in our area, you
are welcome to come and worship
with us. We are just south of US
30 on Hwy 49.
Indiana, West Lafayette
Kris Widmer, Libby Wahl
As a young church in a college
town, it seems we find ourselves
welcoming and loving, and too
soon, bidding farewell. Such
is the case for our dear friends
Jordan and Shaye Pfister who
have moved back to the Leo area.
Also our dear Laura and Bro.
Mike Holliger have moved to be
with her daughter in Rochester,
IN. They are greatly missed. We
extend a warm welcome to Bro.
Aaron Adrian who has recently
moved here for employment. Bro.
Aaron is from Taylor, MO.
We appreciate and have
received much encouragement
from the ministers who have
labored on our behalf for our midweek services this past month.
Thank you Bro. Joe Sprunger
(Sis. Tara, Indianapolis, IN) and
Bro. Joshua Martinez (Sis. Keyna,
South Bend, IN).
Indiana, Wolcott
Beckie Lehman, Erica Blume
New life and new beginnings
was our theme for the month…
We are very thankful and
rejoice that the Spirit of the Lord has
been moving in the hearts of Danny
Lehman (Elder Bro. Greg and Sis.
Mary Beth) and Caleb Furrer (Bro.
Bruce and Sis. Pam). Both have
confessed their need for a Savior and
are seeking Christ in repentance.
Just as we plead for grace in their
journeys, we plead for grace to
continue our own walk faithfully.
Michael and Sis. Melissa
Blanding became first-time loving
grandparents to Haedyn Jane
Garcia. Kylie and Paul are her
parents. Haedyn is blessed to
have Bro. Mike and Sis. Glenna
Minniear as great-grandparents.
Bro. Randy Lehman
(Bro. John & Sis. Tamara, the
late Sis. Ruth Ann) and Sis.
Brittaney Lintner were married
in Indianapolis on Valentines’
Day, Sunday, February 14. The
holiday will certainly carry special
meaning in their lives as they
celebrate God’s love for them and
their love for each other.
Due to many in our
congregation attending the
wedding, Bro. Dan Stoller (Sis.
Deb, Remington, IN) assisted
with breaking the Bread of Life
from our local pulpit. We are so
thankful that the Spirit can be in
all places and minister to all needs!
Iowa, Bloomfield
Teresa Schock
We thank our visiting
ministers for supporting us, Bros.
Kevin Fehr (Sis. Lonnie, West
Bend, IA) and Seth Hartter (Sis.
Brenda, Burlington, IA). May
God bless you both.
Sis. Kendra Meyer (Bro.
Tad) has graduated from Iowa
State University with a degree in
Agricultural Studies. They make
their home in Ames.
First-time parents, Jacob and
Rachel (Teubel) Peterson, were
blessed with a bundle of joy! Dean
Michael was born February 17.
Happy grandparents are Bro. Paul
and Sis. Charlotte Teubel. One
week later, Bro. Dale and Sis.
Teresa Schock rejoiced with the
birth of their first grandson, Kobe
Alan! His parents are Bro. Kyle
and Sis. Jenny Banwart of West
Bend, IA. Kobe has two sisters,
Josie and Jayla.
As I recently came down with
shingles, and had sharp pains in
my head, I thought of Christ and
His crown of thorns.
“He bore it all (freely bore it all)
that I might live (with Him might
live). I stood condemned to die,
but Jesus took my place. He bore it
all that I might live.”
Iowa, Burlington
Ivy Steiner
We were thankful to have
our Elder Bro. Jon Schmidgall
(Oakville-Mediapolis) here with us
on January 17.
Bro. Matthew and Sis.
Stephanie Schulz welcomed their
first child, Levi Matthew, born
January 25. Maternal grandparents,
Bro. Chuck and Sis. Lois Massner
(Oakville-Mediapolis), are enjoying
their first grandchild. Paternal
grandparents, Bro. Gary and
Sis. Melody Schulz, are happy to
add another grandchild to their
extended family.
Iowa, Elgin
Maria Rocke
This time of year it seems one
gets weary of the cold temperatures
and snow. We begin to search for
signs of spring and the warmth
it brings. Life’s ambience, as it
were, can also get wearisome
when the cold world beats down
on us. May it cause us to seek out
March 2016
SILVER LINING
31
God’s promises, through the living
hope, of a warmer and brighter
tomorrow; if not in this life, then
in the one to come.
A little grandson was welcomed
into Bro. John & Sis. Janet
Schupbach’s family. Trevor Ray
was born January 2 to Bro. Andy
and Sis. Abby Knoblock (Lester,
IA) and welcomed by brothers,
Tanner and Tyler. Bro. Charles and
Sis. Sue Schneider also were blessed
with the birth of a grandson.
Calvin Wallace Squiers was born
February 10 and joins his siblings:
Malachi, Audra and Kyra.
Visiting this month was Bro.
Harvey Kaeb (Sis. Judy, Gridley,
IL) and Bro. Mark Roth (Sis.
Tammy, Congerville, IL). We were
blessed through their labors of love.
Iowa, Garden Grove
Laura Funk
Sharing God’s Word with us was
Bro. Nathan Wiegand (Goodfield,
IL) and Bro. Jerry Meeks (Sabetha,
KS). We have enjoyed several visitors
this past month and look forward to
more fellowship!
meeting. We are thankful for
those who have fulfilled their
term in various duties and look
forward to those who will fill
those positions. We pray for God’s
guiding hand as the brothers and
sisters begin their terms.
He Died for Me
“I saw One hanging on a tree, In
agony and blood;
He fixed His languid eyes on me,
As near His cross I stood.
Sure, never, till my latest breath,
32
Can I forget that look:
It seemed to charge me with His
death, Tho’ not a word He spoke.
My conscience felt and owned the
guilt, And plunged me in despair;
I saw my sins His blood had spilt
And helped to nail Him there.
Alas! I know not what I did, But
now my tears are vain;
Where shall my trembling soul be
hid? For I the Lord have slain.
A second look He gave, which
said, “I freely all forgive:
This blood is for thy ransom paid,
I die that thou may’st live.”
Oh, can it be upon a tree The
Saviour died for Me?
My soul is thrilled, My heart is
filled, To think He died for me!”
Gospel Hymns #837
Iowa, Lester
Audrey Metzger, Joyce Moser
“Come follow Me, the Saviour
spake, all in my way abiding!
Deny yourselves, the world forsake;
Obey my call and guiding! O bear
my cross whate’er betide; Take my
example for your guide!”
Zion’s Harp #57.
Our congregation was
strengthened and encouraged the
weekend of January 23 and 24
when we heard the testimony and
witnessed the baptism of Michael
Leuthold (Ashley). We welcome
him into the fold as our brother in
Christ and rejoice with him and his
family. May the Lord bless our Elder
Bro. Wayne Grimm (Sis. Rose,
West Bend, IA) for his labors as he
ministered unto us that weekend.
We rejoice with our converts,
Heather Moser (Bro. Brad and Sis.
Gloria) and Karin Moser (Stuart)
as they have expressed to the
church they are at peace with God
and man. May they continue to
rely on God’s grace as they walk
this Heavenly way.
Our hospital patients this
month were Bro. Tony Bosch (Sis.
Pam) and baby Trevor Knoblock
(Bro. Andy and Sis. Abby). Both
have returned home and are
recovering well.
Our congratulations go out to
Lucy Larson (Tedd and Sis. Diane)
as she became engaged to Mike Just.
We wish them God’s blessings on
their upcoming marriage.
We are thankful for several
visiting ministers this past month.
They were Bro. Justin Isch (Sis.
Liz, Lamont-Gridley, KS), Bro.
Fred Funk (Sis. Diane, Morton,
IL), and Bro. Mark Schmidgall
(Sis. Sally, Oakville-Mediapolis,
IA). May the Lord bless each one
as they lean on the Holy Spirit of
God to bring forth the Word in
truth and power.
We extend our congratulations
to three couples as they were
married this past month. Sadie
Knobloch (Bro. Dan and Sis.
Jeanne) and Trent Loger were
united in marriage on February
13. Deann Popkes (Bro. Greg and
Sis. Lori) and Jed Matthiesen were
married on February 19.
Bro. Tyler Metzger (grandson
of Bro. Art and Sis. Kris) and
Sis. LaChelle Moser (Bro. Brad
and Sis. Gloria) were united in
marriage on February 21. We
wish all of these couples God’s
blessing and nearness as they
begin their lives together. May
they always look to the Lord for
His perfect counsel and wisdom.
Two families have been
blessed with precious baby boys.
Jordan and Masondra Metzger,
Koen, Liam, Imena, and Haislee
welcomed little Geir Rodney into
their lives on February 18. Happy
grandparents are Bro. Art and
Sis. Kris Metzger. Little Jaxon
Vernon was born on February 21
to Bro. Tristan and Sis. Chalsea
Kuenzi and big brother Kaiden.
His grandmother, Sis. Chalea
Knobloch (late Bro. Vern), is
also very happy and thankful for
another little grandson to love.
Note: Bro. Wes Moser’s new
email address is wesmoser58@
gmail.com. He is one of the
contact persons for the Montana
Church weekend on June 25-26.
The annual church services at
Clyde Park, Montana will be held
the weekend of June 25-26, 2016.
Please contact Bro. Gene Metzger
at 712-472-2187 or Bro. Wes
Moser 712-478-4622 with any
questions, or email: wesmoser58@
gmail.com, or gdmetzger@
hickorytech.net.
Iowa, Oakville-Mediapolis
Kelsey Banwart, Tami Lanz
Visiting ministers this month
were Elder Bro. Randy Kellenberger
(Sis. Karen, Kansas City, MO), Bro.
Matt Kaufmann (Sis. Rebekah,
Bloomington, IL), Bro. Nathan
Walder (Sis. Denise, Cissna Park,
IL), Bro. Michael Wagenbach
(Sis. Erica, Wolcott, IN), and
Bro. Phil Schulz (Sis. Kelli,
Burlington, IA). We appreciate
their willingness to serve.
On January 27, Bro. Jacob
and Sis. Katherine Montgomery
welcomed another boy into their
family. Daniel Lee joins big brother
Joseph at home. Grandparents are
Bro. Tom and Sis. Vera Lindeen.
On January 31, Bro. Matt
Kaufmann (Sis. Rebekah,
Bloomington, IL) and Bro. Arlan
Miller (Sis. Katie, Gridley, IL)
gave an ACCFS presentation on
Financial Stewardship. Many
good points were made concerning
having a godly attitude about
finances. We appreciated these
brothers taking the time and effort
to do this presentation.
We extend our sympathy to
Sis. Joan Lanz (Retired Elder Bro.
Ed Lanz), and Bro. Al Wiegand
(Sis. Martha) at the loss of their
sister, Sis. Eunice Wuthrich
(Morton, IL).
On the weekend of February
6-7, we were thankful to hear
the testimonies and witness the
baptisms of three souls. We wish
Sis. Molly Lanz (Bro. Keith and Sis.
Tonya) and siblings, Bro. Nathan
Sharp and Sis. Sara Sharp (Gary and
Tammy) God’s grace and blessings
as they go forward in life.
We had our annual business
meeting this month and thank
those who finished their terms.
Elected for new positions were
as follows: Church Trustee-Bro.
Aaron Schmidgall, Fellowship
Center Trustee-Bro. Kevin
Frank, Cemetery CommitteeBro. Jaydon Wagenbach, UsherBro. Michael Roth, Kitchen
Committee-Sis. Nola Gerst and
Sis. JoAnn Steiner, HarvestCall
Sewing-Sis. Barb Wagenbach.
Iowa, West Bend
Becky Virkler, Jenny Banwart
Rejoicing in the safe arrival of
baby Kobe Alan are his parents,
Bro. Kyle and Sis. Jenny Banwart.
Kobe has two happy sisters, Josie
and Jayla. Thankful grandparents
are Bro. Dale and Sis. Teresa
Schock (Bloomfield, IA) and Bro.
Kent and Sis. Beth Banwart.
Amber Schmidt (Bro. Frank
and Sis. Dawn) and Logan Streit
have announced their engagement,
as well as Tory Metzger (Bro.
Leland and Sis. Kathy) and Jadeyn
Pender. May God bless these
couples as they make future plans.
Bro. Ervin Banwart and
Connie Zaugg (Bro. Bill) have
spent time in the hospital. We are
thankful God has been present
with His healing power.
Elder Bro. Rod Bajema (Sis.
Sue, Lester, IA) encouraged us to
“Try the Spirits.” We appreciate his
willingness to preach God’s Word
as well as assist Bro. Wayne Grimm
in reading the Memorandum and
giving an exhortation for Holy
Communion. God’s Spirit of
direction and encouragement was
felt among us.
We ask God to bless each one
who has helped those in need.
Many have assisted in many
ways, whether locally, elsewhere
in the USA, or abroad. Sis. Patty
Banwart and Moira Kellenberger
will be missed in our congregation
as they are on an extended mission
March 2016
SILVER LINING
33
in Haiti. May God guide and bless
their endeavors.
We rejoice with three dear
souls who were added to our flock.
Bro. Ashton Fehr (Bro. Darren
and Sis. Nora), Sis. Kayla Banwart
(Bro. Kent and Sis. Beth), and
Sis. Dana Schmidt (Bro. Wendell
and Sis. Karen) all vowed before
God to serve Him faithfully all
the days of their lives. We thank
Elder Bros. Tom Stock (Sis.
Karol, Cissna Park, IL) and Paul
Messner (Sis. Jan, Winthrop,
MN) for assisting in this weekend.
Ministering Bros. Nathan Walder
(Sis. Denise, Cissna Park, IL),
Dan Moser (Sis. Ann, Elgin, IL)
and Dallas Massner (Sis. Christy,
Burlington, IA) were also present.
We appreciate their labors.
Our sympathies go to the
family of Sis. Hulda Wirtz as
she’s gone onto her reward. Her
children include: Mary (Ted Besch)
of Storm Lake, IA; Esther (Lester
Frieden) of West Bend; John (Ella)
of Ft. Dodge, IA; Eli (Marilyn) of
Urbandale, IA; Alvin (Wendy) of
Wylie, TX; Lori (Frank Jones) of
Gold Canyon, AZ; Luanne (Chuck
Collins) of Plano, TX; Irene (Alan
Blair) of Humboldt, IA; and Fred
Wirtz, Jr. (friend Lila Smith) of
West Bend. Hulda was 103 years
old. We appreciated her example
over the years.
Japan, Tokyo
Anna Inoue, Marie Inoue
We are thankful that so far
our winter weather has not been
severe, and we are able to get
around and not miss any Sundays.
34
A visitor this month has been
Bro. Matt Koch who is a student
this year at Konan University in
Kobe, about a 6-hour bullet train
ride from Tokyo. He is mainly
studying the Japanese language
and living with a family there. I
noticed in church he was sitting
with an older brother and already
using his Japanese language skills
to communicate. May God bless
his efforts as he uses his talents
to glorify God. Bro. Matt is the
son of Bro. Roger and Sis. Sally
(Beutel) Koch of Tremont. Sis.
Sally was a former teacher at the
Shioda Kindergarten.
Another visitor we are now
enjoying is Sis. Marcelle Gress
(Bro. Ron) of Indianapolis. She is
visiting relatives here (the Inoue’s)
and could attend our monthly
ladies’ meeting at church.
Our thoughts and prayers
ascend for Sis. Lois Ehnle (Bro.
Willis) of Peoria. She is very ill at
present and has impacted many of
our lives here and in the U.S. We
pray for their family and other dear
ones who are caring for her that the
Lord will provide for each of them. Kansas, Bern
Tiffany Menold, Jill Meyer
Our hearts rejoice with two
souls who have sought the Lord and
were baptized in early February.
We wish Kristin Rokey (Bro. Todd
and Sis. Sheila) and Ryan Strahm
(Bro. Brad and Sis. Michelle) God’s
guidance as they continue to grow
in Christ. Elder Bro. Trent Meiss
(Sis. Lucy, Eureka, IL) was here to
help with the weekend. Bro. Darren
Fehr (Sis. Nora, West Bend, IA)
was also here to minister the Word.
We thank these brothers for giving
of themselves to God’s ministry.
Our hearts were stirred with the
reminders that we should not
harden our hearts and that TRUE
belief results in ACTION.
Our hearts grieve with Bro.
Trever Wendler as his father,
Timothy Wendler, passed away
several weeks ago. We also grieve
with Sis. Harriet Strahm (Bro.
Adrian) as her mother, Eszter Orcsik,
went to be with the Lord. May the
great Comforter touch all the hearts
that are saddened by a loss!
Another ray of sunshine
has joined Bro. Jason and Sis.
Maggie Kaeb’s home. Tracen
Jase (born February 5) is lovingly
welcomed by his parents and two
big brothers, Kyson and Kendon.
Thankful grandparents are Bro.
David and Sis. Sheri Eisenbise,
and Paul and Joan Kaeb.
One Sunday evening in
February, our church family
enjoyed a potluck and singing at the
Fellowship Center. So often our lives
get busy, and we don’t take time to
gather with our church family. The
beautiful singing made me think of
verse #6 of the song “Praise Ye the
Lord” (Zion’s Harp #1).
“And now the Spirit of the Lord
Strikes in our hearts the
sweetest chord,
Makes music all-enchanting;
We’re happy as we live and love;
The Spirit, given from above,
To us His grace is granting.
Wondrous, glorious,
Sweet and cheering to our hearing
Is the singing.
Brethren, rise; your praise be
bringing!”
Kansas, Ft. Scott
Karen Kellenberger
“For I delivered unto you first
of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins
according to the scriptures: And
that he was buried, and that he
rose again the third day according
to the scriptures: And that He was
seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
After that, He was seen of above five
hundred brethren at once; of whom
the greater part remain unto this
present, but some are fallen asleep.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-6
It has been noted that the
resurrection proclamation could
not have been maintained in
Jerusalem for a single day, or for
a single hour, if the emptiness
of the tomb had not been
established as a fact. This is cause
for rejoicing; nevertheless we are
blessed to believe through faith
alone the glorious account of our
Redeemer’s resurrection.
Recently, Bro. Brian Metzger
(Sis. Angie, Lester, IA) shared the
Word with us. We were grateful
for the fellowship of this couple
and two other families that
traveled with them.
was held and we thank all those
who serve, and have served, in
various offices.
Kansas, Kiowa
Millicent Frieden, Janice Bahr
We were blessed to have
visiting ministers feed us from
God’s Holy Word this month.
Our grateful thanks to Bro.
Matthew Steffen (Sis. Deanna,
Princeville, IL) and Bro. Jay Luthi
(Sis. Jane, Lamont-Gridley, KS).
We recently conducted our
annual business meeting. We want
to thank and encourage those who
serve on various committees or fill
church positions. You keep our
church functioning in godly order!
And speaking of important
positions: As I stood watching my
children play, I clearly heard the
Savior say, “What have you taught
them of Me today?”
May the Lord richly bless
and encourage God-fearing
mothers everywhere.
Kansas, Lamont-Gridley
Dorene Metzger
Easter is such a glorious, yet
solemn event each year. When
I remember the pain and agony
my own sins cost me and the
heaviness and grief which lay upon
my heart, I know that there is no
way that those feelings compare
to what Christ suffered for my
sin? And then to know that He
bore the sins of all mankind; that
Christ felt deserted of the Father,
Who couldn’t look upon His
Beloved Son as He bore the sins of
all mankind.
The words of the following
song resonate in me as I remember
my struggle to find peace with
commitment and the loving tears
that Christ surely had as He
watched my struggles. May this
song give each reader the “courage
to commit (or reevaluate our
commitment) to Jesus”.
The Secret Place
“My heart is like a house; one day
I let the Savior in. There are many
rooms where we would visit now
and then. But then one day He
saw that door, I knew the day had
come too soon. I said, Jesus, I’m not
ready for us to visit in that room.
There’s a place in my heart where
even I wouldn’t go. I have some
things hidden there I don’t want
no one to know. But He handed
me the key with tears of love on His
face. He said I want to make you
free. Let me go in your secret place.
So I opened up the door and the
two of us walked in. I was so
ashamed I’ d revealed my hidden
sin. But when I think about that
room, no, I’m not afraid anymore.
For I know my hidden sin no
longer hides behind that door.
There was a place in my heart
where even I wouldn’t go. I had
some things hidden there I didn’t
want no one to know. But He
handed me the key with tears of
love on His face. He made me
free. I let Him in my secret place.
Is there a place in your heart
where even you don’t go? You have
some things hidden there, you
don’t want no one to know. Well,
He’s handing you the key with
tears of love on His face. He wants
to make you free. Let Him go in
your secret place.” –Michael Booth
Surgical patients have been
Barb Quandt (friend of Dale
March 2016
SILVER LINING
35
Kraft), Doris Blevins (mother
of Kathy (Jim) Kraft) and Bro.
Max Burnham.
Visiting brethren who
occupied the pulpit with our
own ministers this month were
Bro. Cory Metzger (Sis. Jodi,
Wichita, KS) and Elder Bro. Brad
Eisenmann (Sis. Cindy, Chicago).
Bro. Victor and Sis. Hope
Edelman hosted a Valentine’s
Dinner for the young couples in
our congregation. What a lovely
way to encourage a three-fold
cord in our marriages and a godly
commitment to each other.
Kansas, Sabetha
Crystal Hartter, Brenda Nenadov
On January 19, we held our
annual business meeting. We
certainly want to thank those who
labor in various capacities to keep
the church running smoothly. May
we continue to pray for each one.
Bro. Velmer Meyer passed
away on January 20. We extend
our sympathy and prayers to his
children: Delwin (Rita) Meyer,
Elaine (John) Garber, Daryl
Meyer, Elizabeth McGuire and
Brent Meyer, and their families.
Our sympathy is extended to
Bro. Roger (Sis. LaVonne) Aberle as
his brother-in-law, Byron Martin (Sis.
Katie, Gridley, IL) recently died.
We were also saddened to
hear of the passing of Jason Rudin
of Oneida, KS. He is the son of
Greg and Patti Rudin, formerly
of Sabetha. May God grant His
comfort to each one who would be
mourning the loss of a loved one.
“In sorrow and pain Thy trust
36
do retain In Jesus the merciful
Saviour. When burdened with
care, When thou wouldst despair,
Then call on thy loving Redeemer.”
Zion’s Harp #46, vs 1,2
We were thankful to have Bro.
Art Ingold (Sis. Bonnie, Rittman,
OH) to assist Bro. Gerry in reading
the Memorandum on Saturday,
January 23, and bringing forth the
Word of Life on Sunday.
Kansas, Wichita
Max and Judy Reimschisel
One of our visiting ministers
this month was Bro. John
Baumgartner and Sis. Lori from
Bern, KS. Brother John read
in Luke 11, which includes the
Lord’s prayer. He reminded us
when to pray, how to pray, and
where to pray. This helped us to be
encouraged in our prayer life.
Do we understand the
knowledge of His will in our
communion with God. In
Colossians 1, Paul reminds us:
“For this cause we also, since the day
we heard it, do not cease to pray
for you, and to desire that ye might
be filled with the knowledge of his
will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding; That ye might walk
worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of
God; Strengthened with all might,
according to his glorious power, unto
all patience and longsuffering with
joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the
Father, which hath made us meet to
be partakers of the inheritance of the
saints in light:” Colossians 1:9-12
Bro. Mike Leman and Sis. Deb
from Denver, CO encouraged us
to be obedient to God’s word. He
warned us to listen carefully to
the Word. Let us be thankful we
have the opportunity to hear it and
also be blessed by it. He read in
Amos 8:11-12, “Behold the days are
coming,” says the Lord God, That I
will send a famine on the land, Not
a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for
water, But of hearing the words of
the LORD. They shall wonder from
sea to sea, And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the
word of the Lord, But shall not find
it.” This was an admonition to the
Israelites and applies to us today.
Mexico, Ixtlán
Ruth Gerber
“ For we being many are one
bread, and one body: for we are all
partakers of that one bread.”
1 Cor. 10:17
One of the thoughts that
Bro. Marshall Heinold (Sis. Jan,
Washington, IL) left with us on
their last visit was the importance
that all of us individual kernels of
wheat need to be “ground” and
lose ourselves in Christ, in order
to grow together as a brotherhood.
Our pride and individualism
really do stand in the way of God’s
unifying purpose for the church.
We thank God for the teaching
and for the work He has been
doing in all of us.
Bro. Justin Koch (Sis. Marcia,
Washington, IL) was also with
us at the same time and his visit
was a blessing in many ways. He
clarified the meaning of the “good
news” of the Gospel, explaining
what it means that Christ took
our sins and we received His
righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21).
We were happy to hear that
Martha Solorio is ready and
desirous to be baptized. We look
forward to her testimony/baptism
in a few months.
We’re thankful to hear that
little Sofia Palominos Hernandez
continues to gain strength,
though she will be kept in the
ICU for several more weeks.
She was born on February 4 (2
months preemie) to Felipe and
Fabiola (Meli García). The family
continues to ask for prayers.
Michigan, Alto
Renee Steffen, Heidi Kaeb
We would like to take this
opportunity to thank the dear
ministers who came and shared
God’s precious Word through
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Elder Bro. Greg Lehman (Sis.
Mary Beth, Wolcott, IN) was
here to help Elder Bro. Ted in the
reading of the memorandum and
then willingly served us twice on
Sunday. Bro. Greg spoke of a quote
that really touched my heart.
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free
and discover that the prisoner was
you.” -Lewis B. Smedes
What a blessed weekend
of having our cups filled to
overflowing. We were also
reminded by Bro. Doug Harmon
(Sis. Lanna, Toledo, OH) in the
recounting of the story of Esther,
that we do not see all that is at
work ‘behind the scenes’ in the
plan God has set for us. Let us
strive to allow God to mold and
shape us as He sees fit for His
glory and honor.
Our prayers continue to lift up
Bro. Tom and Sis. Joan Schrenk as
he struggles with his health issues.
May they realize we love them and
make petitions for God’s comforting
strength to uphold them.
“I will not leave you comfortless: I
will come to you.” John 14:18
For many years, we have been
privileged to witness how Christ
loves the church through the
wonderful example of our dear Bro.
Lyman Feldman, as he tenderly and
faithfully cared for his precious
wife in ‘sickness and in health, till
death do us part.’ This past week
our beloved Sis. Vivian Feldman
was released from this world of pain
and suffering. Though she has shed
her last tears, the prayers of this
loving mother and grandmother will
continue to reach the Father’s heart.
Our prayers are with this family
as they mourn the loss of someone
so near and dear to their hearts:
husband, Bro. Lyman; daughter,
Margaret Jackson; sons, Keith
Feldman (Cheri), and Kent Feldman
(Dawn); grandchildren: Carmen
Jackson, Brad Jackson (Laura), and
Grant Jackson; great grandchildren,
Brooklyn and Trayer Jackson.
As I read through last month’s
issue for Alto, I realized I hadn’t
recognized nor given sympathy
to any of the Blough family. For
this I apologize. It isn’t that we are
unaware of your loss, nor do we
withhold our prayers, thoughts and
love during your time of loss. Bro.
Lloyd Blough, who at 100 years old,
finally reached his eternal home in
glory. He left behind a large family
and a wonderful legacy: his dear
wife, Sis. Ella; his children: Sis.
Darlene Goodwin, Carolyn (Tom)
Barry, Marvin (Liz) Blough, Bro.
Jim (Sis. Julie) Blough, Rhonda
(Dave) Colter, Gordon (Trisha)
Blough; 25 grandchildren; 50
great grandchildren; and 10 greatgreat grandchildren.
“One by one they’ll all go home
in that fair land of joy, they’ll roam.
But as they go, they leave behind,
the example of a founding faith
to find.
For all who wonder about the past,
don’t wait till they’re gone before
you ask.
It is the wisdom of experience
they share,
if you but desire to be aware.
They are the ones God gifts to us,
that we might learn the
important stuff.
But we must take the time to listen,
‘cause soon to heaven, they will
hasten.” -ibG.res
Michigan, Bay City
Sarah Knochel
Greetings of Love in our
Savior’s Name!
“In sorrow and pain
Thy trust do retain
In Jesus the merciful Saviour.
He’s gentle and kind,
Rich blessings thou’ lt find;
His Word gives thee peace
everlasting.”
Zion’s Harp # 46, The Best Refuge
Our thoughts and prayers are
with Brian and Wendy Knochel as
they mourn the passing of Wendy’s
March 2016
SILVER LINING
37
mother, Carol DeVeau. We pray
God’s comforting hand will be
with them in the coming days.
We also want to remember
Bro. Richard and Sis. Yolanda
Jackson and their family in the
passing of a grandson-in-law, Steve
Carpenter (Jazmyn).
Several from our congregation
spent time in the hospital during
the last month. Our prayers are
with Sis. Barb Knochel, Sis. Carol
Waibel (Bro. Bill) and Bro. Merle
Wieland (Sis. Elaine). We trust
God’s healing strength will be
with each of them as they heal.
As the days begin to grow
warmer and there is evidence of
spring around us, we know that
the Easter season will soon be
here. May we pause a moment and
reflect on the tremendous price that
was paid at Calvary so that we may
have an abundant life in Christ.
“Jesus, keep me near the cross; there a precious fountain, free to all, a healing stream, flows from Calvary’s mountain. Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me; there the bright and morning star sheds its beams around me. Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me; help me walk from day to day with its shadow o’er me. Near the cross I’ll watch and wait, hoping, trusting ever, till I reach the golden strand just beyond the river.” Near the
Cross, Hymns of Zion #155
38
Michigan, Detroit
Manuela Denes
Not too long ago I had a funny
thing (funny in hindsight—I
didn’t think so at the time!) happen
to me. I was shopping for some
clothes for my mother and while
browsing, the saleswoman started
chatting with me. I can’t remember
what I said, but her response to me
was “well, when you get to be our
age…” “Excuse me? Our age? We
can’t possibly be the same age!” (I
thought to myself .) After I left I
realized that we were probably much
closer in age than I had originally
thought. For some reason I don’t feel
as though I’m getting older. Then,
out of the blue it hit me. I’ve entered
another season of life. It’s no news
to anyone that the older you get the
faster time seems to go by. It has me
thinking of what I’m doing with the
time the good Lord has given me
and being prayerful and thankful for
every moment I have.
“Lord, make me to know mine
end, and the measure of my days,
what it is: that I may know how
frail I am.” Psalm 39:4
We’re thankful that time is
a powerful factor in healing and
are so happy to have Bro. Hartzell
Kaisner (Sis. Mary) and Sis. Tiffany
Wieland (Bro. Steve) back with us
after having each undergone surgery.
We were reminded of the
precious nature of time after hearing
of the loss of beloved friends and
family. Sis. Eszter Orcsik (Bro. John)
went to her heavenly home after
a brief illness. The Orcsik family
worshipped with us in our Livonia
congregation for many years. Bro.
Mitch Ault (Sis. April) experienced
the loss of his dear grandmother,
Sis. Jeannette Stoller (Bro. Dale)
of Rittman, OH, also after a brief
illness. Sis. Bonnie Popp lost a
beloved sister in law, Carol Popp.
For all, our prayers are for God to
give peace in their loss and joy in
their precious memories.
“Whereas ye know not what shall
be on the morrow. For what is
your life? It is even a vapour, that
appeareth for a little time, and then
vanisheth away. For that ye ought to
say, If the Lord will, we shall live,
and do this, or that.” James 4:14-15
Minnesota, Minneapolis
Brenda Messner, Betty Lindwall
We are so thankful for our
visiting ministers this month. Bro.
Dan Koch (Sis. Julie, Tremont)
and Bro. Mitch Fehr (Sis. Abby,
Morris) so willingly shared God’s
Word with us.
Many in our congregation
traveled to the mission fields:
Bro. Matt Sauer and Ministering
Bro. Dewayne Dill went to Haiti.
Ministering Bro. Kent and Sis.
Mary Mogler went to Jamaica. The
Harvest here and there is truly great.
We are thankful that God,
our Great Physician, not only
cares about each one of us in our
struggles, but He is also able to
provide the strength and healing
we need as He wills. Tammy
(Cory) Bergstrom has been
receiving treatment in Arizona for a
rare condition. Sis. Betty Lindwall
has had recent surgery and will
be undergoing further treatments.
Please keep us in your prayers.
Minnesota, Morris
Minnesota, Morris North
Amy Ekren, Heidi Pfaffmann
Lois Schmidgall, Wanda Gramm
We were blessed to have Elder
Bros. Rod Bajema (Sis. Sue, Lester,
IA) and Ken Indermule (Sis. Linda,
Sardis, OH) with us for the reading
of the Memorandum. Also visiting
this month were ministering Bros.
Doug Moser (Sis. Dawn) and Dale
Zeltwanger (Sis. Rachel), both
from Morris North, MN.
We temporarily bid farewell
to Fede Figueroa Martinez, who
has been living in our area and
worshipping with us for some
time. He is currently visiting
Cissna Park, IL for a time. We
wish him God’s richest blessings
and nearness during his stay!
Jon & Lori Moser are thrilled
to be first-time grandparents of
little Weston Ralph (Reed &
Jenna Kampmeier). Weston has
been hospitalized since birth with
health issues. We pray that God
will be with his dear family and
grant healing as He sees fit. Bro.
Caleb & Sis. Heidi Pfaffmann are
also rejoicing in the birth of Colin
Stanley. Welcoming him home
are big brothers, Logan & Brady.
Grandparents are Stan & Sis. Pam
Wulf and Bro. Robert & Sis. Lily
Pfaffmann (Washington, IL).
“Jesus loves the little children, All
the children of the world; Red &
yellow, black and white, They are
precious in His sight; Jesus loves
the little children of the world.”
Gospel Hymns, Jesus Loves the
Little Children, #166, vs. 1
“Trust in the Lord with all thine
heart, and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all they ways
acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
We were blessed to have a
marriage topical presentation
shared by Bro. Scott Wegman from
Taylor, MO. The Bible principles
and information on this topic were
insightful. We sincerely appreciate
the presentation to our church
family. We always appreciate the
opportunities for spiritual growth.
Bro. Scott, and his wife, Sis. Dawn,
were also with us the following
Sunday. We thank them for visiting
and sharing God’s word.
Appreciation and thank you
to Bro. Jim Koehl (Sis. Hilde,
Morris Country, MN) for also
visiting and sharing God’s word
this past month. Our Elder Bros.
Bill Schlatter and Elder Bro. Earl
Ringger (Sis. Dixie) visited and
assisted in the minister selection
process for Morris North. Bro.
Damon Knobloch (Sis. Stephanie)
has been selected to help serve in
the ministry at Morris North. We
pray for God’s love and guidance
for Bro. Damon, Sis. Stephanie,
and their beautiful family of
Sawyer, Lily, Maggie, Owen and
baby Lincoln.
Our congregation is currently
doing the Bible Study on
Friendship and have organized
“Evenings of Fellowship” for the
months of February through April.
We wish to extend a warm
invitation to come and visit us at
Morris North. If you are in the area
or just wish to come and visit, you
will be welcomed with OPEN arms.
Minnesota, Winthrop
Lindsay Schmidt, Becky Braulick
“Charity suffereth long, and is
kind; charity envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly,
seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth
not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in
the truth; Beareth all things,
believeth all things, hopeth all
things, endureth all things. Charity
never faileth: but whether there be
prophecies, they shall fail; whether
there be tongues, they shall cease;
whether there be knowledge, it shall
vanish away.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
On February 6, we celebrated
the 50th Wedding Anniversary
of Bro. Dick and Sis. Mary Lou
Schmidt. Congratulations on
reaching this milestone. May God
continue to bless your marriage
and family.
Our heartfelt sympathy and
prayers go out to Bro. Eldwin
Schmidt’s family as he passed away
early morning on Sunday February
14. We pray for his wife, Lois, and
their children: Mary, Patty, Kent,
Curt, Sue, Mike, Scott and Doug;
and his sister, Sis. Bernadine Messner.
We pray that God will bring
healing and a quick recovery to
two brothers in our church. Bro.
Dick Schmidt (Sis. Mary Lou) had
a surgical procedure on his foot.
Elder Bro. Paul Messner (Sis. Jan)
had a surgery on his finger. Our
thoughts and prayers are also with
March 2016
SILVER LINING
39
Bro. Kenneth Messner (Margaret).
Kenneth’s cancer has returned.
We pray that he will feel God’s
comfort and presence.
“And now abideth faith, hope,
charity, these three; but the greatest
of these is charity.” 1 Cor. 13:13
Missouri, Kansas City
Julie Webel
We are thankful to Bro.
Tom Stock (Sis. Karol, Cissna
Park, IL) for being with us for
Memorandum and for ministering
to us on Sunday.
meeting in January and would ask
for prayers for all those who are in
newly-elected positions.
Thank you to all who participated
in our annual health kit packing.
We had an encouraging turnout.
The fellowship was enjoyed by all
who were there.
the duties required for each job.
Our prayers go to those that have
started a new job that they can be
a blessing in the new position(s).
We were excited to learn
that Bro. Mark and Sis. Karen
Wettstein (LaCrosse, IN) have
felt of the Lord to relocate to our
congregation. We feel our prayers
have been answered as they
prepare to make this endeavor.
Missouri, St. Louis
Kary Mangers
Valentine’s Day being on
Sunday this year helped our
Sunday School class focus on
God’s love and how He shows us
His love. His Word is filled with
verses of His all-encompassing
love. As we discussed how to show
God’s love to others, it struck me
how perfect a verse Ephesians 4:32
is. “And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one
Missouri, Lamar
another, even as God for Christ’s
Venetta Banwart
sake hath forgiven you.” May we all
Our visiting ministers this
go out every day in the power of
month were Elder Bro. Doug
the Holy Spirit with this attitude
Schock (Sis. Clara, Bloomfield, IA), and show God’s love to others.
Elder Bro. Randy Kellenberger (Sis.
Thank you Bro. Matthew
Karen, Kansas City, MO), Bro.
Rassi (Sis. Bridget, Chicago, IL)
Kevin Wulf (Sis. Annie, Morris,
for your visit and sharing God’s
MN), Bro. Jim Butikofer (Sis.
love from the pulpit and in
Diana, Iowa City, IA), Bro. Bruce
fellowship with us.
Frank (Sis. Bonita, Cissna Park, IL),
Bro. Matthew and Sis. Alicia
Bro. Tom Lanz (Sis, Mary, Oakville- Schrenk felt His love in a blessing
Mediapolis, IA). May God blessed
of a baby as they welcomed
these brothers as they brought forth Weston Drake to their family.
the word of God in its truth.
Siblings: Elijah, Jesse, and Paige
We had our business meeting
will have the opportunity to shine
and would like to thank those
God’s love by exercising Eph.
that have completed their terms
4:32 with their little brother as
and for their willingness to fulfill
he grows. Grandparents are Bro.
40
Loren and Sis. Betsy Schrenk (St.
Louis, MO) and Bro. Craig and
Sis. Jean Steffen (Bluffton, IN).
Missouri, Taylor
Kathy Eberhardt
On January 24, Elder Bro.
Paul Messner (Sis. Jan, Winthrop,
MN) spent the weekend in Taylor
and helped our Elder Bro. Kent
Heimer read the memorandum.
On Sunday, Bro. Paul shared an
experience about how small things
can make a difference in our lives.
He asked us, “Does Jesus care
about us?” The answer is “YES!” Is
there any need that God won’t fill,
if we pray about it?
We were also reminded to pray
for godly leaders to lead our country.
On the weekend of February
13-14, Sis. Shayna Young shared
her testimony and was baptized.
Shayna is the daughter of Bro.
Tom & Sis. Jolene Young.
Sharing the pulpit that weekend
were Shayna’s grandpa, Bro.
Tom Schambach (Sis. Connie,
Elgin, IL), and uncle, Bro. Scott
Schambach (Sis. Hope, Elgin, IL).
Sad news was shared to our
congregation. Dave Uppinghouse,
husband of Sis. Barb, died in a
car accident on Sunday morning,
February 14, 2016. May Sis. Barb
feel the prayers of those who love
her. Our thoughts and prayers also
go to their son, Jon, and the other
family members.
The same day, our sorrow was
mixed with joy as we heard of the
birth of a son to Bro. Josh & Sis.
Colby Steffen. Lawson Wayne
was born on February 14. He will
be welcomed home by Lathyn,
Lydia, and Lincoln. We rejoice
in this miracle from heaven.
Grandparents are Bro. Rich E.
& Sis. Kay Sutter (Taylor) and
Bro. Dean & Sis. Carol Steffen
(Belvidere, IL).
Jr. Smith, foster child of Sis.
Shelly Hoerr, had surgery on his
foot. May God be the great healer.
Thank you to all the foster and
adoption parents for the love and
opportunity you give to children
in need of love and care.
Thank you to Bro. Andrew
Gerber and Bro. Reed Yackley
(Gridley, IL) for presenting an
informational program about
Lifesong to our congregation on
Sunday evening, January 17.
New York, Croghan/
Naumburg
Hope Graves
We were thankful to have
brethren from Rockville, CT serve
our lunch two weekends in a row,
February 14 & 21. On Saturday
evening, February 20, we enjoyed
sharing a potluck dinner and
singing together with the Rockville
single group who served us on
Sunday. What a blessing and help
this is to our small congregation.
We were blessed to get
together and sew for HarvestCall
on February 15 & 17. Several
quilts were tied and school, health
kits and back packs assembled to
be filled at a later date.
Our prayers extend out to the
family of Lois Cardinal who passed
away on February 16. May they feel
God’s comfort in the days ahead.
We pray for those who have
been recently hospitalized. They
are Sis. Rachel Snyder, Meaghan
Bowers and Joyce Rowsam.
Ohio, Akron
Carla Miller
Bro. Glen and Sis. Joan
Greenbank welcomed a
granddaughter, Skye Emily, born
February 7 to Bro. Samuel and
Sis. Laura Greenbank (Rockville).
We are grateful for the
engagement of Bro. Michael
Schlatter (Elder Bro. Bill and Sis.
Emily, Junction, OH) and Sis.
Heidi Ramsier (Bro. Tim and Sis.
Joni, Rittman, OH).
Our thoughts and prayers
are with Sis. Martha Palitto and
Bro. Sandor Bako (Sis. Kathy) as
they have recently spent time in
the hospital.
Ohio, Columbus
Nancy Banks
Sending love and greetings
from the Columbus church!
was held in January. Those elected or
appointed to new positions include:
Bro. Corbin Schlatter (Sunday
School Superintendent), Bro. Todd
Saurer (Sunday School Teacher),
Bro. Scott Germann (Trustee), Sis.
Becca Steiner (Kitchen Committee),
Bro. Luke Gerst and Bro. Larry
Banks (Substitue Teachers) and Sis.
Nancy Banks (Silver Lining). We are
thankful for each one who currently
holds an office and also for those
whose term has expired. May God
bless each one for their efforts.
We appreciate the ministers
who have traveled a distance to
serve us this month: Bro. Dan
Pfister (Sis. Sherry, Bluffton
North, IN), Bro. Mark Ramsier
(Sis. Alice, Sardis, OH) and Bro.
Bill Brake (Sis. Miriam, Sardis,
OH). We thank them for their
willingness to serve on the pulpit.
Ohio, Junction
Elizabeth Manz
“Through wisdom is an house
builded; and by understanding it
is established: and by knowledge
shall the chambers be filled with
all precious and pleasant riches”
Proverbs 24:2-3
This month has brought new
additions into two of our families.
Bro. Dave and Sis. Kathy Manz
are glad to welcome another
grandson, Charlie David, born to
Bro. Chet and Sis. Jenny Manz of
Toledo, OH. Bro. Roger and Lisa
Manz are thankful for a grandson
Keatyn Emmanuel, son of Henry
and Christa Manz.
As we consider changes
and growth in our individual
families, it’s a reminder for us to
assess the way in which we are
building our houses. Wisdom and
understanding are granted to those
whose eyes and hearts are searching
for it. May God give us clear vision
and desire to establish our house on
the rock that will stand firm.
We enjoyed a wonderful
weekend of fellowship as we held
our all church invite-a-guest on
February 20-21. We appreciated
everyone who could join us!
March 2016
SILVER LINING
41
Ohio, Latty
Carmen Stoller, Mindy Stoller
Greetings of love to each of you!
Our thoughts and sympathies
are with retired Elder Bro. Ray
Sinn’s family as he has reached
his eternal reward. May the Holy
Spirit provide comfort to his wife,
Sis. Ann, and children: Sis. Susie
Beery (Bro. Earl, Rittman, OH),
Bro. Gary (Sis. Paulette), Philip,
Sis. Jane Linder (Jim), Bro. Mark
(Sis. Diane), Bro. Steve (Sis. Joy),
Bro. Duane (Carrie), Sis. Karen,
and Bro. Kurt (Sis. Lisa). We also
want to remember to pray for Sis.
Ann as she had surgery. We pray
that God will provide strength to
this dear family during this time.
We want to remember Sis.
Viola Schlatter in prayer as she has
spent some time in the hospital.
We are thankful for our
visiting ministers this month
including Bro. Dana Nieman (Sis.
Lea, Remington, IN), Bro. Wayne
Hartzler (Sis. Camille, Rittman,
OH), Bro. Justin Koch (Sis.
Marcia, Washington, IL), and Bro.
Steve Stieglitz (Sis. Jane, Leo, IN).
We also wish to thank Elder
Bro. Steve Ringger (Sis. Myra,
Bluffton North) for assisting in
the reading of the Memorandum.
How blessed we are to be a part of
this precious brotherhood!
Ohio, Mansfield
Elizabeth Walter
The January wedding of Bro.
Justin Miller (Bro. Roger and Sis.
Dorina) and Sis. Katie Palitto (Bro.
Bryon and Sis. Lisa, Akron, OH)
was a blessing for all who were
42
able to attend. We are thankful
to welcome Sis. Katie to our
congregation, and look forward to
having her assemble with us.
We are grateful to the visiting
ministers who served us this
month. May God bless Bro. Don
Steidl (Sis. Nan, Akron, OH), Bro.
Ron Palitto (Sis. Lynell, Akron,
OH), and Bro. John Grimm (Sis.
Julie, Columbus, OH) for their
efforts on our behalf.
Our hearts go out to our loved
ones who have recently suffered
from illness or surgery. We pray
for healing in the lives of Bro. Ken
Sauder (Sis. Sue), Shirley Roberts,
and Thomas Tucker (Bro. Archie
and Sis. Amber).
Ohio, Rittman
Julie Steiner, Maria Beery
“Rejoice with them that do
rejoice, and weep with them that
weep.” Romans 12:15
We rejoice with Sis. Heidi
Ramsier (Bro. Tim and Sis. Joni)
and Sis. Leah Beery (Bro. Walt
and Sis. Lynda) as they made
known their engagements. Sis.
Heidi is engaged to Bro. Michael
Schlatter from Akron (Bro. Bill
and Sis. Emily, Junction). Sis.
Leah is engaged to Bro. Tyler
Endress (Bradford). We wish them
God’s blessings as they plan for
this new chapter in their lives.
We were saddened to hear of
the passing of Sis. Velma Rufener
[Bro. Elton (Jeff)] and Sis. Jeannette
Stoller (Bro. Dale). Sis. Velma will
be missed by her children: Dave
(LeAnn) Rufener, Sis. Elaine (Bro.
Ed) Marty, Sis. Debra Rufener,
Sis. Deanna (Bro. Vern) Lanz; her
3 sisters: Sis. Clara Jenkins, Sis.
Ruth Beery, Sis. Anna (Bro. Orin)
Rufener; and her grandchildren
and great grandchildren. Sis.
Jeannette will be missed by her
children: Bro. Gregory (Sis. Joy),
Sis. Kathy (Bro. David) Ault, Bro.
Gary (Sis. Michelle) Stoller, Bro.
Tony (Sis. Cherie) Stoller; her 3
sisters: Sis. Joann (Bro. Robert)
Widmer, Sis. Delores (Marion)
Bauman, Sandra (Dennis Franks);
a sister-in-law, Lynette Imhoff; a
brother-in-law, Vernon Riggenbach;
and her grandchildren and great
grandchildren. Our sympathy goes
to Sis. Susie Beery (Bro. Earl) in the
passing of her father, Bro. Ray Sinn
(Sis. Ann, Latty). We want to keep
these families in our prayers. We are
so thankful for the hope of heaven
that we have!
We are excited to have many
new babies to report this month.
Caleb and Rachel Middleton
welcome Oliver Reid. Oliver
joins older brothers, Gregory and
Wyatt. Grandparents are Greg and
Sis. Peggy Tieche and Randy and
Jackie Middleton. Bro. Eric and
Sis. Ruth Maibach are thankful
for the safe arrival of Adler Eric.
Adler joins Hudson, Tucker, and
Eleanor. Grandparents are Bro.
Alpha and Sis. Denise Maibach
and Greg and Sis. Peggy Tieche.
Bro. Doug and Sis. Dianna
Bauman became grandparents
again with the birth of Hannah
Marie. Hannah joins her brother,
Eli, and her parents, Josh and
Ashley Burns. Bro. Chet and Sis.
Jenny Manz (Toledo) welcome
Charlie David. He will be loved
by his grandparents, Sis. Diana
Raifsnider and Bro. Dave and Sis.
Kathy Manz (Junction), as well
as, older siblings, Kylie and Jack.
Dan and Sis. Anita Pope have a
new grandson, Joshua Quixote.
Joshua joins his parents, Jeremy
and Danelle Vanni, and older
siblings: Elliot, George, David,
and Rosemary. Bro. Bob and
Sis. Mardel Dotterer added to
their family with the arrival of
grandson, Easton Gray. Easton
joins his parents, Bro. Jon and
Sis. Bethany Ringger (Leo); older
brothers, Josiah and Jude; and
grandparents Bro. Steve and Sis.
Myra Ringger (Bluffton North).
Congratulations and God’s
blessings to these families!
“Likewise, I say unto you, there
is joy in the presence of the angels of
God over one sinner that repenteth.”
Luke 15:10.
It brought us much joy to
hear that Jeremy Schar (Bro.
Nathan and Sis. Linda) began his
repentance. We wish him God’s
grace and pray that many more
could turn their hearts to the Lord.
Our prayers are with those who
have spent time in the hospital.
We pray that God will continue
to be with Bro. Dale Pelfrey (Sis.
Beth), Beth (Beery) Nelson, Sis.
Betty Keiper (Bro. Reinhart), Sis.
Kathryn Bachman (Bro. Eugene),
Sis. Dianna Bauman (Bro. Doug),
Sis. Kendra Ramsier (Bro. Joe), and
Sis. Ellen Gasser (Bro. Jerry).
We were blessed to have Elder
Bro. Mark Masters (Sis. Jeannine,
Mansfield) and Bro. Todd Stoller
(Sis. Pam, Latty) with us this
month and want to thank them
for serving us.
We certainly have had reason
to rejoice and to weep this
month and are thankful that
God is faithful during all times
of our lives!
Ohio, Sardis
Faith Beard, Joy Indermuhle
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect
peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye
in the Lord forever: for in the Lord
Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
Isaiah 26:3-4
Our convert Kara Dotterer
(Bro. Bob and Sis. Laura) has
recently felt at peace with God
and man and desires to baptized
into the family of Christ. We
rejoice at God’s work in her life
and pray that her mind may
always stay on Him.
But what does this mean? In a
recent sermon, we learned that to
“stay on” something means that
your mind must be “fixed, focused,
and given priority to” such.
A few months ago we made
our way through what appears to
be the most celebrated holiday.
Now rapidly approaching is the
holiday that overall gets ignored
in our culture, at least for its
true meaning, yet it has the
most significant impact on our
eternal souls.
“Christ is the world’s dear Paschal
Lamb, He is the great ‘I was, I
Am’. Through Calv’ry’s pain and
dismal gloom, He conquered over
death and tomb. He rose His own
to justify, and draws all men up
to the sky. If you have found the
Christ, His way, Then you can
keep this Easter day.”
Hymns of Zion, #89
Ohio, Smithville
Kara Stoller, Millie Stoller
“I’m a lamb of Jesus’ flock; untold
blessings are my lot; For my
Shepherd gives protection; Showers
on me His affection; And with
peace and gentle love, Calls to me
from heav’n above.” Zion’s Harp
#17, verse 1
The weekend of January
23-24 was filled with joy as we
welcomed five dear souls into the
flock of Jesus. Our new sisters and
brothers are: Sis. Haley Dotterer
and Sis. Erika Dotterer (Bro. Steve
& Sis. Amy), Sis. Mary Smith,
Bro. Owen Stoller (Bro. Jeff & Sis.
Millie), and Bro. Aaron Zollinger
(Bro. Marvin & Sis. Pam).
Two souls have heard from
heaven above and have answered
the call of the dear Shepherd. We
rejoice with Cole Rudy and Brian
Tomic (Bro. Tim & Sis. Melanie)
as they begin their repentance.
“Safe beneath His staff, I go on
my journey, to and fro, Into pastures
sweet and verdant, Finding joys
and food abundant; And my thirst
to quench, He knows where the
sweetest fountain flows.”
Zion’s Harp #17, verse 2
Under His staff, a new couple
will begin their journey together.
We were thankful to hear the
engagement of Sis. Jackie Wilson
(Jack & Carol) and Bro. Josh
Fiechter (Bro. Brad & Sis. Lynn)
March 2016
SILVER LINING
43
Bluffton, IN.
We will miss Bro. Travis
and Sis. Anne Wilson as they
move to the Milford, IN
congregation. We have enjoyed
their worshipping with us and
hope that they will feel safe and
blessed in their new home.
Our thirst was quenched by
the Living Water through our
many visiting ministers. Our
heartfelt thanks to: Elder Bro. Bill
Schlatter (Sis. Emily, Junction,
OH), and Bro. Don Manz (Sis.
Connie, Junction, OH), Bro. Matt
Manz (Sis. Deanna, Toledo, OH),
Bro. Fred Domka (Sis. Connie,
Mansfield, OH), Bro. John
Grimm (Sis. Julie, Columbus,
OH), Bro. Randy Beer (Sis. Deb,
Milford, IN), Bro. Bill Wettstein
(Sis. Heidi, Eureka, IL), Bro. Todd
Graf (Sis. Lydia, Akron, OH),
Bro. Wayne Hartzler (Sis. Camille,
Rittman, OH), Bro. Marvin
Hartzler (Sis. Sue, Rittman,
OH), Bro. Brett Lanz (Sis. Renee,
Rittman, OH).
“Shall I not then happy be? Jesus
loves me tenderly. When my
earthly days are ending, With
the angel host ascending, In my
Savior’s arms I’ ll be blest in all
eternity!”
Zion’s Harp #17, verse 3.
Sis. Velma Rufener (Bro.
Elton, Rittman, OH) has ended
her earthly days. We offer our
sympathy to her daughter, Sis.
Elaine Marty (Bro. Ed), and Sis.
Velma’s brother-in-law, Bro. Joe
Rufener (Sis. Lilas). Sis. Kathy Ault
(Bro. Dave) also lost her beloved
mother, Sis. Jeanette Stoller (Bro.
44
Dale, Rittman, OH). We also
remember Sis. Jeanette’s in-laws:
Sis. Luella Stoller (Bro. Harold,
dec.), Sis. Carolyn Stoller, Sis.
Elma Stoller, Bro. Bob Stoller (Sis.
Eileen), and Bro. Andy Stoller
(Sis. Roberta, dec.). May they be
comforted that “In the Savior’s arms
they’ll be, blest in all eternity”.
Ohio, Toledo
Deanna Manz, Whitney Masters
Bro. Chet and Sis. Jenny Manz,
along with siblings Kylie and Jack,
welcomed Charlie David into their
home on January 28. Grandparents
of Charlie are Bro. Dave and Sis.
Kathy Manz (Junction, OH) and Sis.
Diane Raifsnider (Rittman, OH).
We were blessed to be
able to gather together for our
Memorandum reading the last
weekend in January. Elder Bro.
Bill Schlatter (Sis. Emily, Junction,
OH) and Elder Bro. John Laukhuf
were here to assist in this work. In
addition, we had Elder Bro. Dan
Kilgus (Sis. Jenna, Remington,
IN) visiting on Sunday. We
appreciate their willingness to
come and share the Word.
That same Sunday, we held
our annual business meeting.
We appreciate all those who have
willingly given of their services
in the last year. New positions
include: Trustee-Bro. Chet
Manz; Usher-Bro. Kent Schlatter;
Kitchen Coordinator-Sis. Teresa
Rywalski; Silver Lining ReporterSis. Whitney Masters; Sunday
School Superintendent-Bro. Brad
Shields; and Sunday School
Teacher-Sis. Lanna Harmon.
Ontario, Kitchener
Johanna Fortenbacher
We are very thankful for the
ministers that came this past month.
They were Bro. Mark Hoffman (Sis.
Louella, Claredon, VT), Bro. Mark
Bahr (Sis Bev, Detroit, MI), Bro.
Tim Holulin (Sis. Cathy, Roanoke,
IL), Bro. Warren Schlatter (Sis.
Cindy, Junction, OH), Bro. Steph
Baner from Gridley, IL. It always
makes us happy to see new faces
at church.
“This is my commandment, that
ye love one another, as I have loved
you. Greater love hath no man than
this, that a man lay down his life for
his friends.” John 15:12-13.
Oregon, Portland
Louisa Gallup
We thank Elder Bro. John
Wiegand (Sis. Jane, Silverton, OR)
for conducting the recent business
meeting. The following positions
were filled: Bro. Rollin Nussbaum
agreed to serve as Treasurer (Bro.
Art Metz completed his term);
Bro. Rick Hoach agreed to serve
as Junior Trustee (Bro. Ilijah
Gavrilovic completed his term
as Head Trustee), and Sis. Lisa
Leman agreed to serve on the
Dinner Committee for another
term. We thank those who have
supported our church by serving
in the various positions and
appreciate the willingness of those
newly appointed.
Visiting ministers from
Silverton, OR were: Bro. Ron
Jones (Sis. Liz), Bro. Jim Zollinger
(Sis. Tresa), Elder Bro. John
Wiegand (Sis. Jane), and Bro.
Don (Sis. Linda). We are sincerely
grateful for their support and for
the weekly song leader help as
well. It is a real blessing to us.
Oregon, Silverton
Kelsey Walder, Ann Kuenzi
Bro. Sam and Sis. Tyrene
Moser are rejoicing over a new
little daughter. Avery Ella was
born January 19 and now joins her
brothers: Nash, Gage and Shane.
Grandparents are Bro. Bob and
Sis. Linda Kuenzi and Bro. Ben
and Sis. Glenna Moser (Rockville).
Our hearts are hurting
with Bro. Ed and Sis. Shirley
Zollinger in the loss of their great
granddaughter, Emma Klumpp.
Prayers were said on behalf of
the work team from Silverton, as
they went to Haiti to help on some
projects. They encountered some
difficulties coming home, and we
are thankful they made it safely.
Our sympathy, prayers and
heartfelt sorrow are extended to
Bro. Dan, Ellie, Nick, Molly and
Benjamin in the loss of their dear
wife and mother, Sis. Becky Von
Flue. She passed away unexpectedly
in her sleep on February 6. She
has shown and demonstrated a
real testimony of faith through the
years, as she has struggled with
major health problems. She will be
missed by all of us.
Our prayers for healing have
been with Bro. Jesse Te Slaa (Sis.
Kari) and Ron Lichty (Ginge) as they
have spent some time in the hospital.
We are rejoicing that we have
two new babes in Christ. Andrea
Walter (Bro. Chad and Sis.
Megan) and Janelle Kuenzi (Bro.
Harvey and Sis. Jennifer) have
turned their lives over to the Lord.
We’re also thankful that Dakota
Koenig desires to be part of our
fellowship. We pray that they may
grow in grace and the knowledge
of our Lord and Savior.
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia
Laura Isch
“God is our refuge and strength, a
very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1.
Our church family was
saddened this month by the passing
of Francis Via. Francis became
acquainted with our church a
number of years ago and started
attending. While he had a lifelong
battle with Cystic Fibrosis, Francis
was often thankful for what he
had, never complaining. This often
challenged us to count our many
blessings, reminding us that we
have an eternal home not on this
earth, but in Heaven. Our prayers
and sympathy are with his family
during this difficult time.
Tennessee, Nashville
Buck & Taunia Henry
“I Love the Lord, because he
hath heard my voice and my
supplications. Because he hath
inclined his ear unto me, therefore
will I call upon him as long as I
live.” Psalm 116:1, 2.
We were surprised by a couple
of snow storms that lost their way
and ended up down south in late
January! We got about 7 inches,
much to the children’s delight, but
were snowed in one Sunday and
had to call in from our own homes.
We are so thankful for the
visiting ministers who were able
to travel and serve us this month:
Bro. Mark Steiner (Sis. Sue, Sardis,
OH), Bro. Tim Roecker (Sis.
Diane, Peoria, IL), Bro. Jeff Leman
(Sis. Val, Bluffton North, IN). We
were also blessed with visitors from
Detroit, LaCrosse and Remington.
We are thankful that Edith
Henry, Bro. Buck’s mother, is
doing better and regaining a
measure of strength after being
home-bound a couple of weeks. She
would appreciate your prayers.
If you are traveling to or
through the Nashville area, please
plan to worship with us. Often
we gather on Saturday evenings
for fellowship, and all are heartily
welcome. Please contact us to
confirm the schedule. Also, we
typically meet on Wednesday
evenings at 7:15 p.m. for call-in
services and would welcome any
midweek visitors. Contacts: Bro.
Buck Henry 615-920-9584 buck@
forhisglorypublishing.com or Bro.
Don Sauder 615-351-7734 don.
[email protected].
The Nashville Guesthouse is
available for free accommodations
to all those traveling through, please
contact Bro. Buck for reservations.
Texas, Austin
Candy Meiss
Sending our Love and
Greetings from Austin!
“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,just
to take Him at His word; Just
to rest upon His promise; just to
March 2016
SILVER LINING
45
know, Thus saith the Lord. Jesus,
Jesus how I trust Him, How I’ve
proved Him o’er and o’er, Jesus,
Jesus, Precious Jesus! O for grace to
trust Him more!”
It has been so special to have
HarvestCall volunteers worship
with us on Sunday and Wednesday
evenings. We are all thankful
for the delicious Sunday lunches
they provide! What a wonderful
privilege to have the opportunity
to fellowship with our brothers and
sisters in the Lord who are called
to volunteer here in Texas for the
winter work teams! We appreciate
so much their willingness to go
out of their way to encourage
and uplift our Austin church and
to work so faithfully to help our
neighbors who have suffered loss
during the floods and fires. We are
thankful that the weather has been
so beautiful for them as they labor.
Recently we have been blessed
from the Word by the following
visiting ministers: Elder Bro.
Duane Rocke (Minneapolis, MN),
Bro. Frank Sauder (Roanoke,
IL), Bro. Stan Schambach
(Prescott, AZ), Bro. Ron Isch
(Lamont-Gridley, KS), and Bro.
Dave Hartter (Sabetha, KS).We
are looking forward to visiting
ministers in the following weeks
from Morton and Cissna Park.
We are thankful for families
that are planning to move to
Austin this year and ask for your
prayers as they look for homes and
jobs in the area.
We love the children from
Stony Point as they continue to
come to church and learn about
46
Jesus through songs, stories and
crafts. They love the fellowship
and food and it’s exciting to have
them as part of our church family
here in Austin.
We are so thankful for our
visitors and encourage everyone
passing through to stop and
worship with us! As I write this
month’s Silver Lining article,
a song that I love singing with
the children comes to mind.
It’s called: “Humbly Grateful or
Grumbly Hateful? Are you humbly
grateful or grumbly hateful? What’s
your attitude? Do you grumble and
groan or let it be known You’re
grateful for all God’s done for you?”
Yes, tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
just from Jesus simply taking Life,
and rest, and joy, and peace. I’m
so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
and I know that Thou art with
me, Wilt be with me to the end.
Please refer to our minister’s
directory for directions and contacts.
Texas, Dallas-Ft. Worth
Services are generally being
held the second Sunday of
each month at the Holiday Inn
Express, 4450 W. John Carpenter
Freeway, Irving, TX. There are
several singles and couples who
gather and enjoy visitors. Please
call ahead to verify. Bros. Wayne
Banwart (217-493-2383), Leland
Plattner (956-265-0351), or
Dennis Rassi (512-321-2345).
Texas, McAllen
Kristi Plattner
We offer many thanks to the
ministers that have served us this
past month. May God bless Bro.
Clint Schmidt (Sis. Magdalena,
Winthrop, MN), Bro. Arlen
Leman (Sis. Denise, Forrest,
IL), Bro. Howard Plattner (Alto,
MI), and Bro. Ryan Hoerr (Sis.
Joy, Princeville, IL). We are
thoroughly enjoying all our
winter visitors this month.
Our prayers are extended to
Bro. Lloyd Massner as he has
spent some time in the hospital.
We trust that God will continue
to take care of him as he recovers.
We welcome anyone coming
to South Texas. If interested in
housing on South Padre Island
or in McAllen while visiting the
McAllen area, please contact us
for further details.
Occasionally there is a schedule
change, so if you plan to be with
us on Sunday, please verify the
date by calling the Plattners at
956-607-8329 or you may access
www.harvestcall.org and view the
updated minister rotation schedule.
Sunday services are held at
10:30 and 12:30 at the Smart iStay
Hotel, 1921 South 10th St. Please
note that the name of the hotel is
no longer Holiday Inn Express.
Take the 10th Street Exit off
I-83 and go 1½ blocks south.
Please see the ministers’ directory
for local contact information.
Texas, Zapata
Mary Plattner
We are anticipating Bro.
Marvin Dotterer (Sis Nancy,
Forrest IL) this weekend for the
reading of the memorandum and
Communion. We look forward to
their visits several times each year
as he serves as the Elder in Zapata
and McAllen.
We have been encouraged
and feel blessed because of having
visitors again this winter season
from various churches in the
Midwest and Eastern states.
If you are planning a trip to
South Texas, please call and let
us know of your coming. When
spring arrives we will frequently
travel to McAllen or Austin for
services so it is best if you notify
us of your coming.
Vermont, Clarendon
Nathan and Miriam Reutter
Will Durant, in The Life of
Greece says, “A nation is born
stoic, and dies epicurean”. In the
beginning it endures pain and
hardship without complaint, but
as it ages its purpose becomes
avoiding them. Does this idea
apply spiritually? Do we readily
endure difficulties as a new
Christian, but try to avoid
spiritual problems as we age?
Thomas à Kempis, in his book,
Of the Imitation of Christ, was
certain of this phenomenon.
“If every year we would root
out one vice, we should sooner
become perfect men. But now
we oftentimes perceive, on the
contrary, that we were better and
purer at the beginning of our
conversion, than after many years
of our profession. Our fervor and
profiting should increase daily,
but now it is accounted a great
matter, if a man can retain but
some part of his first zeal.”
The Bible encourages us in a
different direction. Ephesians 4:14,
15 speaks on this wise: “...That
we henceforth be no more children,
tossed to and fro, and carried about
with every wind of doctrine, by
the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait
to deceive; but speaking the truth
in love, may grow up into him in
all things, which is the head, even
Christ…”
2 Peter 1: 5, 6, 10 continues
with: “And beside this, giving all
diligence, add to your faith virtue;
and to virtue, knowledge; and
to knowledge, temperance; and
to temperance, patience; and to
patience, godliness; and to godliness,
brotherly kindness; and to brotherly
kindness, charity. For if these be in
you, and abound, they make you
that ye shall neither be barren nor
unfruitful in the knowledge of our
Lord Jesus Christ…for if ye do these
things, ye shall never fall…”
Never fall? This sounds worthy
of a lifetime of work: to die
growing in grace, not graying.
Ministers coming this month
to bless us with encouragement
to growth were Bro. Dan (Sis.
MaryLou) Goric, Bro. Duane
(Sis. Kay) Reutter, Bro. Jeff
(Sis. Carole) Gerber, and Bro.
Brent (Sis. Naomi) Walder.
All of these brothers and their
wives principally minister to the
Rockville, CT church. We have
adopted them as ours, too, in
a way, as they come so often in
support of the ministry here. God
bless you!
Christ Arose
1. Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His
foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark
domain,
And He lives forever, with His
saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
2. Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus, my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus, my Lord!
3. Death cannot keep his Prey,
Jesus, my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus, my Lord!
-Robert Lowry
March 2016
SILVER LINING
47
The News & Notices section of The Silver Lining provides a way for qualifying non-profit entities to make the brotherhood aware of church-related events,
opportunities, needs, and services that would be of special interest to Apostolic Christian Church of America members and regular attendees. Email us at
[email protected] for a copy of our advertising policy, which specifies who may advertise, sizes, file formats and deadlines.
Congregation
Updates
News
& Notices
LISTEN TO SERMONS
from over 35 Apostolic Christian congregations (and counting)
on your smartphone, tablet or computer
on the new
sermon system
CENTRAL
also includes current and past issues of The Silver Lining
On your mobile device
• Download AC Central app from
Google Play or Apple’s App store
On your computer
• Go to accentral.apostolicchristian.org or
visit a specific congregation’s website
If your church is considering making its sermons available online through AC Central,
visit apostolicchristian.org/sermons to learn more or sign up.
Want to support making sermons and the Silver Lining widely available digitally?
Donations for AC Central are appreciated and are currently routed through HarvestCall.
Write AC Central on your check memo or choose it when making an online donation at harvestcall.org
Bible Distribution: Sharing His Word in Love
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Psalm 96:3
Together we can provide Bibles for seeking people. This may be someone you attend school with,
someone you work with, or someone God has shown you at a gas station. Bibles and approved Bible
story Books are available. Carrying a New Testament to distribute can help you remember what our
real task is. To order, contact: Apostolic Christian Church Bible Distribution
651 E. Peoria Street, Goodfield, IL 61742
Phone: 309-965-2141 Email: [email protected]
48
Alternate Houseparent Couple Needed - Gateway Woods
Houseparenting at Gateway Woods offers an
opportunity for a couple, directed of the Lord, to
come to work in a full-time on going ministry at
Gateway Woods. Due to a change in staff, we have
a need for an Alternate Houseparent couple. This
position offers competitive wages and generous
benefits and a close relationship with brothers and
sisters whose hearts and lives are dedicated to a
common mission with an eternal reward. If you
feel the call to explore this possibility, please call
one of the brothers listed below.
“…there is absolutely a richness in serving as a
family. We have been amazed in seeing how God’s
Word holds true in any situation.”
-Jon & Beth Ringger
Clint Plattner
Residential Program Manager
PO Box 125,
Leo, IN 46765
888.443.4283
[email protected]
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd.
New Haven, IN 46774
260.466.6712
[email protected]
Summer Internships Available – Home for the Handicapped
The Home for the Handicapped is once again offering a summer internship program for college age
students interested in pursuing a number of various careers. Possible areas of interest include social
work, accounting, nursing, activities, maintenance management, and human resources. This would be a
tremendous opportunity to learn more about the vision and mission of ACHH, be used in God’s service,
and gain unique experience to aid in your future career. The program is flexible, so whether you are
interested in investing two weeks, two months, or anything in between, we would love to hear from you.
Accommodations and lodging may be available. If you have an interest, please contact:
Jeremiah Psinas
Human Resource Manager
2125 Veterans Rd.
Morton, IL 61550
309-266-9781
[email protected]
March 2016
SILVER LINING
49
Summer Volunteer Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is currently searching for a Summer Volunteer Coordinator. The Summer Volunteer
Coordinator position offers the opportunity to grow deep relationships with fellow volunteers as well
as Gateway Woods Staff and residents. If you feel the call to explore the possibilities, please call one of
the brothers listed below:
Clint PlattnerLynn Stieglitz
Residential Program Manager
Counseling Elder
PO Box 125,
15417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283260.466.6712
[email protected] [email protected]
50
Top Quality Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is in need of a Top Quality Coordinator for the summer. The Top Quality
Coordinator position offers the opportunity to grow deep relationships with Gateway Woods Staff
and summer volunteers, as well as the chance to spend a significant amount of one-on-one time with
residents. If you feel the call to explore the possibilities and to have play a role in a group of residents
lives this summer, please call one of the brothers listed below:
Adam McAfeeLynn Stieglitz
Director of Education
Counseling Elder
PO Box 125,
15417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283260.466.6712
[email protected]@gmail.com
Renters still needed for St. Louis Home near Church
Within the St. Louis congregation, they are still praying that God will lead a family, couple or single(s)
to relocate to the area and become part of their church family. A newly renovated, 3-bedroom home,
that is located across the parking lot from the church, is available to rent immediately.
Expressing Interest
Anyone who is interested is encouraged to contact Ministering Bro. Loren Schrenk at 314.994.1944
or [email protected].
Interested parties should have a:
1. servant heart - willingness to serve and support a smaller Apostolic Christian Church,
2. integrity - demonstrate high spiritual standards and be a committed Christ-follower,
3. willingness to support local church efforts (understand the current outreach efforts within the
church and work with established brethren),
4. receive support from your local elder. If you e-mail, please include your name, contact
information and a brief description of why you are interested (and feel that God is calling
you to the area).
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).
March 2016
SILVER LINING
51
Support the A.C. Home for the Handicapped
An evening where you can sit back
and enjoy the Musical Talent of the
*Schrenk Sisters*
*Heritage Gospel Quartet*
*Illinois High School Choir*
Saturday, April 30, 2016 @ Five Points, Washington, IL
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Can’t Attend? Join us Live Streaming on the Internet @ www.midwestgospelsing.org
*Free will offering - No ticket needed*
worship / testimony / congregational singing / fellowship
52
Revive and Renew Relationships during TN Fellowship Weekend
“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27
The theme for the 2016 Tennessee Fellowship Weekend will be focused on reviving and renewing
our relationships -- first and foremost with our Lord Jesus Christ and then with others in our families
and communities. Building and maintaining relationships is paramount to living out our Apostolic
Christian 4 Pillars Mission Statement which includes presenting the Gospel message to the lost and
offering loving, humble deeds of service in the name of Christ. Ministering Bros. Randy Mogler
(Washington, IL) and John Reinhard (Bluffton, IN) plan to speak on these topics during the weekend.
Weekend Schedule – Saturday, May 28
New this year -- Morning Work Project to assist those in local Tennessee Fellowship Area
community with cleanup -- Contact Bro. Bruce Aschliman for more details and to RSVP if you are
able to participate.
12 pm – Registration and Fellowship
2 pm – Auction begins (donation of items is greatly appreciated)
6 pm to end of evening -- Enjoy dinner, evening speaker and special groups and congregational
singing
Sunday, May 29
10 am – Worship with the Athens congregation
3:30 pm to end of evening -- Activities resume at TN Fellowship area with singing, fellowship and
speaker.
Hotels and Camping Sites Available for Overnight Accommodations
In addition to the hotels listed below, consider camping on the Tennessee Fellowship property by the lake. Electric
and water hookups are available and some campers may also be available to rent. Please contact Bro. Bruce or Sis. Lisa
Aschliman at the info listed below for more information.
Join the Athens congregation for an uplifting weekend of fellowship, worship and learning more about renewing our
relationships with Jesus and with each other.
For questions, please contact any of the coordinators below. Also, please RSVP to any of the following names before
Friday, May 6:
Bro. Bruce or Sis. Lisa Aschliman - (260)824-5160 or [email protected]
Bro. Phil or Cindy Witzig - 309.263.0152 or [email protected]
Bro. Mark or Sis. Rebekah Klaus - 256.777.7777 or [email protected]
Bro. Daron or Sis. Monica Price - 256.445.2853 or [email protected]
Bro. Matthew or Sis. Kristy Moore - [email protected]
Sis. Gwen Leuthold - 615.969.0958 or [email protected]
Bro. Tom or Sis. Sue Waldbeser - 770.463.4788 or [email protected]
Tennessee Fellowship Area Hotels: Motel 6 (931)363-4501
Athens, Alabama Area Hotels
Best Western (256)233-4030 Travel Inn (256)232-2704 Fairfield Inn (256)233-4530
Days Inn (800)329-7466 or (256)233-7500 Quality Inn (800)424-6423 or (256)232-0030 Hampton Inn (256)232-2377
Sleep Inn (256)232-4700 Super 8 (256)233-1446
Holiday Inn Express (800)465-4329 or (256)232-7931
March 2016
SILVER LINING
53
Communications Coordinator Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is seeking a brother or sister desiring to serve as the Communications Coordinator. This
position is open to full-time applicants and offers the opportunity to use one’s creativity, organization
and communications skills to further the ministry. If you are organized and able to meet deadlines, have
strong communication skills, and are a motivated self-starter, please contact one of the brothers listed
below for more information and a job description.
Chad Kaeb
Development Director
PO Box 151, Leo, IN 46765
888.443.4283
[email protected]
Lynn Stieglitz
Counseling Elder
15417 Doty Rd., New Haven, IN 46774
Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]
Assistant Houseparent Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods currently has an opening for a single sister to work in a full-time ministry with troubled
children. The Assistant Houseparent position offers competitive wages and generous benefits and a close
relationship with brothers and sisters whose hearts and lives are dedicated to a mission with an eternal
reward. If you feel the call to explore the possibilities, please call one of the brothers listed below:
Ed GrafLynn Stieglitz
Executive DirectorCounseling Elder
PO Box 151
15417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]@gmail.com
Christian Guesthouse and Worship Services in Rochester, MN
Accommodations for Mayo Clinic outpatients and families:
Three bedrooms with private baths, laundry, kitchen and family room area.
54
Sunday Service:
Mid-week Service:
(by request only)
10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
For information and reservations, contact caretakers:
Bro. Mark and Sis. Sandy Stork
4733 Birdie Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-0072
(held on 3rd Wednesday in Rochester area)
For information, contact:
Bro. Jim and Sis. Deb Tilbury
(507) 281-2875
For church services schedule please visit
www.acmission.org/minister-rotation
Skilled Volunteers Needed
In April
Bastrop County Rebuilding Ministry
There is an urgent need for skilled volunteers to complete the rebuilding work currently underway.
Five new houses and numerous repair projects need to be completed before the end of April. There are
many openings for skilled volunteers in April. Please visit the website - www.harvestcall.org - for more
information.
Skills Needed
• Drywall Finishers
• Finish Carpenters
• Painters – Interior and Exterior
• General Cleaning
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Colossians 3:17
God’s Timing Is Perfect
Gen. 18:14 - Is anything too hard for the LORD?
Ex. 9:5 - And the LORD appointed a set time...
Ps. 119:126 - It is time for thee, LORD, to work...
Is. 60:22 - I the LORD will hasten it in his time...
Hos. 10:12 - for it is time to seek the LORD...
Hab. 2:3 - For the vision is yet for an appointed time...
Zech. 14:7 - But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD … but it shall come to pass
March 2016
SILVER LINING
55
[email protected]
Work Team Schedules
Apostolic Christian work teams are a coordinated
response to provide aid, volunteer labor, and gospel
witness to alleviate human misery and suffering
throughout the world.
Work teams have opened the door for
participation by many brothers, sisters, and friends
of our church and involve helping those in the
USA, as well as in foreign lands.
Things to consider
A work team opportunity is not a vacation and will
require hard work. When volunteers go to help
others they are ambassadors for Jesus Christ and are
also representing the Apostolic Christian Church. It
is important that our work team volunteers reflect
their love for God and the church by their actions
and appearance. In this way we will communicate
the gospel message, our faith, doctrine and
customs, which have great value.
Feb 6 - 13
Magdalena
Construction
Feb 13 - 20
Location
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Year 2015
Nov 21 - 28
Mar 5 - 12
Location
Location
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Year 2015
Nov 21Year
- 28 2016
Jan 9 - 16
Mar 19 - 26
Location
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Reynosa
Construction
Year 2016
Jan 9 - Feb
16 6 - 13
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Feb 6 -Feb
13 13 - 20
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
INFORMATION
We encourage anyone considering participating
on a work team project to visit the HarvestCall
website. Here you can review much content
concerning upcoming projects, schedules,
guidelines, waiver forms, travel and insurance
information. For more information visit www.
harvestcall.org/work-teams
Mar 19 - 26
Mar 26 - Apr 2
Feb 13Mar
- 20 5 - 12
Magdalena
Reynosa
Construction
Construction
Reynosa
Construction
Mar 19June
- 26 4 - 11
Reynosa
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 19Jun
- 2611 - 18
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 26 - Apr 2
Jul 2 - 9
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Reynosa
Apr 2 - 9
Jul 9 - 16
Construction
Mar 19 - 26
Mar 19 - 26
Mar 26 - Apr 2
Apr 2 - 9
June 4 - 11
Reynosa
June 4 - 11
Scheduling Questions?
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Jun 11 - 18
Jun 11 - 18
Jul 2 - 9
Jul 2 - 9
Jul 9 - 16
Jul 9 - 16
Helping Victims of Flood and Fire
Rebuilding Project in Bastrop County, TX.
Skilled Volunteer Opportunities Still Available for
April! For more information visit www.harvestcall.
org/bastrop-work-team-schedules
Bastrop Team Photos Stay connected and up to date on the progress at Bastrop, TX.
Visit www.harvestcall.org/bastrop-team-photos
56
[email protected]
Coordinator
Rod Schmidt
Gabe
Meiss
303-718-1432
ISU
[email protected]
309-222-7819
Coordinator
[email protected]
Coordinator
Rod Schmidt
Bruce Frank
303-718-1432
Dean Sinn
217-375-4346
[email protected]
Silverton
Bible Class
[email protected]
503-873-4622
Coordinator
[email protected]
Troy Lanz
Bruce Frank
217-202-5959
217-375-4346
Linc
Rinkenberger
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bluffton/BN Senior Class
[email protected]
Troy Lanz
Jon
Baner
260-273-3566
217-202-5959
309-532-9435
Mexico Work Teams
Mar 5 -Apr
12 2 - 9
Construction
Updated 10/07/15
Jon Baner
309-532-9435
Mexico Work Teams
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
Construction
Magdalena
Magdalena
Construction
HarvestCall Work Team
Updated 10/07/15
Troy Lanz
217-202-5959
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
[email protected]
[email protected]
Greg Moser
Roanoke
Jr/Sr Sunday School
Jon Baner
Gabe
Meiss
309-923-5791
309-532-9435
ISU
[email protected]
[email protected]
309-222-7819
[email protected]
Joe Beer
Gabe Meiss
ISU
Leo Bible
Dean
SinnClass
309-222-7819
[email protected]
Silverton
Bible Class
[email protected]
260-466-5461
503-873-4622
[email protected]
Dean Sinn
Chad Massner
SilvertonTaylor
Bible Class
Bible Class
Linc Rinkenberger
503-873-4622
[email protected]
Bluffton/BN
Senior Class
[email protected]
217-440-9427
[email protected]
260-273-3566
Linc Rinkenberger
Jeff Stoller
Bluffton/BN
Senior
Class
Morton
Bible
Class
Greg
Moser
[email protected]
309-202-6468
Roanoke
Jr/Sr Sunday School
260-273-3566
[email protected]
309-923-5791
[email protected]
Greg Moser
Jim Rieker
Roanoke Jr/Sr Sunday School
Peoria
Bible Class
Joe
Beer
309-923-5791
309-231-7400
Leo
Bible Class
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Joe Beer260-466-5461
Knapp
Leo BibleBenj
Class
Washington
Bible Class
[email protected]
Chad
Massner
[email protected]
260-466-5461
Taylor Bible Class
309-208-7450
[email protected]
Chad Massner
217-440-9427
Contact
Taylor Bible
ClassMike Fiechter
[email protected]
[email protected]
Jeff
Stoller
260-597-7330
217-440-9427
Morton Bible Class
309-202-6468
Jeff Stoller
[email protected]
Morton Bible Class
309-202-6468
Jim Rieker
[email protected]
Peoria Bible Class
309-231-7400
Jim Rieker
[email protected]
Peoria Bible Class
309-231-7400
Benj Knapp
[email protected]
Washington Bible Class
[email protected]
Benj Knapp
309-208-7450
Washington
Bible Class
[email protected]
Contact Mike Fiechter
309-208-7450
[email protected]
260-597-7330
Contact Mike
Fiechter
[email protected]
260-597-7330
MEBSH/Roanoke
309‐467‐2351
Construction
[email protected]
Les Cayes
Nov 18 ‐ 23
Jon Zeller
MEBSH
309‐266‐9009
Les Cayes
March 4 ‐ 11 [email protected]
Andy Getz
Haiti Support
Haiti Trade Schools
574-870-5046
Vocational School Dec 4 ‐ 11
[email protected]
Les Cayes
Lane Gerber
MEBSH/Bluffton
260‐241‐4099
Les Cayes
Maurice Schaefer
Construction
AWA
309‐253‐9003
Water Aid
[email protected]
Project
Year 2016 Coordinator
Coordinator
Project
Year 2015
Haiti Work Teams ‐ Les Cayes
Les Cayes
Les Cayes
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Peoria
MEBSH/Ohio
AWA
Construction
Construction
Water Aid
April 1 ‐ 8
Jan 2‐9
Nov 13 ‐ 20
Steve Leuthold
Ron Palitto
Maurice Schaefer
309‐645‐2208
330‐336‐5373
309‐253‐9003
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Haiti Medical Work Teams
Jon Zeller
Maurice Schaefer
Andy
Getz
Les Cayes
Apr 13 ‐ 18
Les Cayes
Jan 8 ‐ 15
Les Cayes
Nov 13 ‐ 20
MEBSH
Project
Year
2016
AWA
Haiti Trade Schools
Haiti Support
Water Aid
Bonne
Finn, Haiti
Jan 9 - 16
Vocational School
Coordinator
309‐253‐9003
574-870-5046
[email protected]
[email protected]
Lydia
Bertschi
[email protected]
Hospital Lumiere
309-253-0402
309‐266‐9009
Les Cayes
Les Cayes
Inventory
Team
Les Cayes
April 19 ‐ 26
Jan 29‐Feb 5
Nov 13 ‐ 21
MEBSH
MEBSH/Silverton
SEED
Maintenance
Construction
Agricultural
Bonne
Finn, Haiti
Feb 13 - 20
Jon Zeller
Richard Kraft
Art Mueller
[email protected]
309‐266‐9009
503‐364‐3103
608‐676‐4365
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-253-0402
Les Cayes
Les Cayes
SEED
MEBSH
Project
Agricultural
Haiti Support
General Medical
Feb 12‐19
Larry Kaufmann
Nov 18 ‐ 23
Jon Zeller
Haiti Medical Work Teams
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Year 2016
Jan
Mar 912- 16
- 19
815‐716‐6018
309‐266‐9009
Coordinator
[email protected]
[email protected]
309-253-0402
Feb 26 ‐ Mar 4Lane Gerber
Rich Bertschi
Les Cayes
Dec 4 ‐ 11
Inventory
Team
Eye Specialty
[email protected]
MEBSH/Roanoke
309‐467‐2351
MEBSH/Bluffton
260‐241‐4099
Construction
[email protected]
Construction
[email protected]
Feb
13- -16
20
Apr 9
March 4 ‐ 11 Coordinator
Andy Getz
309-253-0402
Year 2016
Haiti Trade Schools
574-870-5046
General
Medical
Dental
Team
[email protected]
Vocational School Jan 2‐9
Les Cayes
Les Cayes
AWA
Eye
Specialty
Cancer
Screening
Water Aid
Les Cayes
Construction
Hospital
Lumiere
AWA
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Les Cayes
Water Aid
Hospital Lumiere
MEBSH/Peoria
Dental
Team
Inventory
Team
Construction
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Silverton
Bonne
Finn, Haiti
Les Cayes
Construction
Hospital
Lumiere
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Cancer
Screening
General
Medical
Les Cayes
SEED
Les Cayes
Bonne
Finn, Haiti
Agricultural
MEBSH
Hospital
Lumiere
Maintenance
Les Cayes
Inventory
Well
Child Team
Visits
MEBSH/Roanoke
Construction
Bonne
Finn, Haiti
[email protected]
Ron Palitto
330‐336‐5373
Lydia Bertschi
Maurice Schaefer
309-253-0402
309‐253‐9003
[email protected]
[email protected]
Jan 8 ‐ 15
Maurice Schaefer
309‐253‐9003
Apr
9 - -16
Lydia Bertschi
Jun 11
18
April 1 ‐ 8
Steve Leuthold
[email protected]
309-253-0402
309‐645‐2208
[email protected]
[email protected]
Jan 29‐Feb 5 Richard Kraft
May
14
Jul
97- -16
Apr 13 ‐ 18
Feb 12‐19
503‐364‐3103
Lydia
Bertschi
Jon Zeller
[email protected]
309-253-0402
309‐266‐9009
[email protected]
[email protected]
Larry Kaufmann
815‐716‐6018
April 19 ‐ 26
Jon Zeller
Jun
11
Lydia
Bertschi
Aug
13 -- 18
20
[email protected]
309‐266‐9009
309-253-0402
[email protected]
Feb 26 ‐ Mar 4 Rich Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐467‐2351
[email protected]
Jul
- 16
Lydia Bertschi
Sep910
- 17
Les Cayes
March 4 ‐ 11
Haiti Trade Schools
Vocational School
General
Medical
Cancer Screening
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Aug
- 20
Oct 813
- 15
Hospital Lumiere
Les Cayes
Well
Child
Visits
Dental
Team
AWA
Water Aid
March 4 ‐ 11
Hospital
Lumiere
Les Cayes
April 1 ‐ 8
Sep
Nov 10
12 - 17
19
MEBSH/Peoria
Cancer
Screening
Nursing
Proficiencies
Construction
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Oct
Dec 810- 15
- 17
309-253-0402
Andy Getz
[email protected]
574-870-5046
Capacity
8
12
8 12
8
12
ACWR‐CC
Capacity
8
1212
8
4
Capacity
12
Nov 12 - 19
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Dec 10 - 17
Hospital
Lumiere
Kingston
Jun 18-25
8
4
12
8
12
8
ACWR‐CC
12
12 8
4
309-253-0402
Steve Leuthold
309‐645‐2208
[email protected]
[email protected]
12
Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
Jon Zeller
309-253-0402
309‐266‐9009
[email protected]
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
ACWR‐CC
12
Capacity
40
815-641-9065
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
309-253-0402
Rick Plummer
419-399-4226
[email protected]
[email protected]
pharmacists, laboratory techs, radiology techs, ultrasound
techs, occupational and physical therapists, nurses and other
specialists who are willing to assist with general medical and
surgical care are invited to participate on weeklong medical
teams. See the current schedule (including dates for 2016).
Construction Teams: Electricians, cabinet
makers, plumbers and carpenters are needed to
continue the renovations. The work is great. This
is an excellent opportunity to help in the work and
become more familiar with the culture and Hospital
Lumiere campus. See the current schedule.
Church Ministers: The work at Hospital Lumiere is
more than material and the needs are more than physical. The Hospital staff and the team workers understand the
true objective is that all may come to know and glorify
God through a born again life, a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ and living in obedience to the Bible.
Apostolic Christian Church ministers are needed to assist
in this role as they accompany medical and construction
teams to Hospital Lumiere. Team ministers coordinate
daily devotions and provide spiritual support for the team
members, hospital staff, patients and their families.
For more information contact Rich Bertschi at
309-467-2351 or [email protected]
12
4
April 19 ‐ 26
Jon Zeller
Jamaica
Work Teams
309-253-0402
Year 2016
Coordinator
309‐266‐9009
[email protected]
Jun 10-18
Mark Lindberg
[email protected]
CCCD Team
Inventory
ACWR‐CC
44
4
Haiti Volunteers Are Needed
Medical Teams: Physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists,
Lydia Bertschi
Bonne Finn, Haiti
MEBSH
Dental
Team
Inventory
Team
Haiti Support
CCCD
12
4 12
309-253-0402
Maurice Schaefer
[email protected]
309‐253‐9003
[email protected]
Apr 13 ‐ 18
Les Cayes
Project
MEBSH
Nursing
JDV Proficiencies
Maintenance
Capacity
Capacity
[email protected]
Les Cayes
Hospital
Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere
4
Mar
19
May 12
7 --14
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
12
Lydia Bertschi
Les Cayes
Hospital
Lumiere
Project
MEBSH/Ohio
Bonne
Finn, Haiti
4
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital
Lumiere
Les Cayes
Bonne Finn, Haiti
ACWR‐CC
Latty
Mansfield
SS
Haiti Awareness Tours
If you’d like to see the ministry of Hospital Lumiere and
other Haiti projects in person, but do not have the time
or desire to participate in a week-long work team, please
consider our new Awareness Tours. These are quick trips
that give interested parties the opportunity to meet our
missionary families, learn more about the hospital, see
the completed renovations and work in process, and
visit some of the other HarvestCall projects in southern
Haiti. These trips are scheduled, as needed, based upon
demand, currently the next two are scheduled for
September 24-28, 2016.
To learn more, contact:
Rich Bertschi at 309.467.2351 or [email protected]
or Rick Wuethrich at 219.863.4163 or [email protected]
If you are interested in sponsoring a work team to Jamaica
contact Loren Dettwyler at [email protected]
March 2016
SILVER LINING
57
Administrative Assistant Needed –
The New Beginnings of Southwest Florida
Do you feel like God is calling you into the mission field? Do you have a heart for helping others
and a desire to spread the Gospel to those who need it? The New Beginnings is looking for a detailoriented, self-motivated single sister to serve as our Administrative Assistant. This position would be
expected to cover office duties, manage intake applications and meet with single mothers to discuss
their progress. Competitive wages and benefits are being offered for this position.
Please prayerfully consider this mission and helping single mothers. Contact us for more information
concerning this opportunity: Bro. Bill Masters at 309-824-3981.
Mature Mentors Needed – The New Beginnings of Southwest Florida
Mentoring at The New Beginnings is a way for those who feel called to share God’s unconditional love
with hurting single mothers and their children. The New Beginnings is looking for mentor couples who
are outreach-minded and called by God to come join us in building relationships with these mothers.
We currently are looking for a couple who are in their 50’s or 60’s to serve with us in Florida. We see a
massive benefit to having mentors of all ages support the moms in our program, especially those who can
fill a “Grandma and Grandpa” roll to these women who’ve never had grandparents.
Please prayerfully consider this mission and helping single mothers.
Contact us for more information concerning this opportunity.
The New Beginnings
4810 Marine Dr., Cape Coral FL, 33904
Phone: 239.541.4312 | Email: [email protected]
Interested in receiving a printed sermon?
To order, contact: Printed Sermons
P.O. Box 154, Forrest, IL 61741
(815) 848-5113 • [email protected]
58
Bible Studies offered by the Apostolic Christian Church
Jesus the True Vine
[1501] This Bible Study
focuses on John 15:1-8
and is intended for a
general audience.
Price: $4.50
Communication in
Marriage [1502]
This is a Bible Study that
is designed specifically for
use by engaged or married
couples. Price: $4.50
Who Is Jesus [1503]
This Bible Study is for
general use and is designed
to encourage self-study by
each participant as well as
discussion within a group.
Price: $4.50
The Second Greatest
Commandment [1504]
This Bible study seeks to
illuminate our understanding
of Bible teachings about
interpersonal relationships.
Price: $4.50
The Hand of God in
the Life of Joseph [1505]
We see the hand of God in the life
of Joseph, which demonstrates
how God’s goodness is active in
the lives of his people.
Price: $4.50
Salvation Bible Study
[1510] This Bible study on
Salvation is interactive with
the Word of God. You will
be looking up the answers in
His Word to see what He says.
Price: $4.50
NEW
BIBLE STUDY
AVAILABLE
Church Establishment
[1507] This Bible study explores the
purpose and mission of establishing churches
within the biblical mandates of the Great
Commission as given by Christ. Price: $4.50
For additional information and ordering visit www.acpublications.org
Apostolic Christian Publications - 651 East Peoria St., Goodﬁeld, IL 61742
Patient Care Manager Needed at Hospital Lumiere
ospital Lumiere is seeking
a qualified person to be
assigned as Patient Care Manager
of the hospital in Bonne Fin, Haiti.
This is full-time position.
H
management capability, be able
to learn the Creole language, be a
member of the Apostolic Christian
Church and be willing to relocate
to Haiti for a term of up to 5 years.
Description
The duties of Patient Care Manager
include planning, supervising
& training employees and
coordinating & implementing
programs of nursing care for all
hospital patients.
For more information contact:
Robert Beebe
Executive Director
[email protected]
574-276-6748
Requirements
Applicants should hold an RN
degree and have at least 3 years
of nursing experience, some
www.harvestcall.org
March 2016
SILVER LINING
59
Medical Director Needed at Hospital Lumiere
If you are a licensed physician
with a God-inspired desire
to provide medical care and
leadership in an under-served
part of Haiti, this may be the
opportunity of a lifetime.
The Need
A licensed physician is needed to
replace our Medical Director, Dr.
Lee Klopfenstein, when his term is
completed in 2016.
To fill this full-time position, one
must have a U.S. medical license,
be Board-Certified in some aspect
of medicine or surgery, be a Believer
in Jesus Christ, have experience
a team of excellent Haitian physicians and surgeons, and oversight of
the nursing, laboratory, radiology
and pharmacy departments of this
120-bed full-service hospital and
out-patient facility.
Robert Beebe
Executive Director
[email protected]
574-276-6748
in leadership and management,
be capable of learning the Creole
language, and be willing to reside
with your family on the Hospital
Lumiere campus for up to five
years. The position involves leading
www.harvestcall.org
Surgeon and Medical Physician Needed at Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere in Bonne
Fin, Haiti, a medical ministry
operated by HarvestCall, is
seeking the following:
Surgeon
A surgeon is needed immediately to
provide professional and Christian
oversight and management of the
Surgery Department of Hospital
Lumiere, and actively be involved
in surgical cases in their specialty.
The surgeon can be boarded in
general, urologic, orthopedic or
other surgical field.
Medical Physician
A medical physician with family
practice, pediatrics, emergency,
or other medical subspecialty
experience is needed immediately
60
Both of these positions are fulltime, but can be adapted to
accommodate a physician who is
willing to reside on the campus
part-time or for several weeks at
a time.
Please prayerfully consider whether
God is calling you to serve in Haiti.
to enhance the diagnostic and
treatment capability of our Medical
Department, provide education
and mentoring of our Haitian
medical providers, encourage
patient-focused care and maintain
our mission of quality care with
Christian love.
Robert Beebe
Executive Director
[email protected]
574-276-6748
www.harvestcall.org
Openings at Cite Lumiere, Les Cayes, Haiti
Mechanic, Construction Department Assistant
The HarvestCall Caribbean Committee is seeking to fill several missionary positions based at the Cite Lumiere
compound in Les Cayes, Haiti. The specific job description may vary depending on the applicant’s interests and
skills. Help is specifically needed in the following areas:
Equipment mechanic
An equipment mechanic is needed
in the Construction Department
in Haiti to maintain the vehicles,
generators, and construction equipment at Cite Lumiere and Bonne
Finn, Haiti and order, purchase,
and maintain inventory of parts to
support the HarvestCall programs in
southern Haiti. This position would also involve training and mentoring
a Haitian assistant to provide future mechanical maintenance. The equipment mechanic would reside in the Cite Lumiere compound in Les Cayes
and report to the Construction Operations Facilitator. The applicant
should be experienced in mechanical maintenance.
Construction Dept. Assistant
An assistant is needed in the Construction Department at Cite Lumiere as the work has expanded for the
program and related ministries. This
applicant could be a single brother
or couple. Skills that would be valuable in the ministry include:
• Carpentry
• Mechanical experience
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to work with all types of people and personalities
All applicants must be a member
in good standing of the Apostolic
Christian Church, willing to learn
Creole and relocate to Haiti for a
minimum of 3 years, and have a
heart to serve the Haitian people.
If you feel led to serve or
have questions, contact:
Bro. Jon Zeller
309-208-0639
[email protected]
www.harvestcall.org
Used Bible, Bible Story Book, and Song Book Distribution
Used Bibles, Bible Story Books, Hymns of Zion, Zion’s Harp, Gospel Hymns, and Tabernacle
Hymns are needed. AC Publications is now the collection center for your donated books.
651 E. Peoria St, Goodfield, IL 61742
March 2016
SILVER LINING
61
SPONSORSHIP: Giving Children Hope for the Future
Those in the child sponsorship program have several things in common.
They are very poor, they desire to learn, and they have an undying soul.
The goal of this program is to provide an education so these children can
learn life skills to enable them to become more productive adults. In addition,
its purpose is to present a spiritual opportunity to be exposed to the gospel
message and eventually be called to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of
thy children.
Isaiah 54:13
To Sponsor a Child or School
Fill out this form and send to the office. You'll be assigned a student or school and sent further information.
Learn more about child sponsorship, including costs, at: harvestcall.org/child-sponsorship
Name _________________________
q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss
Spouse ________________________
Address _______________________
City ____________St ___ Zip _____
Home Ph ______________________
Cell Ph ________________________
Email _________________________
62
Please check preference:
q Haiti Student q Jamaica
q Haiti School q Guatemala
q Mexico
q Zambia
q Wherever needed
If possible, I prefer:
q Boy – Age
q Girl – Age
q No Preference
Send to:
HarvestCall Child Sponsorship
PO Box 36
Morton, IL 61550
Phone: 309-266-6080
Fax: 309-266-5281
Email: [email protected]
www.harvestcall.org
Continued Articles
Walking in Peace
— Continued from pg. 3
is what was missing from the man
whose house was reinhabited by
seven evil spirits worse than he
had been before?
“Depart from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it.”4
Walking in peace
may not always be a
peaceful feeling
As we walk in peace with God
and actively pursue righteousness,
we can expect Satan to include
us in his attacks. Walking in
peace does not mean that life
will be without temptation,
trials, or attacks. Indeed, it
may mean that such difficulties
increase. Peace with God is not
the absence of inner turmoil and
conflict. It is not an emotional
feeling of peace—although we
may occasionally experience such
feelings as a result of peace. It is
the calm assurance that in spite of
the spiritual attacks of the devil
that the Lord is near us and hears
us when we cry for help.
Jesus confirms this by His
last words to His disciples before
His trial, calling us to keep His
commandments, and promising
that the Holy Ghost will bring His
words to our memory. He reminds
us that in this world we will have
tribulation, but to be of good
cheer because HE has overcome
the world.5
Walking in peace
with others
In a similar fashion, although
we cannot control how others
respond to our actions, whenever
possible, we are called to walk in
peace with all men.6 Loving those
who wish our harm is a challenge
for the human spirit. By following
Christ’s example, we can pray for
our enemies, forgive those who
mistreat us, and offer peace to a
troubled and broken world. This
pursuit of peace is worthy of our
time and effort and perhaps more
than anything else testifies of the
peace of Christ in us.
The Good News that Jesus
brought to the world is that God
has made peace with man by
offering the blood of His only
begotten Son in sacrifice and
payment for sin. The invitation is
given to believe and embrace that
peace. Walking in peace with
God will motivate us to pursue
peace with all men—which
provides evidence to others of the
reality of the Lord’s offer of peace
and bears fruit by propagating
righteousness and peace in others
… and so it continues.
Walking in peace is sowing
the seeds of righteousness to the
salvation of souls.
“But the wisdom that is from
above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated, full
of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown
in peace of them that make peace.” 7
(Footnotes)
1
Phil. 4:7
2
Romans 5:1
3
1 Peter 3:10-11
4
Psalm 34:14
5
John 14 - 17
6
Romans 12:18-21
7
James 3:17-18
“And the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
63
Monthly Sermon, continued
understand why this is happening.
Then to emphasize that, this host
which I can’t begin to tell you how
many that was but quite a lot I
think, maybe a hundred angels that pretty much sealed it. They
had the news broke.
Recently my wife and I read
at home about the wise men;
there were three of them. It says
they were from the east. I’m not
up on geography, but they were
informed again by God somehow
that this King was to be born.
They set out on a journey to find
Him. So we ask the question,
why them? Why the three wise
men? We don’t know, of course,
all the answers, but it says they
brought gold, frankincense and
myrrh as gifts. (St. Matthew 2:11)
They brought gifts to Jesus. Then
we can read where soon after they
had to flee to Egypt because His
life was in danger. So it was that
they were perhaps well equipped
with money and things that they
needed to be away in Egypt for
some time. The appearance of
the wise men also marked this
birth with sort of an official, even
though it was a worldly, mark.
The wise men came to Herod, it’s
recorded. Herod called the scribes
and Pharisees, I believe it was,
those who knew the scriptures at
the time. All this is recorded that
Jesus was born.
64
So I guess as we read these
words we see that God’s plan was
being followed day by day, minute
by minute. People were involved
that we wouldn’t expect to be
involved. Some were involved
willingly; some were involved
obediently. Some were involved,
perhaps as the wise men were, out
of curiosity. Whatever the motive,
each one had a part and each of us
has a part. We’re involved because
we’re here. We could ask ourselves
why we are here? Each one of us
has a little bit different answer,
but every one of us would have to
agree we’re drawn here because
of God’s love. Since He has loved
us so great to include us in His
plan, it certainly seems appropriate
and the least we can do to inquire
what His will is for us, that we
could examine our hearts to find
out if we are convicted or whether
we have peace or whether we have
yet answered the call to repent and
be converted.
If we are at that point, which
there may be some here that may
be at that point, what is the right
choice for me. What is the right
choice for me that I can get on
track and find my position in this
timeline that God has us on here?
We’ve all been born at some point
in time just like Jesus was born.
The sooner we understand God’s
will for us and understand that He
wants us to get on this track, the
more pleased He will be with us.
I want to share again that
God is very patient, in my
experience, in that He had called
me for quite a while before that
day the Bluffton brother came
to Sardis. I don’t want to give
praise to man, but the Word tells
us we learn by hearing the Word
(Romans 10:17). So it was that
I had that opportunity. So it’s
time to get on track if we aren’t
already. From time to time we
need to adjust course or take a
bearing at least and see where we
are and see if we’re fulfilling our
responsibility and our role as God
has created us to do.
We can’t escape the purpose
we are here, the purpose we were
created. Solomon said, “Let us
hear the conclusion of the whole
matter: Fear God, and keep his
commandments: for this is the whole
duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
That supersedes and overshadows
everything else in life and if we do
that we don’t have to worry about
the rest of our life. It will fit in just
exactly wherever He puts us in.
Understanding...
handle hurts in relationships
with forgiveness. Remember,
the Bible teaches us to forgive
as Christ forgave, not based
on whether other people
deserve it. Ephesians 4:32,
“And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God for Christ’s
sake hath forgiven you.”
Final Thought
It is important to note all of the
areas are interconnected. Strengths
in an area can serve to bolster
other areas, while problems in
an area can impact and cause
issues in other areas. For example,
let’s say a man was hurt deeply
by someone who betrayed him
(a relational wound). He then
experienced strong emotions
of sadness, anger, frustration,
and loss (emotional effects). He
often had difficulty sleeping as
he replayed the situation in his
mind and then was less focused
at work due to lack of sleep
(physical effects). Unfortunately,
he didn’t work through those
emotions and the hurt moved into
deep bitterness and a hard heart
(spiritual effects).
The bio-psycho-social-spiritual
model helps us be aware of four
primary aspects of human life.
Through greater understanding,
we become better stewards of our
lives in a God-honoring manner.
Hopefully this article has been an
encouragement and example of
how we can continue to improve
this stewardship.
Remembering
Church Cemetery
Today, the only link to the former
days is a cemetery located three and
one-half miles west and one mile
south of Tremonton. The Apostolic
Christian Church and the Apostolic
Christian Church (Nazarean)
provide funds for its upkeep. A
variety of family names appear
on the tombstones: Funk, Gasser,
Eggli, Schrenk, Feucht, Weiser,
Kupfer, Vierling, Meister, Imthurn,
Boering, Brenkmann, Sommer,
Wagenbach, Schmutz, Daininger,
Storrer, Getz, Cartner, Kauber,
Sorg, Kleinknecht, Trukenbrod,
Woerner, Baer, and Sinn.
-By Perry Klopfenstein
Source: Marching To Zion and
related research files.
515 E. Highland Street, Morton, IL 61550 Tel: (309) 263-5536 Fax: (309) 263-6841 www.accounseling.org
ACCFS has numerous resources to assist someone who is going through a wide range of hurts and
emotions, from the pain of loss to worry, loneliness, anger, stress, and others. Each resource, either created
by or reviewed by ACCFS staff, is meant to assist in identifying the challenges of these powerful emotions
and in bringing our actions into obedience to God’s Word. For these resources, please visit our website at
www.accounseling.org/hurtsandemotions.
65
Learning from our history
Remembering Our Spiritual Heritage
From approximately 1901 to 1910 an Apostolic Christian
Church existed at Tremonton, Utah, a town about 20
miles south of the Idaho border. The schism that took
place in the first decade of the 1900s was a factor in the
demise of the congregation. This article, however, does not
focus on those forces. Rather a summary of the activities in
the church’s development follow.
of brotherhood and well being occurred and the
members used to gather often for Sunday afternoon
meals. In a 1980 interview in Peoria, Anna Hoerr,
80, made reference to the brethren gathering at her
parent’s home for supper. She indicated the women
worked very hard to host the brothers and sisters in
these get-togethers.
The Early Days at Tremonton
Baptisms
Five years after Utah was admitted to the Union,
persons of Apostolic Christian background came to
the area of Tremonton. Brethren were lured to the
area by land agents who promised cheaper land with
adequate potential. One of the land agents was Alvin
West of Tremont, Illinois. Many of the early families
of the church who settled here were from Tremont.
Most of the families arrived in Tremonton
between 1901 and 1904. Among the first to make the
long trip from Tremont, Illinois, were the families of
Gideon Winzeler, Louis Getz, and Henry Baer. The
Samuel Imthurn and Matthew Baer families were
also early arrivals. In 1904, Jacob B. Meister came
from Archbold, Ohio, with his family. Largely, the
first families came from Ohio, Illinois, and Kansas.
Coming with the hope to improve themselves
financially they met very primitive conditions when
they arrived in Utah. They lived in shacks and were
forced to drink canal water until springs were found.
Also, they were a distinct minority in a state heavily
dominated by the Mormon faith.
On one occasion, between 1906-1908, baptisms were
held in a ditch near the church. Anna Hoerr said an
Elder Gerber came to baptize them. Likely, he was
Christian Gerber, an elder at Fairbury, Illinois at that
time. Elder William Kaufman, Silverton, Oregon,
also came to Tremonton to conduct baptisms.
Ministers
The first ministers were Samuel Imthurn, Henry
Baer, and Gideon Winzeler. A small building was
constructed on a farm to hold worship services. Later,
a church was built in town. The little country church
was attached to the new one and used as a Sunday
School. The little congregation grew to a peak of
approximately fifteen to eighteen families. A sense
66
Living Conditions
Despite harsh and somewhat primitive living
conditions, the people were able to make a living.
Anna Hoerr said, the people were “workaholics.” She
added further, “All they did was work, work, work!”
Surely, their inner character and moral strengths
aided them in performing the chores and work
necessary to “make a go of it.”
Separation and Decline
Although these believers could manage spiritually
and maintain their cohesion, the national church
schism — which manifested itself back east in
1906-07 — reverberated all the way to remote
Utah. The brethren were drawn in to the dispute,
and a separate church was established. Several
families moved back to the Midwest, and over time,
the Apostolic Christian Church in Tremonton
was all but dissolved. In less than ten years, this
promising little church was ravaged irreparably by
the national schism.
The Light of Hope
Where is Satisfaction?
What does it take to satisfy? And how long does the
satisfaction last? These are questions that run through
my mind. There must be something about this
written in the Bible so let’s take a look.
Yesterday I was reading in Isaiah 55 and found
that this is mentioned in verse 2. It reads “Wherefore
do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your
labour for that which satisfieth not?” This indicates
that there is a danger that we spend time and money
and hard work on things that don’t really satisfy in
the long run.
In Psalm 90:14 we find these words, “O satisfy
us early with thy mercy.” This indicates that real
satisfaction comes from something non-material,
something intangible like mercy, love, forgiveness,
and salvation. I once read that someone asked John
D. Rockefeller how much money it takes to satisfy,
and he replied, “Just a little more.”
When we say, “I’m satisfied,” it sometimes means
we have enough to eat. However, we must be careful
not to make an idol out of eating. In the case of the
rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 from verse 19, the
rich man fared sumptuously every day, but it didn’t
bring him any satisfaction after he left this earth.
Real satisfaction must be eternal; it must meet our
needs after death.
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with
silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase:
this is also vanity.” Proverbs 5:10. Solomon, who
wrote Proverbs, had plenty of silver and he lived in
abundance, but was evidently surprised that it did
not bring him real satisfaction. If I understand it
right, he decided that all material things are vanity in
that they cannot satisfy the yearning of the human
heart and soul.
Jesus told the story of a certain rich man whose
ground brought forth plentifully. Luke 12:16.
This man built bigger barns to store all his goods
and thought that he would eat, drink, and be
merry. However, God said, “This night thy soul will
be required of thee.” What do you think Jesus is
teaching us here? It might be that He is indirectly
teaching us to forget self and set about trying to
help others and doing good. At least in Acts 10:38
it is written of Jesus, “Who went about doing good,”
and Christ is our example.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
1 Timothy 6:6. I believe that satisfaction and
contentment are closely related. Godliness must be a
part of true contentment or satisfaction. Now if we
take on things that are a poor example of what the
Bible teaches we should be, it interferes with having
the true satisfaction of being faithful to our Savior. It
may be that this is where true spiritual satisfaction is
found, by being, by God’s grace, the kind of person
that God wants us to be. To find out what kind of
a person that is, we need to look to the Bible and
follow its teachings on how to live.
When people compete with each other, in sports
or in the market place, there is satisfaction in being
on the winning team. However, in that situation
some team needs to lose in order for the other team
to win. On Christ’s team, we are all winners and the
devil is the loser, not other people. Also, on Christ’s
team, in the family of God, our satisfaction endures
into the next world and into eternity.
Real satisfaction is found only in Christ and
the more faithful we are to Him, the greater the
satisfaction. Can we think of anything we should do,
or not do, in order to be more faithful? If so, let’s do
it, or not do it, by God’s grace. Satisfaction is found
only in Christ. Christ is everything to us. “Christ is
all and in all.” Colossians 3:10.
-by Willis Ehnle
67
THE SILVER LINING

- Apostolic Christian Church of America

Transcription

Similar documents

June 12, 2016 - Huber Memorial Church

- Global Missions

Youth Ministry Outreach in Kalayaan

NCDSS Day Sheets - Worker Guide

The Church of Christ In Highland Heights 1005 West Little York

June 26, 2016 - Huber Memorial Church

The Huber Herald Resurrection Sunday

tower of power - 20th Street Church Of Christ

Sunday, November 10, 2013 - Temple Of Deliverance HCG

View Newsletter - Agape Storehouse Apostolic Church