In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange. The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.
The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:
When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)
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GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.
Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix.
We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more. Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.
One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear. In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.” Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.
Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.
Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.
Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.
We have been uniquely created by God in His image, which gives each of us incredible value, purpose, and dignity. Understanding this important concept helps us to know how to live out our identity in Christ, and how to honor God through our actions, relationships, and choices.
This course will look at the birth of the Church, and its growth, and expansion from a small group in Jerusalem to a world changing faith. The major themes and personalities of the early church will be noted, and practical applications will be made.
This course will be a general introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures). Attention will be given to the content, outline, and general theme of each Old Testament book. Theological implications of each book will also be considered. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.
In a culture where they were often treated as second class citizens, Jesus welcomed women into his kingdom. We will study Mary and Martha, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery and more as we look both at the role of women in the ministry of Jesus and in the church today.
It should be the goal of every believer to grow more like Jesus Christ and develop and mature in our faith. This class will focus on several spiritual disciplines or habits every Christian needs to develop in this process of spiritual maturity.
From obscurity to kingship, David exhibits a heart devoted to God. This study will help develop and apply life principles, observe types of Christ, and explore key themes in the life of this exciting Bible character.
Systematic theology cannot be complete without including the Book of Romans. Within its depths, we mine the reality of universal sinfulness; justification made available to all mankind; sanctification as evidence of the new life in Christ; and the future glorification of saints. The practical applications written at the conclusion of this letter are useful to mature believers and those starting the Christian life.
This course will acquaint the students with the history and teaching of the Brethren from the early 1700’s down to the present day. Essential themes of Brethren belief and practice will be highlighted. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.