Brethren Mission Fund Newsletter Volume 12, Fall 2010

Volume 12, Fall 2010

REQUEST FOR FUNDS
At the most recent BMF committee meeting in August, an unusually large amount of funds was disbursed. Of course that is why we have these funds in place – to support mission projects. Now we are sharing the need to replenish these funds. Perhaps you or your church could help? We would appreciate your consideration of this. Following are some examples of recent mission support.

Church Leadership Seminar in Haiti
A Church Leadership Seminar was held in Haiti for the seventeen Church of the Brethren congregations that have sprung up there over the past several years. Jim Myer was asked to teach at the seminar on Brethren beliefs and practices with an emphasis on the ordinances. The conference was held from August 9-13. Jim instructed the group on trine immersion baptism, Love Feast and Communion, and the Brethren understanding of nonresistance. Also during this time, Jim had opportunity to baptize seven believers and to participate in a Love Feast and Communion.

BMF Work Camp in Haiti
The Brethren Mission Fund is planning to sponsor a work camp to Haiti from February 27-March 5, 2011. The maximum number of people in the group will be limited to 12. The group will either be working on constructing a guesthouse in the Port-au-Prince area or building worship shelters. If you are interested in participating in this work camp please contact Earl Eby.

Taylor Spiess and Kathy Burnside
Taylor Spiess and Kathy Burnside, members of the Springfield Church of the Brethren (Atlantic Northeast District), went to Haiti from August 7-14 to help in the reconstruction of an orphanage. The work project was sponsored by Word FM, a non-profit organization and Christian radio station in Sellersville, PA. The BMF committee agreed to contribute $500 toward each of their expenses for the trip.

Kristalene (Bollinger) Bautista
Kristalene Bautista is from the Middle Creek congregation (Atlantic Northeast District). She, along with her husband Isai, are doing mission work in Oaxaca, Mexico through Commission to Every Nation (CTEN). The BMF has been supporting Kristalene for the past two years. The committee also learned of their desire to better secure their house because of the recent violence and unrest in Oaxaca. Therefore, the committee approved a one-time gift of $1,500 toward better securing their house while also continuing their support of $4,000 for the next year.

John and Shirley Kurtz
John and Shirley Kurtz, members of the Middle Creek congregation (Atlantic Northeast District), moved to Atmore, Alabama in September, 2007, where John became assistant chaplain in the St. Clair Correctional Facility through the We Care Program. The BMF committee approved another one-time gift of $1,000 and will welcome their request for further support in the years to come.

PRAYER REQUESTS
1. That the Church of the Brethren would seek to obey Christ and fulfill the Great Commission.
2. For the missionaries that the Brethren Mission Fund is supporting.
3. That new mission requests and financial resources would be generated.
4. That the BMF committee will have wisdom in responding to requests.

MISSIONARY NAMES AND ADDRESSES

Isai & Kristalene Bautista
Apdo Post 4-28/
Oaxaca, Oax. MEXICO 68051
e-mail: [email protected]

David & Veola Bucher
5704 Iceland Avenue
Birmingham, AL  35224
Phone:  205-786-6165
e-mail: [email protected]

Blaine & Sheila Copenhaver
821 Meadow Drive
Altmore, AL 36502
Phone:  251-259-6310
e-mail:  [email protected]

Irvin & Nancy Heishman
Agape Flights, Inc. DMG 14671
100 Airport Avenue
Venice, FL 34285
e-mail: heishfam(@yahoocom

John & Shirley Kurtz
We Care Program
3493 Highway 21
Atmore, AL 36502
e-mail: [email protected]

Linc & Kay Myers
2049 Diosd
Radnoti utca 1
HUNGARY
e-mail: [email protected]

Pat & Karen Myers
21 College Drive RD#1
Taupiri
NEW ZEALAND
e-mail: [email protected]

Bettina Weaver
12 White Birch Dr.
Littlestown, PA 17340
Phone: 717-338-3489
e-mail: [email protected]

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BMF’s MISSION STATEMENT
With the salvation of souls around the world as its chief aim, the Brethren Mission Fund provides a channel through the Brethren Revival Fellowship to help resource sound Brethren mission work or Brethren workers wherever the gospel of Jesus Christ is being presented.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS & ADDRESSES
Chairman        – C. Earl Eby, 1840 Falling Springs Road, Chambersburg, PA 17201
Director        – James F. Myer, 234 Keener Rd., Lititz, PA 17543
Vice Chairman   – J. Eric Brubaker, 859 Rettew Mill Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522
Secretary       – Paul W. Brubaker, 954 Lincoln Heights Ave., Ephrata, PA 17522
Treasurer       – Carl L. Brubaker, 1425 Furnace Hill Pike, Lititz, PA 17543
Other Members –
David R. Wenger, 390 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Lititz, PA 17432
Susan M. Wenger, 304 Chestnut Street, Richland, PA 17087

—————————————-
James F. Myer, Director
234 Keener Road
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 626-5555

Eric & Linda Brubaker, Editors

The Brethren Mission Fund is a ministry of the Brethren Revival Fellowship.

BMF Webpage

http://www.brfwitness.org/?page_id=9

BRF Website:

http://www.brfwitness.org/

(This newsletter may be copied and distributed freely within congregations and beyond.)

Contributions may be sent to:
Brethren Mission Fund
P.O. Box 543
Ephrata, PA 17522-0543

 

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THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This class will provide a broad overview of general church history. We will then focus on the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, especially as they relate to the formation and development of the Brethren groups. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

ONE FOUNDATION

This course is intended to lay down a measure in a world where truth is slippery and often subject to interpretation. Where “Christian Values” become a political slogan, and “good people” are our allies despite their faulty core beliefs. Where Facebook “friends” post memes about the power of God, despite a lifestyle that is anything but Godly. In the process we often fight among ourselves, doing Satan’s work for him. The purpose of this course is to lay the measure of Jesus Christ against the cults, religions, and worship in our contemporary world.

THE APOCRYPHA

While Protestant translations of the Bible contain 66 books, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize additional canonical books as well.  Where did these books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, come from and why aren’t they part of our Bible?  How reliable are they, and what value is there in studying them?

STUDIES IN 1 AND 2 PETER

The goal of this class is to acquire a firm grasp of the teachings and themes of these two general epistles. Peter covers topics from salvation and suffering to spiritual deception and the return of Christ. These letters are packed with warnings and encouragements for Christian living.

THE GREAT I AM’S OF CHRIST

A detailed study of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the “I Am” metaphors in John’s gospel. Why did Jesus describe himself in these terms? How do they relate to each other? We will look at spiritual and practical applications to further our Christian growth.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: AN AMERICAN CULT

Have you ever been visited by someone who said they wanted to study the Bible with you so that you might discover the truth together?  Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have much in common with evangelical Christians, and they seem to be well versed in the scriptures.  But what do they really believe and how can we effectively witness to those who have been ensnared by this false religion?

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

While we may consider Hosea as one of the minor prophets, his message vividly illustrates the major doctrine in all Scriptures.  The theme of God’s unconditional love is magnified and extended beyond those deserving it.  God expresses tender words towards His erring people inviting them to turn from sin to reconciliation with Him.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

This course will look at basic principles and polity of leading the local church. We will examine the balance between upholding a spiritually focused organism of ministry and cultivating proper order for effective organization. Practical applications will be emphasized. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.