Brethren Mission Fund Newsletter Volume 13, Summer 2011

BRF’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.

Pat and Karen Myers

Pat and Karen Myers from the Pleasant View Congregation (Southern PA District), have been serving for a number of years at the Missionary Training College in New Zealand. They are serving through World Evangelization for Christ (WEC). The mission organization asks their missionaries not to solicit financial support, believing that God’s people will provide. The BMF committee has again agreed to contribute $6,000 toward their support for the coming year.

Jeff and Jean Graham

Jeff and Jean Graham returned home in June of 2009 after serving as missionaries in Haiti through Christian Service International. Jeff began pastoring the Pleasant View Church of the Brethren (South/ Central Indiana District). However, since the major earthquake in Haiti in January of 2010, Jeff and Jean have returned to Haiti in August of 2010. They are again serving through Christian Service International. The BMF committee has decided to continue support of $6,000 for the Graham’s in the coming year.

Ken and Janet Winebark

Ken and Janet Winebark are members of the Richland Church of the Brethren (Atlantic Northeast District) and have been serving with Mercy Ships for a number of years. Ken is the Director of Agricultural Programs in the countries where Mercy Ships serves, and Janet also works for Mercy Ships in Donor Services. The BMF committee has agreed to contribute $1,000 toward the Winebark’s support in the coming year and will further review their support in May of 2012.

Alpha and Omega

The Alpha and Omega Fellowship (ANE District) and the Laurel Street Mennonite Church serve the Latino community in the city of Lancaster, PA. Together they are sponsoring their Sixth Annual Vacation Bible School and Day Camp this summer. The BMF committee has again agreed to support this work and is contributing $1,500 toward this outreach effort, being sent directly to Alpha and Omega.

Thomas Martson

Tom Marston, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Marston and a member of the Lewiston, Maine Congregation (Atlantic Northeast District), will again be working at Camp Good News this summer under the auspices of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Tom needs to raise $2,200 for the six-week program. The BMF committee has again agreed to contribute a one-time gift of $500 toward this work, with the funds being sent directly to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Maine.

Becky Bollinger

Becky Bollinger, daughter of Bruce and Bev Bollinger and a member of the Heidelberg Church of the Brethren (Atlantic Northeast District), is planning to leave this August for a two-year term of service. She will be serving among Native Americans in Cherry Creek, South Dakota, through the Olive Branch Mission. Becky will be teaching kindergarten, first grade and also Sunday School while there. The BMF committee has decided to contribute $2,000 toward her support for the first year, and will review continued support in May of 2012.

Brethren Theological Training Academy in Spain

The Church of the Brethren has had a presence in the country of Spain for at least ten years. Last year several delegations of U.S. Brethren visited Spain to meet with the Brethren there. The church leaders in Spain have formally requested to be recognized by the Church of the Brethren in the United States. Earlier this spring, pastors Fausto Carrasco and Daniel D’Oleo submitted a proposal for theological training to Jay Wittmeyer. Although formal recognition of the church in Spain has not yet occurred, Jay Wittmeyer has given permission to begin this training program. However, because formal recog­nition of these churches has not yet occurred, no funds were permitted to be designated to the training program. Therefore, Jeff Boshart has contacted both Brethren World Missions and Brethren Mission Fund to see if they would consider jointly sponsoring the first year of theological training for Spain. The expenses for this training for 2011 (for two people) would be $4,200. The BMF committee agreed to contribute a one-time gift of $2,100 toward this work, with the monies being channeled through Jay Wittmeyer’s office in Elgin.

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]

 

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

 

Jeff & Jean Graham
Christian Service International
Serving in Haiti
1714 W. Royale Drive
Muncie, IN 47304

 

Linc & Kay Myers
2049 Diosd
Radnoti utca 1
HUNGARY
e-mail: LincnKaye@inteqritycom

 

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

 

Ken & Janet Winebark
Mercy Ships
P.O. Box 2020
Lindale, TX 75771-2020

Committee Members and Addresses

Chairman – C. Earl Eby, 6327 Wayne Highway, Waynesboro,  PA 17268
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

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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.