Brethren Mission Fund Newsletter Volume 19, Fall 2017

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.

Missions Conference: 2018

A Church of the Brethren missions conference is being planned for April 6-8, 2018 at the Frederick Church of the Brethren in Maryland. Please mark this on your calendar and plan to attend. Additional information should be forthcoming in the near future.

Daniel and Amber Hartman

Daniel Hartman is a son of Chuck Hartman, a minister at the New Fairview congregation (Southern PA District). Daniel and His wife Amber have been planning to embark on a long-term mission assignment in South Asia, through New Tribes Missions. Their focus will be on church planting and Bible translation, if necessary. For the past 2-years they have been going through a training program at the New Tribes training center in Missouri. Once they are in the field, their support level is projected to be $54,000 per year. However, during the first (2) years of training, their support needs have been $36,000 per year. The Brethren Mission Fund has been supporting them with $4,000 per year for the past 2 years. Once they are in the field, their support level will again be re-evaluated.

Sharon (Bruckhart) Brubaker

Sharon Bruckhart, a member of the White Oak Congregation (Atlantic Northeast District), has been serving in full-time prison ministry since the fall of 2011. She is serving in Atmore, Alabama through the We Care Program. Sharon was recently married to Dale Brubaker, who is also a chaplain in the prison system through the We Care Program. At our recent meeting, the BMF committee agreed to increase her level of support to $3,000 for the coming year.

Root Cellar – Lewiston, Maine

Zach and Monika Nolt (White Oak Congregation/ANE District), served as houseparents of the BVS/BRF volunteer unit in Lewiston, Maine from 2015-2016. After that they agreed to serve for 2-years at the Root Cellar, which they began in the fall of 2016. The Root Cellar is an inner-city ministry to the people of Lewiston, Maine. The Nolt’s have had to raise their own support and have requested assistance from the BMF. Their level of support is $36,000 per year. The BMF committee has supported them at a level of $10,000 over the past year and has agreed to continue the same support level in the coming year.

Fawn Jacobs

Fawn Jacobs is from the Upper Conewago Congregation (Southern PA District). This fall (October), she is planning to begin a 1-year term of service as a prison chaplain’s assistant in Alabama through the We Care Program. She needs to raise $24,000 for the year. After some discussion, the committee approved $3,000 toward her support for the coming year.

Mission Work in Muslim Countries

The Brethren Mission Fund has a long tradition of helping to support mission workers serving in Muslim countries. Over the years we have supported numerous such missionaries. Most of the time, their names are never mentioned in our newsletter, nor the nature of their work, nor their location. In order to protect their identities, and for the safety of those they work with, they often simply go unmentioned. However, the committee frequently has a chance to meet with these missionaries when they are in the States.

Such was the case earlier this year when the BMF committee had an opportunity to meet with a missionary, whom we support, who serves in a Muslim country. We gained insight into some of the challenges and opportunities they encounter. We learned about some of the cultural dynamics; that Muslim men are typically used to talking about the differences and similarities between Islam and Christianity. But Muslim women are often reluctant to do so. We learned that converting to Christianity can carry with it a very real risk of persecution and isolation. We learned that there are usually very few (if any) Christians in a large segment of the population.

In this kind of a setting, it is very difficult to gauge “missionary success.” There are seldom any visible results. And yet, these missionaries definitely feel called to serve in these areas and are doing so in obedience to Christ. And often their only consolation is that they got a chance to live out (before unbelieving and sometimes hostile people), what it means to be a follower of Jesus.  

Appeal for Funds
As we enter 2018, please consider contributing, individually or as a church, to the Brethren Mission Fund (BMF). We are committed to supporting members of the Church of the Brethren (CoB) who are working in soul-saving mission endeavors. Our goal is to stimulate mission activity in the CoB, something which has been too dormant for far too long. We are regularly dispensing funds to try to accomplish this.

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.
5. For those people who are serving Christ in areas where there is open opposition to the Gospel. Pray for their safety and effectiveness.

MISSIONARY NAMES AND ADDRESSES

Sharon (Bruckhart) Brubaker
13 Brookside Drive
Wetumpka, AL 36092
Phone: (334) 478-4824
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
Atmore, AL 36502
Phone: (251) 259-6310
e-mail: [email protected]

Daniel & Amber Hartman
Phone: (407) 323-3430
e-mail: [email protected]

Jason & Nicole Hoover
e-mail [email protected]

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

Pat & Karen Myers
e-mail: [email protected]

Zach & Monika Nolt
264 Blake Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (717) 419-1183 (Zach)
Phone: (171) 269-6599 (Monika)
e-mail: [email protected] (Zach)
e-mail: [email protected] (Monika)

Brandon Wenger
e-mail: [email protected]

Ken & Janet Winebark
Mercy Ships
P.O. Box 2020
Lindale, TX 75771-2020
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, 6327 Wayne Highway, Waynesboro, PA 17268
Director – James F. Myer, 234 Keener Rd., Lititz, PA 17543
Vice Chairman – Paul E. Schildt, P.O. Box 20, East Berlin, PA 17316
Secretary – J. Eric Brubaker, 859 Rettew Mill Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522
Treasurer – Carl L. Brubaker, 1425 Furnace Hill Pike, Lititz, PA 17543
Other Members –
Susan M. Wenger, 304 Chestnut Street, Richland, PA 17087
Dale Wolgemuth, 39 North Linden Street, Manheim, PA 17545
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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:

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(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

 

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.