Brethren Mission Fund Newsletter Winter 2014

Volume 16
Winter 2014

Intergenerational Workcamp in Haiti
An intergenerational workcamp is being planned for March 12-19, 2014 in Haiti. Participants will serve, work and worship alongside our Haitian Brethren. Emphasis will be placed on relationship building and discipleship encouragement. If you are interested in participating in this workcamp please contact Jim Myer (phone number listed below). This workcamp will be open to about (15) people.

Youth Work Camp
A youth work camp has been scheduled for June 22-28, 2014 in conjunction with Brethren Disaster Ministries. The location of the project has not yet been determined. This work camp is for senior high youth, ranging from those who have completed 9th grade to age 19. The number of participants will be limited to (13). The registration will open on January 10, 2014 at 7 p.m. (central time). For more information please visit the Church of the Brethren website.

David and Veola Bucher
David Bucher, from the Heidelberg Congregation (ANE District), and his wife Veola, have been serving in prison ministry in Alabama through the “We Care Program” since January of 2003. The BMF committee recently agreed to continue the support of the Buchers at a rate of $8,000 for 2014.

Linc and Kaye Myers
Linc and Kaye Myers are from the Pleasant View congregation (Southern PA District) and are serving in Budapest, Hungary through SEND International. Linc is teaching missionary children. Recently the BMF committee agreed to support Linc and Kaye at a rate of $6,000 in 2014.

Blaine and Sheila Copenhaver
Blaine Copenhaver, from the White Oak Congregation (ANE District), and his wife Sheila, are serving in prison ministry with the “We Care Program” in Atmore, Alabama. Blaine is the assistant chaplain at the Atmore Prison. The BMF committee has again agreed to support the Copenhavers in 2014 in the amount of $5,000.

Mission Work in the “Horn of Africa”
The BMF committee was recently made aware of a local medical worker from Pennsylvania who is committed to serving as a doctor in the Horn of Africa, beginning in January, 2014. Expected expenses are $16,500 for travel and orientation, and $1,900 for monthly sup-port. Also, about $18,000 is needed for the purchase of a vehicle. The BMF committee decided to make a one-time gift of $1,650 toward travel expenses and $4,500 toward the purchase of a vehicle. The committee also decided to contribute $2,500 per year toward ongoing expenses.

EYN Compassion Fund
The EYN Compassion Fund was established to support Nigerian Brethren who have lost a family member, home or property due to ongoing violence in Nigeria. In 2009 an extremist Islamist sect, Boko Haram, began terrorist operations in northern Nigeria. Since then many Nigerian Brethren have been killed, along with the destruction of churches and other property. The BMF committee recently agreed to contribute $3,000 toward this fund.

BMF Committee Member Change
Paul Brubaker has served on the BMF committee since its inception in 1998 and has served as the secretary for all of those 15 years. He recently attained emeritus status and will no longer serve on the committee. Dale Wolgemuth from the White Oak congregation (ANE District) has agreed to serve on the committee in place of Paul. We want to thank Paul for his many years of service, and welcome Dale to the committee.

Protective/Sensitive Information
From time to time the BMF commit-tee supports missionaries who are serving in countries that are not open to the gospel. In many of the-se cases, the sending mission organization requests that the names of those individuals not be men-tioned in promotional literature for fear that their mission status be undermined. In such cases these missionaries could experience bodily harm, or expulsion from the country. Please know that there are times when we do not list all of the missionaries being supported in an effort to protect both them and their mission work.

 

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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.