Download September 2014 - Apostolic Christian Church of America

Vol. 69, #9
Sept. 2014
And the hand of the LORD was there upon me;
and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the
plain , and I will there talk with thee.
Ezekiel 3:22
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Broken-Heartness: The
Foundation of Humility
page 3
Monthly Sermon page 4
Rebuilding After a
Typhoon page 6
A Light in India’s Darkness
page 7
Church Profile: Nashville
page 8
Healthy Communication
Principles page 9
Remembering Our
Spiritual Heritage page 62
Eyewitnesses of His
Majesty page 63
To Our Readers
Correspondence
For October Issue
(news from Aug 16-Sept 15)
Due: September 20, 2014
Supporting the Pillars
Our church has a “four-pillar” mission. In condensed form, it is:
1. Present the Gospel, 2. Teach and nurture believers,
3. Preserve sound doctrine, 4. Offer deeds of service.
Have you ever considered that The Silver Lining helps us fulfill
that mission? Each issue contains helpful articles that teach us, and
defend sound doctrine. You can always find work team schedules
and opportunities to volunteer in the News section so that you can
offer deeds of service, if so moved. And, although the magazine
doesn’t directly reach out to the lost, it does contain printed
sermons and frequent articles that highlight the work our church
is doing to share the Gospel in Mexico, India, Japan, Haiti and
Jamaica.
So, we encourage you to spend a few extra minutes with
this issue and let it motivate you in all four area of our church’s
mission.
The Silver Lining
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Published Monthly by the Apostolic
Christian Church of America
Counselors:
Tom Stock, Rick Plattner
Official Apostolic Christian Church
Website:
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Send correspondence to:
[email protected]
(email is preferred)
Grace and peace to you,
Rick Plattner and Tom Stock, counseling elders
The Silver Lining
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Photos courtesy of: Front cover: Pasture land in Wyoming, Bro. Tyler Endress, Bradford, IL
Back cover: Bro. Keith Leman, Elgin, IL
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Writings based on God’s Word
Light from the Word
Broken-Heartedness: The
Foundation of Humility
God has used many people throughout history.
Is there a common thread of character which
unites them? We certainly see a great diversity of
backgrounds, experiences, and personalities. What
do Joseph, Moses, David, Isaiah, Peter and the others
have in common? What attribute did they possess
that made them useful to God?
It was not their education, wealth, position, or
specific gifts and talents, though God used those
things. Indeed it was not that they had reached a
state of perfection. We know that David sinned
terribly with Bathsheba and in the murder of Uriah.
Moses killed a man and later became so angry
he struck the rock and was forbidden to enter the
Promised Land.
Indeed we find in these examples, and Scripture
teaches in principle, that it is not some inherent
ability, skill, or talent which makes one useful to
God. Rather, it is an attitude of heart, a posture
toward God and others, which defines God’s
servants. God, the Maker of all things, is clear that
He needs nothing from us except for humility of
heart.
“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye
build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all
those things hath mine hand made, and all those things
have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look,
even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and
trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:1-2).
God referred to David as “after mine own heart”
(1 Sam. 13:14). Surely to possess the heart of God
would be to walk in humility before Him and to
obey Him as in Isaiah’s entreaty to be contrite and to
have respect unto the Word. When faced with great
trials, such as before Goliath, David went “in the
name of the Lord” (1 Samuel 17:45). These life lessons
taught him faith and obedience which led him to
later say, “I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD:
I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine
only” (Psalm 71:16).
To be broken-hearted is to be humble, contrite,
meek, and repentant. It stands in stark contrast to
man’s nature which is proud, self-assured, arrogant,
and self-righteous. Humility is a prerequisite for grace
(James 4:6) and begins with a right understanding of
God and our relationship to Him.
God has revealed Himself in His Creation and
through His Word. In faith, we learn that we are
the creature and He is the Creator. He is all holiness
and purity. In our free will, we have sinned and
come short of His glory (Romans 3:23) and deserve
death (Romans 6:23). We are wholly lost and undone
and in need of mercy. God, in His great love and
mercy, has made a way of escape for us who deserve
judgment. He sent Jesus to pay our debt on the
Cross, offering full pardon and redemption to all
who believe upon Him. (John 3:16, Psalm 103:3, 2
Cor. 5:21, Romans 5:1).
What is the response of God’s servants when they
begin to comprehend the nature and work of God?
Joseph learned much through the trials he
experienced; being sold by his brothers, falsely
accused by Potiphar’s wife, forgotten by the butler
to whom he prophesied in prison. The Psalmist
describes this as being tried by God’s word before
Joseph’s time came, “Until the time that his word
came: the word of the LORD tried him “(Psalm
105:19). Then, when he was to be used by God, he
could humbly say, “It is not in me: God shall give
Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Gen. 4:16).
Moses stood before the burning bush and “hid
his face; for he was afraid to look upon God” (Exodus
3:6), asking, “Who am I” to do the work which God
— Please turn to pg. 61
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Monthly Sermon
Sermon by Bro. Warren
Zahner, Rockville, CT
1 Timothy 6
This is, of course, a personal letter of Paul to
Timothy who was a young man fathered by Paul in
faith, and yet as it’s contained here in the Scripture,
for each one of us, no matter where we are in life,
the old, the young, the rich, the poor, it really leaves
none out. What personally can apply to each one of
us, there is more here contained than we can touch
on in a few words, but if we can take one thing with
us tonight of this Word, it will help us.
So often we come and look into some of these.
There are several parts of this that are often quoted.
We go back, from time to time, to his letter there to
Timothy and his charge that he was given to teach
others. So much of Paul’s direction to Timothy was
that his doctrine be pure, that the things he taught
would be pure. Here we have some very specific
things. We have specific things about servants
and masters. At that time, I believe this word was
really pertaining to slaves and things that we would
wonder how they would deal with those things in
the church. Perhaps in the church there were, and
we know this to be in the case of Onesimus and
Philemon, these times where there were slaves and
owners of the slaves in the church together, but we
may now have employers and employees and these
relationships. Paul belittles that as far as having any
significance or meaning here but addresses them that
they honor and respect one another for what they
are because we all have our place and purpose. He
comes into really the conclusion of this and really the
conclusion for each one of our lives - that we strive
after contentment.
I really appreciate the way he talks about
contentment where he says “…I have learned,
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in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
(Philippians 4:11) I believe for Paul it was a learning
as it is for each one of us. We never get to the stage
of contentment to say that we’ve gotten there, but it’s
a learning, a continual growth and learning for each
one of us. There is much written about contentment
in the Bible. Many, many places we can read about
it, and one place it contrasts contentment and
covetousness and it puts them together. I believe if
we think about those two words, which is a little
bit what Paul is getting to here with Timothy when
he talks about the rich and the poor, the two are
opposed to each other so that we can’t hold them
both. We can’t be covetous and have contentment.
Covetousness is one of the Ten Commandments.
It’s one of the basic character flaws of humankind.
I think all of us could be, at one point or another,
subject to covetousness. If we are discontent,
we have to look and see what is the root of any
discontentment? We have to look and see if there is a
root of covetousness there. In addressing that, we can
often deal with the desire for contentment. Which
of us would not desire a very primary desire to have
contentment?
The Bible talks about peace. The Lord said peace
I give unto you. (St. John 14:27) We have found
peace, those of us who have repented for sin and
found forgiveness of sin and found that the cross of
Christ and His shed blood is something so valuable
to hold that it became our prize, our treasure. As the
Lord said, it is as the merchant man that went and
found the goodly pearl. He sold all that he had so he
could purchase that one item of great price, the pearl.
And also as the one that found the treasure in the
field. So when we have sold out all so we could gain
that one, if we focus on that as our treasure, that can
help ourselves spiritually to attain to the contentment
we need.
Here we have the one thing that is the most
precious item here that we could ever attain to upon
the face of this earth. Paul addresses this very directly
when he says we’ve brought nothing into this world,
and we going to depart that way. (v.7) In the Old
Testament we read naked have I come into this world,
and naked shall I return to go as I came and shall
take nothing of what my hands have labored for.
(Ecclesiastes 5:15) We have to be so acutely aware,
especially in a time in our country and circumstances
and the place that we find ourselves, that we can
pursue after things. We can attain to things. They’re
not all bad. We can cover some of these things that
Paul writes about here when he talks about the desire
for earthly gain. It’s not all a bad thing, but we can
easily get consumed away, can’t we.
The covetousness can be as much to the rich as
it can to the poor. There is no limit. It’s the seed of
the devil, isn’t it? We have to be open. It is the seed
of Satan himself placed in us that he can make us
covetous or discontent, and with this it is very hard
in most circumstances to be thankful. That is a
commandment for us to be thankful. Continually
we have to remember that. If we can be thankful,
then we can have a major step towards contentment.
Thankfulness is something we need to focus on.
I appreciate the way it is spoken here in a couple
places. “…lay hold on eternal life…” It’s something
that we don’t possibly attain to. It’s something we
reach out for and attain. He instructs Timothy to
reach out for it so you can grab it and hold it. It’s not
something that we just attain to without that diligent
seeking. It’s an encouragement to each one of us to
diligently seek for God himself and the peace and the
contentment that is contained in His Word.
Most of us, whether we are old or young, have
found that at some point or another, the devil will
not miss out on an opportunity to discourage us
with discontentment and unthankfulness. When we
look around and we compare ourselves to somebody
else that maybe has a little something more, this is
common from the beginning of time that Moses had
to address.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (v.6)
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a
snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which
drown men in destruction and perdition.” (v.9) Look at
the wording of that. They that will be rich - if our will
is to be rich. When we repent for sin, it’s a change.
The change in us is that the things our heart loves
changes, our mind changes the way we think, and
our will changes. We no longer want our own will,
but we want God’s will. Those fundamental changes,
the conversion of our being, is wrapped up in those
three changes - our heart, our mind, and our will or
desire. It says that for those that will be rich, they will
fall into temptation if that is a motive of ours.
He says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from
the faith, and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows.” (v.10) Again the wording here - we know
that there are evils other than money, but he says the
love of money is the root of all evil. If we just break
down the wording a little bit, if we would rephrase
that - for the love of money is the root of continual or
total evil. It’s not the only evil, but certainly the love
of money, the desire for it, will completely lead us to
a bad state. While some have coveted, they have erred
from the faith, and pierced themselves through with
many sorrows. It’s just a warning for each one of us,
as opportunity would come, that we do not put that
as a priority but that the Lord will sort out our desires
and those things that we seek after - our will, and
God knows our will.
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and
follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
— Please turn to pg. 59
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As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto
them who are of the household of faith. – Galatians 6:10
Rebuilding after a Typhoon
Your Gifts Help the
Philippines Recover
We found that six fishing
boats had been donated to
an organization in California
Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda in the and the relief organization was
Philippines, was one of the strongest tropical cyclones looking for assistance with the
ever recorded, which devastated portions of Southeast shipping expenses. The first
Asia, particularly the Philippines, on November
cargo container with three
8, 2013. It is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on
boats and dehydrated food
record, killing at least 6,268 people in that country
was delivered in April and the second cargo container
alone. Haiyan is unofficially the strongest typhoon
was delivered late June. World Relief provided the
ever recorded in terms of wind speed. As of January
funding for shipping these containers.
this year, bodies were still being found.
Within a week of the typhoon, World Relief
Medical clinic equipment
sent a cash grant to four Christian International
Many of the clinics which had provided medical care
Relief Organizations. This funding assisted with the
had been destroyed by the typhoon. World Relief
following kinds of disaster aid:
funded the expense of providing the essential medical
• Shipping expenses for Inter Agency Health Kits,
equipment and essential consumable supplies needed
(IEHK) consisting of sufficient medicine and
to equip a new medical clinic which will serve a
supplies to treat 10,000 people for 90 days.
population of 30,000–60,000.
• Travel Expenses for volunteer doctors and nurses
to go to the Philippines. They have been treating Medical supplies
between 200 and 300 persons daily. With a
Many hospitals are yet operating with the minimum
present total of over 20,500 patients served.
of medical supplies and medications. Working
• The shipping of 10,000 hygiene kits and 40
with a relief organization specializing in this field
pallets of respiratory masks.
has enabled
• Purchase and shipping of plastic tarps, and misc.
World Relief
sanitary and eating supplies. Blankets, clothing
to send well
and shoes.
over a hundred
• Dehydrated food
thousand
After a few months we asked these organizations
dollars worth of
to look for opportunities to enable World Relief
medicine. We
to provide further assistance. The following three
expect this need
projects were presented to us for review and were
to continue
approved and funded.
for many
more months and will provide additional assistance
Fishing boats
as requested. Most of the supplies sent have been
Fishing is the primary source of food and income
donated by international medical corporations and
for many of these families. One of these boats would our grants have provided assistance with the shipping
provide work opportunities for four or five men.
expenses.
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...The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. – Matthew 9:37-38
A Light in India’s Darkness
India is the second most populated country in
the world with over 2.1 billion people. Nearly one
quarter of the country is desert, some of which has
been caused by poor management of resources in
recent years. A very small percentage of the people,
less than 2%, are Christians. This large sub-continent
area is a great opportunity to be a “light in the
darkness” and share God’s word.
Rural Ministry and Rejection
Every day we have opportunities to spread God’s
Holy word in the United States without the fear
of any repercussions occurring. Try to put yourself
in the shoes of an evangelist and see how you
might react to a recent situation that happened to a
minister of the Rural Gospel and Medical Missions
of India (RGMMI). The young disciple of the Lord
responded to a call to go visit a village as someone
in that area wanted to hear the gospel. The initial
reception was very positive. However, the second
visit was one that was met with total rejection. The
first home that the minister had visited and shared
God’s word was plastered with new cow dung and
urine, which symbolized that the home was impure
because of exposure to Christianity. The evangelist
was threatened with physical harm by the neighbors
and relatives. In visiting with the evangelist, he did
not seem discouraged and accepted the incident as
part of his everyday routine.
Chaddy’s Story
In addition to reaching rural areas of India, the
RGMMI spiritual staff in a large city meets weekly
with cottage prayer meetings in the homes of
believers to encourage and strengthen one another.
Little did one group know the impact they would
have as they were conducting one of their normal
weekly Friday evening sessions. Chaddy was born
into a Hindu family. Her husband, Sitek, was also
a Hindu. Neither one was literate. The couple had
five children and lived about 100 miles from the city
where RGMMI has a large church. Her husband
was a drunkard, had some psychiatric problems, and
was a wife beater. Her sister had just become a new
Christian and was a regular participant in the local
RGMMI church. Chaddy’s sister suggested that life
might be better if she moved from the rural area to a
larger city.
Their first home in the city was in the slum
area. This environment was filled with people of the
lowest income and moral values. She worked as a
housemaid, washing dishes in a home not far from
the slums. Her constant fear was how to keep her
children away from the evil influences of the slum
area. One day she was working and heard singing
in an adjacent house. When finished with her
work she went to the home as she loved singing. A
cottage prayer meeting was in session. She enquired
of the group and then attended church with them
the following Sunday. The message of salvation
convicted Chaddy’s heart, and she repented of her
sin. Her husband was still drinking, but each of her
three daughters began going to church and likewise
experienced the saving power of the blood of Jesus
— Please turn to pg. 8
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India...
— Continued from pg. 7
and were baptized. Within three
years, her husband came to
hear God’s word, repented, and
was also baptized. He now has
secured a steady job.
The couple’s two young sons
attended the RGMMI boarding
school and had part time jobs
in a nearby industrial factory.
Earlier this year, the parents asked
for funds from the RGMMI
administration to assist their
sons in establishing a small auto
repair shop. Today it is a thriving
business. The family has been
able to move from the slums
to a comfortable one-bedroom
apartment. Chaddy does not have
to work now since her family has
obtained employment. Chaddy
prefers to take care of her new
home. She has seen her prayers
answered in salvation for her
family members, in securing a
home away from the slums, and in
educational opportunities for her
children. She is still praying that
her sons will come with fruits of
repentance and follow the Lord.
Her eldest daughter, who was
illiterate like her parents, is now
able to read and write with the
help of tutoring from members
of the local RGMMI church.
Chaddy never tires of giving
thanks and praise to the Lord and
RGMMI for changing not only
her own life, but the lives of all her
family members.
May we continue to pray
for this outreach mission, which
is under the direction of the
Apostolic Christian Church, that
is opening doors for God’s word to
be shared in far off India.
Now Unto Him
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in
the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise
God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and
for ever.” Jude 1:24-25
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...The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. – Matthew 9:37-38
Small Church Profile: Nashville, TN
A special fellowship in the
midst of the Bible belt
The Apostolic Christian Church in Nashville
began almost thirty years ago, and they have been
meeting in their current church building for the
last twenty years. Though attendance numbers have
risen and fallen over the years, the congregation
is currently comprised of four families and several
single people, with a total local attendance of almost
thirty. There is not a local minister, so they are
served every Sunday by a rotation of ministers from
other congregations. They also gather on Wednesday
evenings to call in to one of our other congregations
for services, thankful
for the many
choices afforded
by our advanced
communication
technology. The
church services are
similar to those in our other churches, including
Sunday School (in the afternoon) for the young
people.
After major flooding in the area in 2010, World
Relief held their 2011 winter work project in the
Nashville area for three months, rebuilding several
homes. The local congregation appreciated the
opportunity to see, and be a part of, the lasting
impact this generous effort has had on the people in
their communities. It was also a special time because,
as a part of the work, more than 600 brethren came
from around the nation to share in the work and, in
the process, provided precious fellowship for the local
brethren.
Because of Nashville’s convenient location
for travelers and the church’s schedule of visiting
ministers, they have had the privilege to fellowship
with many brethren from most of our congregations.
This breadth of fellowship opportunities across the
entire church has given them a great appreciation
and love for our church brotherhood and the loving
support that “y’all” provide. This strengthens their
desire to hold fast to the blessings passed on to all of
us by our faithful forefathers.
Please pray for the Nashville congregation, that
they can be a light in their communities, and that
people can be drawn to the Light of God’s love. Also,
prayers would be appreciated for their young people,
that despite their minimal local fellowship, they can
grow in their appreciation of the blessings of our
special brotherhood, and can be drawn to repentance
and a desire for a relationship with God.
If anyone is interested in visiting Nashville, feel
free to contact one of the brethren listed each month
in their Silver Lining update. And, if you feel led by
the Holy Spirit to consider relocating to the area,
please know that you would be heartily welcomed
in Nashville. With a thriving local economy, there
are many employment opportunities, as well as
numerous excellent colleges and universities in the
area. The Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area
has a population of over 1.5 million. Being what is
sometimes called the buckle of the Bible belt, the
area is served by over 700 churches, but there are still
people in need of God’s love and the truth of His
Word. We pray that our church in Nashville can be
a welcoming place where that love and truth can be
found.
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Healthy Communication Principles
God has created us to be social beings. We live in a
world focused on relationships, and we communicate
daily with numerous people. Thankfully, the Bible
holds a wealth of principles which can help to
guide and instruct us in these interactions. Our
responsibility, as the Word states in Psalm 19:14,
is to have the words of our mouth “be acceptable
in Thy sight. . . .” Our opportunity regarding
communication is to “minister grace unto the hearers”
(Eph. 4:29). In this series of three articles we will
review general healthy communication principles,
explore ungodly communication in the form of
gossip and discord, and instruct on a few key conflict
resolution principles. It is our prayer we can grow
together in healthy communication.
Seven Scriptural Principles of
Communication
The power of communication and its impact on
relationships is great.
Your communication can determine the course
of many relationships by strengthening or weakening
them. Therefore, you must closely watch your words
and the way you communicate with each other. The
power of the tongue is especially great.
Proverbs 18:8, “The words of a talebearer are as
wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of
the belly.”
Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of
gold in pictures of silver.”
Matthew 12:35-37, “A good man out of the good
treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and
an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth
evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word
that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in
the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be
justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech be always with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to
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answer every man.”
Speak words of blessing and edification.
Your words should build up and strengthen
those around you. To communicate in a Christlike manner, the welfare of others must be more
important than our own desires.
Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are as an
honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore follow after the things
which make for peace, and things wherewith one may
edify another.”
Romans 15:2, “Let every one of us please his neighbour
for his good to edification.”
Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication
proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to
the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the
hearers.”
Effective listening is one of the most important
components of communication.
Through active listening, you communicate
respect and honor others. Communication often goes
awry when one or both parties are trying to speak
before they have taken the time to understand the
other.
Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before
he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
Proverbs 29:20, “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his
words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.”
Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another
with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
Your words have the power to build up and bless
or tear down and hurt.
Avoid making critical, hurtful, or demeaning
comments to others. This is especially critical in a
marriage relationship.
Ephesians 5:28, 29, 33, “So ought men to love their
wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife
loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh;
but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the
church. . . Nevertheless let every one of you in particular
so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she
reverence her husband.”
James 3:5-10, “Even so the tongue is a little member,
and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter
a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world
of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that
it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course
of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of
beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the
sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But
the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of
deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father;
and therewith curse we men, which are made after the
similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth
blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not
so to be.”
1 Peter 3:10, “For he that will love life, and see good
days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips
that they speak no guile.”
Be sensitive to the timing of your
communication.
There truly is a proper time to speak and a proper
time to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7). It is wise to be
sensitive to the Holy Spirit and use discernment
concerning our communication, being willing to
speak and be silent as necessary. Remember, listening
is a form of communication in itself.
Proverbs 15:23, “A man hath joy by the answer of his
mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”
Proverbs 15:28, “The heart of the righteous studieth to
answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”
esteemed a man of understanding.”
Proverbs 18:19, “A brother offended is harder to be won
than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars
of a castle.”
James 1:19-20, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let
every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of
God.”
We must speak the truth in love.
In healthy relationships, we are open and honest
with each other, but we use this “honesty” gently and
in the spirit of love.
Ephesians 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, may
grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even
Christ.”
Ephesians 4:25, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak
every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members
one of another.”
The Scripture challenges us to a high calling.
David was wise when he prayed, “Set a watch, O
Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm
141:3). Yet, God promises grace to enable us to learn
these precepts and live them. It is good for us to dwell
on these scriptural principles often and challenge
ourselves and each other as to whether we are actually
carrying them out in our daily lives. Next month,
we will look at scenarios where communication can
break down and become most destructive: gossip and
discord.
Communication Resources
ACCFS has adapted a resource to help encourage our
Self-control is essential in communication.
communication and relationships to remain open and
The discipline of self-control is needed at all times honest. 11 Rules of Respect and Open Communication
in communication. A few hasty words said in anger
in Relationships can be used as a check to ensure our
can create damage which can take years to undo. It is communication with others is filled with respect. This
wise to stop, listen, and think before you speak.
and other communication resources are available at
Proverbs 17:28, “Even a fool, when he holdeth his
accounseling.org/understandingrelationships.
peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is
September 2014 SILVER LINING
11
Congregation Updates
Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped
www.achh.org
Evie Mogler - Resident Services
Director, Oakwood Estate
“A man that hath friends must
shew himself friendly: and there is
a friend that sticketh closer than a
brother.” Proverbs 18:24
It is amazing to see how
friendships form and develop as
our residents move to different
homes or new residents come to
live in one of our homes. These
friendships deepen through shared
experiences. It is not unusual to
hear someone comforting another
who is sad with words like “I
will pray for you” or “It will be
ok – let‘s play a game”. It was
touching recently when one guy
(who is himself challenged with
physical limitations due to cerebral
palsy) expressed concern about a
housemate and said “He has CP,
that’s why he can’t do that”.
Special bonds are also formed
as staff members spend time
talking with residents and sharing
life experiences while giving
care or doing activities together.
We observe that when moves
are made, one of the biggest
adjustments for residents and
staff is missing special friends,
who are not a part of daily life as
before. Recently, a staff member
invited a resident to join her
family for dinner at her home
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SILVER LINING September 2014
in order to keep contact. Phone
calls and visits between the homes
are encouraged and exciting to
witness. People are happy to see
“old friends” on the bus or at
work or at church. Often someone
invites a friend from a different
home to come for supper on their
birthday. Residents enjoy hosting
an “open house” for friends and
family on their special birthdays
as recently one of the CILA ladies
did this to celebrate her 30th
birthday and one of the guys when
he turned 60. Friends love to take
day trips together and some of the
CILA groups went on riverboat
cruises, visits to the zoo, and to
see special programs in the area.
A group of friends from Linden
enjoyed a day at a local farm to
visit the animals and go fishing.
Sometimes there are guests
who come to the activity room
at Timber Ridge and many
residents from the group homes
enjoy attending these events and
socializing with each other. There
is always good attendance at the
monthly Hymn Sings supported
by various Apostolic Christian
churches where singing and
praying together deepens faith
and friendship. We also enjoyed
a Banjo Club performance and a
visit from the dog therapy group.
Another great reunion day for all
is the annual Ice Cream Social
held on a Saturday afternoon
in September in the picnic area
behind Timber Ridge. This year
we again plan to enter a float in
the Pumpkin Festival parade;
many people enjoy either riding
on the float or waving to friends as
the parade goes by.
“A friend loveth at all times”
Proverbs 17:17
Gateway Woods Apostolic
Christian Children’s Home
Jeff Waibel – Director of Clinical
Services
God once again richly blessed
us at our annual Auction! It is
such a testimony to the power
of the body of Christ when we
see our brothers and sisters from
across the nation attending to bid
on items so that the ministry of
Gateway Woods can continue.
One of the ways that we use the
funds raised at the Auction is in
our Home-Based Program. We
send workers out to work with
people in their own homes to
try to keep families together and
functioning well. Sometimes that
means that we help them find
jobs. Sometimes it means that
we help them get food or help
with their utilities. Sometimes it
means that we help parents more
effectively parent their children.
While some of our home-based
clients are referred directly from
the court system, many are not.
Donations from our vast body of
supporters, including some of the
funds raised at the Auction, enable
us to provide these services for free
or reduced cost.
Recently in our Home-Based
Program we worked with a family
that did not have a working
furnace. They were using kerosene
heaters to heat their home, which
of course is quite dangerous,
especially with small children. The
family was at risk of government
intervention because of the unsafe
nature of their home. One of our
home-based workers was able
to find a used (but functional)
furnace on Craigslist and then was
able to find professionals within
the church to help install the
furnace so that the family could
have safe heat in their home. We
used $750 of donations to create a
safe and warm home for a young
family and we kept a family
together.
We want to thank you so
much for your support throughout
the year and during the Auction.
It is a tremendous blessing to the
ministry of Gateway Woods and it
is a testimony of Christian love to
our clients.
News:
There are five different career
positions available currently at
Gateway Woods, including several
of great need: several openings
for Alternate Houseparents,
one opening for a counselor,
one opening for a Home-Based
& Adoption Case Worker, one
opening for a Teacher, and one
opening for a Foster Care Case
Manager. For more information
please see the notices in the back
of this month’s edition or visit the
Career Opportunities page on our
website at www.gatewaywoods.
org/careers. We trust that God
will continue to provide qualified,
mature brothers and sisters who
will serve Him in a ministry that
is ‘Turning Lives Around’. Perhaps
this includes you!
We are thankful to
announce the hiring of Bro. Chet
Baumgartner (Bluffton) as our
new English Teacher. We are so
thankful that Chet has answered
the call to fill this position.
We praise God for another
amazing Auction. The current
total for the 2014 Auction is over
$440,000, and it is still growing
as more donations come in!
This smashes our projection of
$425,000! Thank you so much for
your support! Next year’s Auction
is scheduled for August 1, 2015.
Gateway Woods Illinois
Adoption Program is open for
business and seeking to serve
our Brothers and Sisters in
Illinois. Visit GatewayWoodsIL.
org or contact Sis. Luci Koch at
309.266.0767 or Luci.Koch@
gatewaywoodsil.org.
You are an important advocate
to help us spread the word about
God’s work at Gateway Woods.
Please continue to lift us up in
prayer, check our website www.
gatewaywoods.org and our
Facebook page at facebook.com/
gatewaywoods often for updates,
and make sure that you are on
our mailing list. If you would
like be added to our mailing list,
please contact us at 888.443.4283
or send an email to ross.feller@
gatewaywoods.org. Finally, if you
would like to receive a monthly
email detailing how the work
at Gateway Woods is bringing
help and healing to those in
need, please consider joining our
Restoring Hope email list. You can
do so at our website or by emailing
[email protected].
Apostolic Christian
Preschool Athens, AL
Susan Koch
August brought a steady
trickle of new students. We are
building ranks quickly which is
a relief compared to last year. All
the students have moved up to
their new classes and are learning
the new rules and getting used to
their new teacher.
August’s theme was the five
senses, summer, and the color
red. Ms. Susan’s class enjoyed a
week with Sis. Margie Heintz
(Champaign, IL) at the beginning
of the month. Sis. Teri Hinrichsen
September 2014 SILVER LINING
13
(Goodfield, IL) accompanied her
and helped as an aide for the other
teachers.
One of my favorite activities
we did was make GAK to learn
about the sense of touch. The
recipe I use is equal parts of glue
and liquid starch. Make the glue
whatever color you want with
food coloring and then mix in the
starch.
Ms. Louise’s class made a five
senses book. They also have been
practicing using scissors. One of
my favorite projects they did was
decorate a paper T-shirt and hang
them on a line in the classroom
with mini clothespins.
Ms. Kalla’s class finished up
learning about God’s creatures
with the Wild Kratts on PBSkids.
org. They talked about how God
created certain environments for
them to live in and how He takes
care of them. Kalla’s class also
discussed Jer. 29:11 when they said
goodbye to the last two graduates
this month. We pray that God will
bless them in Big School and use
them for His glory!
Remember, if you want to
volunteer at the preschool, please
let me know. You can contact me
at 309.202.4897 or susankoch2@
yahoo.com. More information
about the preschool can be found
at www.acpreschool.org. There is
a section under the About Us tab
regarding volunteering. However,
once you contact me, I will send
you a more in depth informational
packet.
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Alabama, Athens
Roger and Becky Roberts
We were blessed to have
met with the Atlanta, GA and
Nashville, TN brethren for a
weekend of VBS focusing on
Unity. Also sharing this precious
fellowship were ministering
Bro. Mark Wettstein (LaCrosse,
IN), Bro. Darin (Sis. Sue)
Plattner (Champaign, IL) and
the Champaign Bible Class. We
appreciate so much the work the
Champaign group accomplished at
our church and in our community
the following week.
Bro. Marvin (Sis. Pam)
Zollinger (Smithville, OH) and
Bro. Erik (Sis. Deb) Givens
(Princeville, IL) also ministered to
us this past month.
A guest apartment is available
in the Fellowship Hall across from
the church. Reservations can be
made by contacting Sis. Susan
Koch (309) 202-4897 or Sis. Kalla
Knobloch (309) 231-1755.
We have several campsites with
water & electric available at the
TN Fellowship area. If you are
traveling through the region, we
would be delighted to have you
with us.
Arizona, Phoenix
Heather Hinrichsen
As our students return to
school, please pray for God to
shine in and through their lives so
that they may be lights in a dark
world.
Noah James was welcomed
by Kasey and Amy Swails on
August 12. Bro. James and Sis.
Gina Emch are his grandparents.
His great-grandparents are Bro.
Jerry and Sis. Cathy Emch and
Bro. Gene and Sis. Barb Huber
(Francesville).
Arizona, Prescott
Richard Manz
Greetings from Prescott! Many prayers were lifted
up for our elders and the Lester
congregation as they hosted the
elder conference this past month.
For those of us that were able to
attend, it was such a blessing to
hear speakers directed by the Holy
Spirit on various topics centered
around the Holy Bible. Each of
us will be taught different things,
as we spend the next few months
listening to the recordings, either
individually or as a congregation.
I know I was exhorted and
encouraged with how God is
still working through His Word
and the Holy Spirit today, even
though it seems like so many are
turning away from Him. May we
encourage each other and take
the time to thank our elders for
the sacrifices they have made on
behalf of God and our church. Visiting ministers this month
included, Bro. Ronald (Sis. Nancy)
Schambach from Elgin IL, Bro.
Jon (Sis. Nancy) Kokanovich
from Phoenix AZ, Bro. Keith
(Sis. Tammy) Hinrichsen from
Phoenix.
Continued prayers are
encouraged for Sis. Megan Kieser
as she recovers from her surgery.
Arizona, Tucson
Dean and Jackie Knobloch
Our Sunday School children
attended Vacation Bible School
this month. Thanks to Bro.
Doug and Sis. Young Bauer for
organizing this. We also thank
all who helped with teaching
and snacks. The Sunday School
year and the public school year
are underway here. We pray our
students and teachers have a good
year learning about God’s truths
and applying themselves to their
studies. Good advice is found in
2 Tim. 2:15 “Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a workman
that needeth not be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth”.
Bro. Dean and Sis. Jackie
Knobloch welcome their first
grand-daughter born to Bro. Tyler
and Sis. Amy Kuenzi (Silverton).
Big brothers Mitchell, Jonas and
Grant are pleased with baby,
Natalie Joy.
California, San Diego
Janelle Brewer
“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach
me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth,
and teach me: for thou art the God
of my salvation; on thee do I wait all
the day”. Psalm 25:4-5
During the week of July 21-24
we had our Vacation Bible School.
The theme of the week was “God
Has a Plan for My Life”. It was a
true blessing for our church. We
thank those who helped make this
week possible for the youth. We
were blessed to have four visiting
ministers who spoke that week.
They were Bro. Mark Wettstein
(Sis. Karen, LaCrosse, IN); Bro.
Paul Zimmerman (Sis. Loretta,
Forrest, IL); Bro. Jay Knapp
(Sis. Lisa, Tucson, AZ); and Bro.
Dennis Rassi (Sis. Diane, Austin,
TX). We appreciate them taking
time out of their busy schedules to
come and speak about the various
ways God is involved in our lives
and that He does indeed have a
plan for each of us. Bro. Paul and
Sis. Loretta also stayed over the
weekend, which we were grateful
for. We pray that God will bless all
these brothers for their efforts!
Sis. Linde Zimmer recently
had surgery. We pray that God
will grant her healing.
Another Sunday School term
started on August 10. It is our
prayer that the seeds may be sown
in these young and tender hearts
so that some day it might sprout
and bring forth fruit. We also lift
up our teachers in prayer as they
teach these young souls.
“But continue thou in the things
which thou hast learned and hast
been assured of, knowing of whom
thou hast learned them; And that
from a child thou hast known the
holy scriptures, which are able
to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.” 2 Tim 3:14-15
We wish to extend our
sympathy to Bro. Peter (Sis. Laura)
Bodrogi as his mother, Erzsebet
Bodrogi, passed away. She was a
sister in the Budapest, Hungary
church. May God comfort their
family at this time of loss.
We want to welcome Andrew
Metzger who moved here from
Lester, IA for employment. We
look forward to having him in the
area and assembling with us.
As summer has come to an
end for most of our students, we
wish them God’s blessings as they
begin a new school year.
Canada, Kitchener,
Ontario
Johanna Fortenbacher
“Let nothing be done through
strife or vain glory; but in lowliness
of mind let each esteem other better
than themselves.” Philippians 2:6
To God’s glory, we’re thankful
again for the support we got this
month from our visiting ministers;
Bro. Clint & Sis. Magdalena
Schmidt from Winthrop, Bro.
Mark & Sis. Barb Gerber from
Bluffton and Bro. Chad & Sis.
Kim Leman from Fairbury. Our Sunday school
picnic turned out to be a beautiful
day with lots of fun for all of
us. Many local families with their
children came helped the day be
very enjoyable.
Colorado, Denver
Tess Leman
Naomi Wiegand
Greetings of love from
Colorado! We have enjoyed
our summer visitor season
and especially enjoyed having
several ministers share the
Word. Bro. Nick Gutwein (West
Lafayette, IN), Bro. Brian Huber
(Francesville, IN), Bro. Justin
Koch (Washington, IL), Bro. John
Baumgartner (Bern, KS), and Bro.
James Koehl (Morris North, MN)
September 2014
SILVER LINING
15
all blessed us with a visit this past
month.
We want to welcome Joshua
Knobloch (Bradford, IL) and
Bobby Cochran (Sarasota, FL) to
the Denver area. We look forward
to getting to know these young
men better.
We would also like to welcome
a healthy new baby boy, Adam
David Leman, to the Denver
Church Family. His thankful
parents are Bro. Dan and Sis. Tess
Leman.
A few weekends ago, we had
our annual Sunday School picnic.
The day started off nicely and
the location for the picnic was
beautiful. About the time we were
ready to eat, a thunderstorm rolled
in. While it poured down rain,
we all did what we could to stay
warm and dry, hoping it would
soon pass. Thankfully. Colorado
rain storms do not last long and
we were rewarded for our patience
with a refreshing afternoon of
fellowship and activities. This
reminds me of how life’s storms
tend to go. It is uncomfortable and
downright miserable in the midst
of them, but, if we can patiently
wait it out, trusting in the One
who controls the storms, the times
of refreshing will come. (Psalm
147:7-8 and Acts 3:19)
July 26; Bro. David Moser (Bro.
Steve and Sis. Janis) and Sis. Marla
Sinn (Bro. Todd and Sis. Janet,
Latty, OH) who were joined in
holy matrimony in Latty on July
27; and Bro. Ben Wagenbach
(Bro. Dale and Sis. Mary) and
Sis. Ashley Luginbuhl (Bro. Bruce
and Sis. Karen) who were married
on August 3. We wish these
couples God’s bountiful blessings
and nearness in their marriages
and welcome Sis. Marla to our
congregation.
Two dear couples have
announced their engagements.
Jennifer Goric (Bro. Dan and
Sis. Mary Lou) and Steve Surette
(Tina and Steven, dec.) have
shared their plans to be married
and Bruce Hoffman (Bro. Mark
and Sis. Luella, Clarendon, VT)
is engaged to Stephanie Sneath
(Dennis and Sandra, Altoona,
PA). Both couples are planning to
be married in the fall.
“Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on
His gentle breast, There by his love
o’er shaded, Sweetly my soul shall
rest” Hymns of Zion #218
It was with great sadness that
our congregation was made aware
of the sudden passing of Obediah
Willis, 4-month-old son of Eric
and Coreen Willis and brother
to Malachi, Isaiah, Abigail, and
Nehemiah of Hillsborough, ND
Connecticut, Rockville
on August 2. Obediah was the
Lauren Gottier
grandson of Bro. Ken and Sis.
Nancy Willis and great-grandson
Sheila Gerber
Our best wishes are extended
of Bro. Emmanuel and Sis. Verona
to Jessica Luginbuhl (Bro. Mark & Schneider. Our prayer is that this
Robin) and Brady Giroux (Hunter family can feel God’s nearness and
and Karen) who were married on
comfort at this most difficult time.
16
SILVER LINING September 2014
Our sympathies are also
extended to the family of Toni
“Rachel” Zahner. Mourning her
loss are her husband, Bill, and
her sisters-in-law, Sis. Frederika
Whitman (Bro. Will) and Sis.
Linda Leite (Augie).
Sis. Aline Ballasy (Bro. Ernie,
dec.) and Bro. Art Foote (Emily)
have recently spent time in the
hospital. We will keep them in our
prayers as they recover.
“Even as they delivered them unto
us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the
word” St. Luke 1:2
Visiting ministers this month
were Bro. John Steiner (Sis.
Carol, Oakville-Mediapolis, IA),
Bro. John Cottrell (Sis. Gloria,
Eureka, IL), and Bro. Todd Sinn
(Sis. Janet, Latty, OH). We are
always thankful for these brothers’
willingness to be used in the
Lord’s vineyard.
District of Columbia,
Washington
Henrietta Meyer
We were blest to have Bro.
Scott and Sis. Dorine Aberle
and family from Washington, IL
with us in July. If you feel led to
support one of our small churches,
this would be a wonderful way to
do so. If you are interested and are
free to spend 3-4 weeks in the DC
area, please contact Sis. Doreen
Steffen at [email protected]
or 302-540-6574.
Our minsters this month were
Elder Bro. Duane Rocke (Sis.
Bonnie, Minneapolis, MN), Bro.
Randy Gasser (Sis. Sue, Detroit,
MI), Bro. Adam Luginbuhl (Sis.
Jami, Philadelphia, PA), Bro. Jerry
Bauman (Sis. Martha, Rittman,
OH), and Bro. Vince Pfister
(Bluffton, IN). Our other visitors
this month were from Sardis, OH;
Forrest, IL; and Bluffton, IN.
Thanks to all who have included us
in your vacation plans.
If you are planning to visit Washington, D.C. area for vacation or
business, please contact Bro. Joe
and Sis. Holly Bohart at jbohart@
gmail.com or Sis. Henrietta Meyer
at 703 904-8301 for assistance and
to let us know how many to expect
for Sunday services.
flesh.” Genesis 2:24
We were delighted to hear of
the engagement of Bro. Tim Kaeb
and Sis. Sandra Gal. We wish
them God’s nearness during this
special time in their lives.
Our hearts were grateful for
the visiting brothers who shared
God’s Word this month. A special
thank you to Elder Bro. Vic
Bauman (Sis. Brenda, Smithville,
OH) and Bro. Erik Givens (Sis.
Debbie, Princeville, IL) for their
service.
Plattner (Champaign) and Bro.
Mark Wettstein (Lacrosse) as our
speakers. In addition, it was so
special to have the Champaign
Bible Class at VBS Family
Weekend. In the week following
VBS, many from our Bible Class/
Young Group had a wonderful
week with the Champaign Bible
Class on a work team at the Athens
Preschool. What an amazing
time of building relationships and
working together!
It was such a treat to have
Bro. Drew Waldbeser back in
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia for the summer while
Elise Waldbeser
he was interning in Atlanta. We
Early in this summer, Bro.
regret to see him return to Indiana
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale
Arlin and Sis. Katie Miller came
University this fall, but know that
Renee Mangold
down to spend a weekend with our God will be so faithful to lead him
We were blessed to have
church family. Thank you for the
daily!
visiting ministers this past month. presentations you shared with us
As the new school year begins,
Visiting were Bro. Eric Givens
and the time you spent speaking
our Sunday School classes are also
(Sis. Debbie, Princeville, IL); and
with us. We treasure that time!
preparing to start. This year, we
Bro. Darren Plattner (Sis. Sue,
Over this summer, many
have two new teachers for the little
Champaign, IL). Our prayer is
ministering brothers and their
ones, Sis. Peggy Camp and Sis.
that they will be blessed for their
families came to bless us. Thank
Elise Waldbeser.
works.
you, Bro. Ron Kipfer (Bluffton,
Our thoughts and prayers are IN), Bro. Jerry Bauman (Rittman, Illinois, Belvidere
with our soldiers facing danger in OH), Bro. Kurt Walter (Mansfield, Doreen Moser
war-torn countries. We pray that
OH), Bro. Mark Masters
Shayla Steffen
God will place a protective hedge
(Mansfield, OH), Bro. Kevin
“Love, of all gifts is the greatest,
about them and keep them ever
Banwart (West Bend, IA), and Bro. Which the spirit does bestow.
close to Him.
Matthew Manz (Toledo, OH).
Though I had a voice like angels,
“Consider it pure joy whenever you We appreciate your willingness to
Lacking love, I truly know
face trials of many kinds, because you come and allow God’s Spirit to
That I’ d be a tinkling cymbal Or a
know that the testing of your faith
speak through you!
wretched sounding brass;
develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3
We gathered with our dear
For although the sound were
neighboring church family,
present, Lifeless through this world
Florida, Sarasota
Athens, AL, for our VBS Family
I’ d pass.”
Kim Ott
Weekend! This year, our theme
Do we use the gift of LOVE?
“Therefore shall a man leave his
was all about Unity and our place We had our yearly Sunday School
father and mother , and shall cleave in the Body of Christ. We were
Picnic at Dave and Sis. Sheila
unto his wife: and they shall be one so thankful to have Bro. Darren
McCoy’s house. We pray that
September 2014
SILVER LINING
17
our Sunday School students can
feel the love of those involved in
making the Saturday special, and
that through each Sunday and
other special events, they can learn
about the love of God.
“O, Thou Spirit which has given
To me grace to seek my Lord,
Teach me strive for love of heaven
And to love Thy precious word!
Love has mercy and is patient;
Hasty ways it does not own;
Humbleness of mind is present;
With true peace it has its home.”
Do we LOVE to hear the
precious Word? We are so
thankful for the many visiting
ministers that we had in Belvidere
this month who brought forth
the precious Word. Our love
thanks Bro. Clint Schmidt (Sis.
Magdalena, Winthrop, MN),
Elder Bro. Ron Messner (Sis.
Pam, Washington, IL) and Elder
Bro. Duane Rocke (Sis. Bonnie,
Minneapolis, MN). We are
especially thankful to Elder Bro.
Duane Rocke and his wife for
their brotherly love, as Bro. Duane
has humbly agreed to act as our
non- resident Elder. An induction
service was held on August 17.
“Love is of a friendly nature, Does
no selfish though possess;
Love is not a sin partaker, And is
free from bitterness.
Love is truthful, not deceitful,
Does here every burden bear;
And, enduring, is so fruitful In all
trials joy to share.”
Zion’s Harp, # 37
Do we LOVE by helping to
bear one-another’s burdens and
trials? We continue to pray for
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Bro. Brian Anliker (Sis. Peg) as he
continues to suffer from physical
affliction. We pray for comfort for
him and his family and that the
Lord can be glorified through it.
Illinois, BloomingtonNormal
Sarah Maurer
Terri Huber
We are excited to report the
adoption of Tyler and Camilla
into the hearts and home of Bro.
Joe and Sis. Rebecca Marquart on
July 21, 2014. Grandparents are
Bro. Dave and Sis. Lori Marquart
(Taylor, MO) and Bro. John and
Sis. Emily Maurer.
In a record-breaking month,
we have two announcements! The
engagement of Bro. Dustin Rabe
(Bro. Derek and Sis. Julie) to Sis.
Elizabeth Martinez of Magdalena,
Mexico, was announced. We
look forward to welcoming
Elizabeth to the States and into
our Bloomington church family.
Sis. Hannah Zimmerman (Bro.
Dennis and Sis. Pam) is engaged
to Bro. Drew Banwart of Fairbury.
His parents are Bro. Dale and Sis.
Donna (Fairbury).
What a trust, to have the
responsibility of children. That
said, it is critical to thank the
outgoing Sunday School teachers
for their enthusiasm and efforts
and to pray for the Sunday School
teachers as they prepare and teach
this year. May God bless and
guide their efforts.
Bro. Keith and Sis. Kay Knapp
are happy to announce the recent
engagement of their son, Jason, to
Ann Steffen (Bro. Keith and Sis.
Kathy) of Washington, IL.
Sympathy is extended to the
family of Sis. Elsa Endress (Bro.
Ralph) on the passing away of her
mother, Sis. Mary Ellen Stoller
of Eureka. Mary Ellen lived a
full life and at the age of 90 her
children, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren bid her farewell
until meeting again in heaven!
Likewise, we pray for comfort for
Brad Hays in the sadness he feels
at the loss of his mother, Patty
Hays of Bloomington.
Nic and Amanda Rassi have
been blessed with a bundle from
heaven and we rejoice with them.
Elliott Aaron is also welcomed by
his grandparents, Bro. Marv and
Sis. Rita Wenger and Bro. Curt
and Sis. Kathy Rassi (Tremont).
Illinois, Bradford
Roseann Stahl
Sandi Joos
“I say unto you, that likewise joy
shall be in heaven over one sinner
that repenteth, more than over
ninety and nine just persons, which
need no repentance.” Luke 15:7
We rejoice with the angels as
we have not just one new convert,
but four. Harkening God’s call
are Allisa Stoller (Bro. Nate and
Sis. Sherrill), Anna Dietz (Bro.
Barry and Sis. Rachel), Erica
Kieser (Bro. Matt and Sis. Tracy),
and Joel Stahl (Bro. Wendell and
Sis. Linda). Our prayers are with
them as they seek to build a firm
foundation on the Solid Rock.
It was a blessing to have
visiting ministers with us this past
month. Serving us on the pulpit
were Bro. Ryan Hoerr (Sis. Joy,
Princeville), Bro. Matthew Gerber
(Sis. Ruth, Ixtlan, Mexico), and
Bro. Frank Sauder (Sis. Kathy,
Roanoke).
Sis. Char Dietz was
hospitalized and we are thankful
she is back home and assembling
with us.
Our Sunday School Summer
World Relief nights were
completed in August. Many
thanks to all who organized and
participated in those evenings.
Thankful for God’s provision
through the years, Bro. Kenny
and Sis. Mardell Dietz have been
blessed with 50 years of marriage.
included Bro. Frank Sauder (Sis.
Kathy; Roanoke, IL), Bro. Virgil
Metzger (Sis. Mary; Chicago, IL),
and Bro. Wayne Hartzler (Sis.
Camille; Rittman, OH). Thank
you for all you do!
Illinois, Chicago
Diana Eisenmann
We extend our thanks and
appreciation to the ministers who
visited us in August: Elder Bro.
John Wiegand (Sis. Jane, Silverton,
OR), Bro. Loren Schrenk (Sis.
Betsy, St. Louis, MO), Bro. Ron
Palitto (Sis. Lynell, Akron, OH),
and Bro. Bill Brake (Sis. Miriam,
Sardis, OH).
The biennial Bible class mission
trip was in July. As in recent years,
Illinois, Champaign
we spent the week helping with
Sarah Eisenmann
various work projects at Casa
Greetings from ChampaignVida y Esperanza in Magdalena,
Urbana!
Mexico. Our group included
On July 18, our Bible Class
several from Sarasota, FL and Fort
(and chaperones) left for a weekScott, KS as well. The theme for
long trip to the Athens, AL
the week was “Stronger Together”.
area. The weekend was spent
We learned about the importance
participating in a joint Vacation
of teamwork in the construction
Bible School with the Bible Classes projects as well as our spiritual
from Athens and Atlanta, GA.
lives. We want to thank the staff
The rest of the week was spent
and residents of CVE for their
participating in work projects
warm hospitality during our stay.
around the Athens area. We are
Quinton James Rassi was
thankful that God blessed the
born July 3 to Bro. Nathan and
group with safety as well as great
Sis. Michelle Rassi of St. Louis,
fellowship.
MO. Older siblings are Ashton
On July 21, we hosted an
and Morgan. Grandparents are
invite-a-friend day. Church was
Bro. Greg and Sis. Carla Rassi of
followed by a picnic at Lake of the Chicago and Bro. Walt and Sis.
Woods in Mahomet. Thank you to Lynda Beery of Rittman, OH.
those who invited and to all who
In August we installed two
came to visit.
new Sunday School teachers:
Visiting ministers this month
Bro. Ryan Graf and Sis. Diana
Eisenmann. We also welcomed
convert Tiera Wiegand to our
church family. She has moved here
from Silverton, OR for her new
job.
Please keep Janet Eckel in
your prayers as she continues her
chemotherapy treatments.
Illinois, Cissna Park
Janie Waldbeser
Sandy Rudin
“Cheer up, ye hosts of righteous,
Your shining lamps display!
Evening has come upon us,
Daylight has passed away. The
Bridegroom in His splendor Will
soon again appear; O watch and
pray with candor, Midnight
will soon be here! Trim up for
the occasion Your lamps, and
keep them filled! Await now
your salvation, Have soul and
body healed! Hear Zion’s guard
repeating ‘The Bridegroom now is
near!’ Give Him a joyful greeting;
With Hallelujahs clear! Oh Jesus
Christ, our pleasure, Come soon
and reappear! O Jesus Christ, our
treasure, Advance Thy progress
here! We pray for termination Of
all combat and strife, And hope
our full salvation May speedily
arrive.” Zion’s Harp, #50
It seems like this song has been
given off a lot in our congregation.
Let us be mindful of the words and
realize Christ’s return could be at
any time.
Bro. Curt Sauder, John Alt,
and Curt Knapp have been recent
surgical patients. We are thankful
that Bro. Curt is back in church
and we want to continue to pray
September 2014
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for John and Curt.
School has started and we
want to remember to pray for our
students no matter where they are
in their schooling. Our teachers
and administrators also are in
need of prayer as they face many
challenges today.
Illinois, Congerville
Erica Steffen
“But we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh
patience; and patience experience;
and experience, hope: and hope
maketh not ashamed because the
love of God is shed abroad in our
hearts by the Holy Ghost which is
given unto us.” Romans 5:3-5
This month has brought a joy,
as well as sadness to our hearts.
Isn’t it good to have a mix of
joy and sorrow in our lives? We
often feel as though sorrow is
overwhelming and the pain can
run deep, but those who have been
redeemed always have the joy of
knowing that our Savior is waiting
for us and wants to bring us to
that good and blessed end.
We believe waiting to see
Jesus ended for one of the dear
souls from our church in this
past month. Our dear Sister Mae
Schrock, went to her reward after
95 years of serving our Lord!
Mae was 110 years old when she
passed away on July 18. Although
we rejoice that she has fought the
good fight of faith and her labors
are over now, we do extend our
sympathy to her loved ones who
will surely miss her in the days
and years to come. To quote her
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SILVER LINING September 2014
obituary, “Mae was baptized on
May 25, 1919 in the Mackinaw
River at the Congerville Apostolic
Christian Church.” Although
there have been very few of us
who have or ever will have the
blessed opportunity to serve for
this length of time, may we serve
him with all our heart, soul, mind,
and strength with the years He
graciously gives unto each one.
As one journey with the Lord
has ended, a new one has begun!
We rejoice that another soul has
been called to repentance and lift
him up in prayer as he makes a
new beginning in Christ.
We are always grateful for the
many visiting ministers who serve
our church throughout the month.
This month, Bros. Brent Walder
(Sis. Naomi, Rockville, CT),
Tony Manz (Sis. Denise, Junction,
OH), Byron Stoller (Sis. Carol,
Gridley), Randy Mogler (Sis.
Evie, Washington), (Elder) Tom
Hoffman (Sis. Kathy, Roanoke),
Gary Endress (Sis. Evelyn,
Bradford), Ron Palitto (Sis.
Lynell, Akron, OH), Curt Rassi
(Sis. Kathy, Tremont), (Elder)
Ken Indermuhle (Sis. Linda,
Sardis, OH), Gary Brown (Sis.
Jane, Forrest), Nate Lehman (Sis.
Yvonne, Denver, CO), and Paul
Kilgus (Sis. Carmen, Fairbury).
May they and their families feel
the Lord’s blessing and nearness as
they labor onward.
Note of Thanks:
The family of our Aunt Mae
Schrock would like to thank the
Congerville A.C. Church for
their many kind words and loving
deeds during the visitation, funeral
service, graveside service, and
funeral meal prepared and served.
God bless all who served in any
way.
In Memory of L. Mae Schrock
“Morning dawns on the Bible, so
pure, clean and bright.
In a child’s heart is planted, the
words of truth and right.
As a bright day dawning, it’s
promises aglow and new:
So a child is nourished, by its love
so true.
Daylight shines on the Bible, a
child now fully grown;
Knows the allurement of the
world, but chooses God alone.
Those seeds long since planted,
bring forth the pleasing fruit.
Where ‘ere the storms of life shall
blow, the tree has a deep root.
Twilight falls on the Bible, God’s
Word faithful till the end.
When withered hands caress worn
pages, remembering where they
have been.
Fierce storms and deepest sorrow,
great victories over the adversary;
Joyfully knowing on this earth
soon they’ ll need no longer tarry.
Night never descends on the Bible,
it is our Guiding Light.
Though foes assail, He will not
fail, to guard us through each
night.
Promised through God’s Holy
Word, heaven we may achieve.
For what is death, but new life
dawning, for those who in Christ
believe?”
Written by: Anonymous
Illinois, Elgin
Amy Gasser
The annual Sunday School
picnic was held on July 20,
followed by a week of Vacation
Bible School. We thank the visiting
ministers who spoke to the Bible
Class during that week, including
Bro. Matt Rassi (Chicago, IL), Bro.
Jeff Neihouser (Morton, IL), Bro.
Ted Schock (Belvidere, IL), and
Bro. Randy Mogler (Washington,
IL). On that Wednesday evening,
Bro. Troy Leyse (Bluffton, IN)
conducted an all-church topical
presentation on “The Kingdom of
God.”
Thanks also to Bro. Greg Rassi
(Chicago, IL), who visited on a
recent Sunday.
Bro. Roger Weiss and Sis.
Nancy Schieler have completed
their terms in Sunday School. Bro.
Matt Schambach was selected for a
six-year term.
Bro. Alex Steffen and Sis.
Mindy Furrer were married in
Wolcott, IN on August 10. Their
parents are Bro. Gary and Sis. Lois
Steffen and Bro. Bruce and Sis.
Pam Furrer. We wish them God’s
blessings as they establish their
home.
Illinois, Eureka
Debra Blunier
Linda Rocke
We extend our thanks and
appreciation to all the visiting
ministers we had this month.
They included Elder Bro. Tom
Stock (Sis. Karol, Cissna Park),
Bro. Donald Manz (Sis. Connie,
Junction, OH), and Bro. Jedd
Rocke (Sis. Marsha, Goodfield).
Also visiting us were Bro. Joseph
Gerst (Sis. Connie, Iowa City, IA),
Bro. Jonathan Pratt (Sis. Sharon,
Valparaiso, IN.), and Bro. Dennis
Rassi (Sis. Diane), Austin, TX).
Our prayers are with Liz
(Andy) Meeks, as she has begun
repenting. May she feel God’s
grace each step of this journey.
“My Lord, an off’ring do I bring;
my heart I give to Thee. I gladly
give this heart of mine, which
Thou dost ask of me.”
The Covenant of Grace,
Zion’s Harp #163
What a joy it was as we
witnessed the proving and baptisms
of three dear souls. Our new sisters
in faith are Sis. Darci Wettstein
(Bro. Bill and Sis. Heidi), Sis. Jodi
Blunier (Bro. Sam and Sis. Luann),
and Sis. Amelia Meiss (Bro. Trent
and Sis. Lucy). May the waters
continue to be stirred that more
would come to know this blessed
way of the Cross.
Trent Banwart, son of Bro. Jeff
and Sis. Lisa, is engaged to Sarah
Argo of Eureka. Her parents are
Pete and Linda. Their wedding
was August 29. They will reside
in Wichita Falls, TX, where he is
stationed with the Air Force.
We have many here in our
congregation to whom the Lord
has granted long lives, who are
now in their 80’s and 90’s. This is
a time when the body begins to
fail and sometimes difficult choices
need to be made. It is not an easy
thing to give up the homes and
independence that mean so much
and move into a more sheltered
living arrangement. Our love and
support go out to all of our dear
older ones. May you feel God’s
nearness at each new bend in the
road.
Illinois, Fairbury
Angela Herr
Janelle Stoller
“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou
eat bread, till thou return unto the
ground; for out of it wast thou taken:
for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt
thou return.” Genesis 3:19
Helen Rapp passed away on
July 22. We extend our sympathy
to her children: Judy Cox, Streator,
IL; Kay (Gary) Gray, Hot Springs,
AR; and Ron (Shirley) Rapp,
Bushnell, IL. Cynthia Donelson
passed away July 24. She is a
sister to Sis. Darlene Bittner and
sister-in-law to LaVerne Bittner.
Sis. Arlene Walter’s brother,
Bro. Maurice Zimmerman,
Bloomington, IL, passed away on
July 27. His funeral was at our
Fairbury church with Elder Bro.
Mark Streitmatter and Bro. Brad
Metz conducting the service. May
God comfort these families.
July 26 and 27 we heard the
testimonies and witnessed the
baptisms of our new Sisters Dakota
Bazzell (Bro. Mark and Sis. Tania),
Lily Moser (Sis. Julia and late Bro.
Doug) and Myrna Moser (Bro.
Jeff and Sis. Sara). We welcome
them as our sisters in Christ.
We appreciate Elder Bro. Jon
Schmidgall (Oakville-Mediapolis,
IA) assisting Bro. Rick in this
work.
Other visiting ministers
September 2014
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were Bros. Jerry Wagenbach
(Oakville-Mediapolis, IA);
Michael Wagenbach (Wolcott,
IN); Don Manz, Elder Bro. Bill
Schlatter, Sam Schlatter, and
Warren Schlatter (all of Junction,
OH); Al Schambach (Remington,
IN); Brian Waibel (Champaign,
IL); Dewayne Dill (Minneapolis,
MN); Bill Wettstein (Eureka, IL);
and Todd Sinn (Latty, OH).
“And now abideth faith, hope,
charity, these three; but the greatest
of these is charity.” 1 Cor. 13:13
Sis. Laura Zehr (Bro. Nelson
and Sis. Amy) and Bro. Andy
Manz (Bro. Don and Sis. Connie,
Junction, OH) were married
August 3. We will miss Sis. Laura
and wish them God’s blessings
as they establish their home in
Junction.
Bro. Drew Banwart (Bro.
Dale and Sis. Donna) is engaged
to Sis. Hannah Zimmerman
(Bro. Dennis and Sis. Pam,
Bloomington, IL). May God guide
them as they plan for their life
together.
Our thoughts and prayers have
been with our Elder brothers who
met in Lester, IA and labored on
our behalf. We also appreciate the
labors of the brethren in Lester
and pray God will bless each one.
Bro. Ralph Bahler spent time
in the hospital and David Herr
(Sis. Cindy) was a surgical patient.
May God grant healing according
to His will.
We rejoiced to hear Lori
Young (Bro. Bruce and Sis. Bev)
has answered God’s call and
made a beginning in repentance.
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SILVER LINING September 2014
We wish her much grace as she
turns her back on the world and
surrenders her all to God.
Treyson Scott joined the
home of Bro. Darl, Sis. Janelle,
Kyla, Layna, and Trevin Rassi
on August 14. Grandparents are
Bro. Dennis and Sis. Diane Rassi
(Austin, TX) and Bro. Bill and
Sis. Anna Schmidgall. May God
bless this family and give them
much grace to raise their children.
We wish Sis. Leigha Rokey
God’s blessings as she moves back
to Kansas. We enjoyed having her
in our area for the past year.
Illinois, Forrest Karla Zimmerman
Molly Zimmerman
“What glorious state, to be a
lamb of Jesus, To feel the faithful
Shepherd’s loving grace. In all the
earth there is no higher standing
Than this to follow in the Savior’s
ways. What all the world could
never give, A lamb of Jesus from
its Shepherd will receive.”
Zion’s Harp #16 vs. 1
What a wonderful weekend
we had this past month to be
able to listen to four dear lambs
bring forth their testimonies and
then to witness their baptisms.
We welcome our new Bro. Luke
Zimmerman (Bro. Jeff and Sis.
Stephanie) and our new Sisters
Lilah Knapp (Bro. Harlan and
Sis. Jean), Jenna Kaeb (late Bro.
Eldon and late Sis. Stephanie),
and Kayla Kuntz (Bro. Rollyn
and late Sis. Brenda). Helping our
Elder Bro. Marvin that weekend
was Elder Bro. David Graf
(Akron, OH). We are so grateful
for these dear brothers’ labors.
We also rejoice with our new
convert Ted Bachtold (Teresa).
May he continue to feel our Lord’s
guidance as he begins this new
walk in life. We are thankful that
our converts, Stanton Mueller
(Bro. Stan and Sis. Kristen) and
Luke Dotterer (Bro. Jason and Sis.
Lynn), have found peace and are
looking forward to baptism.
We have been richly blessed to
have many other visiting ministers
this past month. They were
Brothers Jacob Kuntz (CroghanNaumburg, NY), Tim Gerber
(Mansfield, OH), Brian Waibel
(Champaign, IL), Paul Kilgus
(Fairbury, IL), Tom Schambach
(Elgin, IL), Bill Brake (Sardis,
OH), Tim Hohulin (Roanoke,
IL), and Bro. Don Sinn (Silverton,
OR). We offer many thanks to
each of these brothers and their
families for coming and sharing
the day and the Word with us.
Bro. Jesse and Sis. Karla
Zimmerman are so thankful for
the safe arrival and adoption of
little Wren Danielle. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Kent and
Sis. Paulette Zimmerman and Bro.
Martin and Sis. Trish Steidinger
(Fairbury, IL). We are all anxious
for them to return home from
Florida to meet little Wren. Please
continue to keep them and the
birth parents in your prayers.
Sis. Micki Zimmerman (Bro.
Rod) was in the hospital this past
month, but, thankfully, is now
home recovering. May she continue
to recover and feel God’s nearness.
Illinois, Goodfield
Kayla Wiegand
Melissa Rokey
“Brother and Sister gone to that
clime, Wait for the others, coming
sometime, Safe with the angels,
whiter than snow, Watching for
dear ones waiting below. Looking
this way, yes, looking this way;
Loved ones are waiting, looking
this way; Fair as the morning,
bright as the day, Dear ones in
glory, looking this way.”
Tabernacle Hymns #44 vs. 3
Our thoughts and prayers are
with Bro. Ben Tanner as his sister,
Sis. Emily Tanner (Peoria, IL),
went to her home in heaven on
August 3. We pray that God will
provide comfort.
“For I will restore health unto thee,
and I will heal thee of thy wounds,
saith the Lord;” Jer. 30:17
Bro. Steve Wiegand (Sis. Mary
Ellen) was hospitalized this month.
We pray that God can heal and
restore his health as He sees fit.
“Be strong and of a good courage,
fear not, nor be afraid of them: for
the Lord thy God, he it is that doth
go with thee; he will not fail thee,
nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6
We are so thankful for God’s
nearness that was felt during the
Elder Conference. We continue to
lift all of our dear elder brothers
and their wives up in prayer to our
Heavenly Father that He will bless
them for their willingness to serve
and their servant hearts. We are thankful for the
ministers who have lent their time
in serving and teaching us from
God’s Word. They include: Bro.
Chris Laukhuf (Sis. Rachel, Latty,
OH), Bro. Tom Bolliger (Sis.
Jane, Tremont, IL), and Bro. Rick
Kaisner (Sis. Michelle, Chicago,
IL).
Sunday School term began, after
a short summer vacation. We offer
our prayers to God on behalf of
the teachers. And our prayers are
also for the students, and also that
their parents can augment and
Illinois, Gridley
re-enforce the lessons the students
Perry Klopfenstein
learn each Sunday. We especially
We were glad to have
pray for any Junior or High School
four visiting ministers in our
students that are at or beyond
congregation: Bro. Ron Bollier,
the age of accountability to seek
Indianapols, IN, and three others the dear Lord in repentance and
from Tremont, Bros. Curt Rassi,
conversion.
Tom Bollinger, and John Rassi.
Sis. Dorothy Ringger had a
Their presence was a blessing.
surgical procedure on her injured
Sis. Leann Ringger was
leg, and it’s reported it went well.
married to Bro. Galen Huette of
The grandson of Bro. John
Tremont on August 17. She is the and Sis. Wava Kaupp, 11-year-old
daughter of Sis. Coleen and the late Aiden Palmer, had a seizure and
Bro. Stan Ringger. His parents are is awaiting an appointment with a
Bro. Dave and Sis. Susan Huette, specialist in Peoria. May God heal
Tremont. We wish them the
his ailment.
blessings of God in their marriage.
Sis. Mary (Alt) Stoller passed
Illinois, Morton
away on August 1 at the Home
Annette Tanner
in Eureka. She was 90, and the
Julie Bahr
widow of Bro. Harold Stoller.
We were encouraged with the
She is survived by five children:
Word by the ministering brothers
Harry Stoller, Springfield, IL;
who visited our Morton Church.
James Stoller of Tucson, AZ; Rich We appreciate Bro. Nathan
Stoller, Keller, TX, Rob Stoller,
Wiegand (Sis. Laura, Goodfield),
Cheyenne, WY; and Elsa Endress, Bro. Fred Witzig (Sis. Nancy,
Lake Bloomington, IL. Sis. Mary Washington), Bro. Dean Steffen
had lived at Bickford House in
(Sis. Carol, Belvidere), Bro. Matt
Bloomington, and later at the
Steffen (Sis. Deanna, Princeville),
Apostolic Christian Home in
and Elder Bro. Jon Kokanovich
Eureka. She was an avid traveler,
(Sis. Nancy, Phoenix). We also
and did so on a world-wide basis.
thank Bro. Fred Funk (Sis. Diane)
She and her husband had owned
who gave our Family Worship
several businesses over the years.
Night topic on “Called to Faith”
She was outgoing and friendly. Our entitled “Here I Am”. Our spirit of
sympathies are surely extended to attitude most definitely, should be
her survivors.
adjusted to “Send Me, Lord” even
On September 17, the regular if it is to be “next door”!
September 2014
SILVER LINING
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Congratulations to Sis. Lynnae
Braker and Bro. Jay Fiechter who
announced their engagement.
Lynnae’s parents are Bro. Brad
and Sis. Debbie Braker. Bro. Jay’s
parents are Bro. Mike and Sis.
Shari Fiechter, Bluffton.
Our Bro. Norm Geyer passed
away on August 1. We extend our
sympathy and our prayers to his
dear wife, Sis. Eleanor and their
sons: Bro. Bill and Brad (Rochelle)
Geyer.
Our sympathy is also shared
with the family of our Bro. Jerry
Miller who passed away. Bro. Jerry
is survived by three sons: Mark
(Shiela), Michael (Nanette) and
Keith (Santi) Miller; and also a
brother Robert (Sharon) Miller.
Congratulations to Bro.
Todd and Sis. Wendy Braker
who are the thankful maternal
grandparents to a new grandson!
On August 14, Liam Henry,
entered the home of Bro. Brent
and Sis. Whitney Dill, Tremont.
Bro. Dave and Sis. Ann Dill
are baby Liams’ paternal
grandparents.
Illinois, Peoria
Pam Fritzenmeier
The weekend of July 26 and
27 we had four visiting ministers,
all here for the testimonies and
baptisms of four young people.
They were Bro. Doug Moser (Sis.
Dawn, Morris North), Bro. Jeff
Neihouser (Sis. Sue, Morton),
Elder Bro. Jeff Grimm (Sis. Ruth,
Goodfield), and Bro. John Bradle
(Sis. Jill, Roanoke). Our new
brother and sisters in Christ are
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Bro. Caleb Roecker (Bro. Tim
and Sis. Diane), Sis. Paige Elsasser
(Bro. Brian and Mary), Sis.
Whitney Streitmatter (Bro. Doug
and Sis. Cindy), and Sis. Erin
Schieler (Bro. Keith and Sis. Jodi,
Morris North).
Our annual Vacation Bible
School was held August 4-8 with
the theme “A Journey Through
Daniel”. Our guest speakers
included Bro. Daren Metz (Sis.
Rita, Gridley), Bro. Ryan Hoerr
(Sis. Joy, Princeville), Bro. Matt
Feucht (Sis. Jennifer, Roanoke),
and Bro. Jedd Rocke (Sis. Marsha,
Goodfield). We were reminded
that God is everywhere, God is
all-knowing, God is all powerful,
and God is all over.
We are so thankful to
announce six more souls who
desire to share their testimony
and be baptized. They are Maddie
Waibel, daughter of Bro. Matt
and Sis. Lisa; Hannah Reinhard,
daughter of Bro. Tim and Sis.
Joan; Shelby Vaughn, friend of
Bro. Craig and Sis. Jacki Stickling;
Clayton Grassi, son of Sis. Cheryl
and the late Bro. John; Logan
Sauder, son of Bro. David and Sis.
Rachel; and Jacob Feucht, son of
Bro. Tim and Sis. Robyn.
We extend our sympathy to
the family of Sis. Emily Tanner
who passed away August 3, Sis.
Hazel Geyer and family on the
passing of her brother-in-law, Bro.
Norman Geyer (Sis. Eleanor)
of Morton, and Bro. Paul (Sis.
Lynne) Knobloch and Sis. Debbie
(Bro. Duane) Steidinger and
families on the passing of their
father, Bro. Jim (Sis. Helen)
Knobloch of Princeville.
Many are dealing with health
issues and need our prayers. These
include Bro. Mark and Sis. Cathy
Kieser’s daughter, Sis. Megan
Kieser, Prescott, who broke both
legs; Bro. Dave and Sis. Kathy
Obergfel’s son, Jonathan, who
suffered a heart attack; Bro. Lou
(Sis. Marjean) Lonteen; Sis. Cindy
(Bro. Dale) Endress; Bro. Peter
Weber; Bro. Harry (Sis. Loretta)
Eisenmann; Sis. Dee Metzger; Sis.
Linda Miller; Mary See; Andrea
(Aaron) Staley; Rosalie (Bruce)
Johnson; Mary Funk; Bro. Dan
and Sis. Susan Meister; Allison
Stickling (Chris and Sis. Marsha);
and Bro. Jeff (Sis. Melissa) Waibel.
Please also keep our local
families serving far from home in
your prayers. These include Bro.
Jonathan and Sis. Bere Aupperle,
Bro. Jason Grassi, and Bro. Zach
and Sis. Daniela Knobloch, all at
CVE in Magdalena. Bro. Zach’s
family was able to come home for
his grandpa’s (Bro. Jim Knobloch)
funeral. Also keep little Keyla, and
young Fede in your prayers.
Note of Thanks:
Thank you for your prayers,
cards, gifts, and expressions of
love during the death of our
dear husband and father. We are
humbled by the love shown to us.
May God bless you. Sis. Cheryl,
Bro. Jason, Sis. Janelle, and
Clayton Grassi
Illinois, Princeville
They have moved from Tremont,
Gloria White
IL. We are enjoying having them
worship with us.
Renee Herrmann
We were blessed by the
Hospital patients this month
ministry of Bro. John Grimm
have been Harvey Stahl, Sis. Jan
(Columbus, OH) and Elder Bro.
Elsasser and Kevin Schick. Please
Bruce Endress (Bradford, IL).
pray for the full recovery of these
We thank these brothers for their
loved ones.
willing service.
Our sympathies go to the
Bro. Fred and Sis. Nancy
family of Bro. Jim Knobloch
Menold and Sis. Coleen Ringger
(Sis. Helen) as he has gone to his
(the late Bro. Stan, Gridley, IL)
eternal reward. We pray God will
rejoiced over the safe arrival of
comfort Sis. Helen, their children
a new granddaughter. Brooklyn
and grandchildren. The children
Marie was born to Bro. Jamin and are Bro. Donald-dec. (Jennifer) of
Sis. Whitney Ringger (Gridley, IL) Morton, IL and Sis. Debra (Bro.
on 7/13. Bro. Craig and Sis. Terri
Duane) Steidinger and Bro. Paul
Martin and Joe and Janine Aimone (Sis. Lynne) both of Peoria, IL.
welcomed a new grandson. Connor
Many of our children and
James was born 7/20 to Clint and young adults are returning to
Jessica Martin. May these parents school. Some of them are heading
seek God’s guidance in raising
off to college. We have been
these children to His glory.
reminded in college preparation
We praise God that He is still classes of some of the challenges
calling workers to His vineyard.
that our young people will face.
Austin Beutel (Bro. Steve and
It was also stated that these
Sis. Kari), Liberty Steffen (Bro.
difficulties can continue out in the
Matthew and Sis. Deanna) and
work environment. Please pray that
Tianna Herrmann (Bro. Kevin
they will put on the whole armor
and Sis. Grace) have answered
of God, that they may be able to
God’s call and begun their walk
stand against the wiles of the devil.
with Him. We pray that God
Ephesians 6:11
will continue to draw others to
repentance.
Illinois, Roanoke
We were privileged to hear the Barb Schwind
testimony of Aaron Herrmann
Judy Sauder
(Bro. Doug and Sis. Angie) as he
St. Luke: 15:7 “…that likewise joy
shared how God had changed
shall be in heaven over one sinner
his desires. We were thankful to
that repenteth…”
observe his baptism and welcome
We rejoice with Elizabeth
Bro. Aaron into our congregation. Moser (Bro. Todd & Sis. Kathy),
We welcome Bro. Steve and
Tyler Barth (Bro. Mike & Sis.
Sis. Kari Beutel and their boys:
Joyce) and Marykate Fowler as
Austin, Ethan, Jake and Thomas.
they have begun their walks with
the Lord. We pray for God’s
blessing upon these loved ones as
they take this step of faith.
St. Mark 10: 9 “What therefore
God hath joined together, let not
man put asunder.”
Megan Schwind (Bro. Dan &
Sis. Donna) was united in marriage
to Josh Stevens of Metamora on
August 8. Josh’s parents are Roy
Stevens of Peoria and LeeAnn
Stevens of Metamora.
On August 9, Heather Rocke
(Bro. Dennis & Sis. Eva) became
the bride of David Thames of
Morton (Jeff & Brenda Thames of
Preston, ID). We are so thankful
for two new Christian homes being
established!
On July 20, Bro. Ed Stoller
(Denver) was our guest minister.
It is always a blessing to welcome
Bro. Ed & Sis. Boni and their
sons back “home.” Bro. Mark
Zimmerman (Eureka) served us
on the pulpit on August 10. And
Bro. Matt Oesch (Alto) visited us
on August. 17. We thank these
brothers for their faithful service
to us.
We are so grateful that Bro.
Steve (Sis. Shirley) Leman and Bro.
Matt (Sis. Heather) Leman were
spared serious injury when they
were involved in a pickup truck
accident in Nebraska recently. To
God be the glory!
Colossians 2:12: “Buried with him
in baptism, wherein also ye are risen
with him through the faith of the
operation of God…”
On August 16-17, we heard
the testimonies and witnessed
the baptisms of Rachel Fehr and
September 2014
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Andrew Fehr. Their parents
are John & Jane Fehr. Rachel
served in Vietnam this summer
doing mission work. We are also
thankful for her safe arrival back
home. We rejoice with Rachel
and Andrew and pray for God’s
blessing upon them as they further
seek to serve and follow our Lord.
We continue to pray for
Sis. Clara Fischer, Sis. Jane
Schumacher, Sis. Leah Bertschi,
Bro. Gordon (Sis. Karen) Presley,
and Sally Achterberg and her son,
Jake, all who are dealing with
health issues.
St. Matthew 28: 19: “Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations,…”
Bro. Scott , Sis. Mandy, Brie,
Chloe and Gabby Yordy have
returned to Haiti to continue
serving with MEBSH. We miss
the Yordy’s but are so thankful
for their servant hearts and
their desire to be used in God’s
kingdom!
Bro. Tim & Sis. Peg
Stoller have welcomed a new
granddaughter, Taylor Olivia,
born on August 15 to Tim &
Esther Stoller of Charlotte, NC.
Big sister and brother Sophie and
Conley and maternal grandparents
LeRoy & Maria Weaver of
Sarasota, FL are also thrilled with
Taylor’s arrival.
Ryder Luke was born to Luke
& Sarah Wiegand of Goodfield
on August 17. His big sister is Ava
and his thankful grandparents are
Sis. Janet Knepp and Bro. Ed &
Joanne Wiegand (Goodfield). We
ask that God would bless these
families as they raise their children
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SILVER LINING September 2014
in the ways of the lord.
2 Tim. 4: 6-8: “For I am now
ready to be offered, and the time
of my departure is at hand. I have
fought a good fight, I have finished
my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me
a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give
me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his
appearing.”
This text was used in the
funeral service and is so fitting
for our Bro. Bill Hodel who
went to be with the Lord on
August 16. His survivors include
his wife, Sis Betty; sons: Bro.
Brent (Sis. Marge), Bro. Brad
(Sis. Patty); daughters: Sis. Boni
(Bro. Ed) Stoller (Denver), and
Barb (Tony) Jones of Roanoke; a
sister, Sis. Dorothy (Bro. Marvin)
Schmidgall (Eureka); two
brothers: Bro. Roy (Sis. Helen)
Hodel (Gridley) and Bro. Jim (Sis.
Doris) Hodel. Also surviving are
twelve grandchildren, and fifteen
great-grandchildren. Bro. Bill, a
former minister and deacon, was
a wonderful Christian example of
humble servanthood to his family,
in our church, community and
all those he came in contact with.
Not only was Bro. Bill a minister
in that he proclaimed the Gospel,
he also was a minister in that he
tended to or ministered to the
needs of others. We pray for our
Lord’s peace and comfort for his
dear family. Retired Elder Bro.
Joe Braker (Morton) and retired
Elder Bro. Joe Stoller (Princeville)
participated in the funeral services
for Bro. Bill.
Our elder Bro. Tom Hoffman
shared recently that on a given
Sunday we had worshipers in our
congregation from Haiti, Jamaica,
and the United Kingdom. What
a testimony of the universality of
the body of Christ! To God be the
glory!
Note of Thanks:
To our friends, family and
brothers and sisters in faith, We
would like to express our deepest
gratitude for your support, prayers,
deeds of kindness and gifts of
love. Charlene and I have been
greatly blessed throughout our
time together but this, possibly
our greatest blessing, has come
from what some would consider
a tragedy. In early July lightning
started a fire in our home that
consumed pretty much everything
inside. What didn’t burn was
ruined by smoke. But we don’t
consider it a tragedy.
We have received a gift. The
love, kindness and generosity you
have shown is incredible and much
more than we deserve. Every day
through you, our loved ones, we
feel the love and kindness of our
Lord. We may have lost a lot of
worldly things, but it is a small
price we would gladly pay again
to feel the peace and joy that
comes from knowing how much
we are loved. It is very humbling
to receive so much from so many
beautiful people.
I would like to share an
experience so please bear with me.
The first verse I opened to after
the fire was Isaiah 40. I read the
entire chapter and was particularly
moved by the last verses. About a
week later I was recovering data
from Charlene’s burnt computer.
Apparently several months before
the fire she had been moved by
a Bible verse as well. For on her
computer I found a text file titled Bible Verse to Remember. I opened
it and it read:
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
“Do you not know? Have you not
heard? The LORD is the everlasting
God, the Creator of the ends of the
earth. He will not grow tired or
weary, and his understanding no
one can fathom. He gives strength to
the weary and increases the power
of the weak. Even youths grow tired
and weary, and young men stumble
and fall; but those who hope in the
LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
It is you, our dear friends and
loved ones, who have lifted us up.
This is just one example of how
God is working in our lives. But
Charlene and I are not special,
God works with all of us, all the
time. We are blessed to be a part of
a strong Christ-centered Church.
Please keep us in your prayers,
we still need God’s guidance
through the days ahead. And if
there is anything we can do to help
in any way please let us know!
Love, Dan (& Charlene) Monk
Illinois, Tremont
Teresa Rowell
Janice Sauder
We are always thankful for
the visiting ministers that come to
preach God’s Word. Elder Bro. Ted
Witzig, Sr. (Sis. Cindy, Morton)
and Bro. Ted Hirstein (Sis. Joyce,
Morton) were here for testimonies
and baptisms. Bro. Bill Wettstein
(Sis. Heidi, Eureka), Bro. Roger
Sauder (Sis. Judy, Ft. Lauderdale)
and Bro. Doyle Frauhiger (Sis.
Jane, Bluffton North) were also
with us this month.
Hannah Frank (Bro. Doug
and Sis. Cheri) and Morgan Kaiser
(Bro. Mark and Sis. Renee) gave
their testimonies and were baptized
into our precious denomination.
We welcome them as our sisters.
Bro. Tim Kaeb (Sarasota, FL),
son of Bro. Elmer and the late Sis.
Darlene Kaeb, is engaged to Sis.
Sandra Gal also from Sarasota,
Fl. We wish them God’s richest
blessings as they begin their life
together.
Bro. Brent and Sis. Whitney
Dill have become first-time
parents to Liam Henry Dill. He is
welcomed home by grandparents
Bro. Dave and Sis. Ann Dill. We
pray that they will seek the Lord’s
wisdom in raising their little son.
Erika Sinn (granddaughter
of Bro. Ernie and Sis. Frieda
Aberle) is moving to our area to
attend nursing school. She will
be assembling with our Tremont
church. We welcome her and hope
she feels at home with us.
Stacey Prather (Todd) has lost
her father, Dick Muselman. We
pray for God’s comforting presence
during this sad time in her life.
Bro. Carl Klopfenstein
is headed back to Ohio after
spending the summer in Tremont.
We wish him God’s blessings as he
returns to his home church.
Illinois, Washington
Marlene Prather
Jodi Fehr
“Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with
you always, even unto the end of the
world.” Matthew 28:19-20
Washington has several
brothers and sisters who are serving
the Lord abroad. Some of them
have visited over the summer and
we have been blessed by having
them back in Washington. Most
recently, Bro. Matt Gerber (Sis.
Ruth) of Ixtlan was with us and
we thank him for his labor of
love in the ministry. We continue
to keep our other missionary
families in our prayers including
Bro. Marshall and Sis. Jan
Heinold of Ixtlan, Bro. Bill and
Sis. Joan Schick and their family
of Magdalena, and Sis. Erin
Knobloch of Reynosa.
Other visiting ministers this
month were Bro. Jeremiah Psinas
of Morton, Bro. John Lehman (Sis.
Tamara) of Wolcott and Bro. Klint
Beyer (Sis. Kara) of Sabetha. We
pray that God blesses each of them
and their families for sharing with
us.
Henry Sawyer was born to
Warren and Heather Blunier
and welcomed home by big
brother Russell. Grandparents of
September 2014
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this precious baby boy are Bro.
Daryl and Sis. Lucy Blunier of
Goodfield, Alan and Melanie
Ludwig of Benson, and Dione
Hunziker of Eureka.
We are keeping Bro. Andy
Mogler, Sis. Kathy Steffen, and
Sis. Angie Schrock in our prayers
for continued healing as they have
recently dealt with medical issues.
We recently said goodbye
to Bro. Jason and Sis. Whitney
Indermule and their daughters,
Aniya and Kezra, who returned
to Smithville. They will be missed
and we wish them God’s blessings
as they establish their home in
Ohio.
Indiana, Bluffton
Suzie Fiechter
Kim Meyer
Bro. Craig & Sis. Jean Steffen
are thankful for the birth of their
granddaughter, Nyla Mae, born to
Phillip & Jamy Steffen. Bro. Cory
& Sis. Holly Aschliman and Jade
welcome Simon William into their
family. His grandparents are Bro.
Kevin (Sis. Beth) Aschliman and
Bro. Don (Sis. Suzie) Fiechter.
Speaking of births, we have
five new converts who are seeking
that re-birth through Jesus Christ.
Ben Kaehr (Bro. Sam & Sis.
Connie), Kylie Baller (Bro. Todd
& Sis. Shelly), Mitch Bertsch (Bro.
Jay & Sis. Rhonda), Demetri &
Malachi Vorhees (foster sons of
Bro. Quinn & Sis. Sarah Fiechter).
We rejoice with these individuals
and know they will never make a
better decision than choosing to
repent.
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Our high school students
enjoyed a weekend of fellowship
with several IN churches at
Christian Endeavor. This year’s
theme was Who Are You Serving?
Bluffton was able to host this year
and appreciate all those who made
it possible. May the friendships
formed continue to grow across
the congregations.
Bro. Mike & Sis. Shari
Fiechter announced the
engagement of their son, Bro.
Jay, to Sis. Lynnae Braker (Bro.
Bradley & Sis. Deb) of Morton.
Since we are mentioning
marriage, Bro. Charles & Sis.
Marilyn Gerber are celebrating
their 50th wedding anniversary.
What a living testimony of God’s
faithfulness!
We continue to pray for
those who have been or still are
hospitalized: Sis. Ilene Steffen
(Bro. Lenard-dec.), Bro. Earl (Sis.
Pat) Gerber and Sis. Barb Pfister
(Bro. Tom-dec.). Bro. Charles
Zorio, Millie Schladenhauffen
(Bro. Paul-dec.), Bro. Bob Herring
(Sis. Janet).
We have said goodbye to some
dear loved ones and our sympathy
goes out to the families involved.
Bro. Ted Kaehr (Sis. Naomi-dec.)
who is the father of Sis. Jane (Bro.
Doyle) Frauhiger, Sis. Marie (Bro.
Chuck) Frauhiger, Bro. Lyle (Sis.
Connie) Kaehr, Bro. Myron, Sis.
Irene (Bro. Steve) Frauhiger. Sis.
Judy (Bro. Don-dec.) Isch and
Bro. Terry (Sis. Gloria) Steffen said
goodbye to their brother, Ted. Sis.
Kathy (Bro. Jim) Lantz laid to rest
her mother, Edith Myers. Carol
(Ray) Fiechter ended her battle
with cancer. She was a sister-in-law
to Sis. Sheryl (Bro. Alan) Ringger.
Sis. Marcella (Bro. Truman)
Yergler and Sis. Doris (Bro. Dale)
Fiechter had a sister pass away
also, Sis. Mary Klopfenstein of
Latty, OH. Sometimes when a
loved one passes away, we are
surprised at the timing. But, may
we take comfort in knowing that
God is never surprised when He
calls His children home.
And last but not least,
thank you to the congregation
at Lester for making the Elder
Conference possible this summer.
Thank you again elders for the
time and commitment you put
forth to be the shepherds of our
congregations.
Indiana, Bluffton North
Corinne Stettner
Amy Moser
Sometimes we spend too much
time in the Kingdom without
spending enough time with the
King.
“Who do you serve?”
Throughout the morning of
Sunday, August 10, the question
rang out loud and clear. This
year, Bluffton North had the
privilege of hosting Christian
Endeavor to over 100 High School
students. Bro. Ryan Bertsch had
the morning service and spoke
to this question, declaring that it
cannot be answered verbally, but
by our lifestyle, our actions, our
appearance, and how we respond
to God.
Once again, the annual
Gateway Woods Auction brought
with it many visitors to our church.
We were blessed to have Bro. Gary
Maibach (Sis. Mary Ann) from
Smithville, OH, and Bro. Clark
Stoller (Sis. Cindy) from Gridley,
IL, preach God’s Word to us on
Sunday. The auction weekend was
beautiful and truly a blessing to
see the outpouring of love and
resources from the body of Christ.
Bro. Jeff Waibel (Sis. Margo) from
Leo, IN, also came to spend a
Sunday with us in late July.
Bro. Ted Kaehr (Bluffton) went
home to be with Jesus on August
4. We rejoice for him, but mourn
for those who said goodbye to a
father and grandfather. He is the
father of Jane (Doyle) Frauhiger,
Marie (Chuck) Frauhigher, Lyle
(Connie), Myron, and Irene (Steve)
Frauhigher.
Bro. Darren and Sis. Amanda
Drayer are celebrating the birth of
their second child. Julian Darren
was born on August 7. He joins
sister Samantha at home.
Natalie Gudeman were recently
married in her home church of
Leo, IN. Their parents are Bro.
Randy & Sis. Becky Gudeman and
Elder Bro. Lynn & Sis. Leonda
Stieglitz. They have now gone to
Zambia to finish their duties with
“Lifesong for Orphans”and we pray
the Lord will be with them every
step of the way!
Bro. Jonathon Pelsy (Bro.
Roger & Sis. Lily) has returned
from Zambia where he has served
during the summer months.
Sis. Val Gutwein and her sons:
Bro. Mark, Derek, & Joel are here
on furlough from Haiti. Bro. Jan
will come at a later date.
Bro. Jan & Sis. Val are happy
to have a grandson, Adam David,
born to Sis. Tess & Bro. Dan
Leman in Denver, CO. Sis. Val has
gone to spend time with the family
which also includes “big sister”
Sophia.
Amy Pelsy, daughter of Bro.
Dale & Sis. Terri, is engaged to
marry Trent Brouillette, son of
Greg & Joyce Brouillette and Sara
Indiana, Francesville
Brouillette. We pray the Lord will
Jacki Huber
direct their hearts as they make
plans for their wedding day.
Mildred Clauss
“God always gives the best to those
Several of our loved ones have
who leave the choice with Him”.
recently been in the hospital: Sis.
Unknown
Donna Wuethrich (Bro. Otto),
“Trust in the Lord with all thine
Bro. Chris Huber (Sis. Sharon) and
heart; and lean not unto thine own Sis. Glendoris Huber (Bro. Lester).
understanding. In all thy ways
We pray that each of them will be
acknowledge him, and he shall direct blessed with a good recovery.
thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6
It is such a blessing when we
Indiana, Indianapolis
truly trust the Lord in all of our
Gail Bradford
endeavors and we know He hears
Sandy Lichtle
our prayers! Bro. Luke & Sis.
“In my Father’s house are many
mansions: if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place
for you.” John 14:2.
Our dear Sis. Edith Mayer
(Bro. John–dec.) was called to
her heavenly home on August
1. This spring we celebrated her
95th birthday with a gathering
of family and friends. We will
remember this faithful sister, her
regular attendance at church for
many years, and her devotion to
her family. We enjoyed talking
with her about her childhood, her
experiences growing up, her arrival
in Indianapolis and the place she
and her husband, John, held in the
formative years of the Indianapolis
church. Along with her children,
13 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren, we, her “extended”
family, will miss her and are
comforted that she is now in the
loving arms of her precious Savior.
We were pleased to have
visiting ministers this month:
Bro. Matthew Gerber (Sis.
Ruth), Ixtlan, MX; Bro. Craig
Stickling (Sis. Jacqueline), Peoria,
IL; and Bro. Stephen Baner (Sis.
Donnalou), Gridley, IL. We also
enjoyed the visit of the Peoria,
IL young group. Young and old
blended voices in songs of praise.
On a Wednesday night, Bro.
Caleb Hoerr talked about his
upcoming plans to live in Zambia
with the Lifesong organization.
On another Wednesday night,
Betsy Riley (Gutwein) shared
pictures and experiences living as a
Christian family in Qatar, a small
nation on the Arabian Peninsula.
The Sunday School held an allSeptember 2014
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church picnic to share an informal
time of activities and getting
acquainted with changing classes
and new teachers at the start of the
new Sunday school year. The high
school students also traveled to a
weekend of fellowship at Christian
Endeavor, held in Bluffton, IN
this year.
We welcomed Bro. Makoto
and Sis. Anna Inoue as they
returned from Tokyo with their
two young daughters to visit their
family here. The tie that binds
extends across continents and
oceans!
With the many beneficial
activities available to us in a city
church, we must also seek times
of quiet contemplation to hear
God’s still small voice, to seek His
counsel and guidance, and to fall
on our knees in gratitude for His
amazing grace and sacrificial love.
Indiana, Lacrosse
Betsy Virkler
Meagan Frank
“And so, farewell to you, beloved
brother, as now we part and say
our fond ‘ farewell!’ Should we
again be meeting one another,
then may we find that in you
still doth dwell the love of Christ,
that first and dearest treasure,
that always fills our hearts with
grateful pleasure.”
Our Wish In Parting,
Zion’s Harp, #114
We will greatly miss Bro.
David, Sis. Betsy, and Drew
Virkler as they relocate to Akron,
OH, for Bro. David’s employment.
They have been a tremendous
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SILVER LINING September 2014
blessing to our church, and while
we are sad to see them go, we are
thankful they are following the
Lord’s leading.
Our new Sunday School
teachers are Bro. Brad Rocke, Bro.
Dean Nelson, Bro. Glen Heinold,
and Sis. Melinda Sawyer. We
thank our outgoing teachers, and
pray for grace for our new ones as
they water the seeds of truth in the
hearts of our children.
We enjoyed having visitors
from our Valparaiso, IN church
recently, and thank Bro. Jon Pratt
(Sis. Sharon) for willingly sharing
the Word.
Joan Cambern is a dear friend
that attends church faithfully
each Sunday she is able, and
recently had surgery to be given a
pacemaker. We praise God that all
went well and we continue to pray
for her healing.
We will soon begin listening
to the recordings of our
Brotherhood Conference, and
eagerly anticipate being fed by the
Holy Spirit. Let us continue to
pray for our elder brothers as they
seek to guide our precious church!
Indiana, Leo
Kirby Reutter
One month ago, Bro. Ed Graf
addressed the Gateway Staff. He
had recently visited the Rockville
flock, and he wanted to share his
travels with his fellow comrades.
I didn’t have a recording device,
and I’m a terrible transcriber, so
I might have to paraphrase (with
minor embellishment), but Bro.
Ed basically said these words:
“Dear Ones: I recently returned
from my travels to the distant
land of Rockville (somewhere on
the East Coast), and I was very
well received. The natives showed
me no little kindness. It was hard
for me to leave church, because
there were lines of people who
wanted to meet me. One brother
told me: Please tell more people
from Leo to come and visit us!”
And then Bro. Ed concluded with
these remarks: “As ambassadors
of Christ and ambassadors for
Gateway, I encourage all of us to
step outside of our comfort zones
and make connections for the
Kingdom.”
The words of Bro. Ed
hammered through my head the
rest of the month. I started to
wonder, “What if no one in the
Bible stepped outside of their
comfort zones? What if Abraham
had said: ‘Sorry, I’m from Ur, the
land of my kindred, and that’s
where I plan to stay.’ What if
Paul had said: ‘No can do, I’m
a Tarsus boy.’ What if Christ
had said, ‘These people caused
their own problems; let them
fix it themselves.’ What if Bro.
Froehlich had said, ‘Sorry, we only
speak German in this church.’
What if Bro. Benedict Weyeneth
had said, ‘Don’t meddle with the
Americans; let them figure out
their own issues.’”
Then the Auction happened.
The Gateway Auction is one
of many Apostolic Christian
phenomena that I cannot quite
figure out. Some people contribute
by donating more than my
entire salary. Others (such as me)
contribute by making repeated
trips to the ice cream booth. But
somehow, at the end of the day, the
greatest transactions seem to be far
more spiritual than fiscal. Consider
the following:
First, one announcer
mentioned the presence of
volunteers ranging from California
to Connecticut. Then I met a
sister from our beloved Mansfield
church that originally came
from Argentina. (Apparently she
rode her bicycle all the way from
Ohio—which, I suppose, is at
least better than riding it from
Argentina.) Within five minutes of
conversation, we discovered that we
both knew mutual acquaintances
ranging from Argentina to Mexico
to Canada. Then I turned around
and met a sister from our beloved
South Bend church who originally
came from South Korea. (At least
she kept the South part consistent.)
Then I turned around and met a
convert from Mexican background.
It turns out the Mexican convert
was introduced to the faith by the
sister from South Korea. Then I
turned around and met a convert
from our beloved Washington
church who originally came from
Viet Nam. Then I turned around
again and met a Gateway resident
from Russia. Within less than 800
yards, I felt like I had toured the
globe. (Then, I even met someone
who I never dreamed of meeting
in my lifetime—the editor of the
Silver Lining!) Finally, after the
Auction had ended, I returned
home exhausted—and found three
believers from Ixtlán, México in
my living room. It turns out they
found each other at the Auction,
and decided to continue the
reunion off-campus.
I am not saying we should
all have an Auction. That’s not
the point. Plus, the good Lord
knows that one Auction per year
is probably enough. But this is
what I learned: There is something
mystical about the Body of Christ
in action which transcends all
cultures and continents—and even
regional / local tribalism within
the United States. Is there really
any abiding prejudice among us
that the blood of Jesus Christ is not
powerful enough to overcome?
And then the weddings
happened. After five years in this
region, I have learned that there
is probably a wedding somewhere
in the Midwest every single
weekend. But this month was
different. Between Bluffton, Leo,
Latty, and Junction there were
enough weddings in the greater
Fort Wayne area to make me
dizzy. Even our GPS probably got
confused. I started to lose track
after five, but I think the two I’m
supposed to report here are the
following: Bro. Luke Gudeman
and Sis. Natalie Stieglitz, as well as
Sis. Alyssa Klopfenstein and Bro.
Shane Bahler.
And then the visitors came.
And they kept coming. On one
particular Sunday, Bro. Steve
Stieglitz expounded on the verse
“Ye—plural—are the temple
of God,” and proceeded to
explain that we are collectively
the temple which God is
building—not individually. On
the same Sunday, Bro. Jeff Waibel
proceeded to deliver an entire
sermon on Christian greetings.
When Christian greetings were
subsequently expressed from
Rockville, I perked up (we don’t
hear greetings from Rockville too
often). Then I noticed not just
one East Coaster, but one after
another after another. It turns out
they were all in town due to yet
another Fort Wayne area wedding.
Finally, at the end of the service,
believers from Leo and believers
from Rockville sat shoulder to
shoulder and sang the following
words together: “Thus united, and
in concord, let us walk the path of
life. Hand in hand, O may love bind
us; for each other’s welfare strive!”
The month had come full
circle. It was almost as if believers
from all over the country had
listened to Bro. Ed’s kindly
encouragement!
We just had another Gateway
staff meeting. I tried hard to pay
attention, but I have to confess
that my mind started to wander
again when our dearest and most
cherished Sis. Alyssa Knobloch
from Morris, MN led us in song
worship with these verses:
“There is a candle in every soul,
Some brightly burning, some dark
and cold;
There is a Spirit who brings a fire,
Ignites a candle and makes His
home.
So carry your candle, run to the
darkness;
Seek out the hopeless, confused,
September 2014
SILVER LINING
31
and torn.
Hold our your candle for all to see
it;
Take your candle and go light
your world.
‘Cause we are a family whose
hearts are blazing;
So let’s raise our candles and light
up the sky—
Praying to our Father in the name
of Jesus:
Make us a beacon in darkest
times.”
“Go Light Your World” written
by Christopher M. Rice
Ready or not, the Spirit
already seems to be calling all of
us outside of our comfort zones!
Are we up to the challenge?
Indiana, Milford
Jodi Beer
Minnie Beer
We’ve had many visitors this
month! The 50th Ft. Sam Reunion
was held in our area and they
worshipped with us. That Sunday,
we had greetings from 25 different
churches.
Visiting ministers this month
include: Bro. Floyd Graves (Sis.
Linda, Croghan-Naumburg), Bro.
John Steiner (Sis. Carol, OakvilleMediapolis), Bro. Ron Kipfer (Sis.
Linda, Bluffton), Bro. Bob Beebe
(Sis. Sue, South Bend), and Bro.
Ryan Bertsch (Sis. Jessica, Bluffton
North).
Retired Elder Bro. Jesse and
Sis. Shirley Beer celebrated their
60th wedding anniversary. May
God continue to bless them.
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Indiana, Remington
Jenni Honegger
Marcella Tyler
We are thankful to visiting
minister Bro. Tony Manz (Sis.
Denise) from Junction, OH for
visiting us and sharing the Word.
We also thank Bro. Greg Lehman
(Sis. Mary Beth) from Wolcott
who was kind enough to join us
for worship one Sunday when we
only had one home minster with
us. May God bless each one for his
gift of service.
We are happy to report that
Bro. Jesse and Sis. Maura Stoller
are the thankful parents of a new
little girl, Renna Dawn, born
August 13! Cowen gets to be a
big brother and Bro. Dan and Sis.
Deb Stoller and Bro. Stan and Sis.
Dawn Knobloch from Lester, IA
get to be grandparents again. We
pray that the Lord will bless Bro.
Jesse and Sis. Maura as they seek
to raise their little ones to know
and to serve Him.
We have had several hospital
patients to pray for this month.
Matt Getz (Heidi) has recently
been in the hospital and had
surgery to repair some extensively
broken wrist bones after a fall
from a roof. We are all so thankful
that the injuries he sustained
were not any worse! Shortly after
Matt’s fall, Sis. Deb Stoller (Bro.
Dan) spent some time in the
hospital with head injuries after
a tree branch fell on her during
a family outing. Once again, the
whole church is thankful that her
injuries were not any worse and
that the Lord protected her! Sis.
Marge Pitman has also had some
continuing health issues. Please
pray for Matt and Sis. Deb and
Sis. Marge and their families as
each continues to heal.
Sis. Jessalyn Strahm is
leaving our congregation to go
back home to Bern, KS after she
spent the summer with us doing
an internship nearby. We are
thankful for the time she spent
with us and will miss her when
she’s gone. May God bless you,
Sis. Jessalyn, as you continue the
rest of your life’s journey!
We are thankful that the
elder body was once again able
to meet and to feel the Spirit’s
leading as they discuss the needs
and direction of the church.
We look forward to hearing the
conference recordings over the
next few Wednesday nights. Most
of us prayed for the elders in the
days and weeks leading up to the
conference, but let’s also remember
to be prayerful for them even now
that the conference is over.
We neglected to mention in
last month’s article that we had
our annual Sunday School picnic
at the end of June. We want to
send our sincere thanks to each
Sunday School teacher who served
last year for his/her time and effort
in teaching our children! And
we also want to warmly welcome
those who will teach in this
coming year and give them our
heartfelt support!
Indiana, South Bend
Joshua Martinez
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that
we are not consumed, because
his compassions fail not. They are
new every morning: great is thy
faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Our love and prayers go to our
loved ones whom our Father has
entrusted with a new beginning.
On July 26, Willow Loren
joined the family of Benji and Ila
Woolet. Also celebrating are big
sisters Chloe, Layla, and Arwen.
Grandparents are Bro. Marty and
Sis. Lavilla Langhofer and Ted and
Cindy Woolet of South Bend. We
rejoice with our convert, Kelcie
Lehman (Bro. Don and Sis. Jill),
who feels at peace with God and
man. Our Heavenly Father has put
eternity in Kelcie’s heart and we
look forward to her baptism in the
near future.
May the Lord who can make a
way in the wilderness and rivers in
the desert bless our friend Valerie
and her young son, Demere. Sisters
Laura Schafer, Becky Langhofer
and Samantha Gramm recently
helped Valerie and Demere move
to Florida where they will have
a chance for a “New Beginning”
with the Ft. Myers church family.
We celebrated the end of
our Sunday School year with a
church picnic at Bro. Rich and Sis.
Samantha Gramm’s pond. May
the Lord bless the efforts of our
Sunday School teachers as they
diligently continue to share the
story of Jesus’ amazing love for us.
“Now the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing,
that ye may abound in hope, through
the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:13
Indiana, Valparaiso
Marguerite Hoerr
Sherry Meiss
Our hearts are so thankful for
the messengers that God sends us
every time we gather. Thank you
Bro. Joe Gerst (Sis. Connie, Iowa
City, IA) for your willingness to
minister to us. It is always nice to
see your smiling faces and feel His
love showering upon us.
It brings much joy to have been
surprised by visitors as well to our
small congregation and to feel the
love of a family is life’s greatest
blessing. The wedding of Sis.
Hannah Feller to Bro. Caleb Jones
at the West Lafayette Church was a
true showering of God and family
love. What a memorable event and
may God’s blessings be upon them
as they travel on according to His
will.
For love is in the air on the day
of The Gateway Woods auction!
To be able to breathe it in truly
fills my mind, body and soul with
such joy. The experience of so
many people gathering together all
of like kind just amazes me and I
want the whole world to see this.
Not only does it do good things
for Gateway, but the fellowship
that goes along with it for all who
attend does wonders for us as well.
Thanks to all who participate in
this event no matter how big or
small of a part played for it runs
as smooth as a well-oiled machine.
What matters is that you care, for
this event does great things for
everyone!
God is ever present! There was
a hymn singing at Bro. Tim and
Sis. Julie Bucher’s home one night
during the week and it was a real
nice time. They graciously invited
us in with His love and fellowship,
plus refreshments. How we all need
each other to help carry us through
our days and nights. It just shows
how much we need Jesus. He is
the one who came to save us, the
Alpha and Omega. Be with Him
and He will provide for you until
the end. Encouraging song in the
Gospel Hymns page 777 Victory
in Jesus!
Keep Dale Bucher, son of Sis.
Gwen Bucher, in your prayers. He
is doing much better, but still has
a hard road ahead of him and his
family. Pray also for Bro. Bob and
Sis. Marguerite Hoerr, Sis. Marilyn
Zeltwanger, Bro. Jon Pratt and
those in need, plus each other as
well.
Come for a visit or stay with
us in Valparaiso, just south of US
Hwy 30 on IN State Road 49.
Indiana, West Lafayette
Kris Widmer
Libby Wahl
We are thankful and rejoicing
in the blessings of this past month.
Josh (Sis. Deb Cook, Francesville)
and Jonell (Leanna Wars,
Otterbein, IN) Cook welcomed
Naomi Ariana into their family
on July 27 to the delight of Zoe,
Micah and Kiera.
Blake and Tashi Widmer
(Jamaica) are back home again in
Indiana for the rest of this year as
Tashi completes an internship at
the Indiana School for the Deaf in
Indianapolis.
September 2014
SILVER LINING
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Bro. Caleb Jones (Bro. Steve
& Sis. Susie, Washington) married
Sis. Hannah Feller (Bro. Joe &
Sis. Jackie, Valparaiso) August
10. And, our much-loved visiting,
pulpit ministers were Bros.
Randy Gudeman (Sis. Becky,
Francesville), Fred Witzig (Sis.
Nancy, Washington), Tim Bucher
(Sis. Julie, Valparaiso), Tom Troxel
(Sis. LuAnn, LaCrosse), and Mike
Thomas (Sis. Claudia, Valparaiso).
Announcement:
West Lafayette Homecoming.
We extend a big welcome to a
“Homecoming” celebration on
October 4 & 5, 2014, to all who
at one time made West Lafayette
their home church.
• Saturday, October 4: 3:30
registration followed by dinner,
sharing of memories and
singing.
• Sunday, October 5: worship
service.
Please RSVP to Kris Widmer
by September 21 the number in
your party, which days you hope
to attend and whether you will
need overnight accommodations.
[email protected]. (765)
412-2918. 9036 Northridge Lane,
Battle Ground, IN 47920.
We are looking forward to you
joining us to renew acquaintances
and share in a weekend of
fellowship.
Reminder: I read recently, “It
is easier to avoid the bait than to
struggle in the snare.”
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Indiana, Wolcott
Michelle Earney
Beckie Lehman
We were blessed many times
over this month with visiting
ministers who willingly shared
the Gospel. Our thanks go out to
Bro. Chuck Kellenberger (Elgin,
IL), Bro. Duane Metzger (West
Bend, IA), Bro. Dean Messner
(Winthrop, MN), Bro. Tom
Schambach (Elgin, IL), Bro.
Dean Steffen (Belvidere, IL), Bro.
Todd Stoller (Latty, OH) and
our own elder Bro. Dan Kilgus
(Remington, IN). May God bless
each one for their loving service.
We were blessed to share
a Wednesday evening at the
Fellowship Hall to learn more
about the ministry at Gateway
Woods. Our prayers are with those
who serve there in providing a safe
and loving home for children.
Prayers were answered in the
successful surgery for Bro. Gene
Lehman this past month. We are
thankful that he has recovered
quickly and is feeling much better.
This month we are meeting on
Wednesday evenings to listen to
the recordings of the brotherhood
conference. It is a blessing to
hear the Word brought to us for
instruction and guidance.
We rejoice with Bro. Shane
Bahler (Chris and Sis. Teresa)
and Sis. Alyssa Klopfenstein (Bro.
Loren and Sis. Rita, Leo, IN)
as they were joined in marriage.
May God bless them with many
years to serve Him together. We
also rejoice with Wesley Mailloux
(Scott and Sis. Diaine) and
Charity Howard (Wisconsin) as
they were also married. We pray
that God will bless them as they
begin their lives together.
Iowa, Bloomfield
Teresa Schock
As our Elders have dedicated
their time on our behalf at the
Brotherhood Conference in Lester,
may we help their time and lives
by striving to live peaceably with
all men.
We appreciate visitors, and
thank Bro. Neil Ramseyer (Sis.
Sharon, Bay City) and Bro. Nelson
Beer (Sis. Minnie, Milford) for
ministering recently. We were
again reminded to “Sail On!”.
Hospitalized this past month
were Sis. Carol Wettstein (Bro.
Lloyd) and Bro. Virgil Knobloch
(Sis. Katrina). May we keep them
in our prayers.
Iowa, Burlington
Ivy Steiner
Monica Eisenmann
Our congregation was blessed
once again with several visiting
ministers. They were Bro. Dean
Messner (Winthrop, MN), Bro.
Jeremiah Psinas (Morton, IL),
Elder Bro. Jon Schmidgall and
Bro. Dale Frank (OakvilleMediapolis, IA). We appreciate
their willingness to serve The Lord
in our behalf.
May we remember all our
students in prayer as they begin
another school year; whether in
pre-school, kindergarten, college
or anywhere in between. God is
always there!
Iowa, Elgin
Maria Rocke
We extend our sympathy to the
family of Bob Moore (Myrna) who
passed away suddenly on August 4.
Bob assembled with us often. We
will dearly miss his presence.
“And he will teach us of his ways,
and we will walk in his paths.”
Isaiah 2:3
We’re thankful Bro. Mark
Hoffman (Sis. Luella, Clarendon,
VT) could assemble with us the
Sunday following the brotherhood
conference. We trust God will bless
his labors.
Iowa, Garden Grove
Laura Funk
“The Sunday School is our
delight...”
We held our annual Sunday
School picnic July 27. The children
enjoyed playing games and having
a picnic/pizza party supper.
Thankful the teachers are willing
to teach these children the message
of salvation.
We were blessed by the
following visiting ministers and
families: Bro. Dana Nieman
(Remington, IN), Bro. Virgil
Metzger (Chicago, IL), Bro.
Darren Fehr (West Bend, IA) and
Bro. Darin Massner (West Bend,
IA).
Part-time residents at Garden
Grove are Bro. Leland and Sis.
Kathy Metzger (West Bend, IA).
They host a fall picnic at their
farm. Visiting that weekend was
Bro. Darin Massner’s family.
Their three-year-old son had the
misfortune of falling into a low
burning fire. We are thankful the
burns weren’t severe, but he was
sent to University Hospitals in
Iowa City for skin grafting on his
arm. He is home now.
We enjoyed the Brotherhood
Conference in Lester, IA. We
have much gratitude to the Lester,
IA congregation for hosting the
Conference this year. We have
started listening to the recordings,
and are thankful for the Elders
care of the “flock”.
“As a little child relies
On a care beyond its own,
Being neither strong nor wise,
Fears to take a step alone.
Let me thus with Thee abide,
As my Father, Friend and Guide.”
Quiet, Lord, My Froward Heart,
Hymns of Zion #15 vs. 3
Iowa, Iowa City
Diana Butikofer
We congratulate Laura
Landherr on obtaining her
associate degree as a Registered
Radiologic Technologist and wish
her well as she uses her training
and skills working at a local
hospital.
Ron and Audrey Landherr
were blessed with the birth of a
new grandson. Josh and Heidi,
Addy, Britta, and Colton Hydeman
(Kansas City, KS) welcomed
Andrew Joshua into their family
on May 21. We wish them God’s
grace to raise their children to
know the Lord.
Bro. Andrew Klumpp has
made the decision to move back
to Bradford, IL to farm with his
family. We will miss Bro. Andrew,
but trust he will be blessed as he
follows our Lord’s leading. We are
thankful for his fellowship and
service to our congregation and
others while here in Iowa.
Two brothers were willing to
visit and present topics for our
spiritual edification: Bro. Bill
Schmidgall (ACCFS) spoke on
Spiritual Maturity and Bro. Bruce
Frank (Sis. Bonita, Cissna Park, IL)
spoke on Christian Relationships.
We were also blessed when retired
Elder Bro. Marvin Lehman (Sis.
Jane, Bradford, IL) shared God’s
Word on a Sunday afternoon. We
appreciate these brothers’ service
for us and trust God will reward
them far more than we can.
We send a special thank you
to the Lester congregation and the
elder brother’s families for all their
efforts leading up to, during and
after the Brotherhood Conference.
While many efforts are very visible
and so sometimes more easily
appreciated, we are also thankful
for the many extra chores done,
beds sacrificed, activities and
family time foregone, etc. by the
children and spouses!
Iowa, Lester
Audrey Metzger
Joyce Moser
The Lester church was
privileged to host the Brotherhood
Conference August 5-8. So
many brethren from far and near
were able to assemble with us.
It certainly was strengthening
and encouraging to hear the
exhortations from the Elder body.
On Sunday, August 3, Elder Bro.
September 2014
SILVER LINING
35
Bruce Endress (Bradford, IL)
so willingly brought forth the
Word. Then on Tuesday evening,
August 5, Elder Bro. Jeff Grimm,
(Goodfield, IL), Elder Bro. Trent
Meiss, (Eureka, IL), and Elder
Bro. Victor Bauman, (Smithville,
OH) ministered the Living Word
to us. On Friday evening, August
8, Elder Bro. Wayne Banwart
(Champaign, IL), Elder Bro. Tom
Stock (Cissna Park, IL), and Elder
Bro. Mike Leman (Denver, CO)
labored in the ministry on our
behalf. We had several elders
and ministers with us on Sunday,
August 10, including Elder Bro.
Jim Plattner, (Princeville, IL), Bro.
Brad Gudeman (Bradford, IL),
Bro. Bruce Frank (Cissna Park,
IL), Bro. Jeremiah Psinas (Morton,
IL), Bro. Tom Bahler (Rockville,
IL), Bro. Curt Walter (Mansfield,
OH), Bro. Leland Plattner
(Zapata, TX), Bro. Jim Butikofer
(Iowa City, IA),and Bro. Mark
Steiner (Smithville, OH).
“Grant to Thy servants grace and
might, and wisdom, working
virtues bright, that in this
time, good seeds they sow, from
which eternal fruits may grow.”
Redeeming Our Time,
Zion’s Harp, #188.
We also appreciate Elder Bro.
Mark Streitmatter (Bloomington,
IL), Bro. Mark Schmidgall
(Oakville-Mediapolis, IA), and
Bro. Kevin Wulf (Morris, MN)
ministering the Word to us
throughout the month.
Those spending time in the
hospital were Melissa Metzger
(Brett), Sis. Pauline Knobloch,
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Bro. Perry Mogler (Jessica),
Sis. Esty Metzger, Bro. David
Peasley (Sis. Margene), Sis. Helen
Knobloch (Bro. Willy), Sis.
Rosella Metzger (Bro. Bob), Sis.
Marie Knobloch (Bro. Ezra), and
Sis. Beth Knobloch (Bro. Myron).
May God grant His strength and
healing to each one who suffers in
the flesh, according to His will.
Aaron and Robyn Metzger
and big brothers, Colt and Zane,
welcome Blaze Aaron into their
family. He was born on July 21,
and due to his early arrival, was
hospitalized for a few days. He is
now home and doing well. Happy
grandparents are Bro. Gary and
Sis. Beth Metzger and Bro. Jerry
and Sis. Linda Wulf (Morris,
MN).
August 2 was the wedding day
of Scott Metzger (Bro. Mark and
Sis. Audrey) and Joni Kooiker.
August 16, Paul Koehl (Bro. Guy
and Sis. Lynette, Morris, MN)
and Caley Moser (Bro. Rick and
Sis. Lori) were married. Paul and
Caley will be making their home
in the Morris, MN area.
We wish these two couples
God’s richest blessings as they
begin their married life together.
We extend our sympathy to
Bro. Mike and Sis. Mavis Schmidt
in the passing of his father, Bro.
Ivan Schmidt (West Bend, IA).
May the Lord be their comfort in
this time of sorrow.
As the Sunday school term
resumes, we pray for the teachers
who will give of their time and
talent, as directed by the Holy
Spirit. We also pray for the
children as the seed of truth is
planted into their tender hearts,
that it may bring forth fruit in due
time.
Iowa, Oakville-Mediapolis
Sharla Wiegand
Visiting ministers during
the month were Bro. Joe Gerst
(Iowa City, IA), Bro. Phil Schulz
(Burlington, IA), Bro. Ron Palitto
(Akron, OH), Bro. Michael
Wagenbach (Wolcott, IN) and
Bro. Gary Brown (Forrest, IL).
Our thanks go to them and to
their families for their faithful
service.
Iowa, West Bend
Yvonne Bruellman
Becky Virkler
Many visitors have assembled
with us this past month. Among
them have been several ministers:
Elder Bro. Curt Frank (Sis.
Lyla, LaCrosse, IN), Elder Bro.
Wayne Banwart (Sis. Charlen,
Champaign, IL), Elder Bro. Ron
Messner (Sis. Pam, Washington ,
IL), Bro. Gary Anliker (Sis. Edith,
Elgin IL), Bro. Dale Frank (Sis.
Christine, Oakville-Mediapolis,
IA), Bro. John Grimm (Sis. Julie,
Columbus, OH), Bro. Ron Isch
(Sis. Jane, Lamont-Gridley, KS),
Bro. Ryan Schock ( Sis. Melanie,
Bloomfield, IA), Bro. Philip
Schulz (Sis. Kelli, Burlington,
IA) and Bro. Nathan Walder
(Sis. Denise, Cissna Park, IL).
We want to thank them for their
willingness to serve.
Bro. Karl, Sis. Denise,
Damon, Clint and Kendra Fehr
welcome Dalton James into their
family. Grandparents Bro. Dave
and Sis. Yvonne Bruellman and
James and Sharon Fehr welcome
him also.
Bro. Dave, Sis, Laura, Daniel,
and Troy Bahler welcome Eli
Andrew into their household. Bro.
Andy and Sis. Becky Virkler along
with Bro. Tim and Sis. Lynette
Bahler (Remington, IN) are the
thankful grandparents.
We extend a heartfelt thank
you to the Lester congregation for
hosting the general conference.
We are looking forward to hearing
the recordings of the conference in
the coming weeks.
Bro. Marvin Fehr (Sis
Charlotte), Sis. Helen Zaugg, Bro.
Dwaine Schmidt (Sis. Lucille), Bro.
Ivan Schmidt (Sis. Evelyn) and
Seth Massner (Bro. Darin and Sis.
Twila) have been hospitalized the
past month.
“Blessed be God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
2 Cor. 1:3
“Likewise, I say unto you, there
is joy in the presence of the angels of
God over one sinner that repenteth.”
Luke 15:10.
Elder Bro. Wayne Banwart
was with us for the testimony and
baptism of Dorothy Zaugg. We
are so thankful for God’s blessings
and pray for more to come to the
knowledge of the truth.
The West Bend congregation
extends a warm welcome to Kevin
Babin and his two daughters,
Evelyn and Sandra. May God
bless them as they establish a home
in this area.
reside. We are so glad to report he
is doing quite well and motioned
Japan, Tokyo
for us to take him out. After
Marie Inoue
we received permission from
Our summer continues with
the nurse, we could wheel him
hot/humid weather and also
around the grounds for a while.
delicious and sweet fruits. We give He seemed to enjoy it so. The
thanks to the Lord for bountiful
nurse then introduced us to one
blessings.
of his roommates. This gentleman
This month we were again
has suffered a stroke so we could
blessed with loving visitors. Bro.
not communicate so well, but the
Norbert Felso of our Kitchener,
nurse told us he was a believer in
ON Nazarene church came for
Christ and keeps papers in his
a week of business and located
shirt pocket with large print Bible
our church. He came to Canada
verses on them. He spends his
from Hungary about 10 years ago. days memorizing them. We are
Sis. Stella and 2 young children
thankful for a caring staff at the
complete his family. That same day hospital.
a farewell “okonomiyaki” evening
meal was held for Sarah Grace who Kansas, Bern
completed an internship with a
Jill Meyer
Japanese company. We enjoyed her Rita Menold
presence among us and hope she
We appreciate Bro. Roger
can return again.
Aberle (Sis. LaVonne, Sabetha,
On another Sunday Bro.
KS) and Bro. Tim Lehman
Caleb Klaus, Champaign, IL, was (Sis. Amber, Taylor, MO) for
another very welcome visitor. After ministering the Word. Bro. Roger
that visitors from Indianapolis and was willing to come to Bern for an
Bloomington, IL also added to
afternoon service, when all of our
our fellowship. We appreciated the home ministers were in Sabetha
effort they made to gather with us for a wedding. We appreciate your
and hope they can soon come back willingness to occupy our pulpit.
again.
We are excited to have another
Several from our assembly
new bride in our church family!
traveled to foreign countries,
Bro. Hans Strahm (Bro. Kyle
namely Bro. Makoto and Sis. Anna and Sis. Peggy) and Sis. Rachel
and girls. May they be blessed with Edelman (Darin and Sis. Karen,
safe travels as they meet family,
Sabetha, KS) were joined as one
friends and dear U. S. brethren.
on August 3. We hope Sis. Rachel
What a privilege to meet and greet feels a warm welcome to our
these brethren from a distance.
congregation.
We recently visited Bro.
Our thoughts are with Sis.
Yamazaki in the Salvation Army
Waneta Platter (Bro. Eldon), as
Hospital where he continues to
she suffered a fall that resulted in a
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broken wrist. We pray for a speedy
recovery!
By the time you are reading
this, another school year will have
dawned for our children. Whether
we are starting preschool at the
age of three, or entering our last
year of college, we can always
show the joy of Jesus to those
around us! As we were reminded
in a recent sermon, no matter how
hopeless in life a child may seem,
there is ALWAYS hope! Maybe,
just maybe, in our smile or our
willingness to befriend someone
who needs a friend, they will see
Jesus in our heart.
God’s peace and joy to each of
you!
Kansas, Lamont-Gridley
Dorene Metzger
Visiting ministers with us
recently were Bro. Gary (Sis. Mary
Ann) Maibach of Smithville, OH;
Bro. Roger (Sis. Lavonne) Aberle
of Sabetha, KS; and Bro. John
(Sis. Lori) Baumgartner of Bern,
KS.
Bro. Gary and Sis. Mary Ann
were here during the week and
joined our brethren as we sang for
the residents of 2 local nursing
homes one evening. The next
evening our congregation heard
as Bro. Gary ministered the Word
to us, passionately encouraging
each of us in our walk and service
to our Heavenly Father and His
Son. Following this service, Bro
Gary enlightened us on some of
his experiences as a medic (Doc)
in the Vietnam Conflict. He also
spoke about the draft for military
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SILVER LINING September 2014
service, including the efforts of
our brethren in recent times, as
they presented a request for noncombatant status for our brethren
and friends should another draft
be implemented in the USA.
What impact do we as
children of God leave with those
we serve in times of distress or
need? Do we listen consciously,
as well as with our heart, to their
needs? Do we offer prayer verbally
with them as well as remembering
their needs as we pray in our
closets? Do we offer what
assistance we can (emotionally,
physically, and financially) and do
we follow through? We are to be
good stewards of our God-given
talents (and we all have some
talent) to promote the benefits of
living for the Lord and our Savior.
May we all be challenged to
check our lives and use what He
has given to each of us. Do others
see us as willing to pray for others
and be of assistance where we can?
May God give us grace to extend
His love to one and all.
Our Sunday School resumed
after a July vacation. Two new
teachers, Sis. Hope (Bro. Victor)
Edelman and Bro. Aaron (Sis.
Maria) Luthi have accepted this
responsibility. We also appreciate
the efforts of those who teach
our children of God’s ways--a
wonderful complement to the
teaching we do with them in our
homes.
Many from our church
fellowship, as well as some
business associates, enjoyed a
surprise evening of food and
fellowship as we celebrated Sis.
Hope (Bro. Victor) Edelman’s
40th birthday.
We have heard the first two
topics from the recent conference
that was held in Lester, IA. It
was evident that our elders have
much love and care for their flocks
as they held up God’s Word as
our only true source of hope and
guidance in this earthly life we are
living.
Kansas, Sabetha
Crystal Hartter
Dawn Strahm
Our Sabetha congregation has
been blessed with a busy summer
between weddings and baptisms.
On August 3, Sis. Rachel
Edelman (Darin and Sis. Karen)
was united in marriage to Bro.
Hans Strahm (Bro. Kyle and Sis.
Peggy).
The following weekend, we
were thankful for the testimony
and baptism of Heidi Wenger
(Bro. Wayne and Sis. Jean) and
Elsie Grimm (Bro. Wayne and Sis.
Carrie). We welcome them both as
sisters in Christ Jesus.
Visiting ministers were
Bro. Gary Maibach (Sis. Mary
Ann, Smithville, OH), Bro.
John Hartman (Sis. Rose
Mary, Fairbury, IL), Bro. Dale
Zeltwanger (Sis. Rachel, Morris
North, MN), Elder Bro. Tom
Waldbeser (Sis. Susan, Atlanta,
GA), Bro. Dana Indermuhle (Sis.
Joy, Sardis, OH) and Bro. Mark
Ramsier (Sis. Alice, Sardis, OH).
A farewell potluck and singing
was held for Bro. Rick and Sis.
Komari and their family before
their return to Haiti, where they
are serving at Bonne Finn.
The new Sunday school term
will begin on September 7. We
pray for God’s guiding hand for
the students and teachers as our
youth are nourished up in the ways
of the Lord.
enjoy this week of VBS. The
number of non-church children
far outnumbers our regular
Sunday School attendants (300 as
compared to 20) and it takes many
brothers and sisters to transport,
teach and keep order.
We are thankful for the visitors
who helped out this year (Bro.
Rudy and Sis. Rosario Troxel of
Mexico, Ixtlán
LaCrosse and Sis. Lupita Marquez
Ruth Gerber
of Tecate, Mexico.) The need to
We are happy to welcome Titus work together as a church in such
Alan Herrmann, born July 15 to
a focused way is a special blessing
Bro. Grant and Sis. Hannah. We
as we learn how much we need
await their return to Ixtlán as they each other. Also, the opportunity
have been back in the states for the to freely share truth and light with
past few months. Grandparents,
so many that are in darkness is not
Bro. Dean and Sis. Dawn
something we want to lose. Please
Herrmann of Princeville and Bro. pray that those who attended
Brian and Sis. Wendy Waibel of
would not forget the truths they
Champaign will be bidding them heard (and so heartily sang!), that
farewell at the end of August.
God would continue to open doors
We praise God for the week
for the gospel, and that we would
of VBS we just took part in! For
be faithful in following up with
those of you who have never been the families and individuals whose
to Ixtlan, there are several things
hearts are ripe for harvest.
that make VBS different here than
in the U.S. First, our church is the Michigan, Alto
only Christian church in the area. Renee Steffen
Most of the children that come
Shelli Oesch
have very few opportunities to hear
As a young father tried to
the gospel. Some of the children
console his four-year-old daughter
are local neighbors, but many come one Sunday, someone asked him if
with believers who live in outlying children didn’t just melt the heart?
villages. This means having drivers His reply was “yep, just like butter
assigned to the six or so routes.
in the microwave.” This brought to
You should see the children and
mind how tenderly our heavenly
young people smiling and waving Father thinks on us. His heart is
as they peer through the rails of
touched by our grief and sorrow, or
Bro. Marshall’s 3-ton farm truck
joy and gladness. This past month
or poke your head into one of the we’ve experienced both in Alto.
vans packed with 30-plus children
With joy and gladness, we
to get an idea of how much they
rejoice with two couples who were
blessed with tiny little miracles
from above. Congratulations to
Justin and Sarah Pratt on the
birth of their first child, Madeline
Marie. Grandma Angie Sixberry
and many others just beamed to
announce her birth. Excitement
flowed through the church one
Wednesday evening as Elder Bro.
Ted and Sis. Sandy Steffen were
told just before church that they
were about to become grandparents
for the first time. Little Alana
Ray was born to Bro. Bjorn and
Sis. Tasha Taba (Breidenbach,
Germany) just a few hours later.
With shared sorrow, we lift up
Harry Erickson and his family in
prayer as they grieve the loss of a
wife, mother, grandmother and
great grandmother. Pat Erickson
(Harry) passed from this life to her
eternal resting place on August 9
after being told just three weeks
prior that her cancer was back and
spreading rapidly. May this family
feel comforted in knowing the
Father’s tender heart is touched by
their grief.
With gratitude, we extend
our appreciation to the visiting
ministers and their families who
shared the Truth with us this past
month: Elder Bro. Herb Knochel
(Sis. Laurie) from Phoenix, Bro.
Matt Kaufman (Sis. Rebekah)
from Bloomington, and Bro.
Chris Wuethrich (Sis. Carla) from
Chicago. Being in the ‘summer
vacation belt’ is an added blessing
here as many stop on their travels
through our area.
With compassion, prayers
ascended to heaven on behalf of
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those who were still in the process
of healing, in the hospital due to
illness, and for our brethren in
the Ukraine who are being made
to serve in the military. May Sis.
Melva Oesch (Bro. Joe), Elaine
Wingeier (Stan), and Sis. Tasha
Taba (Bro. Bjorn), continue to feel
the healing touch of the Master’s
Hand.
Do you pray for the sick and
weak?
Do you pray for the lonely or
meek?
Do you pray for the bad to be
good?
Do you pray for the
misunderstood?
The same little girl who melts
her daddy’s heart like butter,
taught me something a few weeks
ago when her parents shared with
me that she prays for the bad men
who robbed their home, to be
good. So often I hear that there
are so many to pray for. And then
I wonder how many have no one
praying for them?
Greetings from Breidenbach.
We would like to thank each of
you for all your prayers for us
while Tasha was in the hospital.
With love, Tasha and Bjorn Taba
with those from our congregation
who continue to suffer physical
ailments. They include, Bro. Merle
Wieland (Sis. Elaine) and Sis. Lois
Wieland.
We also want to remember
the family of Bro. Floyd Knochel
as he passed away on July 28. We
want to remember his children:
Gary (Cindy), Judith, Janice
(Garven) Huntley, Sis. Maureen
(Robert) Weiss, Sis. Yvonne
Arnold, Joyce (Gerard) McNally,
Luanne (Ronald) Mannor,
Bro. Tom, and Brenda (James)
Wrzesinski. Bro. Floyd was blessed
with 21 grandchildren, 40 greatgrandchildren, and 9 great-greatgrandchildren.
We are thankful that Bro.
Michael Wagenbach (Sis. Erica,
Wolcott, IN) traveled to our area
while on vacation and ministered
the Word.
Sis. Natasha Schlatter has
relocated to the Fort Wayne, IN
area to continue her schooling. We
will miss her in Bay City!
Our prayers are with the
students as they return to school.
We pray for their safety and that
each one would be endowed
with spiritual wisdom to discern
between right and wrong.
Michigan, Bay City
Michigan, Detroit
Sarah Knochel
Manuela Denes
We rejoice with Sis. Gail
Szabo as she welcomes her first
grandchild, Tyrel Orrin Moser.
Tyrel’s parents are Bro. Clint and
Sis. Moonlight Moser (Garden
Grove, IA).
Our thoughts and prayers are
Wow, it’s hard to believe that
for many students, the return to
school has begun. It’s an exciting
time, but it can also be stressful
and filled with new challenges
for our young people. We can
encourage and help our students
Note of Thanks:
40
SILVER LINING September 2014
by reminding them that God
will guide them and be there for
encouragement.
“Have not I commanded thee? Be
strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed:
for the Lord thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9
We’re thankful for the college
students who will be able to
continue attending church here
in Detroit, but are especially
prayerful for those who will be
moving away for school. We look
forward to seeing Sis. Autumn
Gasser for many visits! She’ll be
moving to Fort Wayne where
she will be a student at Indiana
Purdue Fort Wayne. She’ll be
worshipping at the Bluffton
country church.
It was a blessed weekend when
we welcomed to new brothers into
the fold. Bro. Cody Baran (Sis. Pat
Baran and Craig Baran) and Bro.
Adam Gleichman (Bro. Alan and
Sis. Pam) shared their testimonies
with us on Saturday evening and
were baptized on Sunday. May
God richly continue to bless their
lives. Elder Bro. John Jackson (Sis.
Peggy) was here to assist our Elder
Bro. Mark Bahr.
We thank the of visiting
ministers that have been with us
over the past month: Bro. Lowell
(Sis. Karen) Moser from Morris,
MN and Bro. Tim (Sis. Jonell)
Ramsier from Rittman, OH. Bro.
Doug (Sis. Lanna) Harmon came
to minister to the residents on
August 5 along with his in-laws,
Bro. Gale and Sis. Janet Stoller.
Thank you for making the trip
from Toledo, OH during the week!
We’re so thankful that Sis.
Linda Shaw is doing better after
having spent time in hospital. We
pray for her continued healing.
Our sympathies are extended
to Bro. Tom Knochel and his
family at the passing of his father,
Bro. Floyd Knochel, from Bay
City, MI. May they find comfort
in the Lord and in their memories
of Bro. Floyd.
We bid a fond farewell to Bro.
Drew and Sis. Taryn Schumacher.
Bro. Drew’s summer internship has
come to an end and they will be
returning to Purdue. Our prayers
are that God will direct their
paths following his graduation in
December.
On August 20, a large group
gathered in the Woodhaven Chapel
to celebrate and acknowledge 27
years of God’s wonderful blessings
on Woodhaven. Several of the
residents and staff commented
about how much they especially
enjoyed the choir that sang to
them for the first 30 minutes of
the service. Ministering Bro. Jesse
Bedolla then took everyone on a
trip down memory lane with life as
it looked in the year 1987. Please
pray that God will continue to
bless and provide for Woodhaven.
Starting in mid-September,
our church’s Men’s Bible Study
will begin the Apostolic Christian
Counseling and Family Services
Men’s Spiritual Leadership
Discipleship Training. This is a
24-session unit. Subtopics focus
on Spiritual Growth, Spiritual
Maturity and What Spiritual
Leadership is not. The Men’s Bible
Study group has been meeting
weekly for 16 years and is looking
forward to this new adventure.
Minnesota, Minneapolis
Brenda Messner
Betty Rassi Lindwall
We were blessed on June 7
with the birth of Penelope Ann
to Zach and Emily Stover and big
sister, Piper. Maternal grandparents
are Todd and Sis. Renee Messner
and paternal grandparents Scott
and Connie Stover.
Another blessed birth on July
27 was Beau Marvin to Josh and
Kelsey Brandsted and siblings,
Charlie and Ruby. Grandparents
are Jason and Nancy Messner.
Great grandmother to both
newborns is Sis. Carol Ann
Messner (Winthrop, MN).
Bro. Jim and Sis. Krissa Klotzle
and older siblings, Karlina and
Ender, are happy to announce
the arrival of Aeslyn Mae born
Friday, August 15. Grandparents
are Bro. Tom and Sis. Jody Klotzle
(Altadena, CA) and Mark and Lori
Skoglund (West Bend, IA).
Also, a belated birth
announcement for Adahlia Belle
Knobloch-Stevenson born March
30 to Angela Knobloch and Ashton
Stevenson and siblings: Amayah,
A.J. and Amirion. Maternal
grandparents are Sis. Linda and
Brad Klostergaard (Lester, IA).
We wish all the parents and
precious babies God’s blessings as
they move forward with their new
additions to their families.
Our congregation was
privileged to have Bro. Thomas
Klotzle (Sis. Jody) from Altadena,
CA as a visiting minister.
As part of World Relief
efforts, we packed school supplies
into backpacks for Living Hope
Ministries in NE Minneapolis.
College students returning
to Minneapolis are Sis. Leah
Knobloch, Lexi Smithberg, Kyle
Wewetzer and new freshman
McKenzie Elder.
Our prayers are with Sis. Renee
(Todd) Messner as she recovers
from surgery.
On Saturday, August 16, our
church hosted a wedding reception
for Bro. Don and Sis. Anna
(Donahue) Katanic. The couple is
residing in Kansas City. We wish
them many blessings and happiness
as they start their life together. Bro.
Don will be missed by all here in
Minneapolis.
Please remember to pray for
Fede as he continues to heal and
recover at the Courage Center. His
full name and address are below. If
you’d like to visit him or drop him
a card, he’d appreciate it.
Fede Figueroa Martinez
Courage Center Room 117P
3925 Golden Valley Rd.
Golden Valley, MN 55422
Minnesota, Morris
Amy Ekren
Heidi Pfaffmann
We are again thankful for
the brethren who came to visit us
this month! They included Elder
Bros. Doug Schock (Sis. Clara,
Bloomfield, IA), Dan Kilgus (Sis.
Jenna, Remington, IN), and Jon
September 2014
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41
Schmidgall (Sis. Julie, Mediapolis,
IA) along with ministering Bros.
Klint Beyer (Sis. Kara, Sabetha,
KS), Mark Schmidgall (Sis.
Sally, Mediapolis, IA), and Doug
Wagenbach (Sis. Lillian, San
Diego, CA).
We’re thankful for the many
labors on our behalf by our
elders who have just met at the
Brotherhood Conference in Lester,
IA. May we pray for our leaders
and do our part to hold up their
arms! We look forward to hosting
the conference next August here in
Morris.
“Watch and pray that when the
Master cometh, If at morning,
noon or night, He may find a
lamp in every window, Trimmed
and burning clear and bright.
Watch and pray the Lord
commandeth; Watch and pray
‘twill not be long; Soon He’ ll
gather home His loved ones To the
happy vale of song.” Watch and
Pray,
Hymns of Zion, #121
Minnesota, Morris North
Lois Schmidgall
Wanda Gramm
February 14, 2010 was the first
Sunday we gathered to worship
in the Morris Armory, and then
until now, at the West Central
Research & Outreach Center.
Morris North has been established
for 4 years and we’re blessed to
assemble for the first time in our
new church building on Sunday,
August 17. The first Bible verse
read was by Bro. Dale Zeltwanger
Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when
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SILVER LINING September 2014
they said unto me, Let us go to the
house of the Lord”. Our prayer is
that Christ will be glorified as we
worship in His name together in
His house. The address for the
new church is: 418 Birch Avenue,
Morris, MN 56267. The phone
number is 320-585-6848. An
Open House is set for Sunday,
September 14 and Dedication
Sunday is set for October 5. We
would like to extend an invitation
to all who would like to share with
us in attending these 2 special
events.
Visiting and sharing the God’s
love and word with us were Bro.
Dale Wulf (Sis. Becky, Lester,
IA); Elder Bro. Bill Schlatter
(Sis. Emily, Junction, OH);
Elder Bro. Andy Stoller (Sis.
Roberta, Smithville, OH); Bro.
Clint Schmidt, (Sis. Magdelena,
Winthrop, MN); and Bro. Wes
Moser, (Sis. Esther, Lester, IA).
We express with thankful hearts
appreciation for your service and
abundant love.
Alan and Danielle Schmidgall
have expressed their peace with
God and man. We rejoice with
them and may we all encourage
their walk with Jesus Christ. We
look forward to their baptisms.
Upcoming scheduled
events are “Fruit of the Spirit”
Bible Study, Feed My Starving
Children, Operation Christmas
Child, Sunday School Bonfire
Kick-off, and the annual Harvest
Supper. May we feel the Lord’s
presence and feel His blessings
during these times.
Let us strive to be Christ’s
marathon runners in our Christian
life, persevering until the end….
Let us run with endurance the
race that is set before us, looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher
of our faith.
Minnesota, Winthrop
Lindsay Schmidt
Julie Schmidt
“The Sunday School is our delight
We love it more and more.
‘Tis here we learn to do the right
And live forever more.
We hear the truth, so pure and
clear,
of Jesus’ love so sweet and dear;
There we are taught to lift our eyes
to Him who lives on high.”
Hymns of Zion #73
We are thankful for the efforts
of our Sunday School teachers as
they plant and nurture the seeds of
truth. Teachers whose terms have
expired this year are Bro. Michael
and Sis. Rachel Messner. Newlyelected teachers are Bro. Ed Stoll
(Sis. Ginny) and Sis. Julie Schmidt
(Bro. Nick) and Sis. Victoria Stoll
and Bro. John Elder (Sis. Joleen)
as substitutes. We wish to thank
those that have served and offer
prayers and support to those
entering this year.
“All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small.
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all.”
Hymns of Zion #207
Rejoicing over a safe arrival
of little one, Olivia Rae, is
mother, Laura Yamnik, and big
sister, Aksana. Also welcoming
this little one into the world are
grandparents Sam and Sandy
Miller. May God bless them as
they love and nurture this child
that God created.
“Take courage, wayworn pilgrim!
Tho’ mists and shadows hide
The face of Him thou lovest,
He’s ever at thy side.
Reach out thy hand and find Him,
And lo, the clouds have flown;
He smiles on thee who promised
Never to leave thee alone.”
Hymns of Zion #127
Prayers rise up to those who
have endured physical afflictions
here and across the land. Locally,
Bro. Marvin Messner, Melvin
Messner (Vernita), and Sis. Mary
Lou Schmidt (Bro. Dick) have
appreciated those prayers as they
have spent time in the hospital and
recovering. We encourage them to
hold to the promise that God will
never leave you alone.
“O, teach me, Lord, that I may
teach
The precious things Thou dost
impart;
And wing my words that they may
reach,
The hidden depths of many a
heart.”
Hymns of Zion #208 vs. 2
Our small church surely
notices and appreciates any visitors
in the area. We’ve recently been
blessed with teachings from
visiting ministers: Bro. Mark
Ramsier (Sis. Alice) from Sardis,
OH and Bro. Todd Graf (Sis.
Lydia) from Akron, OH. We want
to thank them for being willing to
share God’s Word with us.
“Thus united and in concord
Let us walk the path of life;
Hand in hand, O may love bind
us
For each other’s welfare strive.”
Zion’s Harp # 237, vs. 1
Many of us were fortunate
to go to the annual Brotherhood
Conference in Lester, IA this year.
What an encouragement it was to
feel the unity among the brethren
across the land. We thank the
Lester, IA congregation for their
endless hours of labor it took to
host such an event. Our prayers
continue to be with our elders and
their families as they meet, labor
and counsel throughout the year.
Missouri, Lamar
Venetta Banwart
Our visiting ministers this
month were: Elder Bro. Duane
Rocke (Sis. Bonnie, Minnesota,
MN), Bro. Craig Martin (Sis.
Terri, Princeville, IL), Bro. Ted
Witzig, Jr. (Sis. Donna, Morton,
IL), Bro. Michael Wagenbach
(Wolcott, IN). May God richly
bless each for being willing to
come and teach us from God’s
Word. We send an extra thanks to
Bro. Ted Witzig, Jr. for having a
topical talk on Saturday night, may
God richly bless him and all those
Note of Thanks:
at the counseling center for all they
The family of Sis. Julia
do.
Messner wishes to extend sincere
As conference time has come
and heartfelt thanks to all who
and gone, may God continue to
remembered us with prayers,
richly bless the efforts of the elder
thoughts, visits, food and monetary body and those from Lester, IA.
gifts during her hospital stay and at
the time of her death. The love and Missouri, St. Louis
kindness extended to us will warm Kary Mangers
our hearts for years to come.
Congratulations to Bro.
God’s blessings to you all.
Nathan and Sis. Michelle Rassi
Sis. Gerty & Bro. Dennis
on the birth of their son, Quinton
Esslinger
James. He is welcomed to the
Pam & Charlie McMaster
family by his siblings, Ashton
Sis. Becky & Marlyn Braulick and Morgan. Grandparents are
Sis. Ann & Dan Lind
Bro. Greg and Sis. Carla Rassi
Sis. Joleen & Bro. John Elder
(Chicago) and Bro. Walt and Sis.
Rich Messner
Lynda Beery (Rittman). May they
Lila Messner
be blessed with Godly wisdom as
Note of Thanks:
they raise their children.
I would like to thank those
We would like to thank the
who remembered me in prayer,
visiting ministers and their wives
visits and food during my recent
for supporting us in worship this
surgery and hospital stay. May
past month. They were Bro. Kevin
God richly bless you for your
and Sis. Sandy Banwart (West
thoughtfulness.
Bend), Bro. Arlen and Sis. Denise
Bro. Marvin Messner
Leman (Forrest), Bro. Jeff and Sis.
September 2014
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Heidi Bahler (Wolcott), Bro. Mark
and Sis. Julie Rufener (Mansfield),
Bro. Brent and Sis. Beth
Kellenberger (Kansas City), and
Bro. Randy and Sis. Evie Mogler
(Washington). We appreciate their
efforts and service to the Lord.
Missouri, Taylor
Marcia Sutter
On 7/23/14, Bro. Keith
(Sis. Tammy) Hinrichsen from
Phoenix, AZ came to complete
our July Bible studies on the
names of God. The names that he
covered were Jehovah-m’kaddesh
(Exodus 31:13) or the Lord who
sanctifies; Jehovah-tsidkenu
(Jeremiah 23:6) or The Lord of
righteousness; and Jehovah-nissi
(Exodus 17:15-16) or The Lord is
my Banner. Bro. Keith reminded
us of the value of reading God’s
Word in distinguishing right from
wrong. The Taylor church wishes
to thank him for coming such a
distance to teach us from God’s
Word.
Rita Yackley and Brad
Schaefer have announced their
engagement and will be married
September 13, 2014. Parents are
Bro. Joe and Sis. Jerilyn Yackley of
Taylor, MO and Jim and Nancy
Schaefer of Palmyra, MO.
Our yearly Sunday school
picnic was held August 3 at the
Fellowship Hall and as always
it is a very special time for our
children. It brings back memories
of days gone by and of the people
who once were a part of this
special event and our heritage.
The Taylor church appreciates
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SILVER LINING September 2014
all the efforts of the elders as
they met at the summer church
conference in Lester, IA. May God
bless them for all they do for us.
Ohio, Akron
Carla Miller
Visiting ministers this month
were Bro. Brad Gudeman (Sis.
Teresa, Bradford, IL) and Bro.
New York, CroghanJerry Bauman (Sis. Martha,
Naumburg
Rittman, OH).
Hope Graves
Owen John Andras joined the
We express our heartfelt
family of Bro. Jason and Sis. Ruth,
thanks to the Rockville, CT
Adellé, Ethan, and Isabel on July
brethren that came and served our 20. His grandparents are John
lunch on August 17. Our gratitude and Angie Andras and John and
also extends out to Bro. John and
Monica Boliantz.
Sis. Joyce Schamback, Akron,
Bro. Daniel, Sis. Rachel,
OH, who provided our lunch on
Brennan, Abby, and Larissa Pamer
August 24. This is such a blessing
are thankful for Thad Eugene,
to our congregation. We love to
born July 22. Grandparents are
have visitors come and worship
Bro. Steve and Sis. Arliss Pamer
with us.
and Bro. Don and Sis. Nan Steidl.
Our annual church picnic
On August 2, Bro. Matthew
was enjoyed by many at Happy
and Sis. Rebecca Stoller welcomed
Hollow Campgrounds on August
Megan Marie into their family.
2.
Grandparents are Bro. Ken and
Our prayers go out to Gilbert
Sis. Lori Stoller (Rittman, OH)
Widrick who has been hospitalized and Bro. Steve and Sis. Arliss
and is now in the extended care.
Pamer.
We also remember Sis. Polly
We extend a welcome to
Farney in the loss of her brother,
Bro. David, Sis. Betsy, and Drew
William Hawk, on August 10.
Virkler as they have recently
We rejoice with Brianna
moved to our area and are
Farney and Jacob Meyer in the
assembling with our congregation.
birth of their daughter, Brynleigh
Grace Meyer, on August 5. May
Ohio, Junction
the Lord be with them as they
Vicki Boroff
raise up this little one.
Bro. Andy Manz (Bro. Don
We would like to extend our
and Sis. Connie) married Sis.
thanks and appreciation to the
Laura Zehr (Bro. Nelson and
brethren at our Lester, IA church
Sis. Amy, Fairbury) on August
for hosting this year’s general
3. Bro. Jim Manz (Bro. Ken and
conference. We were thankful for
Sis. Gwen) married Sis. Elizabeth
the reports of God’s presence there Schrenk (Bro. Steve and Sis.
and look forward to listening to
Linda) on August 17. We wish
the recordings in the near future.
both couples many blessings.
We were thankful to have
visiting ministers this past month.
Bros. Jesse Bedola (Sis. Bonnie,
Detroit), John Steiner (Sis. Carol,
Oakville-Mediapolis) and Steve
Frauhiger (Sis. Irene, Bluffton
North) ministered to us.
We are thankful to see that
Suzanna Schrenk has decided to
repent. Many prayers will be lifted
for her.
Prayers were lifted for hospital
patients this past month, and those
needing medical care.
Ohio, Latty
Carmen Stoller
Mindy Stoller
Greetings of love to each you!
We were privileged to witness the
wedding of Sis. Marla Sinn (Bro.
Todd and Sis. Janet) to Bro. David
Moser (Bro. Steve and Sis. Janis,
Rockville, CT). We wish them
God’s blessings as they begin their
lives together! It was wonderful
to have the church full with so
many visitors. Among our visitors
that day were several ministers,
including Elder Bro. Kevin Ryan
(Sis. Cheryl, Rockville, CT), Bro.
Tom Bahler (Sis. Lanae, Rockville,
CT), Bro. Todd Graf (Sis. Lydia,
Akron, OH), Bro. Jeff Gerber (Sis.
Carole, Rockville, CT), Bro. Kevin
Fehr (Sis. Lonnie, West Bend,
IA), Bro. Earl Beery (Sis. Susie,
Rittman, OH), and Bro. Warren
Schlatter (Sis. Cindy, Junction,
OH). Also ministering to us this
month were Bro. Dan Stoller (Sis.
Deb, Remington, IN), Bro. Tim
Drayer (Sis. Gwen, Bluffton North,
IN), and Bro. Randy Gasser (Sis.
Sue, Detroit, MI). We appreciate
all the efforts that were made to
visit and minister to us!
We bid farewell to Bro. Seth
and Sis. Casey Wenninger and
their children: Zavier, Alexis, and
Drew as they are relocating to
Smithville, OH. May God bless
and provide for them in this new
journey in their lives.
Ohio, Mansfield
Elizabeth Walter
Our hearts go out to our loved
ones who have recently suffered
from illness or spent time in the
hospital. We pray for God’s healing
in the lives of Sis. Lore Stuenzi
(Bro. Art), Sis. Sue Sauder (Bro.
Ken), Jean Myers, Elijah Foss
(Becky), and Bro. Larry Bocka.
We warmly welcome Sis.
Kristy Tucker back home. She has
relocated from the Bluffton North
congregation.
Bro. Jared and Sis. Abbey
Keever welcome Esther Abigail
into their family. Excited siblings
are Eli, Ella, and Ænon. Thankful
grandparents are Clair and Sis. Bev
Keever, and Bro. Ed and Sis. Laura
Ramsey.
Thank you Bro. Matt and
Sis. Deanna Manz (Toledo, OH)
for your recent visit. We always
appreciate each one who willingly
serves us over the pulpit.
We also want to express our
thanks and appreciation to our elder
brothers for their time and effort as
they met for the annual Conference.
May each one feel the support of
the brotherhood, and may God
work mightily in their lives.
Ohio, Rittman
Anna Bauman
Julie Steiner
“The harvest is past, the summer
is ended, and we are not saved.”
Jeremiah 18:20
Many have commented on
how fast the summer has passed
now that the children are already
going back to school! Perhaps some
children were more ready than
others. How much more important
to be ready for the Lord’s return!
May we always be ready and
watching.
We have several newborns this
month. Bro. Stan and Sis. Karen
Beery are thankful for grandchild
Malachi Jordan born to Jordan and
Abby Avery on June 23. Maycie
and Jenna are pleased to welcome
their new brother.
Bro. Bradley and Sis. Alicia
Stoller welcomed Philip Alan July
27. Annie is the older sister and
thankful grandparents are Bro.
Ken and Sis. Lori Stoller and Bro.
Neil and Sis. Donna Gasser.
Firstborn Evan Ryan was
welcomed by Bro. John III and
Sis. Jen Calame on July 30.
Grandparents are Bro. John II and
Sis. Jody Calame and Bro. Jeff and
Sis. Kathy Ryan.
Bro. Walt and Sis. Lynda Beery
are thankful for the safe arrival
of two grandchildren this month!
Quinton James was born July 30
to Bro. Nathan and Sis. Michelle
Rassi (St. Louis, MO). Two days
later on August 1, Ava Jolyn was
born to Bro. Chad and Sis. Katie
Beery. Older brother is Kaden and
grandparents are also Bro. Tim and
September 2014
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Sis. Joni Ramsier.
Bro. Ken and Sis. Lori Stoller
are thankful for granddaughter
Megan Marie born to Bro.
Matthew and Sis. Rebecca Stoller
(Akron, OH) on August 2.
The engagement of Bro. Jacob
Blough to Sis. Bailee Indermuhle
was announced this month. Sis.
Bailee’s parents are Bro. Brian
and Sis. Bev. Indermuhle. May
the Lord bless this couple as they
prepare for their wedding and
marriage.
We are very thankful for
visiting ministers Bros. Gary Sinn
(Latty, OH) and Matt Feucht
(Roanoke, IL). May God bless
them for being willing to bring
forth the Word.
In the hospital this month
were Sis. Carol Beery (Bro.
Everett), Bro. Reinhart Keiper (Sis.
Betty), Richard Hartzler, Bro. Jack
Maibach (Sis. Delores), Abigail
Steiner (Bro. Ryan and Sis. Julie),
and Conner Gasser (Bro. Mark
and Sis. Jill).
Our prayers are with Bro.
Eugene Bachman (Sis. Kathryn)
in the passing of his sister, Delores
Troyer. Our sympathy is also with
Sis. Doris Gasser in the passing of
her sister-in-law, Evelyn Howley.
We are also prayerful for
the family of our dear Sis. Ruth
Ingold who recently passed
away at the age of 93. She
was affectionately known as
“Aunt Ruth” by many in our
congregation and will be greatly
missed.
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Ohio, Sardis
Faith Beard
“Praise ye the Lord! Praise ye the
Lord!
Ye who His true servants are!
Preach His Word both near and
far,
Till o’er the world it is ringing!
O, my soul, His praise be singing!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”
Zion’s Harp #208
Even though this hymn
verse certainly applies to all
God’s children, we still wish to
acknowledge those who travel to
stand before us during church
services. Bro. Brian Huber (Sis.
Jacki, Francesville, IN) was our
visiting minister for our annual
memorial service at the New
Martinsville, WV church. Also
with us for a Wednesday evening
worship was Bro. Matthew Rassi
(Sis. Bridget, Chicago, IL). We
extend our thankfulness to these
brothers and their families for
their efforts to preach His Word
both near and far!
Ohio, Smithville
Sara Crist
Kara Stoller
Our church had great reason
to rejoice the weekend of July 27
as we were able to hear six dear
souls testify of their faith in Jesus
Christ as their Savior: siblings,
Bro. Evan, Bro. Grant and Sis.
Trinity Walder (Bro. Mike and
Sis. Susie); Bro. Kurt Steiner
(Robin) and his daughter, Sis.
Nicole; and Bro. Wesley Beer
(Bro. Chuck and Sis. Tammy of
Mansfield, OH). How thankful
we are that God is still working
in the lives of many to draw them
unto Himself!
“That I may know him, and the
power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being
made conformable unto his death;”
Philippians 3:10
Bro. Scott Stoller (Sis.
Charlene) was recently
hospitalized for a sudden illness.
We are so thankful for the
miraculous healing God has
granted Bro. Scott and praise God
for His mighty power.
“O give thanks unto the Lord, for
he is good: for his mercy endureth for
ever.” Psalm 107:1
We warmly welcome Bro.
Seth and Sis. Casey Wenniger
and their children: Zavier, Lexie,
and Drew, as they have recently
moved to our area and will make
Smithville their home church. We
also are thankful that the family
of Bro. Jason and Sis. Whitney
Indermuhle and their children,
Aniya and Kezra, have recently
moved back to our area from
Illinois.
It is always a blessing to receive
visiting elders and ministers to
our church. Our guests included
Elder Bro. Art Ingold (Sis. Bonnie,
Rittman, OH), Elder Bro. Mark
Masters (Sis. Jeannine, Mansfield,
OH), Bro. Fred Domka (Sis.
Connie, Mansfield, OH),
Bro. Frank Sauder (Sis. Kathy,
Roanoke, IL) and Bro. Jon Zeller
(Sis. Christine, Morton, IL).
Thank you for proclaiming the
Good News on our behalf!
Ohio, Toledo
Oregon, Silverton
Deanna Manz
Jenny Manz
Kelsey Walder
Ann Kuenzi
We were blessed to have our
Elder Bro. Bill Schlatter minister
to us one Thursday evening this
month. We are so thankful for all
the work our elder brothers do on
our behalf and trust God will bless
them in this life and the one to
come.
Our apologies to Aaron Luthi
and Anna Lierman, as we forgot
to mention of their engagement
to be married. Aaron is the son of
Bill and Kris Luthi and Anna is
the daughter of Walter and Laura
Lierman. August 30 is the day
they plan to be married.
July 19, the Sunday School
Oregon, Portland
children enjoyed activities with
Louisa Gallup
their teachers, at Willamette
We wish the Jones families
Mission State Park. Then we all
continued blessings from the Lord enjoyed a picnic when they were
as they are now attending the
done. Sunday School is on break
Silverton, OR congregation. We
for the month of August. We
will miss Bro. Ron, Sis. Liz and
thank those teachers that have
Nathanael, as well as Bro. Lee
completed their term, and want to
and Sis. Chelsie. They all have our welcome the new ones that will be
heartfelt gratitude for the years of
starting in September.
support, work in Sunday School,
Visiting ministers this month
sound system and other duties.
were from Portland OR, Bro.
Special thanks to Bro. Ron for
Mike Leman (Sis. Lisa) and Bro.
ministering to us all those years.
Ron Jones (Sis. Liz).
Our thoughts and prayers are
July 27, Bro. Fred Witzig (Sis.
with Sis. Barb Moser (Bro. Ray,
Nancy) from Washington, IL,
dec.) who suffered a heart attack
not only ministered to us, but
recently, and underwent open
on Sunday evening he presented
heart surgery. At this writing, she
the history of the Anabaptist
is doing pretty well and we thank
movement. We appreciated his
the Lord for it.
knowledge and being willing to
We thank all the visitors who
share it with us.
have made the effort to worship
It was made known that Bro.
with us this past month, especially Ron, Sis. Liz and Nathanael Jones,
ministering Bros. Harvey (Sis.
as well as Bro. Lee and Sis. Chelsie
Jennifer) Kuenzi and Jim Zollinger Jones, will be attending our
(Sis. Tresa). We enjoyed having
Silverton church. We look forward
you and your families with us for
to their attending with us, but
worship and fellowship and hope
realize the Portland brethren will
you will return when possible.
miss them very much.
Kenton Walder (Bro. Jesse
and Sis. Kelsey) broke his collar
bone, and will be spending some
time at a slower speed. He has
been keeping Jonas Kuenzi (Bro.
Tyler and Sis. Amy) company as
he is still recuperating from his
eye injury. Sis. Carol Wackerle
(Bro. Greg) has to spend some
time off her feet due to a medical
condition. We wish both little
boys and Sis. Carol, a speedy
recovery.
Bro. Kevin, Sis. Jill, Heidi,
Caleb, Nathan, Meredith, and
Mathew Dettwyler are happy to
welcome Leanna Kay into their
family. She was born August 11.
Grandparents are Bro. Loren and
Sis. Marlene Dettwyler, and Jim
and Joan Dietrich.
The past few weeks, the
children’s choir has been
practicing some songs. They
plan to sing for a couple of
nursing homes. Their parents
and grandparents, were able to
enjoy their singing, when the
children presented their program
for them. We are thankful that
Bro. Ryan Hari (Sis. Regina), Sis.
Rachel Kuenzi (Bro. Art and Sis.
Mary Beth) and Savannah Sinn
(Bro. Dean and Sis. Heidi), were
willing and able to do this with
the children. We appreciate their
talents.
Tiera Wiegand (Bro. John and
Sis. Jane) has moved to Chicago,
IL. We do look forward to seeing
her for her baptism in October.
We will be missing Sis. Wendi
Roth (Bro. Jim and Sis. Deb) and
Erika Sinn (Bro. Dean and Sis.
Heidi) as they will be attending
school out of state, for the next
September 2014
SILVER LINING
47
two years. Also doing extensive
traveling for her schooling, is Sis.
Jenna Wiegand (Bro. John and Sis.
Jane). We look forward to her safe
return, as well as the other young
women when they come to visit or
come home to stay.
August was a month of
many visitors. We wish to thank
Bro. Dan Moser (Elgin, IL) for
ministering the Word. We also
enjoyed a weekend of fellowship
with the Kitchener, Ontario
church. We really appreciate
all of our visitors and ask God’s
blessings on each one!
We want to give Sis. Bonnie
Isch best wishes as she moves
to Bluffton, IN to continue her
schooling. May God richly bless
and guide her as she takes this step
in her life.
on Saturday and then to worship
together on Sunday. We have been strengthened
in recent weeks by God’s Word,
shared with us by our recent
visiting ministers: Bros. Dan Goric
(Sis. Mary-Lou, Rockville), Kim
Sutter (Sis. Vonette, Taylor),
and Ken Eisenmann (Sis.
Sharon, Cissna Park), and Elder
Bro. Vic Bauman (Sis. Brenda,
Smithville). We are also thankful
for the fellowship of visitors from
Cissna Park and Princeville, IL;
and Akron, Latty, Sardis, and
Smithville, OH.
If you are traveling to or
through the Nashville area,
please plan to worship with us.
Please call ahead to confirm our
schedule. Contact Bro. Don & Sis.
Faye Sauder, 615-373-8928; Bro.
Mike & Sis. Monica Fritz, 615866-5543, fritzmb.family@gmail.
com; or Bro. Buck & Sis. Taunia
Henry, 615-920-9584.
Morton, IL.
We will miss our special
friends, Lane and Lanae Hartzler
as they are moving to Columbus,
Ohio. (Lanae is our Sis. Dot
Martin’s granddaughter.) They are
very dear to us and we wish them
God’s richest blessings.
We are thankful to be in a
food distribution activity once
a month. What a blessing to see
their thankful faces and be able to
share God’s love.
Please refer to the minister’s
directory for directions and
contacts.
Tennessee, Nashville
Texas, Austin
Vermont, Clarendon
Mike and Monica Fritz
Candy Meiss
Nathan and Miriam Reutter
We are so thankful that Bro.
Jeff and Sis. Cynde Stoller and
their children: Jeremiah, Faith,
Patience, Matthew, Mercy, Micah,
and Peter, formerly of Gridley IL,
have felt the leading of God to
move to the Nashville area. We
welcome them and pray that God
will richly bless them as they settle
in, and in the years to come.
Recently, we were blessed by
a group from Akron who spent a
Saturday with us fulfilling some
needs in our community. It was
a blessing to work side by side
Sending our Love and
Greetings from Austin!
We are so thankful for our
visitors and encourage everyone
passing through to stop and
worship with us!
This past month, we were
blessed to have Bro. Tom Leman
(Denver, CO), and Bro. Dan Koch
(Sis. Julie, Tremont, IL) here to
preach the Word.
Ministers scheduled: 8/24
Bro. Kent Mogler (Minneapolis,
MN), 8/31 Bro. Al Schambach
(Remington, IN) and 9/14
Greetings in the name of the
LORD.
This past month we enjoyed
the presence and fellowship of two
ministers with their wives and
families: Bro. Ned and Sis. Heidi
Stoller (Alto, MI), and Bro. Bob
and Sis. Laura Dotterer (Sardis,
OH). The Word was preached and
we were fed. Thank-you so much
for coming and being used of the
LORD. We also much appreciate
our home minister, Bro. Mark
Hoffman and his faithful wife, Sis.
Luella, for their many efforts in
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia
Laura Isch
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SILVER LINING September 2014
Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth
Services are generally being
held the second Sunday of each
month at the Holiday Inn Express,
4450 W John Carpenter Freeway,
Irving TX. Please call ahead to
verify. Leland and Mary Plattner
956-265-0351 or Dennis & Diane
Rassi 512-321-2345.
ministering.
Vermont still is a wonderful
missionary opportunity for those
so minded. No special language
training is necessary, but do expect
to learn new cultural norms.
Even though we have not
yet heard how the Conference
went, we trust it was a Spirit-filled
experience, and that all left edified
and encouraged to keep striving
for our heavenly goal, in the spirit
of 1 Peter 5:2. We look forward
hearing the loving instruction
and exhortations soon. A special
thank-you is extended to all the
elders and their dear wives for
their many sacrifices on behalf of
the flock they serve.
You are welcome to worship
and fellowship with us anytime.
Contact Bro. Nathan and Sis.
Miriam Reutter at 802-447-2426
or [email protected] to let
us know when you are planning
to be in our area so we can
accommodate you.
Service times are as follows:
• Mid-week services
(Contact local brethren)
• Sunday Morning Service:
10:10 AM
• Sunday Afternoon Service:
12:15 PM
• Sunday school held during
the morning service.
Wisconsin, Mauston
Greetings from Mauston
Wisconsin.
Services were held during the
summer months at the home of
Bro. Nathan and Sis. Marilyn
Steffen. The precious Word of life
was shared and the Holy Spirit’s
presence was felt.
It was a rich blessing to
have visiting brethren, friends,
and children from several
congregations. Visitors came from
Bradford, Cissna Park, Elgin,
IL, Eureka, Goodfield, Gridley,
Belvidere, Winthrop, Kansas City,
West Bend, and Lester. Among
them were six visiting ministers.
Also, five people from the
community also assembled with
us. The services were conducted
in much the same manner as any
of our other congregations with
a morning service followed by a
noon lunch and then afternoon
service. Sunday School was held
during the afternoon service in the
basement.
Bro. Nathan and Sis. Marilyn
welcome anyone who would be
in the area. Please let them know
if you would like to be there for
a Sunday or just to drop by for
a visit. They can be reached at
608.462.4344. Also pray for the
outreach in Mauston that God
would bless and add the increase
to the efforts.
Self Control in Communication
Proverbs 17:28, “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted
wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
Proverbs 18:19, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong
city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.”
James 1:19-20, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man
be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man
worketh not the righteousness of God.”
September 2014
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49
News & Notices
Volunteer Caretaker Opportunity – Washington, D.C.
The Washington, DC church caretaker program is entering its eighth year. It has been such a blessing for
our visiting caretakers, as well as our local members and friends. We are taking reservations for 2015. Our
church home is located in Silver Spring, MD, and meets both church and residential needs.
The fellowship that caretakers provide is vital to our small congregation and visiting ministers. Caretakers
can be couples, singles or families who would enjoy spending time near the Nation’s Capitol and other points
of interest on the East Coast. Caretakers would perform routine household and yard maintenance chores, and
should plan to stay at least three Sundays.
Families with children are urged to give this opportunity prayerful consideration. We have three children
(pre-teen and teen), who would welcome other children in their Sunday School class.
For more information, please contact Barry and Doreen Steffen at 302-540-6574 or [email protected]
50
SILVER LINING September 2014
Alternate Houseparent Needed - Gateway Woods
Houseparenting at Gateway Woods offers an opportunity for a couple, directed of the Lord, to come
to work in a full-time on going ministry at Gateway Woods. Due to a change in staff, we have a need for
an Alternate Houseparent couple. This position offers competitive wages and generous benefits and a close
relationship with brothers and sisters whose hearts and lives are dedicated to a common mission with an
eternal reward. If you feel the call to explore this possibility, please call one of the brothers listed below.
Clint PlattnerLynn Stieglitz
Residential Program Manager
Counseling Elder
PO Box 12515417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell: 260.466.6712
[email protected]@gmail.com
Foster Care Case Worker Needed – Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods has a need for a full-time Foster Care Case Manager. This position provides the
opportunity to to work with foster families and foster children. Bachelors Degree in Social Work
preferred, but will consider a Bachelors Degree or experience in a related field such as Guidance,
Sociology, or Psychology.
Please prayerfully consider this opening and contact one of the brothers below for more information
concerning this position. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children.
Britni EisenmannLynn Stieglitz
Foster Care Program Manager
Counseling Elder
PO Box 12515417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell:260.466.6712
[email protected]@gmail.com
Interested in receiving a printed
sermon?
Used Bible, Bible Story Book,
and Song Book Distribution
To order, contact:
Printed Sermons
P.O. Box 154, Forrest, IL 61741
(815) 848-5113 • [email protected]
Used Bibles, Bible Story Books, Hymns of Zion,
Zion’s Harp, Gospel Hymns, and Tabernacle
Hymns are needed. AC Publications is now the
collection center for your donated books.
651 E. Peoria St, Goodfield, IL 61742
September 2014
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51
Home-Based & Adoption Case Worker Needed – Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods has a need for a full-time Home-Based & Adoption Case Worker. This position
provides the opportunity to work partially with adoptive families and partially with hurting children
and families in our Home-Based Program. Requires a Bachelors Degree in Social Work or a related field,
experience working with children and families preferred.
Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and
families. Contact one of the brothers below for more information concerning this position.
Jeff WaibelLynn Stieglitz
Director of Clinical Services
Counseling Elder
PO Box 12515417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell:260.466.6712
[email protected]@gmail.com
Counselor Needed - Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods has a need for a full-time Counselor. This position provides the opportunity to work
directly with struggling children and families in need of help and guidance. Requires a Master’s Degree
in social work, psychology, or counseling from an accredited college or university.
Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children. Contact one
of the brothers below for more information concerning this position.
Jeff WaibelLynn Stieglitz
Director of Clinical Services
Counseling Elder
PO Box 12515417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283Cell:260.466.6712
[email protected]@gmail.com
Light from the Word
Now available by downloadable PDF from the Apostolic Christian Publication website:
www.acpublications.org
After entering the website, click on the item located at the left hand frame entitled, “Light from the Word
Reprints”. The entire set of editorials are available in a complete download (June 1987 to current).
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Teaching Position Available – Gateway Woods
Gateway Woods is excited to announce an opening for a Teacher at Gateway Woods School.
Gateway Woods School is a fully accredited educational facility serving 6th-12th grade students who
have difficulty in public school. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and/or an active
teacher’s license. Special Education Certification and previous teaching experience is especially useful,
but not required. If you hold these qualifications and have a heart for children, please ask the Lord if this
is the position He has in mind for you. For more information please contact one of the brothers listed
below.
Adam McAfeeLynn Stieglitz
Director of Education
Counseling Elder
PO Box 125,
15417 Doty Rd.
Leo, IN 46765
New Haven, IN 46774
888.443.4283260.466.6712
[email protected]
[email protected]
Christian Guesthouse and Worship Services in Rochester, MN
Accommodations for Mayo Clinic outpatients and families:
Three bedrooms with private baths, laundry, kitchen and family room area.
Sunday Service: (held monthly at guesthouse residence) 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
For schedule, see: www.acmission.org/minister-rotation
For information and reservations, contact caretakers:
Bro. Mark and Sis. Sandy Stork
4733 Birdie Lane NW
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-0072
Mid-week Service: (held on 3rd Wednesday in Rochester area)
For information, contact:
Bro. Jim and Sis. Deb Tilbury
(507) 281-2875
September 2014
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West Lafayette Homecoming October 4 & 5, 2014
We extend a big welcome to a “Homecoming” celebration on October 4 & 5, 2014, to all who at one time
made West Lafayette their home church.
Saturday, October 4: 3:30 registration followed by dinner, sharing of memories and singing.
Sunday, October 5: worship service.
Please RSVP to Kris Widmer by September 21 the number in your party, which days you hope to attend
and whether you will need overnight accommodations. [email protected]. (765) 412-2918. 9036
Northridge Lane, Battle Ground, IN 47920.
We are looking forward to you joining us to renew acquaintances and share in a weekend of fellowship.
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SILVER LINING September 2014
World Relief Informational Meetings
presentations scheduled by the
church holding the conference.
For more information, go to
the World Relief web site (www.
acworldrelief.org) and check under
Informational Meetings.
Opportunities to
Serve One Another
T
he mission of World Relief is to
provide humanitarian aid and
volunteer labor to alleviate human
misery and suffering throughout the
world, first to the household of faith,
and then to others as much as we
are able, in a way that is a Christian
witness and brings glory to God.
We thank God for the various
opportunities to help the needy
of the world made available to
our congregations through World
Relief, not only with funds, but with
volunteer labor by our brethren.
One way to hear about these
opportunities is to attend one of
three presentations held throughout the year.
Next meetings
Schedule
The Western Meeting is held the
second Saturday of March and
is rotated between the Apostolic
Christian Churches west of the line
between Indiana and Illinois.
The Eastern Meeting is held on the
second Saturday of November and
is rotated between the churches in
Indiana and all churches eastward.
Also, Thursday before the
conference in August, there are
Eastern Meeting:
Rittman, OH
November 8, 2014
2:30 pm - 8:00 pm EST
www.acworldrelief.org
Give a Child Hope
Child Sponsorships
T
To sponsor a child
hose in the child sponsorship program have several things in common. They are very poor, desire to learn
and they have an undying soul.
To sponsor a student fill out this form
and send to the office. A student will
be assigned to you and you will be sent
further information.
The goal of this
program is to
provide an education to help
these children
learn life skills to improve their standard of living, and also to provide
spiritual training to address the true
need...the need for a knowledge of
and a personal relationship with God
through Jesus Christ.
Name _________________________
And all thy children shall be taught of
the Lord; and great shall be the peace
of thy children. IsaIah 54:13
Mr.
Mrs.
Miss
Spouse ________________________
Address _______________________
City ____________St ___ Zip _____
Home Ph ______________________
Cell Ph ________________________
Email _________________________
Please check preference:
Haiti
Guatemala
Jamaica
Mexico
Zambia
Wherever needed
If possible I would prefer:
Boy – Age
Girl – Age
No Preference
Cost: $30.00/month
For details: www.acworldrelief.org
Send to:
ACWR Child Sponsorship
PO Box 36
Morton, IL 61550
Phone: 309-266-6080
Fax: 309-266-5281
E-mail: [email protected]
www.acworldrelief.org
September 2014
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Bible Distribution: Sharing His Word in Love
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Psalm 96:3
Together we can provide Bibles for seeking people. This may be someone you attend school
with, someone you work with, or someone God has shown you at a gas station. Bibles and
approved Bible story Books are available. Carrying a New Testament to distribute can help
you remember what our real task is. To order, contact: Apostolic Christian Church Bible Distribution
651 E. Peoria Street
Goodfield, IL 61742
Phone: 309-965-2141 [email protected]
Communications Coordinator Job Opening
Position Description
The Communications Coordinator will be an integral part of the
World Relief / Mission Committee
Communications Team and provide
hands-on coordination of a wide
variety of projects. This person is
the primary production-oriented
person who ensures projects stay on
track and deadlines are met. He/she
works regularly with the Communications Director, Regional Communications Managers, other volunteer
contributors, graphic designers and
miscellaneous vendors.
Qualifications (partial list)
1. Desire to see God glorified and
the church edified by using your
talents to support those who
serve others.
2. Demonstrated ability to meet
deadlines in a well-managed way.
3. Experience with Adobe Creative
Suite, especially InDesign and
Photoshop.
56
SILVER LINING September 2014
the experience and skills of the
chosen candidate. Benefits are provided. Some occasional evening and
weekend work is required.
To Learn More
For a complete job description and/
or more information, email
Dan Weerts (address below.)
4. Excellent communications skills,
particularly writing.
5. Highly organized.
6. Tech savvy. Able to quickly learn
new software.
7. Experience engaging people on
social media.
8. Willingness to relocate to the
West Lafayette / Remington /
Wolcott area.
9. Experience working in a marketing department or advertising
agency is a definite plus.
This is a full-time, paid position.
Salary will be commensurate with
How to Apply
Send resume, salary expectations,
and writing samples to:
[email protected]
-- or to -Dan Weerts
Apostolic Christian World Relief
16448 S. US Hwy 231
Remington, IN 47977
If you have graphic design samples,
send those as well.
www.acworldrelief.org
Haiti Medical Work Teams
Haiti Medical Work Teams
Project
Year 2014 Coordinator
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Aug 9-16
Lydia Bertschi
Capacity
8
Project
Year 2015 Coordinator
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Jul 11-18
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Medical Team
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Sept 13-20 Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Aug 8-15
309-467-6110
[email protected]
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Oct 11-18
Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Dental Team
[email protected]
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Nov 8-15
Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Oct 10-17
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Nursing Proficiencies
[email protected]
Dental Team
[email protected]
Dec 13-20
Lydia Bertschi
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Nov 7-14
309-467-6110
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
General Medical
[email protected]
Nursing Proficiencies
[email protected]
Project
Year 2015 Coordinator
Jan 10-17
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Feb 7-14
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Eye Speciality
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Mar 7-14
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Apr 11-18
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Inventory Team
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
May 9-16
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Dental Team
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Jun 13-20
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
Cancer Screening
[email protected]
Capacity
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-6110
General Medical
[email protected]
8
8
8
Dec 12-19
8
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Sept 12-19 Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
8
Lydia Bertschi
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Capacity
Lydia Bertschi
8
Lydia Bertschi
8
Hospital Lumiere Awareness Tours
Project
Year 2014
Coordinator
Capacity
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Sept 21-24
Rich Bertschi
12
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-2351
Quick Tour
[email protected]
Project
Year 2015
Coordinator
Capacity
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Mar 21-25
Rich Bertschi
12
Hospital Lumiere
309-467-2351
Quick Tour
[email protected]
8
8
September 2014
SILVER LINING
57
Haiti Work Teams -­‐ Les Cayes
Agricultural
Les Cayes
Feb 27 -­‐ Mar 6 Steve Leuthold
MEBSH/Peoria
309-­‐645-­‐2208
ConstructionMexico Work Teams
[email protected]
Location
Year
2014
Coordinator
Les Cayes
Mar 6-­‐13
Maurice Schaefer
Magdalena
Jun 7-14
Stan Schick
AWA
309-­‐253-­‐9003
Daryl Luginbuhl
Rockville
Construction
Princeville
Bible Class
Water Aid
[email protected]
[email protected]
309-243-9281
Les Cayes
Mar 27 [email protected]
-­‐ Apr 3 Rich Bertschi
Art Mueller
8
MEBSH/Roanoke
309-­‐467-­‐2351
608-­‐676-­‐4365
Construction
[email protected]
Magdalena
Jun 14-21 Shon Haerr
Project
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Year 2014
Coordinator
Capacity
Sept 27-­‐Oct 4 Daryl Luginbuhl
12
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Construction
Oct 18-­‐25
Les Cayes
SEED
Agricultural
Nov 13-­‐21
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
Nov 14-­‐ 21
Maurice Schaefer
309-­‐253-­‐9003
[email protected]
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Nov 19-­‐24
Jon Zeller
309-­‐266-­‐9009
[email protected]
Les Cayes
Haiti Trade Schools
Vocational School
Nov 28 -­‐ Dec 5 Andy Getz
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Bluffton
Construction
Dec 5 -­‐12
[email protected]
4
ACWR-­‐CC
Year 2015
Lane Gerber
260-­‐241-­‐4099
[email protected]
Coordinator
Construction
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Taylor Bible
Apr 15-­‐20
Jon Class
Zeller
217-242-1326
309-­‐266-­‐9009
[email protected]
[email protected]
Les Cayes
Magdalena
MEBSH
Construction
Maintenance
Apr 20-­‐27
Jon Zeller
Jul 19-26
Rick Kaisner
309-­‐266-­‐9009
847-942-1174
[email protected]
[email protected]
4
574-870-5046
[email protected]
12
Simone Orphanage Dec 26 -­‐ Jan 2 Rick Wuethrich
Francesville-­‐Father/Son
219-­‐863-­‐4163
Construction
[email protected]
Project [email protected]
12
Juarez
Sep 10-16
Medical
Mexico Work Teams
Cheryl Herrmann
[email protected]
Location
Magdalena
Construction
Year 2015
Jan 10-17
Coordinator
Steve Kaeb
217-781-4709
[email protected]
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Ohio
Construction
Jan 2-­‐9
Ron Palitto
330-­‐336-­‐5373
[email protected]
Capacity
12
Magdalena
Construction
Jan 17-24
Troy Lanz
217-202-5959
[email protected]
Les Cayes
AWA
Water Aid
Jan 9-­‐16
Maurice Schaefer
309-­‐253-­‐9003
[email protected]
4
Magdalena
Construction
Feb 11-21
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Silverton
Construction
Jan 30-­‐Feb 6
Richard Kraft
12
503-­‐364-­‐3103
[email protected]
Jon Baner
309-532-9435
[email protected]
Mar 7-14
Les Cayes
Haiti Trade Schools
Vocational School
Feb 6-­‐13
Magdalena
Construction
Caleb Hoerr
ISU
309-370-3153
[email protected]
Les Cayes
SEED
Feb 26-­‐Mar 6 Larry Kaufmann
815-­‐716-­‐6018
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 21-28
Linc Rinkenberger
Bluffton/BN Senior Class
260-273-3566
[email protected]
Andy Getz
574-870-5046
[email protected]
4
12
Questions?
Contact Mike Fiechter
[email protected]
260-597-7330
58
SILVER LINING September 2014
12
4
12
ACWR-­‐CC
12
Monthly Sermon, continued
— Continued from pg. 5
eternal life, whereunto thou art also
called, and hast professed a good
profession before many witnesses.”
(v.11-12) The fight of faith, it is a
battle. I appreciate the way he says
it to Timothy. He says fight the
good fight of faith. For some of
us it’s going to be different than
others, the fight of faith, but it is
a battle. We are on a battleground
because it’s the holy war. It’s the
good against the evil, and we need
to go to battle.
There are many analogies in
the Word that describe that battle,
and here he talks about fight the
good fight. Another place Paul
tells to put on the whole armor of
God, and he describes the whole
armamentarium of the helmet
and the breastplate of love and
the sword of the Spirit and all
those things he describes of what
we need to arm ourselves for the
war. (Ephesians 6:11-18) So let us
not be startled when we face the
enemy because the enemy will be
there if we’re engaged.
He says lay hold on eternal
life. There is a tremendous promise
- “…greater is he that is in you,
than he that is in the world.” (1
John 4:4) So the devil, we often
refer to and hear this, is a defeated
foe, and we have victory in Jesus
Christ. We never can lose sight of
that. The victory isn’t in ourselves,
but if we fight the good fight of
faith, it is really by following the
Lord who is victorious. If we go
out on our own, if we had no
weapon, no armor, we would
surely have little chance. We
would have no chance, but with
the Lord and following Him, the
devil being a defeated foe and
the Lord having risen from the
grave, we can be there to lay hold
on eternal life. He encouraged
Timothy in this way, and it is an
encouragement for each one of us
to know that wherever we are in
life, that it will be that continual
reaching out, not to let it slip from
our hands but that we lay hold
and hold it firmly.
“Charge them that are rich
in this world, that they be not
highminded, nor trust in uncertain
riches, but in the living God, who
giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
That they do good, that they be rich
in good works, ready to distribute,
willing to communicate; Laying
up in store for themselves a good
foundation against the time to
come, that they may lay hold on
eternal life.” (v.17-19) Whether
we’re rich or poor, whether we’re
healthy, whether we’re sick, it’s
that laying hold that the charge is
given here, not only to Timothy.
It’s a beautiful thing when we take
the Word and we can realize it
was given many, many years ago,
millennia ago, to this man that
Paul cared for very dearly, and
yet we can take and hear those
same words that can apply to us.
That is God’s gift to us and the
encouragement in the battle that
we lay hold on this.
He ends this and we’ll
conclude here by mentioning
something. There is a particular
thing here about avoiding. “O
Timothy, keep that which is
committed to thy trust, avoiding
profane and vain babblings, and
oppositions of science falsely so
called: Which some professing have
erred concerning the faith.” (v.2021) Back in that time, there were
discussions about science and
faith, and there are discussions
about science and faith today.
These things have surfaced
from time to time in cultures
and people and whatever the
battle. Both science and faith are
searches for truth. Pure science
is a search for truth. Faith is a
search for truth also, but it’s on a
very different track. The two can’t
disprove or prove one another.
Faith can’t disprove science, and
science can’t disprove faith. Nor
can we prove one by another. So as
believers, we could take opposition
to science. We could say well this
can’t be true and that can’t be
true. If we focus on faith, we can
leave science off to the side.
There are many things in
science that have looked very
wrong concerning faith in the
September 2014 SILVER LINING
59
Monthly Sermon, continued
past, and then in a generation
or two or decade or century
or a millennia, things look
very different. We as people of
faith really need not to get so
enwrapped in things of science.
There’s false science, and there’s
false faith. We need to be
concerned with true faith that
we might see it as the Lord Jesus
Christ and lay hold on that. If we
get involved in embattlements or
arguments or whatever, it’s not
going to hold well.
One of the things in particular
that I’m referring to is we go back
to the time of Galileo. Galileo
was a man of science, and he was
also a man of faith. We don’t want
to judge his faith either. I don’t
really know what it was. But,
Galileo knew from science and his
observations from an intellectual
mind that the earth revolved
around the sun which was heresy
at that time. He was imprisoned
and sentenced to death for that
by the church at that time. He
actually recounted or took back
what he knew to be true so he
could save his life. So he had the
church and science mixed in a
very bad way. Now there’s not one
of us who would think there’s a
problem with the earth revolving
around the sun and not the other
way around. It just kind of shows
the way our limited mind cannot
reach to the mind of God. There
are some things we are better off
just letting go and not getting
involved in the oppositions of
science falsely so called which
are causing vain babblings and
some have erred from the faith by
getting too involved in some of
those things.
So we have these beautiful
words there that are left for us,
instructions on particular things
and specific things. Certainly
these speak to my heart a lot to
recount them. If some of them
seem a little personal that I
brought forth, please forgive me,
but I believe if we all ponder them
in our hearts, we’ll receive the
mind that Apostle Paul wanted
to impart to Timothy, his son in
the faith, and that we can then
lay hold on eternal life and the
contentment that God wants for
us and the assurance of true faith.
Isaiah 40:28-31
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is
weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he
increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
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Continued Articles
Broken-hearted...
and tried to cover disobedience
— Continued from pg. 3
with a self-righteous appeal to
asked of him (Exodus 3:11). This
having sacrificed to the Lord.
man, of whom it was said, “Now
Samuel called him out saying,
the man Moses was very meek, above “Hath the LORD as great delight
all the men which were upon the
in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as
face of the earth” (Num. 12:3), led in obeying the voice of the LORD?
his people out of bondage, called
Behold, to obey is better than
manna from heaven, water from a sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat
rock, and much more. Only in his of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). Ultimately
brokenness could he demonstrate
chastising him with the words,
God’s power.
“When thou wast little in thine own
David, the shepherd boy
sight, wast thou not made the head
who became king, was entrusted
of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD
with much power and influence
anointed thee king over Israel?”
after he learned to trust God. Yet
(1 Sam. 15:17). Although God
perhaps his greatest test came
revealed lifetime lessons through
when confronted by his own sin.
Saul’s humility and pride, it was
Nathan weaved a story that broke only in Saul’s humility that God’s
through the pride which had crept grace had free course.
into David’s heart and elicited
Isaiah, who stood before kings
the righteously angry cry, “As the
and whose prophecies guided the
LORD liveth, the man that hath
children of Israel for generations,
done this thing shall surely die” (2
could only say, “Woe is me! for I
Sam. 12:5). When the prophet’s
am undone; because I am a man
condemning words, “Thou art the
of unclean lips, and I dwell in the
man” pierced his heart, he replied, midst of a people of unclean lips: for
“I have sinned against the Lord,”
mine eyes have seen the King, the
and later anguished, “Have mercy
LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5) when
upon me, O God, according to thy
the glory and holiness of the Lord
lovingkindness: according unto the
was revealed to him. He could
multitude of thy tender mercies
then teach us that, “thus saith the
blot out my transgressions. Wash
high and lofty One that inhabiteth
me throughly from mine iniquity,
eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell
and cleanse me from my sin. For I
in the high and holy place, with him
acknowledge my transgressions: and also that is of a contrite and humble
my sin is ever before me” (Psalm
spirit, to revive the spirit of the
51:1-3).
humble, and to revive the heart of
In contrast, Saul had justified the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).
Peter, that bold disciple who
denied His Lord in the hour of
greatest need, was assured by Jesus,
“I have prayed for thee, that thy
faith fail not: and when thou art
converted, strengthen thy brethren”
(Luke 22:32), but only after being
warned that, “Satan hath desired
to have you, that he may sift you as
wheat” (Luke 22:31). That “sifting”
brought him to a place where he
could make a humble and sincere
expression of love toward Jesus
(John 21:15-17). Only then could
he be used by Jesus to “Feed my
sheep.” And his boldness could
be turned to a confidence in God
which enabled him to say, “We
ought to obey God rather than men”
(Acts 5:29), when confronted
by the same religious authorities
before whom he had fled when
relying upon his own strength.
May God grant that we
can daily seek an attitude of
brokenness as these servants
of God. It will serve as the
foundation of humility and the key
to His grace.
September 2014 SILVER LINING
61
Learning from our history
Remembering Our Spiritual Heritage
The following article deals with the development of the
faith in Hungary. Excerpts are taken from the book
The Nazarenes by Karoly Eotvos, a law professor at the
University of Papa in Hungary. The fifth printing of
this book was made in 1909. Below is an account of the
conversion of Louis Hencsey, who later became a main
leader as the faith of our fathers grew in Hungary.
Background
History testifies that those who follow the calling
of the Lord must sooner or later turn away from the
world, as the world would cast them off anyway.
The struggle that so ensues first brings victory
to the world, but only on this side of the grave;
beyond it the redeemed will be victors. But the
final victory will bring them tears, suffering and
the renouncement of lust and vanity. This was the
wonderful vision John Denkel revealed to Hencsey in
the dim light of the candle in the workshop, talking
so convincingly as if preaching from a pulpit.
A Beginning in Faith
Hencsey had no more doubts and fears. In his heart
he was fully prepared to follow his divine calling. As
he confessed later, it was on that memorable evening
in the dim, candle-lit room that he began to see
everything clearly and grasp the meaning of those
visions that earlier had often flowed through his soul
as a gentle breeze. His profound love toward Jesus
and the burning desire of his heart were beginning to
take a definite shape.
He saw how the world, with its gross materialism,
crushed spiritual values to death; how the divine
truth was killed by a strait-jacket outlook, and how
the state took rigid reprisals against religious sects.
He was discouraged how people flirted with sin. He
was shocked at seeing Christ’s gospel falsified, His
healing power sold as an article in the market where
everything has a fixed price, and where they sell lust,
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worldly goods, and vanities. Seeing these terrible
abuses caused an inner grief to torment him.
His only desire was to throw off the grinding
cares of this world and flee to a place where he could
find relief and where, being in peace in the company
of the Lord, he could guide others to the pure source
of Jesus’ teachings.
On this memorable evening in the workshop,
although it was narrow and dim, he felt he had been
standing before God’s altar. This is how Hencsey
describes that evening: “My loving heavenly Father
created me as a powerless being. When Brother John
Denkel threw light into my agitated soul, the words
stuck in my throat. I was overcome by silence, my
soul grieved me, and my eyes filled with tears. I
went up to my dear brother, flung my arms around
him. From this moment on, I began to feel a special
strength and peace.
On November 20, 1939, Hencsey was introduced
into the sacred community of the repentants, which
became of historical significance in the early history
of the Nazarenes of Hungary. Hencsey received
the baptism of repentance in the spirit of the New
Testament, and through this he became an apostle
of Christ. As the little community was growing, he
initiated the new members with the kiss of peace.
Greeting the brethren with a holy kiss became a part
of community life.
by Perry Klopfenstein
Next Issue: The baptism of Bro. Hencsey and related
data.
The Light of Hope
Eyewitnesses of His Majesty
Eyewitnesses are the best source of information as
to what actually happened in case of an automobile
accident, crime, or miracle. Scripture for this is
found in 2 Cor. 13:1, “In the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word be established.” The Apostle
Paul was quoting Deuteronomy 19:15, which reads,
“At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of
three witnesses, shall the matter be established.” If I am
not mistaken, in today’s courts, also, two or three
witnesses, speaking under oath and giving the same
testimony, would be considered as speaking the
truth.
The Apostle Peter wrote, “For we have not
followed cunningly devised fables, when we made
known unto you the power and coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2
Peter 1:16. Peter had been shown by the Lord Jesus
Christ that he would soon die, (see v. 14) and he
wanted the believers to be firmly established in
the faith following his decease. Peter was writing
particularly about his experience on the Mount of
Transfiguration, but the fact that the disciples were
eyewitnesses of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection,
cannot be overemphasized. As Peter states it, “We
have not followed cunningly devised fables.”
Critics of the Bible point out that the writers
of the Bible differ in the number of the angels
mentioned as being at Christ’s grave the morning of
His resurrection. Matthew and Mark speak of only
one angel while Luke and John both speak of two
angels being there. Of these four writers, only John
was at the grave that morning, so I believe there were
two angels there. Matthew and Mark didn’t say there
weren’t two, but they mention only one.
Luke writes in his Gospel, “Even as they
delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word.” Luke 1:2.
He was commenting on “those things which are most
surely believed among us.” v. 1. The reason they most
surely believed was because they were eyewitnesses,
not of every detail of Christ’s life, but of His miracles,
His death on the cross, and His resurrection. The
disciples all met Christ after His resurrection, as far
as we know. Paul writes that He was seen, after His
resurrection, by over 500 brethren at one time. “After
that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at
once.” 1 Cor. 15:6.
Returning to Peter’s statement that they were
eyewitnesses of his majesty, he states in verses 17
and 18 of 2 Peter, chapter 1, that they also heard a
voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased.” In wasn’t only what they
saw with their eyes, but also what they heard with
their ears, that made a deep impression upon them.
It can also be said that it wasn’t only that they saw
the risen Christ, but they heard with their ears what
He had to say to them about sharing the Gospel with
the whole world. It is important that Christ’s life
was documented by His contemporaries and not by
someone who lived many years later.
The fact that Christ’s disciples were eyewitnesses
of His life and resurrection is what made them so
zealous for the Gospel. If we had that kind of zeal
today, we would probably be considered radicals.
Today the most acceptable thing is to live a holy life
while making a good living. To live a life of poverty
in order to help others is not the norm. The early
disciples were amazingly willing to die for the sake
of the Gospel. Men do not die for a lie. They were
certain that Christ was and is, the Son of God.
We can be assured of the truth of the Gospel, by
the account left by eyewitnesses.
-by Willis Ehnle
September 2014 SILVER LINING
63
THE SILVER LINING
1523 County Road 400N
Congerville, IL 61729
Seeds of goodness we are sowing
in the hearts of men today.
Bless it Lord that it may prosper
and bear fruit for harvest day.
Hymns of Zion #46