July 2016
By Guest Writer: Nancy Jane Hunsberger
Just recently I received a mailing from Young
America’s Foundation that states: “American children
don’t know American history.
Their professors aren’t teaching
them a thing about their
country’s founding principles.
They have no idea of what
values America stands for. They
are now being taught atheism,
political correctness,
multiculturalism and moral
relativism.“ I am deeply grieved
about this. That is why I have
included a bit of history.
Perhaps we need to review.
Many of the men who laboriously formed the
documents that brought our nation into existence
were men of strong Christian beliefs and personal
integrity. John Hancock, whose signature was first on
the document, was the son of a minister and
recognized as a responsible merchant in the
community. We also recognize family names of such
men as John and Samuel Adams, Richard Henry
Lee, Benjamin Franklin -- all had godly backgrounds.
These men asked God for guidance and based their
precepts on principles found in the Bible.
The Pilgrims and others, including our own
Anabaptist forefathers, came to America for religious
freedom. It seems the fact that America was settled
by families seeking religious freedom is a foreign
concept to our children today.
Later in our history, Abraham Lincoln faced the blight
of slavery in our nation, and he eventually issued the
Emancipation Proclamation. In the midst of this chaos
he called our nation to prayer. He let it be known that
we needed God’s help.
America has enjoyed untold blessing as we upheld
the Ten Commandments, permitted prayer to God in
public settings, had statesmen and judges who gave
reverence to God and His Word. Thank the Lord we
still have such men in the public office. There are
many Christians of deep faith in
our homes, in our churches, in
our nation, but there are also
sinister forces that are trying to
destroy our faith and our
freedom.
The scripture says, “Blessed is
the nation whose God is the
Lord.” We share deep concern
for our nation. Is there any
hope?
Dr. Michael Youssef of “Leading the Way” broadcast
says, “Despite the slaughter of innocent children, the
abandonment of God’s design for marriage, the rising
tide of immorality in America, and the growing
apostasy of the church, there is still hope in His shed
blood. This hope comes from Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) God is still
working and moving, calling souls to repentance and
stirring His people to action.”
We, as individuals, can join the many structured
groups that are calling for prayer and repentance. St.
Paul says in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition with thanksgiving present your requests to
God.”
Directory
PASTORAL MINISTRIES
Terry Rose
Director of Pastoral Ministries
Debby Bentch
Pastor of Village Ministries
Charlie Hostetter
Pastor of Village Ministries
Ron Slabaugh
Pastor of Congregational Ministries
Avis Whitesel
Administrative Assistant
Avis’ Hours - Monday-Thursday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
V O L U M E XI V , I S S U E V I I
790-8221
Ext. 6417
Ext. 6462
Ext. 6492
Ext. 6431
Ext. 6221
M E S S I A H V I L L A G E C H U R C H NE W S L E T T E R
by Pastor Ron Slabaugh
Every two years, the Brethren in Christ
denomination meets for 3 days to
conduct the business of the church.
This year the meeting is happening at
Stetson University in Deland, Florida
from July 9-11. This is a significant
change from recent years because we
have been meeting in business type
conference centers. This change is
intentional to try to keep the costs
down for smaller churches so they can
afford to send a representative. We are
told this will reduce the cost by two
thirds.
Messiah Village Church
Newsletter
On July 4, two hundred forty years ago, 13 struggling
colonies signed the Declaration of Independence and
became the United States of America. The first allinclusive meeting of the colonies was held on Sept. 5,
1774 in Philadelphia. This group, known as the
Continental Congress, became the governing body of
the young colonies. It was at their meeting that the
Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4,
1776. Hence, today we have this room preserved in
its original setting at the site of Independence
National Historical Park in Philadelphia.
Change Is Happening
Volume XIV, Issue VII
The Birth of a Nation
At the last conference we voted to
suspend major portions of the
denomination's Bylaws in order for
significant interim arrangements.
Instead of the lead person in the
denomination
being called the
“General Church
Leader,” the title
was changed to
“National Director.”
And instead of a
Director for World Missions, we have
had a task force that was appointed to
study the future of the Missions
structure.
With regard to Bylaw changes, a
governance committee was appointed
to bring recommendations. The
members of this committee are Adam
Forry (chair), Bob Beaty, Wanda Heise,
Emerson Lesher, Julie Stout, and Alan
Robinson. The proposed changes were
sent to all the regional conferences. At
our Susquehanna Conference on April
9, 2016, there was a discussion period
in the afternoon regarding the rationale
for the changes.
The first and most significant proposal
is to change the name of the biennial
meeting that we have called “General
Conference” for the past 145 years.
The reason for doing so is that the
denomination is known as the “General
Conference of the Brethren in Christ”
and so the two titles are confusing.
This name came into being during the
Civil War. Due to conscientious
objection to war, our denomination
wrote to the Federal Government
stating that we, the River Brethren,
were opposed to war and they wrote
back, “And who are you?” We had no
legal name and so the name, “General
Conference of the Brethren in Christ”
became our legal name.
Legal counsel has suggested that we
call this biennial
meeting by the
name “General
Assembly” so as to
eliminate
confusion. This will
be voted on at the conference in July.
Another recommendation is the name
of the leadership group for world
missions be changed from “Board for
World Missions” to “Commission for
World Missions.” The proposal states,
“This will help clarify the governing
structure for world missions and will
bring consistency with the language
used for the “Commission on Ministry
and Doctrine.”
A third significant recommendation is
that two sections of our Manual of
Doctrine & Government which deal with
local congregations in terms of how
they are organized and operated and
the section on church officials which
Upcoming Events:
Inside this issue:
Missions
2&3
Upcoming Events
3
Guest Article
4


World Prayer Team-Andi & Krishauna Brubaker
July 6 | 7:00 pm | Chapel
Roxbury Camp Meeting
August 5-14
Navajo Overcomers
(continued from page 2)
By Nancy Jane Hunsberger
The Brethren in Christ have had a missionary
presence among the Navajo tribe in New Mexico
for many years. Getting a “congregation”
established has been a struggle. There have
been many faithful followers of Christ, for which
we are thankful. We are familiar with the names
of Peter Yazzie and Johnnie Dennison who have
served God in their own way.
As an outreach to the community, the Mission
permits local residents to secure water from its
deep well. Laundry facilities are also available to
the public. Water is a precious commodity in this
desert climate. A Youth Center provides a place
for recreation and fellowship. Nizhoni Christian
Academy operates during the school year. The
Christmas Love Gift Program is another
important event that has
helped to open doors in the
community.
It is well known that many
Navajo men are addicted to
alcohol. A helpful program
has been inaugurated in
recent years with positive
results. To understand why
the Navajo population may
be more subject to these
addictions, we have to
consider certain factors.
For one thing it is hard for
them to forget their loss of
land when United States as
a young nation moved westward. Although this
happened years ago, many of them still resent
this negative treatment.
Then they live in a clan setting that includes
extended family members. The mother or
grandmother is the ruling head of the clan. This
family arrangement may contribute to a man’s
lack of self-esteem. Also, at this particular time
employment is hard to find. Work is not as
plentiful in the oilfields as it had been. In their
time of discouragement some men resort to
alcohol or other drugs.
The BIC Overcomers Program is directed by
missionaries Ralph and Bonnie Yoder. Four to
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PAGE 2
six men are selected from the applicants.
Payment of tuition is required. They live, eat,
sleep and attend classes at the Mission for three
months. This takes them away from an unstable
environment while they are in training. Ken and
Anita Abell have served as Home Care
Coordinators for the past several years.
Classes are held four days a week. Wednesday
is designated as Community Service Day. Many
of these men have spent time in prison and need
to be acclimated to society again. In the class,
the Creation story is told. They learn God loves
them and has a plan for their lives. Jesus died to
give them deliverance from their addiction. One
class is a public speaking venture because they
must give their testimony when they graduate.
Most classes are taught by
missionaries from the area,
including Duane Bristow,
|Ben Stoner, Brian Myers and
Jason Oberholser. There
have been positive results.
Men’s lives are changed,
especially when they come to
faith in Christ while in this
discipline. The BIC
Overcomers program has
been given credibility by
judges in the area.
Brian Myers has a strong
concern for the men after
their intensified training ends.
They need a time to strengthen and mature in
Christ before they face the temptations that are
always present. An organization has been formed
called “Convicted by Christ.” This name was
suggested by one of the graduates of the
program. The organization has grown to thirty or
forty men. They meet weekly for fellowship and
accountability. They may be invited to join a
camping trip or participate in some other outdoor
sport. It would be very helpful if a permanent
building could be purchased for use as a meeting
place and transition house.
term. Ben and Eunice Stoner, veteran
missionaries to the Navajo, conduct Bible studies
in the clan setting and provide individual
counseling. They have more requests for visits
than time available.
World Prayer Team
Andi & Krishauna Brubaker
Hope for Home-Guatemala
Wednesday, July 6 | 7:00 pm
Right now the acquisition of a property for a
transition center is given priority as a prayer
request. Will you join in this prayer?
(continued from page 1)
deals with ministers, licensed and ordained,
plus deacons should no longer be included in
the Bylaws. But rather, they should be
included in the “Operational Handbook” or
“Policies and Procedures.” This would mean
that changes can be made by denominational
leadership without a vote being taken for
approval by the General Conference.
Attending the General Conference from the
Messiah Village Church as delegates are
Pastors Terry Rose, Debby Bentch, Ron
Slabaugh, and his wife, Jan. Please pray for
the Lord’s direction in this conference.
Roxbury Holiness Camp
Jubilee
August 5-14, 2016
www.roxburycamp.com
Pastoral Ministry Office Coverage July 7-12

Chaplain Charlie Hostetter will be covering
any ministry needs that arise.

Avis Whitesel will also be attending the
conference as a “quizzing mom” and will
be out of the office July 7-11. We are
grateful to Edith Miller who will be
providing office coverage during this time.

For more information regarding the 2016
Brethren In Christ General Conference,
please use the following link.
https://www.bicchurch.org/gc2016/default.asp
Jason Oberholser provides limited employment
for some of the men on his small farm. He also
has a travel trailer for use as living quarters short
M E S S I A H V I L L A G E C H U R C H NE W S L E T T E R
Upcoming Events in the Chapel
V O L U M E XI V , I S S U E V I I
PAGE 3
Missions Day: August 10
Cost of Transportation paid for by
Messiah Village Church
Leaving at 8:30 am
Sign up in Pastoral Ministries
M E S S I A H V I L L A G E C H U R C H NE W S L E T T E R