Vol. 71, #11
Nov. 2016
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Walking with
Wisdom/Circumspectly
page 3
Monthly Sermon page 4
Our Ministry in Jamaica
page 6
Rebuilding Ministry in
South Carolina page 6
The Season of
Grandparenting page 8
Remembering Our
Spiritual Heritage
page 62
The Light of Hope
page 63
And he shewed me a pure river
of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of
God and of the Lamb.
Revelations 22:1
To Our Readers
Correspondence
For December issue
(news from Oct 16-Nov 15)
Due: November 20, 2016
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We appreciate the Thanksgiving holiday. Unlike so many others,
this one has remained mostly non-commercialized. It’s a wonderful,
reminder for our entire nation to count our many blessings.
The Silver Lining
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Published Monthly by the Apostolic
As is mentioned often, we should make thanksgiving a regular habit;
it is God’s will for us. That’s easy to do for the good things, but “every
thing” also includes the trials and struggles of life. Those are easier to
be thankful for when a dear brother or sister shares an aptly placed
encouraging word. That can come from a conversation, a card, or even
a Silver Lining article.
Christian Church of America
Counselors:
Rick Plattner, Jeff Grimm
Official Apostolic Christian Church
Website:
www.apostolicchristian.org
Thankful for God, from whom all blessings flow,
Jeff Grimm and Rick Plattner, counseling elders
Send correspondence to:
[email protected]
P.S. You may notice that we do not have a special section in this issue
around the topic, “Spiritual questions co-workers or classmates ask
and how you answered them.” This is due to lack of submissions.
(email is preferred)
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Front cover: Arkansas River, Buena Vista, CO
Back cover: International truck and gas pump, Glenwood Springs, CO
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SILVER LINING November 2016
Writings based on God’s Word
Light from the Word
Walking with
Wisdom/Circumspectly
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but
as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” 1
Paul’s encouragement to the early Church in their
daily walk is as timely for us today as it was for the
believers in Ephesus. We will focus on two areas;
a wise vs. foolish walk and being considerate vs.
inconsiderate of others. And as Paul reminds us, our
daily walk begins today, not tomorrow or the next day.
Let us start with some definitions of knowledge vs.
wisdom. Knowledge is data or information; something
that is learned over time. It is something that we can
memorize, but yet not know how to use it appropriately.
Wisdom acts upon the knowledge in a proper way. For
example, knowledge understands that the light has
turned red; wisdom is expressed by stopping our car.
Knowledge memorizes our favorite verse; wisdom allows
it to be manifested in our lives, bringing forth spiritual
fruit. Knowledge helps us learn of God; wisdom
constrains us to love Him more and more.
How do we know who is a wise man and endued
with knowledge? James writes, “let him show out of a
good conversation, his works with meekness of wisdom.”2
We know that our world is not full of meekness, but
rather often focuses on self, fulfilling our own wants
and desires. Why would that happen? It can happen
if we allow the actions of our lives to be governed
by earthly wisdom, which is sensual and devilish.3
It would happen if we were striving for earthly
gain—for example: the best job, the biggest house,
or the most earthly possessions. Our vision would be
on earthly things, a carnal battle for these pleasures
for a season, leading to covetousness and envy in
our hearts. The scripture teaches us, “ for where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also.”4 This kind of
earthly wisdom will ultimately lead us to destruction.
How do we first gain this godly wisdom and then
have it manifested in our lives? Throughout scripture
we are reminded of those who in faith inclined
their ear to God, realizing their need. God liberally
grants wisdom to those who seek Him.5 We grow in
wisdom when we realize that we can do nothing of
ourselves,6 but rather ask Him for direction through
reading the Bible or through prayer. As we read and
meditate, God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a
light unto our paths.7 It is amazing how many times
the scripture provides us the answers or teaching
that we are in need of in our daily walk of life. We
are also blessed by our fellow brothers and sisters,
blessed by God with wisdom, who can also be a help
to us—if we are willing and humble enough to ask.
We have the promise that when we lean not to our
own understanding, but trust Him in all of our ways,
He will direct our paths on the more excellent way,
which will lead us to Heaven.8
With godly wisdom guiding our lives, the things
of the world grow strangely dim in the light of His
glory and grace.9 And while we are in the world, we
are aware that we are living in a society in which
moral values are continually being degraded. We
must not become desensitized by a culture which
no longer calls sin, sin. When we are walking in
wisdom, we need to be aware that just because words
change, it does not change the Word of God. It was
once said that what we used to call an itch, we now
call an allergy, but we scratch just the same. The
same concept is true that no matter what words are
used; the consequences of sin do not change. As wise
children of God, we are called to “put on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to
fulfil the lusts thereof.”10
And just as the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister,11 God’s wisdom
not only makes us wise unto salvation, but also
— Please turn to pg. 59
November 2016 SILVER LINING
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Monthly Sermon
Sermon by Bro. Art Mueller,
Belvidere, IL
Psalm 107:1-13 & St. Luke 17:11-19, Romans 8:1-11, 1825, 37-39
I greet you all in the precious name of our Lord
Jesus Christ to whom all honor and glory belongs
because of what He has done for us. We have before
us a Book about Him, and that Book, if we can sift
through it all, we can find really who it is that He is.
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It’s Thanksgiving Day today. I think everybody
knows that; I don’t have to tell you. It is a day that
was set aside to give thanks, and if we are Christians,
it becomes pretty obvious to whom we give thanks. If
we’re not, then just the position of thankfulness in the
world that we’re in is a good thing. It’s a good way to
live your life. It’s a proper and appropriate response
to whatever comes toward you. We pray God will stir
our hearts and that ultimately all of us together can be
thankful and sing His praises on the other shore.
You wonder why David was favored by God.
This guy didn’t do some things that God really liked
and there were several occasions of stumbling, but
count the number of times he writes, “O give thanks
to the LORD, for his mercy endureth for ever.” This
is a beautiful Psalm that was written even before
the coming of Christ but understood by David that
indeed his salvation would come.
Sometime today you’ll gather around a table, and
there will be thankfulness for the food that sustains
us, there will be thankfulness for homes that keep us
warm as winter approaches, thankfulness for family
that gathers around us when we’re in trouble and helps
us out. We’ll thank God for a lot of different things,
but there’s one thing as we gather around today that
kind of supersedes all of that, not that we shouldn’t
be thankful for all of that, but a thankfulness for the
salvation that God provides to us.
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“Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us. For I am
persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things
to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which
is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39) If that’s
your life, how can you not be thankful? There isn’t
anything that God left uncovered in what we read
today that we can’t be thankful for.
There’s no pain, there’s nothing that could be
wrong that we can’t be thankful to God for. And
ultimately, of course, even if you just hop from one
nasty thing to another and then you die, the hope
of glory remains. Usually He doesn’t lead us in that
path, does He? Usually it’s a path of ups and downs.
That’s the way life is. It has its good times; it has its
bad times.
It’s easy to honor Him in the good times. It’s easy
to say, ‘Life is good! Feel good this morning.’ I can’t
say nothing hurts because I’m old enough quite a
few things hurt. You younger people can get up and
stretch and say nothing hurts. You have food. You have
clothes. Houses set on 69. Your personal relationships
with your family, your neighbors seem to be order.
Praise God! Don’t quit praising God for that!
But, it’s the other side that’s tough. The ten
lepers — in the Bible times, lepers were designated
as a representation of sin. “Spots in your feast”
as it says in Jude (Jude 12). The indication of the
outward form of leprosy was not just a disease that
could be communicable, bacteria that could go
from person to person. The men and women that
had it would have to stand afar off from the rest of
the group, or were put in colonies and separated
from other men, and say, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ Shout
it as they go along so that everybody could give
them a wide berth, and they wouldn’t transmit
that. Sometimes they were cleansed, and there was
a provision for it if they got better. The priest would
inspect them, and they’d be ok.
These ten lepers that came knew that the power
of God was in this man, Jesus Christ. They had faith
in Him. They had faith that He could heal them.
They were all healed. In a sense, we can take that in
the same way and if we look at leprosy as sin - it isn’t
sin, by the way, in those people, but it’s just a figure
of sin — we can in faith come to God through Jesus
Christ and His shed blood and be cured.
Note something here first, though. You have
to have leprosy before you can be made healthy. So
nobody can come to God in this way: ‘Dear Lord,
I’m going to hell, and I don’t want to do that so
please keep me from that.’ That doesn’t work. Before
we come to the Gospel, there’s an important fact in
your life that you need to understand — that you are
separated from God by your or my sin. If we don’t
understand that we’re sick, we don’t need a doctor to
heal us, and if we understand that we’re sick, we need
a doctor to heal us.
But, that isn’t what we’re talking about
today. We’re talking about thankfulness, but
that background has to be understood. I think
the one leper that came back got it. I don’t know
what happened to the rest of those lepers. They
were forgiven so to speak, and whether they’d be
reclaimed some day or not, Jesus didn’t say, did
He? He didn’t say, ‘Cast them away! They weren’t
thankful!’ They were forgiven, but they didn’t grow
up. They didn’t grow up.
I don’t know why some do that, and I’m not
going to judge them, but I know that’s not what
God wants out of us. God wants us to go on from
salvation, to go on from that place of forgiveness.
He says in John, the children in Christ know they
are forgiven. Young men keep the law, don’t they?
They keep His commandments. They do His
commandments. Then it says the fathers know God,
and they are complete in Christ. (1 John 2:12-14)
They’re functional in the kingdom. They’re a light
that shines bright in this world.
Maybe there’s more reward. Maybe there’s
rejection if we stay as a child. I don’t know, but it
seems that there has to be something beyond this
that we do. The young men figured it out, didn’t
they? The young men figured it out because they
went on to be obedient. The fathers really figured it
out. They went from obedience to knowing God, to
having God be their guide every moment of their life.
Their inner man was completely taken over by Jesus
Christ and the Holy Spirit.
How do we get there? This precious promise
of God that we read in front end of Romans —
understanding that there is now no condemnation
for us in Christ Jesus. Man has taken two ways to
sort of clench the deal, make it so that we stay with
God, that we walk in the Spirit. In Romans that’s
what we’re begged to do. We’re begged to walk in
the Spirit. Romans was not written to unbelievers.
Romans was written to believers in Jesus Christ. If
you walk in the Spirit, there was a notion of what
would happen — that you’d become a young man
early in that walk with the Spirit. We come to a spot
of obedience to God’s rules and God’s laws.
If we don’t walk in the Spirit and we walk in the
flesh, we’re probably not even going to get there, are
we? We’re not going to get to the place that we know
God, that He’s intimate with us every day.
So the one way that people take is they look at
the law and they commit themselves to the law. They
commit themselves to the fulfilling of the law. In
Galatians we’re warned against that. (Galatians 3)
You went back to the rudiments of how it is that you
access and interact with God, and you went back to
the rudiments of the law. There is nothing wrong
with the law. Don’t get stirred up here. Romans
— Please turn to pg. 61
November 2016 SILVER LINING
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And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
– Colossians 3:17
Ministry Program Updates
A Small Seed Leads to
a Fruitful Harvest – Our
Ministry in Jamaica
Child Sponsorship Committee
For nearly three decades, the Apostolic Christian
brotherhood has had a heart for the people of
Jamaica. It began simply enough with a small seed,
when an Apostolic Christian couple on vacation met
some fellow Jamaican believers and developed a longdistance relationship.
As they learned of their needs, they shipped
food, medical supplies, Bibles, and educational
resources, which grew to large shipments from our
Apostolic Christian Distribution Centers. Over time,
our church became connected with the Caribbean
Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD). In the early
1990s, instead of just supplying physical aid, we
started sending teams. As our brethren visited the
island and engaged with the students and faculty
at CCCD, there was a growing interest in on-going
support. Soon, our church’s child sponsorship
program expanded to support deaf children who
Rebuilding Ministry in
South Carolina USA Committee
October 2015 will go down in history as one of
the wettest months ever recorded in the state of
South Carolina. A powerful storm system brought
unbelievable amounts of rainfall over a five-day
period. In many areas, it was a 500-year event. A
total of 11.5” of rainfall in a 24-hour period was
recorded in Charleston. Thousands of homes,
businesses and community buildings were flooded.
Interstate highways were closed. Bridges were
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SILVER LINING November 2016
attend CCCD. Full-time missionaries were sent by
our church to Jamaica in 2007.
Many of our congregations have experienced the
blessing of these ties that bind us, whether by hosting a
“Hands in Praise” group (CCCD students who minister
in drama and sign language), going to Jamaica on a
work team, or becoming a child sponsor. Through
these cross-cultural experiences, many of our young
people have been inspired
to study sign language, and,
especially among our sisters,
many have chosen a career
related to sign language
interpreting or Deaf
education. Hearts have been
touched, lives have been
changed, and God has used
the people of Jamaica to
minister to our brotherhood, The child sponsorship
program supports students at
as we have ministered unto
the CCCD campuses, located
them. That original small
at Montego Bay, Knockpatrick,
and Kingston, Jamaica.
seed keeps growing and God
has continued to open new doors for the gospel to be
proclaimed and for loving deeds of service to be provided.
compromised and entire communities were under
water. Nineteen lives were lost. It is being called “the
most prolific rainfall event in modern US history.”
Nearly a year later, there are still families
living in mold infested homes. For most of these
people, they do not have the means to repair their
damaged homes. They have no choice but to wait
for help to arrive. Through the efforts of long term
recovery groups, families in this situation have
been identified and screened through the process
of case management. Case workers have gathered
financial information from these families and are
working to bridge the gap between their meager
In 2005, a young graduate of the CCCD child
sponsorship program, Tashi Bent, moved to the U.S.
to attend college. An Apostolic Christian family
from our Leo, Indiana congregation, who had visited
Jamaica to assist with disaster relief after Hurricane
Ivan and met Tashi, welcomed her into their family.
Over the next four years, she began to feel “at home”
with her host family and the Leo church family.
team. In 2010, she was baptized in the Leo church
and in 2011 married a brother who was a missionary
serving in Jamaica. A former sponsored student
became a missionary to her own people sent through
the Apostolic Christian Church!
As our HarvestCall team became more invested
in CCCD, we were offered a seat on their board.
Due to Sis. Tashi’s unique background as part of
a Deaf family and a former student at
CCCD, along with her foundation in
higher education and the strong spiritual
support of her family and missionary team,
she accepted that role to share key insights
with the CCCD leadership and board. In
addition, when CCCD’s long-serving director
recently retired, the board selected Sis.
Tashi to assume that operational leadership
responsibility as well. This change in
leadership provides opportunity for even more
Missionary Team in Jamaica (l-r): Bro. Blake and Sis. Tashi Widmer (CCCD,
Kingston), Sis. Erin Davis and daughter Neiah (Knockpatrick & En Gedi
effective association between CCCD and
House), and Bro. Seth Kaeb (CCCD, Kingston).
HarvestCall as God leads our missionary
After graduating from college in 2009, Tashi
team into the next chapter of the long relationship
moved back to Jamaica, but maintained those heartof Apostolic Christians ministering alongside the
— Please turn to pg. 60
ties and began serving alongside our missionary
people of Jamaica.
resources and the cost of providing a safe, healthy
place for them to live.
On a recent trip to Columbia, South Carolina,
HarvestCall met with several long term recovery
organizations and with homeowners in their storm
damaged homes. They shared their stories of the
flood waters coming into their homes and the
horrible mold that followed. One homeowner told
that his dog had died from a respiratory infection
resulting from the severe mold in the home. He too is
suffering from this unhealthy environment.
Our desire is to minister not only to the physical
needs of these unfortunate families but also to their
spiritual needs. During our visit, we asked each
homeowner if we could pray with them and all readily
joined in prayer. With tears streaming down his face,
one man said, “I don’t even have anyone to pray with
me.” He was most appreciative of our brief time together.
Plans are being made for a winter rebuilding
ministry in Columbia beginning in January 2017. There
will be new homes to build along with many roofs in
need of repair. Efforts are underway to secure suitable
housing for our volunteers. When this is accomplished,
the rebuilding ministry will be announced through
a HarvestCall email and posted on the website,
www.harvestcall.org. – by Les Schambach
November 2016 SILVER LINING
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The Season of Grandparenting
Grandparenting is a wonderful season of life.
Realizing your children have now been blessed with
children of their own and seeing a heritage passed on
is truly remarkable. Though children are no doubt
a blessing, they can sometimes seem like more of a
blessing in short spurts. This is one of the reasons it is
so great to be a grandparent. The following humorous
saying might relay it best — “I’ve seen the lights of
London and I’ve seen the lights of Rome but prettiest
light I ever did see was the light of my son taking those
kids back home.” Children bring so much life, energy
and hope into our world. Their energy never seems to
run out, and when they slow down enough to share
their perspective it often makes us smile. Parents and
grandparents alike have been given the great privilege
of watching and encouraging children as they grow
and mature over their lifetime.
Ideally, parents and grandparents are able to work
together in a way which points a child toward Christ.
As we endeavor to be faithful to the roles God has given
us, both parents and grandparents are called to “make
disciples.” We plant, water, and trust a good and gracious
God to bring forth fruit in His time and manner. In this
common goal of discipleship making, God has given
grandparents a different responsibility than parents.
We will seek to give some thought to aspects of how
a grandparent can point grandchildren to Christ.
Psalm 78:5-7 “For he established a testimony in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded
our fathers, that they should make them known to their
children: That the generation to come might know them,
even the children which should be born; who should
arise and declare them to their children: That they
might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of
God, but keep his commandments:”
Model
Children need adults modeling truth into their
lives. As a grandparent, you get a seat at the table
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SILVER LINING November 2016
of your grandchild’s heart. Parents have been given
the primary responsibility of raising a child. A
grandparent’s primary role should be one of support.
Supporting not only the parent as they model and
instruct their children towards Christ but also
supporting the grandchild through correction and
growth. Coming alongside the parent to encourage
and following their lead is an enormous blessing you
can provide your children. You may not hear words
of appreciation or praise as often as you deserve, but
know your role is greatly needed and appreciated.
Whether your grandchildren are 3 or 30, you have
the ability to impact their lives through what you do,
say, and pray.
How do you want to be remembered by your
grandchildren? Proverbs 22:1 encourages us to
pursue a “good name” and “loving favour” rather
than riches. Be someone your grandchildren can
emulate. As you grow in the Spirit, model for your
grandchildren what it looks like to be Spirit-filled.
Give them a vision of what it looks like to be full of
love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, and temperance. While you are not
called to be the primary spiritual authority of your
grandchildren, you can however, have a significant
role in modeling and teaching biblical truth.
Teach
Most grandchildren are not going to be interested in
you teaching them geometry. However, they might
enjoy being taught why you plant the flowers the
way you do or how you cleaned the carburetor to
the lawn mower. Grandparents have the benefit of
years of wisdom and experience and thus have many
things to teach and engage your grandchildren while
simply working outdoors or baking cookies. This
is a great way for grandparents to participate in the
instruction of Deuteronomy 6:6-7. “And these words,
which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest
down, and when thou risest up.”
Let your grandchildren see through your eyes by
sharing what you experience when you see a rainbow
in the sky or the grass turn from brown and lifeless to
green and lush. Let them remind you of the wonder
of these things while you connect their wonder to an
awesome God in whom they can trust.
Relationship with Children
One of the most important things you can do
as a grandparent is build or maintain a strong
relationship with your child. Start by considering
the status of your current relationship. If you
have a strong relationship with your child, rejoice
and consider what has been helpful up until this
point while encouraging similar discipleship
between your child and grandchild. Consider
communicating to your child that you appreciate
them and your relationship. If you have a strained
relationship with your child, consider what you
can do to begin rebuilding the relationship. The
first step in this process will be to prayerfully
consider what you are doing to contribute to the
relationship strain. Talking with someone you
trust can help sort through what changes you need
to make to strengthen the relationship with your
child is also encouraged.
Your life experience gives you much wisdom
which your child would likely benefit from.
However, often children are not always open to
receive your wisdom. Be patient and work hard to
listen rather than only instruct your child who is
continually growing in their role as a parent. Young
parents will often need you to listen and understand
their frustration before they will be ready to hear
your ideas.
Have Fun
Make your home a place your grandchildren enjoy.
This doesn’t mean you have to build a theme park in
your backyard or remake your pantry into a candy
shop. Instead, give your grandchildren focused
attention and seek to enter into their world. One
great way to do this is through interactive activities
with your grandchildren. Play a game, tell a story,
fix a bike together or drive to the local donut shop.
Ask them to show you how they communicate
with friends via technology. Use these moments as
an opportunity to laugh rather than only correct.
Children, young children especially, have such a great
way of finding joy and pleasure in even the simplest
things. Fun interactions with children when they are
young will develop fond memories which can help
facilitate laughter and the opportunity to speak into
their lives at later points. As children grow they are
often more open to input from someone other than
Mom or Dad. Who better to give that input than
Grandma and Grandpa?
Matthew 19:13-14 “Then were there brought unto
him little children, that he should put his hands on
them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But
Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
These verses paint an amazing picture of Jesus’ desire
to be around children. He enjoyed their company,
and we can assume they enjoyed His. Be someone
your grandchildren want to be around. Laugh,
smile and enjoy the sense of wonder children have.
Children see things we daily overlook. Help your
grandchildren connect these blessings back to our
Creator God.
Finish Strong
None of us know when we will draw our last breath,
but we all know one day we will pass from this life
into eternity. Above all else, — Please turn to pg. 60
November 2016 SILVER LINING
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Congregation Updates
Apostolic Christian Home
for the Handicapped
www.achh.org
Part of our mission in serving
according to God’s purposes is
“giving our best to help others
achieve their best.” Annually all
employees receive a performance
evaluation in October. This is
a time for supervisors to give
feedback and set goals for the
upcoming year. Each year as I meet
with staff, I often ask them to share
some reasons why they work at
ACHH. Their comments are often
heart-warming and encouraging.
When I have asked staff,
“What is the best part of your
job?”, here are some of the
responses that have blessed me.
“The residents show unconditional
love to me. I love the people. I love
these guys – being a part of their
life. What I’ve gained from the
residents – I believe they are here
for us to learn. These residents are
like my family now. Fun to work
with the residents. It’s a ministry
– I pray daily for wisdom. I enjoy
going out with residents when no
one notices their disability. I sense
the Lord’s presence when I am in
someone’s room in the mornings
helping them start their day. It
is very inspiring – the residents
encourage me more and more. I
feel like it is not work. I attended
a resident’s meeting and it was so
neat, I wanted to cry. The residents
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humble me when they go above
their challenges. Each resident has
their own personality. Each one is
so special – I can’t ever explain this
job to others. I tell people ‘I like
my job’ and I mean it! It was so
touching one day when a resident
said to me, ‘I’ll pray for you to feel
better’. I’m proud that other places
know our residents are taken care
of so well. I am always busy and
every day is different. I feel this is
a Christian environment and there
is a family feeling that is not like
other places. I feel this is what God
put me on earth to do.”
Gateway Woods Apostolic
Christian Children’s Home
Chet Baumgartner — Teacher
When I started teaching at
Gateway Woods, people would
ask, “So how’s it going?”
And I would often give the
same answer: “It’s rewarding in all
the ways I hoped and stretching in
all the ways I need.”
Gateway teachers lead classes
with one student, nine students
and any number in between. We
teach middle school and high
school students, including those
who understand college-level
material and those who read at
an elementary-grade level. We
primarily teach four subjects
— math, language arts, science
and social studies — but we also
teach students how to cope with
anger, boredom, trauma and
similar issues.
We use tested educational
principles to reach students
educationally and biblical
principles to reach them spiritually.
For instance, teachers employ
traditional tools, notes and
textbooks, but we also use handson activities, visual prompts and
practical applications to not only
accommodate different learning
styles, but also help students dig
more deeply into the subject.
And ultimately, we encourage
students to use their minds in
ways that glorify God and help
others love God.
Recently, for instance, language
arts students discussed connotative
language, or words with heavy
emotional meanings. To illustrate
this concept, students looked at
church signs and the words they
used to entice people to attend.
Students then created their own
signs and compared and contrasted
the words and associated emotions.
Finally, students read a sermon
from Puritan minister Jonathan
Edwards, whose connotative words
focused on God’s wrath, and after
they finished reading, students
discussed the differences between
their signs and emotions and
Edwards’ sermon and considered
the merits of both viewpoints.
But just as students learn to
understand ideas better, Gateway
has helped me better understand
the grace of God. Students push
boundaries, and we gently correct
them; students defy openly, and
we in love give them consequences;
students fall beneath the weight of
the burdens others have smothered
them in, and we help bear them.
We cannot do this on our own
strength, however, and when
circumstances test us, we better
understand how much we need
God. We are weak, but He is
strong, to paraphrase the Apostle
Paul from 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Students also remind us that
we too can fall short of God’s
perfection. We too have chosen
poorly, and when I’m tempted to
limit my perspective to only the
challenging circumstances, God
reminds me that He has shown
me abundant grace through my
poor choices.
And finally, these students
radiate the beauty of redemption
as they learn to cope, overcome
and thrive. Students who once
only knew how to threaten and
curse learn to express themselves
respectfully and consider other
perspectives. Students who
skipped dozens of school days
now earn credits to better ensure
they graduate. And many more
that came knowing nothing about
Jesus leave with seeds that can
blossom with the fruits of the
Holy Spirit.
Working at Gateway truly
has rewarded me in all the ways I
hoped and stretched me in all the
ways I need.
News:
We have a need to fill three
career positions at Gateway Woods:
one opening for Houseparent
Couple, one opening for a HomeBased Worker, and one opening
for a Part-time Adoption Case
Manager. For more information,
please see our ad in this issue or
visit the Career Opportunities page
on our website at gatewaywoods.
org/careers. We trust that God
will provide qualified, mature
brothers and sisters who will serve
Him in a ministry that is ‘Turning
Lives Around’.
Alabama, Athens
Monica Price
As we look around us, we see
the fields are ready for harvest.
There are many parallels in the
Bible regarding harvest, because
it is something many people can
relate to. Matthew 9:37-38 says,
“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.” This is a good
spiritual reminder to us that just
as hard work and long hours are
put in by the farmers to harvest
the fields, we too as Christians
need to be putting time and
effort into things that have
eternal results.
We’ve been privileged to have
many visiting ministers lately: Bro.
Tom Waldbeser (Sis. Sue, Peachtree
City, GA), Bro. Kent Heimer
(Sis. Jan, Taylor, MO), Bro. Steve
Frauhiger (Sis. Irene, Bluffton
North, IN), and Bro. Ed Lester
(Sis. Tricia, South Bend, IN). We
thank each of them for giving of
their time to come and serve us.
This month many of us were
able to go sing at a local nursing
home. It was good to see all the
residents there, including Ola Mae
Barns, who used to attend our
church. We were also able to go to
Bro. Milton and Sis. Joyce Ray’s
house for a Wednesday evening
service. It’s always a special time
when we go to the homes of those
who cannot join us at church on
Wednesday evenings.
We have an apartment
available for any of you who are
visiting or passing through and
need overnight accommodations.
We would love to have you stay.
If you would like to use our guest
house, please call Sis. Rebekah
Klaus at (815) 674-5411.
Arizona, Phoenix
Marge Lindenbaum
Ps. 107:1-2 “O give thanks unto
the LORD, for he is good: for his
mercy endureth for ever. Let the
redeemed of the LORD say so,
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11
whom he hath redeemed from the
hand of the enemy;”
We are extremely fortunate to
live in a country that sets aside a
day to give thanks to our Creator
for His abundant provision.
While other cultures have Harvest
Festivals, and some unbelievers
prefer to express gratitude to
the universe or mother earth or
some other entity, it is difficult to
imagine being thankful to anyone
or anything beside a personal,
loving God. How can gratitude be
applied to chance?
1 Thess. 5:18 tells us, “In every
thing give thanks: for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you.” I have heard it said we are
instructed to give thanks IN every
thing, but not necessarily FOR
every thing, because it is counterintuitive and even impossible to be
thankful for things that we do not
want or things that are difficult
to endure. I have said it myself to
loved ones who were suffering, how
can we be expected to give thanks
FOR a brain tumor in a child or a
spouse with a debilitating disease,
or the loss of a family member or
close friend? Injuries and hardship
are painful when they happen
to those close to us. But, even
when we ourselves are afflicted,
we certainly are not expected to
be grateful FOR the afflictions,
right? Much easier to be thankful
IN them (read: In spite of them).
Then I ran across Eph. 5:19-20, not
for the first time, but it was like
the first time. It says, “Speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing and making
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melody in your heart to the Lord;
Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” And
I was admonished.
So, I looked up the Greek
word for “all” in “all things” here.
There was no surprise meaning,
no clever way to explain away how
we are instructed, in fact, to give
thanks for the things listed above,
and for every other unpleasant and
good thing in this life.
NT:3956 pas (pas); including all
the forms of declension; apparently
a primary word; all, any, every,
the whole:
KJV — all (manner of, means),
alway (-s), any (one), daily, ever,
every (one, way), as many as, no
(-thing), thoroughly, whatsoever,
whole, whosoever. (Biblesoft’s New
Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary.
Copyright © 1994, 2003
Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
We are able to give thanks
for “the whole” because, if we
believe the Word, “the whole”
works together for good to those
who love God and are the called
according to his purpose (Rom
8:28). If everything in our life passes
through the hands of God before it
reaches us, we have to believe it has
a purpose, and is for our benefit.
And if we really believe God’s mercy
endures forever, and His love is
what defines Him, we have to trust
every thing — ALL of it - is a part
of “the whole” that will eventually
bring us to His presence. Our
thanks is to be offered in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ. It becomes
easier as we consider “the whole”
also includes the greatest sacrifice
ever made — made on our behalf
because of His eternal mercy, to save
us from our enemy. Can we thank
Him for that sacrifice and refuse to
thank him for the lesser difficulties
in our own lives? Is it possible His
suffering brings our salvation, but
our suffering ought not to be? As we
praise Him and offer our thanks,
we find we have power through
the Holy Spirit to do things that
are not only counter-intuitive, but
would make us scream in protest
under our own power and in our
own understanding. When we yield
to that power, even in the darkest
of circumstances, there is a sweet
communion that we share with
Jesus himself. And we find ouselves
already often in His presence.
“Thanks be unto God for his
unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor 9:15
Among the things we are
grateful for is our visiting minister,
Bro. Neil Ramseyer (Sis. Sharon,
Bay City), although he seems as
much a part of our congregation
as a visitor.
We praise God, along with Bro.
Erik and Sis. Cynthia Langhofer, for
her recent healing and our Lord’s
protection in the face of potentially
life-threatening blood clots.
We mourned with the family
of Sis. Josephine Martin, in
a memorial service here, and
celebrate her victory with them.
We are excited to learn that
Midwest Food Bank is taking
steps to open a branch here in
the Valley of the Sun, and look
forward to witnessing God’s
provision in that undertaking.
As this is being written, we
are looking forward to our Sunday
School picnic, then Communion
and, of course the return of our
beloved winter visitors! The weather
is cooling off and we are heading
into that busy time of year.
“Summer and winter, and
springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their
courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold
witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy,
and love.
Pardon for Sin and a peace that
endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer
and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope
for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten
thousand beside!
Great Is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies
I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath
provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord
unto me!”
- Thomas Chisholm
Arizona, Prescott
Autumn Rokey
Prescott has had a busy month
from invites to weddings! We were
excited to host an invite at the
beginning of October with brothers
and sisters from the Midwest to
the west coast. We were blessed
with beautiful nights to sing
God’s praises around campfires.
Ministering Bro. Matthew Knapp
(Sis. Dana) from Atlanta gave an
amazing talk encouraging the
singing group to make disciples in
the spirit of Matthew 28:19-20.
Congratulations and God’s
blessings as Bro. Richard Manz
and Sis. Audrey Lanz were
married in Rockville October 16.
A few local Prescott members were
able to travel out to their wedding
and all of Prescott is excited to
add another young couple to our
congregation. Their engagement
story is of great encouragement
that God works sometimes beyond
our time frame, but provides for
us in ways we could not imagine.
We were thankful for visiting
ministers Bro. Keith Hinrichsen
(Sis. Tammy) from Phoenix and
Bro. Rick Kaisner (Sis. Michelle)
from Chicago.
Arizona, Tucson
Dean and Jackie Knobloch
Greetings to all in the name
of Jesus Christ. We continue to
offer up prayers for those who
are struggling with health issues.
Rob Wilson (son-in-law of Bro.
Don and Sis. Glo Bauer), as well
as Tom Todd (son-in-law of Bro
Bob and Sis. Carole Haas) are two
loved ones who are undergoing
treatments for cancer. May God
be ever near these dear families.
We held our annual Sunday
School picnic on October 9 and
wish to thank all who attended.
Special thanks to Bro. Curt and
Sis. Caroline Kaufman for their
planning and efforts.
Even though events in life can
look unsettling, “Jesus Christ the
same yesterday, and today, and for
ever” Heb. 13:8. Praise God.
Note: If you are visiting Tucson,
please contact Bro. Dean Knobloch
at 309-231-8428 for use of a twobedroom furnished townhouse.
California, Altadena/Los
Angeles
Kali Sauder
Greetings from sunny
California! The seasons only
slightly change here, but we eagerly
look for signs of fall in the few
trees that change color and the very
welcome cooler temperatures. Some
things remain the same, however,
like the Sunday School’s almost
weekly song choice as we begin
afternoon services: “Wonderful
Grace of Jesus, Greater than all my
sin; How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin? Taking
away my burden, Setting my spirit
free; For the wonderful grace of Jesus
reaches me. Wonderful the matchless
grace of Jesus, Deeper than the
mighty rolling sea; Wonderful grace
all sufficient for me, Broader than the
scope of my transgressions, Greater
far than all my sin and shame, O
magnify the precious name of Jesus,
Praise His name!”
The powerful truths in
this song have been on our
minds lately as we have been
studying Romans together in our
Wednesday evening regional Bible
studies. What a blessing to revisit
as a church body the foundation
of our faith, the Gospel of Jesus
Christ and His saving work!
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“For all have sinned, and come
short of the glory of God; being
justified freely by his grace through
the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to
be a propitiation through faith in
his blood…” Romans 3:23, 24
This month we also enjoyed
time spent with our neighboring
church, San Diego, at our twiceyearly picnic.
California, San Diego
and Sis. Tricia Banwart’s foreign
exchange student.
Bro. Mike and Sis. Carol
Rieker (Peoria, IL) shared a
Sunday with us. We appreciate
Bro. Mike’s willingness to share
the gospel and the kindness they
both share with us. We enjoyed
our semi-annual picnic with the
Altadena Church. It is always a
nice afternoon to connect and
spend time together.
Annaleise Wagenbach
Colorado, Denver
Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks
always for all things unto God and
the Father in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ...”
A closer look at thankful...
Webster definition: conscious
of benefit received, expressing
thanks, well pleased.
Synonyms: content,
grateful, obliged, overwhelmed,
appreciative, joyful, glad, etc.
Antonyms: displeased,
sad, unhappy, self-centered,
thoughtless, etc.
Through Jesus Christ and His
grace, we can feel, speak, and act in
a thankful manner. We certainly
are partakers of the gift of salvation.
While life hands us difficult
situations, let us keep our eyes
focused on Christ and appreciate the
fact we are joint-heirs with Him.
We wish Bro. Tom and
Sis. Andrea Koch God’s richest
blessings upon their marriage. We
are so thankful for the addition of
another godly couple to our San
Diego church family.
It has been a blessing to get
to know Hia Bui, Bro. Doug
Naomi Wiegand, Tess Leman
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Greetings of love from Colorado!
This past month we were
grateful to have read the
memorandum. So many nuggets
of truth about biblical decision
making and interpersonal church
relationships were shared. We
were challenged and encouraged!
Also, we had a wonderful time
of discussion and want to thank
Bro. Brad Eisenman (Sis. Cindy,
Chicago, IL) for sharing the
weekend with us! We really
enjoyed getting to know you both!
The Word says: “Let the word
of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with
grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16.
“Not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the
day approaching.” Hebrews 12:25
Weekends like the
memorandum are an opportunity
to live these scriptures; to grow
and develop as brothers and sisters.
We are a blessed church!
Connecticut, Rockville
Sheila Gerber, Lauren Gottier
“And these words, which I
command thee this day, shall be in
thine heart: And thou shalt teach
them diligently unto they children,
and shalt talk of them when thou
sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou
liest down, and when thou risest
up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Three families welcomed
babies into their families this past
month. First-time parents, Bruce
and Stephanie Hoffman, welcomed
daughter, Ava Mae, on September
4. She is a blessing to grandparents
Bro. Mark and Sis. Luella Hoffman
(Clarendon, VT) and Dennis and
Sandra Sneath. Brody James was
born to Everett and Kristin Skinner
on September 13, and joins siblings,
Everett and Sage. Grandparents
are Bro. Everett and Sis. Sherry
Skinner and Tom and Sharon
Valyo. Matthew and Tammie
Mangold, along with their daughter,
Zoey, welcomed Tristan Matthew
on September 23. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Ed and Sis.
Terry Mangold and William and
Janice Repass. May each one look to
God for His guidance as they raise
these precious children.
We pray for the blessings of
God on the marriages of three
couples. On September 17, Andrea
Reutter (Bro. Dean and Sis.
Miriam) was married to Tyler
Hubbard. On October 1, Kristin
Goric (Bro. Dan and Sis. Mary
Lou) was married to Simon Long.
On October 16, Bro. Richard
Manz (Bro. Russell and Sis. Vera,
Junction, OH) was married to
Sis. Audrey Lanz (Bro. Barry and
Karen). We wish Bro. Richard and
Sis. Audrey Godspeed as they make
Prescott, AZ their home church.
We heard news of two recently
engaged couples this past month.
Shawn Zahner (Bro. Warren and
Sis. Bonnie) became engaged to
Anna Healy. Aaron Hills (Bro. Scott
and Sis. Luanne) was engaged to
Jacqueline Pickett. Our prayers are
with these couples as they prepare
for the next chapters of their lives.
Our hearts are saddened by
the sudden passing of Cortney
Wheeler, the son of Erva Jean
(Luginbuhl) Wheeler and Scott
Wheeler. Our prayers and
condolences are extended to
his parents, as well as his many
aunts, uncles and cousins. May
God provide comfort for those
who are mourning.
We are always thankful for
those that come to serve us on
the pulpit. Bro. Brad Gudeman
(Sis. Teresa, Bradford, IL) shared
God’s word on September 25. We
had several visiting ministers with
us on the weekend of October
16 for the occasion of a wedding.
Those were Bros. Tony Manz (Sis.
Denise, Junction, OH), Matt
Manz (Sis. Deanna, Toledo, OH),
and Stan Schambach (Sis. Norma,
Prescott, AZ). Retired Elder Bro.
Jon Kokanovich (Sis. Nancy,
Phoenix, AZ) was also with us and
was used on our behalf during the
wedding service.
District of Columbia,
Washington
Henrietta Meyer
We had returning caretakers
in September, Bro. Glen and Sis.
Christa Moser (Roanoke, IL). If
you feel led to support one of our
small churches, being caretakers
here 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.
Mid-October has our leaves
starting to turn. By the time you
read this, we will be just past peak
and anticipating Thanksgiving.
What a blessing our country sets
aside a day to remind us to be
thankful for all we have.
Our ministers this month
were Bro. Chad Huber (Sis. Pam,
Francesville, IN), Bro. Jeff Gerber
(Sis. Carole, Rockville, CT), Bro.
Tony Manz (Sis. Denise, Junction,
OH), Bro. Dan Moser (Sis. Anne,
Elgin, IL) and Bro. John Cottrell
(Sis. Gloria, Eureka, IL). Other
visitors this month were from
Junction, OH and Fairbury, IL.
If you are planning to visit
Washington, D.C. area, please
contact Bro. Joe and Sis. Holly
Bohart at [email protected] or
Sis. Henrietta Meyer at 703 9048301 for assistance and to let us
know how many to expect for
Sunday services.
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale
Renee Mangold
We are thankful for our visitors
this past month. During the
summer months when the number
of people attending our church
are few, we have been having
Bible studies around one of our
kitchen tables in the afternoons.
This month, Bro. Jeff Leman (Sis.
Val, Bluffton North, IN) led a
Bible study on Romans 12:1-4
reminding us that we should not be
conformed, but to be transformed.
We were also challenged to
stand on holy ground in a Bible
study led by Bro. Jerry Kaiser,
Tremont, IL.
We pray that God will bless
His willing servants. “For where two or three are
gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of
them.” Matthew 18:20
Florida, Ft. Myers
Dustin Hodel
“As one whom his mother
comforteth, so will I comfort
you; and ye shall be comforted in
Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13
For the past few months four of
us brothers have been meeting early
Saturday mornings to engage in a
Bible study. Over the first couple
weeks we decided to do a study on
the book of Isaiah and the study
book we chose is excellent. I will
confess that it can be hard to get up
and be present at six in the morning
on Saturday. My natural inclination
is to be sawing logs at that time,
however I’ve learned a lot!
Currently we are getting close
to the end of the study and today’s
section covered the allegories to
Heaven that are presented in some
of the later chapters of Isaiah.
November 2016
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Now if you’re familiar with the
book of Isaiah you know there is
a lot...a LOT...of judgement and
wrath that goes on in the book;
deservedly so too. So today was
refreshing to discuss the restoration
and ultimately the permanent and
absolute restoration we will find
when Christ returns. The point was
made that when Christ came the
first time His work on the Cross
was an absolute and finished work.
We are justified fully, however we
still struggle and strain against the
curse of sin and don’t have that
perfect communion with God
because of the sin issue.
In Isaiah the picture was
painted of a person being
comforted by their mother and
it just gave me such hope. I don’t
think it matters how old you get,
there is always something special
about the comfort only a mother
can give. I remember back to
my childhood and I know was
a desperately hard child to love
at times, yet I still remember the
love my mom was able to give
me. Really is there a place of more
comfort than in our mother’s arms?
And then to take that a step further
and to think God, our Father, will
comfort us and not only with the
comfort we know now, but comfort
us without the curse of sin getting
in the way. How amazing!
Let’s encourage one another to
strain against our sin nature and
strive for that day when we are no
longer separated by anything from
our Father.
If you are considering a move
to the Naples/Fort Myers area
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SILVER LINING November 2016
and would like to talk to someone
about it, please call Bro. Marvin
Steffen at 239-353-0508. He will
help you gather information on
anything from serving in a small
church to job opportunities and
housing in the area.
The New Beginnings
Abby Schumacher
It has been just over a year
since my husband, Zach, and
I moved across the country to
join the ministry of The New
Beginnings. When we left Indiana
last September, we really didn’t
know what was in store for us in
Florida. All we knew was that we
were thankful to be going in faith,
trusting that the Lord would have
a use for us there and that it would
be a time of growth. We were
excited to give of ourselves to be
used to help influence and impact
the lives of these young mothers
and their children.
The funny thing about serving
and helping others is that you
end up being changed more than
the people you were trying to
help change, at least that’s how
it’s been in my case. My role as
a mentor is to live my life along
with these moms, encouraging
them through life’s difficulties
and pointing them to the source
of everything, Christ. Easier said
than done, right? More often than
not I feel I’m the one in need
of encouragement to persevere
through hard times and to be
pointed back to Christ. This past
year at The New Beginning’s has
opened my eyes to areas of life I
am holding tightly onto and not
giving to God. It’s shown me how
selfish I can be with my time and
how terrible my attitude can be
when I have to sacrifice something
I don’t want to give up.
Lately, I have had the privilege
of attending a women’s life
skills class with the moms. We
have been focusing on having
a vision for our future, setting
goals, and having accountability
partners along the way. We all
agreed that none of us want to
be still where we are right now,
whether physically, spiritually,
or mentally in one, two, or five
years from now. We all want to
live healthier lifestyles, be more
skilled in our jobs or at school, be
better moms, and have a deeper
understanding and love of Christ.
Having a community of women
come together to encourage one
another toward godliness is an
incredible thing. I am so blessed
to be able to share in this journey
of life with the moms of The New
Beginnings. I can’t really say if
I’ve done anything to motivate or
change the lives or mindsets of the
women and their children here,
but I know they have played an
important role in refining me.
Florida, Sarasota
Mary & Vera Martin
We welcome our new Brother
in Faith, Bro. Stephen Roscher
(Bro. Bill & Sis. Beth Roscher)
as he shared his testimony and
promised his service to the Lord.
We want to thank Elder Bro. Tom
Hoffman (Sis. Kathy Roanoke
IL) for his continued support in
helping at this special time. As we
enjoy the fall season and anticipate
plans for the season ahead, let
us pause to remember the great
harvest day. The song in the
Hymns of Zion #46 The Golden
Harvest is a great reminder.
Verse #1
“Seeds of goodness we are sowing
In the hearts of man today.
Bless it, Lord that it may prosper,
And bear fruit for harvest day.
Verse #4
He who gathers not at harvest,
Will a beggar be at last,
Therefore rise today and labor,
Gathering golden sheaves with
haste!
Hasten gladly to the labor.
Consecrate to God your heart.
Say this day unto your Saviour,
‘Lord, I’ ll gladly do my part.’”
Georgia, Peachtree City/
Atlanta
Lexi Knapp
As fall begins, the trees
changes, and the air cools, we are
reminded of the inconstancy and
change of the world we live in.
However, what a joy to remember
the perfect, constant character
of our God! In spite of the chaos
surrounding us, we can rest in the
steadfast Rock of our Redeemer.
We were thankful to have
Bro. Joe Sprunger (Sis. Tara,
Indianapolis, IN), Bro. Mark
Klaus (Sis. Rebecca, Athens,
AL), and Bro. Doug Brewer (Sis.
Janelle, San Diego, CA) minister
to us this past month. They have
blessed us richly with their service
to our church.
If anyone is coming to the
area, we would love to have you
worship with us! Our address is:
202 Robinson Road, Peachtree
City, GA 30269. However,
please all ahead! (Tom Waldbeser
770.463.4788 or Matt Knapp
815.674.1498). For photos and
additional information, visit our
website at www.ptcacchurch.org.
Haiti, Bonne Fin Hospital Lumiere
David and Janella Zimmerman
Rick and Komari Aberle
“In every thing give thanks: for
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18
The events of October at
Hospital Lumiere are difficult
to put into words. Needless to
say, Hurricane Matthew greatly
impacted the mission here. There
was great damage to trees and
infrastructure at the hospital.
More importantly, there was great
damage to homes throughout
the community. Most of the
hospital staff and the surrounding
community lost roofs and
homes in the storm. Still, despite
seeing damage and destruction
everywhere one looks, we are
reminded to give thanks.
It is a blessing to see how
so many have worked together
in the missionary and Haitian
community to help the hospital
and the many in need in the local
area. Through the efforts of the
staff here power was restored and
the hospital and clinic were fully
functional less than one week after
the storm. We are also thankful for
a small team that that arrived at
Bonne Fin following the storm to
assist in restoring electricity and to
prepare for potential medical needs
following the hurricane. We extend
humble thanks for the support in
prayer and encouragement from
the brotherhood. Each missionary
and volunteer at the hospital during
the storm and those who returned
shortly after have felt the support
and love of the body of Christ.
In late September, we were
thankful to have opportunity
to host the fall HarvestCall
Awareness team as they visited the
many HarvestCall ministries here
in southern Haiti. During their
visit we assembled together for
services here at Bonne Fin. Bro.
Bob Beebe (South Bend) shared
the word with the believers.
We give thanks that God
continues to provide missionaries to
come and serve in His work here at
Hospital Lumiere. Bro. Lucas and
Sis. Raya Nussbaum, along with
their children, Alayna (13), Tucker
(10), Cy (3), and Henry (1), plan to
join the mission in early February,
2017. The Nussbaum family is
from the Forrest congregation. Bro.
Lucas will be using his electrical
and construction skills. Sis. Raya,
an RN, will be serving in the
medical department at the hospital.
Please remember the Nussbaum
family in prayer as they prepare for
their move to Haiti.
Haiti, Les Cayes
Mike & Susie Walder
God demonstrated His
might and power this month
November 2016
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as Hurricane Matthew dealt a
devastating blow to southwestern
Haiti. Many Haitians saw their
homes, churches, livelihoods,
crops and trees wiped out in
eighteen hours of intense wind and
rain. Although many were warned,
many laughed and couldn’t believe
that a big storm was coming.
They weren’t prepared, they didn’t
move to higher ground. Such
a thing had never happened in
their lifetime, so they were simply
caught unaware in disbelief.
So many believe in the exact
same manner about Christ’s
return and they scoff at the wrath
to come. “Where is the promise of
His coming?” Hurricane Matthew
was a wake-up call, a warning to
repentance, out of God’s love for
Haiti. “Matthew” means “gift of
God,” and although God doesn’t
always promise we will be safe, He
does promise He will be rich in
mercy to everyone who calls upon
Him in truth. We can share the
gospel message that God still has
His hand stretched out to save.
Oh, what a wonderful Savior!
Most of us here are from the
Midwest so the hurricane was a
new experience for us, as well as for
the Haitians. We are thankful that
although we have been stretched
by the preparation, cleanup and
aftermath, all the missionaries
were kept safe through the fierce
storm. We have been busy working
together to bring relief and hope to
those we can. It is a blessing to see
the efforts of many that are coming
in Christ’s name to bring assistance
and to rebuild. Bro. Jon Zeller
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SILVER LINING November 2016
(Morton, IL) was here for a week
to help restore power and rehang
many downed power lines. We
appreciated his willingness to share
God’s Word and his talents with us
on short notice.
On behalf of everyone here,
we want to say thanks for the
many prayers, the many messages
of encouragement, and the
immense amount of support we
felt before and after the storm.
May God bless each of you for
sharing Christ’s love.
as Christ was raised up from the
dead by the glory of the Father, even
so we also should walk in newness of
life.” Romans 6:4
The Bloomington church
has had many reminders of this
hope in the month of October.
We continue to study the book
of Romans together as a church
body and on October 16 we saw
the gospel lived out through the
baptism of Bro. Aaron and Sis.
Angie Anliker, Sis. Layne Fehr
and Sis. Kelli Rinkenberger.
Hearing the testimony of how
Illinois, Belvidere
God has personally worked in
Krista Anliker, Shayla Steffen
their lives and watching them
Greetings from Belvidere! We
publically proclaim their faith in
have much to be thankful for! We
Jesus was a blessing to all.
rejoice that Amanda Braun (Bro.
We had many visiting ministers
Kevin and Sis. Pam) has turned her who came to share in our joy
life to the Lord in repentance. May that weekend. Elder Bro. Brad
God grant her much grace. Todd
Eisenmann (Sis. Cindy) from
Anliker (Bro. Brian and Sis. Peg)
Chicago, IL came to minister and
has found peace with God and
help with the baptism. Also, Bro.
man for which we are thankful.
Rick Kaisner (Sis. Michelle) from
We wish for God’s blessing on Chicago, IL, Bro. Jedd Rocke (Sis.
Bro. Joel Troxel (Sis. Amy) from
Marsha) from Goodfield, IL, and
LaCrosse for sharing God’s Word
Bro. Mike Grimm (Sis. Amber)
over the pulpit.
from Goodfield, IL came to witness
We wish to thank Gary and
the baptism and share from God’s
Sis. Doreen Moser for graciously
word with our church family.
having us for a Harvest Party
We were also blessed in the
again this year!
month of October to be visited
God’s blessing to Bro. Matt
by and hear the word of God
Kaufman from ACCFS for sharing preached by Bro. Ron Bollier (Sis.
an evening topical with men and
Edie) from Indianapolis, IN, Bro.
teenage boys on “Purity.”
Steph Baner (Sis. Donnalou) from
Gridley, IL, Bro. Doyle Frauhiger
Illinois, Bloomington(Sis. Jane) from Bluffton, IN, and
Normal
Bro. Bill Schick (Sis. Joan) from
Megan Kaeb, Sarah Maurer
Magdalena, Mexico.
“Therefore we are buried with
October 2, 2016 we witnessed
him by baptism into death: that like the forming of a new family as
Sis. Jessica Robinson (daughter
of Bro. Mike and Sis. Liz)
was married to Bro. Austin
Romersberger from Gridley, IL
(son of Bro. Ron and Sis. Gail).
We rejoice with their families.
We also rejoice with the angels
as two individuals made the
decision to repent of their sins and
declare Jesus lord of their lives.
Rick Schmidt (son of Bro. Rod
and Sis. Cindy) and Lucia Garcia
both made decisions this month to
follow Jesus. Praise God!
We shared in the joy of
the other kind of new birth as
Bro. Jimmy and Sis. Abi Huber
welcomed baby boy, Maverick
Theodore, into their family on
September 6. His grandparents are
Bro. Phil and Sis. Cindi Witzig of
Morton, IL and Bro. Jim and Sis.
Jean Huber of Peoria, IL. Greatgrandparents are Bro. Stan and
Sis. Naomi Vogel of Fort Myers.
Finally, the month of October
closed out with our annual Harvest
party. Our Sunday school kids
enjoyed playing games and winning
prizes. It is always a blessing to see
friendships grow in this atmosphere.
We are thankful for our church
family and the many opportunities
we have to fellowship together.
Illinois, Bradford
Roseann Stahl, Becky Endress
“And another angel came out
of the temple, crying with a loud
voice to him that sat on the cloud,
Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for
the time is come for thee to reap;
for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
Revelations 14:15
As harvest takes place around
us, I am reminded of the harvest
that will come. We are grateful
for God’s Word and the many
teachers who have taught us of the
coming harvest.
We were blessed the past month
with several visiting ministers: Bro.
Ryan Hoerr (Sis. Joy, Princeville,
IL), Bro. John Rowell (Sis. Nelda,
Tremont, IL), Bro. Ryan Schock
(Sis. Melanie, Bloomfield, IA),
and Bro. Jay Steffen (Sis. Melinda,
Congerville, IL). Several of these
ministers were with us for our
invite-a-guest, along with many
other guests. We appreciated all who
fellowshipped with us.
“Beloved, now are we the sons
of God, and it doth not yet appear
what we shall be: but we know that,
when he shall appear, we shall be
like him; for we shall see him as he
is. And every man that hath this
hope in him purifieth himself, even
as he is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3
We extend our sympathy to
Sis. Martha Stoller as she bid
farewell to her sister, Sis. Mary
Farney (Roanoke, IL). We are
thankful she has the hope of one
day seeing her again.
We will miss Shannon and
Brianna Gudeman and their two
little girls, Aleya and Gracelyn,
as they have moved and will
be assembling with the Forrest
congregation. We hope they will
come back to visit us often.
Bro. Paul Nenadov (Sis.
Marilyn) has been released
from the hospital and is now at
Rosewood Care Center. He enjoys
fellowship and appreciates visitors.
Illinois, Champaign
Dona Fehr
As I see the leaves changing
colors as the weather transitions
to fall, I can’t help but think
about the many transitions we
go through in our lives. I am
thankful that no matter what all
changes around us, our God is
always the same.
Our Sunday school students
enjoyed a Lock-in this month.
Thanks to the young group for
hosting and investing in the
Sunday school students and being
examples of Christ’s love.
Each October one of the
families in our church hosts a
wiener roast and hayrack ride.
The weekend of the hayrack ride
we often get visitors who called
the Champaign church “home”
at some point in their past. It’s
always an enjoyable evening on
catching up with those visitors and
spending time with each other.
The weather in October can be
unpredictable, but this year the
weather was wonderful!
Congratulations to Bro.
Nelson Eisenmann and Sis. Janelle
Grassi in their recent engagement!
Sis. Janelle is the daughter of
Bro. John (dec.) and Sis. Cheryl
of Peoria, IL. Bro. Nelson is
the son of Bro. Brad and Sis.
Cindy of Chicago, IL. We wish
you blessings as you plan your
wedding and your future together.
As we continue our Bible
studies series on the Attributes
of God, this month’s topic was
“God is Great.” We are thankful
for the opportunity to get
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together as a church family each
month for a pizza dinner and
an evening Bible study. Thanks
to Bro. James Fehr (Sis. Brenda,
Tremont, IL) for coming to
present this month’s study.
We also want to thank our
other visiting minister this month,
Bro. Alan Schambach (Sis. Sarah,
Remington, IN), for sharing the
Word with us recently.
Illinois, Chicago
Diana Eisenmann
Thank you to Elder Bro. John
Jackson (Sis. Peggy, Bay City, MI)
and Bro. Frank Sauder (Sis. Kathy,
Roanoke, IL) for visiting and
sharing the Word. We also thank
Elder Bro. Tom Klotzle (Sis. Jody,
Altadena, CA) for assisting Elder
Bro. Brad with Holy Communion
in October. The Sunday after
Communion we enjoyed the Fall
Program put on by the Sunday
School, followed by a wonderful
time of fellowship and an allchurch dinner.
Sis. Luann Eisenmann and
Sis. Tiera Wiegand have accepted
the open positions on the Vacation
Bible School Committee. We
thank them for their willingness
to serve our youth.
Bro. George and Sis. Velda
Foxe had their 60th wedding
anniversary in September.
We celebrated this milestone
with a reception following our
Wednesday evening gathering. All
praise to God for His faithfulness
to them in their many years of
marriage. Our church family
appreciates their godly example!
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SILVER LINING November 2016
There has been a lot of
excitement in Chicago this past
month! We are happy to announce
the engagement of Bro. Nelson
Eisenmann to Sis. Janelle Grassi
(Peoria, IL). We rejoice with their
parents, our Elder Bro. Brad and
Sis. Cindy Eisenmann and Bro.
John (dec.) and Sis. Cheryl Grassi.
May God bless their engagement
and upcoming marriage!
Nicodemus GIX Rassi was
born on September 30. He was
welcomed home by his parents, Bro.
Matthew and Sis. Bridget, and eight
excited older siblings. Bro. Greg and
Sis. Carla Rassi are grandparents to
Nicodemus. Miles Austin Blunier
was born on October 11 to Bro.
Troy and Sis. Carrie. Older brothers
Peter and Lincoln are happy to
have another brother in the family.
We are thankful and blessed to
welcome these two little ones into
our church family.
Lucas and Bethany Young
(Castleton, IL) welcomed their
seventh child, Levi Daniel, on
October 14. Grandparents are
Bro. Greg and Sis. Carla Rassi of
Chicago and Bro. Mo and Sis. Pat
Young of Elgin, IL.
Bob Klemmer, son-in-law of
Marilyn Brecher, was hospitalized
and is recovering. We pray for
continued healing.
Illinois, Cissna Park
Sandy Rudin, Pam Walder
“Lo, children are an heritage of
the Lord: and the fruit of the womb
is his reward.” Psalm 127:3
CJ and Bonnie Francisco are
thankful parents as they welcome
little Ivy Elizabeth into their
home. Big brother Oliver and
grandparents Elder Bro. Tom and
Sis. Karol Stock also welcome her.
“I will sing of the mercies of the
Lord forever…” Psalm 89:1
We were blessed to host the
Champaign and Gridley churches
for our monthly hymn sing on the
first Sunday in October.
Our prayers have been with
Sis. Myrna Weerts as she had some
medical concerns after surgery.
We pray for God’s blessings
on the union of Nathan Kaeb and
Hillary Hines, as they have been
united together as one. Nathan
is the son of Bro. Todd and Sis.
Val Kaeb. We’re thankful Nathan
and Hillary have also begun their
repentance recently, and pray for
them in each of these important
steps they have taken.
We are keeping the Waldbeser
family in our prayers as Kaleb
begins his basic training for the
U.S. Marines in San Diego, CA.
His parents are Bro. Mark and
Sis. Janie Waldbeser. We pray for
God’s protecting hand to be on
Kaleb during this time of his life.
Illinois, Congerville
Erica Steffen
We have been blessed this
month with an abundance of
visiting ministers and others who
have come to celebrate, worship and
fellowship with us! Elder Bros. Greg
Lehman (Sis. Mary Beth, Wolcott),
Trent Meiss (Sis. Lucy, Eureka),
Lynn Stieglitz (Sis. Leonda , Leo),
and Steve Ringger (Sis. Myra,
Bluffton North), as well as Bros.
Michael Wagenbach (Sis. Erica,
Wolcott), Brent Kellenberger
(Sis. Beth, Kansas City), Ed
Fritz (Sis. Barb, Washington),
Jeremiah Psinas (Morton),
and Phillip Schultz (Sis. Kelli,
Burlington) all were willing
servants this month. We thank
them for their efforts and pray
that they would feel blessed by the
Holy Spirit.
It was a joyous occasion to have
many of these visiting ministers,
and many others, worship
with us for the testimonies and
baptisms of our three newest
sisters in Christ! Sis. Alyssa
and Sis. Jessi Kieser and Sis.
Aubrey Walder gave beautiful
testimonies of their new lives
founded on the truth of Jesus
Christ being their Savior and
Redeemer! May they feel the Lord’s
nearness as they journey on life’s
path with Him.
We also had many visitors join
us for our Invite-a-Guest weekend.
As always, it was a wonderful time
of fellowship with those from
near and far. The singing held
after supper that evening was a
beautiful hour of worship to our
God and brought us all together
to encourage one another before
we parted once more.
The engagement of our Bro.
Ben Virkler to Sis. Carolyn Stoller
(Mediapolis) was announced this
month. Their parents are Bro.
Dennis and Sis. Gayle Virkler and
Bro. Ed and Sis. Patty Stoller
of Mediapolis. We wish them
God’s blessing as they prepare their
hearts to become one in the Lord!
“But I will sing of thy power; yea,
I will sing aloud of thy mercy in
the morning; for thou hast been my
defense and refuge in the day of my
trouble.” Psalm 59:16
Illinois, Elgin
Amy Gasser
We appreciated our visitors on
Sunday September 25, for “Invitea-Guest Day.” Special thanks to
Bro. Matt Manz (Sis. Deanna,
Toledo, OH) and Bro. John
Hartman (Sis. Rosemary, Fairbury,
IL), who ministered to us. We also
thank Elder Bros. Kevin Ryan
(Sis. Cheryl, Rockville, CT), Ron
Messner (Sis. Pam, Washington,
IL) and Brad Eisenmann (Sis.
Cindy, Chicago, IL) and Bro. Tim
Lehman (Sis. Amber, Taylor, MO),
Bro. Earl Beery (Sis. Suzy, Rittman,
OH), and Bro. Dean Steffen (Sis.
Carol, Belvidere, IL) for their
services during the past month.
Our prayers are with Wayne
Schifferer and Sis. Jeanette Schmidt,
who have been hospitalized.
We extend sympathy to
Bro. Bill (Sis. Evie) Gudeman
in the passing of his sister, Sis.
Dorothy (the late Elder Bro. Perry)
Zimmerman of Forrest, IL.
Illinois, Eureka
Debra Blunier, Linda Rocke
Autumn is upon us, and as the
season changes, it’s a good time
to prepare the yard, house, and
car for winter. It’s good not to put
off those earthly chores, but it’s so
much more important not to put
off unfinished business concerning
our soul’s eternal destiny.
We are thankful for the
visiting ministers we had
this month. They were Bro.
Glen Steiner (Sis. Rachel,
Winthrop, MN), Bro. Todd
Stoller (Sis. Pamela, Latty,
OH), Bro. Matthew Kaisner
(Sis. Jodi, Fairbury, IL), Bro.
David Eisenmann (Sis. Jackie,
Champaign, IL), and Bro. Arlen
Leman (Sis. Denise, Forrest, IL).
We were blessed to host
ACYF day in September, and were
thankful for Bro. Paul Kilgus
(Sis. Carmen, Fairbury, IL), and
Bro. Mark Roth (Sis. Tammy,
Congerville, IL) who participated
in that day.
Sis. Tara Edelman, daughter
of Bro. Keith and Sis. Nadine, was
married to Bro. Jessie Leman of
Forrest, IL. His parents are Bro.
Ernie and Sis. Carol. We wish
them God’s guidance in their new
life together.
Andrea Beutel was wed to
Nickolas Wilson of Washington.
Her parents are Bro. Dan of
Eureka and Janet Ulrich of
Congerville. We wish God’s
direction in their lives as well.
Illinois, Fairbury
Janelle Stoller, Trish Steidinger
“Though great dangers oft
surround us Passing through life’s
stormy sea, Where the clouds of
gloom and darkness Hover o’er
our heads, and we Through the
tempest must keep rowing, In
distress and scarcely knowing
Whether we the poor, unknown,
Of our Lord are left alone. Yet
the Lord is ever near us; He doth
November 2016
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guide our vessel’s course; He would
test our love and firmness, Giving
storm and wind their course. That
our faith be shown in clearness,
Seemingly He hides His nearness;
If we plead with fervent will, He
will bid the sea be still.” The Ship
of Faith, Zion’s Harp, #94.
Our Sis. Miranda Kaeb (Leon
and Sis. LeAnn) is in Les Cayes,
Haiti for the current school year.
Our prayers have been with her as
she adjusts to her surroundings,
especially through the devastation
the hurricane has caused.
We wish Kent and Brooke
Fehr God’s richest blessings as
they begin their life together. They
were married on September 17.
Their parents are Bro. Charles and
Sis. Kathy Fehr and Keith and
Elaine Jeffries.
October 8 was the wedding
day of Trevor Stoller (Bro. Randy
and Sis. Ronda) and Mackenzie
Rabe (Darrell and Jean). May God
bless and provide for them as they
walk life’s pathway together.
Little Elise Elizabeth joined
the family of Sean and Christine
Quigley on October 3. Her
thankful grandparents are Ron
and Sis. June Slagel and her big
brother is Colton.
Sis. Betty Wiegand (Bro.
Dick) and Mark Bahler (Bro.
Neil and Sis. Tami) were both
hospitalized after suffering from
a fall. May God watch over them
and grant His healing power.
We appreciate those who
minister God’s word to us. Our
recent visiting brothers were
Bro. Brian Waibel (Champaign,
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SILVER LINING November 2016
IL) and Bro. Gary Maibach
(Smithville, OH).
Illinois, Forrest Carissa Knapp, Shannon Brown
We were blessed to have many
visiting ministers throughout the
month. We thank Elder Bro. Wayne
Grimm (Sis. Rose, West Bend, IA);
Bros. Chad Leman (Sis. Kim) and
Paul Kilgus (Sis. Carmen), both of
Fairbury, IL; Brad Gudeman (Sis.
Teresa, Bradford, IL); Kent Getz
(Sis. Betty, Elgin, IA); James Fehr
(Sis. Brenda) and Dan Koch (Sis.
Julie), both of Tremont, IL. We also
want to thank Elder Bro. Harvey
Kaeb (Sis. Judy), Bros. Clark Stoller
(Sis. Cindy), Stephen Baner (Sis.
Donnalou), and Daren Metz (Sis.
Rita), all of Gridley, IL.
“And Jesus answering said unto
them, They that are whole need not
a physician; but they that are sick.
I came not to call the righteous, but
sinners to repentance.”Luke 5:31-32
We are thankful and rejoice
with Heather Jamison and Beth
Ifft (Bro. Duane and Sis. Mary) as
they have begun their repentance.
We rejoice with our convert
Nathan Dotterer (Bro. Jason and
Sis. Lynn) who has repented,
found peace with God, and now
desires baptism.
We listened to testimonies
and witnessed baptisms of four
dear souls on September 24 and
25. We rejoice with our new Sis.
Janae Kaeb (Will and Juanita),
Bros. Jacob and Chase Leman
(Bro. Arlen and Sis. Denise), and
Ethan Schaffer (Bro. Erik and
Sis. Michelle). We want to thank
Elder Bros. Trent Meiss (Sis. Lucy,
Eureka, IL) and Rick Plattner (Sis.
Mary, Fairbury, IL) for assisting
Bro. Marvin that weekend.
Sis. Tami Schmidgall (Bro.
John and Sis. Janet) and Bro.
Doug Schupbach of Elgin,
IA, (John and Jill Butikofer,
Gridley, IL), were joined in Holy
Matrimony on October 9. Bro.
Jesse Leman (Bro. Ernie and Sis.
Carol) and Sis. Tara Edelman
(Bro. Keith and Sis. Nadine) of
Eureka, IL, were joined in Holy
Matrimony on October 16. May
God bless these couples as they
begin their new lives together.
Our prayers are with Bros.
Ted Bachtold (Sis. Teresa), Mark
Mueller (Sis. Erika), and Mark
Schneider (Sis. Natalie) who
have been selected to teach in
Sunday School.
First-time parents,
Bro. Philip and Sis. Katie
Zimmerman, welcome home a
son, Amos Dale. Grandparents
are Lynn and Becky Schaffer
and Jeff and Steph Zimmerman.
We welcome Shannon and
Brianna Gudeman and daughters
Alea and Gracelyn to Forrest as
they have recently moved here.
Our prayers are with Sis.
Virginia Hilti as she spent
some time in the hospital with
a fractured femur. May God
continue to grant healing.
Our dear Sis. Dorothy
Zimmerman, wife of our deceased
Elder Bro. Perry Zimmerman,
passed away at age 95. We
extend loving sympathy to her
children: Sharon (Jim) Stoller,
Bro. Michael, Bro. Paul (Sis.
Loretta), Bro. Wayne (Sis. Nancy),
and Donna (Larry) Bachman, as
well as grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and all who knew
and loved her.
We extend a special thankyou to the Morton congregation
for inviting our congregation for
a special evening of singing and
fellowship on October 2. We wish
them God’s blessings in their new
church.
Note of Thanks:
Blessings to all who blessed us
with their prayers, visits, phone
calls, and deeds of kindness
while John was in the hospital,
at Fairview Haven, and since
returning home.
Bro. John & Sis. Bev Eisenmann
Illinois, Goodfield
Judy Knapp, Melissa Rokey
Our church family cherishes
the time we have with Bro. Eric
and Sis. Carrie Wiegand and their
children while they are here locally
on furlough from their missionary
work in Zambia.
We want to express our
continued love and appreciation
to our other missionary families,
Bro. Kurt and Sis. Joan Plattner
(Haiti), and Sis. Erin Davis
(Jamaica). We have thought of you
and prayed for you so much as you
experienced Hurricane Matthew
and as you continue thru the
recovery and aftermath.
We are thankful to announce
the engagement of Bro. Matt
Grimm (Elder Bro. Jeff and Sis.
Ruth) to Sis. Hannah Rinkenberger.
Sis. Hannah is the daughter of Bro.
Linc and Sis. Katrina Rinkenberger
from Bluffton. We pray the Lord
will bless their union together, and
we wish to extend a warm welcome
to Sis. Hannah.
We appreciated the
opportunity to hear the testimony
and witness the baptism of Bro.
Brock Wiegand (Bro. Greg and
Sis. Jenny), Bro. Braden Wiegand
(Bro. Brad and Sis. Karen), and
Bro. Jacob Wiegand (Bro. Mike
and Sis. Jenise).
Bro. Roger (Sis. Trish)
Gerber’s mother, Berdina Gerber,
passed away on September 16.
Please keep the Gerber family in
your prayers.
Luella Waldbeser Wenninger
passed away October 15. Luella was
the mother of Sisters Karen and
Jane Wiegand. Please be prayerful
for Bro. Gary and Sis. Karen, and
Bro. Gale and Sis. Jane.
Please continue to keep Bro.
Alfred and Sis. Marie Keiser in
your prayers as Alfred remains
in the hospital and continues to
struggle with complications from
intestinal surgery.
Bro. Kenneth Rokey (Sis.
Phyllis) had knee surgery recently
and is now at home recovering.
We have had many
opportunities to support others in
several outreaches this past month.
Lifesong for Orphans hosted a
benefit Dinner & Auction locally
on October 8. Loving Shepherd
Ministries hosted a meal and
auction for the orphans of Haiti
and Ethiopia on Friday, October 14,
2016, at Five Points, Washington. October Family Hymn Sing
was Sunday, October 16, at Bro.
Larry and Sis. Lori Wiegand’s
lake cabin. We enjoyed an
outdoor evening of singing and
fellowship as we listened to
both Goodfield singing groups,
Redeemed and Glorify Hymn.
We appreciated the visiting
ministers who took the time to
serve us recently, including Bros.
Randy Beer (Sis. Deb, Milford,
IN), Tom Bolliger (Sis. Jane,
Tremont, IL), Darren Fehr (Sis.
Nora, West Bend, IA), Elder Bro.
Trent Meiss (Sis. Lucy, Eureka, IL),
Bill Schick (Sis. Joan, Magdalena,
MX), and Eric Strausheim, (Sis.
Jodi, Indianapolis, IN).
Illinois, Gridley
Perry Klopfenstein
At this writing, the grain
harvest is nearly complete, with
record yields in corn and soybeans.
One nearly has to marvel at the
bountiful nature of the crops. God
has surely blessed the farmers here,
and across the land. Man can plant
and nurture the crops, but it is God
who gives the increase, according
to His will. In a hungry world may
our surpluses find their way into
the needy areas of the world. But,
more importantly, may the real and
lasting food — the Gospel of the
Bible — be activated, by the grace
of God to men and women whose
souls are hungry for God’s Word.
Bro. Austin Romersberger was
married to Sis. Jessica Robinson
on October 2 in Bloomington. His
parents are Bro. Ron and Sis. Gail
Romersberger, Gridley. Hers are
November 2016
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Bro. Mike and Sis. Liz Robinson,
Bloomington. May God bless this
union of hearts.
Bro. Derek Stoller was wed
to Sis. Elsie Koch, Tremont. He
is the son of Bro. Mike and Sis.
Peg Stoller. Her parents are Bro.
Chuck and Sis. Cathy Koch of
Tremont. May the marital joy of
the Lord be with them.
Sis. Cindy Stoller had a
shoulder replacement on October
10, and is recovering. She had
suffered an injury during a fall.
As of October 20, Sis. Shirley
Kilgus was hospitalized, suffering
from pulmonary fibrosis, and was
in serious condition. Surely, we are
all praying for her during this time
of illness and uncertainty.
Bro. Jason Kaeb was engaged
to Sis. Dana Schmidt of Cissna
Park. His parents are William and
Juanita Kaeb, Arrowsmith. She is the
daughter of Bro. Wendell and Sis.
Karen Schmidt, West Bend, IA. Lord
willing, a wedding date of November
20 has been set in West Bend. May
God bless this young couple.
Bro. Bill Butikofer is home
again after having a heart
procedure, and is doing well. Also,
Sis. Bev Wolf and Sis. Linda Krug
are recovering from surgery. Bro.
Bill Romersberger and Bro. Elmer
Witzig are suffering from declining
health, and we pray for God’s grace
and comfort to be with them.
Sis. Joyce Witzig continues to
deal with health issues.
It has been said, in an earthly
sense, that “health is wealth.” This
is very true. And may God be a
constant help to those who suffer
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bodily afflictions, and may His
nearness be felt, on a daily basis.
It is the prayer of the brethren,
and of millions of persons, for
the welfare of the nation in terms
of leadership. It is God to raises
up leaders, and may our land be
blessed according to His will.
May we who believe in the Lord,
and take it seriously, realize that,
“Godliness with contentment is great
gain.” This world is not our home.
We seek a kingdom to come,
whose builder and maker is God.
Illinois, Morton
Annette Tanner, Julie Bahr
A Sanctuary is described as a
place free from Intrusion, a place of
Refuge, a Consecrated Place. On
October 9, our Morton Church
Family moved into our new
Sanctuary for our first Worship
Service together. Praise Ye in His
Sanctuary! HALLELUJAH and
then AMEN!! We give thanks for
all the glorious blessings God
poured upon all those who were
in attendance!
We wish to thank Bro. Scott
Aberle (Sis. Doreen, Washington)
for sharing the gospel message for
our Wednesday evening Family
Worship topic “Come and See:
Believe in Jesus”.
Our love and sympathy is
with the family of Sis. Verna
Rother, who passed from this
life into her Heavenly home. Sis.
Verna is survived by her three
daughters: Mary (Michael) Staley,
Margie (Lou) Sitch, and Kathy
(Phil) King. Sis. Katie Meiss is her
surviving sister-in-law.
We extend our sincere love
and sympathy to our dear Sis.
Lucy Schmidgall (late Bro. Bruce)
in the loss of her grandson,
Matthew Schmidgall, Chicago.
Illinois, Peoria
Crystal Klopfenstein, Bonnie Bach
We have had many neat
opportunities in Peoria to bring
together the body of Christ lately.
Our congregation is enjoying the
Life of Peter Bible study. Our
church choir has started back up
this fall after a summer break. A
banquet for the Midwest Food
Bank was held. A visiting minister
preaching the Word was Bro. Bill
Schick (Sis. Joan, Magdalena,
MX). An annual soup supper and
silent auction benefitted some big
projects at our Skylines nursing
home. Volunteers also recently
helped with a roofing project
at Skylines. The autumn allchurch cookout at the Fellowship
Hall brought all ages of our
congregation together.
We have been blessed with
3 engagements this month. Bro.
Jesse Rieker (Bro. Jim & Sis. Jane)
and Sis. Erin Schieler (Bro. Keith
& Sis. Jodi, Morris North, MN)
and are to be united in marriage.
Bro. Gabe Meiss (Curt & Cassie
of Morton, IL) and Sis. Paige
Elsasser (Bro. Brian & Mary) are
looking forward to being husband
and wife. Bro. Nelson Eisenmann
of Chicago, IL (Elder Bro. Brad &
Sis. Cindy, Chicago, IL) and Sis.
Janelle Grassi (late Bro. John &
Sis. Cheryl) have been led together
by the Lord. We are thankful
He works in the hearts of these
couples who diligently seek His
will in their lives!
We pray for Sis. Lisa Jackson
who recently suffered the loss of her
brother Jonathan. Others who have
had health concerns lately include
Bro. Tim (Sis. Diane) Roecker,
Bro. Jim & Sis. Virginia Hoerr, Sis.
Debbie (Bro. Duane) Steidinger,
Sis. Dot (Bro. John) Hoerr, and Sis.
Maria Graham. We send prayers
to all those serving in Haiti during
Hurricane Matthew and pray for the
peace that passes all understanding
for our earthly trials.
Illinois, Princeville
Renee Herrmann, Melinda Christ
“Tell Me the Old, Old Story, of
unseen things above, of Jesus and
His glory, of Jesus and His love…”
Tabernacle Hymns #116.
Elder Bro. Jon Schmidgall
(Sis. Julie, Oakville-Mediapolis,
IA), Elder Bro. Bruce Endress (Sis.
Elizabeth, Bradford, IL), Bro. Matt
Feucht (Sis. Jennifer, Roanoke, IL)
and Bro. Tim Hohulin (Sis. Cathy,
Roanoke, IL) shared the Old, Old
Story from our pulpit this month.
We ask God to reward them for
their service.
We rejoice with Claire
Wieland (Bro. Brian and Sis.
Renee) as she has expressed a
desire to repent and walk with the
Lord. May God’s Spirit direct her
as she makes this new beginning.
Bro. Larry and Sis. Tiffany
Martin are thrilled and
very blessed to be first-time
grandparents as Harper Mae
was born to Bro. Tim and Sis.
Brittany Schwind of Roanoke, IL.
Bro. Dennis & Sis. Rita Schwind
are the paternal grandparents.
It is such a blessing to have God
express His love to us in these new
little bundles of joy.
Our congregation has asked
Bro. Craig Martin (Sis. Terri)
to serve as our under shepherd
as Elder Bro. Jim Plattner (Sis.
Marlene) has expressed the desire to
retire from the position. Bro. Craig
will interview with the elders at the
winter conference. We are thankful
for God’s direction and are praying
for much grace for Bro. Craig
and Sis. Terri and their children
throughout this transition.
Sis. Mary Farney (late Bro.
Alvin) passed from this life
on October 8. We extend our
sympathy to her in-laws, Sis.
Marie Menold and Bro. Joe
Stoller. May God comfort them
with many warm memories and
the promise of the resurrection.
Bro. Darin Blunier, Ethan
Beutel, Sis. Helen Knobloch and
Bro. Bob Scholl have spent time in
the hospital this month. We pray
that God will restore them to a good
measure of health in His time.
As harvest has been going
on all around us, I have been
reminded of a children’s farming
video that our children repeatedly
watched. The farmer stated with
a sense of eagerness, “When it’s
time, I go get my crops”. In John
4:35b, Jesus stated, “behold, I say
unto you, Lift up your eyes, and
look on the fields; for they are white
already to harvest”. May we with
prayerful eagerness labor in His
vineyard to harvest all that would
be gathered into His Kingdom.
Illinois, Roanoke
Barb Schwind, Judy Sauder
The Covenant Chamber
Choir which is made up of
brothers and sisters from our
churches in Ohio, Indiana,
Michigan and Florida presented
a wonderful evening of singing
on September 24 and also sang
for us after morning church
on September 25. We thank
them for two inspirational and
beautiful programs.
St. Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are
they which are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.”
Bro. Randy Mogler (Sis. Evie,
Washington, IL) presented a Bible
Study on “Jesus’ Interactions with
His Opposition” on September 28.
We thank him for this timely and
convicting exhortation.
On October 1 and 2, we heard
the testimonies and witnessed
the baptisms of Elizabeth Moser
(Bro. Todd & Sis. Kathy), Tyler
Barth (Bro. Mike & Sis. Joyce),
Alexa Fischer (Bro. Kevin & Sis.
Annette), Nick Sizemore (Barb),
and Laura Bradle (Bro. John &
Sis. Jill). Elder Bro. Earl Ringger
(Sis. Dixie, Gridley, IL) assisted
our Elder Bro. Tom Hoffman and
Bro. Frank Sauder in this work.
We are so thankful for the Lord’s
redeeming work in the hearts of
men and women and rejoice with
our new brothers and sisters in
Christ. Other visiting ministers
for the day were Bro. Brian Huber
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(Sis. Jacki, Francesville, IN), Bro.
Erik Givens (Sis. Deb, Princeville,
IL), Bro. Darren Plattner (Sis.
Sue, Champaign, IL), and Bro.
Curt Rassi (Sis. Kathy, Tremont,
IL). We thank them all for their
faithful service to us.
Psalm 65:5 “…O God of our
salvation; who art the confidence of
all ends of the earth,”
A number of people from our
church met at the Fellowship Hall
on October 4 to pray for Bro. Scott
& Sis. Mandy Yordy and their
family, other missionaries in Haiti,
the many HarvestCall efforts, and
the Haitian people in general, in the
aftermath of Hurricane Matthew
and the subsequent flooding and
devastation that has befallen Haiti.
It was a blessed evening of worship
and committing the great needs of
those we love to a great God.
Bro. Nate & Sis. Jamie Hodel
welcomed Olivia Mae into their
family on September 30. Livy’s
older sisters and brother are Haley,
Laney and Cooper. Her thankful
grandparents are Bro. Jim & Sis.
Kay Knochel (Bay City, MI) and
Bro. Brent & Sis. Marge Hodel.
We pray for God’s blessing on
this dear family as they raise their
children in the ways of the Lord.
Sis. Mary Menold Farney went
to be with the Lord on October
8. She was married to the late
Bro. Alvin Farney and had been
residing at the Peoria Apostolic
Christian Skylines. Her survivors
include her stepdaughter, Sis.
Ann Hoffman; her sister, Sis.
Martha Stoller (Bradford); four
step grandchildren; nine step great
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grandchildren; and many nieces
and nephews and great nieces and
nephews. Her funeral was held at
the Princeville, IL church. Sis. Mary
moved to Roanoke when she and
Bro. Alvin were married. She was a
blessing to us!
Also, Sis. Dorothy Zimmerman
(Forrest) passed away on October
17. She was a sister-in-law to Sis.
Betty Hodel. We extend our love
and deepest sympathy to these dear
families and pray for our Lord’s
comfort upon them.
Bro. Mike Hohulin (Sis. Faye,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was our guest
minister on October 12. Bro.
Matt Oesch (Sis. Shelli, Alto,
MI) served us on the pulpit on
October 16. It’s always a blessing
to have both of these brothers back
“home” with us. Bro. Mike grew
up in Roanoke and Bro. Matt’s
wife, Sis. Shelli also was raised in
our Roanoke church. Interestingly,
both brothers spoke on 2 Cor. 4.
“For our light affliction, which is
but for a moment, worketh for us
a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory; While we look not
at things which are seen, but at the
things which are not seen: for the
things which are seen are temporal;
but the things which are not seen are
eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:17, 18.
We want to lift up those in
our brotherhood who are enduring
afflictions including Bro. Jim
Wiegand, Bro. Russ Leman, Bro.
Dennis (Sis. Rita) Schwind, Sis.
Cindy Leman and Sis. Brooke
(Bro. Andy) Feucht (Bloomington,
IL) in fervent prayer for our Lord’s
healing, strength and nearness. We
have appreciated their examples of
abiding faith and confidence in our
Lord in enduring illness and injury.
We also are thankful for the
many in our church who work
with our youth. Our junior high
boys participate in ACTIVE; our
junior high girls in HOPE, our high
school students in WOW (Worship
on Wednesdays) and our younger
youth in Scripture Memory. And,
we are blessed to have those who
diligently teach our youth in Sunday
School and Bible Class each week.
May God bless the students as they
grow in the Lord and the willing
leaders who give of their time to
serve others in this way.
Illinois, Tremont
Debbie Aberle, Janice Sauder
We appreciated Bro. Jonathan
Hodel (Sis. Megan, Roanoke, IL)
coming and feeding us from God’s
Word. We wish them God’s grace
and encouragement as he recently
was elected to this duty. We also
thank Bro. Scott Wegman (Sis.
Dawn, Taylor, MO) for coming to
visit his parents and ministering.
Congratulations to Bro. Derek
and Sis. Elsie (Koch) Stoller as
they became one in the Lord. We
appreciated having Bro. Clark
Stoller (Sis. Cindy, Gridley, IL) for
the morning service, and Derek’s
grandpa Bro. Earl Ringger (Sis.
Dixie, Gridley, IL) gave them
good advice and pronounced them
husband and wife. Their parents
are Bro. Chuck & Sis. Cathy Koch,
and Bro. Mike & Sis. Peg Stoller
(Gridley, IL.) The same weekend
many from our congregation
traveled to Lamont-Gridley, KS
for the wedding of Bro. Tom Koch
(San Diego, CA, formerly Tremont
and Tucson, AZ) and Sis. Andrea
Luthi (San Diego, CA). Parents of
this couple are Bro. David T. &
Sis. June Koch (Tremont) and Elder
Bro. Jay & Sis. Jane Luthi (LamontGridley, KS.) Three weeks later,
we appreciated Bro. Jay serving us
from the pulpit as we celebrated
this marriage with a reception here.
Walking close to the Lord keeps us
close to one another as husband and
wife. We wish both couples many
joys as they walk hand in hand,
sharing their lives.
Congratulations to Sis.
Lavonne Wagenbach as she
welcomed another granddaughter,
Kaia Rose Wagenbach (Andy &
Jade.) Kaia required some surgery
in her young age, and we are
thankful that all went well.
Our thoughts and prayers this
month have included Sis. Dorothy
(Bro. Mike) Meister, Bro. Don
(Sis. Kay) Davis, Sis. Ruth (Bro.
Vernon) Koch, and Sis. Carol
(Bro. Dan) Koch.
In this next month we will
be going to the polls to elect a
new president for our nation, and
others for other positions, may
we all be seeking His guidance in
these troubled times.
Our prayers arise daily in
behalf of those especially in Haiti
effected by Hurricane Matthew.
“Trust in the Lord with all Thine
heart; and lean not unto Thine
own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.” Prov. 3:5-6.
Illinois, Washington
Kendra Funk, Patricia Knapp
“I exhort therefore, that, first
of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks,
be made for all men; For kings, and
for all that are in authority; that
we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Saviour; Who
will have all men to be saved, and
to come unto the knowledge of the
truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
We are thankful to have had
Bro. Kevin Knapp (Sis. Dixie;
Bloomington, IL) with us this
month to share in our topical
Bible study.
Also, we rejoice with our
Elder Bro. Ron and Sis. Pam
Messner with the birth of their
grandson, Keats Quillin, on
August 5 to Bro. Daniel and Sis.
Kasey Messner of Chicago.
We are thankful for our many
converts as the Lord continues
to work in our communities and
families. We truly are a blessed
people and our prayer is that we
honor the Lord in all we do.
Indiana, Bluffton
Suzie Fiechter, Liana Reinhard,
Olivia Moser
“Our prayers may be awkward.
Our attempts may be feeble. But
since the power of prayer is in the
one who hears it and not in the
one who says it, our prayers do
make a difference.” Max Lucado
We’ve been challenged much
in the past month to be more
instant in prayer for our loved
ones and to not let Satan deceive
us into thinking our prayers are
insignificant. It is a daily struggle
for the Christian to spend time
on their knees because our flesh
is weak and the devil does not
want us there. Let us never forget
the battle that we are fighting
against Satan. Thankfully we have
Jesus on our side, and our greatest
weapon is prayer.
A few of our loved ones that
could use prayers are Bro. Joel
and Sis. Erin Drayer. The scans
from his trailer accident revealed
two cancerous masses that he
will be undergoing treatment for.
We also want to remember Bro.
Nathan and Sis. Rachel Mueller
and their children in Papua, New
Guinea as they are adjusting to
the culture and trying to decide
which tribe to permanently settle
in. The family of Bro. Richard
Reinhard welcomes our prayers
as they mourn his passing, yet
they rejoice that he is safe in the
arms of Jesus. We want to extend
sympathy to Andy and Janae
Schmit for the sudden death of
her brother, Jeremy.
The union of our Bro. Blaine
Aschliman (Bro. Daryl and Sis.
Peg) to Sis. Alyssa Lanz (Bro.
Tom and Sis. Mary) took place in
Oakville-Mediapolis, IA and brings
much excitement to our hearts.
We welcome Sis. Alyssa into our
Bluffton church family. We also
announced the engagement of Sis.
Hannah Rinkenberger (Bro. Linc
and Sis. Catrina) to Bro. Matt
Grimm (Elder Bro. Jeff and Sis.
Ruth) of Goodfield.
November 2016
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It’s great to see how God
works, because coincidently the
day they were announced we
hosted the Goodfield Sunday
School for an invite. “Redeeming
the Time” was the theme for the
weekend which again reminds us
that one way to do so is to pray
without ceasing.
It seems as if our congregation
is always growing. Bro. Linc and Sis.
Catrina also had more excitement in
their family as they welcomed a new
granddaughter, Lila Mae Kaehr,
born to Bro. Dan and Sis. Caitleigh.
Paternal grandparents are Bro. Sam
and Sis. Connie Kaehr. Also Bro.
Larry and Sis. Sharon Stoller, are
joyful to have another grandbaby,
Marshall Hayes, born to Landon
and Trisha Stoller on September 9.
Bro. Travis and Sis. Alyssa Fiechter
are rejoicing over the birth of their
son, Gage Michael, who joins
siblings: Clay, Brock and Emmy.
Thankful grandparents are Bro.
Doug and Sis. Jill Fiechter and Bro.
Brian and Sis. Joy Tonner.
We are rejoicing to add
another convert, Bryce Bonewit,
to the fold. We look forward to
seeing him grow in his relationship
with Jesus and become more
connected to the body.
We are grateful that we heard
from the hearts of Bro. Bill Schick
(Sis. Joan, Magdalena, MX) and
Bro. Joe Sprunger (Sis. Tara,
Indianapolis) over our pulpit
during the past month and wish
to express a hearty thank-you for
their willingness to serve.
“What various hindrances we
meet in coming to the mercy seat;
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SILVER LINING November 2016
yet who that knows the worth
of prayer, but wishes to be often
there? Restraining prayer, we
cease to fight; prayer makes the
Christian’s armor bright; and
Satan trembles when he sees the
weakest saint upon his knees.”
Hymns of Zion # 202
Indiana, Bluffton North
Corinne Stettner, Amy Moser
"You whom I took from the ends
of the earth, and called from its
farthest corners, saying to you, “You
are my servant, I have chosen you
and not cast you off;” fear not, for I
am with you; be not dismayed, for
I am your God; I will strengthen
you, I will help you, I will uphold
you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:9-10
Our dear Bro. Mark (Sis. Lori)
Steffen passed away on October 7,
after extended complications from
a stroke he suffered this summer.
We are thankful Bro. Mark has
been made whole, but we will miss
him. Our prayers remain with
Sis. Lori and their children: Bro.
Nick (Sis. Amber), Bro. Bryan
(Sis. Ashton), and Sis. Javon. It
has been an encouragement and
blessing to our church to have
witnessed the strength and faith
of the Steffen family during this
difficult time.
We are prayerful, too, for
Bro. Ed Emerick and Steve
and Amanda Emerick, as their
mother and grandmother, Temple
Emerick, recently passed away.
Lauren Brinneman, daughter
of Bro. Dave and Sis. Deanna,
recently surrendered her heart to
Jesus. We rejoice with her, as she
learns to serve and follow Him.
Lauren is currently attending Ball
State University.
We were blessed to have
Bro. Bill Schick (Sis. Joan) from
Magdalena, MX, visit our church
recently and share the Word. Bro.
Bill reminded us that we are all
missionaries. What we do in this
life, our occupations, they are all
simply the avenue in which we
can reach people for Jesus. Bro.
Jeff Waibel (Sis. Margo) from the
Leo, IN, church also visited us
this month. It was a joy to worship
with them.
The annual Bluffton Street Fair
brought us another opportunity
to share the love of Jesus with our
community. For the ninth year,
both Bluffton and Bluffton North
churches combined to serve lunch
to the fair workers.
Indiana, Francesville
Jacki Huber, Mildred Clauss
“The more we immerse ourselves
in God, His Word, and His
Promises, the less we will fret over
the troubles of this world”.
Dave Brannon
We surely live in a troubled
world; but the Lord has promised:
“ lo I am with you always, even unto
the end of the world”. (Matt 28:20)
In recent weeks we have been
blessed to have visiting ministers:
Bro. Chris Wuethrich (Sis. Carla,
Chicago, IL), Bro. Jeff Bahler
(Sis. Heidi, Wolcott, IN), Bro.
Rustin Meister (Sis. Amanda,
West Lafayette, IN) and Bro. Ron
Messner (Sis. Pam, Washington,
IL). Bro. Ron gave an informative
topical in the afternoon covering
Biblical Decision-Making. In the
evening he gave a presentation on
the Home for the Handicapped
which gave to many of us a much
better insight into this facet of the
Lord’s work.
Our Bible Class hosted a
Pancake Breakfast on October 15
to raise funds for their upcoming
Mission Trip. It is encouraging to
observe our young people involved
in activities that we believe the
Lord will bless!
Bro. Wendell & Sis. Karel
Anliker have moved to Morton,
IL. We miss them in our
congregation; but we wish them
God’s blessings as they experience
these changes in their life.
Several from our congregation
have recently been hospitalized:
Sis. Ruth Wuethrich (Bro. Chris
Lee), Sis. Diane Clevenger (Jon),
Sis. Mary Ann Gutwein (Bro.
Glen), Lacie Gutwein (Tyler) and
Courtney Wuethrich (Bro. Dave
& Sis. Mim). It is our prayer that
the Lord will be very near to each
of these dear ones and grant the
healing and recovery that comes
from His Almighty Hand!!
Indiana, Indianapolis
Becky Ringger, Nancy Pfeifer
Indy family church camp was
September 30-October 2. The
children enjoyed time to play and
everyone the time to fellowship.
Even though the weather wasn’t
perfect, it still was a blessed weekend.
Indy Outreach weekend was
October 14-16. Outreach is a
time for us to be laborers sent
out to share God’s glorious grace
in Christ Jesus. No matter what
kind of project it is, we as believers
can make a difference in any
community as we show the love of
Christ. All the work the young men
and women accomplished showed
that God’s grace was evident.
A warm welcome to Sis. Tasia
Weiss who has relocated to this
area for employment. She moved
from Dallas, TX, but is originally
from Valparaiso, IN. She is a niece
to Bro. Jim (Sis. Kim) Bucher.
Lehman (Sis. Tamara, Wolcott,
IN) and their families visited this
month. We so appreciate their
labors for the Lord on our behalf,
as we appreciate each ministering
brother and their labors!
Indiana, Leo
Kirby Reutter
“Be careful for nothing; but
in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known unto
God.” Philippians 4:6
Let’s face it: We had a rough
month here in Leo. But what
Indiana, LaCrosse
impressed me so much was that
Meagan Frank, Julie Rocke
each bump, hurdle, and obstacle
We enjoyed the annual Stone
along the way was presented to the
Soup Supper on September 18 at
Throne as a Prayer Request—and
Bro. Tom and Sis. LuAnn Troxel’s often with thanksgiving! Here are
home. A large group gathered to
some of my favorite supplications
fellowship and enjoy the beautiful that graced my screen in recent
weather while cooking soup over
weeks (in no particular order that
an open fire. Thank you, Bro. Tom I can think of).
and Sis. LuAnn, for putting forth
Example 1: “Good Morning
the effort to do this each year.
All: We are pleading for prayers
We also enjoyed a church potluck
this morning for one of our
dinner at Bro. Curt and Sis. Lyla’s foster families. Their family is
home on another beautiful Sunday experiencing a very intense and
evening. We really enjoy these
sensitive situation and need to
special times together!
be lifted up in prayer! Thanks
Bro. Elvin and Sis. Jan Nuest
in advance for your prayers, The
are excited for the addition of a
Foster Care Department.” new great-granddaughter to their
Example 2: “Dear church
family. Bro. Bjorn and Sis. Tasha
family: Thank you for taking
(Steffen) Taba and big sister Alana a collection for, and praying
from Breidenbach, Germany are
for, our sister and aunt, Lanae
thankful for the safe arrival of
Schrock. The cancer markers
Jaden Luke.
in her blood came down from
A special thanks to our
3000+ to 42. And the surgery
visiting ministers this month.
seeking to remove the tumors
Bros. Warren Schlatter (Sis.
has been moved forward. We are
Cindy, Junction, OH) and John
grateful to be part of a caring,
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praying church. Bro. Trent and
Sis. Heidi Schrock and Family.”
Example 3: “On behalf of the
Graf and Botosan families, Bro.
Todd Graf extends a personal
thank you to the Leo church for
the meals, prayers, overnights, and
other support that you all have
given them. Please continue to
pray for them!”
Example 4: “Please continue
to pray for Abby Kaufman as
she is in ICU following a car
accident on Wednesday. Update
on Abby Kaufman from Sis. Jenny
Sauder: At the moment Abby’s
breathing is being assisted by the
ventilator, but the goal for today
is for her to be able to breathe on
her own over the ventilator. They
are attempting to decrease her
sedation so she will be stimulated
to take those breaths on her
own. Please pray that her brain
pressures will stay stable through
this. Thanks again for your
continued prayers and love!” Example 5: “Ethelyn
Schlatter fell at her home on
Wednesday afternoon. X-rays
showed no broken bones but she is
very sore and weak. She will be at
Vibra Hospital for three days and
then, Lord willing, transferred to
the Cedar’s on Monday for rehab.
Her room number is 550. (Check
that number out in the Gospel
Hymns - very fitting.) Thanks for
being a praying, caring church!”
Example 6: “As many of you
have heard over the past day, my
dad passed away Thursday night.
My apologies for not getting
a message out sooner. Thanks
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SILVER LINING November 2016
so much for the love, support,
prayers and encouragement
you’ve shared with my family
throughout this journey. God has
been faithful and we’re anchored
in the Rock of Jesus Christ.
Sincerely, Bro. Nick Steffen.”
Example 7: “Just wanted to
make you aware that our dog Myli
got hit by a car last night while
we were on a walk with her. The
Cypress residents are pretty tore
up about it. We buried her today.
Extra prayers for Tasha and Jordan
would be appreciated as they were
really attached to Myli and she
was the one constant in their lives
right now.”
Example 8: “To my beloved
Leo church family: I am so
thankful for my Leo Church
family! I have been overwhelmed
with all the love, concern, meals,
and prayers for me. We do need
the prayers of those we love and
I definitely could feel them. A
special thank you to Joy and Jason
Kilgus, Marcus Schwab, and my
faithful daughter, Rachel. Thank
you to Lynn and Jeff for their
visits. It really meant a lot. Such a
caring church because we all love
Jesus! God bless each and every
one of you! Sis. Judy Gehring.”
From death and loss to
transition and tragedy, we all
have our cares. But that doesn’t
mean we have to be full of them!
Instead, let us seek to be full of
prayer, full of supplication, and
full of thanksgiving! As a timely
reminder, the Gateway staff
recently bowed our heads—and
then sang these words together:
“This is my Father’s world!
O let me ne’er forget—
That though the wrong
Seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet!”
PS: I was on the verge of
submitting this article with less
than two hours to spare before the
deadline—and then I opened this
email from Bro. Clint Plattner.
What a poignant reminder that we
serve a God who not only hears—
but also answers—our prayers!
And did you notice how Clint
concluded his message?
Example 9: “Bro. Marcus and
Sis. Jena Schwab live, work, and go
to church here in our community.
Their current schedule has some
margin, so they approached
Gateway Woods with an interest
in helping out on a part-time basis.
We have completed all the steps
and I would like to make it known
that they will join the House
Parent team. In addition, Bro.
Luke and Sis. Shari plan to join the
House Parent team in the first part
of November. This will allow us
to open the Hickory House. With
gratitude, Clint.”
Indiana, Milford
Minnie Beer, Pat Mikel
“But if the watchman see the
sword come, and blow not the
trumpet, and the people be not
warned; if the sword come, and
take any person from among them,
he is taken away in his iniquity;
but his blood will I require at the
watchman’s hand.” Eze. 33:6 We have finished the
conference recordings. We
received many good teachings.
We are very thankful that God
helps to provide brothers who are
willing to be those watchmen.
Surgery patients this month
were Bro. Stan (Sis. Linda)
Wuthrich, and Sis. Carol (Bro.
John) Hurd. They are both
recovering at home and doing well.
Brooks & Danielle Beer have
a new daughter, Raelynn Rosetta.
Grandfather Sam Beer and great
grandparents are Bro. Jesse & Sis.
Shirley Beer. May God guide them
in the raising of this precious gift.
Indiana, Remington
Jenni Honegger, Marcella Tyler
We have many visiting
ministers to thank this month.
Bro. Nate Wiegand (Sis. Laura,
Goodfield, IL), Elder Bro. Lynn
Fiechter (Sis. Ronda, Bluffton,
IN), Elder Bro. Bill Schlatter (Sis.
Emily, Junction, OH), Bro. Warren
Schlatter (Sis. Cindy, Junction,
OH), Bro. Doug Harmon (Sis.
Lanna, Toledo, OH), Bro. Matt
Manz (Sis. Deanna, Toledo, OH),
Bro. Regg Beer (Sis. Bev, Milford,
IN), and Bro. Ryan Schock (Sis.
Melanie, Bloomfield, IA) all
worshipped with us this month.
We were so blessed by each one.
Whether they shared the Word or
simply encouraged us with their
fellowship, we appreciate each one’s
presence and hope they come back
again soon!
October 2 was the wedding
day for Sis. Alicia Kilgus (Elder
Bro. Dan and Sis. Jenna) and Bro.
Kent Schlatter (Elder Bro. Bill
and Sis. Emily, Junction OH)! We
were thankful to share the special
day with them and pray God
will bless them on their journey
through life together as husband
and wife. We also hope they will
come back to visit often!
Precious Clayton Aaron
arrived on October 14 to bless the
home of Bro. Trent and Sis. Katie
Bahler! Big sister Kelsey is excited
to have a new little baby in the
family, as are grandparents Bro.
Tim and Sis. Lynnette Bahler and
Bro. Bruce and Sis. Pam Furrer
(Wolcott, IN). We pray that God
will give Bro. Trent and Sis. Katie
the grace to raise their family in
His Word and look forward to
getting to know little Clayton!
Note of thanks:
A special thank you to all for
your prayers, visits, cards, and
phone calls during my surgery and
stay in the hospital. It was very
much appreciated. May God richly
bless you! Bro. Ken Schneider
Indiana, South Bend
Joshua Martinez
“Every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above, and cometh
down from the Father of lights, with
whom is no variableness, neither
shadow of turning.” James 1:17
On October 17, Bro. Craig
and Sis. Rachel Langhofer
welcomed Hadassah Brea into
their home and hearts. Also
celebrating Hadassah’s arrival are
siblings: Christy, Patrick, June
and James. Grandparents and Bro.
Marty and Sis. Lavilla Langhofer
and Bro. Stan and Sis. Beth
Virkler (Remington, IN).
We continue to pray for Bro.
Bob and Sis. Sue Beebe and all
who serve at Hospital Lumiere
in Haiti as they recover from the
effects of Hurricane Matthew.
“For thou art my hope, O Lord
God: thou art my trust from my
youth.” Psalm 71:5
Indiana, Valparaiso
Sherry Meiss
Harvest for Home
“Harvest time reminds me, of
Jesus’s promise of a heavenly home,
The time when He will gather all
true believers, to no longer roam.
Oh how I long for that day, to be
with my Lord forever,
But what about those that don’t
know of this great endeavor?
There are too many people, which
know nothing of God’s holy reap,
Of His eternal harvest, for all
those whom Christ’s death and
resurrection keep.
The Lord of the harvest has sent
His Son for us all.
Jesus is the one from whom the
seeds for the harvest fall.
The Bible tells us, the harvest is truly
plentiful but the laborers are few.
Who will be the workers for Jesus?
As Christians, it’s me and you.
Let us tell of Christ’s living harvest
that will lead to eternal delight
A joyful home, with no more sorrow
or pain, and no more night.”
-By Rachel Feller
Our give our thanks to the
visiting ministers and this month.
We were blessed with Elder
Bro. Dan Kilgus (Sis. Jenna,
Remington, IN), Bro. Steve
Gutwein (Sis. Linda, Francesville,
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IN), Elder Bro. Jeff Grimm (Sis.
Ruth, Goodfield, IL), Bro. Mike
Grimm (Sis. Amber, Goodfield,
IL), and Bro. Joel Troxel (Sis.
Amy, LaCrosse, IN). Our thanks
go out to the many visitors and
the singing groups, the Classic
quartet from LaCrosse, IN and
Redeemed from Goodfield, IL,
for sharing of themselves, their
family’s and song.
We’re doing our annual food
drive again this year. Empty boxes
have been dropped off at homes
in The Grand Prairie subdivision
in Valparaiso and picked back
up filled with goods. Plus, the
congregation has worked on
filling boxes as well. The food
will be given to The Housing
Opportunities clients in need
located in Valparaiso.
Bro. Mike Thomas has
announced his retirement from
the pulpit. His last sermon will
be on October 30, 2016. How
grateful we are to his service and
trust God’s blessing him for it.
Our Sis. Tasia Weiss, daughter
of Bro. Dennis and Sis. Marsha,
has accepted a new job and has
moved back to Indiana! She will
be living in Indianapolis working
in the research of blood disorders
and diseases. How great it will be
to get to see her more often and
worship with us again. Please pray
for her as she goes into this new
chapter of life.
Pray for one another and our
nation! If you are ever in our neck
of the woods, stop in and worship
with us, we are just south of US30
on IN49.
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Indiana, West Lafayette
Libby Wahl
I have always struggled a
bit with retaining clarity on the
biblical definition of the word
faith, and lesser so, but also, on the
word trust. King James says, “Now
faith is the substance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen”.
Heb. 11:1. It’s very poetic, but it
just doesn’t quite get me there. (I
didn’t do well with Shakespeare
either. Did you know the KJ Bible
translation was completed in 1611
and Shakespeare died in 1616?)
Recently, as I was studying the
Gospel in a couple writings, it came
into focus for me that trust is ‘a
reliance on’ ... and faith, the whole
essence of the matter, is where that
reliance is placed. So in effect, I
am trusting in, or relying on, the
redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Faith is there and there alone.
Now, I know I have worked
through to this conclusion more
than once previously as I’ve
professed faith in Christ for over 40
years. But, somehow, I tend to float
out to sea, picking up all kinds of
driftwood. Then, when I am in
a jam, I am forced to reconsider.
What is the essence of this thing
called Faith? It is simply Jesus
Christ crucified for the redemption
of sinful man. And that loosens my
hold on all the flotsam ... calling
me back to a renewed submission.
Bro. Leon Waibel is in rehab
after a short hospital stay. He
would appreciate prayer.
Love and sympathy to Bro.
Bryan and Sis. Ashton and family
on the loss of his father, Bro. Mark
Steffen (Sis. Lori, Bluffton North).
Welcome home, Sis. Daveanna
Schieler from your six month
internship in the twin cities.
Joy to our Elder Bro. Nick and
Sis. Suzanne Gutwein and Mark
and Kathy Murray on the union of
their children, Andre and Kristina,
in Elmhurst, IL, on October 15.
And, ongoing, big heart thank
yous to our pulpit support: Bro.
Lynn Fiechter (Sis. Ronda, Bluffton),
Bro. Jim Plattner (Sis. Marlene,
Princeville), Bro. Nick Waibel (Sis.
Sandra, Francesville), and Bro. Jeff
Bahler (Sis. Heidi, Wolcott).
Indiana, Wolcott
Beckie Lehman, Erica Blume
Greetings from Wolcott!
Sarah Bahler (Bro. Jeff and
Sis. Heidi) was joined in marriage
to Trystn Taylor on August 6.
Though we are late in mentioning
this, we congratulate them and
pray that God will be the head of
their home and the mapmaker for
their life together!
On August 21, Amber and
Leandra Bahler (Bro. Mike and
Sis. Jody) were baptized. We are
thankful to now greet them as
Sisters in Christ! Joining us for the
weekend were Elder Bro. Trent
Meiss (Sis. Lucy, Eureka, IL),
Bro. Ron Isch (Sis. Jane, LamontGridley, KS), and Bro. Justin Isch
(Sis. Liz, Lamont-Gridley, KS).
Kurtis Alley is looking
forward to his own baptism, since
he has now found peace with
God and man! Lord willing, his
testimony and baptism are set for
December 3 and 4.
Sis. Viola Stoller (Bro. Richard)
underwent back surgery and,
with much loving care from her
husband, has recovered and is able
to fellowship with us again. Sis.
Frances Bahler (Bro. Alfred, dec.)
was hospitalized for a brief time and
then was able to return to her living
quarters. We are thankful for the
Lord’s provision in each of their lives!
Our church was blessed
with company for our Invite-AGuest weekend on September
11. Bro. Marvin Hartzler (Sis.
Sue, Rittman, OH) ministered
to us from the pulpit. We are so
appreciative of our visitors who are
willing to share with us!
We were also blessed when our
Single Group had a large number
of guests the following weekend. It
is a pleasure to meet those who are
seeking to walk their lives in the
path of the Cross.
Continuing in the path of the
Cross leads Home…and we have
hope that Bro. Michael (Sis. Erica)
Wagenbach’s father, Bro. Gerald
Wagenbach from Mediapolis, IA,
has reached that goal. We have
lifted up his family in prayer!
Bro. Bruce and Sis. Pam
Furrer thankfully welcomed new
grandson, Clayton Aaron on
October 14. Clayton’s parents are
Bro. Trent and Sis. Katie Bahler
from Remington, IN.
May God give grace to each of
you throughout the next month.
Iowa, Bloomfield
Teresa Schock
Jaden Birkner (Bro. Jeff and
Sis. Angie) suffered a broken leg in
a dirt-bike accident. We pray his
surgery will be successful.
September 18, Bros. Brad Funk
(Sis. Laura, Garden Grove, IA) and
Kim Sutter (Sis. Vonette, Taylor,
MO) ministered to us. They were
here for a Wuthrich reunion.
The next Sunday, Bro. Jim
Koehl (Sis. Hildegard, Morris,
MN) was with us. He mentioned
that with wealth and riches,
there comes a responsibility.
Another minister once said, “The
responsibilities of prosperity
are perhaps greater than the
inconveniences of poverty.”
This Thanksgiving may we
think on this quote from the
Elgin, IL cookbook. “It isn’t so
much what’s on the table that
matters, but what’s on the chairs.”
Iowa, Burlington
Ivy Steiner, Elaine Eisenmann
Our thanks to our elder
Bro. Jon Schmidgall (OakvilleMediapolis) for ministering to
us on September 18. We always
appreciate his visits!
On September 25 many of
us were able to attend our annual
wiener roast at Starr’s Cave. The
weather was wonderful for us to
enjoy the outdoors!
We recently completed
listening to the conference CDs.
We are thankful for such timely
advice and the inspiring messages.
After 41 years (when our
church was built), our trustees
determined it was time to dig
up and replace the shrubbery
around our church building. It
took many hours of labor by a lot
of volunteers, along with a local
business, to accomplish the end
result. We thank all who helped. It
looks beautiful!
Iowa, Elgin
Maria Rocke
We hosted our annual invitea-guest this month. We enjoyed
the many visitors that spent the
weekend with us and thank Bro.
Dallas Massner (Sis. Christy,
Burlington, IA) for ministering
to us. We also appreciated having
Bro. Wayne Grimm (Sis. Rose,
West Bend, IA) this month.
“For this cause shall a man leave
his father and mother, and shall be
joined unto his wife, and they two
shall be one flesh.” Ephesians 5:33
We rejoice with Bro. Doug and
Sis. Tami (Schmidgall) Schupbach
as they were united in marriage
October 9. We extend a warm
welcome to Sis. Tami! May Bro.
Doug and Sis. Tami feel God’s rich
blessings in their life together! Their
parents are John & Jill Schupbach
(Gridley, IL) and Bro. John & Sis.
Janet Schmidgall (Forrest, IL).
Iowa, Garden Grove
Laura Funk
Ministering to our spiritual
needs this month were Bro.
Darren Fehr (West Bend, IA) and
Bro. Matthew Kaisner (Fairbury,
IL). We have enjoyed fellowship
with many other visitors.
We enjoyed our annual
gathering with the Bloomfield
congregation. We took a visual
trip to The Holy Land as two
sisters from our congregation
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showed pictures of their recent
tour of this area. It is very
touching to see the places where
Jesus preached and the places that
are talked about in the Bible.
We welcome Bro. Kellan and
Sis. Elizabeth Kershner to our
congregation. We are thankful
God chose job changes for them!
We are enjoying the changes
fall brings to the weather,
countryside and activities. We
invite you to come enjoy these
changes with us.
Iowa, Iowa City
Diana Butikofer
Bro. Joe and Sis. Connie
Gerst are thankful for another
grandchild, Maria Rose, the
daughter of Bro. Luke and Sis.
Michelle Gerst (Columbus, OH).
We look forward to meeting
Maria and trust the Lord will
guide these new parents as they
raise their daughter for Him.
We thank Elder Bro. Wayne
Banwart (Champaign, IL) for
his service recently. We also
appreciated retired ministers Bro.
Wayne Fehr (Sis. Kathy, West
Bend, IA) and Bro. Duane Metzger
(Sis. Ruth, West Bend, IA) being
willing to finish up the services
with concluding comments on a
Sunday we only had one home
minister. We pray the Lord will
bless them for their sacrifices for us.
Note of Thanks:
Thank you to all who have
sent cards and prayers since the
time of my eye injury. God has
blessed me with a tremendous
level of healing and I am thankful
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to be able to read again and
sing from our hymn books
without difficulty! More than
ever, I appreciate our precious
brotherhood. May God be with
each of you and grant you His
Peace. Bro. Joe Gerst
Iowa, Lester
Audrey Metzger, Joyce Moser
“Pray for the dying, raise up the
fallen; pointing the lost to Jesus,
the Way.” Hymns of Zion #180
Such true words, from an
old beloved and familiar hymn,
serve to remind us that there is
always someone we can lift up in
prayer. Even when their needs are
unknown to us, God hears our
prayers, and He knows their needs.
We always rejoice to be able
to share news that souls are
turning their hearts to the Lord in
repentance. As a church family, we
rejoice that Jordan and Masondra
Metzger have surrendered their
lives to serving Him, and pray
for God’s grace and peace as they
begin their new walk in faith.
Tarah Meyer (Bro. Dean
and Sis. Linda), Mary Fagerness
(Chris), and Kenneth Knoblock
(Bro. Lynn & Sis. Joni) have each
found that blessed peace that
passes understanding. We rejoice
with them and look forward to
their upcoming baptisms.
On Sunday, October 16,
we heard of the engagements of
two young couples, all from the
Lester church. Bro. Vance Metzger
(Bro. Rodney & Sis. Polly) and
Sis. Janae Mogler (Bro. Dwight
& Sis. Donna) believe, in faith,
that God directed their intent
to marry, and are planning their
wedding for January 8. Likewise,
Bro. Tyler Moser (Bro. Brad & Sis.
Gloria) and Sis. Emma Metzger
(Bro. Rodney & Sis. Polly) sought
the Lord’s leading and have set
January 22 as their wedding date.
We rejoice with both couples, and
with all three families, and pray
that God will continue to provide
as they plan their lives together!
Visiting ministers are
always appreciated, and serve as
reminders of the unity in our
congregations across the land. We
thank Bro. Klint Beyer (Sis. Kara,
Sabetha, KS) and Bro. Darren
Fehr (Sis. Nora, West Bend, IA)
who served on the pulpit during
this past month.
Loved ones requiring hospital
stays were Dale (Sis. MaryEllen)
Knobloch, Sis. Edith (Bro. Silas)
Knobloch, Bro. Jim (Sis. Lois)
Metzger, Sis. Rosella (Bro. Robert)
Metzger, and Bro. Bob (Sis.
Nancy) Gerber. May each one
soon be enjoying good health.
Bro. Keith (Sis. Julie) Moser
and Sis. Tonya (Bro. Morris)
Metzger lost their grandfather,
John VanVeldhuizen, on October
7. We extend sincere sympathy to
them and their families.
Sincere sympathy also goes
out to Bro. Terry & Sis. Elaine
Knoblock upon the loss of her
father, Raymond Braker, from
Lamar, MO, on October 11.
Raymond was also grandfather to
Bro. Andy (Sis. Abby) Knoblock
and their young family from our
Lester congregation. May God
provide comfort and peace to all
who suffer grief and loss.
Iowa, Oakville-Mediapolis
Kelsey Banwart, Tami Lanz
We are happy for the couples
who were united in marriage this
month. Logan Lanz (Bro. Robby
and Sis. Kris) and Bay Boysen
were married on September 17
in a beautiful outdoor wedding
on a perfect fall day. May the
Lord bless them as they establish
a home together in our area.
Our Sis. Alyssa Lanz (Bro. Tom
and Sis. Mary) and Bro. Blaine
Aschliman (Bro. Derryl and Sis.
Peggy, Bluffton, IN) were married
on October 9 on another beautiful
fall day. May they feel God’s
nearness as Sis. Alyssa moves away
from her home and they start their
life together in the Bluffton area.
We are looking forward to
witnessing another wedding in
January, as Sis. Carolyn Stoller (Bro.
Ed and Sis. Patty) was announced
to Bro. Ben Virkler (Bro. Dennis
and Sis. Gayle, Congerville, IL) on
October 2. We wish them God’s
blessings during this special time.
On September 28, our hearts
were saddened at the loss of Bro.
Jerry Wagenbach, Sr. It is hard to
see these pillars in our church leave
us. We pray for the family during
this sad time. Bro. Jerry is survived
by his wife, Sis. Bonnie, and
children: Sis. Debbie, Bro. Jerry, Jr.
(Sis. Bonnie), Tammy Sharp (Gary),
Bro. Jeff (Sis. Monti), Donnie (Kris),
Darren, Bro. Michael (Sis. Erica,
Wolcott, IN), Matt (Sis. Aimee),
and Jamie (Ursula).
Visiting ministers on our pulpit
this month were Bro. Joe Gerst
(Sis. Connie, Iowa City, IA), and
visiting for the wedding of Bro.
Blaine and Sis. Alyssa were Elder
Bro. Lynn Fiechter (Sis. Ronda,
Bluffton, IN), Bro. Dallas Massner
(Sis. Christy, Burlington, IA), and
Bro. Aaron Frank (Sis. Sharla,
Elgin, IA). May the Lord bless each
one for sharing God’s word.
Iowa, West Bend
Becky Virkler, Jenny Banwart
“O Lord, thou are my God; I will
exalt thee, I will praise thy name;
for thou hast done wonderful things;
thy counsels of old are faithfulness
and truth.” Isaiah 25:1
Surely today we can be ever
so thankful to still be the hearers
of God’s counsel of faithfulness
and truth. May God bless Bro.
Wayne Banwart (Champaign, IL)
for bringing forth encouragement
from the Holy Bible.
Prayers have been with those
hospitalized this past month. We
continue to pray for Sis Kathy (Bro.
Wayne) Fehr, Sherry (Jim) Schmidt,
Bro. Dennis (Sis. Judy) Fehr, John
(Cindy) Bruellman, Gabriella Kirk
(daughter of Matt and Bethany), and
Connie (Bro. Bill) Zaugg. May God’s
healing hand rest over each dear one.
As Thanksgiving Day
approaches, may our hearts
and minds reflect on God’s
provision for the Pilgrims, for our
forefathers and now for we who
trod the soil of America.
“Great is the Lord, and greatly
to be praised; and his greatness is
unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3
May faithfulness and truth
reflect the thankfulness we feel in
our hearts.
Japan, Tokyo
Anna Inoue, Marie Inoue
“And I will make them and
the places round about my hill a
blessing; and I will cause the shower
to come down in his season; there
shall be showers of blessing. And
the trees of the field shall yield her
fruit, and the earth shall yield her
increase, and they shall be safe in
their land, and shall know that I
am the Lord...” Ezekiel 34:26-27a
After a rainy month, sunshine
and cooler weather has arrived
in Japan once again. Our little
church enjoyed a few newcomers
on various Sundays. We pray that
the Word will be fruitful and that
the Holy Spirit will continue to
work in their hearts.
Several gathered for annual
church cleaning this month. We
also enjoyed fellowship together
with our Shioda church family
during our fall shuyokai. Many
were able to spend the night
together at a “camp.” The early
morning devotions focused on
Psalm 104. In the afternoon,
several enjoyed hiking the
mountains of Yamanashi.
We continue to pray for
our Bro. Sanada-san who was
hospitalized this month. Our
thoughts and prayers are also with
the family of Bro. Mark Steffen
(Bluffton North, IN) who has now
gone to be with the Lord. We rejoice
in the hope we have through Jesus,
but mourn the loss of a loved one.
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“I will sing unto the Lord as long
as I live: I will sing praise to my
God while I have my being.”
Psalm 104:33
May we ever praise God and be
faithful to tell others of His blessings.
Kansas, Bern
Tiffany Menold, Jill Meyer
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
heaven…” Eccl.3:1
As we see the seasons
changing around us, we are
reminded of so many different
seasons of our life. Aren’t we
thankful that God is able and
willing to be near us in EVERY
season of life that we experience!
“A time to be born…” Eccl.3:2
Our church family rejoices
with Bro. Brandon and Sis. Heidi
Edelman as they have become
parents with the birth of their
first child, Byler Brandon. We
wish them much grace and
wisdom as they raise their sweet
baby boy. Happy grandparents
are Bro. Earl and Sis. Donna
Edelman (Bern, KS) and Bro.
Leon and Sis. Lori Rufener
(Rittman, OH).
We are also very thankful for a
spiritual birth. We were blessed to
witness the baptism of Bro. Kyle
Meyer on October 16. It was a joy
to hear his testimony of faith and
conversion. We pray for Bro. Kyle
as he looks forward to a life of
serving God. Bro. Kyle is the son
of Bro. Larry and Sis. Jill Meyer.
“a time to heal…” Eccl. 3:3
Sis. Claudia Strahm (Bro.
Wayne) had surgery in October
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and our prayers go out to her as
she recovers.
Sis. Connie Lehman (Retired
Elder Bro. John) is once again
in the battle against cancer. We
pray that God will give her and
Bro. John the necessary wisdom,
strength, and courage in this
trying time of their life. Please
remember to keep Bro. John and
Sis. Connie in your prayers!
“a time to speak…” Eccl. 3:7
Our congregation greatly
rejoices in the willingness and
humbleness of Bro. Adrian Strahm
(Sis. Harriet), as he has been called
by God to serve as a minister to our
church. We give God the glory, and
we fervently pray for Bro. Adrian
and Sis. Harriet, and their family as
they step into this role of serving.
Visiting ministers this month
were Bro. Roger Aberle (Sis.
LaVonne, Sabetha), Bro. Merlin
Meyer (Sis. Marilyn, Lester), and
Elder Bro. Gerry Hertzel (Sis.
Ellen, Sabetha). We thank these
brothers for their willingness to be
used by God and His Holy Spirit.
“I know that, whatsoever God
doeth, it shall be forever: nothing
can be put to it, nor anything taken
from it: and God doeth it, that men
should fear before Him.” Eccl.3:14
Kansas, Ft. Scott
Karen Kellenberger
Upon prayerful consideration,
our congregation supported to
welcome two new brothers into
the ministry to serve alongside
Bros. Larry Bahr and Jeff Fischer.
They are Bro. Trenton Banwart
(Sis. Kristi) and Bro. Ryan
Kellenberger (Sis. Adrienne). May
the Holy Spirit lead, encourage
and guide them as they embark on
their new calling.
“Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of Life:
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of Life.
Jesus only Saviour,
Sanctify forever:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of Life.”
Tabernacle Hymns #55
We thank our visiting
minister, Bro. David Hartter (Sis.
Beth, Sabetha, KS) for sharing the
good news of the gospel with us
on September 25.
On a Wednesday evening,
Bro. Chad Kaeb from Leo, IN
gave us a detailed and interesting
presentation of the Gateway Woods
Children’s Home. We thank him
for his time and effort.
Thanksgiving season is upon us
and our hearts are overflowing with
gratitude for our Father’s bountiful
blessings and provision – most of
all, for providing a plan of salvation
through Jesus, His Son.
Kansas, Kiowa
Janice Bahr, Millie Frieden
“There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing, Showers of
blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.”
Gospel Hymns #315
After several months of
drought in our area, we have been
blessed with some lovely rain. We
are so thankful, and praise God
for His bounty. But, not only for
the rain are we deeply thankful,
but for God’s daily providence for
us spiritually and bodily. We truly
have Showers of Blessings!
Speaking of blessings,
Thanksgiving is just around the
corner. May we take time to
count all the wonderful blessings
God has given to us, and thank
Him for each one. We are a truly
blessed people and should be
thankful not just at Thanksgiving,
but every day, as the chorus of
hymn #116 in the Hymns of
Zion says, “Count your blessings,
name them one by one; count your
blessings, see what God hath done,
count your blessings, name them one
by one, count your many blessings,
see what God hath done.”
Our prayers go out to Sis.
Nelda Ott, and also her daughter,
Sis. Sandra Hamilton, who have
both been hospital patients this
month. May God, our Great
Physician, grant them all His
loving hand of healing.
And as a closing thought:
It doesn’t matter who is our
President, Jesus is our King!
Kansas, Lamont-Gridley
Dorene Metzger
Recently Bro. Justin Isch
read Psalm 37, which gives us
several instructions that are very
important in our walk with
Christ. FRET NOT thyself.
TRUST in the Lord. DELIGHT
thyself in the Lord. COMMIT
thy way unto the Lord. REST
in the Lord. CEASE from
anger. DEPART from evil. WAIT
on the Lord.
Even though time and life are
uncertain, these truths are sure and
constant as we seek grace and mercy
from God. How blessed we are.
The same Sunday, Bro. Aaron
Luthi told about his 3 year old
daughter singing, “This is my
story, This is my song,” and how
this warmed his father heart. So
thinking on these two messages
caused me to consider parental
training and how our youth bring
joy to our assembly.
Nyla and Kiah, who at an
early age could echo “Amen” out
loud at the end of a prayer. Trace,
2, who loves to “sing along” with
the congregation. Haley, Aleah,
Yolande, Judy, and Hannah who
love to set the tables and help serve
lunch, and then clear the tables.
Zane, Sage, Gaven, and Colton
who open the doors of the church
to welcome us into God’s house
as well as help clear the tables.
Gavin, Layke and Sage who start
our cars in cold and bad weather.
Layke who uses an umbrella for we
older ones during rainy weather.
Teagan, Aleah, Hannah, Yolande
and Haley who love to hold babies.
These girls, as well as the bigger
boys, play with the little ones
and keep them safe. May we pray
earnestly for these children who
are our future church. How truly
blessed we are in our little church
as the older and younger work and
worship together. Seeing gifts and
graces that are instilled by parents,
grandparents, aunts and uncles that
praise the Lord gives BLESSED
ASSURANCE to each of us.
September 25 was the wedding
of our Sis. Andrea Luthi and Bro.
Tom Koch. Although Sis. Andrea
and Bro. Tom work in San Diego
and will make their home there,
this young couple blessed Andrea’s
home congregation by being
married here. Andrea’s father, Bro.
Jay Luthi, married them. Part of
Bro. Jay’s service gave an allegory
of the Prairie we live on and
Andrea and Tom’s lives together.
The natural prairie has been
here for centuries. As you look
across the prairie, you see the
vibrant green of the numerous
grasses, waving in the wind.
The prairie is very good “Spring
through Fall” sustenance for raising
cattle. But if you get down close
to examine the prairie, you will
find a mix of a number of species
of grasses and in hues of different
colors — Big Blue Stem, Little
Blue, Gamma, Spike Gamma,
Indian Grass and hairy Side Oats.
So it is in the individual lives
of Bro. Tom & Sis. Andrea, there
are a number of talents and traits
that make each of them who they
are. When they combine these
talents and traits, their lives will
demonstrate a beautiful hue of
praise and glory of God the Father
as they travel life’s road together.
Visiting ministers here for
the wedding were Bros. Steve
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Sauder (Sis, Mary, Tremont,
IL); Brad Eisenmann (Sis. Cindy,
Chicago, IL); Curt Rassi (Sis.
Kathy, Tremont, IL); Doug Brewer
(Sis. Janelle, San Diego, CA); Rick
Kaisner (Sis. Michelle, Chicago,
IL); Duane Dill (Sis. LaRae,
Minneapolis, MN); Virgil Metzger
(Sis. Mary, Chicago, IL); Loren
Knapp (Sis. Joan, Tuscon, AZ); Ron
Allenbaugh (Sis. Lois) and Jeff Bahr
(Sis. Janice,) both of Kiowa, KS.
Bro. Nate Lehman (Sis.
Yvonne, Denver, CO) was here for
the Gruber reunion and occupied
the pulpit on Sunday, October 9.
October 9 was also our annual
Sunday School picnic. Bro. Doug
and Sis. Judy Kraft hosted the
lovely evening of time spent with
our youth.
Kansas, Sabetha
Crystal Hartter, Brenda Nenadov
We are so thankful that more
souls are seeking the Lord in
repentance. Our prayers are with
Maddie Edelman (Bro. Steven
and Sis. Kelly), Laura Nenadov
(Bro. Mark and Sis. Brenda)
and Sadie Grimm (Bro. Wayne
and Sis. Carrie). May the Lord
grant them grace and mercy as
they make this most important
decision in the lives.
The weekend of October 1 and
2 we welcomed three dear souls into
our congregation, as we heard their
testimonies of faith and witnessed
their baptisms. Our new sisters in
Christ are Sis. Tessa Strahm (Bro.
Lynn and Sis. Sally), Sis. Megan
Grimm (Bro. Darin and Sis.
Marci) and Sis. Naomi Wiegand
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SILVER LINING November 2016
(Bro. Stan and Sis. Marilyn). We
thank Elder Bros. Rod Bajema (Sis.
Sue, Lester, IA) and Brad Strahm
(Sis. Michelle, Bern, KS) and
ministering Bro. Darin Massner
(Sis. Twila, West Bend, IA) for
being with us that weekend and
bringing forth the Word.
Other visiting ministers we
had this month are Bro. Edwin
Strahm (Sis. Ramona, Bern, KS)
and Bro. Don Sinn (Sis. Linda,
Silverton, OR). We trust the Lord
will bless them for their labors.
Our sympathy is extended
to Roger and Janice Young in
the passing of their 7 month old
granddaughter, Mya. Her parents
are Trevor and Erin Young. Greatgrandpa from our congregation is
Bro. Harvey Wenger.
Bro. Mark and Sis. Kari
Hertzel welcomed Clay Steven
into their lives on October 17. His
big sisters are Brielle and Reagan.
Thankful grandparents are Elder
Bro. Gerry and Sis. Ellen Hertzel,
Bro. Steven and Sis. Kaye Meyer
and great-grandmother, Sis. Ruth
Hertzel, all from Sabetha.
As Thanksgiving approaches
let us remember to thank and
praise God for His many blessings.
“Now therefore, our God, we
thank thee, and praise thy glorious
name.” 1 Chronicles 29:13
Kansas, Wichita
Bethany Johnson
The fall has been beautiful so
far here in Kansas! We had quite a
bit of rain a few weeks ago, but it
is all dried up and we are having
warm days and cool nights. The
farmers are still in the fields here
and the trees are just starting to
turn colors. We are enjoying being
out in the 70-80 degree weather
before it turns too chilly!
We enjoyed a wonderful
afternoon/evening outside for our
Sunday School picnic at Bro. Jeff
and Sis. Debbie Frieden’s farm.
There were fun games for the kids
and lots of fellowship time for the
adults. This is something that we
all look forward to and talk about
all year long!
Several men and boys were able
to go to a cabin in Missouri for a
father/son campout. They had a
very nice time and good weather.
Our Sis. Ann Marie Warner
spent some time in the hospital
this month. We keep her in our
prayers and are glad that she is
back home and recovering. We always love spending time
with and getting to know the
ministers and their wives that come
here for rotation. Bro. Kevin and
Sis. Annie Wulfe from Morris,
MN and Bro. Kevin and Sis. Sandy
Banwart from West Bend, IA came
to serve us. It is a blessed time of
fellowship and bonding. We want
to thank them for the time and
effort that they give us.
If anyone is traveling through
the area and would like to spend
some time with us, just let us
know! We would love to have an
evening or weekend with you!
Mexico, Ixtlán
Ruth Gerber
“When I remember thee upon
my bed, and meditate on thee in
the night watches. Because thou
hast been my help, therefore in the
shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.”
Psalm 63:6-7
Several of our sisters have
spent some time “upon their beds”
while they recover their health.
Sis. Berta Gonzalez is thankful
to be feeling better. Sis. Carmen
Garcia is also, but continues to ask
for our prayers. It’s been a joy to
have both of these sisters back in
church, giving testimony to and
rejoicing in our Father’s care. Sis.
Estela Salcedo has asked for our
prayers for her health as well.
Different ones in church have
been making more regular visits to
Sis. Rosa Segura as she is unable
to attend church due to her health.
One of the best parts about visiting
her is the time spent singing. She
has an amazing memory for the
hymns and is passing them on to
her grandchildren even though
they do not attend church. May the
truths they sing become real in
their lives!
Michigan, Alto
Renee Steffen, Heidi Kaeb
Autumn is in full swing and
we are savoring the activities and
feelings this time of year brings.
We recently enjoyed our annual
fall Sunday school picnic at a
local park. The children enjoyed
games and activities with their
teachers followed by a delicious
potluck. It is so beneficial to spend
time together in fellowship and
building up the body of Christ.
For the next couple months
our Wednesday services are
dedicated to the topics from the
general conference. We anticipate
the Lord’s teaching and work in
our hearts.
We rejoice with Bro. Lyman
Feldman in his marriage to Sis.
Maryanne Zollinger. It was a
beautiful and blessed wedding
day on October 9 in Smithville,
OH. It seemed everyone there had
overflowing joyful hearts for this
dear couple.
The following Sunday,
October 16, Lisa Zaagman
(daughter of Ed and Joy) joined
hearts with John Houwleing.
Despite the clouds and rain, the
love and joy shone through in the
couple and those supporting them.
We wish them God’s blessings as
they begin their life in Ohio.
Sis. Peggi Vasbinder was
relieved and thankful to have a
successful eye surgery and we
are prayerful for her continued
recovery. We are so thankful that
Judah Oesch, son of Bro. Matt
and Sis. Shelli, is finished with a
10-day treatment in the hospital
and is back in school with energy
and smiles.
Sis. Sharon Schlatter recently
moved to Indiana and will attend
Leo church. We will miss her
encouraging presence in our
church family and pray for God’s
blessings as she adjusts to a new
home. She writes: “My dear Alto
church family, It has been a joy
and a blessing worshiping with
you. I will ‘Thank my God upon
every remembrance of you’ and
pray God will be with you until
we meet again!”
Michigan, Bay City
Sarah Knochel
We rejoice with Bro. Jim and
Sis. Kay Knochel as they welcomed
another grandchild into their
family circle. Olivia Mae was born
on September 30 to Bro. Nathan
and Sis. Jamie Hodel (Roanoke,
IL). Livy’s excited older siblings are
Haley, Laney and Cooper.
Our hearts rejoice with the
victory won by our Sis. Mabelle
Wackerle. Sis. Mabelle passed
away one day after turning 101
and was a pillar in our church.
Our prayers are with Vicki
and Bro. Alan Schlatter and their
family with the loss of Vicki’s
father, Steve Walczak. We pray
that God would continue to
comfort them in the coming days.
Bro. Jeff Waibel (Sis. Margo,
Leo, IN) spent a Sunday in Bay
City recently. We are thankful for
his willingness to minister.
“Oh that men would praise the
LORD for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works to the children of
men! For he satisfieth the longing
soul, and filleth the hungry soul
with goodness.” Psalms 107:8-9
Michigan, Detroit
Manuela Denes
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
the heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1
It’s hard to believe that we’re
nearing the end of October.
Everybody I know loves the fall
season. Brightly-colored leaves are
hanging from the trees, waiting
to slowly drift to the ground for
gardeners to rake into large piles.
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Apples and cider are being enjoyed
by families and friends. Sunny
days that turn dark, much sooner
than some of us might like, are
followed by cozy nights made for
snuggling. Let’s enjoy the beauty
of this season and treasure the
moments God gives us!
Our prayers and thoughts are
with Sis. Krista, Bro. Andy and
Ashlyn Wieland in the passing of
Sis. Krista’s grandfather, Bro. Herb
Bauman of Smithville, OH.
Health challenges can be
stressful, but we’re so thankful
for God’s healing power in our
lives! Thoughts are with Sis. Kelly
Ramseyer (Bro. Mark) as her
mother, Sis. Ruth Wuethrich from
Francesville, IN, recovers from a
stroke. My family and I are once
again so grateful for God’s mercies
as our mother, Sis. Sanche Denes,
is home recovering from a heart
attack. Barb Maibach (Ben) is
recovering from surgery for a broken
wrist. May our prayers continue for
these loved ones and for those we
may not even be aware of.
Minnesota, Minneapolis
Betty Lindwall, Brenda Messner
Our church was struck with
tragedy when we heard of Tammy
Bergstrom’s unexpected death after
she underwent surgery in Arizona.
Our prayers go out to her family,
especially her husband, Cory, and
their little children, Anna and
Cole, and his parents, Bro. Doug
and Sis. Connie Bergstrom. They
are comforted by Tammy’s decision
over the last year to seek her
salvation and recent expression of a
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desire to learn about baptism in our
local church.
We lift up our brethren
serving in Haiti as they face an
overwhelming number of needs
and opportunities for service. We
pray for God’s wisdom, grace, and
strength for these brave people. A
disaster relief fund was added to
our giving this month.
We also recognized our
college students at a Sunday
morning breakfast. We ask for
God’s blessings on Jacob Bentz,
Mikayla Jacobson, Alex Kent, Sis.
Leah Knobloch, Tom Messner,
Kallianne Mogler, Bro. Adrian
Rocke, Allison Rocke, Bryce
Schmidt, Kala Schmidt, and Josh
(Chelsey) Zeltwanger as they
continue their schooling.
The Ladies Saturday morning
Bible Study started up again with
the book on Friendship. We are so
grateful for our time of fellowship
and sharing.
We are very thankful for the
help of the Building Advisory
Committee consisting of Bros.
Matt Kinsinger (Elgin, IL), Dave
Eisenmann (Champaign), and
Doug Wagenbach (San Diego)
for their time and counsel in
moving us further on our journey
of planning and implementing
changes to our church, based on
the Master Plan approved by the
church at our last annual meeting.
It is sad to say goodbye to
Sis. Daveana Schieler, who has
completed her internship in music
therapy and will be moving back to
Indiana. The ladies of the church
gathered at the Dills for a fun night
of making bath bombs and saying
goodbye to Daveana hosted by Sis.
LaRae, Sis. Claire, and Rose.
We rejoice with Zach and
Emily Stover and grandparents,
Todd and Sis. Renee Messner with
the birth of their new daughter
and granddaughter, Josie Renee.
Our ministering Bro. Kent
and Sis. Mary Mogler traveled
to Jamaica to support the
missionaries who reside there.
Minnesota, Morris
Ashley Knobloch, Heidi Pfaffmann
We were blessed to have
Elder Bros. Rod Bajema (Sis. Sue,
Lester, IA), Jon Schmidgall (Sis.
Julie, Mediapolis, IA) and Wayne
Grimm (Sis. Rose, West Bend, IA)
visit us this past month.
“Lead me, Lord, as Thou best
knowest How before Thee I
should live; If but Thou my
footstep guidest, Joy and blessings
I receive. If in grace with Thee
I’m standing, Dangers fade at
Thy commanding; Guided by Thy
hand alone Thine and not my will
be done.” Zions Harp #93, vs. 3
We are thankful that Trent
Wulf (Stan & Sis. Pam) has found
peace with God and man and
awaits baptism. How wonderful to
be guided by Thy almighty hand
in this world full of unrest.
Minnesota, Morris North
Lois Schmidgall, Amanda
Feuchtenberger, Wanda Gramm
We were blessed with having
visiting ministers this month. We
thank them for the delivery of the
Memorandum and their dedicated
service: Elder Bro. Bill Schlatter
(Sis. Emily, Junction), and Elder
Bro. John Jackson (Bay City).
Our Sunday School kids
assembled care packages to be
handed out and distributed to
those in need. Prayers for our Sis.
Dawn Moser (Bro. Doug) as she
recovers from a small stroke she
experienced. Bro. Adam & Sis.
Christy Zeltwanger again hosted
the Annual Rib Feed which is
always a blessed event.
Congratulations to Sis. Erin
Schieler (daughter of Bro. Keith
& Sis. Jodi) and Bro. Jesse Rieker
(son of Bro. Jim & Sis Jan, Peoria,
IL) on their engagement. We wish
them God’s richest blessings in
this special moment in their lives.
It’s time again for us to take
responsibility and protect what
has been given to us. Voting is a
privilege that should not be taken
for granted. Regardless of how
things may seem, God is still in
control. Let’s continue to sincerely
pray for our nation during this
election time. Jesus tells us in
Matthew 19:26 that all things are
possible with God. As we immerse
ourselves in the healing scriptures
of God’s Word, we can experience
the promises he has for us, by
faith, through His grace.
Minnesota, Winthrop
Lindsay Schmidt, Becky Braulick
“In all thy ways acknowledge
him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:6
We want to congratulate
Quintin Schmidt (Bro. Verl
and Sis. Jamie) on his college
graduation from Minnesota
School of Business. We pray for
God’s guidance as he goes through
life and finding employment.
“There are friendships that we cherish
In our daily walk of life
Friends with whom we meet
and labor
In our earthly toil and strife,
Friends among the aged and
youthful,
Friends that live from us apart
Friends of higher rank and station
Find a place within my heart.”
Hymns of Zion #91
October 15-16, the Sunday
School hosted an invite. They
enjoyed the company of the
Morris and Minneapolis Sunday
Schools. It was a fun and joyful
weekend for the kids. We thank
the teachers for all the planning
and work it involved.
“He healeth the broken in heart,
and bindeth up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3
Our heartfelt sympathy goes
out to Vernita Messner whose
daughter, Vanna (Portland, OR),
has passed away. May she feel
our love and God’s comfort and
presence in her life.
Prayers for continued healing
go out to our loved ones that were
hospitalized. Peter Messner (Bro.
David and Sis. Bethany) had his
tonsils removed and Ben Schmidt
(Bro. Dick and Sis. Mary Lou)
was in a car accident.
church pot luck and an annual
wiener roast graciously hosted by
our dear Elder Bro. Randy and Sis.
Karen Kellenberger. This is always
a special evening of fun for the
children and also many blessings
of fellowship and singing for all
who attend. Thank you, Bro.
Randy and Sis. Karen, for all that
you do for our congregation.
Sympathy is extended to Sis.
Kelsey (Bro. Kent) Kellenberger in
the death of her grandfather.
Missouri, Kansas City
Sarah Fehr
Julie Webel
Greetings from Kansas City!
This past month we enjoyed a
Missouri, Lamar
Venetta Banwart
Our visiting ministers this
month were: Elder Bro. Randy
Kellenberger (Sis. Karen, Kansas
City, MO), Bro. Kim Sutter (Sis.
Vonette , Taylor, MO), Bro. Mark
Steiner (Sis. Sue, Smithville, OH),
Elder Bro. Doug Schock (Sis
Clara, Bloomfield, IA), Bro. Brian
Waibel (Sis. Wendy, Champaign,
IL). We would like to thank each
one for their love and support and
feeding us from God’s Holy Word.
We would like to thank the
Bern/Sabetha, KS & LaCrosse,
IN single groups, and those from
Forrest, Eureka and Tremont, IL
that came and helped with fall
cleaning of our church. It was a
blessing to know that we have a
brotherhood that is willing to help
the small churches in any way that
they can. May God bless each one!
Missouri, St. Louis
We are pleased to welcome
Sis. Jenna Wiegand to our
congregation. Jenna will be
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working in Sikeston, MO, for the
next year and plans to worship
with us in St. Louis.
We are thankful to Bro. David
Prevo (Bloomington) for coming
to serve us on minister rotation this
month. We appreciate the efforts of
all the ministers who serve us!
Missouri, Taylor
Kathy Eberhardt, Eleanor Yackley
God has again blessed us with
a good harvest and beautiful fall
weather, thus reinforcing His
promise in Genesis 8:22: “While
the earth remaineth, seedtime and
han Jest, and (‘old and heat, and
summer and winter, and del} and
night shall not teem.”
We were privileged to have
Bro. Gary Maibach (Sis. Mary
Ann, Smithville, OH) talk to us
on Wednesday evening, October
5, about the changes in the law
which could affect our brethren
if a military draft were reinstated
in the USA. We are fortunate to
have alternatives for service, such
as our nursing homes, the home
for the handicapped, and the
children’s home.
Our minister-appreciation
potluck and singing was held at
the Fellowship Center on Sunday
evening, October 16. We should
be praying for our ministers (and
Sunday School teachers) on a daily
basis and asking God for His
guidance and direction in their
lives so the Word they are inspired
to speak is fruitful in our lives.
We must also prepare our hearts
to receive the Word and then be
doers of the Word.
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New York, Croghan/
Naumburg
Hope Graves
We were thankful to have the
following ministers with us over
the past two months: Bros. Dan
Goric (Sis. Mary-Lou, Rockville,
CT), Mark Roth (Sis. Tammy,
Congerville, IL), Brent Walder
(Sis. Naomi, Rockville, CT), Jerry
Bauman (Sis. Martha, Rittman,
OH) and Mark Zimmerman
(Sis. Cheryl, Eureka, IL). We are
thankful for their willingness to
stand and proclaim the gospel.
We were grateful to have
so much company travel to our
area this fall. God provided a
spectacular display in the trees
around us and gave us just another
small glimpse of the beauty that
awaits us in heaven.
We shared a potluck and
singing together on September
24 with brethren from Rockville,
CT serving our lunch on Sunday,
September 25.
A bus full of brethren joined
us from Congerville, IL and other
surrounding churches for the
Columbus Day weekend. It was a
beautiful weekend of fellowship,
meals shared together, hearing
God’s Word proclaimed, lifting
our voices in praise to Him and
strengthening that special bond
of Christian friendship. May God
bless those that put forth effort in
planning and serving us over the
weekend. It was a blessing to all!
Having brethren travel to be
with us has brought blessings also
to those that can’t get out like they
used to. Several have spent time in
small gatherings to sing with Bro.
Lowell and Sis. Celia Virkler in
the Lewis County Extended Care
and Sis. Rachel who has recently
moved to Meadowbrook Terrace.
Her new address is 21957 Cole
Rd. Carthage, NY 13619.
Our prayers have extended
out to Sis. Polly Farney who was
hospitalized this month and Sis.
Alice Virkler who had hip surgery
and is home recuperating.
Ohio, Akron
Carla Miller
We appreciated our visiting
ministers this month, Bro. Dean
Steffen (Sis. Carol, Belvidere,
IL) and Bro. Clint Schmidt (Sis.
Magdalena, Winthrop, MN).
Bro. Bryon and Sis. Lisa
Palitto welcomed a grandson,
Matthias John, born October 18
to Bro. Justin and Sis. Katie Miller
(Mansfield, OH).
Many thoughts and prayers
continue to be with Orin Graf
(Bro. Todd and Sis. Lydia) as he
remains in the hospital and for Sis.
Barb Graf (Bro. Dave) as she was
recently hospitalized.
Ohio, Columbus
Nancy Banks
Warm and sunny fall weather
has brought tractors and combines
to fields everywhere for fall
harvest. Vibrant colors abound in
the leaves on the trees leaving us in
awe of His beautiful handiwork!
Our Sunday School picnic was
held at the home of Bro. Larry
and Sis. Nancy Banks. A straw
scramble, an obstacle course,
carry-in supper and hay ride was
enjoyed by all.
Also this fall was our Invitea-Friend weekend and we enjoyed
having Bro. Steve Stieglitz (Sis.
Jane, Leo) helping Bro. John on
the pulpit. Other visiting ministers
traveling to our church were Bro.
Gary Sinn (Sis. Paulette, Latty),
Bro. Jonathan Pratt (Sis. Sharon,
Valparaiso) and Bro. Marvin
Zollinger (Sis. Pam, Smithville).
We appreciate the efforts of these
brothers and their wives to share
their time with us.
We rejoice with Bro. Luke
and Sis. Michelle Gerst as they
lovingly welcome Maria Rose into
their hearts and home on October
15. Thankful grandparents are
Bro. Joe and Sis. Connie Gerst
(Iowa City) and Bro. Ed and Sis.
Gladys Martin (Princeville).
Ohio, Junction
Elizabeth Manz
We rejoice with Bro. Kent
Schlatter (Toledo, OH) and Sis.
Alisia Kilgus (Remington, IN) as
they were united in marriage on
October 2. Their parents are Elder
Bro. Bill and Sis. Emily Schlatter
and Elder Bro. Dan and Sis. Jenna
Kilgus (Remington, IN). We wish
them God’s blessing and nearness
as they start their lives together.
We also rejoice with Bro. Russ and
Sis. Vera Manz as their son, Bro.
Richard (Prescott, AZ) married
Sis. Audrey Lanz (Bro. Barry and
Karen, Rockville, CT) on October
16. We pray that they will be
blessed as they make their home
in Prescott.
We are thankful for God’s
direction and leading in our
congregation. After much prayer,
support was given to Bro. Michael
(Sis. Jodi) Schneider to serve as a
minister in our congregation. We
extend thanks to Elder Bro. John
Laukhuf (Latty, OH) for assisting
Elder Bro. Bill Schlatter in the
process and for exhorting us in
our support role to our ministers.
We are also thankful that
Elder Bro. Steve Ringger (Sis.
Myra, Bluffton North, IN) was
with us this month for a visit and
shared the Word.
Our prayers go out to Bro.
Scott Manz (Sis. Sara) and Bro.
Sam Schlatter (Sis. Linda) as they
spent some time in the hospital
this month and are recovering.
We are thankful that our God
knows all about our struggles and
suffering and there is nothing that
escapes His notice. He IS worthy
of our trust and confidence!
Ohio, Latty
Carmen Stoller, Mindy Stoller
Greetings in our Savior’s name!
We are rejoicing as Tobin and
Ashley Hartzler (Bro. Tom and Sis.
Diane Hartzler, Rittman, OH and
Bro. Bill and Sis. Charlotte Metzger,
Lester, OH) have professed their
need of a Savior and are repenting!
May they feel our love and prayers.
Bro. Rustin and Sis. Carmen
Stoller, along with big sister Lyla,
welcomed Tessa Marie into their
home on October 7. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Craig and
Sis. Ruth Stoller and Bro. Bill and
Sis. Carol Eisenmann.
We would like to thank
Bro. Ron Palitto (Sis. Lynell,
Akron, OH) and Bro. Curt Rassi
(Sis. Kathy, Tremont, IL) for
ministering to us this month. May
God bless them for their labor of
love on our behalf.
Our thoughts and prayers are
with Sis. Josephine Stoller, Sis.
Ann Plummer, and Sis. Dolores
Riggenbach on the loss of their
brother, Jethro Stoller. May the Holy
Spirit comfort during this time.
Ohio, Mansfield
Elizabeth Walter
We were blessed to have many
visitors for our annual InviteA-Friend weekend. It is always
encouraging to strengthen ties and
uplift one another! We were also
thankful to have three visiting
ministers for the weekend. May
God bless Bros. Don Manz (Sis.
Connie, Junction, OH), John
Grimm (Sis. Julie, Columbus,
OH), and Matt Feucht (Sis.
Jennifer, Roanoke, IL) for sharing
the Word.
It was a blessing to witness
the joy of Trent Beer (Bro. Tim
and Sis. Traci) as he recently
shared his testimony of faith
and was baptized. We wish him
much grace in his Christian walk!
It was wonderful to have many
visitors join us. We especially
thank Elder Bro. Art Ingold
(Sis. Bonnie, Rittman, OH)
for assisting in the work and
preaching the gospel on Sunday.
May we all feel renewed in spirit
as we reflect on the working of
the Holy Spirit among us.
November 2016
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Ohio, Rittman
Julie Steiner, Maria Beery
“Lo, children are an heritage of
the Lord...” Psalm 127:3
Four couples welcomed new
grandsons into their family circles
this month. On October 3, Bro.
Nathan and Sis. Lynn Steiner
(Smithville) added Moses Jeffrey
to their family. Grandparents are
Bro. Jim and Sis. Sarah Steiner.
On October 6, Joseph Thomas
was born to Jon and Jessie Caito.
Grandparents are Thom and Sis.
Ellen Daw. October 6 also brought
the safe arrival of Colton Crew to
Bro. Jon and Sis. Kelly Zollinger
(Smithville). Grandparents are Bro.
Tim and Sis. Joni Ramsier. On
October 10, Bro. Leon and Sis.
Lori Rufener welcomed another
grandson, Byler Brandon. Firsttime parents are Bro. Brandon
and Sis. Heidi Edelman (Bern).
Congratulations and God’s
blessings to these families!
We rejoice with Bro. Tom and
Sis. Diane Hartzler as their son,
Tobin, and his wife, Ashley (Latty),
began their repentance. We wish
them God’s grace in the days ahead.
Our sympathy goes to Sis.
Angie Manz (Dan) in the passing
of her brother, Jody Blevins. We
also want to remember Sis. Jean
Bauman and Sis. Melba Miller
(Bro. Richard) as they laid to rest
their brother, Bro. Herb Bauman
(Smithville). We will continue to
keep these families in our prayers!
Sis. Esther Raifsnider (Bro.
Andrew), Sis. Joanne Stoller
(Bro. Rob), and Sis. Mary Jane
Winkler spent time in the hospital
44
SILVER LINING November 2016
this month. We trust they will
continue to heal.
We were blessed to
have ministering Bro. Mark
Zimmerman (Sis. Cheryl, Eureka)
for a midweek service and are
thankful for his willingness to
preach God’s word.
Ohio, Sardis
Faith Beard, Joy Indermuhle
During the months of
September and October we have
enjoyed many visitors. Whether
they’ve joined us because of
travels or a planned weekend of
fellowship, we have been blessed
to meet and greet each one. In
September we hosted our annual
Invite-A-Guest weekend and in
October we enjoyed a beautiful
fall day spent on Bro. Wayne and
Sis. Jane Klotzle’s (Rittman, OH)
farm for our Fall Gathering. We
thank the Klotzle family, once
again, for hosting us for this
activity each year.
Over that time period, we
were thankful to have ministering
Bros. Randy (Sis. Sue) Gasser
(Detroit, MI) and Bro. Jeff (Sis.
Val) Leman (Bluffton North, IN)
serve us from the pulpit. May God
bless these brothers for bringing
forth the Word of God.
“But if we walk in the light, as he
is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood
of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
We rejoice with Bro. Gary
and Sis. Terry Zollinger as they
welcomed a new grandson,
Nicodemus GIX Rassi into their
family on September 30. His
parents are Bro. Matthew and Sis.
Bridget Rassi, Chicago, IL.
Ohio, Smithville
Kara Stoller, Millie Stoller
As we approach Thanksgiving day,
these verses come to mind: “Rejoice
evermore. Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this
is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you”. 1 Thess. 5:16-18
Bro. Scott and Sis. Charlene
Stoller are rejoicing in the birth of
a new granddaughter, Molly Rose.
She joined Craig and Lynelle,
Ruth and Obed on September
29. Moses Jeffrey came to bless
the home of Bro. Nathan and
Sis. Lynn Steiner on October 3.
Siblings: Asher, Jessie and Timon,
along with grandparents, Bro.
Jeff and Sis. Millie Stoller and
Bro. Jim and Sis. Sara Steiner
(Rittman, OH), are excited for
his safe arrival. Bro. Jon and Sis.
Kelly Zollinger, Peyton, Austyn
and Landon welcomed Colton
Krew on October 6. Thankful
grandparents are Bro. Ken and Sis.
Becky Zollinger and Bro. Tim and
Sis. Joni (Rittman, OH).
Our prayers for healing are
with Neal Indermuhle, Sis. Shari
Indermuhle (Bro. Dennis), Sis.
Carol Miller (Bro. Mike), and Sis.
Florence Hartzler.
We rejoice with Sis. Mary Ann
Zollinger (Bro. Dave, deceased)
and Bro. Lyman Feldman (Sis.
Vivian, deceased) of Alto, MI,
as they were joined in marriage
on October 9. Our congregation
was blessed by all the visitors who
came to share their special day.
Among them sharing the Gospel
were Elder Bro. Ted Steffen
(Sis. Sandy, Alto, MI), and Bro.
Nathan Steffen (Sis. Susan, Alto,
MI), Bro. Ned Stoller (Sis. Heidi,
Alto, MI), Bro. Todd Stoller,
(Sis. Pam, Latty, OH) and Bro.
Bill Brake (Sis. Miriam, Sardis,
OH). Bro. Randy Gasser (Sis.
Sue, Detroit, MI) also proclaimed
God’s word to us this month.
We lift up in prayer those
who have lost loved ones in
our congregation. Feeling the
loss of our Bro. Herb Bauman
(Sis. Berniece, deceased) are his
children: Sis. Carol, Bro. Steve
(Sis. Connie), Bro. Vic (Sis.
Brenda), Daryl (Ivy), and Bro.
Roger (Sis. Jennifer). Bro. Jim
Widmer (Sis. Karen) also said
farewell to his mother, Sis. Joanne
Widmer (Bro. Bob, Rittman,
OH). Sis. Gail Riggenbach
(Bro. Don) will likewise miss her
brother, Dean Davis, who has
passed on into eternity. May they
feel our sympathy and comfort.
Ohio, Toledo
Deanna Manz, Whitney Masters
Fall has definitely arrived here
in Ohio. The trees are changing
color and the weather is getting
cooler. It is amazing to see God’s
handiwork in it all.
We were blessed to have
visiting minister Bro. Randy
Gasser (Sis. Sue, Detroit, MI) for
a Sunday. They served us both
on the pulpit and for lunch. We
always appreciate the efforts put
forth on our behalf.
That same Sunday, many
of us attended the wedding of
Bro. Kent Schlatter (Elder Bro.
Bill and Sis. Emily Schlatter,
Junction, OH) and Sis. Alisia
Kilgus (Elder Bro. Dan and Sis.
Jenna Kilgus, Remington, IN) in
Remington, IN. We welcome Sis.
Alisia to our congregation.
We lift Bro. Walt, Sis. Sharon,
and Kurt Rager up in prayer. Kurt
was hospitalized for a broken leg
and we pray for a speedy recovery.
Ontario, Kitchener
Johanna Fortenbacher
We are very thankful for the
ministers and their wives that
came up here this month. They
are Bro. Greg Stieglitz (Sis. Lisa,
Indianapolis, IN), Elder Bro. Vic
Bauman (Sis. Brenda, Smithville,
OH), Bro. Bill Waibel (Sis. Carol,
Bay City, MN), Bro. Wayne
Hartzler (Sis. Camille, Rittman,
OH) and Bro. George Gal (Sis.
Tina, Akron, OH) God bless you
all for coming.
“By this shall all men know that
ye are my disciples, if ye have love
one to another.” John 13:35
Bro. Murray and Sis. Esther
Metzger along with their three
children have been keeping a girl,
Emily, and her brother, Morton
Mathieson. The children are with
the family on a Kinship Caring
program which is similar to
Foster parenting.
“Walking in footsteps of gentle
forbearance, Footsteps of
faithfulness, mercy and love,
Looking to Him for the grace
freely promised , Happy how
happy, our journey above.”
Gospel Hymns #185 vs.3
Oregon, Portland
Louisa Gallup
We have finished listening to
the Elder Conference recordings
and appreciate the topics covered.
May the Lord bless the elder
brethren for their labors.
Our annual Communion
Service was held recently. We are
so thankful for this opportunity.
Elder Bro. Dave Graf (Sis. Barb,
Akron, OH) assisted Elder
Bro. John Wiegand (Sis. Jane,
Silverton, OR) in this work. The
evening was a blessing for all and
we are grateful for the support of
our elders.
Other visiting ministers
this past month were Bro. Chris
Kuenzi (Sis. Mary) and Bro.
Harvey Kuenzi (Sis. Jennifer) from
Silverton, OR. Thank you for your
support and also for the ongoing
song leader help.
Oregon, Silverton
Kelsey Walder, Ann Kuenzi
We are thankful that Bro.
Richard Kraft (Sis. Marianne)
has recovered from surgery. It was
refreshing and encouraging to
hear that the surgeon had a prayer
with him before the operation.
Bro. Chuck Walter (Sis. Karen)
spent some time in the hospital.
We are thankful to see him back
at church. Sis. Megan Walter (Bro.
Chad) is recovering from being
burned. We pray for a speedy
recovery for her, as a mother is so
needed for her family.
November 2016
SILVER LINING
45
Once again we are blessed
to be able to listen to the 2016
conference recordings. The topics
give us all plenty to think about
and do.
Jonathan and Michelle Sinn
are excited to be new parents.
Little Isabella Teresa made her
arrival September 26, 2016. Her
grandparents are Bro. Kent and
Teri Kilgus and Bro. Dean and
Sis. Heidi Sinn.
Bro. Greg Lehman (Sis. Mary
Beth, Wolcott, IN) joined us for
Communion Saturday, October 1.
We so enjoyed and appreciated his
ministry, as well.
Bro. Ted Witzig, Jr. (Sis.
Donna, Morton, IL) was here for
a topic on “Joy in the Journey”.
Thank you, Bro. Ted, for coming
to teach us and giving us many
things to ponder and work on. The
road ahead looks definitely more
joyful when we keep the goal of
heaven in sight.
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia
Laura Isch
We rejoice with Bro. Jamin
and Sis. Lauren Steffen as they
welcome Clara Marie to their
family. Clara’s big brothers are
Eli and Reuben. Bro. Ben and
Sis. Michelle Wiegand are Clara’s
thankful grandparents.
We are prayerful for those who
have spent time in the hospital
in recent days. We wish Bro. Bob
Allen (Sis. Rika), Ruth Clough
(John), and Pela Naffin (Dave)
God’s nearness as they recover
and heal.
46
SILVER LINING November 2016
We have been blessed to have
Rosevita Muiruri attending with
us for the past few months. We
are so thankful she has come to
the cross in humble repentance!
We are sad to see her go as she is
moving to Indianapolis, but are
thankful that we got to know her
and are prayerful for her as she
begins her life of faith.
Tennessee, Nashville
Mike Fritz
We are always thankful for
visitors, and especially for ministers
willing to challenge and encourage
us in our walk with God. Our
recent visitors have included
Elder Bros. Tom Waldbeser (Sis.
Sue, Atlanta) and Gerry Hertzel
(Sis. Ellen, Sabetha). We have also
been blessed by the presence of
several local visitors.
If you are traveling to or
through the Nashville area, please
plan to worship with us. We meet
every Sunday for worship, and are
thankful that we now have visiting
ministers typically at least twice a
month. We also meet on the first
and third Wednesday evenings
of the month for call-in services.
Please contact us ahead of time to
confirm our schedule. Contacts
are Bro. Jeff & Sis. Cynde Stoller,
309.530.5760, cyndelynnstoller@
gmail.com; or Bro. Mike & Sis.
Monica Fritz, 615.866.5543,
[email protected].
Texas, Austin
Candy Meiss
Sending our Love and
Greetings from Austin!
We are thankful to welcome
Bro. Garret Ball into our church
fellowship. One by one our church
is growing and each have such a
special part in the work of His
kingdom. Garret enjoys helping
with the Stoney Point children
and Sunday School.
We want to thank the
Rittman congregation for
supplying the delicious BBQ
for one of our Sunday potluck
dinners! We would also like to
thank the couples from Sabetha
who provided a Sunday lunch.
We were blessed to have the
following visiting ministers this
past month: Elder Bro. Wayne
Banwart (Champaign, IL), Bro.
Gerry Hertzel (Sis. Ellen, Sabetha,
KS), and Bro. Earl Beery (Sis.
Suzanne, Rittman, OH).
We are so thankful for our
visitors and encourage everyone
passing through to stop and
worship with us! We appreciate
your continued prayers for our
converts, our outreach to the
Stoney Point families, and for
those who have recently moved to
the Bastrop area.
Please refer to our minister’s
directory for directions and contacts.
Texas, Dallas-Ft. Worth
Services are generally being
held the second Sunday of
each month at the Holiday Inn
Express, 4450 W. John Carpenter
Freeway, Irving, TX. There are
several singles and couples who
gather and enjoy visitors. Please
call ahead to verify. Bros. Wayne
Banwart (217-493-2383), Leland
Plattner (956-265-0351), or
Dennis Rassi (512-321-2345).
Texas, McAllen
Kristi Plattner
We appreciate those willing to
serve us this past month: Bro. Jeff
Streitmatter (Sis. Lynne, Sarasota,
FL) and Bro. Jeff Wiegand (Sis.
Janel, Goodfield, IL), Bro. Tim
Hohulin (Sis. Cathy, Roanoke, IL).
We welcome anyone coming
to South Texas. If interested in
housing on South Padre Island
or in McAllen while visiting the
McAllen area, please contact us
for further details.
Occasionally there is a schedule
change, so if you plan to be with
us on Sunday, please verify the
date by calling the Plattners at
956-607-8329 or you may access
www.harvestcall.org and view the
updated minister rotation schedule.
Sunday services are held at
10:30 and 12:30 at the Smart
iStay Hotel, 1921 South 10th St.
Please note that the name of the
hotel is no longer Holiday Inn
Express. Take the 10th Street Exit
off I-83 and go 1½ blocks south.
Please see the minister’s directory
for local contact information.
Texas, Zapata
Mary Plattner
Our winter visitors are starting
to return as the weather changes
in the north. Sunday, October
13 we were glad to see our loved
ones after the summer months.
We had returning residents from
Nashville, TN, West Bend, IA and
Mansfield, OH.
We will begin having regular
services again for the winter season.
If you have any questions, please
look in the minister’s directory for
contact information. We encourage
anyone wanting to come to visit
South Texas to visit us also.
Vermont, Clarendon
Nathan Reutter
In George Orwell’s 1984, a
prominent theme is the concept
of “double think”. He defines
it as, “… the power of holding
two contradictory beliefs in
one’s mind simultaneously, and
accepting both of them.” This
concept, at first glance seems
impossible, yet how many times
do we find ourselves doing things
we know are wrong, but because
circumstances are contrary we find
ourselves justifying the actions?
Orwell goes on to explain how
this happens within the mind:
“This process has to be conscious
or it would not be carried out
with sufficient precision. But it
also has to be unconscious, or
it would bring with it a feeling
of falsity and hence of guilt.” A
big question begs at this point.
Do we feel a sense of guilt
about carrying out an action we
know to be wrong or do we feel
justified that it was necessary
under the circumstances? Those
feeling justified are guilty of
“doublethink”.
Does the Bible address such a
matter? Consider Matthew 6: 2223, “The light of the body is the eye:
if therefore thine eye be single, thy
whole body shall be full of light. But
if thine eye be evil, thy whole body
shall be full of darkness. If therefore
the light that is in thee be darkness,
how great is that darkness!”
According to Charles Finney,
this passage of Scripture is a
figurative representation of
the mind. So taken from this
perspective, a singly-focused
mind’s eye will be full of light,
that is it will see clearly. The
clearness of vision allows us to see
that our ultimate end is to serve
God with all of our heart soul,
strength and mind. On the other
hand, if the mind’s eye be evil it is
like an eye that does not function
correctly; it has double vision, it is
guilty of “doublethink”. This kind
of mind, according to Scripture,
is full of darkness. How does this
darkness manifest itself? Again,
according to Dr. Finney: “[An
evil eye is] an intention to serve
God as the means of our own
happiness, the ultimate intention
being self-interest, and the
intention to serve God, being a
subordinate end.” So what is our
primary purpose in serving God:
God’s glory or our satisfaction?
Three visiting ministers were
with us this past month singling
our attention on Jesus Christ. May
God bless Bro. Randy Mogler (Sis.
Evie, Washington, IL), Bro. Jerry
Bauman (Sis. Martha, Rittman,
OH), and Elder Bro. Kevin
Ryan (Rockville, CT) for their
willingness to preach the Word.
November 2016
SILVER LINING
47
The News & Notices section of The Silver Lining provides a way for qualifying non-profit entities to make the brotherhood aware of church-related
events, opportunities, needs, and services that would be of special interest to Apostolic Christian Church of America members and regular attendees.
Email us at [email protected] for a copy of our advertising policy, which specifies who may advertise, sizes, file formats and deadlines.
News & Notices
LISTEN TO SERMONS
from over 35 Apostolic Christian congregations (and counting)
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CENTRAL
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On your mobile device
• Download AC Central app from
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Write AC Central on your check memo or choose it when making an online donation at harvestcall.org
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: [email protected]
48
SILVER LINING November 2016
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN HarvestCall
PROCLAIM
&
SERVE
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
November 12, 2016 - Bluffton, IN
Looking Inward to Reach Outward
A F TERNOON
Although attendance is encouraged for the entire day, the agenda can
easily accommodate those with just an afternoon or evening available.
Please feel welcome to attend according to what your schedule permits.
3:30 Registration (available all afternoon)
4:00 Welcome and Opening Prayer
4:05 Meditation: Challenges and
Opportunities for Apostolic Outreach
Bro. Steve Ringger
4:30
4:35
5:10
5:45
Introduction to Ministry Breakouts
Ministry Breakout Session 1 C C M D
Ministry Breakout Session 2 C C M D
Ministry Breakout Session 3 C C M D
C
C
Caribbean CMTE
Child Sponsorship CMTE
M
D
Motives for Ministry
Distribution CMTE
E V ENING
6:20 Supper
7:05 The Centrality of the Local
Church in Outreach Bro. Frank Sauder
7:25 Forum Introduction Ten Topics - Choose Two
7:30 Forum 1 Select a Forum Topic to Attend
8:05 Forum 2 Select a Forum Topic to Attend
8:40 Spiritual Needs in Mexico
YOU ARE
INVITED TO
ATTEND
Come Explore Opportunities
to Help Others
Bro. Seth Gerber
9:15 Hymn #46, 2017 Invitation
& Closing Prayer
For Overnight Accommodations Please RSVP by October 28, 2016
Bro. Al or Sis. Becky Pfister at
Phone: (260) 760-8922 | Email: apfi[email protected]
Mail: 622 W Dustman Rd, Bluffton, IN 46714
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Registration begins at 3:30pm
Bluffton Apostolic Christian Church
Fellowship Hall
1970 S 800 East, Bluffton, IN 46714
November 2016
SILVER LINING
49
Come to the Hospital Lumiere Benefit Auction
Your bids can provide medical care to needy Haitians
HarvestCall is renovating and managing a mission hospital in Bonne Fin, Haiti. The annual
benefit auction is an important part of Hospital Lumiere's annual funding. Please consider
attending the auction and enjoy a time of fellowship, food, music and giving.
Available items
Toys • Gift Baskets • Electronics
Vacation Packages • Tools • Gift Certificates
Recreational Equipment • Dinners
Friday, Nov. 11, 2016
Five Points Washington
360 N Wilmor Rd, Washington, IL 61571
4:30 – Food Court & Silent Auction
6:15 – Songs by Redeemed
7:00 – Live Auction
To learn more or donate
harvestcall.org/benefit-auction
Rich Bertschi
309/467-2351
[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.
50
Sunday Service:
Mid-week Service:
(by request only)
10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
For information and reservations, contact caretakers:
Bro. Mark and Sis. Sandy Stork
4733 Birdie Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-0072
(held on 3rd Wednesday in Rochester area)
For information, contact:
Bro. Jim and Sis. Deb Tilbury
(507) 281-2875
SILVER LINING November 2016
For church services schedule please visit
www.acmission.org/minister-rotation
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel…
Is God calling you or your family to live, love and serve together for His Kingdom?
Serve to show God’s grace and love to vulnerable and hurting youth and families. It’s
challenging, tough, gritty work with people from some very difficult circumstances. Lives
will be changed, you will be challenged, God’s kingdom will be blessed.
We currently have these opportunities to serve. If you think it’s possible this could be
your calling, please pray. Then contact us for more information. It may work out, or it may
not, but it doesn’t hurt to take a first step.
Houseparent Couple
Home-Based Worker
Adoption Case Manager
Full-time position
Full-time position
Part-time position
For more information:
gatewaywoods.org/careers
888-443-4283
888.443.4283 | gatewaywoods.org | facebook.com/gatewaywoods | instagram.com/gatewaywoods
November 2016
SILVER LINING
51
HarvestCall Work Team
INFORMATION
Haiti, Les Cayes Work Teams
Project
Les Cayes
SEED
Haiti Ag
Year 2016
Nov 10‐18
Les Cayes
HWA
Haiti Water Aid
Nov 11 ‐ 18
Les Cayes
Haiti Trade Schools
Vocational School
Nov 11 ‐ 18
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Nov 16 ‐ 21
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Bluffton
Construction
Dec 2 ‐ 9
Project
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Ohio
Construction
Year 2017
Jan 2‐9
Les Cayes
HWA
Haiti Water Aid
Jan 6 ‐ 13
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Silverton
Construction
Jan 27‐Feb 3
Les Cayes
SEED
Haiti Ag
Feb 10‐17
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Roanoke
Construction
Feb 10 ‐ 17
Les Cayes
MEBSH/Peoria
Construction
Feb 24‐ Mar 3
Les Cayes
Haiti Trade Schools
Vocational School
March 3 ‐ 10
Les Cayes
HWA
Haiti Water Aid
March 3 ‐ 10
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Haiti Support
Apr 19 ‐ 24
Les Cayes
MEBSH
Maintenance
April 24 ‐ May 1
52
Coordinator
Art Mueller
608‐676‐4365
Capacity
8
[email protected]
Luke Fischer
309‐242‐7020
4
[email protected]
Andy Getz
574‐870‐5046
4
[email protected]
Jon Zeller
309‐266‐9009
Capacity
12
[email protected]
Luke Fischer
309‐242‐7020
4
[email protected]
Richard Kraft
503‐364‐3103
Jonathan Hodel
309‐361‐5031
12
[email protected]
Steve Leuthold
309‐645‐2208
12
[email protected]
Andy Getz
574‐870‐5046
4
[email protected]
Luke Fischer
309‐242‐7020
4
[email protected]
Jon Zeller
309‐266‐9009
ACWR‐CC
[email protected]
Jon Zeller
309‐266‐9009
[email protected]
SILVER LINING November 2016
Year 2016
Oct
Nov 22
19 -- 29
26
Magdalena
Location
Construction
Reynosa
Construction
Nov
- 26
Year19
2017
Jan 2 - 8
Location
Reynosa
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Year 2017
Jan 2 - 8
Jan 14 - 21
Magdalena
Construction
Jan
21
Feb 14
4 - -11
Bruce
Frank
Troy Lanz
217-375-4346
217-202-5959
[email protected]
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Feb 4
11- -11
18
Troy
DougLanz
Hodel
217-202-5959
309-261-7291
[email protected]
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Feb
Mar 11 - 18
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 11 - 18
Mar 18 - 25
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 18 - 25
Mar 25 - Apr 1
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Mar 25 - Apr 1
May 27 - Jun 3
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
May 27 - Jun 3
Jun 17 - 24
Magdalena
Construction
Magdalena
Construction
Jun 17 - 24
Nov 18 - 25
Doug
Hodel
Denton
Knobloch
309-261-7291
West Bend/Winthrop Bible Classes
[email protected]
515-320-2403
[email protected]
Denton Knobloch
West
Bend/Winthrop Bible Classes
Toby Steffen
515-320-2403
Bluffton/BN Senior Class
[email protected]
317-997-5096
[email protected]
Toby Steffen
Bluffton/BN
Brad Rocke Senior Class
317-997-5096
Lacrosse Bible Class
[email protected]
219-508-3955
[email protected]
Brad Rocke
Lacrosse
Bible Class
Marshall Witzig
219-508-3955
Phoenix Bible Class
[email protected]
602-918-0088
[email protected]
Marshall Witzig
Phoenix
Bible Class
Dave Roberts
602-918-0088
Indianapolis Bible Class
[email protected]
317-225-6112
[email protected]
Dave Roberts
Indianapolis
Rod SchmidtBible Class
317-225-6112
303-718-1432
[email protected]
[email protected]
Magdalena
Construction
Nov 18 - 25
12
[email protected]
12
Coordinator
Jeff Leman
[email protected]
260-273-1862
Coordinator
Jeff
Rod Leman
Schmidt
[email protected]
[email protected]
260-273-1862
303-718-1432
Mexico Work Teams
12
[email protected]
Larry Kaufmann
815‐716‐6018
Year 2016
Oct 22 - 29
12
[email protected]
Coordinator
Ron Palitto
330‐336‐5373
Location
Magdalena
Construction
Mexico Work Teams
ACWR‐CC
[email protected]
Lane Gerber
260‐241‐4099
Location
Magdalena
Construction
Rod
Schmidt
Coordinator
[email protected]
Nelson Eisenmann
303-718-1432
U of I
815-664-8805
Coordinator
[email protected]
Nelson Eisenmann
U
of I Frank
Bruce
815-664-8805
217-375-4346
[email protected]
[email protected]
Rod Schmidt
303-718-1432
[email protected]
Haiti Medical Work Teams to Hospital Lumiere
Haiti, Bonne Fin
Work Teams
The Hospital Lumiere renovation program
continues to restore and improve the facility to an
environment that honors God and provides an
atmosphere that contributes to the wellbeing of
the hospital staff, our patients and their families.
Hospital Lumiere has an ongoing need for
maintenance and/or construction teams and
especially for skilled electricians. Rather than
listing predetermined dates and asking people
to fit into them, if a team, or individual, is
interested in coming, they should contact the
Facilities Director Bro. David Zimmerman to
discuss possible dates and available projects.
Contact: David Zimmerman
Phone: 011-509-344-62800
Email: [email protected]
Haiti Awareness Tours
If you’d like to see the ministry of Hospital
Lumiere and other Haiti projects in person, but
do not have the time or desire to participate in
a week-long work team, please consider our new
Awareness Tours. These are quick trips that give
you the opportunity to meet our missionary
families, learn more about the hospital, see the
completed renovations and work in process,
and visit some of the other HarvestCall projects
in southern Haiti. These trips are scheduled, as
needed, based upon demand.
2017 Haiti Awareness Tours:
Spring 2017 – March 4-8
Fall 2017 – September 23-27
To learn more, contact:
Rich Bertschi at 309.467.2351 or [email protected]
or Rick Wuethrich at 219.863.4163 or [email protected]
Project
Year 2016
Coordinator
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Cancer Screening
Sep 10 ‐ 17
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Dental Team
Oct 29 ‐ Nov 5
Project
Year 2016
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere
Cancer Screening
Nursing Proficiencies
Sep 10 ‐ 17
Dec 3 ‐ 10
Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Dental Team
Hospital Lumiere
Oct 29 ‐ Nov 5
Dec 10 ‐ 17
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐253‐0402
Dec 3 ‐ 10
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Coordinator
Capacity
Full Haiti Medical Work Teams to Hospital Lumiere
Inventory Team
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Project
Year 2017
Coordinator
Full Capacity
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Nursing Proficiencies
Hospital Lumiere
Cancer Screening
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Inventory Team
Hospital Lumiere
Dental Team
Jan 7 ‐ 14
Project
Year 2017
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere
Cancer Screening
Eye Specialty
Jan 7 ‐ 14
Mar 11 ‐ 18
Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
8
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere
Dental Team
Pediatric School Visit
Feb 11 ‐ 18
Apr 8 ‐ 15
Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
8
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Eye Specialty
Hospital Lumiere
Mar 11 ‐ 18
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐253‐0402
8
May 13 ‐ 20
Apr 8 ‐ 15
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
Cancer Screening
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Dec 10 ‐ 17
Feb 11 ‐ 18
Jun 10 ‐ 17
Hospital Lumiere
Pediatric School Visit
Inventory Team
Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Capacity
Coordinator
8
8
Capacity
8
8
8
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere
Cancer Screening
General Medical
May 13 ‐ 20
Jul 8 ‐ 15
Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere
Inventory Team
Open
Jun 10 ‐ 17
Aug 12 ‐ 19
Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
8
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere
General Medical
Cancer Screening
Jul 8 ‐ 15
Sep 9 ‐ 16
Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Hospital Lumiere
Open
Nursing Proficiencies
Aug 12 ‐ 19
Oct 7 ‐ 14
Lydia Bertschi
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
Sep 9 ‐ 16
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Cancer Screening
Hospital Lumiere
Nov 4 ‐ 11
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
[email protected]
309‐253‐0402
Dental
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Oct 7 ‐ 14
[email protected]
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
Lydia Bertschi
Dec 9 ‐ 16
Hospital Lumiere
Nursing Proficiencies
Medical Inventory
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Dental
Nov 4 ‐ 11
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
Bonne Finn, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere
Medical Inventory
Dec 9 ‐ 16
Lydia Bertschi
309‐253‐0402
[email protected]
November 2016
SILVER LINING
53
MEDICAL DIRECTOR OPENING at Hospital Lumiere, Haiti
Seeking a licensed physician to fill this
full-time position at Hospital Lumiere
in Haiti. Qualifications include a U.S.
medical license, Board-Certification in
some aspect of medicine or surgery, be a
Believer in Jesus Christ, have experience
in leadership and management, be
capable of learning the Creole language,
and be willing to reside with your
family on the Hospital Lumiere campus
for three to five years. The position
involves leading a team of excellent
Haitian physicians and surgeons, and
oversight of the nursing, laboratory,
radiology and pharmacy departments
of this 120-bed full-service hospital and
out-patient facility.
Terms of Service
• Full time residing in Haiti
• Housing provided adjacent to
other brethren and missionaries
• Initial year of service requires a
significant period of time studying
Haitian Creole and assimilating
into the Haitian culture.
• Training will be provided prior to
placement in the field.
Candidate selection, preparation,
training, sending and supporting
will be conducted using
HarvestCall’s established Outreach
Policies and Procedures.
For more information on Hospital Lumiere positions, contact:
Robert Beebe. Email: [email protected], or Phone: 574-276-6748
Short Term Physician, Surgeon and Specialty
Physician Opportunities at Hospital Lumiere
Any board-certified physician, surgeon
or specialist who has a desire to serve at
Hospital Lumiere in Haiti is encouraged
to contact us. Terms of service are very
flexible, ranging from 1-2 weeks to several
months. The mission at Hospital Lumiere
has many opportunities to serve on both
a short and long term basis. If you are led
to the mission field but your skill set and
qualifications are not a good match for any
of the listed positions, please contact us.
While the above positions are needed,
there is flexibility on requirements listed
as well as job description(s). Many times,
the role that is filled can be developed to
fit the gifts of the applicant.
For more information on Hospital Lumiere positions, contact:
Robert Beebe. Email: [email protected], or Phone: 574-276-6748
54
SILVER LINING November 2016
TEACHER OPPORTUNITY
Missionary School, Bonne Fin, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere, Bonne Fin, Haiti is presently seeking
a teacher for missionary children. This position involves
full-time teaching in the multi-level classroom setting of
the Bonne Fin Missionary School on the Hospital Lumiere
compound. This is a full time missionary position with a
service term of 6 months, with the opportunity to extend
the term of service.
Qualifications include being a member in good standing of
the Apostolic Christian Church. A minimum of a Bachelor’s
Degree is preferred, especially in the field of Education or
Child Development. Applicants should possess the ability
to communicate effectively with students, parents and
visitors to the school, and have a nurturing and caring
attitude toward children, and a heart and desire to serve
others through service to Jesus Christ.
For additional details for this exciting and worthy position contact
Robert Beebe. Email: [email protected], or Phone: 574-276-6748
Patient Care Manager Opening
at Hospital Lumiere, Haiti
Hospital Lumiere is seeking a qualified person to be assigned as
Patient Care Manager of the hospital in Bonne Fin, Haiti. This
is full-time position.
Description
The duties of Patient Care Manager include planning, supervising
and training employees and coordinating and implementing
programs of nursing care for all hospital patients.
Requirements
Applicants should hold an RN degree and have at least 3 years
of nursing experience, some management capability, be able
to learn the Creole language, be a member of the Apostolic
Christian Church and be willing to relocate to Haiti for a term
of 3 to 5 years.
For more information on Hospital Lumiere positions, contact:
Robert Beebe. Email: [email protected], or Phone: 574-276-6748
November 2016
SILVER LINING
55
Medical Department Intern
at Hospital Lumiere, Haiti
Seeking an energetic, self-motivated, responsible Believer to
fill the position of Medical Department Intern at Hospital
Lumiere in Haiti for a term of 6 months. Responsibilities
include helping the Medical Director with staff scheduling,
communications between departments (Nursing, Pharmacy,
Radiology, Lab), monitoring inventories and medical supplies
and various other responsibilities. Lodging, food and living
expenses are provided. A medical background is not required,
but is helpful.
If you are seeking an exciting opportunity to serve God and
others, have a servant’s heart, appreciate new horizons and
challenges and have six months to devote to furthering the
Lord’s work in Haiti, please contact Bro. Robert Beebe,
Executive Director, Hospital Lumiere for a complete job
description and details of the internship.
For more information on Hospital Lumiere positions, contact:
Robert Beebe. Email: [email protected], or Phone: 574-276-6748
Bible Studies offered by the Apostolic Christian Church
Jesus the True Vine
[1501] This Bible Study
focuses on John 15:1-8
and is intended for a
general audience.
Price: $4.50
Communication in
Marriage [1502]
This is a Bible Study that
is designed specifically for
use by engaged or married
couples. Price: $4.50
Who Is Jesus [1503]
This Bible Study is for
general use and is designed
to encourage self-study by
each participant as well as
discussion within a group.
Price: $4.50
The Second Greatest
Commandment [1504]
This Bible study seeks to
illuminate our understanding
of Bible teachings about
interpersonal relationships.
Price: $4.50
The Hand of God in
the Life of Joseph [1505]
We see the hand of God in the life
of Joseph, which demonstrates
how God’s goodness is active in
the lives of his people.
Price: $4.50
Salvation Bible Study
[1510] This Bible study on
Salvation is interactive with
the Word of God. You will
be looking up the answers in
His Word to see what He says.
Price: $4.50
NEW
BIBLE STUDY
AVAILABLE
Church Establishment
[1507] This Bible study explores the
purpose and mission of establishing churches
within the biblical mandates of the Great
Commission as given by Christ. Price: $4.50
For additional information and ordering visit www.acpublications.org
Apostolic Christian Publications - 651 East Peoria St., Goodfield, IL 61742
56
SILVER LINING November 2016
Openings at Cite Lumiere, Les Cayes, Haiti
Mechanic, Construction Department Assistant
The HarvestCall Caribbean Committee is seeking to fill several missionary positions based at the Cite Lumiere
compound in Les Cayes, Haiti. The specific job description may vary depending on the applicant’s interests and
skills. Help is specifically needed in the following areas:
Equipment mechanic
An equipment mechanic is needed
in the Construction Department
in Haiti to maintain the vehicles,
generators, and construction equipment at Cite Lumiere and Bonne
Finn, Haiti and order, purchase,
and maintain inventory of parts to
support the HarvestCall programs in
southern Haiti. This position would also involve training and mentoring
a Haitian assistant to provide future mechanical maintenance. The equipment mechanic would reside in the Cite Lumiere compound in Les Cayes
and report to the Construction Operations Facilitator. The applicant
should be experienced in mechanical maintenance.
Construction Dept. Assistant
An assistant is needed in the Construction Department at Cite Lumiere as the work has expanded for the
program and related ministries. This
applicant could be a single brother
or couple. Skills that would be valuable in the ministry include:
• Carpentry
• Mechanical experience
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to work with all types of people and personalities
All applicants must be a member
in good standing of the Apostolic
Christian Church, willing to learn
Creole and relocate to Haiti for a
minimum of 3 years, and have a
heart to serve the Haitian people.
If you feel led to serve or
have questions, contact:
Bro. Jon Zeller
309-208-0639
[email protected]
www.harvestcall.org
Used Bible, Bible Story Book, and Song Book Distribution
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
November 2016
SILVER LINING
57
SPONSORSHIP: Giving Children Hope for the Future
Those in the child sponsorship program have several things in common.
They are very poor, they desire to learn, and they have an undying soul.
The goal of this program is to provide an education so these children can
learn life skills to enable them to become more productive adults. In addition,
its purpose is to present a spiritual opportunity to be exposed to the gospel
message and eventually be called to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of
thy children.
Isaiah 54:13
To Sponsor a Child or School
Fill out this form and send to the office. You'll be assigned a student or school and sent further information.
Learn more about child sponsorship, including costs, at: harvestcall.org/child-sponsorship
Name _________________________
q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss
Spouse ________________________
Address _______________________
City ____________St ___ Zip _____
Home Ph ______________________
Cell Ph ________________________
Email _________________________
Please check preference:
q Haiti Student q Jamaica
q Haiti School q Guatemala
q Mexico
q Zambia
q Wherever needed
If possible, I prefer:
q Boy – Age
q Girl – Age
q No Preference
Send to:
HarvestCall Child Sponsorship
PO Box 36
Morton, IL 61550
Phone: 309-266-6080
Fax: 309-266-5281
Email: [email protected]
www.harvestcall.org
Interested in receiving a printed sermon?
To order, contact: Printed Sermons
P.O. Box 154, Forrest, IL 61741
(815) 848-5113 • [email protected]
58
SILVER LINING November 2016
Continued Articles
Walking Carefully
and in Holiness Part 2
and things wherewith one may edify
another.”18 In contrast to the world,
where the focus is so often on self,
God’s wisdom causes us to consider
— Continued from pg. 3
and esteem each of His creation of
compels us to fulfill the Great
such value that we would desire to
12
Commission. Our reasonable
provoke one another to a greater
service is to use each day God
love and good works.19
gives us to help those that are
In a world where knowledge
13
without and to learn more about is ever increasing, leading to
Christ living within us.14 God’s
the puffing up of man’s hearts
wisdom directs the appropriate
and minds, may we ever look to
response, “and of some have
the school of the Cross for our
compassion, making a difference:
teaching, allowing us to be the
and others save with fear, pulling
salt of the earth. May we be wise
them out of the fire; hating even
enough to realize that this world
15
the garment spotted by the flesh.”
is not our home—that we are
His wisdom causes us to always
just passing through. We are His
be about His business; being easy
ambassadors—our lives are to be
to be entreated, full of mercy,
lived for His service and we are
without partiality to all that God
to be doing His business. May
16
places in our paths.
we be grounded enough in His
This wisdom also ensures
Word and directed by His Spirit
that we don’t allow this liberty
to prove all things, holding fast
of walking in Christ to become a
to that which is good, that we
stumbling block to those that are
would not get caught up in the
17
weak. We have a Christ-like love
deceitfulness of the evil adversary.
in our heart, reflected in such a way May we be wise enough to have a
to our neighbor that we “ follow
Christ-like love for one another,
after the things which make for peace, being a help and support, not a
stumbling block, that by our lives
more can come to know Him
and His perfect will. And may
we understand that each day is
a gift from God, having hearts
and minds willing to go, willing
to stay, wise enough to know His
will is best.
(Footnotes)
1 Eph. 5:15-16
2 James 3:13
3 James 3:14
4 Matt. 6:21
5 James 1:5
6 2 Cor. 3:5
7 Psalm 119:105
8 Prov. 3:4-5
9 “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus,” by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922.
10
Rom. 13:14
11
Mark 10:45
12
Matt. 28:19-20
13
Col. 4:5
14
Col. 3:3
15
Jude 22-23
16
James 3:17
17
1 Cor. 8:9
18
Rom. 14: 19
19
Heb. 10:24
Be careful for nothing; but in every
thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made
known unto God.
Philippians 4:6
November 2016 SILVER LINING
59
Continued Articles
Our Ministry in
Jamaica
— Continued from pg. 6
Action and Prayer
Request
If you are touched by this
work, consider a financial
gift HarvestCall's Jamaica
fund designated for CCCD
and/or sign up to be a child
sponsor. If you already sponsor
a child, consider sponsoring
one more. Please pray for our
missionaries in Jamaica and the
CCCD students, faculty and
administration. You never know
when a small seed will grow and
provide a fruitful harvest!
Grandparenting...
— Continued from pg. 9
finish this life strong by keeping
your faith and hope in Jesus.
Children need grandparents who
are living a focused life for Christ.
It is so easy for the struggles
of this life to shift our focus.
Showing the next generation(s)
what it looks like to grow in the
faith of Christ throughout life is
a powerful testimony. Be willing,
by God’s grace, to model this
example of continual living and
growing in the love of the Savior.
Testify to your grandchildren,
as David did toward the end of
his life, “Blessed be the Lord God,
the God of Israel, who only doeth
wondrous things.” (Psalm 72:18)
Let this testimony have an impact
for many generations to come.
ACCFS has a host of resources
available to encourage parents
and grandparents in their
responsibilities. We continue to
conduct Parenting with a Purpose
seminars and other presentations
as requested. In addition, we
develop and refer to many other
helpful resources on our website at
www.accounseling.org/parenting.
If you have requests or would like
more information, please contact
ACCFS at (309)263-5536.
– by Ken Rinkenberger
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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SILVER LINING November 2016
Renters still needed for
St. Louis Home near Church
Within the St. Louis congregation, they are still praying that God
will lead a family, couple or single(s) to relocate to the area and
become part of their church family. A newly renovated, 3-bedroom
home, that is located across the parking lot from the church, is
available to rent immediately.
Expressing Interest
Anyone who is interested is encouraged to contact Ministering
Bro. Loren Schrenk at 314.994.1944 or [email protected].
Monthly Sermon, continued
— Continued from pg. 5
and Galatians — sometimes you
almost get the notion that the law
is bad. No, it’s just not complete.
It just can’t do what God’s Spirit
can do.
God’s Spirit embraces the
law, and in our pattern of growth
we can point to the law. It was
a schoolmaster that brought us
to the initial spot, didn’t it, of
the need for salvation. What if
we didn’t have that schoolmaster
teaching us, hey, there’s a problem
here! You got leprosy! You want to
get this fixed!
But that method doesn’t have
any strength. It doesn’t have any
strength, and it caps us. I’m not
saying it puts us in hell, but it
caps us. We’re stopped in our
spirituality because of that. The
one leper came back, and he
thanked Jesus. Jesus said, ‘where
are the other nine?’ A heart that
understands what the cleansing
blood of Jesus Christ does for us
and that’s thankful now is on the
highest road. Thankfulness is not
a pity thing. I could get up here
and preach and say, ‘Ok, you guys
all ought to be thankful’ and tell it
to myself, ‘I ought to be thankful.’
That’s a good thing. God likes
that. Don’t really see it in the Ten
Commandments, but it seems
apparent that God wants us to be
thankful so let’s just be thankful.
In a sense then, you’re just
following the law. So we dutifully
give thanks, and that’s part of the
fulfillment that if we take that one
path, we do it. But, I think that
leper had a little different way of
thinking. He was overwhelmed
by the fact that this Man
supernaturally cleansed him from
his leprosy. Deep in his heart he
was truly thankful, and he went
back to Jesus and expressed it.
I don’t think we can come
close to the power of God and
walk in the Spirit of God without
having thankful hearts for
what He’s done. I don’t think
that immediately turning upon
salvation to the rudiments of the
law and the world will put us in a
place for success as a Christian.
There is one other part to that
when you look at those two paths.
God saves us. Christ blood saves
us. Then you take on the mantel of
the law and do it. Pretty soon the
work of Christ shrinks and your
work gets bigger. When your work
gets bigger and the work of Christ
shrinks, your level of thankfulness
goes down. Conversely, if it’s God
that works in you to do His will
and you recognize it as God alone
that does it, what will you say to
Him? What will be your posture
toward Him? ‘It’s not me, Lord;
it’s You, and I reckon these present
sufferings that I go through will
all end up to be glory to God.’
If it’s good, if you do good, if
your life is good, thank God. If
it’s gray, if it’s black, if it’s tough,
if it’s poor health, if it’s anything
else, thank God. For I reckon that
these present sufferings are nothing
compared to the hope of glory.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds,
and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms
in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four
beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and
wisdom, and thanksgiving , and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelations 7:9-12
November 2016 SILVER LINING
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Learning from our history
Remembering Our Spiritual Heritage
Wedding Hymn
In the last issue of the Silver Lining, inquiry was
made as to the origins, in our church weddings, of
using the Zion’s Harp Hymn #212 as a processional
song as the bridal party came into the sanctuary to
start the wedding ceremony. To date, this has yielded
no specific information concerning the reason for
that song, or the exact beginning of its use in church
weddings. Generally, it is assumed the use of this
hymn first began (for weddings) in the early-to-late
1950s. The inquiry is not closed, and we are still
seeking information concerning “why” this particular
hymn was chosen for weddings. Again, please send
any data to my email address, perry@gridcom.
net or mail to Perry Klopfenstein, 212 West Sixth
Street, Gridley, IL. Or you may call me at 309-7472803 (home), 309-242-3012 (cell), or 800-847-6686
(work). Any related information to this subject would
be greatly appreciated.
North Side – South Side Churches
Reference was made in last month’s issue to the
North Side and South Side Churches in rural Forrest
and Fairbury, Illinois which merged, in 1949, to
Forrest and Fairbury town churches. Here are more
of those details.
Fairbury author, Ben Nussbaum wrote a detailed
and colorful summary of driving buggies to the
church in those days. He is quoted here on page
197 from Marching To Zion: “I enjoy recalling those
Sunday panoramas of converging vehicles — always
a dozen or more in view — as they navigated the
straight roads which bounded our flat, squaremile sections. They reminded me of small sailboats
tacking and running to take advantage of the ninety
degree roads. Dust clouds, during the dry season,
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SILVER LINING November 2016
revealed the positions of those intermittently hidden
by hedge or crop. Remember how those horses would
snort and whinny as they rhythmically clopped along
the crusted roads? Or the muffled crunch of hoof
and wheel on bitterly-cold snow. Even the thought
of greasy mud squishing and splattering against the
buckboard or clinging to the spokes brings forth a
nostalgic sigh.
Some of those teams were beautiful to behold:
matched drivers that pranced ever so briskly; wellcurried coats and oiled harnesses that glistened in the
sunlight; taught leather traces hooked to doubletrees
that scarcely wavered as the stylish black carriages
wheeled majestically along the church “steps”. Warm
harness oil and the steam from the horses, both a
result of their exertion, combined to permeate the
surrounding air with a unique aroma that can only be
recalled by those whose nostrils have sensed it firsthand.
Occasionally a frisky colt, too young to leave at home,
trailed closely behind. After the team was tied, the barn
doors would be re-opened, permitting it (the colt) to
nurse or to frolic amid the vehicles in the yard.
Hay and blankets were put aboard the vehicle
and fed to the horses at noon. Blankets and foot
warmers helped ward off the bitter cold when winter
was severe. These warmers made of soapstone seemed
to retain the heat longer — but no one remembers
why. At Mother’s urging, one of the girls would fill
a jug with milk; a last minute ritual on those weeks
that we were to assist with the “serving”.
There was one signal that time was fast
approaching; awaiting only that final word from
Father — “Giddap”.
-By Perry Klopfenstein
Next issue: More on North
and South Side Churches
The Light of Hope
The Advantages of Living
for Jesus
Even though Christ offers us eternal happiness in
heaven instead of eternal suffering in hell, the devil
succeeds in keeping many to hesitate to repent and
be baptized and make sure of their salvation. Let’s
consider the advantages of living for Jesus and try to
put Satan behind us.
I repented and put my faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ because I didn’t want to spend eternity in hell
and I wanted to go to heaven. That’s a big advantage
for me and it’s selfish in the sense that I get the
benefit, for eternity. However, while it is very good
for me, it is also pleasing to the Lord Jesus, who
is “Not willing that any should perish”. 2 Peter 3:9.
How would you feel if you died for someone and he
didn’t appreciate it? Christ died for us physically and
spiritually. He said, “My God, my God, why hast thou
forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46.
Another big advantage of living for Jesus is that
we can then be His ambassadors and help others
spiritually as well as physically. We can visit the
sick and those in prison, clothe the naked, take in
strangers, give the thirsty to drink and the hungry
to eat, as outlined in Matthew 25:35 and 36, and
we can do it as ambassadors for Christ. Even more
importantly, because it has eternal value, we can
share the gospel with others. Jesus said, “Go ye
therefore , and teach all nations.” Matthew 28:20.
Next to our salvation in Jesus, our health is most
precious. Living for Jesus is good for our health. We
don’t drink alcoholic beverages, at least not to excess,
we don’t smoke tobacco, and the Bible teaches us not
to do anything that is harmful to our bodies. “If any
man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for
the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
1 Corinthians 3:17.
In living for Jesus, we don’t allow ourselves to
become addicted to anything that is not wholesome.
This saves a lot of time and sorrow. To be controlled
by some addiction is not a good feeling. Living for
Jesus means that we can practice self-control and
avoid being enslaved to an addiction.
When you are living for Jesus, you should have
a church family, with whom you can share and help
each other. They in turn, stand ready to help you, if
you are ever in need. In a time of sickness or death,
this church family offers immense comfort, not only
by what they say or do, but just by being there for
you. You are not alone, but you share each other’s
joys and sorrows. That’s a big advantage of living for
Jesus. “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep
with them that weep.” Romans 12:15.
Good human relations is probably the most
difficult task we face in life. Living for Jesus makes
for better human relations because we don’t do
anything selfish and we build each other up instead
of tearing each other down. We have love and in
1 Cor. 13, the love chapter, verse 5, we read that
charity (or love in action) “Seeketh not her own”. That
means that we are concerned about the other person
and quite satisfied with anything, or nothing, for
ourselves.
Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly.” John
10:10. Living for Jesus is the abundant life He was
talking about. -By Willis Ehnle
November 2016 SILVER LINING
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THE SILVER LINING
1523 County Road 400N
Congerville, IL 61729
I waited patiently for the
LORD; and he inclined
unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also
out of an horrible pit, out
of the miry clay, and set
my feet upon a rock, and
established my goings.
Psalm 40:1-2