jan2011update

Ed Jeude’sEd Says 19

Bill Connolly’sLeah from Berea 20

page 12Jan - Mar 2011, Winter Edition, Vo l u m e 60, I s s u e 4

PUBLISHER:Frosty Hansen

EDITOR:Philip Cereghino

COLUMNISTS:Dr. Sam Vinton, Jr.

Kenneth B. Kemper, Scott MyersEd Jeude, Frosty Hansen

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT:Dr. Sam Vinton, Jr.

FEATURED CARTOONIST:Bill Connolly

The publishing of TRUTH,a quarterly magazine

emphasizing the doctrines of thedispensation of grace, is to provide

individuals and churcheswith Bible studies, articles of

Christian concern and devotion,and news about

Grace Gospel Fellowship (GGF),Grace Bible College,

Grace Ministries International,Grace Publications,

and other Grace organizationsand activities.

The views and opinions expressedin the ads and articles

are those of the authorsand organizations.

They do not necessarily reflect theview of GGF and/or the editorial

staff of TRUTH.

PUBLISHED byGrace Gospel Fellowship,

a nonprofit religious corporation,incorporated in the State of

Michigan.

Mailing Address:P.O. Box 9432,Grand Rapids,

MI 49509

phone: 616-245-0100email: [email protected]

web site: www.ggfusa.org

A Sports Analogy and Church Health 3by Frosty Hansen

Regional News 20

Endeavoring to set forth God's purpose andgrace according to 2 Timothy 1:8-11

The Impact of Upbringing 8by Caleb Befus

A Tale of Christian Service 4by Kenneth B. Kemper

Cover photo credit: Property of Design Pics Inc., reproduced here by license agreement with theGGF, for their end use only.

TRUTH Magazine is the quarterly membership periodical of the GGF. Gift subscriptions can bepurchased through the national office.

Feature Article:Feature Article:

InsideT h i s I ssue

also

and

plus

Jim Shemaria knows a thingor two about extremes hav-ing dealt with the Force andwrites from the heart in hisarticle about unhealthy ex-tremes.

Jim Shemaria knows a thingor two about extremes hav-ing dealt with the Force andwrites from the heart in hisarticle about unhealthy ex-tremes.

The Grave Is Yet Victorious 10by Pastor Scott Myers

See Fate, continued on page 16

by Frosty Hansen, President of Grace Gospel Fellowship

An Analogy from Sports

Lou Gehrig (1903-1941), one of

the greatest baseball players of all time,

had a 17-year playing career with the

New York Yankees. Gehrig was a stellar

defensive player at first base and bat-

ted clean-up for the famed Murderers’

Row, putting up phenomenal statistics

at the plate that included a .340 career

batting average and 23 career grand

slams, a mark that still stands.

Gehrig’s most notable achieve-

ment was his 2,130 consecutive games

played (1925-1939), which earned him

the nickname “The Iron Horse.” That

record remained unbroken until Cal

Ripken Jr. eclipsed it in 1995. The play-

ing streak and career were abruptly

halted by an unexplainable weakness

in his body, which made it hard to grip

a baseball, hold a bat or run without

stumbling. A trip to the Mayo Clinic

produced the diagnosis of amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis (ALS), now commonly

known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

ALS is a rare, debilitating disease

in which nerve cells that control muscle

movement gradually die. Eventually,

those who have ALS lose the ability to

move their limbs, to swallow, speak and

breathe. Doctors don’t know what

causes ALS. There is no known cure

for this disease that can cause a healthy,

strong body like Lou Gehrig’s to

quickly waste away and expire – all

because unseen cells malfunction and

cease to operate in conjunction with

the rest of the body.

In his letters, Paul often uses the

imagery of the human body to refer

to the Church, calling it the Body of

Christ. He states that God has brought

believers into an interdependent rela-

tionship with one another, so that “in

Christ we who are many form one body,

and each member belongs to all the

others” (Rom. 12:5). That last phrase

is important: Each member belongs to

all the others; every part relies upon all

of the other parts. A malfunction of

even the minutest cell impacts every

member, weakening the entire body

and hindering its usefulness.

Perhaps you have witnessed the

tragedy of spiritual ALS in a church.

A congregational decision is made,

words are exchanged, and both sides

feel they have been wronged. When

they gather on Sunday morning they

may still share a brief smile and hand-

shake, presenting the façade of a healthy,

Christ-honoring body. Yet the internal

seething, distrust and self-interest, which

lay beneath the surface have weakened

the congregation’s effectiveness as a

body and its testimony in the commu-

nity.

The difficulty in resolving this

real-life conflict is that both sides feel

that God is on their side. After all,

“We prayed about it, so God is leading

us. The others must be outside of His

will.” The same argument gets repeated

in churches, personal relationships and

even among Christian leaders. Every-

one digs in their heels with the confi-

dence that they are “right” and then

holds on until the other side flinches.

The result? Churches split; relation-

ships are broken; brothers in Christ

are divided.

This is so contrary to God’s plan!

A body does not function effectively

by each part being “right,” but by ev-

ery part working in harmony with the

others. “But God has combined the

members of the body and has given

greater honor to the parts that lack it,

so that there should be no division in

early edition

Gehrig’s disease occurs when unseencells malfunction and cease to operate inconjunction with the rest of the body.

“A Tale of Christian Service”by Kenneth B. Kemper

President, Grace Bible College

Characters: Dad – Ron Jones, the father of the Christian

Family; Mom - Marilyn Jones, the mother and consummate

Christian worker; Amanda – the 15-year old daughter com-

mitted to performance; Jimmy – the 6-year old little brother

doing as told and wanting to serve as well.

SCENE I

Sunday afternoon in the Jones home between the front room, kitchen,

and entryway. Football game can be heard on T.V.

Mom: Ron, will you please turn that off and get the car

ready.

Dad: Now? What’s the rush, honey?

Mom: Oh, Ron, you haven’t been paying attention, it’s past

4 o’clock. Our final rehearsal for the Christmas Program

starts at 4:30. You know it’s been snowing. I’ll call

Amanda and get Jimmy bundled up, and... and I’ve got to

get all the decorations I picked out into the car too!

Amanda! Are you ready to go? Amanda!

Amanda: Okay, Mom. I was on the phone with Jen; she’s

upset because she didn’t get one of the solo parts in the

Christmas program. She’s thinkin’ Melanie just doesn’t

have a nice voice, but I think Melanie sings that part in

“Little Town of Bethlehem” just fine…what do you think

mom?

Mom: I think we need to get out the door…Jimmy put

your gloves on, too. It’s so cold out there!

Dad: Ah, but no one can sing it like you, Princess! You,

Amanda, will probably be on American Idol someday!

Jimmy: I would never want to sing in front of those silly

T.V. people and act like they do, dad!

Mom: Ron! I need you to...

Dad: I’m out the door and the car will be ready in 60 sec-

onds! Clock’s running! (Dad goes out closing the door behind

him)

Mom: (Delivers this line to the door) Take some of these deco-

rations please, there’s too much for just me to carry! (Turns

to Amanda as she goes to put her coat on as well) Amanda, you

can take some out. (Exhales) Jimmy, I think you might be

right about those T.V. people.

Amanda: (As she puts her coat on) Oh, wouldn’t that be

something... me on T.V. someday. You’d like that, wouldn’t

you little Jim-Jim, your big sis being famous?

Jimmy: I’m not “little” – I’m 6 years old now and go to

school. (Turns to Mom). Mom, what’s my part in the Christ-

mas play?

Amanda: “Baaaaaaaa!” You’re one of the woolly sheep –

along with the other little boys. Except for Brad, he is too

big to be a sheep, so he’s a cow. (laughs)

Mom: Amanda, you be careful how you talk about Brad,

you could hurt his feelings!

Jimmy: Yeah, he’s my friend, even if he’s a 3rd grader and

big enough to be in Junior High. He’s an awesome football

player – he might be on T.V. someday too!

Mom: Let’s get out to the car, kids. Jim-Jim, Jimmy, Jim,

carry these decorations; Amanda, do you have your dress

for rehearsal and the music you’ve been practicing?

Amanda: Yeah, got ‘em mom. Oh, it’s freezing, let’s run

for it! (She dashes out to the car.)

Mom: I’ll lock up, see you in the car kids…Scoot, Jim-Jim-

Jimmy-Jim!

They all race out the door through the snow to the car and scramble to

get inside with their arms full.

SCENE II

The Jones family seated in the car driving to church to make it for

rehearsal.

Mom: I hope Elizabeth brought those red ribbons the

Decorations Committee decided on, to put on all the

wreaths and trees – all the ladies agreed with me that it

would look so nice. Oh, and I hope she got the velvety

ones, not those shiny plastic ones. I just hate that cheap,

flashy look... but love the soft, subtle look of the velvety

ones, don’t you agree Ron?

Dad: Ahhhh…yes dear…as I’ve said a hundred times, you

have incredible taste, Marilyn – after all, you chose ME,

didn’t you? You know, I was really hoping to see the Bears

game this afternoon. I forgot we had this practice. Hey, I

could just drop you and the kids off and still see the game.

You could…ah…tell ‘em I just wasn’t up to it. After all,

you “volunteered” me to sing with Bill and Aaron. I know

they can do it alone without me!

Mom: Ron, you’re singing “We Three Kings!” There must

be three of you!

Dad: Well, can’t they just change a few words?

Amanda: Our Sunday School teacher taught on the wise

men and said we really don’t know how many wise men

there were, because the Bible doesn’t say – it just says that

there were three gifts, so people imagine there were three

wise men! I think maybe there were five…or even six!

Jimmy: Really? That would mean so many Christmas

cards and posters are all lying! Mom, is that true? ‘Cuz I

drew some cards with a picture of three kings!

Mom: Jimmy, don’t worry – there were three kings and

your dad is one of them tonight!

Dad: If I were a king, I could decide where I needed to be

and when!

Mom: Oh, so you want to be “crowned,” your highness?

That can be arranged!

Amanda: Oooh, zing! Good one mom!

Jimmy: If dad is king, that makes me a prince – does a

prince get crowned too? ‘Cuz if dad gets one, I want one

too!

Amanda: Jimmy, you’re a woolly sheep, remember? But

we could go to Burger King after the Christmas program

tomorrow night and get you a crown if you really need

one!

Jimmy: Is that where the three kings will be?

Dad: Maybe in one of those “misadventure meals” or

something! I guess I’ll get home in time to see the football

highlights tonight. Will we get to sample the cookies to-

night?

Continued on page 6

Mom: No Ron, those are for tomorrow night on Christ-

mas Eve! You can wait one more day!

Jimmy: I need to finish decorating my Christmas orna-

ments. Mom, do we have time later tonight? I need to

give them away to people at the program.

Mom: We can finish those up in the morning Jimmy. The

glitter and glue will still dry in time.

Dad: So, no food tonight?

Mom: There will be the sub sandwiches for the youth mis-

sion trip at church we can buy for $3 each. We’ll each get

one of those.

Amanda: Adam, the youth pastor, says we’ve raised over

$1000 for the Mexico missions trip over Spring Break. Too

bad I can’t go because I’m in the school play and will be

rehearsing for my important part in Cinderella – it does

sound like a fun trip!

Dad: (Sarcastically) Yeah, going to Mexico, living in tents,

fighting off cockroaches, building pit toilets in the hot sun

for a school sounds like my idea of a great vacation!

Mom: Ron, it’s ministry – it’s not supposed to be fun! Like

our pastor was saying this morning, we please the Lord by

working to help people. That’s why I volunteer to do all of

these decorations and make this year’s Christmas program a

great production…after last year’s debacle!

Jimmy: I liked last year’s, when we went out to sing to the

people at the mission and bring food and clothes to them.

I was kinda scared at first, but those people were so nice

and happy we came.

Mom: But only twenty-five people showed up – our worst

Christmas program ever! This year, we have over sixty

people just practicing and decorating tonight for our big

show tomorrow – it will be quite the production and the

church will be packed, probably over 200 people! All the

parents and grandparents will have cameras and

camcorders!

Dad: I just love the candles when they turn the lights down

low – our church is so pretty!

Amanda: Will it be recorded? I mean, when I sing my solo,

can I get a copy to put on Facebook and upload to

YouTube? That would be so cool!

Jimmy: Baaaaaa! Baaaaa!

Dad: Hey Jimmy, let’s upload that, too!

Jimmy: And get our crowns loaded too at Burger King!

Dad: (Laughs) I love it! Here we are kids…. I’ll just drop

you all at the door and go park the car because it’s still

snowing and I don’t...

Mom: And then come in for practice, Mr. Valet! I’m mak-

ing no excuses for a rogue, runaway wise guy!

Dad: Okay, see you in a minute – but I want to check the

score first, since I haven’t really seen any football at all to-

day… well, just the Lions.

Mom: See you inside!

The car doors slam; mom and kids make a run for the church door

with their arms full. Dad parks the car; and they participate in re-

hearsal.

SCENE III

Next day (Christmas Eve), back in the car after the finish of the

Christmas Program en route home.

Mom: Oh, my… I am exhausted! But what a crowd and

what a production!

Amanda: So many people came up to me afterwards dur-

ing the refreshments and told me that my song was the best

part of the whole program! Oh, that was so fun, but I

wish the spotlight had been more focused on me when I

sang, instead of so broad and dispersed.

Dad: You did wonderful, Princess – I wish I could say the

same for our “We Three Stooges” – or ah, I mean “Kings,”

number.

Jimmy: I thought that was funny, Dad, how you guys

started and stopped and sang different words!

Mom: Oh, it was fine honey; and weren’t the decorations

and goodies wonderful? We worked so hard to make it just

right – do you think the people noticed how nice it was?

Amanda: I heard someone say, “It must have cost a fortune

to do all that, where did the money come from this year?”

Mom: That’s because we didn’t want some low-budget

fiasco this year. I think it was just lovely.

Dad: It was beautiful, Marilyn, just beautiful. Where were

you after the program, Jimmy? I didn’t see you.

Jimmy: I was finding all the people and giving them my

handmade Christmas ornaments!

Continued from page 5

Mom: Yes, Jimmy, but many people were at the food tables

talking with us and you weren’t there!

Jimmy: No, I was only giving them to people who I

thought needed some Christmas cheer. Let’s see, I gave

ornaments to the Thompsons, the Martins, and one to old

Mrs. Galbraith, and Mary Ellen. I see them most weeks

and no one ever talks with them.

Mom: (Nervous little laugh) I don’t even know who all those

people are, Jimmy. Were they all there tonight?

Jimmy: Of course they were, and every one of them gave

me a big hug and told me they will put my present on their

tree and treasure it! It’s fun to give a gift to someone who

really needs it and appreciates it! I also gave an ornament

to Mrs. Wheeler – her husband is in an old people’s home.

And to Mr. Riley, because his wife died last spring and he

never looks very happy anymore. That lady you call Shirley

wasn’t on my list, but she saw me giving a gift to Mr. Riley,

so I went over to her and gave her an ornament, too – did

you know that she got divorced last month, Mom?

Dramatic pause. Dad, Mom, Amanda have looks of astonishment.

Jimmy has put on a Burger King crown as he amuses himself and

begins quietly humming, “We Three Kings.”

Dad: (With profound amazement) Jimmy, you are something

else. I’m so glad you gave something to those folks!

Mom: (Slightly defensive) You know what? we all did (searching

for a word) something tonight... didn’t we? (With new awareness)

Jimmy, I’m also glad…showing us all how we can serve.

Amanda: (Confused) We served, didn’t we? Isn’t God pleased

with us?

Dad: Well... the Bible says... (after a few attempted starts) God

looks at the heart, and He is the one who knows for sure.

(Jimmy has been amusing himself this whole time and is still hum-

ming, Dad looks at crown) Let’s get home and remember

God’s gift to us – the baby Jesus who came and served in

the supreme way!

With that, the Jones Family breaks into singing “We Three Kings.”

Fin

T

by Pastor Scott Myers

But as for you, continue in what you have learned

and have become convinced of [narrative/identity/

character], because you know those from whom you

learned it [community], and how from infancy you

have known the holy Scriptures [centrality of Scrip-

ture], which are able to make you wise for salvation

through faith in Christ Jesus [centrality of Jesus

Christ]. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful

for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righ-

teousness [work of Scripture], so that the servant of

God may be thoroughly equipped for every good

work [virtues/practices].

2 Timothy 3:14-17

This encouragement, which the Apostle Paul relays to

Timothy, depicts various elements that form the basis for

my desire to enter full-time ministry. The complete narra-

tive of the Bible has informed and continues to guide my

desire to enter full-time service to God. What I have

learned of Jesus’ life, teachings and work on the Cross is

worked out in community through my ability to claim my

actions (past and present) as my own as I continue to work

out a coherent sense of myself (character), which directs

me toward full-time ministry for God and society.

I was blessed to be raised in a Christian missionary

family in Costa Rica, Central America. Throughout my

upbringing I have been taught directly from the Word of

God from my parents, Chuck and Joy Befus, and my

church family. Therefore, the Scriptures, with a special

emphasis on a mid-Acts dispensational understanding of

this present time of grace, has become central to my per-

sonal worldview and desire to continue in ministry. The

complete narrative of the Bible is foundational in my desire

to follow God’s will in my life, which I feel will only be

fulfilled in serving Him through serving others. As I grew

up, I became convinced that Scripture not only reveals

God’s will for my life, but also informs my identity – my

identity found in Christ in accordance with Galatians 2:20.

Within the narrative of the Bible one comes across the

1011 Aldon St. SW, P.O. Box 9405, Grand Rapids, MI 49509; Phone: 616-241-5666, Fax: 616-538-0599; E-mail: [email protected]

by Caleb Befus

Camron and Caleb,sons of missionariesChuck and Joy Befus,who serve under GMIin Costa Rica.

most influential person in my biblical worldview – Jesus

Christ. Jesus set the example that all His followers are to

imitate: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be

served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for

many” (Mk. 10:45). This verse has been my family’s key

verse and motto since my earliest memories. The heart and

attitude of service are overarching themes that inform and

guide my everyday practices and actions. As the Apostle

Paul sought to imitate Jesus in every way (1 Cor.11:1), so

also is Jesus the ultimate example for me to follow and pat-

tern my life after.

My story (narrative) and community also inform and

hold sway over my desire to go into full-time ministry.

Paul’s direction to Timothy echoes this importance from

the Scriptures: “But as for you, continue in what you have

learned and have become convinced of, because you know

those from whom you learned it...” (2 Tim. 3:14). The pro-

cess of learning and becoming convinced in order to take a

certain stance requires time and living within a community.

The family and community in which I was raised has en-

couraged and guided me in becoming the person I am to-

day. The experiences in ministry have led me to see that

there is no greater purpose in my life than to bring glory to

God through doing ministry as was modeled for me in my

youth. The process of life, which has unfolded before me,

gives me a unique opportunity to establish practices and

come up with patterns that truly function in my life. They

establish a precedent of experiences that has enabled me to

make better decisions that honor God.

My upbringing has formed my character into the per-

son that I am today. Character is essentially claiming one’s

actions as one’s own. Well known ethicist, Stanley

Hauerwas, defines character as, “Our ability to claim our

actions as our own – that is, to claim them as crucial to our

history – even those we regret, turns out to be a necessary

condition for having a coherent sense of self – that is, our

character.” I have become who I am as I “return” to my

past, claim it as mine, and put it under the authority of

Scripture so that I can claim my current actions as my own.

Presently, I am seeking to develop my relationship with

Christ as I further my education in the pastoral program at

Grace Bible College. My desire is to use my experiences

throughout my upbringing for a lifetime of ministry.

The hope that I have in Christ is what I live for and

have placed my faith upon; my future life with Christ (Phil.

3:20-21). It is the bright hope of a citizenship in heaven

with a transformed body. This by no means requires that I

“drop out” of life, rather it gives me something to strive

for as I press hard (Phil. 3:14) to bring this same hope to

those around me. I am well aware that I have not arrived,

yet I press on as God shapes and molds me more and

more each day.

All that I have lived and become convinced of has

guided me to strive to imitate Christ and live in accordance

with Scripture. The complete narrative of the Bible, with a

special emphasis on the revelation of the mystery (Eph. 3)

given to the Apostle Paul, informs and guides my Christian

values. Jesus’ life, teachings and work on the cross remain

the foundational relationship in my life. The family and

community God has graced me to grow up in have devel-

oped my life and worldview as I live constantly developing

my personal narrative. My education at Grace Bible College

has allowed me to develop as an individual and has in-

creased my desire to serve God and society. My ability to

claim my actions (past and present) as my own has given

me a coherent sense of myself and my character. I recog-

nize that I have not arrived at a complete and perfect

worldview, yet I am desirous to continue in maturity as I

press on to imitate Christ more and more each day (Phil.

3:12-17).

“The experiences in ministry have led me to see that there is no greater purpose in my life thanto bring glory to God through doing ministry as was modeled for me in my youth.”

Caleb Befus is a Bachelor of Theology student at Grace BibleCollege. At the end of the spring semester 2011, he will do asix-month internship before returning to GBC to finish hisstudies and graduate in May 2012.

E

by Mark Sooy

Every winter brings the festive Holiday Season and New

Year’s celebrations, and while there is much joy to be

shared there is also much loneliness and misery as well.

Within the celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas and

each New Year is the reminder of loved ones lost the pre-

vious year or years. And as sure as the ticking of the clock,

that is a reality that many will face this year.

Part of the role a pastor must fill is that of a fellow

traveler through the “valley of the shadow of death.” This

fall has been no different. Two months ago I was invited

into that “valley” by a family I had just become acquainted

with. I knew this young couple from a distance; meaning

that we attended the same “Boot Camp Fitness” program

together, we had friends in common and they had brought

their three sons to our VBS program last summer. But I

really didn’t know them personally… that is, until I got a

call from the wife asking if I would be willing to come and

visit her father-in-law who was dying of lung cancer.

So in early November, with fear and trepidation, I

drove over to the home of a man I had never met, to talk

with him and his family about the prognosis he had been

given by his doctor: “At best, you have two months.” What

do you say to someone who has been given that kind of

information? How do you even begin a conversation? My

father used to say, “When you don’t know what to say, say

nothing… simply listen!” So that’s what I did. I intro-

duced myself, thanked them for allowing me to share their

pain, and then I listened to their stories.

If you are willing to listen, you can learn a lot about a

person, a lot about their hurts, their doubts, their mistakes,

their fears… if you will actively listen, people will invite

you into their hearts and they will tell you things that have

been hidden for a long time. Steve (not his real name), told

me that he was not a “church man” (his words), that he had

attended Catholic Church but was turned off by all the

ritual that seemed so empty. “I’m not very religious…”

(also his words), to which I replied, “Well that’s good Steve,

Wreaths Across America atFort Logan NationalCemetery in Littleton, Co.

“Yes, we have hope, andyes, there is a glorious

reunion when we gradu-ate from this life to thenext to be with the Lord

or when He comes to takeus home to be with Himforever… but you do no

one a favor by minimizingthe pain of the parting...

or when you deny thesting of death.”

by Pastor Scott Myers

because neither am I.” That always gets me a few inquisi-

tive looks. “I don’t have much use for church ritual or poli-

tics either,” I added, “or for the lists of dos and don’ts that

seem to differ from church tradition to church tradition.”

It was at that point that Steve looked at me and smiled, and

everyone in the room relaxed.

This man and his wife have two sons, two very loving

daughters-in-law (he actually considered them his daugh-

ters), and six grandchildren that are the love of their lives.

As we sat there they told story after story, and we laughed

as each person shared memories of meaningful days they

had spent together. But as time wore on it was obvious

that Steve was uncomfortable for the pain he was dealing

with made even sitting up very difficult. It seemed that it

was time for me to leave, so I decided to go for it… to take

the leap of faith and ask him about his future.

“Steve, I told you I’m not religious, and I actually

think religion has created a myriad of problems for us. So

I don’t care if you don’t go to church; I don’t care if you

ever did any of the things religion says you need to do. But

I do care if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ!” And

from there I shared the gospel with this stranger, who

would become a very good friend.

I would love to tell you that all is well and that Steve

is still fighting the cancer that ravaged his body… but you

know too well that fairy tales aren’t real and “happily ever

after” doesn’t exist. Our God can and at times does heal,

no question about it, but that was not to be my friend’s

story. As we continued to visit over the weeks, we were

able to share more of our lives together, and I was able to

share more of the Truth with him and his dear wife. But

on December 2, I got a call from his daughter-in-law that

the end was near and could I come to the home as soon as

possible. When I got there the family had all arrived…

they were saying their good-byes, and then I began to pray.

During our time in prayer Steve passed from the pain and

misery of this life into the presence of his Lord, freed

from his body of death.

While Steve experienced the holidays in a new way,

enjoying experientially what we can only imagine, his dear

wife, sons and their wives, and all his grandchildren grieved

like never before. The holidays are hard for those who

have lost loved ones, even those who grieve in hope (1

Thes. 4:13).

It does not matter how well you think you have pre-

pared, you are never really ready when death comes… none

of us are, even though we all know intrinsically that this is a

path we will all travel. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter

to the Corinthians, refers to the “sting of death, to the vic-

tory of the grave” (1 Cor. 15:55)… and every time you at-

tend a funeral, memorial, or a graveside service, you are

witness to the reality of that sting; your presence is testi-

mony to that pain. Death has not been swallowed up in

victory yet… one day it will be… but for now we still feel

the sting of death.

Yes, we have hope, and yes, there is a glorious reunion

when we graduate from this life to the next to be with the

Lord or when He comes to take us home to be with Him

forever… but you do no one a favor by minimizing the

pain of the parting, or by telling someone who grieves that

they should “get over it,” or when you deny the sting of

death.

This past month I was honored to be invited by Steve

into his journey, to witness the dignity of a man who loved

his woman well, who loved and respected his sons and his

daughters, and whose greatest joy was being “Papa” to his

six grandbabies, but who lost his battle with cancer. One

more family stung by death, one more victory for the

grave.

So when you hear of a family who has suffered the

sting, go “weep with those who weep.” Leave the clichés at

home; simply go and grieve with them. Listen well, speak

little, pray often, and let the presence of the Spirit of God

within you minister to them as you share in their sorrow.

By the way, as I am finishing this article I got news

that another acquaintance just lost their fourteen-year-old

daughter… she was diagnosed with a heart condition just

two years ago, and now she is gone! Thankfully her whole

family believes in Jesus Christ, and they have a wonderful

church family… but man this really stinks!

Scott Myers pastors Northwest Bible Church inEnumclaw, WA and is a regular columnist for Truth.

GGrowing up, I was always the type of person who would

dive in head first. When I was young, I would go on these

kicks where my interest, passion and attention would be

completely focused on a certain thing for a few months at a

time. Now, I’m not talking about important, deep things

like love or Bible study, but trifle hobbies and interests.

Like many boys, I discovered Star Wars at a young age. But

unlike most, who would keep a healthy distance, I envel-

oped myself. I had action figures, playing cards, posters, all

of the films on VHS (original and special editions),

soundtracks and yes, even an inflatable Jar-Jar Binks chair.

I took it to the extreme. During my “phase” all I would

think, talk, draw, play, etc. was Star Wars. To me, it was the

ultimate movie experience, so why bother with anything

else? However, my interest in Star Wars eventually began to

fade and I began to focus my attention (all of my attention)

on something else. Now, the problem with this personality

“quirk” was not that I was passionate about something, but

that I became so focused on it that I lost sight of all else.

I’m sure that during my Star Wars phase there were plenty

of fantastic films that brought with them fantastic action

figures and inflatable chairs, but I couldn’t care less because

I was Star Wars to the extreme.

Giving in to the Force

In many forms that they take, extremes can be un-

healthy. Not because they are a target for our passion and

energy, but because they can easily act as blinders. This

happens in all areas of life, including our theology. A clear

example of this can be seen in our view of how we as fol-

lowers of Christ should share the gospel with those around

us. There are often two forceful extremes in this discus-

sion. One says that the gospel should only be shared

through an unobtrusive, non-confrontational, friendship-

driven style, while the other believes that the only way to

effectively present the salvation story is through direct and

blunt terms (as to ensure biblical truth is heard in a time-

sensitive manner). But there are potential problems here.

Both of these methods are successful. Both of these

methods have biblical support. Both methods can become

extremes if held to exclusively. And that can be unhealthy.

As with much methodology in the church, there are

criticisms from multiple perspectives. Those opposed to

the more direct approach will often claim that this method

can lead to ‘empty’ conversions – if God stirs someone’s

heart, they may make a verbal commitment, but that per-

son will often be left without the needed support system to

help them grow into their new faith. On the other hand,

critics of “friendship evangelism” (perhaps better termed,

“relationship evangelism”) see the potential to come up

short, simply getting to know someone without ever taking

the critical step of presenting a clear and understandable

message of the gospel. Falling too far to either side misses

the point: Our God is a diverse creator who has displayed

this in His creation of humans. Some of us seem to have

been “wired” visually - needing to physically see with our

eyes before it connects to our brains. Others of us need

by Pastor J. M. Shemaria“Like many boys, I discovered Star Wars

at a young age. But unlike most, whowould keep a healthy distance, I envel-oped myself.... I took it to the extreme.During my “phase” all I would think,talk, draw, play, etc. was Star Wars.”

instead to hear something several times. Still, there are

others who will understand after having a stimulating dis-

cussion.

As followers of Jesus, we need to be constantly ask-

ing ourselves if we are doing all we can to share the hope

of salvation, but we also need to be asking ourselves how

we can best share that hope in each specific situation we

encounter. No two people are exactly alike, and because of

this, no two people will respond to the same method of

presenting the gospel.

Not too long ago I was in downtown Grand Rapids,

MI for a public festival when I came across a group of

Christians preaching publicly to the festival attendees about

the need for repentance. As we walked by, I overheard

some people saying that these loud, obnoxious types were

obviously doing more harm than good. That method

didn’t connect with them. A relative of mine, however, did

come to know and accept the gospel through the ministry

of a street evangelist. You know, those “loud, obnoxious

types” who obviously are doing more harm than good by

preaching to a passing audience. For her, it was just what

she needed to hear.

Both of these methods have been successful. Both

of these methods have biblical support. Both of these

methods are used by God.

As Christians, entrusted with the message of recon-

ciliation, we need to come to a place where we can accept

that both are valid ways of sharing the gospel – depending

on the situation.

Taming the Force

But there is something that these methods have in

common. Whether it is a friend or coworker with whom

you have established a relationship, or with a complete

stranger you may never see again, what will come across

strongly is not the method or words that are used but the

person who is using them. A life that is full of grace, peace

and humility speaks with an authority that is far greater

than any “evangelism strategy.” For me, it seems the question

should not be which of these methods is the right way to

share the gospel, but instead, am I living the type of life

that earns me credibility to share the gospel whether or not

the other person knows me?

Recently, some of the young adults at my church fin-

ished an in-depth study of Paul’s teachings at the end of

Romans chapter 12. This section is full of inspiring wis-

dom and active instruction for living a Christ-filled life.

During my study of these verses, something continued to

jump out at me. In verse 14, Paul talks about blessing those

who are trying to harm you. In verse 16 he writes about

associating with all people, regardless of class or status.

Verse 17 is a command to “give thought to do what is hon-

orable in the sight of all” (ESV, italics mine). Verse 18 con-

tinues this idea with a call to live peaceably with everyone.

Verse after verse, Paul is reminding believers in Rome that

the Christian lifestyle is not simply an “in house” issue.

Being forgiving, caring and humble is a great way to live

with other members of the Body of Christ, but it can’t

stop there! Treating all people, regardless of religion, gen-

der or social status with respect, dignity and love is an es-

sential part of following God. Paul understands that our

credibility with people outside of the church community is

just as important as our credibility inside.

Why does Paul care so much? So the church can re-

ceive more public funding? so we can be known as “nice

people?” so that we can avoid any form of confrontation?

He unpacks this question brilliantly in his letter to Titus.

In chapter 2, Paul is urging Titus to be faithful in cor-

rectly teaching the word of God and truth of salvation.

He gives instruction on how following God should play out

in the lives of various people in his congregation. Older

men are to be sound in faith, love and steadfastness. Older

women are not to be slanderers. Younger women are to be

faithful and pure, while younger men need to be self-con-

trolled. Paul even gives Titus advice on how he, as the

leader in the church should live as “a model of good

works” (2:7, ESV). Then (and here’s where it get’s good),

at the end of this section, Paul tells Titus how slaves should

interact with their masters. They are to live lives of hon-

esty and good faith “so that in everything they may adorn

the doctrine of God our Savior” (2:10, ESV). The word

“adorn” in this verse is the Greek word “cosmeo,” which

literally means “to put in order” or “decorate.” This is the

same word Paul uses 1 Timothy 2:9 when he teaches the

importance of dressing modestly.

Paul, through the inspiration of God, is teaching

Titus something that is about more than slaves being good

See Extremes, continued on page 18

Fate, continued from page 3

PO Box 2300Port Orchard, WA 98366

Phone: 1-360-876-0918E-mail: [email protected]

the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for

each other” (1 Cor. 12:24b-25, emphasis mine). God’s de-

sire is for the Church to be a healthy Body, not divided but

glorifying Christ through its unity.

Unity in the Bond of Peace: Key to Healthy Body

We recognize that the unity of all believers in Christ

during this dispensation is foundational to the theological

position of the Grace Gospel Fellowship. In Ephesians 2:14-18,

Paul describes an unprecedented act of unity as through Jesus

Christ, the dividing wall of hostility that separated Jew and

Gentile was broken down. Previously, Israel was near to

God as His chosen covenant people (Rom. 9:4,5); Gentiles

were far away from God, hopelessly excluded from His

covenant blessings (Eph. 2:12). These two groups have now

been brought together into “one new man,” the Body of

Christ (2:15).

How has this happened? “For [Christ] Himself is our

peace,” Paul writes (2:14). That word “peace” is important.

It refers to joining together that which was once separated;

to make whole. Two nations at war are separated in some

very critical ways, and the hostilities cease when they reach

a stage of peace, thus being joined together. Paul says that

A group of volunteers from

Prison Mission Association and the

Berean Bible Church in Spokane, WA

had the opportunity to share the Good

News of Christ and introduce our

Bible lessons to a couple of groups of

inmates at the Airway Heights Correc-

tion Center. On October 23-24 six

volunteers went into the medium and

minimum security units of that prison

to provide musical entertainment, chal-

lenge them with a testimony from one

of our team and lead small group Bible

Part of the Team that shared the goodnews with inmates at the AirwayHeights Correctional Center.

studies that focused on the person and

work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We were warmly received by the

inmates and they showed tremendous

interest in learning more about God’s

word through enrolling in the Bible

Correspondence Fellowship lessons.

On Sunday morning our musical team,

Steve and Erin Moore, also performed

a special song for the church in Spo-

kane. It was a blessed weekend.

Continued top of page 17

Christ Himself has reconciled us to God through the cross

and, in doing so, has killed the hostility between Jew and

Gentile, reconciling us to each other.

This uniting of Jew and Gentile into “one new man”

is central to what Paul describes as the mystery, God’s pre-

viously unrevealed secret. He describes it in Ephesians 3:6,

“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, mem-

bers of the same body, and partakers of the promise in

Christ Jesus through the gospel” (ESV). In other letters,

Paul declares that racial and ethnic divisions, social classes,

and gender distinctions are dissolved as we are all one in

Christ, who is all and in all (Gal. 3:26-28; Col. 3:11; 1 Cor.

12:12-13).

We are one in Christ! We thank God for this great

theological truth; we rejoice in our positional unity in which

God actually sees us as one, equal in Christ. But what do

we do with the practical application? Enter spiritual ALS,

that crippling disease that destroys us. We watch it destroy

us with a fatalistic shrug of the shoulders, instead of be-

coming alarmed when the body malfunctions. Perhaps we

have become so accustomed to a lack of unity that the only

response we can think of is, “Oh, well, here we go again.

There’s nothing we can do about it anyway.”

See Fate, continued on page 18

Are You Ready for some Unity?

The Word of God does not accept inaction. The

clarion call to the Church is to give our all to protect the

day-to-day unity of the Body: “Make every effort to keep

the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph.

4:3); “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having

the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil.

2:2); “If it is possible, as far as it depends upon you, live at

peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18).

The Corinthian church was torn apart by at least four

cliques that had formed in their congregation. Most cer-

tainly, each group felt a smug justification that they were in

tune with the will of God while the others were not. Unity

seemed impossible. Yet Paul would not give up hope:

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there

may be no divisions among you and that you may be per-

fectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor. 1:10).

What impresses me most about Paul’s appeal to the

Corinthians was his lack of self-promotion. One of the

cliques was actually saying, “I follow Paul.” The natural

inclination would be to get behind his team, seeking to heal

the division by bringing everyone into the “Paul” camp.

Isn’t that how leaders usually respond? The way to bring

unity is for everyone to see things from their point of view.

It’s a model that has been seen in the history of many bro-

ken churches, divided families, and even during a dark era

in the history of the GGF.

Paul was not interested in building a following for

himself, however. His sole interest was the glory of God

and the testimony of Jesus Christ. So he responds to

“Team Paul” in Corinth by writing, “Was Paul crucified for

you? What, after all, is Paul but a servant through whom

you believed? Your division is worldly and you are acting

as if you were unregenerate people, not those who have

been brought together into one Body in Christ” (1 Cor.

1:10-13; 3:1-5). Later in the book, when he presents his life

choices as a pattern for Christian living, Paul is careful to

say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of

“Perhaps we have become so accustomed to a lack of unity that the only response we can thinkof is,‘Oh, well, here we go again. There’s nothing we can do about it anyway.’”

Christ” (10:31-11:1, emphasis mine). It wasn’t about Paul;

it was about Christ and His glory.

A Cure for Spiritual ALS

Paul affirms for us that spiritual ALS, unlike Lou Gehrig’s

Disease, is curable. Unity is possible, which keeps the

church and our personal relationships healthy. Following

his great theological treatise on the Body of Christ in the

early chapters of Ephesians, Paul lays out the “prescrip-

tion” for a healthy Church in urging us to live worthy of

the calling which we have received – that of “one new

man” in Christ:

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk

in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have

been called, with all humility and gentleness, with

patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to

maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph. 4:1-3, ESV

Notice the four character traits which are essential for

unity, beginning with humility, the attitude demonstrated

by Christ when He laid aside what greatly benefitted Him

to become a man and endure the cross for our sakes (Phil.

2:5-8). We see pride destroy unity in a marriage – when

one seeks to control the other – and in society where pride

leads to social elitism, racism and many other “isms.”

Healing begins when we consider others to be more signifi-

cant than ourselves, seeking not our own interests by being

genuinely more concerned for the welfare of others (Phil.

2:3-4, 20-21).

A Body free of spiritual ALS also requires us to have

tender, gentle spirits. When disagreements arise our ten-

dency is to become feisty and we want to have the last

word. Everyone attempts to prove their point, emotions

surge and destructive words are exchanged that rupture

relationships and grieve the Holy Spirit of God (Eph. 4:29-

31). On the other hand, when gentleness and kindness

replace quarreling and resentment, we leave room for God

to work in our hearts (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

Continued from page 16

Fate, continued from page 17

The word “patience” is translated “longsuffering” in

some versions. If we want to preserve the unity of the

Church, it is essential that we are also willing to “suffer

long” with those who are ornery or hurtful. It’s natural to

lose patience when we or someone we love are the targets

of injurious words or actions. But unity depends on this

supernatural response; the fruit of the Spirit is patience. A

good example is God’s longsuffering spirit toward rebel-

lious Israel, but perhaps even a more powerful demonstra-

tion is His patience toward each of His children. Make it a

personal question: Who has offended me more than I have

offended God? And yet, He patiently forgives all my sin

(Eph. 4:32).

The fourth essential for unity and a healthy Church is

love. Paul says we are to put up with one another in love

(agape, Gk.). He is not referring to brotherly love, because

that can’t always endure the abuse. Rather, Paul is speaking

of self-sacrificing, forgiving love like that poured out for us

on Calvary. It is the love that is part of God’s eternal char-

acter; the love that the Holy Spirit produces in the heart of

the yielding believer. This powerful love of God enables

us to put up with misunderstandings, cutting words and

unkind actions that lead to division.

When members of the Body of Christ are eager to

maintain the unity of the Spirit, spiritual ALS is healed. I

praise the Lord for what God is doing in many churches

when self-interests are replaced with a concern for others.

My preferences are suddenly not as important as our unity.

As a result, God is glorified and the testimony of Christ’s

reconciling work is known in the church and community.

In recent years God has also been at work in the

broader Grace circle. Where division and suspicion once

existed between various ministries, there is a growing unity

of spirit and purpose. God in His goodness has given us

humble men with gentle spirits in places of leadership,

such as Paul Sadler at the Berean Bible Society; Sam Vinton of

Grace Ministries International and Ben Anderson of Things to

Come Mission; Ken Kemper at Grace Bible College and Ed

Bedore at Berean Bible Institute. Space does not allow me to

list others who share the same commitment. In all my

years of ministry, the level of respect and cooperation

among us today is unprecedented and is a testimony to

God’s grace!

What about your church? Your family? Your circle

of friends? God has brought believers into an interdepen-

dent relationship with one another, so that each member

belongs to all the others. The slightest malfunction of one

member weakens us all, destroying the health of the entire

Body. You and I must be eager to maintain the unity that is

ours in Christ. May the Lord grant us the spiritual insight,

courage and commitment to be obedient to walk worthy of

our calling.

slaves. He’s teaching what it means to be a living, breath-

ing, talking, serving, loving method of evangelism. In this

simple command, Paul uncovers a profound truth: We are

called to show off the natural beauty of the gospel, so that

others will want to know more. We are called to interact

with the world around us in a way that shows the redeem-

ing hope, forgiving grace, and powerful love of Christ.

And we are to do this in order to bring others the reality of

the Cross.

Paul’s command is to bring Christ into relationships

with those in your environment - whether they are cowork-

ers, schoolmates, friends, neighbors, baristas, postal work-

ers, etc. – so that the hope that is in you becomes some-

thing they realize they need to have too. This doesn’t mean

hiding parts of the Bible that make you uncomfortable.

This doesn’t mean pretending that you are a walking ency-

clopedia of Bible trivia. This simply means doing all you

can to embody the gospel by serving, listening, caring –

and sharing (in your own words). We are called to adorn

the Gospel in a world that so desperately needs it.

Extremes can be unhealthy. We like to cut things up

and put them where we think they belong. We like to hold

on to our methods and keep away from what we think is

different. But our God is much bigger than our methods.

Our God will not be put where we think He belongs. Our

God will use direct and up front preaching to bring people

to salvation just as He will use relationships. It is not our

job to decide which is or is not the proper way to be effec-

tive messengers. It is our job to imitate Christ and pray for

insight as to how we can best adorn his gospel so that the

world can know of his love.

Extremes, continued from page 13

Jim is Associate Pastor for Celebration Bible Church,Grandville, MI.

AA good tool in communicating and connecting with people

is human curiosity. God didn’t say, “Come here Moses,”

but instead, aroused Moses’ curiosity with a burning bush

which was not consumed. Only after Moses “…turned

aside to see, God called to him out of the bush...” (Ex. 3:4,

ESV). Christian pamphlets, when they arouse curiosity

about God rather than just “preach,” are great for connect-

ing with people. Depending on how pamphlets are distrib-

uted can also encourage or discourage a potential reader.

They can be left with a gratuity at a restaurant, enclosed in

USPS mailings, or presented in person when the situation

warrants.

As a Launch Operations Engineer during the Gemini

space program, I wrote a pamphlet entitled, “God Can’t,”

which I handed out to everyone I worked with – including

astronauts. About half of the astronauts I worked with

were professing Christians and that pamphlet generated

some real interest and discussions. It is still in print and

lists four examples of God Can’t as a lead-in to a salvation

message: God cannot lie (Titus 1:2); God cannot change

(Mal. 3:6); God cannot be darkness (1 Jn. 1:5); and God

cannot deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:13). That tract was pub-

lished in this column in the Autumn 2001 edition of Truth.

God’s only limitations are those He places upon Him-

self always consistent with His inherent essence and being.

I’ve found twenty-four Bible verses that can be phrased

using the words, God cannot, or God can’t, all the way

from Exodus 33:20 where “God cannot permit His face to

be seen and let the person live” to 1 John 4:20 where “God

cannot be loved by anyone who still hates his brother.”

Another pamphlet that arouses curiosity is, “Do all

Roads Lead to God?” The answer is yes, all roads do lead

to God... as JUDGE. Only one, the Lord Jesus Christ, who

is “...the way...” (Jn. 14:6), leads to God as SAVIOR.

Paul charges us to “preach the Word; be ready in sea-

son and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). He also writes, “Let

your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that

you may know how you ought to answer each person”

(Col. 4:6 ESV). Salt is an amazing substance. It’s not just

for seasoning food. Picture an opportunity for presenting

the gospel to a person, like driving an automobile on an icy

road. If the road has had an application of salt you won’t

lose traction. When discussing a Bible truth, don’t speak ill

of others – you’ll lose traction fast.

My favorite format for pamphlets is two per page on

8.5"x11" paper, printed both sides in portrait, folded in

thirds with the outer center blank. Before folding, each

pamphlet is 8.5"x5.5". After folding, they are 2.8"x5.5".

These fit nicely in a shirt pocket, a check envelope when

mailing, and are handy for notes (see example upper left).

With home computers and printers, why not try writ-

ing one? You might be surprised how God will bless your

efforts. The process alone will leave you better prepared to

discuss the gospel with somebody. Print a few and elicit

comments from your friends. Let’s stir up some curiosity

and interest while we still have the opportunity. “Now

there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit; and there are

varieties of service, but the same Lord (1 Cor. 12:4,5).

by Ed Jeude

Region I: Pacific Northwest

Scott Myers

None reported

Rob Warmouth & Chuck Williams

Region II: Southwest

Pastor Phillip duPlessis writes: 2010 was

a good year for us as a family and also

Grace Bible Church, Anaheim, CA.

We are so blessed to serve such a loving,

caring congregation. Apart from minister-

ing God’s word, I have enjoyed working on

two successful building projects this year:

The patio that serves as a welcome center

for the church and also the painting of the

church facility after taking care of termite

damage. It was amazing to see the church

respond financially and also physically to

help with these projects.

My wife Antoinette is still working at

Chase Bank and also helping with the mu-

sic, children’s church and hospitality

ministries. Daughter Charnè is a senior at

Cypress High School and is cruising along

with her school work. She teaches Sunday

School and is a great help in the praise and

worship team and always available to help

in ministry.

My son Ruan continues his studies at

Rochester Institute of Technology in upstate

New York. He will graduate in March and

then go and work on a sixth film as direc-

tor of photography with ASL Films, which

received an award at Deaf World Film Festi-

val in Washington D.C. for one of their

films called, “Gerald.” Our family also

attended a Red Carpet event in Hollywood

with Ruan for their latest movie, “Black

Sand,” filmed in Costa Rica.

Brandon and Marizka blessed us with a

beautiful granddaughter, Alivia, who has

already crept deep into our hearts. We are

grateful for God’s many blessings that He

bestowed upon us in 2010 and are looking

forward to 2011 in anticipation of what

God is going to do here at Grace Bible

Church and also in our family.

Pastor duPlessis, Ruan, Charnè andAntoinette at awards ceremony.

Region III: West

Steve Blackwell

Bethel Union Church (Akron, CO,

Pastor Peter Tel):

We had a wonderful year of growth.

Our children’s program was bursting at the

seams and our volunteer base was forced

to grow along with it. Kat and I took

twelve of our area youth to a Dare2Share

conference in Denver and stayed at Harvest

Fellowship Friday night for this 2-day con-

ference – Thank you, Harvest Fellowship!

Sunday attendance was also up almost 25 per-

cent! The outside community has been re-

sponding with curiosity and interest as our

little church became more and more visible.

Pray for us as we grow and make important

decisions and that we base them on our true

mission to God.

Grace Bible Church of Lakewood(Lakewood, CO, Pastors Harl Hargett;

Mark Smith; David Thunselle):

Grace Bible Church has a brand new sign,

offering to our surrounding community a

wonderful opportunity to find out about

our congregation. Very shortly, we hope to

update our website and aggressively pursue

the ways and means to advertise via this

medium. We continue to grow our mem-

bership, maintain our sound doctrine and

explore outreach to those that are “down

and out.” We want to make a difference in

the lives of the lost, one another and within

our spheres of influence. The new year

offers exciting hope as we look forward to

the soon coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

and the clarion call to this nation for a return

to values and morals.

Harvest Fellowship (Brighton, CO,

Pastors Steve Blackwell & Clyde Roy):

We were hitting the ground running as

Christmas came and went. It’s been a year

and a half since we moved into our new

building. As pastor, I have had to let go of

many of my responsibilities (and even joys)

to allow others to take up the reins of

leading Harvest Fellowship. I observed the

change in direction and leadership and

enjoyed watching people come alive and

serve, who at one point just attended. We

are hosting another church as they use our

building on Tuesdays, attempting to estab-

lish another church in our area. We have

learned a lot watching them struggle and as

I have had many open talks with their

teaching pastor about dispensationalism.

We have gone through many changes since

our move, with some moving on, changing

ministries and others coming aboard. Two

highlights: We have a men’s ministry leader

who is doing a great job with our 50 men

in his men’s group and is learning his faith

and theology with me on a weekly basis.

Our Awana on Wednesday nights starts

with a meal for 100 plus people and con-

tinues to be a great success with ministry

for all ages, including people from several

other churches.

Peace Church (Lawton, OK, Pastor

James Roberts, Associate Pastor Jim Rob-

erts):

Our schedule will remain the same as

last year. Youth group meets at 5:00 on

Sunday evening with special activities

scheduled as needed. If you’re relocating

or passing through, we’re located 8 miles

south and 1/2 mile west of Indiahoma,

where James has been the pastor since

1961. Thank you, James, for your faithful-

ness. Find us on the radio at KYBE 95.9

FM and KTAT 1570 AM each Sunday

Morning at 8:30 am. Audio files of sermons

are available at www.ok-peacechurch.org.

Region VI: Southeast

Phil Cereghino

For the past two years, Grace BibleChurch (Fairhope, AL, Pastor DanLippincott) has conducted a unique inter-

national ministry right here in the US. Stu-

dents who have come to America to work

at Wendy’s or McDonald’s have become

friends of the congregation, worshipping

with the congregation and visiting in the

pastor’s home.

The church has been able to work with

more than 70 students from Peru, Chile,

and Columbia; from the Ukraine,

Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Moldova; from

India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines,

Thailand, Egypt and Jamaica. Pastor Dan

leads question and answer sessions about

their families, countries, or religions and

exposes them to the gospel message. The

church provides Bibles, helping them to

follow along as the Scriptures are read.

Several are Christians before they arrive.

Others have started to read the Bible on

their own and have begun to ask questions.

Church members provide rides to church,

shopping trips, bus stations or airports, as

well as providing bicycles, furniture and

Christmas presents at the holidays. One of

the first visitors from Peru has already come

back to visit and many keep in touch through

Facebook.

“OATH Ministries” of GBC of Fairhope

played a big part in bringing the movie

Like Dandelion Dust, by Karen Kingsbury,

to the big screen in Daphne, Alabama.

“Orphans Awaiting their Homes” took this

opportunity to share its passion for fami-

lies to adopt or provide foster care for

those in need. A grassroots effort on

Facebook built the support needed to bring

the movie to the area. Opening night

brought a packed out theater and a great

response. The church used this opportu-

nity to promote the film and the ministry

of “OATH” by sponsoring several spot

ads and an interview with the movie pro-

ducers on Christian radio.

Because of the family’s connection to

the Haitian adoption process, the

Lippincott adoption story was featured on

the movie website. Kingsbury has adopted

three sons from the orphanage where the

Lippincotts’ adopted daughter, Estania,

lived eight years ago, and producer Kevin

Downs adopted from “God’s Littlest An-

gels,” where Titus Lippincott lived for two

years.

The church has been viewing and dis-

cussing The Truth Project on Sunday eve-

nings and assistant pastor Nathan

Lippincott leads the midweek Bible study

on Wednesdays. During October, the ladies

joined other local ladies for a fellowship

entitled “What is in Your Purse?” In No-

vember, the church participated in the

Women’s Medical Center fundraiser with

Cal Thomas as speaker.

Region VII: East

Cal Lowder

Region VIII: OhioTrent Boedicker

Region V: Lower Midwest

Ed Jeude

None reported

Region IV: Upper Midwest

Mark Matychuk & Les Takkinen

Grace Community Church, Grafton,

OH, Pastor Ed Wishart writes:

Like many smaller churches, we can

use prayer about financial situations our

church is facing. And, we can use prayer

about worship needs we have.

The January Council meeting will dis-

cuss new ideas for moving our church

forward. One topic will consider council

members visiting similar churches, that

have seen growth, to study what they did

to grow.

March 18-20, Missions and Outreach

Ministry will host a conference: “It’s not

about Programs, Methods, or Laws; Rather It’s a

Matter of the Heart.” There are many pro-

grams and methods for growing churches,

but many do not succeed. Why?

We continue to cooperate with other

churches in holding joint prayer “con-

certs.” We believe in fellowshipping with

other churches in prayer. We desire to

show that believers in Christ can and

should meet in unity. We will also be

doing some pulpit exchanges with other

churches. One is a sister grace church,

and one a nearby African-American con-

gregation.

Marge Richtermeyer, a founding member

of St Louis Bible Fellowship was

recognized for her 70 years of faithful

service as she relinquished the job of

organist to Jill Calkins. The choir

performed a Christmas Cantata, “O Holy

Night,” in conjunction with Parker Road

Baptist. This joint choir performed on two

separate evenings, once at Parker Road and

once at Bible Fellowship. Pastor Rick started

a series called “Christ in the Book,” based

on Hebrews 10:7, “...in the volume of the

book it is written of me....” The study will

depict the Lord Jesus in all 66 books of

the Bible. It will conclude sometime next

year. St. Louis Theological Seminary

continues to attract new students.

TBS ministries reports that Tony Sistelos

continues to fill the pulpit at Grace

Gospel Church Linton, IN. Over several

weekends, he and Barb visited several

churches such as Valley Bible Church,

Stephens City, VA: Community Bible Church

Rootstown, OH; and Day of Grace Ministries

Delphi, IN, in connection with TBS

Ministries. They report, “taking the Word

of God to future generations” has been a

major source of joy and that seeds planted

in years past are now beginning to grow,

God giving the increase. For more

information on their ministry see their

website www.tbsministries.com.

Grace Bible Church (West Allis, WI,

Pastor Les Takkinen)

With 2010 behind us as a nation and as

a church, we are very thankful for God’s

provisions for us in so many ways. It has

been wonderful to celebrate Thanksgiving

and Christmas in America where we enjoy

so many freedoms. It is only by God’s

grace that we can continue to worship and

serve our Savior freely in the USA.

The “Ask Me” challenge was exhilarat-

ing and exciting, yet somewhat disappoint-

ing. It was a thrill to see 20 people get

involved by wearing the pin and allow oth-

ers to ask the question, “What am I sup-

posed to ask you?” There were over 100

inquiries and responses of the simple gos-

pel message. There were opportunities to

share Christ with a few of those who lis-

tened and were curious about the answer.

Some gave tracts away and others shared

the gospel.

The disappointment for me as a pastor

was to see people’s anxiety over putting the

button on and having a deep concern

about what they were going to say. It was

a blessing to hear the stories that came

from those who were involved and had

experiences of sharing the good news with

the unsaved. God did use it, yet not to the

extent that we envisioned. But had we

never done this, those who heard the gos-

pel and had the follow-up that came from

the contacts might never have had an op-

portunity without the “Ask Me” challenge.

So, we are thankful for what God did do

through the 60 days of this outreach.

Some of those inquiries came in the

state of Florida, on an airplane, and in

places where one would least expect it. We

give it all to God and thank Him for what

He did through those who were willing to

step out of their comfort zone for Jesus

Christ. Even my eight-year-old grandson

wore the pin and a woman at Wal-Mart

asked him the question, to which he gave

his prepared response.

It is now 2011 and we have another

year to be challenged to reach out to the

lost people of this world that some might

be saved. May God use all of us to be a

blessing to a needy world.

by Leslie Brookhouse

Region X: Central Michigan

John Lowder

Region IX: Western Michigan

Kathy Molenkamp

Greetings from Region 10 in cold, but

not too snowy Michigan. At Rush Creek

Bible Church a few key ministries have

begun or grown recently. A steering com-

mittee with the leadership of Dan &

Karen Neymeiyer started an after school

ministry called “Drop Zone.” In coopera-

tion with public, Christian, and charter

schools in the Byron Center area, more

than 40 students find a safe place to “land”

after school. With volunteer staff from

Rush Creek, Frontline, and Grace Bible College

the students get help with homework, play,

and hear a biblical lesson each Tuesday and

Thursday. Also, Pastor Gene Pearson,

pastor of Care and Counseling at RCBC, is

helping families and individuals through

professional Christian counseling for the

church family and the community. Finally,

they celebrated the conclusion of a blessed

3-year, 2 million dollar capital campaign.

The church looks forward to new ministry

challenges on the horizon.

Frontline Bible Church is part of a

community-wide effort to get people to

read their Bibles every day and to unite

churches in Byron Center. The “One

Book One Body” campaign is designed to

have people from participating churches

read one chapter every day of the year to

cover highlights of the Bible. By having

everyone reading the same chapter, it fos-

ters a sense of community inside the

church and within the community.

Pastor John will also be choosing from one

of the previous week’s chapters for his

sermon on Sunday, which will hopefully

keep people doing their reading. There is

also a group of community pastors from

the OBOB churches meeting monthly to

brainstorm sermon ideas to coincide with

the readings. For more information or to

get the reading schedule for yourself, go to

www.onebookonebody.com. Getting every

believer into their Bible on a daily basis

would be huge for any community and

beyond!

NONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI

Permit No 139

PO Box 9432Grand Rapids, MI 49509

The first year focuses on the Old Testamentand teaches them the flow of OT historyfrom creation to the return from exile. It alsoplaces each of the prophets in their properhistorical context and explores the dynamicsof Hebrew poetry. The first year’s curriculumcontains 25 lessons plus three unit examsand a final for a total of 29 sessions.

The second year covers the New Testamentand essential Christian doctrine. In additionto being a survey of the Bible, this coursealso covers the dispensations of Scriptureso students see God’s unfolding plan.

We are pleased to offer the Bible Instruction Course written byPastor S. Craig MacDonald.

Order online at www.ggfusa.org, orcall the GGF office at: 616-245-0100

This two-year course is designed to give students a thorough knowledge ofthe Bible.

jan2011update

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