March 2000 News Archive

3/20/00

Death of Bishop Seilhamer's mother. Helen Seilhamer Dice, the mother of Bishop Ray Seilhamer, passed away at around 10 p.m. Sunday night, March 19. The public viewing will be Thursday evening, March 23, at the Sellers Funeral Home in Chambersburg, Pa. The hours are 7-9 p.m. The memorial service will be held Friday afternoon, March 24, at the Sellers Funeral Home beginning at 2 p.m. The service will be conducted by Rev. William Sunday and Rev. Garry Culler. The internment will be at the Grind Hill Cemetery east of New Franklin, Pa.

Instead of flowers, the Bishop has requested that gifts be sent to the Rhodes Grove Camp Building Fund, 7693 Browns Mill Road, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Rhodes Grove is the UB campground for Mid-Atlantic Conference. Bishop Seilhamer's address is:
Ray A. Seilhamer
3442 East. 722 North
Huntington, IN 46750

3/13/00

Huntington shines in National Championship! The Huntington College men's basketball team has reached the Final Four of the NAIA Div-II National Men's Basketball Championship in Branson, MO. The national tournament started March 8. The Foresters, the Number 2 seed, won their first three games, and are now the highest-seeded team still in contention.

Tonight, Monday, March 13, they face home-town favorite College of the Ozarks. The game begins at 7 p.m. Eastern time. If they will move on to the championship game, to be played Tuesday night, March 14, at 9:30 Eastern.

Interview with Jana Hoobler. An interview with Jana Hoobler, director of the UB mission in Macau, has been posted. This interview appears in the March/April issue of the Impact newsletter.

Update on Alan DeCristoforo. Marlene DeCristoforo called with an update on Alan. A previous article posted on this site explained the trials Alan has gone through since the beginning of the year--the diagnosis of leukemia, then a fall which left him paralyzed from the waist down, plus other problems.

Last week, Alan completed his third round of chemotherapy, and Marlene says it went very well. He didn't get sick. However, the 40-stitch incision down his back wasn't healing properly; it had become green and pussy, and to correct the problem, the doctors had to open up his back again. Marlene says Alan is, again, wrestling with depression. On the positive side, two tests showed no sign of the virus which has prevented him from touching people or objects (like a drinking fountain of Coke machine) that other people might touch.

On March 13, Alan begins more radiation treatments, targeted as his brain. He will also have an MRI done on his left knee; there is unexplained pain in the joint.

Alan is at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, and won't be going back to the Harmarville rehab hospital. When he is able to leave West Penn he will be transferred to St. Johns Specialty Care Center, Mars, Pa. Marlene says cards should be sent to the home address:

Marlene was with Alan all last week during the chemo, but is back home in New Castle, Pa. On Monday, she will have an MRI done. She is still suffering back problem as a result of trying to break Alan's fall some weeks ago.

Two Job Openings in Blissfield, Mich. Jim Fleming, youth pastor of First UB, is leaving to enter fulltime mission work, starting in June. The church is searching for persons to replace Jim, and to fill a second staff position. First UB is a congregation of over 400. Here are the job descriptions:

• Youth Pastor. This fulltime position will be available effective June 12, 2000. The church is looking for a creative person/couple with spiritual maturity to "win, build, and equip" the church's 110+ middle, senior high, and college youth program and their families. Qualities desired: Bachelor's degree in related field, heart for youth, several years of experience with a large youth program, agreement with the UB Confession of Faith, strong leadership and communication skills. Being musically gifted with guitar is a plus. To apply, send resume with references along with Statement of Faith and Philosophy of Ministry to: PRC - Youth Pastor, c/o First United Brethren Church, 220 East Jefferson St., Blissfield, MI 49228.
• Minister of Worship and Music. First UB is searching for a creative individual to oversee and grow the music, drama, and multimedia ministries. This is a fulltime position. Qualities desired: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience, musically proficient in a variety of music styles and/or instruments, ability to use drama, experience with multimedia equipment, good organizational and communication skills, ability to recruit and train volunteers, and agreement with the UB Confession of Faith. To apply, send resume, cover letter and Philosophy of Worship and Music to: PRC - Worship & Music, c/o First United Brethren Church, 220 East Jefferson St., Blissfield, MI 49228.

Dillsburg, Pa. Paul Dauenbaugh has been hired as Associate Pastor of Youth Ministries at South Mountain Union UB. His first Sunday will be April 2. In addition to his responsibilities at South Mountain, Paul will build a bridge with New Hope Ministries' youth. This is a parachurch organization which reaches out to at-risk children in the greater Dillsburg area. Pastor Greg Helman explains, "God's vision for us is to develop a mentoring relationship with these children. Presently, they are using our gymnasium once a month."

Fort Erie, On. Russ O'Neill announced his resignation from the Garrison Road church (Fort Erie, ON) on March 5, 2000. It will be effective on May 1. Russ and Lynn will assume a position with Glenn Abbey Associated Gospel Church in Oakville.

The Grace church of Sherkston, just outside of Fort Erie, is also without a pastor following the resignation of Neil Cudney, who is now co-pastor (with his wife, Elizabeth) of the Port of Grace church plant in Port Colborne."

Update from Steve Swartz in Australia. Steve Swartz, a partial support missionary with Wycliffe, says he completed proofreading the Warlpiri New Testament and portions of the Old Testament that will go into the Bible due out next year. "I sent the computer files down to Canberra to the office of the Bible Society in Australia. They will do the computer layout and printing. Co-worker Gordon Thompson is busy preparing some 30 maps with Warlpiri place names that will go into the Bible, and then he will scan and prepare a number of Warlpiri iconographic drawings that will also be used."

Steve says his first three months as Acting Director (through July) of the Wycliffe group in Australia have gone without a hitch. Three of the teams based in Alice Springs, where the Swartzes live, went on furlough, and two replacement teams have made a smooth transition into their new roles.

They also request prayer for Jerry Jangala and his wife Doreen. Steve explains, "Jerry has been the pastor at Lajamanu for over 20 years and is the backbone of the Warlpiri translation effort. Doreen’s kidneys have failed, and she is on permanent dialysis, which means they will never return to Lajamanu except for very short visits. They now live in Darwin, close to one of only three or four dialysis units in the Northern Territory. It is very lonely for them. I visited them a couple weeks back, and their spirits are good, but homesickness could take a toll."

3/8/00

STUMP Still Needs Leaders. Adult leaders are still needed for this summer’s STUMP (Summer Teen United Ministry Project) trip. Do you know any adults who might be interested? Urge them to apply. Also, any group that would like to sponsor Bibles or film or other general craft supplies would be welcomed. Call toll-free: (888) 622-3019.

Headed to Jamaica. On March 20, 19 people (including 6 teens) from Hopewell UB will travel to Hallse Hall, Jamaica, to pour the floor for the church there.

A Wycliffe Milestone. Dave Spencer, a partial support UB missionary now working from the Wycliffe USA office in Orlando, Fla., writes: "New Testaments are being dedicated practically every month. In March, the New Testament was dedicated in Javanese of Surinam. That was the 500th translation done by members of Wycliffe! Wycliffe is gearing up to finish the Bible translation task in the next 25 years." This summer, they’ll break ground for a new Wycliffe facility in Orlando. Currently, some 200 people work out of the office in Orlando.

State Line, Pa. Living Hope UB continues its involvement with the community by entering a float in the Greencastle Christmas Parade. Their entry included their rendition of Mr. Nezzer's Toy Factory, an idea inspired Veggie Tales. Pastor Mike Wentz posed as his own version of Mr. Nezzer, while the children were toymakers. Other children, dressed as Christmas toys, distributing candy canes to children along the parade route. The ensemble was complete with Bob the Tomatoe and Larry the Cucumber leading the way; the costumes, created by church members, were worn by two youth....Also during Christmas, Living Hope hosted a gingerbread house seminar held in the Greencastle Train Station, and did Christmas caroling on the Greencastle Square, complete with brass choir.

Disappearing Bibles. Annette Sites reports from Churchville, Va.: "Bibles keep disappearing from Jerusalem Chapel UB. Hundreds of Bibles have disappeared during the past five years, in fact. We make free hardcover Bibles available to anyone who doesn’t own a Bible. Plus, we give out "special occasion" Bibles. The "Discovery New Testament" was given out on Friend Day this past September, and literally hundreds of camouflaged-covered New Testament/Psalm editions have been given out over the past ten years throughout the fall hunting season. The Chapel purchases Bibles from the International Bible Society. We are hoping that many more Bibles 'disappear' in the years ahead, because we know that God uses His printed Word to change lives!"

Allentown, Pa. International UB of Allentown, Pa., will hold "Festival Of Life" crusade April 16-22. Pastor Neville Tomlinson writes: "The theme, Only Life, is based on John 14:6; 8:12. God is life, the source of all life, and the answer to all human problems. Our main speaker will be Rev. Billy Simbo, pastor of the Bethel African American UB church in Somerset, N.J. We will begin with a prayer vigil on April 15, from 4:00--8:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate. There will be special music each night. On the final night of our crusade, the children will present a concert."

Crellin, Md. Crellin UB held its third annual All-Saints Day & Oktoberfest on October 31, with 70 people attending. For several weeks prior to the fest, children were encouraged to work with their parents in choosing and studying about a Bible character or Bible objects. Then they prepared a costume to wear that night. The rest of the congregation helped select a saint from the congregation who has passed on, but whose character is worth teaching to the children. During the fest, several persons from the church recall memories of the saint. In addition, children's costumes are displayed, and everyone tries to guess who or what they are. An Oktoberfest, sponsored by the youth group, follows. While the children play games, all may partake of fall or harvest refreshments.

3/1/00

Update on Our Newest Church Plant. Dan Kopp sent an update on NorthPointe UB of northwest Columbus, Ohio. This new church began holding regular services on January 22, and things continue going well.

From Swaziland. Partial support missionary Edna Miller, serving with TransWorld Radio, writes from Swaziland: "The major news right now from Swaziland is the flooding in neighboring Mozambique. They think that about 100,000 people are stranded by the still-rising waters due to recent heavy rains in South Africa and Zimbabwe which are now running to the ocean through Mozambique. Helicopters are plucking people out of treetops and telephone poles. Add to this the recent civil war which left the country impoverished--it's one of the poorest countries in the world--and you have a very discouraging situation. They need hope, and they are responding to the TransWorld Radio Gospel broadcasts.

The situation in Angola has not gotten any better. They are still in civil war, which some think to be largely a tribal conflict like Rwanda-Burundi. The director of our Angolan ministry, Isac, has just reported a nephew missing. He was a refugee in Namibia, but Angolan rebel patrols operate across the border and apparently kidnapped him. Again, the discouraging situation makes people receptive to the Gospel.

TWR has just passed the 150 language mark. The "World by 2000" effort seeks to get at least one program per week on the air in all the languages spoken by over a million people. HCJB , FEBA-FEBC, ELWA, and other major Christian broadcasting organizations are teaming up with TWR in this effort.

All of this tumult around us makes us feel almost guilty that we have it so good here in Swaziland. Despite heavy rains, the electricity and water systems are still functioning, our roads are not washed out, and the Lord has given us good health and so many other blessings. We feel an extra responsibility to use them wisely for the benefit of our neighbors who have so little.

HC Men Win Championship. On February 29, the HC men's basketball team won the Mid-Central Conference championship by defeating Marian College 80-71. This victory (which came in HC's own gymnasium) qualifies HC for the NAIA National Championships, to be held in Branson, MO, March 8-14.

Marian got off to a great start, ending the first half with an eight point, and nearly twice as many rebounds as HC. But the Foresters turned it around in the second half, led by 19 points from Brodie Garber, 16 from Gabe La Grange, and 13 from Brett Snodgrass. They gained momentum early in the half and never let Marian back in contention.

This was the first-ever 30-win season for the Foresters (now 31-4 overall), and the first MCC championship since…well, probably since the 60s. Steve Platt was named co-Coach of the Year, and four HC players made the MCC All-Conference Teams. This year also saw HC's highest-ever NAIA ranking--all of the way up to second at one point in the year, and finishing the regular season in third place.

Back from Jamaica. A group of thirteen people--8 from two UB churches, 3 from Lutheran churches, and 2 from a Vineyard congregation--recently returned from a work trip to Jamaica January 30--February 6. Dot Myers, from the Bethel UB church of Elmore, Ohio, reports: "Once again, we accomplished much on the next building stage of the new Allside UB church. This year's trip also included Bible school for more than 100 kids for four afternoon sessions and a trip to the New Vision Children's Home outside Christiana.

"Through God's timing, we were able to purchase an industrial-size cooking stove for the future lunch program at the school at the Craighead Church. Various work teams have helped build the Craighead school in the past several years.

"Our team was also involved in three nights of ministry and teaching pertaining to becoming holy women (and men) of destiny--the destiny God has chosen for each of us. Eighteen people accepted Christ during the week! Through teaching and information given, the Craighead church is learning how to get involved in supporting victims of abuse. Information was also provided on women ministering to women, and there are hopes of starting a cottage industry of raising chickens.

"Each year, as we return to Craighead and Allside, the friendships grow deeper, the fun gets "funner," and we grow more in our faith as we see God's hand in all our lives."

Woodland, Mich. Pastor George Speas reports: "Good things are happening in Woodland. We have increased our worship attendance to about 200 since the first of the year. Our cell groups are doing just fabulous to bring the sense of caring within and without to our community. We are now planning to add new building on site, and may need to go to three services before the building thing happens. God is good."

Macau News. Milan and Margaret Maybee join the Macau team at the end of April to serve as volunteers for three months. They will teach in the English Language Program and help in the churches. Milan retired two years ago as fulltime superintendent in Michigan Conference.

In February, Living Water Church had its annual Singing Competition. Thirteen groups and individuals participated, and the audience voted for the best performances.

Living Word Church, the newer of the two Macau churches, held a ping pong competition in February. Twelve church members and high school students participated. Prizes were given for the tournament winners as well as the most enthusiastic participant. All of the winners were high school students, who easily beat the adults.

Jana Hoobler reports that ELP enrollment at Living Word is higher this term than it has been for several years. Pastor Connie Sung is trying to start a Bible study for students.

Praise. Praise the Lord for taking care of Bishop Seilhamer and Rev. McQuillen during their time with us. Rev. McQuillen is on his way back to the States as I'm writing this. His extra time with our team helped him better understand all that goes on in our ministry.

Prayer Needs

• Pastor Connie Sung will start an evangelistic Bible study for ELP students at Living Word on Wednesday night (Wednesday morning in the U.S.) Pray that students will come and be open to talking about God.
• This Saturday is our Annual Meeting, which is sort of like a short form of Annual Conference in the States. I need to chair this meeting. Pray for wisdom as I get the booklet of reports put together and prepare for the meeting. This kind of stuff usually makes me stressed. Please pray that I'll keep calm, cool, and collected.
• Since the handover, the government is "cleaning up" a lot of areas of administration among organizations in Macau. We have just found out about some fees/taxes that we never knew we should have been paying. Pray for God's protection and guidance as we work with the government to get everything in order.

Church growth from the bottom up. Pennfield UB of Battle Creek, Mich., has seen a growth spurt during the past two years--eight babies in under two years. Caitlin Palmer was born to Kenyon and Michelle Hopkins, granddaughter of pastor Donald Palmer. Two children were born to Tim and Nicole Ray (Hannah, now 19 months, and Jesse, one month). George and Laura Griffin had twins--Jarrod and Janae, 16 months. A girl, Arianna, was born to Amy Stacey, and Isaiah Michael was born to Sam and Kristin Palmer (yet another grandchild of Pastor Don). Finally, there's Noah, a handsome boy born to Joel and Candy Wagner. Eight Babies in under two years.