April 2001 News Archive

April 26, 2001

Churchville, Va. Jerusalem Chapel is looking for a fulltime Associate Pastor of Ministry. They are seeking an experienced individual to work directly with the current senior pastor and other pastoral staff and lay leadership to advance the local ministry as well as the Kingdom of God. Pastoral responsibilities would include crisis intervention, teaching and equipping, wedding/funeral, pulpit supply, visitation and counseling.

Preferences include: licensed with the UB church (or willing to actively seek licensing), membership within the UB church, minimum of Master of Christian Ministries degree or equivalent biblical or pastoral study courses. For a complete job description or for further information, contact the church office.

Phone: 540-337-6411.
Email: jchapel@cfw.com
Mail: Jerusalem Chapel UB Church, 314 Chapel Road, Churchville, VA 24421

Dewitt, Mich. It was previously noted that Juanita Watterly, wife of Dewitt UB pastor Ron Watterly, suffered a mild stroke on March 18. Ron reports, "Juanita is doing much better and is back to work. The doctor says that there is no permanent damage. All tests are normal. He wants her to stay on the inderal and aspirin to prevent any future problems. God has been very gracious to us."

Marion, Ind. Bill O'Toole, a church planter in Marion, Ind., underwent a heart catheterization procedure in April. The complete story of his health problems, plus an update on the new church, can be read here.

Brazil. Wes and Jean Bell sent this note on April 3:

"Last night a group of thieves broke into an empty house in our condominium. As they were looting, our guard--John, the same one who was locked up last month by thieves--noticed a few irregularities. He passed by, and when he shined his light in the direction of the house, he and was fired at. He returned the fire. Within minutes, every neighbor who has a car was at the scene. Thank the Lord no one hurt. Our poor guards and their families--may the Lord protect and keep them in peace.

"Wes had hardly arrived home when he heard more gunfire. Driving back to help, he found out the thieves had traveled one block and settled on the airstrip, where they were taking potshots at guards, missionaries, etc. Finally, one of our members who knows a colonel in the military police, the highest commanding officer of the area, went to get help. Within minutes, two squad cars were there.

"Not knowing with whom they were dealing, the thieves continue to fire their guns. The police called for back-up and headed after the robbers. The bad news? They apprehended no one. The good news? No one was hurt.

"Also over the weekend, the house of one of our teachers who lives a mile away was broken into. All of the family's electronic devices save his laptop computer were taken. This week a crisis management team from the international administration of our mission is here to help us green-light about security problems and solutions. What an opportune time for them to be here!"

Ashley, Mich. Valerie Reynolds, associate pastor of East Washington UB, sent this item on April 2:

"If you think one person can't make a difference, I'm here to say you're wrong. A woman at East Washington UB felt a need to do something for new moms and their babies. Her desire was shared at church, and within a few weeks 28 individuals got together for a guilting bee to make baby quilts for two area crisis pregnancy centers. The quilting group had individuals from the teen years to people in their 70s! Plus, we even had two men who came to sew! The end product was over 30 beautiful handmade quilts to be given to moms and their new babies.

"It's amazing what God is doing here. We are building a new church debt-free! A few years ago we had around 60-70 people. We now have had to go to two services with an average of 150 people attending. Another amazing thing is that we are in the middle of a corn field! Whew, God is on the move and we are just trying to stay out of His way and let Him work."