He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Vol. 76, #10 Oct 2021
He hath made
every thing beautiful
in his time: ...
Ecclesiastes 3:11
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Bible page 3
Monthly Sermon page 4
Look Up! Jesus is
Coming! page 6
Innovations and
Revelations page 6
Evangelism, Discipleship,
and Establishing
Churches page 8
ACCFS: The Storybook
of Life page 10
Our Journey of
Learning page 50
Remembering Our
Spiritual Heritage page 66
The Light of Hope page 67
Correspondence
For November issue
(news from Sep 16-Oct 15)
To Our Readers Due: October 20, 2021
Each Commissioned Together
How do we each fit into Jesus’ Great Commission? Let’s allow The Silver Lining
our Lord to come and speak in our individual lives, demonstrating (USPS 496780)
how God gives him all power in heaven and earth. Therefore, his
body moves to go and teach all we encounter to observe all of Christ’s Published Monthly for the Apostolic
commandments, so they too might experience baptism in the Trinity’s Christian Church of America by:
name. When we radiate God’s light in our respective corners, Jesus Onward Media
promises to be with us unto the end! 651 E. Peoria St.
As doers of the Word, how can we each promote Matthew 28:18- Goodfield, IL 61742.
20 in our own circumstances? For our January 2022 issue, we invite
reader submissions that share encouragement and/or experiences Periodicals Postage Paid at Goodfield, IL
toward how any believer can support the Great Commission. Send and at additional mailing offices.
your contribution (600 words or less) on “Personalizing the Great
Commission in your own interactions: encouragement, advice, and Counselors:
experiences regarding fulfilling Matthew 28:18-20 in all walks of life” Jeff Grimm, Greg Lehman
to features@acsilverling.org by November 15, 2021. Help us realize
each believer’s potential to promote Christ’s powerful kingdom and Official Apostolic Christian Church
presence to every soul! Website: www.apostolicchristian.org
Uniting in love as Jesus’ commissionees, Send correspondence only
Sam Manz, Silver Lining Features (no payments) to:
editor@acsilverlining.org
(email is preferred)
The Silver Lining
The Silver Lining subscriptions are due from the 17028 S. Blackfoot Dr.
following churches: Lockport, IL 60441
Ph: 309-202-0444
Alto SEND PAYMENTS to:
Athens The Silver Lining Postmaster send address changes to:
Fort Myers 651 E Peoria St The Silver Lining
Iowa City PO Box 180 17028 S. Blackfoot Dr.
Washington Goodfield, IL 61742 Lockport, IL 60441
Notice: Once your name is on our
subscription list, it stays there until you
notify us to remove it. Online reading
Suggested donation: costs nothing. Individual payments
$18/subscription. are acceptable, but we prefer to get one
payment from your church treasurer.
Produced by Onward Media
for the:
Front Cover: Sis. Denise Romersberger, Washington, IL
Back Cover: Sis. Donna Dotterer, Akron, OH
2 SILVER LINING October 2021Writings based on God’s Word
Light from the Word
The Bible – True, described by the author of generation, but there is nothing
Timeless, and In- Hebrews brought many blessings
to the early Christians as they
new under the sun in God’s eyes.
As an example, Gideon was a
spired of God gathered in one accord in their man of faith, but was filled with
homes and synagogues. doubts and questioned if God
Theme verse: “All scripture is An in-depth review of our had forsaken him and his people:
given by inspiration of God, and is seventh Guiding Principle should “And Gideon said unto him, Oh
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, give us a greater appreciation my Lord, if the LORD be with us,
for correction, for instruction in and love for God’s Word. This why then is all this befallen us? and
righteousness: That the man of God principle states that we believe where be all his miracles which our
may be perfect, throughly furnished the Bible is true, timeless, and fathers told us of, saying, Did not
unto all good works.”1 inspired of God.5 As Christians the LORD bring us up from Egypt?
“Please read me a story!” This we are absolutely convinced of the but now the LORD hath forsaken
or a similar plea is a common truthfulness of God’s Word. This us, and delivered us into the hands
request of many a youngster. is foundational—not only for our of the Midianites.” 8 Despite his
Children seem to love any type reliance upon the shed blood of concerns, Gideon found that not
of story, and they seem to have Jesus for our salvation, but for us to only was God faithful, he used
a natural inclination for Bible retain our confidence in God when Gideon to demonstrate the truth
stories. An innocent child finds confronted with trials, temptations, of his word.
pleasure in these stories because or uncertainties in our lives. The second part of this
someone they love is sharing time We believe the Bible is Guiding Principle is that we
with them. If we enjoy doing this timeless in the sense of its cherish the Bible’s redeeming
with one of our children, consider enduring throughout eternity as and transforming power.
how our Heavenly Father delights asserted by Jesus, “Heaven and Receiving the Word of God
in sharing time with his children earth shall pass away, but my words is a prerequisite that leads to
when we read his Word together! shall not pass away.”6 However, a true saving faith, “So then
All of us bear the timelessness also refers to the faith cometh by hearing, and
responsibility to cultivate a love Word, though written thousands hearing by the word of God.” 9
to know the Bible, and to make of years ago, as being completely This in turn leads to a true
this a daily priority.2 Indeed, the relevant throughout all ages: repentance and conversion, with
Scriptures themselves teach us to past, present, and future. The the result of our “Being born
esteem the Bible higher than our book of Hebrews assures us that again, not of corruptible seed, but
necessary food, and as being of the purpose and mission of Jesus of incorruptible, by the word of
more value than gold and silver.3 Christ is “the same yesterday, and God, which liveth and abideth for
The reading of the Word was today, and forever”.7 In times of ever.”10 As we apply scriptural
an important part of corporate difficulty there can be a tendency principles to our attitude and
worship in the early church and for us to think there is something behavior on a daily basis, the
remains a priority for us yet especially difficult or unique Word serves to sanctify the
today.4 The “assembling together” about the conditions of our own — Please turn to pg. 61
October 2021 SILVER LINING 3Monthly Sermon
Sermon by Bro. Mitch Fehr, on the tent of flesh and to suffer. He was going to
Morris, MN be made a man, a brother. He was to be one of us,
even as it talks in Acts where he couldn’t heal in his
May 16, 2021 own land because they looked at his brothers, sisters,
and parents and said, “How could this be? He’s just
Psalm 61 & Hebrews 2 another man.” He needed to do that for us because
then – finishing the verse – “ he is able to succour them
Greetings to each one in the Savior’s name. We that are tempted” (v18).
certainly do welcome each one around God’s Word He can be there to help us. He can be there
this afternoon hour. We trust each one has prayed to bring us through because he went through
that the Holy Spirit would meet us here so each one everything we could. Any issue that we are going
of us could have hearts, soft and pliable, that God to go through, any temptation we are going
could mold into whatever vessel he needs. The Old to face, any physical ailment, any suffering,
Testament scripture is open to Psalms. The 61st Psalm Jesus did too. When you’re about to go through
is where my eyes first fell. We’ll read these eight something, isn’t it so much easier to take advice
verses of Psalm 61 here together. from somebody who’s been there? They say,
Hymn #232 (Zion’s Harp) Make Me More “Here’s what you need to do. I went through the
Perfect – I’ll read the last three verses, and we’ll sing same thing, exactly what you will and, by the way,
the first three verses. ten times more, but it worked. Here’s what you
The New Testament is opened to Hebrews. need to do. If it worked for me, it will work ten
Let’s begin reading just at the first verse of times better for you because your situation isn’t
chapter 2 of Hebrews. even as grave as mine was.” What about when
There are so many things that God has done somebody says, “Oh, here’s what you need to do”,
for us. I think we’re learning that. The hymn and when you ask how they know it, they respond
that talks of Jesus when it says, “For every stalk with, “I have no idea. I just thought maybe that’d
on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade” be a good idea though. I’ve never been through
tells us that we could never write it all. Those last anything like that.”
two verses here in Hebrews talked of Jesus, that How much more difficult is that?
it “behoved him to leave heaven.” Part of God’s This is just those two little verses, two little
plan was for Jesus to be made a little lower than things, that just magnify what Jesus Christ did. It
the angels, to be put down here on earth, and to magnifies the plan of salvation. As we learn bit by
die. Angels, as far as I know, don’t have to die. bit and as God continues to reveal unto every one
Wouldn’t that be wonderful if we could just be of us as individuals what he has done, it just amazes
angels right now? We’d be in heaven. Here it says, us. How our appreciation for this whole thing just
“It behoved him to be made like unto his brethren” grows. It strengthens our faith because we look at
(Heb 2:17). He was to be like man. this world and think it’s so confusing. There’s so
Then, going on to the next verse: “For in that he much going on.
himself hath suffered being tempted” (v18). He came We were talking a little bit at noon about
down here knowing that he was going to have to put the conflicts in Israel. We can talk pandemics.
4 SILVER LINING October 2021We can talk about unrest. We can talk about disciples and apostles could take it and share it.
a thousand things going on in this world that Share what? Share the plan of salvation, not only
confuse us, and what is the thought that we all that it is a theory, but then there is very specific
have in all of it? Where does this lead? What does evidence that it occurred.
it do? What does this mean? Then. we can stop How important it is that we too, those of us
and read a little bit in the scriptures like just two that have been saved, can go into our specifics
little verses here that magnify God’s plan. Wow. when we share. You can go through sharing your
Jesus did that. There was intentionality there. testimony, and there’s always those things within
There was a plan ahead of time, a perfect plan. our own testimony where we say, “I know. I know
God laid it out specifically for us so it’s a little beyond the shadow of a doubt that at this very
easier to believe. moment” – and you name it in your life – “God
I think it was in the third verse: “How shall was there. By his grace, he did it. I am positive.”
we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at Now, we have faith to believe that he is here right
the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was now, but there are those Ebenezers in our life
confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also where all of the sudden we just know. We know
bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, that something a little special happened there that
and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, made us say, “I’m positive it was God.”
according to his own will?” (vv3-4) Again, part of As we look back here to the Old Testament
the plan. He sent Jesus to share these specific plans scripture, think of the rock we heard of this
that he had, and then he made sure there were morning. We have this psalm of David: “Hear my
witnesses sufficient – eyewitnesses that saw all of cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end
this. That’s why we have multiple gospels. Multiple of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is
people saw it. Multiple people heard it. Then here, overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than
we’re getting a generation removed from that, but I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong
they’re saying, “We talked to the eyewitnesses. tower from the enemy.” (vv1-3) This again can go
They saw these signs, these specific signs.” We back to the Ebenezers in our life that God was this
can read of any one of the signs, any one of Jesus’ rock. Jesus, as we heard this morning, is our rock.
miracles, and the impact it had on those that David was surrounded by enemies so often, and we
saw it. They could then take that precious part of can read of his battles. Maybe it’s, should I say, the
the plan, being right up next to it, and it could man in me or something that likes to read of the
strengthen their faith. wars and the battles.
They could say, “I am positive.” Even some When I think back of all of the warriors that
of the rulers that were there, like the soldier at were with him and the specifics of what some of
the cross, would say, “Surely, this was the Son of them did when they fought the giants – one man
God.” As all this happened, it was not a question killed a bunch of them with just a staff, – and
in his mind. He wasn’t, to my knowledge, a here we have David talking about how God was
believer before this, but he knew one thing his rock. When David looked around at all of the
after the things he saw: “Surely that was Son of different things that were happening, he surely
God.” Then he could take it and share it. The — Please turn to pg. 62
October 2021 SILVER LINING 5And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
– Colossians 3:17
Ministry Program Updates
Look Up! Jesus is Coming! for fear and for looking after those things which are
Kairos Committee
coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven will be
When Jesus was asked what the signs of his coming shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming
and the end of the world would be, his answer in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these
was, “Nation will rise against nation, kingdom things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up
against kingdom (As this article is written, control your heads; for your redemption draws near”.
of Afghanistan is being taken by the Taliban
following the withdrawal of American troops The Opportune Time or Decisive
after supporting the Afghan government for 20 Moment (KAIROS) is Here!
years) and there will be famines (food insecurity is 1) When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there!
a major issue affecting almost 10% of the world’s Get your house in order. The Lord instructed
population), pestilences (West Nile Virus; SARS; Isaiah to tell Hezekiah to get his house in order
Bird Flu; E coli; Swine Flu; Ebola Virus; Zika because his death was imminent. With headlines
Virus; COVID-19 and more have threatened screaming “Jesus is coming!” let us get our
the world’s populations in the last 20 years), and personal/spiritual house in order and be ready for
earthquakes in various places (earthquakes have been his imminent return.
occurring around the world, most recently a 7.2 2) I love to tell the story! Share the good news
magnitude quake in Southern Haiti which claimed of Jesus Christ with our neighbors and friends,
many lives and destroyed much property)”. Jesus Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, the “unchurched”
called these “the beginning of sorrows”. and more. Be ready to give an answer to anyone
Jesus further said, “There will be signs in the sun, who asks about the hope we have in Christ …
moon and stars; distress of nations, with perplexity; and to those who don’t ask. The Sower cast
the sea and waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them the seed (word) far and wide. Some fell by the
Innovations and Revelations the first antibiotics about 100 years ago and the
Medical Committee first major breakthroughs in our understanding of
Beyond our imagination, medical innovations to genetics about 70 years ago.
improve the human condition continue to accelerate To be sure, extraordinary discoveries by
at an astonishing speed. It is also fascinating to diligently studying and analyzing God’s creation
see how far the medical field as well as humanity have improved our health and medical care! It is
in general has progressed over the past 200 interesting to learn about what we now know as
years. For example, about 150 years ago, research well as humbling to realize what we didn’t know
breakthroughs revealed that disease didn’t spring for a really long time. But the wisdom that comes
out of mid-air; instead, it came from something from studying God’s creation will only get us so
called “germs.” Even though this information is far. While creation is a clear enough witness of the
now basic knowledge, it was revolutionary and presence of a Creator, it is not specific enough to
controversial at that time. Other examples include detail how to love him and walk in relationship
6 SILVER LINING October 2021wayside, some fell on rocks, some fell among Prayer Points for Afghanistan
thorns, but some fell on good ground and was Supplied by Open Doors:
fruitful. Don’t be discouraged when the seed • Ask God to provide relief and aid to every citizen
you cast falls by the wayside, on rocks or among – including the small community of Christians –
thorns. Keep casting the seed! And don’t take during this devastating surge in extremist control.
credit for the seed that falls on good ground and • Ask God to comfort families who have fled and
is fruitful. To God be the glory! pray they find a safe place.
3) Love, don’t hate! Twenty years ago, the events • Pray for protection for Afghanis from the spread of
of 9-11 stirred up distrust, ill feelings and even COVID-19 – and the rapidly spreading Delta variant.
hatred towards Muslims. With the Taliban • Ask God to give Afghani Christians his protection
taking control of Afghanistan, the Devil would and strength to withstand persecution – and that
love to stir up the same. Jesus taught love: love their faith would remain strong.
God, love your spouse, love your children, love • Ask God to protect the children of Afghanistan
your neighbors and, yes, love your enemies! from the traumatic impact of extremism and
In a speech Abraham Lincoln delivered at religious violence.
the height of the Civil War he referred to the • Pray that God would bring his miraculous peace
Southerners as fellow human beings who were and stability to the nation through its leaders.
in error. An elderly lady chastised him for not I would also add:
calling them irreconcilable enemies who must • Pray that the Spirit would move mightily among
be destroyed. “Why, madam,” Lincoln replied, the Taliban, through dreams, visions or whatever
“do I not destroy my enemies when I make it takes to draw them to Jesus. They are, as
them my friends?” Lincoln said, fellow human beings.
–by Bro. Tim Hohulin
with him. Microscopes and test-tubes can’t first Holy Spirit. Mysteries that were not known in the
teach us about the cross and the resurrection. past are now revealed! This revelation includes
According to scripture, this was always God’s the “mystery of godliness” which is that “God was
design. “For after that in the wisdom of God, the manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is
world by wisdom knew not God” (1 Corinthians the Almighty God and he came to save a broken
1:21a). Human wisdom, no matter how diligent, world. You won’t learn that by using a microscope!
can’t discover the full truth of God on its own. From all of us at the HarvestCall Medical
“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: Committee: dig deep in the Bible. Learn each
for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things word, love each truth, and live like you have found
of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). the ultimate medical cure for death. Because, in
In his great love, God gave humanity a clear Christ, you have.
and sufficient revelation in the scriptures by the –by Anthony Baumann
mouths and pens of the apostles through the
November
October2021
October 2016 SILVER LINING
2021 3
7And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
– Colossians 3:17
Studying Book of Acts Reveals Patterns in Evangelism,
What would it be like to grow up without the New After a time, those who first shared the good
Testament teachings? Picture yourself living under news appoint some of your new band to be elders,
Roman occupation, attending the synagogue and and move on to share in other places. They request a
hearing of a Messiah that someday will come to save handful of the group go to a neighboring community
his people? You are taught that pleasing God is about that is a little off the main Roman road. You pray
keeping the law. One day, someone comes to your and wonder, ‘Should I join that effort? It seems more
town sharing that the Messiah already came and challenging than staying?’ God presses you to go.
that his teaching can transform your life. You hear Your brother, however, feels directed to stay and
for the first time that the Messiah rose again and if support the base “church” that has formed.
you acknowledge your sin, and follow him, you will
be part of that resurrection too! You see powerful Proclaiming the Gospel in Jamaica
evidence of God working in the ones sharing and As you read through Acts, you might ask, ‘Is this
wonder how you should respond? If you embrace pattern of proclaiming the resurrected Christ,
these teachings, you discipling new believers, and putting church
could risk losing your structure in place still applicable in our times?’ Let’s
life or be rejected by envision for a minute, the possibilities as the gospel is
your religious leaders. proclaimed to the deaf in Jamaica, a church is formed
Or, you could join the and in time, the establishment of deaf leadership.
scoffers mocking this
Evangelism and Discipleship
are interconnected. new philosophy by
Evangelism proclaims the protecting your way of
gospel and as disciples
we proclaim the gospel worship, and attempting
to others to make more to silence the conflict
disciples for Jesus. so it doesn’t catch the
Romans’ attention.
As the Elder Body studied through the
Book of Acts recently, they used real life
scenarios like those described above and
below to look for patterns of evangelism,
discipleship, and the formation of churches.
Evangelizing under Roman Rule
You decide to join this new group of Christians. You
enjoy breaking bread together and find incredible support
hearing of God’s work in them. When some of your Imagine yourself as a deaf young adult in
newly found friends are killed because of this new belief, Jamaica, searching for something more in this
you cling to consolation and collective prayer. Yet you life. You remember the Bible Stories from Sunday
take courage and faithfully testify of Christ’s work in you School, and you know that Jesus loves you, but it
to fellow believers, Jews, pagans, and even the Romans. all seems so distant. You used to go to a hearing
8 SILVER LINING October 2021Discipleship and Establishing Churches
church with your family, but as the only deaf person others like you will understand God’s plan is for it
and unable to understand the sermons, you gave up. to be shared through sign. There’s no such Bible,
You try to read the Bible, but it’s hard to understand however, so someone will need to teach them until
in your second language, and you struggle with how a JSL Bible is available. The group is becoming too
it connects with your life today. large for effective interaction with the teachers, and
Many of your friends feel just like you. One you pray about staying to support this group or
tells you about a Deaf Bible Study they’ve been relocating. You decide to stay.
attending. The preaching and worship are all in
Jamaican Sign Language (JSL). It sounds exciting, What’s God’s Story within You?
so you agree to go. You hear how all people are How was the hope of the resurrection proclaimed
made in God’s image and about the importance of to you? How did you come to respond with
having a reconciled relationship with God and your repentance and experience discipleship? How are
fellow man. Seeing the worship in JSL inspires you, you contributing to the formation of the local
and you keep going back. As time passes, you begin church and/or the expansion beyond? Might God
to understand how necessary it is to gather together help each of us align our lives with the examples
as believers to worship God and encourage each of evangelism, discipleship, and establishment of
other. You invite other friends to join! churches as recorded in Acts!
As the group grows and baptisms continue –by Church Establishment Committee
to occur, the teachers start talking about putting 5 Church Planting Phases: The church planting phases start with
exploring a new location and continue through church establishment
structure in place, including Deaf leaders like you and putting local leadership structure in place. As the church grows
and possibly expanding to other locations. You larger, the cycle starts again as new locations are explored for further
outreach of the gospel.
wonder if God would have you to lead or to move
3Recent Deaf retreat in Jamaica: Numerous people from the deaf
on with them. You are burdened that the only way community gathering before their Sunday morning worship.
October 2021 SILVER LINING 9The Storybook of Life My 2-year-old toddler currently is in love with a • What pressures do I internalize? Which pressures Little Golden Book Classic titled Little Mommy. are real and which ones are imagined? We read the story over and over again almost every • What life-stage am I in and what priorities night. I smile at these classics and love her passion for are somewhat determined by this life-stage? story time and how she enjoys this darling story of • Are there wants in my life that I have a little girl playing mommy and imitating the daily defined as needs? If so, what are they? tasks she assumes of a mommy. While published circa 1967, I find myself getting wrapped up into Self-Care how simple, yet unrealistic this hum-drum storyline Self-care is such an important but often neglected seems as the little girl goes joyfully from task to task, area in our lives. Culture can twist self-care into her baby dolls obediently doing as she says, while the an individualistic and humanistic ideal and thus, house gets clean, the meals get made and all is done believers tend to be hesitant to embrace it. Self-care in a seemingly neat, tidy and orderly manner. My can be described as attending to one’s physical, mental, current life stage seems comical in comparison to this social and spiritual well-being. Self-care can vary storybook “little mommy.” Yet this simple book has allowed me to reflect on what God wants and expects out of me through my day-to-day tasks and more importantly, in my day-to-day heart. Self-Awareness Each day I am given 24 hours-no more, no less. Often it can feel as culture is screaming at me for the need to multi-task, juggle multiple roles, have a degree (maybe even two), all the while having a clean house, orderly kids, and trying a new recipe or two a week. My self-awareness of what each 24 hours does look like and should look like can either lead to a constant encouragement or a constant stress. More important than the daily tasks or challenges ahead of me is where I find my purpose in each day. Being aware of what is at the and mean anything from taking a walk (physical) to heart of my daily purpose and what is “perfecting completing a project (mental) to quiet devotional time me” (Psalm 138:8), helps me self-reflect on what (spiritual) to friend time (social). In general, good self- is and is not important. Awareness also means care is anything that is thought to be energy-giving understanding my daily needs vs. my daily wants. and moves toward health rather than something A need would be described as essential to daily life that is energy-draining in our lives. As schedules and and a want can be described as a desire that would desires change, the frequency and practice of realistic be ideal to have or realize. Thoughts to consider self-care will continually need to be evaluated. Often regarding self-awareness: an important aspect of self-care is found in the safety 10 SILVER LINING October 2021
and accountability of community such as church unending love. Sanctified believers are called to
gatherings, mentorship, Bible study groups, potluck not just be doers of the Word but also have a heart
groups or the like. Self-care through the support of of godliness and attitude of gratefulness (Col.
others grounded in the Word is vital in a believer’s life 3:17). Thoughts to consider regarding giving our
(Prov. 20:5). Questions to consider regarding self-care: self for Christ:
• What is energy-giving in your life right now? • What does it mean to you to be an image-bearer?
• List some areas that are draining • Describe what daily tasks can show the
or quite stressful for you. identity and purpose of Christ in your life.
• How frequently does self-care happen in your • What is my heart attitude
life? What is realistic? Will this ever change? towards day-to-day life?
Life will not look like the idyllic storybook
Giving our Self for Christ pictures and words of Little Mommy, nor should it.
As believers we are given the best and greatest Yet, the challenge and opportunity of a sanctified
commandment: “Love the Lord thy God with all believer is to still find the delight of that darling
our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind” girl, joyfully playing mommy, while engaging in the
(Matt 22:37). This great commandment is easy pressures, roles, and reality of life as we rest in the
to read and yet seemingly difficult to live out in promises and identity of the One who writes our
our daily attitudes and tasks. Do I live my life, storybook of life.
prioritize my tasks, and encourage others through ACCFS continues to develop resources to help
the attitude of loving God with my heart, soul women in their walk with the Lord. These resources
and mind? We have been created as image-bearers are found on our website at www.accounseling.org/
(Gen. 1:27) and thus have a charge to model his women. If you would like more information, please
example of healthy purpose, healthy focus, and contact ACCFS at (309)263-5536.
October 2021 SILVER LINING 11Congregation Updates
Apostolic Christian known as the Apostolic Christian work, Bro. Ron Messner succeeded
LifePoints Home for the Handicapped, him in 1994, and Bro. Blake Stahl
www.aclifepoints.org “the Home,” “the Agency,” and has joined us and took on this role
@aclifepoints on Facebook or Apostolic Christian Services. We in 2021. God has blessed us with
Instagram are so thankful for a name that leaders who have a heart for the
Ashlyn Gramm-Mission encompasses our organization’s people we serve and who desire the
Communication Coordinator heart – to be able to provide for best for their lives.
Fifty years. Five decades. Half and serve each individual at every Buildings may change. Names
a century. Can you believe it? “life point” and change that may change. Leadership may
Apostolic Christian LifePoints has occurs in their life. change. But we are thankful to
been open and serving according Some of the individuals that be led by an unchanging God
to God’s purpose for 50 years! The we serve have only stayed with who gives us confidence that “…
first two residents moved in on us for a short time. Some have he which hath begun a good work
October 1, 1971, and it has been moved back and forth from one in you will perform it until the day
an incredible experience reflecting of our homes to another because of Jesus Christ,” Philip.1:6. It is our
on everything that has happened of medical need changes or mission at Apostolic Christian
inside our homes since that day. opportunities to be even more LifePoints to “Serve according to
As we have mentioned independent than in the home God’s Purpose,” and we trust that
before, LifePoints has grown and where they were living. Some God will continue this good work
changed a great deal since that individuals have moved into one in our homes and in our lives.
momentous day in 1971. Timber of our homes within this past
Ridge has doubled in size with year, and some have been living Gateway Woods Apostolic
the addition of the South End at LifePoints for almost 50 years! Christian Children’s Home
in 1978, and is now undergoing We have six ladies still living in Kristin Walko — Dean of Students
major renovations. We have our homes who all moved into Seventeen-year-old Michael
opened doors at Oakwood Estate, LifePoints during that first year it came to Gateway Woods on
Linden Estate, and 14 different was opened. We are very excited probation for drug and alcohol
CILAs in the community. A new to celebrate each of their 50th issues. He had very low math and
Administrative Building for the anniversaries as well! reading levels. He had very few
Agency was built just this past In the 50 years since high school credits due to not
year, and an Activity Center was LifePoints began, we have been attending school much.
developed for our residents to use. blessed with exceptional leadership Gateway Woods School
Physical buildings aren’t the and guidance from over 60 (GWS) provided remediation
only changes that have occurred different Board Members and and tutoring and used
within these past 50 years at Guiding Elders from our different additional resources to help
LifePoints. The name Apostolic church congregations. We have him. We did not give up on
Christian LifePoints for instance, had three Executive Directors him, although he wanted to
was only unveiled to the public in within the past 50 years – Bro. give up multiple times. Week
2017. Before that, we have been Bob Knobloch began the good after week passed. Then…
12 SILVER LINING October 2021pretty soon…this kid who the play! I got you, Mrs. Walko!” News:
hated school just simply started Then, just a couple weeks before • We have three houseparent cou-
applying himself. the play, he had court. You see, ples and a resident due to have
He attended school every Michael was now 18, he had his babies born in October and
day. He started earning credits. high school equivalency, and he November. As exciting as it will
He began reading books because was almost done with the Gateway be to have new life on campus,
he enjoyed reading books. Residential program because he it also means lots of maternity
Unfortunately, he was too far had made really great progress. It leaves and extra coverage for
behind to be able to graduate on was looking like the judge would staff. Since we are already short
time, he decided to go for his high send him home. a houseparent couple and an as-
school equivalency. And this kid And what did Michael do? He sistant houseparent, this makes
accomplished something that he advocated for himself ! He told the managing schedules extra tricky.
never thought possible: he earned judge how he committed to act • We plan to host our Annual
his high school equivalency! in this play, how he is working Hog and Jog 5k Run/Walk on
Michael’s whole outlook on for Gateway Farms and earning October 16. We are excited and
life changed. He realized that money, that he is super close thankful to welcome those who
drugs don’t have to control him. to completing the Residential plan to attend.
He realized he can do well. He program. He told the judge that • If you want to make a Kingdom
also realized that he had a talent he wanted to stay at Gateway for impact by sowing seeds of hope
for acting. You read that right: he a couple more weeks. And you for an eternal harvest, visit gate-
came alive under the lights of a know what? The judge granted his waywoods.org/sowers-of-hope
stage. request. to learn more about our newly
Each spring, I teach a theater Michael was amazing in the launched monthly giving pro-
class where students learn about play! He had a lead role and was gram. Sign up today to receive a
the dramatic arts, with a final the star of the show. Everyone special gift as a reminder to be
exam of participating in the school loved him! praying for the youth you are
play. I asked Michael to be in the Working at GWS is an impacting.
play and he agreed, but was very adventure. It’s full of ups and • We are currently looking for a
hesitant. He was given a small downs and you never know what Teacher, Houseparent Couple,
role and even though he didn’t each day will bring. Actually, each and an Assistant Houseparent.
have as many lines to memorize as hour or even each minute can be a For more information, please see
the other students, he had them mystery sometimes. But working our ad in this month’s edition
memorized word for word. I was here is worth it. When you of The Silver Lining or visit the
so proud of him! work at GWS, you get to watch Careers page on our website at
Michael was still at GWS teenagers realize the potential that gatewaywoods.org/careers.
the following spring. I pulled was there all along. You make a You are an important advocate
Michael aside and said, “Hey, difference in students’ lives and you to help us spread the word about
would you….” and he interrupted get to teach them about the most God’s work at Gateway Woods.
with a resounding “YES! I’ll be in important subject of all: Jesus! Please continue to lift us up
October 2021 SILVER LINING 13in prayer, check our website for Sis. Carolyn Lewis and Shawn very well, and he recounts the
gatewaywoods.org and our Ray who are continuing to have righteousness of God, his power
Facebook page at facebook.com/ health issues and for the families and perfection to his friends. But
gatewaywoods often for updates, of those we lost recently. he did not have someone to assure
and make sure that you are on If you are passing through him of his standing with the God
our mailing list. If you would our area and need a place to stay of the universe or to speak on his
like be added to our mailing list, for the evening, please call Sis. behalf. No mortal in his life was
please contact us at 888.443.4283 Rebekah Klaus at 815.674.5411 for able to do that - his own wife
or send an email to info@ our guest house accommodations. told him to curse God and die.
gatewaywoods.org. Finally, if you We love having visitors and His friends believed he had done
would like to receive a monthly encourage anyone passing through something to deserve what he was
email detailing how the work to spend some time with us. going through, and urged him to
at Gateway Woods is bringing confess and abandon his sin. No
help and healing to those in Arizona, Phoenix one could understand what he was
need, please consider joining our Marge Lindenbaum going through, and he was not
Restoring Hope email list. You “O that a man might plead able to know God’s view of him.
can do so at gatewaywoods.org/ with God As a man with Thanks be to God, we have
newsletter or by emailing jon. his neighbor!” Job 16:21 such a mediator. In taking on
ringger@gatewaywoods.org. Technology provides us mortality, experiencing death
with many ways to increase our and being resurrected, Jesus was
Alabama, Athens knowledge of the Word. Recently, qualified for that role. He is the
Lisa Aschliman , Kristy Moore while listening through the only one who is able to understand
“Let not your heart be troubled: book of Job via a phone app, a and communicate our position to
ye believe in God, believe also in theme became apparent. As he God and God’s position to us.
me. In my Father’s house are many undergoes extreme persecution In litigation, the role of a
mansions: if it were not so, I would at the hands of the enemy, Job mediator is to bring two “sides”
have told you. I go to prepare a place longs for a mediator (Job 5:1, of an issue together. Often there
for you. And if I go and prepare a 9:33, 16:19-21). He talks about is a session involving multiple
place for you, I will come again, and what he would want God to conferences between the mediator
receive you unto myself; that where I know about him, and while he and the parties where the mediator
am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3 acknowledges the sovereignty, repeatedly brings information
We are reminded in scripture power and righteousness of God, from one side to the other,
to have faith in God and trust he cries out for understanding - while pointing out the strengths
in him because he is preparing for God to know Job’s heart and and weakness of each case. A
us a place for all the ages. In his life and for Job to know God’s successful mediation ends with
the past month we have laid to purpose in what Job perceived resolution and both sides being a
rest two wonderful souls from to be his own destruction. The little disappointed in the outcome.
our church family. Sis. Clarann reader/listener has the advantage When he finally met God, Job
Lynn and Bro. Ed Haggenmaker of knowing God was fully aware still was not provided answers to
went to their heavenly reward of Job’s faithfulness, and even held his questions. He was challenged
and even though we will miss him up to Satan as an example by God, and was shown God’s
them, we are so happy for them of a “perfect and an upright man, majesty and sovereignty firsthand.
in their new surroundings. one that feared God …” Job 1:8. He had to acknowledge his own
We ask for continued prayers It seems Job also knew God poverty of spirit and imperfection,
14 SILVER LINING October 2021but never got to understand, as summer evenings. Our Sunday Arizona, Tucson
far as we know, why everything school kids got to try out camping Dean and Jackie Knobloch
happened as it did. We do not this last month. One could argue It is with great sadness that we
often get to know the “why” of that the work to set up and take report the death of our dear Sis.
a thing. Likely, it is because our down for one night outdoors is Caroline Kaufman (Bro. Curt).
minds could not grasp the answer. probably not worth it. I can find We mourn with Bro. Curt and his
Or maybe it is simply to develop myself asking this question in all family as well as with our church
and strengthen our faith. the little inconveniences of being family. She was a loving wife,
“For there is one God, and one outdoors. Yet, the memories of mother and grandmother. We will
mediator between God and men, the tent making, the campfire miss her friendly nature and know
the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Tim. 2:5 and laughing, the crickets in the that the beautiful soprano voice
We are blessed with the middle of the black night, and she graced our church with will be
addition of a minister to our pulpit the usually terrible coffee in the missed greatly. The angel choir in
and have already enjoyed several morning while everyone crawls Heaven will be ringing with her
services by Bro. Bill Hamilton (Sis. out of their tent tired but smiling praises to our Lord and Savior.
Jennifer). We pray for the Lord’s makes it worth it. In the middle of We were blessed to have
blessing on him and Sis. Jennifer the night when we trade the air- Elder Bro. Ben Wiegand (Sis.
and their children, Delaney, conditioning for crickets, one lays Michelle, Philadelphia, PA)
Taryn, Gwenyth and William there in awe of God’s creation and with us for a weekend. We
(Liam), as they bless the church. how small we are in comparison. appreciate their time extended
Our Sunday school resumed “When I consider thy heavens, the to our small congregation.
the ACTIVE program, and the work of thy fingers, the moon and We also want to thank Bro.
first session was a blessing for the stars, which thou hast ordained; Arlan Miller for directing a
many as they filled hygiene bags What is man, that thou art mindful Bible study on spiritual gifts. We
for the local homeless population. of him? and the son of man, that were able to spend 3 evenings
As this article is submitted, thou visitest him?” Psalms 8:3-4 via Zoom to discuss those
Bro. Victor Krstek continues Amazingly God loves us and gifts and how we can be more
to struggle with symptoms is patient with us even though we useful to the body of Christ.
of COVID-19, having been are difficult and sinful. He sees The year 2021 is entering
hospitalized for several weeks. beyond our sin, because of Jesus, the last quarter, how time flies!
We ask you to continue praying and sees our worth. Among all of May we each be working in the
with us for his full recovery. We the beautiful things God created, vineyard and serving our Lord
mourn with our Tucson family the it is so powerful to remember that with our greatest potential.
passing of Sis. Caroline Kaufman, God loves us.
who was part of many of our lives, Thankful for visiting ministers California, Los Angeles/
and left us too soon. We rejoice Bro. Jim Zollinger (Sis. Tresa, Altadena
in her victory and look forward to Silverton, OR), Bro. Erik Givens Kali Sauder
meeting her again! (Sis. Debbie, Princeville, IL), As summer came to a close,
Bro. Steven Stieglitz (Sis. Jane, so did the earthly life of our dear
Arizona, Prescott Leo, IN), Bro. Brian Katich (Sis. Bro. Virgil Graf (Sis. Marilyn).
Autumn Rokey Debbie, Phoenix, AZ), and Bro. Virgil brought such joy to our
As school starts again and falls Keith Hinrichsen (Sis. Tammy, church family, even though
air marks the passages of another Phoenix, AZ). recently we saw less of them since
season, we try to hold onto the last their move to Princeville, IL, and
October 2021 SILVER LINING 15only winter visits to California. preserve thy going out and thy Connecticut, Rockville
A true pillar of faith, mentor to coming in from this time forth, Heidi Beutel, Kim Schneider
so many, and beacon of light and and even for evermore.” We were blessed to have Elder
childlike joy, he will be fondly The solid constancy of the Bro. James Fehr (Sis. Brenda,
remembered and dearly missed by mountains often reminds me of Tremont, IL) visit and share God’s
our church family. Every spring this Psalm, but the hot day made Word. We also enjoyed the service
he brought orchids from his all of us cognizant of the necessity and fellowship of Bro. Matthew
own yard, lovingly cut for all the of shade in a desert-like climate, Kaisner (Sis. Jodi, Fairbury, IL).
women in church. Our prayers like Israel, in which the Psalmist We pray they will be blessed for
are with Sis. Marilyn and the rest wrote these words. These word- their efforts.
of his family. We find comfort pictures help us understand more We extend our sympathy to
and hope in the promise: “In a tangibly what it means to put Sis. Gerri O’Brien, who recently
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, our trust in God, our helper, our laid to rest her brother Eddie.
at the last trump: for the trumpet keeper, our preserver. We bid farewell to Sis. Charlotte
shall sound, and the dead shall be Limberger as the Lord called her
raised incorruptible, and we shall be Colorado, Denver home to her heavenly reward.
changed.” 1 Cor. 15:52 Jenna Hartter, Rebekah Stoller Our prayers are with her children,
Labor Day weekend found The end of summer brought grandchildren, great-grandchildren
our small church family pitching the time to say goodbye to Sis. and great-great-grandchildren.
in to once again host the regional Hope Fischer (Leo, IN) who had We welcome Sis. Cami
ACYF weekend. Young adults been worshiping with us during Wiegand (Philadelphia, PA) to
from Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, her summer job in Colorado. our community and congregation
and San Diego came to fellowship We loved having Hope join our while she is attending college in
and build community while church family and welcome her Connecticut. We are also happy to
hearing the word preached, back for future visits. welcome Bro. Matthew Fulop while
enjoying the beach, singing, Our Sunday school’s theme he attends college in Rhode Island.
playing games, and gathering this month is thanksgiving, Hazel Cassidy Schneider
around food. and one of many reasons we are was welcomed into the hearts
Bro. Scott Mangers taught thankful is that Kana Wiegand and home of Bro. Sam and Sis.
us Sunday morning about how has shared that she is at peace Leah, and big brother Jack.
to be ready to share the gospel with God. We look forward to Grandparents are Bro. Tim and
simply and succinctly, starting her baptism weekend in a few Sis. Dana Schneider and Bro.
with choosing daily to trust Jesus weeks. We are also thankful for Ronnie and Sis. Sheila Gerber.
with our whole heart. Sunday the promise of God’s nearness in Little Delaney Raine was born to
afternoon we met in the park in all situations. Our hearts are with Bro. Paul and Sis. Kelsey Hills.
the blazing heat, our backdrop our Christian brothers and sisters Her grandparents are Bro. Scott
being the foothills of the San in Haiti and Afghanistan, and we and Sis. Luanne Hills and Jeff and
Gabriel Mountains. It reminded pray they feel God’s presence and Gail Hannington.
me of Psalm 121: power.
“I will lift up mine eyes to the Visiting ministers this month District of Columbia,
hills, from whence cometh my included Elder Bro. John Wiegand Washington
help…The LORD is thy keeper: (Sis. Jane, Silverton, OR) and Bro. Henrietta Meyer
the LORD is thy shade upon thy George Gal (Sis. Tina, Akron, OH). What a blessing this month to
right hand…The LORD shall assemble three times for services
16 SILVER LINING October 2021(both in person and virtual). (Jacksonville, FL). Thankful that tarps and other items to ship
Our visiting ministers were Elder baby and mom are doing fine. through Agape Air for quick
Bro. Ben Wiegand (Sis. Michelle, May the lord watch over and delivery to Haiti. Prayers for all
Philadelphia, PA), Bro. Joe guide this little soul all the days affected by the earthquake.
Gerber (Champaign, IL) and Bro. of his life. Our church had a family night
Mark Zimmerman (Sis. Cheryl, We enjoyed a potluck dinner September 17 to put together
Eureka, IL). this month and shared the health kits to be sent to Hospital
We are still trying different renewed blessing of fellowship and Lumiere in Haiti. We also enjoyed
locations to see which will work good food. sweet fellowship.
out better for us.
If you are planning to visit Florida, Fort Myers Georgia, Peachtree City
Washington, D.C. area for Addison Steidinger, Carrie Elise Funk, Brenda Stoller
vacation or business, please Steidinger In 1st and 2nd Samuel, we
contact Sis. Henrietta Meyer at “For the Lord is good; his mercy is read about the heroic times of
703.904.8301, hmeyer2831@ everlasting; and his truth endureth Samuel, Saul, Jonathon, and
gmail.com or Sis. Doreen Steffen to all generations.” Psa. 100:5 David. One thing that has struck
at 302.540.6574, or bdsteff@ This month we had the me over and over is David’s
yahoo.com for assistance, to let privilege to honor our dear Bro. consistency in turning to God
us know how many to expect for Vic Beer as he celebrated his 96th before making decisions. Even
Sunday services and to find out birthday. Bro. Vic shared his times when it could have been
when and where services are to testimony of God’s goodness and argued a “no-brainer” that he
be held. provision throughout his life. would take action, he still first
Ministering to us this month asked God what he should do.
Florida, Fort Lauderdale was Elder Bro. James Fehr (Sis. “Then they told David, saying,
Renee Mangold Brenda, Tremont, IL). Behold, the Philistines fight
We are thankful for our against Keilah, and they rob the
visiting Elder Bro. Randy Florida, Sarasota threshingfloors. Therefore David
Gudeman (Sis. Becky, Becky Funk enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall
Francesville, IN) for sharing God’s “Let not your heart be troubled: I go and smite these Philistines?
Word with us this past month. ye believe in God, believe also in And the Lord said unto David,
We pray they are blessed for their me. In my Father’s house are many Go, and smite the Philistines, and
willingness to serve. mansions: if it were not so, I would save Keilah.” 1 Sam. 23:1-2
Our thoughts and prayers go have told you. I go to prepare a place When David’s wives and
out to Sis. Sally Gress and Sis. for you. And if I go and prepare a children are captured by the
Billie Klopfenstein at the passing place for you, I will come again, and Amalekites:
of their sister and daughter Lory receive you unto myself; that where I “And David enquired at the Lord,
Klopfenstein. Lory passed away on am, there ye may be also” John 14:1-3 saying, Shall I pursue after this
September 12 after a long battle We are thankful that Bro. Dana troop? shall I overtake them? And he
with lung disease. Neiman (Sis. Lea, Remington, IN) answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt
Congratulations to Bro. Mike was able to visit and minister the surely overtake them, and without
and Sis. Renee Mangold on the word to us on August 29. They were fail recover all.” 1 Sam 30:8
birth of their newest grandson such a blessing. “And it came to pass after this,
Patrick Glenn born September Our church has been blessed that David enquired of the Lord,
15 to David and Kristie Mangold logistically to be able to pick up saying, Shall I go up into any of
October 2021 SILVER LINING 17the cities of Judah? And the Lord “Jesus, thank you for this doesn’t align with our thinking.
said unto him, Go up. And David opportunity to go to work or Thankfully they were able to
said, Whither shall I go up? And he school and grow in your likeness! return home for the funeral.
said, Unto Hebron.” 2 Sam 2:1 How should I go about studying Following the 7.2 earthquake,
David is well known to be this information today? Help many, many aftershocks continued
the man after God’s heart, and me to focus and absorb it so to add to the tension of the
I think I am seeing his secret. that I can be equipped to serve people’s daily lives. They are forced
He was so close to God because others more competently.” to mostly live and sleep outdoors
of this conversational seeking of “That in order to form a habit of and many still have church
God. God was his first turn in conversing with God continually, services outdoors, too. Schools
each decision, and he yearned for and referring all we do to him, cannot begin easily without safe
God’s presence. He recognized we must at first apply to him with facilities or adequate desks. Some
that when God was with him, life some diligence; but that after a have neither.
would happen in a place of peace little care we should find his love As plans for reconstruction
and victory. inwardly excite us to it without of churches and schools are being
Philippians 4:6-7 came to my any difficulty.” The Practice of the made, we encourage whoever has a
mind this morning, challenging Presence of God, Brother Lawrence willing heart to join an upcoming
me in that same aspect of construction team to build roofs
conversational communion with Haiti, Les Cayes and benches. All skill levels are
God as I go about my day. Mike and Susie Walder welcome. Check in the back of
“Be careful for nothing; but in Congratulations to the this issue for e-mails and phone
every thing by prayer and supplication newlyweds, Bro. Joab and Sis. numbers for leaders of current
with thanksgiving let your requests Trinity Télusma, who were teams. For more information
be made known unto God. And married on September 12 in about sponsoring a project, e-mail
the peace of God, which passeth all Smithville, OH! Many former mebshconst.dept@gmail.com.
understanding, shall keep your hearts and current missionaries and Teams no longer travel
and minds through Christ Jesus." HarvestCall managers were able to in-country across treacherous
Like David, we can also have be present as we thanked the Lord highways. We are blessed to now
that same type of conversational together for his wonderful work have a commercial airline that flies
relationship with God! As we in the lives of this new couple. twice daily to the local Les Cayes
go about our days, may we May God bless their union and airport only a few miles from our
find ourselves in this type of their plans as they settle in Les guest house. The flight is only a
conversation with God, which Cayes and take their place in the half hour in duration. Those who
could also be described as community. Parents of the couple have traveled by “bus” before will
praying without ceasing. Some are Bro. Mike and Sis. Susie love it!
examples of conversation with Walder (Les Cayes and Smithville,
God might look like: OH) and Joachin and Valna Illinois, Belvidere
“Jesus, thank you for this Télusma from Les Cayes. Darcy Steffen
person! Help me to love this We extend our sympathy “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom,
person through this conversation.” to Bro. Eric and Sis. Melanie and thanksgiving, and honour,
“Jesus, help me to have eyes to Stoller at the passing of their and power, and might, be unto our
see the good in this person’s life and brother-in-law, Bro. Eric Steiner, God for ever and ever.” Rev. 7:12
inspire me now to encourage them from Rittman, OH. God’s I have been reading through
and speak blessing over them.” time is always right, although it the book of Revelation recently,
18 SILVER LINING October 2021You can also read
