The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knowelth them that trust in him.
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Vol. 75, #6 June 2020
The Lord is good,
a strong hold in the
day of trouble; and
he knowelth them
that trust in him.
Nahum 1:7
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Loving as Jesus Loves
page 3
Monthly Sermon page 4
Peace in the Midst of
COVID-19 in Haiti page 6
Christ-Centered
Education in Ixtlán page 6
Lament: A Sorrow
Expressed page 8
Remembering Our
Spiritual Heritage page 62
The Light of Hope page63
Correspondence
For July issue
(news from May 16-Jun 15)
To Our Readers Due: June 20, 2020
Apt Communication
James says our tongues are an unruly evil, untamed by any The Silver Lining
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any wisdom gained about when to speak vs. listen, confront vs. Counselors:
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Send your contributions answering that question to features@
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In Christian love,
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Front Cover: Sis. Rosie Plattner, Chicago, IL
Back Cover: Sis. Megan Rokey, Goodfield, IL
2 SILVER LINING June 2020Writings based on God’s Word
Light from the Word
Loving as Jesus where unmixed, unspoiled love is we dream about love, wax poetic
Loves – Following simply not possible.4
Throughout the Gospel of
about love, and crave love, but we
find it impossible to fully enter
Jesus’ Example John, Jesus is anchored in the into love.
love of God through perfect We must obey, but how? How
of Love in submission to the Father. In do I deal with the reality that my
Obedience Chapter 15, we read: “If ye keep love falls short of Jesus’ perfect
my commandments, ye shall abide standard? Clearly, we must allow
“If you love me, keep in my love; even as I have kept ourselves to be confronted by this
my commandments.”1 my Father’s commandments, and passage. We must, as James puts
The simplicity of Christ’s abide in his love.”5 It’s in that it, look intently at the “perfect
statement has a sharpness that cuts, same perfect unity in love that law of liberty,” rather than being
sometimes painfully, and calls us Jesus declares that “he that hath satisfied with our natural face.11
to carefully reflect on the nature of seen me hath seen the Father.”6 Here we learn our need of a savior
our love and obedience. Yet, at the The subjection of the Son to the and our dependence on His mercy,
same time, as we meditate on this Father is so complete, so perfect, for without Christ’s love, even my
passage, we begin to understand that their image is inseparable.7 good deeds tend to aim for my own
that Christ is inviting his children God’s perfect love does not remain gratification and become iniquity.
into the divine life. In other an abstraction but is commended Keeping our need of Christ’s
words, we are called into a life (or demonstrated) to us8 through mercy and love in the forefront
obediently patterned after the love Jesus’ obedience “unto death, even of our minds, let’s return to our
of Jesus as we abide in him and so the death of the cross.”9 opening passage, “If you love me,
live out Christ’s call to love as he Calling his children to follow keep my commandments.”12 This
first loved us. where he has first led, Christ gives statement in Chapter 14, and the
The Apostle John testifies of us a radical new commandment. second which is like it in Chapter
the love of God throughout his He calls us to a divine love that 15, are each given in the context
Gospel and Epistles, proclaiming completely transcends human of an extended discourse about
that “God is love.”2 This profound loves. “A new commandment I give abiding in the Spirit, including
statement can be deceptive unto you, That ye love one another; the beautiful analogy that Jesus
because its depth lies in its as I have loved you, that ye also love is the vine, and we, his followers,
simplicity. God is love, infinite one another.”10 Against Christ’s are the branches. Here, like the
love. Nothing more, nothing less. demonstration of divine love, law of gravity, Jesus lays down a
His love is pure, not mingled with the Russian novelist Dostoevsky spiritual law: “I am the vine, ye are
pride or selfishness. All of God’s captures the contrasting hypocrisy the branches: He that abideth in
actions pour forth from this pure of human love in The Brothers me, and I in him, the same bringeth
love where there is no shadow of Karamazov: “One can love one’s forth much fruit: for without me ye
turning.3 What a contrast to our neighbors in the abstract, or even can do nothing.”13 Simply put, his
natural state, a state filled with at a distance, but at close quarters commandments are impossible to
contradictions and self-deceptions it’s almost impossible.” As men, — Please turn to pg. 58
June 2020 SILVER LINING 3Monthly Sermon
Sermon by Bro. Dallas Moriah. God asked him to. When Abraham got up
Massner, Burlington, IA there God tests his faith, and Abraham passed that
test. But guess what was right there in the thicket
June 9, 2019 that was going to replace that sacrifice of his son?
Because of his faithfulness God prepared a ram the
Nehemiah 2:11-20 thicket. I’ve often thought when did that ram walk
away and get separated from the flock? When did it
Let’s look into God’s holy word such that we’d wander up there? I think God works through natural
really try to hinge on every word that he says, and processes. Obviously, he can do miracles, but I just
then also trust and pray for the word that as it would had to think that in the believer, there’s no such
come forth through the ministers it would be truly thing as circumstance. It’s just happenstance that
inspired. I’m thankful that the inspiration of the that’s what God had happen in our lives? Let’s thank
Holy Spirit is in our gathering together, and that it’s him for his faithfulness and his goodness.
not one direction. That’s the beauty of the inspired I’ve opened up to Nehemiah Chapter 2; verse
word of life. We gather together. We sing songs of 11 is where we’ll start. Nehemiah has come back to
praise together. We pray a silent prayer, and it all Jerusalem, and he didn’t want to wait to go out and
mixes up and ascends to God. He hears us each inspect it so he’s going to go at night to check out the
individually, but he also is going to collectively speak work that’s happening.
to us. As the word goes out, it’s going to be mixed I’ve read to the 20 verse. I have hymn – #190
in your heart with your faith, and also, it’s going to before me.
translate your struggles. It’s going to translate your I’d like to make one more comment about our
thoughts to what you need. That’s the beautiful thing time of worship here. It’s truly a blessing to gather
about preaching from the inspiration of the Holy together and blend our voices in common words that
Spirit, allowing God to truly speak to us. we can understand and notes that are so beautifully
I’ve opened to the book of Nehemiah. Ezra put together. I know sometimes we don’t always
and Nehemiah were both very instrumental in re- sound the best or get it quite right, but when it comes
establishing the little gathering that went back to from the heart and when we can identify with the
Jerusalem from their exile. Remember, Nehemiah message of the hymn, we can blend those together.
was the cupbearer, and God, through his position as It’s truly a blessing to have the time of worship. It’s
a cupbearer, provided for his people. It’s kind of like not just the time when we gather together and hear a
when we were talking earlier today about how God message. We’re active in this time of worship.
worked through Esther. You might think in your life You know, there was a time in history – it’s
you’ve met some people today or even in the past and kind of a sad time; we can read about it in Martyr’s
they shared something with you. You might think it Mirror and different books that speak about some
could be inconsequential, but I think God is working of our forebearers and how they were persecuted –
and putting something in your heart for a later time when a lot of them went to church, the hymns were
and a later experience. sung in Latin, the message was in Latin, and guess
I often think of Isaac. Abraham and Isaac. what? They didn’t know Latin. They could only be
Abraham was going to offer him there on Mt. there and see the symbols. They could only hear
4 SILVER LINING June 2020the words, but it was in a foreign language to them. what’s this all about?” What did this even mean to
They couldn’t really experience the worship service them? What does it mean to us? What’s part of God’s
like we can today, and I fear that it is kind of going plan and story? Why did he preserve this for us?
that way again where we see that the message is a lot Again, I think it’s the image of Christ and the image
more intellectual. There are some that don’t have the of God’s divine plan. It’s part of the whole narrative.
intellectual capacity to follow the speaker. I just think of this – what must this have looked like
They might have bands and choirs that don’t to the people at that time? These exiles came back, and
allow all the people to participate, not that when this city looked like a total disaster. They’re probably
just you listen, it says you don’t get some value, but thinking, “Well, what’s the point?”, but they have such
it still has that same semblance. I’m not saying that a reverence for that city. When we think of Jerusalem,
to disparage any particular one that uses that, but we don’t think of it as the Jews today, as they care very
I think it’s maybe a sad commentary of where we much about the wall and the physical aspects of it. I
start to become detached from the body. We gather think this goes beyond just this city. They’re trying
together, and it’s a time when we really are a body. to hearken back to time when they had God in their
We have different members that need to participate midst. They’re trying to reassemble that time when God
in the worship service. We gain the most value when was not only in the center but he lived among them.
we all can participate in an active way. When he brought them out of Egypt, he said,
So, we have this hymn #190 (Zion’s Harp), and “I’m taking you.” Essentially, in a word “he took me to
the first verse reads: myself.” It’s marriage language. He says, “You’re mine,
Jesus Christ as king elected, and I’m going to take you to myself.” He told them
All things are to him subjected. how to build their house; they sat down together. It’s
We’ve read about this already how God can use all almost like a couple would do if they were going to
things. Even heathen and pagan kings are going to be build a new house, having a conversation saying this
used to furtherance of the gospel and of his kingdom. is what our house is going to look like. He said, “I’m
Don’t lose sight of that, brothers, sisters, and friends, going to dwell in the midst of you; I’m going to be
as we live in a country that continues to walk away your God, and you’re going to be my people. You’re
from God. It really is the course of nature. We might mine.” This is a marriage, a divine marriage.
think all is lost. We’ve got to remember what God said If we don’t look at our relationship with Jesus
through Moses to Pharaoh: “For this cause I raised Christ as a divine marriage, we’ve missed the point.
thee up that all the nations of the world would know It is a relationship. When God calls us out of sin and
that there’s a God in Israel.” At that time, Pharaoh was darkness, the price was paid. Jesus Christ was the
the supreme ruler of the most powerful country of the bride price, and he paid a tremendous price to buy us
world and that’s what Moses said to him. We saw the to be his bride. As any newlyweds you see, they want
outcome of that. Trust God. So, let’s sing together of to be around each other all the time. They want to
the verses you choose of Hymn #190. know what the other one is doing all the time. We
Perhaps, just another thought before we turn to need to look at ourselves first. When we go places or
the New Testament. As we read this together, what we say things, would we want our spouse to know
were your thoughts? You know, when we read an Old that? Do we have that kind of relationship where we
Testament scripture, sometimes our thought is, “Well, — Please turn to pg. 59
June 2020 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
Peace in the Midst of Miss Nobadine Dessources is one such example.
COVID-19 in Haiti She has worked as a nurse at Hospital Lumiere for 10
years, rising to the role of Nursing Supervisor, in charge
Caribbean Committee
of the Clinic and Emergency Room staff. The defining
COVID-19 has impacted the world in ways most thing one notices about her very quickly is that she
of us would not have been able to imagine a short is an advocate for the patients under her care. This is
time ago. Those who work in the healthcare field especially admirable in the Haitian culture so often
or have fallen ill with the virus, have felt its impact described by the word “survival.” When the daily focus
most directly. At HarvestCall’s mission at Hospital is “survival,” it is easy to overlook the needs of others.
Lumiere in Bonne Fin, Haiti, the global pandemic Miss Dessources, however, exhibits daily a
can feel like a building storm. patient-first work ethic. She continually is on the look
Each one of us can identify with these out for ways to improve the hospital and the care of
storms of life. Many times, we as Christians are patients. In Haiti, most bedside care (food, bathing,
tempted to emulate the disciples' example when cleaning) is provided by patient families. It is not
they were confronted with the storm on the sea. uncommon to have a patient in the hospital who
They were frightened and believed they would either doesn’t have family with them or doesn’t have
perish. The staff at Hospital Lumiere have faced financial resources to provide food. Miss Dessources
similar fears as COVID-19 sweeps the globe. And many times discretely makes this need known to
many have simply stood on their faith prepared administration, respecting the dignity of the patient,
for the possibility of the coming storm. while making sure they are fed.
Christ-Centered Education in Ixtlán Mexico Committee
“Children are the future church” – a basic, yet profound grade gathers around Bro. Matt Gerber or Bro. Lalo
truth which compels us to pour our energies into Ugalde to hear teaching from the Bible. For the
teaching our youth the gospel. Some of those children younger grades, this entails hearing a Bible story and
grow up to repent and join the body of Christ. What a discussing it, much like Sunday School. For older
miracle! We know that salvation is ultimately the Spirit’s classes, the values of Christian living are discussed.
work, and yet we carry a charge to “bring them up in Currently there are 182 children in Ixtlan
the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4) enrolled in both primary and secondary, with about
A Christian education opens young eyes to the 63 still available for sponsorship. In this particular
truth of the Bible, which may not have been modeled setting, because the school is owned and operated by
at home. Some unbelieving parents allow their child the Apostolic Christian Church, each child is eligible
to attend a school with Christ-centered education for to receive one sponsor.
the sake of a solid education, and along the way soft The process for signing up to sponsor a child is
hearts take in spiritual truths. simple. Visit harvestcall.org/sponsor-a-child. You will
Colegio de las Américas in Ixtlán, Mexico, see a list of countries. Some countries have specific
provides this type of education. Twice a week each children’s names and profiles listed. For Ixtlán,
6 SILVER LINING June 2020Since the onset of coronavirus in Haiti, the hospital At a time when some staff members were fearful for
staff has been focused on preparing to receive possible their own health, Miss Dessources remained a steady
cases. Just like in the United States, Hospital Lumiere presence. She readily accepted her role as supervisor
was not ready. The effort to prepare required the entire for the COVID-19 care team. It seemed that she was
staff pitching in as services were moved to new locations constantly hearing the words of the Lord “Peace, be still.”
to make way for the isolation unit. From our own “It does not matter if a patient is sick with cholera or
lives, we know that change and stress often go hand COVID-19 or another disease. If they don’t have medical
in hand. But Miss Dessources maintained her calm care they could die. It is our job to give them care”
and professional demeanor throughout the changes. she says. When asked how she can be peaceful in such
times, Miss Dessources replied “I have faith that God
will protect me here. We are called to give medical care
to everyone. We want to give care with the love of God,
the love of Christ. And so I believe he will protect me.”
What a wonderful example of faith we can see in
Miss Dessources. It reminds us of the opportunity to
pray for the HarvestCall mission at Hospital Lumiere
as the staff relies on their faith to continue providing
excellent and effective medical care with compassion
and Christian love.
– by Rick Aberle & Carrie Stoller
individual students are not listed, so when you click
on Mexico it takes you to a link called a “general
sponsorship form.” On this form, you’ll specify the
country and school.
Other ways to sign up are to fill out a paper form
available at most congregations, or call or e-mail us at
childsponsorship@harvestcall.org or (309) 266-6080.
For Colegio de las Américas, sponsorship is $35/mo.
paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on
the sponsor. Students and sponsors are encouraged
to correspond a couple of times a year, and there are
opportunities for sponsors to send gifts for Christmas
and birthdays. But perhaps the most important
contribution of a sponsor is praying for the child.
If you feel moved, partner with a child at Ixtlán
Colegio de las Américas to give them the gift of
truth. A child’s life could be changed! – by Sarah Fehr
November
June 2020
2016 SILVER LINING 3
7Lament: A Sorrow Expressed
We all experience pain. Deep pain comes in different looks something like this: turn, complain, ask, trust.
forms: failing health, economic hardship, troubled First the grieving one turns to God. They direct
children, strained relationships, loss of a loved one, their lament to the Father. God is the recipient of our
terminal illness, unfair treatment, fearsome odds, sorrow. Next the grieving one complains. Full and
pain without answers or pain without easy fixes. unreserved protest is leveled at God. It’s the honesty of
Experiencing such pain gives us a kinship with a our heart released. Third, the grieving one asks. Direct
long list of faithful ones — Job, Hannah, Jeremiah, requests are made to God. Unabashed appeals are
David, Habakkuk, Moses, Mary, Martha, Daniel, submitted. Finally, the grieving one trusts. A resignation
Jacob, Naomi to name a few. Pain is knit into the is laid at the Father’s feet. A “no-matter-what” reckless
fabric of life here below and we will not leave this abandoned commitment to God results. The above
place without it. represents the shape of lament, and this is the shaping it
does in our souls. It takes us from pain to promise
through the gut wrenching realities of brokenness.
Consider the current matters that trouble
you. Would you fill in the prompts below
and begin to lament?
• Turn: “Father, I bring the important matter
of ____________________ to you.”
• Complain: “Have you forgotten me? Do
you not hear my frequent groanings?
So often I have spoken to you about
_________________ and it seems hope is
lost. My heart grieves.”
• Ask: “Father, I boldly ask you to
_________________. Speedily come to my
defense. With your mighty arm,
_________________________________.”
• Trust: “I resign _________________to
you Father. For where else shall I turn?
Nowhere. My hope is in you.”
To support us in this raw reality, God knits Because laments are so practiced, rehearsed,
something else into the fabric of our faith — Lament. reviewed and repeated in Israel’s history, they
Lament is a sorrow or pain expressed or a cry that have imprinted themselves in the hymnody of the
springs from and proceeds to faith. This prayer Hebrew culture. One out of every three Psalms is a
should lead us to trust. It has both a shape and is lament. By this we learn that not only are laments
shaping. Lament has often been used by our faithful personal, they are communal also. God intends
forefathers and a well-worn pattern has emerged. It the community of believers to lament with your
8 SILVER LINING June 2020brothers and sisters in sorrow. Lamenting as a the cry of truth. An honest heart’s cry rising from the
community is important when our abilities to help seedbed of pain to God because the Father is real. After
fall short or when our wisdom to fix is insufficient all, it was this honesty, this pain, this love of the Father
or when our capacity to “make it better” is overrun. that birthed Jesus’s famous lament on the cross… “My
Lament is what we can offer. And when we do, God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46)
our hearts in a small way are aligned with God’s May we as a body of believers be bold in our lamenting
heart. In that moment we help carry the sorrow. to the Father who understands our pain, and then may
Consider the matters that currently trouble your we, in turn, be shaped by these prayers of lament.
community of believers or your close friends around ACCFS has a host of resources on various
you. Consider using prompts like the ones below topics to encourage a believer in their walk and
and begin to lament together — listening to each growth in the Lord. They range from adapted Bible
other’s cries of pain and together turning these
cries into trust.
• Turn: “Father, the brokenness of
__________________ is urgent and dire.”
• Complain: “How long will
______________________ toil under the
weight of these circumstances? Because
you do not ________________________,
people wonder if you are real. They
wonder if you are trustworthy.”
• Ask: “Father, I ask You to mightily
__________________________________.
Show your glory by
_______________________. Silence the
mocker by _________________________.
Win the faithless to you by
_______________________________ ”
• Trust: “I will cling to your promises. I will
never abandon you. The circumstances of
_______________________________ will
only embolden my faith whatever the outcome.” studies and discussion aids for groups to papers
and handouts for individual study to presentations
God gave us lament because He personally and seminars for the entire church family. These
understands grief. Jesus was known for His sorrows. resources can be found on our website at www.
Isaiah announces Him as a man of sorrows and accounseling.org/category/spiritualgrowth. If you
acquainted with grief (Is. 53). Lament to Jesus is not would like more information, please contact ACCFS
just a nice idea. It is much deeper than that. Lament is at (309)263-5536 or info@accounseling.org.
June 2020 SILVER LINING 9Congregation Updates
Apostolic Christian Typically, we use the Gateway Woods Apostolic
LifePoints springtime as a time of Christian Children’s Home
www.aclifepoints.org preparation. Fields and gardens Rob Parker — LARC Director
@aclifepoints on Facebook or are planted. Summer vacations Five years ago, God stirred
Instagram are mapped out. Job applications Gateway Woods to begin
Ashlyn Gramm-Mission are submitted. Many of us are still the LARC initiative to create
Communication Coordinator trying to make these preparations genuine connections between the
“For, lo, the winter is past, the with the hope that there will be community and kids coming out
rain is over and gone; the flowers healing and health restored to of the residential and foster care
appear on the earth; the time of the those suffering in our country and programs. In LARC, we strive to
singing of birds is come, and the the rest of the world. But there is connect youth to the relationships
voice of the turtle is heard in our uncertainty in our plans. So why and resources they need to become
land.” Song of Solomon 2:11-12 do we still hope? successfully independent. What an
These past few months at As Christians, we can hope encouragement it has been to watch
LifePoints have certainly not been for more than just things of this mentors, churches, job partners,
that which we ourselves would world. Our souls ache for heaven and others in the community pour
have planned. We are longing for and the day we will see the Lord into these young people! But how
in-person visits between families seated on his throne. We do not can our kids continue to build
and residents. Residents are eager know everything that we will skills and stay connected to the
to return to their work programs experience there, just as we do not meaningful relationships they have
with their friends and caring staff. know what each season of life will built if they are forced back to
We can’t wait for our Sunday hold. But we have seen springs in old environments, with no safe or
school classes to start back up the past, we have seen God work consistent place to live?
and to fellowship with our church in our lives and in the lives of Enter WillowBridge: Gateway
body face-to-face again. Plans have others, and we trust in him and Woods’ new transitional living
certainly changed, but God has in his Word. Praise God for his community. WillowBridge serves
remained constant through it all. promises, for his love for all his young adults who have aged
As we experience the springtime children, for his saving grace, and out of the system and whose
weather, we are reminded of these for the hope he has given us of a primary support comes from their
verses in Song of Solomon. They new and greater future! connection to Gateway Woods. We
bring us hope. Although some of If you would like to read have worked hard to create a safe
these days full of rain and wind the most recent updates from place where young people can learn
make us feel like we are back in LifePoints Administrators to work hard, care for their own
the gloom of winter, we know that regarding our current status apartments and learn to manage
spring is coming into itself and during COVID-19, please go to their lives, all while strengthening
days of sunshine are ahead. The our website (www.aclifepoints. their community connections.
springtime is full of newness and life, org). Thank you for your I have had the great pleasure of
and we have hope because we know continued support and prayers for working with some amazing young
the One who gives all things life. all those involved at LifePoints! people who are full of raw potential
10 SILVER LINING June 2020and unique giftedness. Many of Sierra and I to hand the reigns over Couples. For more information,
them truly want to experience to whoever the Lord has prepared please see our ad in this
God as a Father and build a life next. I will be stepping back into month’s edition of the Silver
that has meaning, they just don’t the leadership role of Director for Lining or visit the Careers
know where to start. WillowBridge both LARC and WillowBridge. page on our website at
is a place where these kids can This is an opportunity to gatewaywoods.org/careers.
go to grow in all of the areas that be a tangible representation • We are searching for 2020
lead to successful independence. of who Christ is. As Theodore summer volunteers. Please
We are building on much of the Roosevelt once said, “to work contact Sis. Claire Berchtold,
foundation that was laid by the hard at work worth doing”. If our 2020 Summer Volunteer
Gateway Woods residential and this stokes a fire in your heart, Coordinator at vol.coordinator@
foster care programs as well as the please see the CA job opening gatewaywoods.org for more
LARC initiative. At this juncture, we have posted. Thank you to all information. This is a great
they are no longer being supervised, of our faithful supporters who opportunity to impact the lives
but instead, are receiving guidance continue to encourage us as we of the children on our campus!
and accountability while learning fulfill the mission God has given • You are an important advocate
to make decisions and take us to provide help and healing to help us spread the word
responsibility for themselves. to troubled children and families about God’s work at Gateway
WillowBridge has the capacity who then may bless others. Woods. Please continue to
for four young men and five young News: lift us up in prayer, check our
women (one of whom may have a • 2020 Auction: The Auction is website gatewaywoods.org and
child). Much like house parents, converting to a virtual event! our Facebook page at facebook.
the staff consists of a Community See our ad in this month’s com/gatewaywoods often for
Advocate (CA) couple and a edition of the Silver Lining for updates, and make sure that
support team (CAS) who provide more information. you are on our mailing list. If
assistance and coverage for the • We are thankful to announce you would like to be added to
CA during time off. Both couples that we hired Bro. Jesse our mailing list, please contact
have their own apartment at Zimmerman as our new us at 888.443.4283 or send an
WillowBridge, though only the Housparent Manager. email to info@gatewaywoods.
CA couple live there full-time. • We also are blessed to org. Finally, if you would like
Having been unsupported have Sis. Kristi Baran as to receive a monthly email
youths ourselves, my wife and I our newest counselor. detailing how the work at
have a passion for serving these • We currently have these Gateway Woods is bringing
young adults, so we quickly signed openings at Gateway Woods: help and healing to those in
on to be the first CA couple at Teacher, WillowBridge need, please consider joining our
WillowBridge. We now have a solid Community Advocate Couple, Restoring Hope email list. You
structure in place, a knowledgeable Assistant Houseparent, LARC can do so at gatewaywoods.org/
CAS couple, and some great young Coordinator, Development newsletter or by emailing jon.
people here. The time has come for Coordinator and Houseparent ringger@gatewaywoods.org.
June 2020 SILVER LINING 11Alabama, Athens turned out to be quite true over We are living in a time when
Lisa Aschliman , Kristy Moore the years. He was an honest man. truth is not only valued little, it
This past month we were I did not realize it until long after is generally mocked, vilified, and
blessed to be able to gather as a he was gone, but I believe he loved labeled prejudicial or intolerant. If
church family. It was so nice to be truth. He sought to be truthful in a person professes to hold “absolute
able to catch up with our brothers all his dealings, even when it cost truth” (from the Department of
and sisters in person. We ask for him or put him at a disadvantage, Redundancy Department), there
continued prayers for Sis. Carolyn which it sometimes did. It is a are plenty of voices proclaiming no
Lewis and her family as she great gift to have been brought such thing exists. 2 Thessalonians
continues her battle with cancer. up with that kind of example. It 2:10 refers to those who perish,
The ALive board met, and in is something of a lost art, and I “because they received not the love
light of many states still under must confess I did not love truth of the truth”, and even tells us
restrictions due to COVID-19 for many years. The Holy Spirit God will send a strong delusion,
and the restrictions on venues in awakened me to the value of so those people will believe a lie.
Alabama, ALive 2020 has been truth over time and caused me There are many warnings about
cancelled. Our hope and prayer is to realize how little regard I had being deceived, and the only way to
that by next year there will be a for it. He moved me to pray for avoid being deceived is to love and
good handle on COVID-19 and a heart that loved truth, and for seek out truth. Since Jesus said, “I
we will be able to resume with my eyes to be opened to keep am the way, the truth, and the life”
ALive 2021. me from being deceived. It was (John 14:6), to find truth, we need
“Those things, which ye have both not something within my own to seek out Jesus. We need to renew
learned, and received, and heard, and power to accomplish and was an our passion for truth and pursue it
seen in me, do: and the God of peace earnest prayer. Very soon after I at all costs. Our enemy is seeking
shall be with you.” Philippians 4:9 prayed it, I began to recognize the to deceive and destroy everyone he
As always, if you are planning Holy Spirit working. The most can and will likely succeed with
to pass through the area and need profound example was a night I those who hold little regard for it. If
a place to stay, call Sis. Rebekah was invited to another culture’s we embrace truth, we will worship
Klaus at 815.674.5411 for our winter celebration – near the time truly, be sanctified, guided by the
guest house accommodations. we celebrate Christmas. There Spirit, hear the voice of Jesus, and
was a large sign up on the stage we will be made free. (John 4:23;
Arizona, Phoenix with a word written in a different 8:32; 17:17; 16:13; 18:37). If we
Marge Lindenbaum language. When I looked at it, reject it, it will be taken from us.
“Like as a father pitieth his I saw “EVIL” clearly spelled out “…the father to the children shall
children, so the LORD pitieth them on the sign. I thought it strange make known thy truth.” Isaiah 38:19
that fear him. For he knoweth our they would put that out on the The Phoenix church continues
frame; he remembereth that we are stage and asked the people I was to observe the social gathering
dust.” Psalms 103:13-14 with if they saw it. None of them restrictions recommended by our
My dad loved his kids. He had did, until they looked again, and government, although we have been
ten and I remember him saying he then they could see it, but it was authorized to resume in-person
wouldn’t take a million dollars for evident to me from the moment meetings. We have a committee
any one of us and wouldn’t give we sat down. I said a prayer of looking into the best way to do
a plug nickel for another one just thanks and watched the program so safely. In the meantime, we are
like us. There were a lot of things with what I believe was some blessed by online services from
he said that remain with me and additional insight from the Spirit. our local ministers and with song
12 SILVER LINING June 2020from some of our members. We “Then the Lord answered Job out It would be an understatement
appreciate their willingness to serve of the whirlwind, and said…where to say all are ready to be reconvening
us from an empty church. wast thou when I laid the foundations in church, and so it is our prayer
Sis. Jan Haine passed away from of the earth? declare, if thou hast and hope that we will soon be able
complications of an infection and understanding. Who hath laid the to gather as the laws of the land and
CHF. Her family was unable to see measures thereof, if thou knowest? the Elder Committee recommend.
her for a month due to restrictions. or who hath stretched the line upon
It is heartbreaking to think of being it? Whereupon are the foundations California, San Diego
alone when sick and dying, but thereof fastened? or who laid the corner Sarah Fulop
exhilarating to consider waking up stone thereof; When the morning The end of quarantine is in
face to face with the One who loves stars sang together, and all the sons of sight as San Diego has slowly begun
you more than anyone. Sis. Jan God shouted for joy?” Job 38:1,4-7. opening some of its businesses
joined our congregation late in life God created the earth. He this month. The state still has not
and brought joy and laughter for the created us, knows us, and knows approved gatherings so Zoom
time she was with us. We offer our what is to come. worship will continue for the time
condolences to her family and will being. While many of us couldn’t
keep them in our prayers. Arizona, Tucson wait for things to return to normal,
Our local HarvestCall Dean and Jackie Knobloch now with normal schedules
continues to operate, and is serving Greetings to all! This verse commencing, we are beginning to
a local African refugee community has been a comfort to me in these complain about the increasing traffic
with provisions of food, as they uncertain times: and the havoc on the economy.
are experiencing supply chain “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: As humans we tend to be easily
issues. What a blessing it is to be from him cometh my salvation. impatient. We need to understand
able to help others in their time of He only is my defence; I shall not why things happen; we seek justice
need! Our prayers continue for all be greatly moved.” Psalm 62:1-2. for injustices in our lives while
those who have been affected by We held our annual business desiring grace and mercy for our
COVID-19, for our leadership, and meeting via Zoom and elected shortcomings. We can look at the
for the Holy Spirit to bring many offices for the coming terms. Bro. pandemic with a scarcity mindset:
souls to salvation during these Dean Knobloch will continue as we are stuck at home, church
unusual times. treasurer, Bro. Garth Knobloch is cancelled, the government is
will serve as trustee and Sis. Lisa restricting our freedoms. However,
Arizona, Prescott Knapp will serve on the kitchen with the amazing technology
Autumn Rokey committee. We wish to thank of Zoom we were able to share
Congrats to Kate Koehl Sis. Sandy Bauer for taking care a Sunday service with Altadena
(Bro. Lane and Sis. Beth Koehl) of the kitchen committee the without driving 2 hours. It was very
on her High School Graduation! last 3 years. Further discussion encouraging to share each other’s
We know that the school year was held on how and when to burdens and connect with fellow
did not end the way she, or resume gathering in church and believers. Adopting this abundance
any of us expected. We can be the ministers and trustees will mindset instead, we can begin to
reminded, however, in the small be meeting to make a plan on view this pandemic as a blessing: a
and big unexpected changes in how to proceed. As always we time to refine us, to grow our trust
life that God is with us. In the wish to thank Elder Bro. Ben in God and wake up the dormant
unknown, God’s answer to Job Wiegand for his oversight and aspects of our spiritual walk. Being
is always a comfort. care of our congregation. uncomfortable forces us to reflect
June 2020 SILVER LINING 13on the things we place our security understand why my sister had to Connecticut, Rockville
in, which at times can be in the die or why there is a worldwide Heidi Beutel, Kim Schneider
fleeting things of this world. pandemic, but I do know that We are thankful for the gift of
This year, my own suffering God uses these times to mold our new life as we rejoice in the birth
lead to unfulfilled expectations hearts to trust in his provision. It’s of Cole Samuel Virkler. He was
and unmet dreams. It was easy to through the crucible of suffering we welcomed home by parents Bro.
feel afraid and angry at situations learn how to have an abundant and Sam and Sis. Amanda and big sister
that were beyond my control. But overcoming life with Christ. Avery. Cole’s grandparents are Bro.
through prayer, mediation in the While the threat to physical Phil and Sis. Michelle Bahler and
word and counseling with wise health and financial fallouts are Bro. John and Sis. Maureen Virkler.
brothers and sisters I began see real fears, take heart that this world We rejoice with Kayleigh
that God loved me deeply and the is not our home and our God is Wiegand (Bro. Brad and Sis.
suffering was actually a blessing walking with us every step of the Deanna) as she has surrendered
to grow my faith and trust in his way. Like Job we can say, “...the her heart to the Lord and seeks to
plan. For a while, his plan didn’t Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken work out her soul salvation. May
make sense, but he was refining away; blessed be the name of the the grace of God be with her as
my heart to go through one of Lord.” Job 1:21 she begins on this new journey.
the hardest months of my life. "Behold I have refined thee, but Our thoughts and prayers are
Just as the panic and uncertainty not with silver; I have chosen thee in with Sis. Joanne Eleiott and her
of the virus set in, my older sister the furnace of affliction." Isaiah 48:10 family, Zach, Annaliese (Adam
had severe complications from "Fear none of these things which Falkowski) and Rachel as well as
childbirth. Two weeks later, amidst thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil her grandson Jaxson Falkowski,
thousands of prayers on the behalf shall cast some of you into prison, as they said goodbye to their
of our family, God called her that ye may be tried, and ye shall dear husband, dad and grandpa,
home. My human mind can dwell have tribulation ten days: be thou Rich. We are also prayerful for
on the unfairness of the situation faithful unto death, and I will give Sis. Charlotte Limberger and her
especially since loss is not a new thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10 family as they laid to rest her step-
thing for our family. However, son David Limberger. He was the
God has used this last year to Colorado, Denver son of our late Bro. Walt.
mold my heart to trust him even Tess Leman
when everything seems to unravel. We are thankful there are District of Columbia,
Rather than being angry at the still things to celebrate during Washington
outcome, I found myself praying this unenjoyable time of limited Henrietta Meyer
that God could use the painful interaction. Baby Stoller (due "For that ye ought to say, If
situation for his glory. When a in July to Bro. Jared and Sis. the Lord will, we shall live and
friend reached out commenting Rabekah) was celebrated with a do this or that." James 4:15.
that our family’s humble requests baby shower open-house style! Such My report usually shares news
for prayers not only encouraged joy the pending birth of life brings! of our caretakers and visiting
her to pray but also rekindled a Thank you to our virtual ministers. I know there have been
yearlong dormant relationship with visiting minister: Bro. Nick Waibel caretakers and ministers that
God, I knew God was answering (Sis. Sandra, Francesville, IN). planned to come to DC, but things
my prayers. A year prior, my heart We appreciate your willingness to beyond their control said otherwise.
would not have been in that state. share God’s Word with us; even As I write this, the District of
On this side of heaven, I may never unconventionally over Zoom! Columbia and the close suburbs in
14 SILVER LINING June 2020Maryland and Virginia, where we everyone so our song leader can ones take a piece of our heart with
all live and the church is located, sing (it doesn’t work if we all sing). them when they go.
have not even begun Phase I. Lastly, we want to send God’s The New Beginnings
The longer we are apart, the blessings with Bro. Evan and Sis. The New Beginnings is very
more we appreciate being able to Kristin Sinn as they move on to happy to welcome another young
join together virtually for services. the next chapter of their life in mom and daughter into our
If you are planning to visit Silverton, Oregon. We will dearly program! Mackenzie and her one-
Washington, D.C. area for vacation miss you, your youth and the year old daughter, Alina, moved
or business, please contact Sis. enthusiasm that you brought to in with us the middle of May.
Henrietta Meyer at 703 904-8301 the Ft. Lauderdale church. Mackenzie is a full-time student
or hmeyer2831@gmail.com for at FSW, and her long-term goal is
assistance and to let us know how Florida, Fort Myers clinical psychology. She comes out
many to expect for Sunday services. Mary Masters, Terri Young of many years of foster care, and
After what has been many recently out of an abusive situation.
Florida, Fort Lauderdale weeks of having services online, We look forward to getting to
Renee Mangold May 17 was our first service of know her and introducing her to
There were no visiting ministers actually assembling together in our church family. We already told
this past month for obvious reasons. church. It is good to be one step her what a warm and loving group
The virus has affected us all. closer to the privileges we have of people we are blessed to worship
It’s been a challenging time enjoyed of worshiping together as with in Fort Myers.
with lifestyles turned upside a body. With all that is going on Arzu finished her first semester
down. Certain areas of the US around us in this present time, let’s in nursing with As and Bs and got
have been impacted differently keep our eyes on the eternal things, a job as a home health caretaker for
and opinions on what’s right and knowing this world is not our the summer. Although I think it
what’s not, who’s right and who’s final home. We are thankful for took some adjusting to being apart
not, are apparent. answered prayers as Sis. Margaret from Demir after 2 months together,
I know you can’t be wrong if Getz had two successful surgeries it has been good for Arzu, and
you rely on the words of Jesus and here in Fort Myers recently. She is Demir is glad to be back in daycare
trust them implicitly. He told us recovering well and recently stated with his friends and teachers.
that no one would know when it that she appreciates the prayers. We appreciate your ongoing
was the end times and to just be Our prayers are also with Bro. prayers as we continue to seek an
prepared always. Believing that Larry and Sis. Teresa Bruellman Executive Director for our program.
God has a plan for all of us and and family as Larry’s father (Bro. We are so thankful for Mackenzie
that we may not understand or see Harley Bruelman) passed away and Alina, but we still have
it at the time does not negate that. May 12 in West Bend, Iowa. This apartments available for more moms
His plan is perfect and we are was just three months after Larry’s and children, and for mentors. We
exactly where he wants us to be in mother (Sis. Adele) passed, so it is a want to experience growing pains!
this time of our life. blessing to the family. Also, we will Our little group here at TNB
In the interim of not being be keeping the family of Sis. Carol has been having a weekly Bible
allowed to gather in church, we Bucher in prayer as she passed away study on Dr. David Jeramiah’s
have been meeting twice a week May 14 in Valparaiso, Indiana. She Overcomer series. I think two
for Zoom meetings. It has been a and Bro. Ken worshiped seasonally of the sections that stood out,
blessing to see our loved ones and with us for many years. We rejoice especially during these uncertain
visit, have devotions and then mute when believers go Home, but loved times, were Overcoming Anxiety
June 2020 SILVER LINING 15with Peace and Overcoming Fear Florida, Sarasota As we have just come through
with Faith. It has been good to Sandra Kaeb Mother’s Day, have we taken the
be comforted by God’s promises, The country being in a panic time to thank God for our loving,
and to look at our perspective and everyone seems so scared, faithful mothers.
about faith. The study reminds churches being closed and we are "Somebody somewhere was
us that it’s not how much faith told to stand six feet apart. No praying that night,
we have or that we should try to more than ten to gather together when Jesus came in and
believe more, but rather how big seamed to become the new norm, I saw the light.
God is and to get to know him many in isolation with depression It must have been momma
better. The issue is not the size of starting to set in. What joy it is to I heard her before,
our faith, but the object of our now look forward to this coming as she knelt by her bedside
faith. “Therefore, being justified Sunday, May 17, as we plan to her tears touched the floor.
by faith, we have peace with God reassemble at church. Oh, how we She prayed to the master
through our Lord Jesus Christ.” are prone to take for granted so and wouldn’t give in,
Romans 5:1 many things and don’t understand till she knew all her children
Another topic of discussion how good we have it until it is have been born again.
during our Bible study has been taken away. Let’s remember daily to Just an old fashion momma
our prayer life. Doesn’t it seem thank our heavenly Father for the but she loved the Lord,
that more than ever the enemy many blessings he has given us. as her prayers touched the master,
tries to distract us from prayer? Prayers are continuing for Bro. her tears touched the floor.
We talked about how prayer Dick Van Deest as he is getting Thank you, momma,
should be a dialogue, not a radiation treatments. May he and for praying for me,
monologue, and not to just pray his dear wife feel our love and if you would not have
“words.” When our thoughts are prayers and find comfort and prayed where would I be.
scattered and distracted, pray out peace through God’s word. They called you old fashion
loud. Prayer is a time to focus on We rejoice to hear that Bro. but you loved the Lord
God, not on our problems. Such Rod Stoller and Bro. Gordon as your prayers touched the
an admonishment to me as too Bryant are home from the hospital master, your tears touched
often I want to jump right into the and rehab. May God grant healing the floor." -Waldner
asking part! and peace to these dear brothers Note of Thanks
May God give us hearts and for a full recovery. We want to thank everyone
minds to focus on Philippians Sis. MaryLou Joos had back for the cards and prayers for
4:8,9.“Finally, brethren, whatsoever surgery and is recuperating from hip Bro. Dick as he goes through
things are true, whatsoever things surgery, our prayers continue for her. radiation treatments.
are honest, whatsoever things are We were saddened to - Dick and Nancy Van Deest
just, whatsoever things are pure, hear of the passing of Bro.
whatsoever things are lovely, John Zollinger (Sis. Marge, Haiti, Bonne Fin -
whatsoever things are of good report; Smithville, OH). Bro. John and Hospital Lumiere
If there be any virtue, and if there Sis. Marge spent winter months Rick and Komari Aberle
be any praise, think on these things. in Florida and he will be dearly Greetings in Jesus’ name from
Those things, which ye have both missed. His faithfulness, kind, Hospital Lumiere. We are grateful
learned, and received, and heard, loving heart were always such an that we did not have any COVID-19
and seen in me, do: and the God of example. Prayers are with Sis. cases present at the hospital during
peace shall be with you.” Amen! Marge and the family. our preparation period. The staff at
16 SILVER LINING June 2020the hospital was able to finish those all around us, but we are reminded the past month to learn more from
preparations in the last part of April. that God’s time is always right. God’s Word as we participated in
As of this writing, no COVID-19 “Go to now, ye that say, Today Bible studies together. We started
patients have sought care at the or tomorrow we will go into such a out by going through the book of
hospital. However, in recent weeks, city, and continue there a year, and Philippians and then did a study
we have seen numbers begin to buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas on the Holy Spirit and his work
increase in Haiti. ye know not what shall be on the in our lives. We are grateful to the
With travel restrictions, we morrow. For what is your life? It ministers and Bro. Sam (Sis. Betty)
have had no visitors during the past is even a vapor, that appeareth for Bachtold for leading these for us.
month. While this is unfortunate, a little time, and then vanisheth "O how lovely ‘tis to be
we are thankful for God’s continued away. For that ye ought to say, If With our Lord in unity;
grace and sustenance for the team the Lord will, we shall live, and And united voices raise
here. We are thankful for the gifts of do this, or that.” James 4:13-15 HIm to bring our songs of praise.
technology as we have been able to See in faith, and hope and love
attend our “home” services in new Illinois, Belvidere Lies the power from above;
ways in the past weeks. Darcy Steffen But one Baptism, faith, and Lord,
As the stay at home order Spirit, head, in one accord.
Haiti, Les Cayes continues on for those of us in Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Mike and Susie Walder Illinois, we are reminded again Three in one, so shall the host
Greetings from Les Cayes. and again that the church is not Of those born of God above
As we enter the rainy season, we a physical location in which we Be as one in holy love.
appreciate the increased number gather. In many ways, I feel that this Also does this bond unite
of rainbows we have been blessed time has only served to strengthen Heart and heart in faith and light;
with. Every time the bow is in us as a body and bring us closer Many in one body be,
the sky we are reminded that together, and I am thankful for it! Many souls in unity."
God keeps all his promises, and We were blessed to have Elder Unity in Love, Zion’s Harp #181
specifically that floods will never Bro. Wayne (Sis. Camille) Hartzler
cover the entire earth again. from Rittman join us on Zoom Illinois, Bloomington-
In the books of Ezekiel and and preach to us from God’s Word. Normal
Revelation brilliant rainbows It has also been nice to have others Sara Anliker, Kinsey Dotterer
were seen around the throne of from across our congregations “He hath made everything beautiful
God. They are amazing displays “visit” our little church. in his time: also, he hath set the world
of both his majesty and his The body of Christ came in their heart, so that no man can find
holiness; probably the ones we are together to celebrate with Sis. Peg out the work that God maketh from
fortunate to see on earth are only (Bro. Brian) Anliker on a milestone the beginning to the end.” Ecc. 3:11
a peek into the heavenlies. birthday. We invited Belvidere Waiting and watching. For
We were thankful that and friends from Elgin and the several months we have all been
recently Sis. Sheila Moser was able community to do a drive by waiting and watching… and
to safely return to Kansas and Bro. birthday party for her! It seemed to wondering. We listen to reports,
Mike Walder was able to return be a blessing for her, and it gave us statistics and stories of how lives
to his family in Ohio. Flights out all such joy to see each other again, have changed. Questions are
of Haiti are very limited and there if only from behind a windshield. being asked like, how long? and
are none going back in at this We have had the opportunity what if? Only God has the answers
time. There are many uncertainties to gather in Spirit over the course of to these challenging questions.
June 2020 SILVER LINING 17What a comforting thought to surgery, our Bro. Richard “Dick” and Sis. Jenny), Sis. Emma Kieser
know that our Father in heaven Slutz was unexpectedly called (Bro. Matt and Sis. Tracy), and Isaac
holds all things in his mighty Home. Bro. Dick is survived by his Stahl (Bro. Wendell and the late Sis.
hands. His timing is perfect for wife, Sis. Marilyn, children Bryson Linda.) Though their final year of
his glory. (Danell) Slutz, Emily (Joel) Austin, high school ended so abruptly, we
We celebrate with Bro. and Sis. Katie (Bro. Ben) Endress, have not forgotten them. We trust
Luke and Sis. Natalie Gudeman thirteen grandchildren, and three the Lord to bless and lead them
on the birth of their son Teo. brothers. Many of the church family throughout their lives.
(Grandparents are Elder Bro. Lynn and friends joined in a drive-by
and Sis Leonda Stieglitz of Leo, visitation and then listened from Illinois, Champaign
IN and Elder Bro. Randy and Sis. their cars as the family attended his Brent Young
Becky Gudeman of Francesville, funeral service inside the church, We sorrow with our Sis.
IN.) We also celebrate with Bro. and walked to his last resting place. Amber Miller in the passing of
Tofig and Sis. Amy Mammadov Bro. Dick is remembered as a her father, Bro. Orlan Miller (Sis.
on the birth of their daughter peaceable and modest brother who Carol, Gridley, IL). Bro. Orlan
Josie. (Grandparents Bro. Tim and loved the Lord, his family, and his went home peacefully after a long
Sis. Cathy Hohulin). church, and we will surely miss him battle with cancer.
It has been an opportunity to when we are able to gather again. Our men’s small group is
find creative ways to support one Bro. Les and Sis. Barb Fehr studying the book of Genesis and
another when we are so used to are thankful for a new baby in recent weeks we have spent
greetings, hugs and handshakes. We grandson! Brayden Isaiah was born some time studying Abram.
encourage and lift up Bro. Seth and to Calvin and Lauren (Hasbrook) Abram made many great decisions
Sis. Hannah Bollier as they take the Fehr of Normal, IL on March 22. in his life based solely on his
next step into a new chapter in their Meanwhile, big brother Easton trust in a promise from God.
lives and begin at Gateway Woods. spent time with Grandpa and In Romans, it says that Abram
They will be dearly missed. Grandma. Bro. Jerry and Sis. Wilma ‘staggered not’ at that promise and
Soon our graduates will be Kieser are his great grandparents. in James he is called the ‘friend of
preparing to begin anew. We pray May the Lord bless Calvin and God’. As we discussed how Abram
for strength and wisdom. Lauren and their little family. dealt with the many unknowns
“Those things, which ye have both Dustin Moody, son of Jenny in his life it reminded us of the
learned, and received, and heard, Moody, will soon leave for nine lessons we’re all learning now, in
and seen in me, do: and the God of weeks basic training in the Army the age of COVID-19.
peace shall be with you.” Phil 4:9 National Guard, returning for I’ve been struck by the contrast
his senior year of high school. We between the disinformation, lack
Illinois, Bradford wish him well in this endeavor. of clarity, and lack of vision in our
Becky Endress, Lena Stoller We have been blessed to have Bro. current circumstances versus the
“For to me to live is Christ, but to Grant Knobloch (Remington, IN) foundational truths of the Bible. In
die is gain…” Philippians 1:21 worshipping with us during an light of Abram’s willingness to move
“I feel the same as I did before internship. We will miss him as he at God’s command, my conclusion
my heart surgery… either way (it has relocated to Kansas City. has been simply this: “Even now,
turns out) is OK,” Bro. Dick assured Congratulations and best wishes there is more that is certain than
Sis. Marilyn as they parted at the to our four high school graduates: uncertain.” We have a promise and
hospital ER. Late the night of May Rachel Hausmann (Bro. Fred and we too are looking for a city, whose
8, while recovering from a lesser Sis. Sue), Jessica Joos (Bro. Ralph builder and maker is God.
18 SILVER LINING June 2020You can also read
