Nigeria

Devotions (EYN Daily Link) July 19 – 25, 2015

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Roxane Hill

DAILY LINK WITH GOD 2015
A Daily Devotional Guide from the
EYN (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria)

EYN leaders in Nigeria believe prayer is one of the most important ways to support the Nigerian people and the Church. These daily devotions were written by EYN members and published by the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. Reading them daily is a powerful way we can be in solidarity and connect with our brothers and sisters caught in this crisis. EYN’s daily devotional for 2015 will be posted a week at a time on this blog, appearing mid-week for the following week. More information about the crisis can be found at www.nigeriacrisis.org.

Click on this link for Devotions July 19-25

Nigeria

Nigeria Choir followup

Posted on July 12, 2015 by Roxane Hill

by Carl Hill

Thanks to you the Nigeria Crisis Response is moving forward

What your Contributions are Doing for Our Nigerian Families

So far, because of the generosity of Churches like yours, more than 20,000 displaced persons have received emergency food and basic materials from the EYN Disaster Team.

Three large tracts of land have been purchased by Church of the Brethren Nigeria (EYN) for the building of Care Centers for displaced people. At these Care Centers people are removed from the most dangerous areas of NE Nigeria. The large tracts of land will provide space where farming can begin and people will be able to resume “normal” life again.

Church of the Brethren is not only supporting EYN in our Crisis Response but also four NGOs (Non-Governmental Agencies). One of them is providing livelihoods for people who have lost everything.

The leaders of the NGOs are proving to be people who really care. Sewing machines, bean cake making supplies and grinding machines are giving desperate people hope by setting them up with a business of their own.

Another important area as part of the recovery program is trauma and reconciliation work. Together with Mennonite Central Committee we are training trainers for these restorative workshops. After the training, these Nigerians will be able to minister to those most affected by trauma associated with the terrible violence perpetrated by the Boko Haram. This area of the recovery is critical for Nigeria to move forward peacefully.

Education is another area that needs our help in order to meet the needs of the many children who have been adversely affected by the violence in the Northeast. Another of our NGOs is concentrating on getting children back into school. Most of the schools in the Northeast have been closed down for over a year (some for two years).

Because you care, young students are able to enroll in existing schools. We are currently supporting one elementary school in Jos (200 students) and one in Bui (300 students).

Our other NGOs are also doing great things for the people of Nigeria. Dr. Rebecca Dali, wife of EYN president, Samuel Dali, heads up an NGO that acts as a first responder to people in need. Not only has she distributed food and supplies to many of her people she is keeping detailed records of those that have been displaced and those that have been killed as a result of the violence. Our fourth NGO has built a camp near the capitol city of Abuja (out of harm’s way) that is populated by both Christians and Muslims. This unique experiment is seen as a model for reconciliation between the faith groups. Markus Gamache, recently toured the western states speaking about the crisis and how his NGO has responded thanks to the people of the United States.

Lastly, our efforts have assisted EYN in their attempts to continue operations by supporting their Majalisa (Annual Conference) and other conferences that are normally held on an annual basis.

Nigeria

Devotions (EYN Daily Link) July 12 – 18, 2015

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Roxane Hill

DAILY LINK WITH GOD 2015

A Daily Devotional Guide from the
EYN (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria)

Click on this link for EYN Devotions July 12 – 18

Youth Peace Travel Team

Youth Peace Travel Team 2015 – Camp Ithiel

Posted on July 7, 2015 by admin

Hello friends! We just finished up a very energy filled and exciting week at beautiful Camp Ithiel! We had 49 junior high youth there with us for the wonderful journey that is church camp! Camp Ithiel gave us the opportunity to lead a session everyday with the youth, (Two sessions actually, because we could only do half the group at one time), which was super awesome! We also got to hang out and join in on the rest of the activities throughout the week!

At the beginning of the camp week, I was adjusting to both the hot weather and the number of junior highers attending – 49 in total! It was such a diverse group, and I loved it! During Vespers, the kids turned singing songs into dancing for Jesus, and the energy was almost overwhelming. We also enjoyed our sessions with the campers, especially since it was the first time we had a chance to do all five of our topics. As the week went on, the campers offered more and more insightful comments, so I really hope that they continue to be passionate about peace. Outside of sessions, the campers were so much fun to play with: nine-square-in-the-air, gaga ball, and then even a crazy game of clothes pin tag! I loved the camp and their staff, and I’m enjoying my time in Florida.

-Brean

I had a fantastic week at camp Ithiel! It is such a unique camp because it is located right in the middle of an Orlando suburb, while most camps that we have visited are out in the middle of nowhere.

This week 49 junior high campers came to camp! There haven’t been that many campers at Ithiel in years. Each camper was so unique and full of energy. The campers came from very diverse backgrounds and it was such a joy to get to know them.

On Thursday, I was sorting the recycling and one of the campers came to help me. I said, “Thanks for your help” and he told me that he didn’t like what happened to his sustainable village when they were destroyed yesterday, so he wanted to become actively involved in living more environmentally friendly. On Wednesday, we had done our Creation Care workshop where the campers designed an environmentally sustainable village and then when they finished the YPTT drew in business, coal mines, etc, to show what happens to the environment when new industries are built. I was so happy that he continued to think about the topic the day after the session!

Another part of the week that I really enjoyed was going to worship with the campers. A couple times a bunch of the campers and staff started dancing as we sang. It was a completely different worship experience than I’ve ever had, but it was AWESOME to see how joyful they were!

-Annika

Camp Ithiel is an incredible place. As you are driving into it, you are completely surrounded by suburban neighborhoods and then Boom! There’s the camp entrance, and a whole new world behind it.

This week was an excellent experience for us on the YPTT, the staff were so welcoming and great! And the campers. The campers were CRAZY!! And I mean that in the best way possible! They were all so full of energy and it was such an great opportunity to get to work with them and try to channel that energy into the activities we had planned in our sessions!

One of my highlights of the week was the chance to join the campers in their Rec Choice time, playing alongside them in volleyball and soccer and all other types of games! Another highlight was getting to do our sessions with the youth. It was definitely challenging at times to get them to pay attention, but when we succeeded the ideas that they had were so insightful and awesome! This week was definitely a fantastic experience that challenged me, but at the same time was incredibly rewarding!

-Kerrick

Camp Ithiel is a beautiful place full of beautiful people, and we definitely want to thank them for a wonderful week! We greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with the youth each day and the chance to hang out alongside them as well! Our summer as the YPTT is flying by and we would like to thank the people who have been praying for our ministry and for us! Thank you for all you do! Until next week, so long! Keep spreading peace and love!

Office of Peacebuilding and Policy

Ending the Isolation–A Statement from the Office of Public Witness on the Recent Violence Against Black Churches

Posted on July 2, 2015 by bhanger

“In recent years there has been a re-emergence of Klan-like hate groups and increases in racially motivated violence around the country.”
–Report of Committee on Brethren and black Americans, 1991 Annual Conference

The horrific violence at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina is not an isolated incident. As Jelani Cobb states in his recent New Yorker article, “Even if [Dylann Roof] acted by himself, he was not alone” and the recent burning of 6 predominantly black churches underscores the systemic violence and racism that our black brothers and sisters have always faced in America. Burning of black churches has been an ongoing practice since the Civil War intended to terrorize black communities and leaders.

When black lives and churches are faced with an increased danger, they often feel isolated from the wider, whiter community. While our denomination is predominately white, we are still called to stand in faith and solidarity with all our brothers and sisters in Christ –especially those who persecuted. In response to the shootings at Emanuel AME Church, General Secretary Stan Noffsinger and Director of Intercultural Ministries Gimbiya Kettering sent a letter of condolence and support on behalf of our denomination. We must, as Stan and Gimbiya emphasized in their letter, ask our black sisters and brothers what they would have us do and how we can best stand with them. One way to do this right now is to contact black churches in your community –and let them know that they are not alone.

Crucially, we must also commit ourselves to the task of deconstructing and destroying the racism that lies within ourselves and our church. Our 1991 statement reminds us of the weight and importance of this task saying, “Because racism is built into our way of life, it is extremely difficult to unmask it and honestly face the radical changes that need to be made in ourselves and our institutions if it is to be eradicated.” If we are unwilling to commit ourselves to these tasks then we dishonor the gospel of Jesus and forsake our black brothers and sisters. Paul reminds us in the second chapter of Ephesians that Christ has brought down the dividing wall and destroyed the hostility that once existed between peoples. Thus, any hostility, racism, or violence towards one another is of our own doing and blatantly disregards the reconciling work Christ has done for us all.

It is more important than ever that we call out this racism and violence for the sin that it is, respond to the voices of our black sisters and brothers, join them in solidarity, and live out lives of faith and justice that repudiate racism and follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s Peace,
Nathan Hosler
Director, Office of Public Witness

*Consider Donating to the National Council of Churches “Burned Churches Fund” to support these churches that have faced this recent violence: http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/pages/burned-churches-fund

**If interested in further reflection, the text of Nathan’s sermon given at Washington City Church of the Brethren on this recent violence can be found here: http://washingtoncitycob.org/2015/06/28/there-may-yet-be-hope-a-reflection-on-the-charleston-massacre/

eBrethren

Gathering to bear fruit

Posted on July 2, 2015 by eBrethren

Photo taken at Annual Conference 2014.

A reflection by Matt DeBall

“Abide in My Love… and Bear Fruit” (John 15:9-17).

What does it mean to embody the love of God? What does it look like to gather together and make decisions in a way that shows Christ’s love to others? As delegates and members of the Church of the Brethren gather for Annual Conference in less than 10 days, it is these questions that will guide their time in business and worship.

Those attending Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla. on July 11-15 will travel from near and far, domestically and internationally to be involved in this important gathering of the church. However, whether or not you will be in Tampa, there are several ways you can share the love of Christ and participate in this year’s Annual Conference:

Give to Annual Conference Offerings.

Bring supplies for the Witness to the Host City.

Donate blood at the Blood Drive on July 13 and 14.

Partake in Annual Conference Sunday (July 12) with your congregation by tuning in to the worship webcast at www.brethren.org/ac/webcasts.

View webcasts of business and worship.

Support the ministry of webcasting so that it may continue for future Conferences.

Download the Annual Conference App to follow-along with news and social media.

Go to the news index page for Annual Conference to keep up with news reports, daily photo albums, webcasting, sermons, and more at www.brethren.org/AC2015.

Regardless of how you participate in Annual Conference, we look forward to seeing how the love of Jesus transforms us in our time together. For it is when we are gathered together, whether in body or in Spirit, that we may remain in the love of Christ and bear much fruit.

Your participation at Annual Conference, whether on site or remotely, is valuable for the life of the Church of the Brethren. Learn more about Annual Conference 2015 at www.brethren.org/ac. Follow events during the Conference at www.brethren.org/AC2015.

(Read this issue of eBrethren)

Nigeria

Devotions (EYN Daily Link) July 5 – 11, 2015

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Roxane Hill

DAILY LINK WITH GOD 2015
A Daily Devotional Guide from the
EYN (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria)

Click on this link for Devotions July 5 – 11, 2015

Youth Peace Travel Team

Youth Peace Travel Team 2015 – National Junior High Conference

Posted on June 29, 2015 by admin

Hey all you awesome people! YPTT here again! This time to tell you about the wonderful weekend we just had at National Junior High Conference! We had the opportunity to help lead some workshops and some recreation activities and of course hang out with the awesome junior high youth that attended! Here are some thoughts!

We spent June 19 – 21 at National Junior High Conference at Elizabethtown College! It was so fun to be able to hang out with the youth and leadership there! One of my highlights from the weekend was leading Ultimate Frisbee during recreation time. Being able to just go out and have fun with a bunch of youth from all over the place while playing a game that I love is definitely one of my absolute favorite things to do! Another excellent experience that I had this weekend was all of the wonderful worships that we all had together. In my opinion, there are very few things cooler than singing and worshiping together with a massive group of people! We also got to lead a YPTT booth at the carnival we had together, and we led the youth in Peace Hopscotch!! This was my first NJHC and it most certainly did not disappoint! The leadership did an amazing job of planning, and the youth all seemed genuinely happy to be there together! What a great weekend!!

-Kerrick

If I wasn’t annoying everyone with my knowledge of Elizabethtown College by day one, then surely it was obvious by the last day that I’m a student at E-town and I was excited to visit. As if I needed the extra excitement-National Junior High Conference was a blat. I saw many familiar faces, and met a bunch of new people. There was so much energy during worship and I loved the music. The worship services were so easy to relate to, even if I was a few years older than the target demographic, and I absolutely loved seeing Alexander Mack and Walt Wiltschek as Peter on stage in a skit together. The weekend brought back memories of when I attended NJHC and NYC, and I was reminded of why I loved those events so much.

-Brean

This past weekend was my very first National Junior High Conference. It was so cool to be with so many Church of the Brethren youth in one place at the same time. I helped lead peace games, and really enjoyed doing activities with a peace purpose. We played step tag to represent different ways to handle conflict. Additionally we played giant Jenga. As the youth took down each block they said a way they could peacefully begin to resolve conflicts. As the structure came down, each person wrote their thoughts on the blocks and we rebuilt a peaceful structure. I loved seeing the awesome and insightful ideas the junior high youth had. Eventually the original structure fell and a new peaceful structure was created.

-Annika

P.S. We also got to ride to NJHC with a super awesome group of youth from Virginia! We got the chance to get to know them a little bit and road trip together! We also got the opportunity to stop at Hershey Chocolate World with them, which is always a super amazing experience!! So a huge thank you to the two youth groups who allowed us to tag along with them to conference!

Nigeria

A visit to Gulak church (former Brethren Mission Station)

Posted on June 27, 2015 by Roxane Hill

In April Emmanuel visited his home church in Gulak and wrote the following.

I WAS AT GULAK LAST WEDNESDAY. I MET MY PARENTS. I THANK GOD THEY ARE OKEY. THEY WERE HAPPY TO SEE ME BUT I WAS THE HAPPIER. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS. I ALSO HAD A LOOK AT EYN LCC GUKAK. SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT SINCE THE BH (Boko Haram) COULD NOT BURN THE CHURCH AFTER SO MANY TIMES OF TRIAL, THEY DECIDED TO SPEND EVERY EVENING THERE BREAKING THE PLASTIC CHAIRS AND THE WALLS OUT OF ANGER. THE WHITE PIECES YOU SEE ON THE FLOOR ARE NOT PAPERS BUT PIECES OF PLASTIC CHAIRS. THE TOWN HAS SOLDIERS ON EVERY CORNER OF THE STREETS. NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE COME TO GULAK YET. THE PLACE IS A LITTLE BIT SCARRY WHEN YOU COME IN FOR THE FIRST TIME. I HOPE TO GO BACK THERE THIS WEEKEND AS THE LORD PERMITS. I SHALL TRY TO VISIT THEM AS OFTEN AS I CAN. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Broken chairs inside Gulak Church

Please pray for our Nigerian brothers and sisters as some begin to return to their villages and find their homes and churches destroyed.

Youth Peace Travel Team

Youth Peace Travel Team 2015 – Brethren Woods

Posted on June 25, 2015 by admin

Hello friends! Welcome to the first YPTT 2015 blog! Here’s how this tiny glimpse into our weeks at camp will work! Each week we will have a little intro that says where we were and then each of the team members will write a short blurb about their experiences that week! Hope you enjoy reading!

We of the YPTT 2015, Annika, Brianna, and Kerrick, have just finished up our first week of camp here at Camp Brethren Woods. If you have not been to this amazing place you most certainly should take the trip out!! We got to work alongside the wonderful staff here and had a great group of campers to work with as well! Here’s what we each thought about the week!

Hello! My name is Kerrick and I love donuts! Our team just finished the week at Brethren Woods, which was an awesome and different experience for me, personally! I have grown up going to church camp my whole life, (shout out to Camp Colorado and Camp Mt Hermon!!!) but Brethren Woods was by far the largest camp I had ever been to! It was so cool to have multiple age groups there at the same time, and for our team to have the chance to work with all of them. One of my highlights from the week was the Water Carnival that we had one evening. I got to help run the snack station (ICE CREAM!) which meant that I got to talk to all of the campers as they came by to get their snack. It was so cool to see all of them having so much fun together and was just an awesome time in general! I also really appreciated the sessions that we got to lead with the campers and the discussions that accompanied those. It is always so amazing to see how smart and wise kids can be, sometimes completely out of the blue! This was an excellent first week, and I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the summer as well!

Greetings, this is Annika. The week at Brethren Woods went swimmingly! A highlight was hiking up a mountain to a waterfall where we lead a peace session and cooked dinner over the fire. The hike was so beautiful and the water felt wonderful to jump into after hiking for 2 miles. It was also a great time to get to know some of the campers as we scaled the mountain. The sessions we led were quite dynamic. I was excited that there were many different opinions spoken during our time with the campers. This was my first time at a Church of the Brethren camp because I went to a Mennonite camp called Menno Haven. I was so impressed by the enthusiasm of the campers and staff. Brethren Woods was so welcoming to the Peace Team and I couldn’t ask for a better start to the summer. Until next time!

Brianna here! When I first arrived at Camp Brethren Woods, it was dark, so I couldn’t see much of the beautiful sky and mountains that framed the camp. On the inside, I must have been the same way. I started this summer worrying about everything I could do wrong, and it distracted me from all the fun I could have been having. Brethren Woods boasts a hilarious and hospitable staff, as well as energetic, fun loving campers. I was so distracted that I ran into some obstacles – quite literally. (Word of caution, if you are canoeing, try not to run into any trees dipping into the water. I became caught in the branches, covered in bugs, and was nearly knocked out of the canoe!) I had to learn to fall into the rhythm of things. Kids are an insightful bunch, and I was reminded of that throughout the week. I stopped worrying so much about perfection and let the kids lead things where they needed to be and we had some great discussions. I definitely enjoyed hearing all the perspectives each kid had, and all their worldly awareness. I made it out of the branches, and got some good pictures of the mountain scenery.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, friends! As you can probably tell, we greatly enjoyed our time, and are off to a great start this summer! Until next time, stay awesome and bring the peace!