Photo 2: Suely Inhauser preaches at an evening service at the Campinas congregation of Igreja da Irmandade.

Photo 3: Jonathan Shively, director of the Academy for Ministerial Leadership, reviewed the evolution of liturgy as practiced in the US Church of the Brethren.

Photo 4: Nelson Gervoni, Sr., pastor at the Indaiatuba fellowship, said that every worship is a cultural expression. He believes culture is intimately intertwined with religious faith and practice.

Photo 5: Lucas Durigon is the welcoming pastor at the Limiera congregation.

Photo 6: Eziel da Silva, pastor of the Jundiaí congregation, raised the group's awareness of the impact of world religious influences on the worship practices of Brazil.

Above: Doug Brubaker and Suely Inhauser play with Ellen Laszakovits.

Mission workers for the General Board’s Global Mission Partnerships office, both men were given tributes and plaques for their dedicated service. Recently, Dr. Ruun has also been recognized for his international peace work with the 2003 Wallenberg Award. (For full information about this award and his acceptance speech, click here. )

Roger Schrock, first executive secretary of NSCC, gave one of the tributes to Dr. Haruun. He said, “One of my tasks was to select and recruit and train a Sudanese to replace myself. What you may not know are the criteria or reasons I selected Dr. Haruun. He is the son of a first class chief of the Dinka Padang tribe. So Haruun was born to be a leader. His father, as a first class chief, led, on a daily basis, more people than worship in the Church of the Brethren each Sunday morning. Haruun observed and learned first-hand how to be a leader of people. Before Haruun became the executive secretary, he was the general secretary for the Sudan Interior Church. In that role, he was aware that the missionaries had instilled a passion for Christ in the pastors but they did not provide them with leadership and management tools. He risked his job and his family's security to strengthen and lead the church.”

"It is a special joy to have one of our Sudan staff be recognized internationally for his work in peace and humanitarian response," observed Merv Keeney, executive director for Global Mission Partnerships. "We also celebrate his able leadership among the churches in southern Sudan, collectively, as executive secretary of the New Sudan Council of Churches. We want to take this opportunity to add our voices of appreciation to this wider recognition of Haruun's accomplishments on behalf of the southern Sudanese, knowing that he values the support from, and connection with, the Church of the Brethren."

Former mission workers Phil and Louise Baldwin Rieman gave tributes to Dr. Merlyn Kettering. Louise said: “Last summer when we were in Kenya and Sudan for an Faith and Advocacy trip, Merlyn's ability to create a powerful and meaningful experience was clearly evident as he planned, in coordination with NSCC staff, for our orientation, travels, learning experiences and debriefing. One of the most meaningful times was when he invited the group to his home to share with Sudanese and Kenyans in Love Feast, complete with meal, a foot washing service and communion. That experience represents for us who Merlyn is as a Church of the Brethren witness to the world, who cares about our global unity as brothers and sisters, about shared love, justice and peace, and mutual development and respect.” Phil added: “His rapport with the church leaders is firmly established. He has represented us well in his work with the Sudanese and also with his passionate desire to make life better for Africans—whether it's to improve the safety of public transportation and city airport in Kenya or to assist with South Sudan's peace efforts and the world's awareness of the Sudanese people's struggles, faith and hope.”

Forty-one American Brethren were present assisting with games and crafts in eight of the congregations. Each of these volunteers came as part of a denominational youth work camp, a denominational Brethren Revival Fellowship youth work camp, or as part of a group from the Mt. Zion Road Church of the Brethren, Lebanon, Pa. Heishman said that one American youth noted with surprised awe that during a worship service of spirited singing at one of the churches, “I felt the presence of God throughout me. It was a feeling I’ve never felt before.”

Heishman added that he Spirit of God was certainly moving in wonderful ways throughout this experience together. “We give thanks for God’s Spirit which called out dedicated Dominican and American leadership for this event. We also praise God for inspiring so many generous people to support the global mission of the Church of the Brethren. Through this support the Spirit is making possible experiences like Vacation Bible School for children, children who otherwise are too often neglected in the midst of other pressing needs in this struggling country.”

The delegation also included Robert Krouse, who will begin this summer as Nigeria mission coordinator, and board member David Sollenberger, who filmed the trip for this fall’s mission offering emphasis. The group met with mission workers, held a consultation with EYN leaders and visited key EYN institutions, visited Hillcrest School, and worshiped with students at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria.

Here the Peniel (Santo Domingo) church plant is recognized as having received congregational status.