Athanasus Ungang and Jillian Foerster have begun work in South Sudan on behalf of the Church of the Brethren. Both have been placed with ecumenical partners, with sponsorship from the denomination’s Global Mission and Service program.
Year: 2011
Brethren Statement Presented at Meeting on Torture
Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger was one of several officials of faith-based groups in a meeting with members of the Obama administration to discuss the issue of torture. The meeting yesterday, Dec. 13, in Washington, D.C., followed up on a letter to the administration from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) urging that the US sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.
Blevins Resigns as Advocacy Officer, Ecumenical Peace Coordinator
News bits range from a job opening for a district executive and writers sought for the Gather ’Round curriculum, to an opening date for online registration of delegates to the 2012 Annual Conference and news from the Brethren-related colleges.
Wonder Stick: An Interview with Grace Mishler
This interview with Grace Mishler, Brethren member serving in Vietnam with support from the denomination’s Global Mission and Service office, is by Vietnamese journalist Löu Vaên Ñaït. It originally appeared Nov. 15, 2011, in English in the “Vietnam News Outlook” social section. The visually impaired struggle to be more independent by using a white cane that allows them to better integrate into society. “With my cane, I feel more independent in Vieät Nam. It’s my best friend here,” says American Grace Mishler, who works as a consultant at the HCM City University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Brethren Bits: Job Openings, Annual Conference Delegate Registration, College News, and More
News bits range from a job opening for a district executive and writers sought for the Gather ’Round curriculum, to an opening date for online registration of delegates to the 2012 Annual Conference and news from the Brethren-related colleges.
Hoslers Conclude Their Service in Nigeria, Report on Peace Work
Church of the Brethren mission workers Nathan and Jennifer Hosler are concluding their service in Nigeria and returning to the United States this week. Following is an excerpt from their final newsletter reporting on their work at Kulp Bible College of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
Committee Announces Decisions Regarding 2012 Annual Conference
The Program and Arrangements Committee of Annual Conference has made a number of decisions including approval of all applications for booth space in the exhibit hall in 2012. Among applicants was the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC). Other decisions include seating delegates at round tables, a “Continuing the Work of Jesus Wall,” a service project to benefit the city of St. Louis, Robert Neff as leader of a Sunday school session, and a new logo.
Brethren Funds Jointly Support Relief for Horn of Africa Famine
Two new grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) have been given to help hundreds of thousands of people affected by famine and drought in the Horn of Africa. The EDF grant of $40,000 and the GFCF grant of $25,000 follow up on two previous grants in the same amounts made in August.
BBT Announces Personnel Changes and Restructuring
Five Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) colleagues will end their responsibilities with the organization effective Dec. 16 due to budgetary and economic factors. Effective Jan. 1, 2012, BBT will restructure.
Brethren Academy Announces Upcoming Courses
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has announced courses for 2012. Courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) students, pastors seeking continuing education units, and all interested persons. Registration brochures are available at www.bethanyseminary.edu/academy or call 800-287-8822 ext. 1824. For a Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center course contact SVMC@etown.edu or 717-361-1450.