BushThe Burning

November 13, 2016

Volume LII Number 2

Serving God Together With FamilyIn 2012 our son, Tim, had said to us, “When you finish your work among the Kekchi in Guatemala, let’s do something to-gether in mission.” We explored where that mission work to-gether might be. A trip to Belize was made to consider working among the Garifuna people. God confirmed that call to Belize in our hearts.

As we transi-tioned out of our work in G u a t e m a l a , we spent time with Tim and his wife, Julie, at their church planting work in Iowa. Then, in the spring of 2015, Galen and I moved to Dangriga, Belize. The two of us managed temporary housing as we awaited the remod-eling completion of the house that would be-come our home. We developed many neigh-borhood friendships, which helped pave the way for Tim and Julie’s family to later become part of the community.

In August 2016, Tim, Julie and their three sons came and moved into our home with us. Many neighborhood children were awaiting their arrival and helped carry the suitcases up the stairs. Over the next few weeks, we began enjoying hearing the new title of “Grandma and Grandpa”, not only from our grandsons’ lips but also from the lips of the neighbor-hood children.

Meals and daily laundry keep Phyllis and Julie busy. Two baked loaves of bread now last a day or two instead of two weeks, as when just two mouths were being fed. We are finding a routine that helps share the workload, such as working with a weekly menu plan.

Major adjustments have been required in the transition to liv-ing in Belize. The heat and bugs combat us on a daily basis. The boys are required to make new friends and wear school uniforms. The Creole language spoken here confuses us.

Living with family in mission enhances our lives and brings greater support. Tim and Julie meet frequently with us to discern ministry focus. We find encourage-ment in prayer times together. The grandchildren lead us in the needed leisure and play time. We share a car but have bicycles to assist in trans-portation around town.

God has led us to assist a children’s ministry here at Dangriga Christian Fellowship. Daily, neighborhood children stand at our door begging for attention, and the playground behind our house creates the place to interact freely with them.

Cont. on p. 2

Children in the playground near our home.

Galen and Phyllis with their three grandsons.

We shared a birthday cake with Rozlyn and her children.

From Belize ...

2

THE BURNING BUSHOf the Cumberland Valley(USPS 554-980)

Published monthly by the direction of the Franklin Mennonite Mission Board, at the Franklin ConferenceOffice.

Editor: Peter Zucconi Copy Editor: Mary Ann ZucconiAdmin. Assistant: Rebecca Martin Design/Layout: Jonathan Peachey

Address for editorial matters, subscriptions or change of address matters:

The Burning Bush, 4856 Molly Pitcher Hwy South, Chambersburg, PA 17202Phone - 717 375-4544 E-mail – office@franklinconference.org

Individual subscriptions $8.00 per year periodicals postage paid at Chambersburg, PA.

This issue is Vol. LII No. 2 – November 13, 2016

Deadline for the December issue of the Burning Bush is November 18, 2016

Galen and I lead in a Bible study with a family. We attend church, sitting near a single mother with three small children to assist her. As she joins us for a meal, we continue to encourage her to follow Jesus. Several calls come to assist couples who are struggling in their marriage. Weekly, Tim and Galen meet with Pastor Herdie from our home church in Hopkins. These ministry opportunities will change and other needs will come.

Together, with Tim and Julie, we will continue our work at connecting others with Jesus’ family, and discern where God wants us to put our focus in ministry. We praise God for enhancing our lives in ministry by bringing our family to live with us!

Written by Galen and Phyllis Groff, edited by Tim Groff

Belize, Central AmericaOur shared home in Dangriga, Belize.

Cont. from p. 1

Cont. on p. 3

There is value in organizations recogniz-ing and celebrating milestones. It gives an occasion to appreciate the past and to be challenged for the future. Shalom Christian Academy had that opportunity as it reached its 40th anniversary on Sep-tember 7, 2016. On that date in 1976 it opened its doors to 87 students in grades 1 – 8.

On Sunday, October 2, 2016, we cel-ebrated this 40th anniversary with an open house. Over 100 people repre-senting former faculty, administrators, students, parents and board members attended. The occasion provided an op-portunity for many to reconnect with each other and with the school. There was a significant number who had not

Shalom Christian Academy Celebrates 40 Years

been on Shalom’s campus for many years. The chorale ensemble shared its musical abilities. There were tours of the build-ing. The program allowed time to rec-

ognize individuals and for them to reminisce.

Forty years in the life of a school can seem to go very quickly, and yet much can change in that passage of time. Enrollment has grown to 620 pre-K to twelfth grade students. Shalom’s “choral ensemble shared its musical abilities.”

3

Cont. from p. 2There have been six administrators who have led and influenced over these years. In June 2017, we expect to bring the num-ber of Shalom graduates to 1004, repre-

senting a significant number of students who have been impacted by an education within these walls. Nine teachers began this important work, and that number

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – When rushing water of the River Gris, over-flowing with rain from Hurricane Mat-thew, washed away Sarditren Dete’s and Antovan Enit’s houses and possessions, it destroyed their livelihoods too.

“Yesterday we lost everything: our chick-ens, our pig and our garden. This is how I eat, this is how I feed my children, this is how I keep them safe at night,” Dete said.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) representatives Paul and Rebecca Shetler Fast, of Pittsburgh, Pa., listened to their stories on Wednesday, October 5, the day the rain from Category 4 Hurricane Mat-thew stopped falling in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.

The women were recipients of assistance by SAKALA, an MCC partner in Cité Soleil, one of the poorest parts of Port-au-Prince. MCC delivered relief kits full of hygiene supplies, blankets, water- puri-fication tablets and food to families there.

MCC partners, staff and local government officials planned to carry blankets and relief kits to 220 fami-lies living in remote areas of the mountains of the Artibonite Department, 2 ½ hours northwest of the capital.

The flooding raises concerns about increased incidents of cholera, a disease carried by contaminated water that typically peaks in the fall rainy season. It has already infected more than 800,000 people and killed an esti-mated 10,000 people since cholera came to Haiti in 2010.

In spite of the hurricane damage, MCC’s 20 years of reforestation work in the mountains around the town of Desarmes in the Artibonite may have saved lives, ac-cording to Monfleuri Previlman, a munici-pal leader for agroforestry coordination.

“Before this work, a hurricane this size would have resulted in large landslides and floods on the plain, and many, many lives lost,” Previlman said. “This is the type of durable disaster prevention that really works; lives were saved because of the trees.

Paul Shetler Fast said he was struck by the importance of water purification tablets

Devastation in Haiti: ‘Yesterday, we lost everything’

has increased to 60 in the 2016 – 2017 school year.

Shalom Christian Academy has been shaped by many individuals. Its culture has been affected as each has contributed to the life of the school. Students today benefit from the efforts and work of the past. God has multiplied theses influ-ences so that Shalom is a thriving school that uses best practices to provide a 21st century education to its learners. Its foundation remains firmly in its mission which states, “Shalom Christian Acade-my prepares each student for a life of con-sequence in the world for the kingdom of God.” The charge is to build on the legacy that has been already provided.

Angie Petersheim Administrator, SCA

Sarditren Dete and Antovan Enit, residents of Cité Soleil, one of the poorest parts of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, stand where their houses used to be. They were washed away by Hurricane Mat-thew along with their possessions, livestock and gardens.

Cont. on p. 4

“Shalom Christian Academy has been shaped by many individuals.”

4

CHUYLLULLO, Peru — A tiny, isolat-ed town nestled high in the Andes Moun-tains of Peru, Chuyllullo is afflicted with many preventable health and hygiene problems. PROSIM, a healthcare co-operative started by Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) and the Peruvian Men-nonite Church, sends health educators into remote mountain towns to promote simple methods of improving health. Gloria Mamani Nina, PROSIM’s coordi-

Gardens, Bananas and RabbitsAll part of Mennonite-run Health Promotion in Peruvian Mountains

The tiny town of Chuyllullo with the Andes Mountains in the background.

Gloria Mamani Nina (standing, left), PROSIM’s coor-dinator, teaches Chuyllullo women and children health and hygiene with EMM worker Chris Raber’s (stand-ing, right) help.

to Hudson Reny-Jean a resident of Cité Soleil, where well water is contaminated by the flooding.

You Can Help

Donations of money to support MCC’s response in Haiti can be made at the Cumberland Valley Relief Center., 4225 Molly Pitcher Hwy., Chambersburg, PA (717. 375.2088.

or

mcc.org/hurricane-matthew or by calling 1-888-563-4676. Checks can be mailed to MCC, 21 S. 12th St., PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501.

Elise Quiring, left, an MCC service worker in Haiti, and Re-becca Shetler Fast, right, an MCC Haiti representative, help to load relief kits onto the truck that will carry the kits to MCC’s partner SAKALA in Cité So-leil, a neighborhood in Port-au-Prince.

Cont. from p. 3

nator, has been working with the people of Chuyllullo for several years. Through Nina’s efforts, Chuyllullo has gained thriving garden plots, rabbits to eat as a source of much-needed protein and a wealth of information about how to stay healthy.

A group of Chuyllullo boys waits to receive parasite medication and vitamins from PROSIM coordinator Gloria Mamani Nina (not pictured), a health promoter who has been working with the town for several years.

5

Conference Minister’s

Corner

Conference Minister’s

CornerImagine your church, or the Body of Christ in general, without any special endowments of power from the Holy Spirit. No evangelism taking place. Not a teacher in sight! No shepherding or pas-toral care. No one speaking a word from God. No one leading, No one sent to start new communities of faith in Guatemala. We would be a dull and lethargic church with no vision and nothing happening.

The Bible tells us (Ephesians 4:7-16) that Jesus returned to heaven and was enthroned. Then He, like the conquering generals of His day, rewarded His army with gifts. Yes, Jesus gave special gifts to us. These gifts are special powers of the Holy Spirit for the church to do special things like becoming apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers and oth-ers.

I want to bring attention to a growing need in our conference. The need is to

raise up new and younger shepherds and call them into the pastoral ministry. I share again the goal that the board has set for FMC.

Raise up, equip and call one new pastor from within each congregation, appoint-ing and credentialing them as intern or assistant pastor so that. . .

we position ourselves with ready- made and experienced pastors in order to grow and to meet imme-diate pastoral needs in and beyond our conference.

the call to shepherd the flock of God continues to be a vocationally valuable and viable option.

I am delighted that Pastor Dennis Stutz-man is leading Cedar Grove on a trajec-tory to call, mentor and prepare Steven Jaynes for pastoral ministry. Scott Grier from Mt. Zion is being mentored by Dennis Stutzman as part of his seminary training. In addition, Mercersburg Men-nonite, having already passed on the ba-ton of pastor to a younger pastor, David

Possinger and has called Aaron Amstutz into the role of deacon and ordained him November 6. Chambersburg Mennonite is also on a path to call-out a new pastor. This is good, but can we be proactive on all fronts? Hence, our goal: that each church call, mentor and credential new and younger pastors.

God is putting in the heart of the young-er generation the desire and the gifts of the Holy Spirit to do special ministry in the Body. It seems to me, that for a period of time, a stigma was associated with the call to shepherd. May that be a thing of the past! The call to pastor a church is a valuable and viable vocation. If you are sensing a stirring in your own heart about pastoring in your future, test it with your pastor. Pastors, take the initiative to find, call, mentor, install and we will creden-tial them as assistant pastors.

FMC has been blessed by being served well by pastors that other churches raised-up from all across the United States. Let’s do our part to bless the church with a surplus to be sent out beyond our confer-ence.

Allen LehmanConference Minister

PrayaCambodia: Ryan and Bethany Umble greatly appreciate their new home. They ask that we pray for “creativity and wisdom as they seek to use their new home as a welcoming place for others.” Pray for the children’s program that the Coats family sponsors that the children may grow in their faith.

Chile: Pray for the Kisamore family as they adjust to living in the States, find employment, a home and all the other necessary arrange-ments.

Franklin Conference: Continue to pray for our Annual Conference “Journey Days”. Ask God to bless this time when our leaders and other interested people gather together to worship and to contemplate the work to which God has called us.

Guatemala: Another school year at Bezaleel has ended. Those that graduated must find jobs and those that will return are looking for work until school begins again in January. Pray that God will guide these young people through the next months.

India: Continue to pray for the safety and success of the evangelists. Pray for funds and other needed resources to finish the next floor of the discipleship center. Praise the Lord for the generous offering given at the fundraising dinner on October 25.

Indonesia: Pray that God will enable the Pucketts to get the necessary visa to work and accomplish what God has called them to do.

6

An Offering of ‘Sweet Grace’. . .October is the month of ‘awareness’. With the turn of every corner, we hear news about Cancer Awareness or Heart Health Awareness. Did you know Oc-tober was also Infant Loss Awareness Month? One in every four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. That means that 25% of pregnant women will go to the hospital pregnant and leave empty handed.

With such statistics, chances are pretty good that you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a child. Infant loss can be one of the worst tragedies a family can experience. It is completely unnatural, and can cause a type of grief that is un-fathomable and has the power to destroy a family, marriage, career or life.

In December, 2007, I became one in four. I was thrilled to be pregnant with baby #3. Twelve weeks pregnant, and hav-ing just shared the news with our fam-ily, I had to take it all back. We lost our child. We were devastated. My heart was crushed.

In April 2008, we learned that we were ex-pecting baby #4. We were hesitantly op-timistic. We shared our news and asked friends and family to pray with us for a healthy pregnancy. We successfully made it to the middle of July. After having an ultrasound at 20 weeks, we received a phone call from our doctor the next

morning, telling us there was a problem with the baby’s heart. We would need to see a specialist, as soon as possible.

My heart sank, and I was instantly sick as I relayed the message to my husband. Over the next 19 weeks we met with several specialists who all confirmed that our son had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Our son was born December 5, 2008 in Harrisburg and quickly trans-ported to Children’s Hospital in Wilm-ington DE, where he underwent open heart surgery at four days old.

The surgery was unsuccessful, and he was given a Berlin Heart on day eight, while he awaited a heart transplant. On December 29, 2008 our son passed away due to secondary complications from his heart condition. In that moment, we be-came a statistic, yet again. Our family was wrecked with heartache and grief.

In August 2010, we were blessed with a beautiful, healthy “rainbow baby”. The term “rainbow baby” is given to a healthy baby, born after a loss. A beautiful gift of hope, from our Heavenly Father. Our family was healing.

In late 2011, we were expecting again, baby #6. We welcomed a tiny, beautiful, and seemingly perfect, baby girl into the world on July 19, 2012, three weeks early. The moment she was placed in my arms, I knew something was not right. She never cried, and her breathing was very

slow and faint. She was later diagnosed with a rare Mitochondrial disorder, as well as an enlarged heart, glaucoma and a list of other concerns. After four days, the medicine that was initially keeping her alive, quickly began to poison her tiny body. Our daughter passed on July 24, at only five days old. Our family was devastated, hurting, confused, and every other emotion you can think of. This loss completely caught us off guard.

Only five short months had gone by, and we found ourselves pregnant again. It was too soon. I was still angry, very much in the middle of my grief and feeling very physically broken. There was no way I could handle being pregnant one more time. I just could not do it. It had to be a mistake. I personally knew many oth-ers who would do just about anything to be pregnant but could not be for one rea-son or another. On September 21, 2013, we welcomed another beautiful, healthy rainbow baby into the world.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about our babies in heaven. They are a special part of our family. They have taught me invaluable lessons about love and faith. I learned that grief is hard. It is messy and it changes who we are. But grief does not have to be experi-enced alone.

In 2014, I began working with Sweet Grace Ministries. Our focus is to pro-vide resources and walk with families who have experienced infant loss. If you, or someone you know, would like more info about infant loss or Sweet Grace Ministries, please contact Jerri Martin at jerrimartin59@yahoo.com.

Jerri MartinMercersburg Mennonite

The KitchenTableA ministry of Sister Care

7

Bethel Judy Ericson

Joe Kipe spoke from Isaiah 56. We are in dark times. Every ungodly perversion is becoming acceptable. Sound the warning. God has laid responsibility on all of us. Get on fire. Be a soldier and watchman.

Mikey Johnson is not very big, but he has a big heart for the Lord. He handmade items and then held a 25 cent raffle with the proceeds going to the church. Pastor Gary Quackenbos encouraged us with Exodus 3:6, “I am The God.” He hears our heartbeat and feels the burden of each and every heartache. We are all different, but we are all important to Him.

Dee Mahalstadt was transferred to rehab at Camp Hill. Catherine Durst is in Berkeley Springs hospital with a fractured femur. We joined local congregations in prayer concerning Laurie Widmer’s disappearance. She attended Bethel years ago. The Bible Release program has requested prayer to keep Satan out of our schools.

Cedar Grove Sharon Eby

During our Spiritual Life Sunday, October 2, Rob Cahill brought greetings from Guatemala and updated us on his family and their whereabouts during the Sunday School hour. The Worship Service and afternoon sessions were

conducted by J.D. Landis. As the month of October is Pastor Appreciation Month, our appreciation for the dedication of these speakers as well as our own Pastor Dennis Stutzman was offered during a shared lunch.

“Partaking of the elements - as often as you do this in remembrance of Me” was

celebrated during our fall communion on Sunday, October 9. Retired Pastor Bill Stoner and his wife, Betty, were accepted as new members on Sunday, October 16.

Prayers for courage and strength are offered for those who lost loved ones during this month. Denny Timmons, son of Miriam and Ed Timmons, brother of Donald, passed away following a short illness. John Leonard, brother of Jim Leonard, passed away following an extended illness.

Cedar Street Margaret Martin

Larry Lehman was appointed our Interim Pastor. We are excited to welcome Larry and Helen to our congregation. Larry’s first message was, “What picture do you see when you hear the word ‘Jesus’?” Answers: “on the cross”; “children on His lap”; “He is redemption”; “servant” and “seeing Him knocking at the door”.

Richard Diller recently was in a accident which totaled his vehicle. It resulted in a helicopter ride to Hershey Medical. Our prayers were answered, and he was able to return home that evening with some stiffness and soreness. In October a soup and sandwich fellowship meal was enjoyed by all, including visitors. A soup and sandwich meal was held for the community on November 5.

Chamb ersburg Peter Zucconi

Church members currently living at Menno Haven are Charles Diller, Verna Mae Eby, Kay Frey, Earl and Marian Frey, Martha Frey, Cora Lehman, Rebecca Lehman, Vera Lehman and Dave and Thelma Martin. Richard and Ingrid Metzler reside at Penn Hall. Ninety-year old Leroy Ebersole spends his days sequestered at home. Perhaps the golden years are not always so golden. Let’s remember our older members and friends by visits, cards and prayer. Most cultures worldwide give much respect to the elders in their midst. May we in our youth-geared Western culture do the same. “You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man … ” (Leviticus 19:32).

We are privileged and blessed to have residents from the two local CROSS residences for developmentally disabled adults participate in Sunday School and worship. Typically, 3-10 residents attend. One or two others from the local community, who have developmental disabilities, also participate.

Marion Stephanie Kniss

Wednesday night activity nights have begun. We start the night with a fellow- ship meal, after which adult Bibles studies meet, while some enjoy card games, and children have activities such as playing outside, folk dancing, crafts and cooking. We had a Brownie Bake-Off. Congrats to Ana and Jae Strausbaugh in first place and Jonathan and Abigail Dawe in second place! The pastors have continued preaching through Revelation.

Cont. on p. 8

Reader’sCorner

8

Richard Lehman spent a few days in the hospital. He is now home and we thank God that he is doing much better.

North Side Rosalind Martin

What gift has the Lord given you? What can you do to serve Him? Search your soul and pray, where will God lead you to serve? Pastor Gary Zook presented these questions to us prior to reorganization.

The sewing group is back to doing fifty health kits and knotting comforts monthly. A couple in the congregation sew the bags for this project. New Life for Girls from Westminster, Maryland shared one evening through songs and personal testimonies.

Pastor Gary Zook brought messages preparing our hearts for communion. Points given were: 1. Be restored through God’s cleansing. 2. Regeneration for Christians occurs because we are a new person in Christ. 3. Recognition is when God sees us as His own and Jesus sees the potential in each of us. Being created in the image of God is an honor. “God saw everything He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

Rock Hill Glenn Cordell

For our October 9 morning service, Pastor Ed Sharpe encouraged each member to invite a friend to worship with us and stay for a baked chicken fellowship meal. We had an attendance of 28. We gave our pastor a small gift to show our support on Pastor Appreciation Sunday.

Salem Ridge Cheryl Frey

How do you build a small Lego structure exactly like the one built by our Congregational Moderator, Paul

Frey, without ever having seen it? At the beginning of our Annual Members’ Meeting we were divided into teams of four. The first person on the team looked at the structure and relayed to the second person on the team what it looked like and how to build it. That person then relayed the instructions to the third person who then relayed those instructions to the builder. There was much going back and forth between the team members with questions and instructions. None of the builders were able to build their structure just like the original. Some came close. A time of discussion followed on how this exercise related to the work of the church. Reports were then reviewed and a “Spending Plan” approved before topping off the evening with “Build your own Sundaes.”

Shady Pine Evelyn Runk

An outdoor service was held under the pavilion on October 9 with special music, a skit and children’s story time with a picnic following.

Corporate prayer services continue to be held in the churches of our valley. We want to remember all those in our valley who have needs and also the upcoming election, that God would have his way in all things.

We continue to collect items for the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, looking forward to the packing coming up in November. This has been a wonderful project for many of us who enjoy knitting, crocheting and helping with many other items.

A special child dedication was held on October 16 during our morning service. Evan Diem, son of Jason and Nikki Diem, and Gabriella Blair, daughter of Jason and Lynette Blair were dedicated. It was so special to share in this service and to give these small children a blessing.

Mercersburg Rhonda Hunsecker

It was with great joy that we welcomed fourteen new members to our church family in October. We thank the Lord for the folks He brings to our congregation and look forward to serving the Lord together with them.

Several couples are once again meeting weekly at Quincy Orchard to minister to the migrant workers. The goal is to let them know that we appreciate them as people as well as the work they are doing and to show them some Christian kindness. The fellows seem to enjoy the time of singing, Bible Study, playing games and fellowshipping together. Many of them come to work in the US with only the clothes on their backs. To help them stay a little warmer, we collected blankets, sweaters and sweatshirts to give to them. They were very excited and grateful for these gifts.

Mt. Zion Sue Lehman

The ladies at Mt. Zion enjoyed a very special “Tea Time” on September 27 as we started our fall “Ladies Tea.” Sandy Kelbaugh was our speaker. Sandy is the manager of World Treasures in Hagerstown. Sandy shared with us what the store is doing and how people are being blessed as they come into the store. We were also blessed and had a wonderful time of good refreshments and fellowship.

October 2 was our celebration of fall communion. As always this a very special time to give thanks for how much God loves each of us.

Many thanks to Larry Gamby for his many years of doing our church bulletin. Andrea Gilliam has stepped into this roll and we thank her for her willingness to take over this responsibility.

Cont. from p. 7

9

Cont. on p. 12

Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a se-ries of articles on visits to our Franklin Conference churches.

Marion Mennonite traces its begin-nings to settlers in Antrim Township in the 1730s. These settlers likely met in homes for several decades before us-ing a log-constructed union church at Browns Mill. The congregation eventu-ally bought the site of the union church and built a brick meetinghouse in 1830.

By 1867, as the center of the congrega-tion had shifted to the north, the Browns Mill meetinghouse was disassembled and rebuilt beside the Lesher cemetery at Marion. Three decades later a larger meetinghouse was needed, so the one “on the hill” was torn down and a new building was constructed closer to what is now Route 11. Several new innova-tions came around the turn of the cen-tury, including Sunday School, evening meetings and revival services.

Through the 1900s, the congregation remained relatively small, as members moved out in several directions establish-ing new churches at Pond Bank, Pleasant View, Cedar Street and Williamson. Leadership was also provided to the Sa-lem Ridge congregation in its early years, by Marion pastors J. Irvin Lehman and Norman Martin.

Today, on an average Sunday morning, 150 people are gathered into a large new church building on Molly Pitcher High-way (Rt. 11) just north of the village of Marion. Following Sunday School classes for all ages, our worship service includes singing, prayer, scripture read-ing and sermon.

A variety of music is used in the service, including contemporary praise songs and hymnal singing from Hymnal: A Worship Book and the two hymnal supplements. We put a high emphasis on preparing for our Sunday mornings thoughtfully and prayerfully. Relevant and creative visual aids are provided by several of our members. A variety of music leaders and worship teams integrate a wide range of instruments and music styles into the ser-vices.

A good entry point into our church life is Wednesday Activity Nights. These

are held from mid-September through Thanksgiving and again from mid-Janu-ary through Easter. An evening meal is punctuated by laughter and fellowship. Following the meal, the children, junior youth and youth have their own activi-ties, while the adults continue their fel-lowship or participate in special interest or sharing groups.

Marion places a high emphasis on disci-pling our youth and young adults for ex-panding God’s kingdom throughout the world. We provide many opportunities for them to explore God’s call for them, whether that be in leading worship, preaching sermons, mentoring or an in-ternship with the pastors. Many young adults, especially during the last 15 years, have served in missions for a year or two after high school.

Another high point of our church life, reaching out to our own children as well as other children in the local com-munity, is Vacation Bible School. VBS is five nights of high energy singing and Bible stories. Annual church retreats at Cove Valley Camp include competitive and noncompetitive games, an evening talent show, reflective guest speakers and maybe a little bit of “coming apart to rest awhile.”

A Visit To... M a r i o n M e n n o n i t e C h u r c h

Scrapbooking Retreat - December 2-4

Youth Winter Rereats:- Junior High Retreat(Grades 6-8) - January 13-15- Senior High Retreat (Grades 9-12) – January 20-22- Primary Retreat (Grades 3-5) – January 27-29 For a Registration Form call the camp at (717)328-3055, or go to our website: www.covevalleycamp.com.

Immediate Job Opening! - Program Assistant Job Descrip-tion: To work with and support the Program Director in the planning of future programs of

the camp including Summer Camps, Youth and Adult Retreats, Challenge Course, and all items associated with Cove Valley’s pro-grams.

For questions or to submit your resume, contact Eric at: program@covevalleyca-mp.com.

10

Spotlight on Conference FinancesIncome past month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,097.50

Expenses past month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,951.10

Current balance in checking account (October 21) . . . 12,793.21

Average amount needed per month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,765.00

Editor’s note: While focusing on articles related to the hundredth anniversary of the Franklin Conference Mission Board, the Burning Bush did not include its regular Shine feature. With this issue, we return to Shine once again. Stories will focus on how God gave guidance or made provision or interceded in our lives. We hope, that in the future, you will be willing to share your story of how God intervened in your life with other Burning Bush readers.

Having walked the Christian life for a year or less, I was still learning the ropes. Nearly five years of unproductive college course work and being adrift on the sea of life without anchor or purpose had end-ed. My grades had made a positive turn-around. I had become a Christ-follower and the Lord of the seas was now direct-ing my life.

But what was I to do regarding a life vo-cation? In my old life, changing college majors was something I had done numer-ous times. The winds of whim had pulled in one direction and then another. New

interests pushed me toward one major in the fall semester and then a different ma-jor come spring.

But that was passed. Now, one day, while discussing possible lifetime vocations with a friend, good advice was given. A long-time follower of “the Way”, my friend suggested I pray about it. He said our heavenly father would give direc-tion.

Praying about a personal matter? This was a completely new idea to me. In the church tradition in which I grew up, prayer was formal and repetitive (to the point of being memorized).

Putting my friend’s advice into practice, I began asking God, “Lord, what would you have me to do?” “Father, what cours-es should I be taking?” My new Christian friends prayed as well.

Doors began to open. Some began to close. Teachers and friends gave counsel. Definite thoughts and ideas began form-

ing. A decision was made to proceed with courses in education.Around this time I had a dream. I do not remember if it was before this decision or after. Most dreams of mine are rather unclear, confusing and without distinct ending. This dream was different. It was clear, very clear, seemingly in full-color. It was a classroom setting, early in the morning, before any students had arrived. The room was carpeted. Walking toward the front of the classroom, between two rows of desks, the sense was that this was my classroom.

I enrolled in the teacher education cours-es. My grades, with God’s help, were good. Student teaching, was very stretching. During my final semester, various schools came to campus to interview prospec-tive teachers. I participated in some of those interviews. Eventually, I made the decision to teach at a Christian school in Delaware.

My morning classroom was in a trailer, adjacent to the main building. A day or two before school’s opening, I walked into the classroom for the first time. It was very, very similar to the classroom of my dream, complete with seemingly the same carpet.

God had intervened in my life. He an-swered my prayer for guidance. He en-abled me to eventually teach 38 years. He had entered into my existence and showed and led the way.

Peter ZucconiChambersburg Mennonite

Shine

11

Guest Editorial

Editor’s note: The article below first appeared in the fall issue of the Cove Valley News, written by Eric Roth, program director at Cove Valley. Eric’s analogy, drawn from his summer expe-rience on a North Carolina beach, not only speaks to the Christian camping experience but to each one of us who calls themself a Christ-follower.

After summer camp my family spent a week at the beach in Topsail, NC. In the dunes on the beach were sea turtle nests. There were many volunteers who would “adopt” a nest. Each evening they would go out to the nests to smooth a trench through the sand from the nests to the ocean.

At about 11:30 pm, on our last night at the beach, my mother and I decided to go to the beach to observe the volunteers. We walked over and stood on the beach near a group of people with red glowing flashlights who were just standing on the beach talking. Nothing too exciting.

As we turned to leave we heard shouts and someone yelled, “They’re coming!!” We rushed down by the trench and saw a waterfall of tiny baby sea turtles flowing down the side of the sand dune bathed in red light.

Quickly we jumped in and helped guide the freshly hatched turtles to the ocean. It was a surreal scene. We were down on all fours helping to keep the turtles on the path toward the ocean. They were distracted by and pulled toward any light that they saw. When a turtle left the path, we would gently pick up the tiny flapping body and put it back on the trail toward the ocean.

It was over in the blink of an eye. All of the turtles had made it to the ocean. Ev-eryone on the beach was overjoyed. They had prepared many nights for the turtles to hatch and all of their efforts had re-sulted in success.

This is the perfect analogy for a summer of camp. Both are over in a flash. It feels as if I blink and camp is over. Young lives are impacted and gently guided in the right direction. Many workers are need-ed. Some people have been preparing for months and some show up just in time. God is in control of both. Nothing is pos-sible without God impacting the parts of the staff and campers that are here each week. It amazes me how God uses us to impact the young lives of the campers.

Eric RothProgram Director, Cove Valley Camp

Editor’s note: The North Carolina beach volunteers made great efforts to insure the baby sea turtles found their way into the ocean. May each of us de-velop the same concern, care and effort in seeing that family, friends and others find their way into God’s kingdom.

Births:September 28 - Aubrey Kay Wadel, born to Ari and Amanda Wadel (Marion).

October 2 - Lazarus Laurence Puck-ett, born to John and Jeanette Puck-ett, who are currently serving in In-donesia. Welcomed by sisters Evie and Alice (Mercersburg).

October 6 - Corbin Horst – born to Devin and Wanette (McCleary) Horst. Welcomed by sister Felicity and brother Colin (Mercersburg).

Weddings: October 8 - Frederick Skroban and Brinn Hauko (Marion)

Anniversaries:December 4 - Isaac and Rosanna Burkholder (40 yrs. - Marion)

December 7 – Tim and Kim Martin (20 yrs. - Mercersburg)

December 9 - Peter and Angie (Mar-tin) Frey (10 yrs. - Salem Ridge)

Coming Events:November 12-13 - Franklin Menno-nite Conference Annual Conference. “Journeying Together...Bringing Joy to the City” with Brinton Rutherford and Scott Roth.

November 22 – Red Cross Blood Drive, fellowship hall at Mercersburg

Sea Turtles and Campers

Mennonite Church, 12:30-6pm.

November 23 - Thanksgiving Eve Service, Marion Mennonite Church, 7pm. All are welcome! Pastor Dave Riley from the Heidelberg Church in Marion will bring the message.

December 2 - Bezaleel Fundrais-ing Banquet at Chambersburg Mennonite Church. Music and Hor d’oeuvres, 5:30 pm and Dinner at 6:15 pm.

December 11 - Hymn sing at Com-munity Mennonite Church, 7pm, followed by fellowship and refresh-ments.

December 14 - Red Cross Blood drive, 1:30-7pm, Marion Fire Hall.

November 2016 Announcements and Coming Events

Burning Bush of the Cumberland Valley (USPS 554-980)Periodicals: Please deliver before Sunday to:

The deadline for the December issueof the Burning Bush is November 18, 2016. If possible, please email your information to the conference center. Address is on page 2.

CH

EC

K O

UT

OU

R W

EB

SIT

E A

TW

WW

.Fra

nklin

co

nfe

ren

ce

.org

Cont. from p. 9

Children welcome a feathered visitor!

Any list of the high points in our church life would be incomplete without mentioning the Christmas Eve Live Nativity and Bethlehem Café. Despite it coming at perhaps the busiest time of the calendar

year, we spend much time, energy and creativity to add a meaningful Christmas to our families, friends and neigh-bors.

Three hours of live Christmas music provide the back-drop for a lively café atmosphere, as our church sanctuary has been transformed into a decorated first-century café.

A Visit To... M a r i o n M e n n o n i t e C h u r c h

Grace Chace (Pastoral Care Minister), Carl Kniss (Associate Pastor), Connie Detwiler (Associate Pastor), Blaine Detwiler (Lead Pastor), L. to R.

Outdoors, visitors can interact with live animals while Jo-seph, Mary and the infant Christ are surrounded by angels, shepherds and magi.

The purpose of Marion Mennonite Church, as we discover and share life together in Christ, is to make more and better disciples of Jesus. Our mission then is to connect with God and each other, grow toward spiritual maturity and serve the world in Jesus’ name.

Linden Showalter Marion Mennonite

God has blessed us with a beautiful facility.