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General Board Member Representing PSWD |
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| I am pleased to present to you some of the work of the General Board in this written report, though you may also
access more highlights of the General Board's ministries over the past year, through the illustrated report available
at district conference.. Having approved a new vision statement at the October 2006 meeting, the General Board
set forth to "love, lead, and challenge the Church of the Brethren to proclaim and live the work of Jesus
so the world may be transformed." Here are some highlights of the year as examples of ways we live out our core values to be Christ-like. Witnesses/Evangelists/ Globally Focused Brad Bohrer is directing the Sudan Initiative project where a new, "old" model of mission support is being utilized by connecting congregations to specific missionaries. An implementation team comprised of Phil and Louie Rieman and Enten Eller was sent to Sudan following Annual Conference 2007. Also, two teams were confirmed for the first two years of service: Jim and Pam Hardenbrook, and the Messick family. At our March 2007 meeting, we were blessed to hear from some involved in Global Missions. Marcos and Suely Inhauser, directors of the Brazil ministry and Ludovic St. Fleur of the Haiti mission led in worship and brought greetings and prayer requests from their respective missions. Also, Annual Conference Moderator, Belita Mitchell shared about her connection with the EYN congregations and leadership during a trip to Nigeria in early 2007. I was able to attend the first worship of the Cross-Cultural Ministries Consultation held in April 2007 and encourage all to attend in the future. Servants of the Spirit/ Unpretentious/ Community-minded Brethren Disaster Ministries, formerly Emergency Response, continued relief efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. The executive committee of the board was able to travel in February 2007 to witness the ongoing need for this kind of service and witness. Also, monies from the Emergency Disaster Fund were allocated to projects here in the US and around the globe. The Witness/ Washington Office continued its presence in Washington, bringing forward such issues as continued relationship building in Vietnam, support for a pastoral letter on immigration, a paper on the use of depleted uranium in war. |
Guided/Able to Discern ---- One of the most poignant lessons I've learned from serving on the General Board for 5 years is just how we can
take this vital organization for granted. Many of the larger church's projects are carried out by staff people
who work under market with limited budgets, but the Spirit of God is alive within their work. I am thankful for
the opportunity to serve, and although my term is complete, I am eager to stay active in support of the General
Board with my time and money. I implore you to also join the covenant of prayer or submit ideas for 300 dreams
in this coming year. Also to stay well informed, subscribe to Messenger magazine and to our free on-line
newsletter called Newsline. Remember to visit the Church of the Brethren website, found at www.brethren.org |