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19 Oct

October 19, 2011 |

Heavy rainfall in El Salvador has caused severe flooding, as rivers overflow and mountain slopes fall apart.

Rev. Gonzalo Alas (right), who heads up our work there, wrote:

“In the Caluco church, where the pastor is Isaiah Reyes, all the brothers have had to leave their homes because the river ran through this place and flooded their homes and the church. The church is now being used to house neighbors from the community.

“We have 17 members of the church people affected, and 81 people in the community are now staying in the church.

“We have some problems regarding food, blankets, and medicine. They are forecasting that rain will continue for the rest of this week.

“The municipal government of Caluco has been providing small grants, but given the extent of the emergency in different places it does not keep up with the needs.

“Please pray for us in this difficult time. If you have opportunity to help us it would be a blessing for these families.”

18 Oct

October 18, 2011 |

A United Brethren work group from Canada traveled to Haiti on October 17 to conduct medical clinics in our churches. Joan Sider is sending daily reports for the team. Here is her report for Monday, October 17.

We are thrilled to report that we have arrived in Haiti–and as I write this, we are experiencing our first power outage. However, since we are in the guest house, a generator will soon have power up and running. But imagine–there are so many who are now in total darkness.

Our team was thrilled with Air Canada. We were quickly seen to this morning, and when we arrived in Montreal, we were pleasantly surprised by the size of that airport. Nothing like Toronto’s or Miami’s–so much less walking. Having no customs to go through until we arrived here was great.

Here in Haiti, it was a snap. Pastor Richard knew one of the agents, so we moved swiftly through. The airport personnel, particularly the baggage handlers, seem to be much better organized, and we weren’t bombarded with the many men trying to assist us by carrying our bags.

One thing that was a bit disturbing at the beginning of our day–we knew that we each had to pay $20 for our second piece of luggage. However, we were two bins too many, making two of us have a third piece–at $225 each. So with the $20 for each of us plus the two third bins, we paid $590. But here is the God thing–we were told by the person at the desk that we could likely recoup most if not all of this money. All I need to do is write to Customer Relations at Air Canada and tell them why we had this much luggage and that it was going for charity purposes. A letter will be written, you can be sure.

We have decided that at our debriefing times, we will talk about “God moments” and keep a record of them each night. We’ve started, and everyone shared several that we experienced this first day. Jordan will be our secretary. It will be encouraging to us at the end of the week to see how God is revealing Himself in so many different ways.

We are a tired group tonight. Most of us were up very very very early–so I’ll say good night.

18 Oct

October 18, 2011 |

On Sunday, October 16, Colwood UB (Caro, Mich.) baptized 18 people. Interim pastor Jason Garwood described two of these as “spontaneous” baptisms.

We LOVE getting stories about conversions and baptisms.

Here’s a video from the service.

17 Oct

October 17, 2011 |
Blair and Chris Dowden with Huntington University students.

Blair and Chris Dowden with Huntington University students.

John W. Paff (right), Vice President for University Relations, Huntington University

In 1991, a 39-year-old Blair Dowden was inaugurated as the 12th president of Huntington College. He brought to the role the experience earned in a wide variety of roles in Christian higher education–from admissions counselor to vice president for advancement. His others-centered approach to leadership made him the man for the job.

“Blair’s interest has been, and continues to be, others,” said former bishop C. Ray Miller, Board of Trustees chairman emeritus. “When we first interviewed Blair Dowden, I saw him as a people-person. After 20 years, he continues to send cards and best wishes. Blair has been God’s man for HU at this time, and we have been extremely fortunate to have him stay with us for 20 years.”

Dowden came to Huntington at a key moment in its history. Most campus facilities were new, and a well-credentialed faculty was in place. But with only 614 students enrolled, Huntington struggled for name recognition and financial sustainability.

In his first report to the Board of Trustees, Dowden laid out a vision for making Huntington one of the top Christian colleges in the country. The plan called for “increased integration of Christianity in…all areas of institutional life.” Aggressive enrollment goals were based on the development of distinctive academic programs. The plan included increased financial support and greater public awareness of what Huntington had to offer.

This vision was not about building an institution, but rather about equipping students to change the world.

“Our goal will be to develop graduates who are not merely credentialed individuals, acceptable for graduate school or employment, but lifelong learners and servant-leaders — individuals who can impact our world, solve problems and be peacemakers,” Dowden said. “This will allow us to truly say that we send students forth from Huntington … as redemptive agents to impact our needy and changing world.”

After 20 years at the helm, Dowden’s presidency is still characterized by these same hallmarks: faith integration, enrollment growth, academic innovation, philanthropic support, name recognition and a resolute focus on student outcomes.

“One of the things I’ve most appreciated about Dr. Dowden is his firm commitment to HU’s emphasis on integrating faith and learning. This is critical to our mission, and he is a strong advocate for it,” said Dr. Dwight Brautigam, professor of history.

As Huntington continued to emphasize its Christ-centered mission, enrollment grew to 1,278 by 2010. New academic programs were developed for adult students, graduate students and traditional undergraduates.

“One thing that has always impressed me about President Dowden is his ability to cultivate a ‘can do’ atmosphere where we as faculty feel empowered to dream big about academic programs,” said associate professor Dr. Lance Clark. “Without his leadership, the digital media arts program would never have seen the light of day. I’m so grateful he was willing to take the risk. Our students are now impacting the world of film and animation in new and exciting ways for the Kingdom of God.” The DMA program now enrolls more than 100 students, comparable to traditionally popular majors in education and business.

“I have especially appreciated Blair Dowden’s collaborative leadership style which has not only emphasized teamwork and cooperation, but also innovation,” said Dr. Norris Friesen, senior vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “At times, we had to scramble to put the infrastructure in place to handle the changes, but each change has helped us to accomplish our goals and ultimately our mission.”

Despite Huntington’s many successes, Dowden is quick to divert the spotlight from himself to others. For two decades, Dowden has modeled an others-centered approach to leadership.

“Blair Dowden is an excellent example of servant leadership,” observed Board chair Kelly Savage. “His focus is to serve Christ first and others second. Because his focus is on service to the Lord, Blair seeks excellence in all aspects of Huntington University. Under his leadership, the student body has not only grown in numbers, but spiritually and academically, as well.”

Note: You can send a note of congratulations to:
Office of the President
Huntington University
2303 College Avenue
Huntington, IN 46750
Contact Dr. Dowden by email.

14 Oct

October 14, 2011 |

Phil Whipple, bishop

A pastor contacted me, wanting to know what other churches might be doing in the way of an after-school program. Here is the inquiry:

“We are hoping and praying that our vision for an after-school tutoring program in parternship with our local school system will come to fruition shortly. However, I want to make sure I have as much information about such a ministry as I can. Do you know of any UBers or churches that are currently doing or have done such a ministry? I would like to pick their brains as it were.”

If you’re doing something along this line, please send me a note. I’ll put the pastor in contact with you.

12 Oct

October 12, 2011 |

Arek and Donna Delik (right) are endorsed UB missionaries serving in Poland. Donna wrote on October 10:

“Arek just talked to his father on the phone, and his father’s condition has worsened. He got very severe diarrhea and became very weak. They had to call the doctor to see dad at home. After the visit, the doctor referred him to the hospice. That means we have to prepare for the worst.

“We will really appreciate your prayers Arek’s dad and for us as well, especially for these 2 weeks (10/10 to 21/10) when we are having our Hong Kong mission team for the Chinese Culture Week. We pray that dad will get better and there won’t be anything happen to him during this time, otherwise Arek has to rush to Slupsk. We really feel that our enemy is trying to distract us from this particular time of ministry. Please stand with us in prayer.”

12 Oct

October 12, 2011 |

Sam Suman (right), pastor of Trinity UB in Fostoria, Ohio, writes:

“Trinity UB continues to enjoy spiritual renewal. The church just experienced another powerful move of God’s Spirit in a revival setting. After six weeks of concentrated prayer in preparation for the meeting, God answered in His promised power. Rev Gary Bond delivered his heart in music and in word, with God’s people responding in obedience. God’s people were faithful in inviting their families and friends and neighbors. Several have returned in the following weeks. We are trusting God to empower us to be a redemptive people in a city that needs Jesus so much!”

10 Oct

October 10, 2011 |

Ted Doolittle (right), senior pastor, Calvary Community Church (Saginaw, Mich.)

Calvary Community Church (Saginaw, Mich.) celebrated Faith in Action Sunday on October 9 by going out to various locations in the community to provide service to others. Our theme is “Don’t Just GO to church. BE the church.”

Several groups went into the community. We had groups that:

  • Distributed 9 volt batteries to every unit in an area mobile home park, along with a reminder to change the battery in their smoke alarms.
  • Did yard work and cut down a tree for an elderly man.
  • Picked up litter at the high school, middle school, elementary school, and township park.
  • Handed out free popcorn from a local service station.
  • Grilled hotdogs and handed them out for free at the local outside mall.
  • Visited the pediatric floor of an area hospital to hand out coloring books with crayons and puzzle books with pens, and entertain people with a clown.
  • Led a local nursing home in a singspiration. One couple led worship at another nursing home, which they already have been doing every Sunday.
  • Led worship in the community room of an apartment complex for senior citizens.

We also had groups which stayed at the church. One group prayed for and wrote thank you notes to 75 area physicians’ offices. Another group wrapped plates of homemade cookies for distribution to various community leaders. Another group made quilts for use by the Pregnancy Counseling Center.

10 Oct

October 10, 2011 |

October is always a time for denominational meetings. These groups will be meeting during the next two weeks, all in Huntington, Ind.

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Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA
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Phone: (260) 356-2312

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