Update on Brethren Global Partners: The Mole Report

Periodically, Linda Immel distributes the MOLE Report, a gathering of Brethren Global Partner news for churches and individuals who support these ministries. You can download PDF of the MOLE Report here

Dear Friends,

Let me just start by saying how grateful I am for each one of you who have patiently waited for this edition of the Mole Report. Many of you have asked where I have been, and honestly I have been struggling over the past several months. For a person who likes to have a plan and doesn’t like those plans to be changed, I have found myself frustrated, lonely, and depressed by all the cancelations and changes that have happened in our country and world since March. Believe me, this is not the first time I have sat at my computer to make a Mole Report, but before I could even finish it, more changes were reported and more things were canceled. Before I could report about what was happening with a Global Partner, something new would occur. Even though I was getting reports of how God was moving in the midst of this pandemic, I wasn’t feeling it, and even still today it’s hard to see the big picture and plan that God has through this mess we’re living, but I know He is faithful every day (Lamentations 3:19-23), and He has great plans ahead for us who follow Him (Jeremiah 29:11) and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I pray God’s richest blessings upon you all.

I have been collecting information and updates from our Global Partners over the past months, and I will include as much as I can in this Mole Report. Some of them are from two or three months ago, but a lot of the situations continue as we continue in this pandemic. Each of you W.M.S. groups should have received your mailing and ballot from Norma Waters in June. Hopefully groups are beginning to meet again, and can read through the information sent from the National Executive Board. You will see there that I do plan to continue with the Mole Report, and will have discussions about what that will look like. The purpose of this report has always been to inform you of the needs of our Global Partners, share prayer requests, and tell stories of God’s movement through the Brethren Church in other countries. We want that to continue.

Several of you have requested that I include our Global Partner’s birthdays and anniversaries again, so you will find that included on page 4. Some societies still send me cards to mail to our Global Partners, but for right now I am holding those until things open up more for international delivery. I don’t want those precious cards and notes to be lost in some warehouse between here and there. We have discovered new ways of encouraging and supporting our partners around the world, and you can do that as well. Many of our Global Partners are on Facebook which is a great tool for connecting with them. I am also including that information on page 4. If you have Facebook, I urge you to send a note of encouragement, a Bible verse, or a prayer for our partners. You can be such a blessing to them during this time of uncertainty. The Brethren Global Partners also has a Facebook page where you can find current updates and information sent from Scott Soden. I have retired from working at the school this year, so if you would like me to visit your church or W.M.S. meeting, I will be more available this coming year, and would love to come see you. Even though our ways of doing things many have changed, God is still calling us to serve Him. May we all serve Him well.

Linda Immel, W.M.S. Mole

SPAIN: David & Cecilia Molina

Spain has been closed completely, so David & Cecilia have not met with their church family for over 3 months. They don’t have any way of doing video services, so they ask prayers for their congregation. They want to visit them, but want to be wise and safe for themselves and for their church family. This was a note from Cecilia written on May 11^th: “I just hope that at this stage of de-escalation we learned something. Just as at first we thought that Covid-19 here would not affect us like other countries, but in the end it came to us and we don’t want to think now that this is over and we won’t have any contagion upturn. If we don’t take precautions and keep the safety distance or use the masks, we are sure to go back and that is simply reality for us right now.”

CHILE: Carlos & Zulema Quiroga

Chile is in lockdown except for essential workers only. The Brethren Church in Santiago has not met since March, and has not been able to pay Pastor Carlos during that time. He has been working as a security guard at a bank to provide for his family. They do not have the capabilities to do on line services although Zulema has been doing Bible studies on Facebook. Funds raised from the Brethren Response to COVID-19 was sent to the Santiago Brethren Church to help with basic expenses at the church, with some going to help the Quiroga family. They are so grateful for this help from U.S. Brethren.

PHILIPPINES: Gary & Joy Castro

The Philippines continue on lockdown, but the church there is adapting to separation well. Gary reports that they are having daily Bible studies, discipleship groups and Sunday worship on line, and it is going well. There are reported cases of COVID-19 in their town, but they are all well and staying mostly at home. Jesus Our Firm Foundation (JOFF) Brethren Church in Bocaue and in Bulacan have been serving their communities by delivering supplies to homes and facilities such as portable germ zappers, air purification cleaners, germ guard, and pocket sterilizers. Some of these supplies have also been purchased through the Brethren Response to COVID-19 funds. You can hear messages from Pastor Gary and others on Facebook.

Just a note: Some funds were sent to the National Office for the Brethren Churches in Malaysia. It has been discussed that instead of sending someone from the National Office, that these funds might be better used to send Gary Castro from the Philippines to meet with Pastor Ernest Ng and the Brethren in Malaysia as soon as things open up and it is safe for him to travel there. He has agreed to do this, and we are hoping this will be the start of reconnecting with them. Please keep this in prayer.

INDIA: Prasanth & Nirmala Kumar and Sudhir & Latha Kumar

In April before the country of India became more closed because of the coronavirus, the Brethren Mission in India was able to conduct their Lenten services in Rajahmundry and in the villages. Nirmala sent this report on April 2^nd: On the same dates, we had mini revival meetings on the streets in front of the church members’ homes in the evenings. Every evening around 300 people gathered and heard the messages on the CROSS. We also met together in the church at Rajahmundry for praise and celebration of what Christ did for us. Let us all pray that the fire of the gospel again would rise in India and across the world.

Nirmala continued this report a week later: The SUN RISE DEVOTIONS OF THE CROSS has taken place at RAJAHMUNDRY BRETHREN CHURCH from Ash Wednesday until Easter. Our hearts were broken when the government shut down everything after that day due to the coronavirus across the globe.

India has now opened back up some and they plan to be back in church very soon. Sudhir said that his parents are doing well, but they have not been away from home since April. The Kumars have some wonderful ways of worshiping and often use multiple languages including English. They are trying very hard to stay connected with the many village churches and pastors, and are trying to stay connected with the congregations in Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam through LIVE telecast of the services. You can see them on Facebook. Of course, we were disappointed when Sudhir’s trip for General Conference was canceled. We pray he will be able to join us in the future.

At this time, I am continuing with my plans to visit India in 2021. It may not be in February if things are still uncertain, but if not then it will be in the fall. I have felt this leading of God for a couple years, and believe He is still calling me to go there. This is open for a team to go so if you are interested, please contact me. I have some very tentative information that I can give you. For W.M.S. groups, there is information about how you can be a part of this trip in the mailing you received. I will be sending out more information to you in the coming months.

One final thing about India. Over the past month we have lost three very dear India partners, and I want you to know how special these people were to the ministry of the Brethren Mission in India. On June 6th Dean Hess moved into his heavenly home. He and his wife, Mary, were from the Gretna Brethren Church and began to sponsor a village pastor many years ago. Even after they moved to Arizona they continued to be India partners. June 20^th was the homegoing of another wonderful India partner. Grace Grumbling had been a blessing to the Kumars and their work in India over the years. She was also a longtime sponsor of a village pastor. She was a member of the Johnstown Third Brethren Church, and mother of our National Secretary, Norma Waters. And, Patty Sweet from the College Corner Brethren Church passed away on June 26^th. Over the years she had been a faithful India partner. Each of these individuals were not only financial partners, but they were faithful prayer warriors for the ministry in India and they will be greatly missed. Thank you, dear saints.

LIMA, PERU: Luis Angel & Zoraida Morillas

Pastor Luis Angel and his family send greetings to all the Brethren in the U.S. During our patriotic month, they want us to know that they are praying for us, and for healing for our country. The city of Lima is past it’s 100^th day of lockdown because of the coronavirus. There have been many hardships in Lima, many without support or means to survive. The Lima Brethren Church is grateful for the money they received from the Brethren Response to COVID-19 funds. With this money they have been able to continue helping the children and families of Ticlio Chico. That is one of the poorest districts in Lima, and the families there were desperate for food and supplies. Because there was no travel outside the city, Luis depended upon a dear Christian lady in Ticlio Chico to make purchases and distribute the food bags to families. A group of women, with funds from Lima, have started preparing the common pot where families can come and receive a meal for the day. The children and families are in critical situations. White flags can be seen on the hillside to indicate the dire need for food. Pastor Luis and the Lima Brethren Church are sending as many funds as they can to help supply food and also cleaning kits when possible.

On June 16^th we received a note from Pastor Luis that he had been able to travel to Ticlio Chico for the first time and be reunited with the families. He said it was a very touching moment. They realize they still have a long way to go before they will be able to gather for worship at the church building in Lima, but they are reaching out to those in need as much as possible. Zoraida is teaching the children at home as all the schools are closed. Luis Angel’s mother who was actually in the United States visiting family in Texas has not been able to return to Peru since all this started in March. Please continue to pray for the ministry in Lima.

PUERTO MALDONADO, PERU: Italo & Rebecca Abuid and Segundo Gonzales

Because Our Good Shepherd Orphanage is outside of town and pretty isolated anyway, they have not felt the severe effects of the virus as Lima has. The children are not in school of course, but they are doing well and continue to grow under the care of Italo and Rebecca. What a wonderful picture of Italo with their son, David, and the children taken on Father’s Day. They have been trying to treat Italo’s cancer from home because travel to Lima for treatments is not possible right now. They are praising the Lord for sustaining him and their home during this hard time. They are thankful for the help they received at the beginning of the year from Chyann Mackey (on the far left) of the Mt. Olive Brethren Church. She was there for several weeks and was able to assist Rebecca with a VBS in March. It was well attended by children in the area and with the help of Pastor Segundo of the Brethren Church Puerto Maldonado. Segundo says the church has not been able to meet, but before this they had approximately 45 adults baptized and 100 children. They are helping families with food and supplies as they can using funds from the U.S.

ARGENTINA: Willy & Viviana Romanenghi

In Argentina the government has suspended many activities and events including schools and churches. However, they remain hopeful, and their pastors and churches have made adaptions. Bible studies and sermons are online and music fills their homes. They are discovering that Jesus is always with them, and He is using them to bring hope to the people around them. This was reported by Lautaro Vitale, one of their young church workers. He served as an interpreter for Scott Soden and Tom Schiefer during their visit last September. He is pictured here with Juan Carlos Poletti, Scott, and Carlos Quiroga during that meeting.

On June 14^th Willy wrote this about the ministry in Argentina: “Even though the quarantine is still mostly in effect in Argentina, the Spirit continues to move and bring groups together in amazing ways for study and fellowship. With joy and enthusiasm, there are always testimonies because Jesus is real and His Word is eternal and present. We pray God will give us wisdom to return to the temple without losing this joy and enthusiasm.”

PARAGUAY: Juan Carlos & Mar Poletti

Our Brethren Global Partners in Paraguay are experiencing incredible hardship with the unemployment rate and poverty line rising exponentially throughout the country and region. Yet the Brethren in Asuncion have stepped out to make a difference. Just a few miles outside of the capital lies the small barrio of Ypani. Every day, members of the Brethren Church go to this poor neighborhood to feed breakfast and lunch to approximately 185 men, women, and children. The need is extraordinary! However, because of the Brethren Response to COVID-19 funds hope is alive again! Children are smiling, adults are active with participating in preparing and serving food, and because of that they have decided to build a new church in Ypani, where a place of gathering is so desperately needed. They are also helping to provide sanitary supplies to homes to keep the people from getting sick.

COLOMBIA: Marcelo & Adriana Ferreri

In Colombia, the Brethren Church is working hard to provide supplies, especially for children and families. Even though they had to move one of their churches to a smaller building because they could no longer afford the rent, the church continues to develop some amazing new ways to connect with their congregations. They are using Facebook to hold Bible studies, worship, and even develop new disciples online. You are invited to join them on Thursday nights via Facebook as they study God’s Word led by Marcelo & Adriana.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Lexington and Concord at 250

By Steven Longenecker • April 23, 2025

By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired shot heard round the world. “Concord Hymn,” Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1836. This is true. The American Revolution was transformative. One hundred years later, poet James Russell Lowell celebrated the modest span as “era-parting.” As the Concord militia ran across the bridge chasing retreating redcoats, they ran from one era into another. This is also true. The United States was the first government founded on the principle that “all men are created equally.” To be sure, this noble concept was very imperfectly implemented, but nobody else, certainly not European monarchies, even pretended to believe it. On April 19 we rightly celebrate the 250th anniversary of Concord, the beginning of a war that led to American independence. But there’s more. The first shots were not fired across Emerson’s “rude bridge” but on Lexington Common. Here three British companies faced the village militia. Major John Pitcairn, the British commander, ordered the Massachusetts men to disperse. The militia captain, John Parker, seeing that his men were significantly outnumbered, ordered them to break ranks and leave. But before they could, somebody—we still don’t know who—shot, and the British spontaneously responded with heavy fire. Then, again without orders, they charged, shooting and bayoneting, including the wounded. Historians disagree over whether British officers encouraged the melee or futilely screamed for order. Almost certainly, however, redcoats cut down fleeing militiamen. It was more massacre than battle. This atrocity, not Emerson’s “shot heard round the world,” inaugurated a lengthy, difficult, brutal war. The War for Independence lasted eight years, the longest conflict in American history until Vietnam and now fourth behind Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam. Civilians were targeted, casualties high, and prisoners, when taken, treated inhumanely. Lexington wasn’t the only time in the war when wounded and surrendering soldiers were assaulted; both sides did it, but more often the British. As people of faith remember Lexington and Concord, they can find three takeaways. 1. Injustice creates conflict. Identifying wrongs inflicted upon us comes naturally, but the call is to recognize injustice felt by others. The colonists had legitimate grievances: They were unrepresented in Parliament and taxed without their consent, a fundamental injustice. Logically, they demanded self-government. For ignoring American complaints, Imperial leadership lost some of its most valuable colonies, and its military endured high casualties. The lesson is that release for the captives and freedom for the oppressed are both the right thing to do—"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”—and pragmatic because of the problems they solve. 2. Similarly, bad things happen when people stop listening to each other. Mostly, this falls again on the British. Even a few months after Lexington and Concord, independence was still not mainstream among Americans, who probably would have accepted something short of full sovereignty. How might the history of the British Empire evolved if it had listened and applied the Golden Rule? Tone-deafness cost the British severely. Likewise, may we remember that most arguments have two sides. The Empire’s anger over the extensive property damage caused by the Boston Tea Party feels legitimate. Refusal to concede that the other side has a point or two often has significant practical cost, in this case further widening the breach between the Empire and its seaboard colonies. This is not to say that Jesus compromised his values, but he lunched with tax collectors and sinners and, presumably, listened. 3. Wars are easier to start than to stop. This includes labor (strikes) and trade wars. The great conflict that started on Lexington Green lasted much longer than anybody thought. In fact, there was little deliberation. Tensions escalated and anger boiled until violence erupted, and once the floodgates of war opened, it took eight years and rivers of blood spilled before they closed. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are not only the children of God but, in practice, they rescue society and, especially, innocents from the suffering of war. In the long run society is best served by peace (and justice). Do justice, listen, and make peace: Put together, these lessons from Lexington are foundation stones of Christian behavior, and they equip Brethren to be the salt of the earth in tumultuous times. Steve Longenecker is Professor of History, emeritus, at Bridgewater College (VA). Photo by Donovan Reeves on Unsplash

Southeast Shares and Celebrates at Regional Gathering

By Scott Soden • April 23, 2025

On Saturday, April 5th, churches and representatives from across the Southeast Region of The Brethren Church gathered at Windhaven Church in Mount Jackson, VA, for a powerful day of fellowship, prayer, and storytelling. Over 75 attendees, including 25 enthusiastic youth from several churches, came together to celebrate and share inspiring stories of how God is transforming their communities and responding to the urgent need for hope, love, and connection in these divided times. The gathering was a flurry of activity. Here are some of the highlights: During the morning, the youth poured themselves into a community service project; they assembled water bottles with socks, other essential items, and snacks for local homeless shelters. Chyann Mackey and Laura Waldron (Both of Mount Olive Brethren Church, McGaheysville, VA) shared their excitement about preparations for this summer's camp, now under the new name: Kairos! Their palpable enthusiasm left attendees eager to witness how God will use this initiative. Pastor Don White (St. James Brethren Church, Fairplay, MD) shared a powerful message about the importance of experiencing God's presence and living in both spirit and truth. St. James is growing and actively engaging in local ministry initiatives, primarily through the Women's Missionary Society (WMS) groups from collaborating churches—truly a remarkable story worth sharing. Sara Moore (Saint James Brethren Church) emphasized Brethren Academy's vital connection to the region and showcased current and former students who now serve as mentors or in ministry within their local churches. Looking for ways to grow your youth in Christ? Check out Camp Kairos, Engage Youth Conference (both this summer), and Brethren Academy this fall! Valerie and Micah Ceary from the Gathering Church (Hagerstown, MD) and Joe and Katie Turner shared updates through videos about their new church plants in Maryland, which are advancing in unique ways throughout the region. Pastor Lee Reams (Compass Community Church) highlighted his church's summer sports outreach they put on in cooperation with Eukarya Christian Academy in Stephens City, VA. Read more about it at https://www.brethrenchurch.org/compass-community-wraps-up-summer-sports-outreach . Pastor Todd Crowder and the team at Maurertown Brethren Church (Maurertown, VA) are inspiring witnesses through their work with inner-city kids. Hearing Todd's journey—starting with one child in his truck and expanding as kids sought connection and fellowship—was uplifting. Pastor Kent McKay (Canvas Community Church, Winchester, VA) discussed the importance of vision and mission in the recent merger. Canvas Community Church was formed from the merger of Canvas Church, a local non-denominational church, and our own Grace Community Church in late 2022. Now, less than three years later, a full one-third of the new congregation are new members to their congregation and were not part of either Canvas or Grace Community. This remarkable statistic is a testament to the efficacy of their outreach and the work of God in Winchester. Pastor Brad Reaves showed a video highlighting the impactful work in Guinea-Bissau, where they partner with One Child to use the Bridgely App to fund children's schooling. Additional highlights included a recap of the recent Regional Women's Retreat, celebrated as a resounding success, and updates from the Gathering Church in Winchester, VA on their substantial outreach to local homeless shelters as they celebrate their fourth anniversary this Palm Sunday. Pastor Simon Flint spoke about their Toddler-Time outreach at Muskoka Community Church in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada, which positively impacts mothers and families during the cold winter. Pastor Dave Stone shared in a video update how Sarasota First Brethren Church is recovering after Hurricane Milton damaged its building (read more about that at https://www.brethrenchurch.org/nappanee-brethren-repair-hurricane-damage ). During that same update, Dave Stone noted that their facility is used by seven Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous groups every week. What an extraordinary array of stories! God is surely at work, using the Brethren Church in remarkable ways. Please share the good news of what God is up to in your church and community at our MemoryFox page . We look forward to sharing more inspiring stories from your region as well!

Tucson First Brethren Celebrates Retirement of Roger Stogsdill

By Dan Acker • April 15, 2025

A Legacy of Faith and a New Chapter: First Brethren Church Celebrates Pastor Roger Stogsdill's Retirement and Welcomes New Leadership

Pasadena Centro Crista Celebrates Baptism

By Dan Acker • April 15, 2025

Joyful Celebration as Pasadena Centro Crista Welcomes Daniela Escobar Through Baptism

Cay Pombo Brethren Church in the Philippines Celebrates First Anniversary

By Scott Soden • April 9, 2025

On Sunday, March 23, the Brethren Church in Cay Pombo, Philippines gathered as usual to lift their hearts and hands in praise and worship to God, their Father. Yet that day was far more than a typical Sunday; it was a joyous celebration of God’s goodness and all He has accomplished in the church during its first full year of ministry. “As we celebrated our 1st anniversary, we're reminded that God has a plan to prosper us and give us a hope and a future. We're excited to see how He will continue to work in the lives of many through the JOFF (Jesus Our Firm Foundation) Cay Pombo Church. We've seen God move in amazing ways. We've witnessed lives transformed, relationships built, and how Jesus moves in everyone's lives, and yet, we know that this is just the beginning. We're trusting God to guide and direct us always. To God be all the glory! Happy anniversary, JOFF Cay Pombo! As we celebrate this first year of ministry and Kingdom growth, may this moment inspire the church here in the United States and around the world to boldly witness for Jesus in our neighborhoods, communities, and nations. Amen!!! Scott Soden Coordinator, Brethren Global Partners

Relaunch of ChristCore Brethren Church

By Paul Lattimer • April 9, 2025

Hey everybody! It's been a couple years since ChristCore Brethren Church went on hiatus, and I wanted to share a brief but exciting update. I've felt the Lord stirring in my heart over the past year to try starting it again. ChristCore went on hiatus and we downshifted heavily after Alexander Stillion, one of our members, passed away in a motorcycle accident. Quite honestly, I was depressed and didn't want to keep doing this plant without my friend. During this time, Terry Hofecker and Josh Coffee, pastors of Agora Church in Columbus, Ohio, were gracious and gave Micaela and I a "landing place" while ChristCore paused. Now, we sense the Lord is calling us to pilot the ship once again, and I am excited to both share and ask for your prayer support as we relaunch ChristCore! We held our first new gathering on Friday, March 2 and hosted 7 adults and 2 kids (OTHER than Micaela, myself, and our kids). During our time, we had a Bible study on part of Matthew 5, lyric discussion of the Christian Metalcore song “Immortal” by War of Ages, and shared prayer requests and praises and prayed with each other. Thank you for your prayer support!!! Praise the Lord! Paul Lattimer Pastor, ChristCore Brethren Church

Brethren Church in Lima Peru Celebrate Four Baptisms

By Scott Soden • April 1, 2025

On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the small congregation at the church in Lima went to a local beach for a very special time of transformation and celebration. Here is what Pastor Luis Angel has to say about the day's events: “Our church recently celebrated the baptism of four members. Franz and Bertha, who have been part of our congregation for several years, had not previously been baptized due to various circumstances. Leslie, Franz's girlfriend, and Luca, a young leader in our church, are newer members who decided to take the step of faith during their discipleship journey. Initially, Luca's baptism was scheduled for July 2024, but due to my motorcycle accident we had to postpone the ceremony. We decided to reschedule for the summer when the weather is more conducive. Franz and Leslie joined the discipleship program during the waiting period, followed by sister Bertha a month ago. All four will continue their discipleship classes, deepening their spiritual roots and developing their gifts for service.” Let us joyfully celebrate the incredible work God is doing through our partners in Peru and across the globe! Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

Baptisms in Chile - A Day for Celebration and Transformation!

By Scott Soden • March 19, 2025

Sunday, March 2, 2025, was a very special day at Bet-El Church (Brethren Church) in Santiago, Chile! Your partners celebrated together the act of faith and renewal in baptisms, where six brothers and sisters took an essential step in their Christian walk. It was a time of joy, excitement, and spiritual fulfillment as we saw Jesus’ mandate, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” fulfilled. The day of transformation continued through the afternoon as the congregation celebrated all that God is doing in their community through the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Follow this link to see the video recap of the event, which relives the most significant moments of this special day. Thank you for being a part of this community of faith and the Brethren movement worldwide! We especially thank and pray for Pastor Carlos Quiroga and Pastor Zulema Zagal, who shared the blessings of this amazing moment in the church with us! Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

Praise, Prayer, and Provision in India!

By Scott Soden • February 26, 2025

Praise, Prayer, and Provision in India! The Brethren Church in India has been very busy these last few months with the ongoing work of the ministry. Although it doesn’t snow in India, this time of year brings rainy weather and cooler temperatures. Thanks to your generosity, Nirmala was able to purchase blankets, towels, and other necessities for the children at the orphanage. These gifts mean more than you can imagine to those who possess very little. Now, the children can feel assured of staying warm and dry during the cooler months. Sudhir has been making trips around the region to meet with many Brethren, pastors, and congregations. He and his wife, Latha, often bring words of encouragement and love during their visits. In Rajahmundry, Nirmala and the leaders held a special day of praise and prayer on January 26th. Many from the community joined in the event, singing and worshiping the Lord for His provision, mercy, and grace. Prayer filled the church throughout the day, with many people on their knees. These prayers were not only for the church and the local community but also for you! They prayed for the awakening of the church worldwide, for repentance, and that everyone would find hope and life in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. What a testimony to all that God continues to do with and through His people around the world! Scott C. Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

Camp Kairos Winter Retreat

By Laura Waldron, Chyann Mackey • February 19, 2025

The first annual Camp Kairos Winter Camp, held at Potomac Park in Falling Waters, WV, from January 17th to 19th, was a resounding success. Attendance exceeded expectations, with over 120 attendees in 3rd through 12th grades representing six different churches (Compass, The Gathering, Oak Hill, St. James, Liberty, and Mt. Olive). New friends were made, old friends reconnected, and everyone looked forward to a wonderful weekend together. Camp Kairos’s theme was "ONE," based on Philippians 1:27, how we are one mind, body, and spirit in Christ. This theme was the thread that tied the weekend's activities and worship services together. Amanda Carriere and Brandon Hartle (both of St. James) shared messages with the campers, and Lee Reams (Compass) and the Compass Youth Praise band led the camp in worship. Afterward, our elementary campers would dig deeper into the message with a Bible video and discussion. Campers were divided into small groups for hands-on activities and games that reinforced the Bible lessons. The weekend was jam-packed with fun and fellowship. Camp kicked off with a pizza party, worship, and brownie sundaes. The weekend was filled with fun activities including a marshmallow snowball fight, snow globe craft, gingerbread contest, snowman building contest, and an ultimate small group competition. Other favorites from the weekend included tubing down Slippery Slopes, playing basketball and soccer in the indoor gym, enjoying ice cream at PERKS Coffee Shop, a campfire with smores, and a glow dance party. Meals were great and special accommodations were made by the Potomac Parks chef for those with allergies. Chyann Mackey and Laura Waldron, both of Mt. Olive, organized the camp and served as its Co-Directors. They led a small army of volunteers who made the Southeast Region’s winter camp possible. They included Morgan Sterling (The Gathering), Avery Zimmerman, Nancy Zimmerman, Marty Dearing, and Lucy Johnson (all of Mt Olive); Drew Fox, Ronnie Helton, Kelly Helton, Kim Butner, and Tricia Haynes (all from Oak Hill). A big, big THANK YOU to all of the folks who made Camp Kairos 2025 a huge success! It was an amazing weekend, and we are excited and expectant to see the Lord move in huge ways as we continue planning summer camp. Thank you for all of your prayers and support! Chyann Mackey and Laura Waldron