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 11th: “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 2nd: 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 20th 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 26th. 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 100th 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 16th 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 14th 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.   





By Scott Soden June 11, 2025
The sounds of laughter, singing, and the bustle of activity recently filled the air as your partners in Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry, India, hosted their annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) gatherings! Both the Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry churches welcomed over a hundred children who were eager to learn about Jesus and grasp His deep, unconditional love for them. These VBS programs were filled with opportunities for the kids to engage their hearts and minds, from creative arts and crafts projects that brought Bible stories to life, to shared moments of prayer, and enthusiastic song and dance sessions. Every day of the VBS was an adventure in faith. The energy was electric, culminating in a dance and music performance where the children showcased what they had learned for their families. It was a wonderful time for all involved, a joyous melody that surely filled our Heavenly Father's heart with delight! The Brethren Church in India continues to shine brightly despite various challenges and governmental pressures. They bravely share the Good News of Jesus, bringing hope and light to places where it's desperately needed. Their faithfulness is a powerful testimony. Your generosity makes these incredible ministries possible, not only in India but also in other parts of the world. Your support helps them flourish and creates a lasting legacy of faith and hope for countless others. Thank you for being so instrumental in bringing joy and transformation to so many young lives! Scott Soden  Coordinator, Brethren Global Partners
By Scott Soden June 11, 2025
India Sewing School Celebrates 48 Years of Empowerment
By Scott Soden June 4, 2025
A glorious celebration unfolded on Sunday, May 18th in Medellín, Colombia, as twenty-three new believers declared their faith through baptism. This was more than just a ceremony; it was a vibrant expression of new life in Christ! The excitement of seeing these individuals step into a new life in Jesus is contagious. Each baptism is a powerful story of hope, forgiveness, and a fresh start, reminding us of the profound change that occurs when someone chooses to follow Christ. It's a beautiful picture of what it means to be part of God's family, and it underscores the vital importance of our role as members of Christ's body. Through our prayers, support, and willingness to share the Good News, we participate in these unforgettable moments of spiritual rebirth. The church in Medellín beautifully captured the spirit of the day with this powerful statement: "We have decided to follow Jesus! Today, we take a step of obedience and faith through baptism, knowing that there is nothing better than walking hand in hand with Him." This is why we serve, why we give, and why we pray – to see more lives embraced by the love of our Savior. Let us rejoice with our brothers and sisters in Medellín and be inspired by their faith to continue sharing the hope that only Jesus provides!  Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners
By Dan Acker June 4, 2025
In a powerful display of community and compassion, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and Summit Ridge Community Church recently joined forces to bolster Intended Hope Ministry in Benson, Arizona. For two weeks in May, dedicated volunteers from the Arizona Unit of MDS and Summit Ridge poured their energy into restoring a mobile home heavily damaged by smoke. This newly refurbished home is set to become the sanctuary for Pastor Louise Waller, beloved as Pastor Weezie, the co-director of Intended Hope. Intended Hope offers a critical lifeline: a secure haven for up to one year for women and children bravely navigating the aftermath of domestic violence. Pastor Weezie's vision extends far beyond immediate shelter. The ministry's expansive 40-acre property is slated to evolve into a thriving working farm. This ambitious plan will not only cultivate fresh, nutritious food but also provide invaluable job training, life skills development, and other essential services. The ultimate goal? To empower these women to heal, grow, and ultimately achieve lasting independence. Overwhelmed by the tangible impact of their collaboration, Pastor Weezie shared, "God is continuing to knock my socks off!" Her words reflect the profound gratitude and awe at the transformation taking place through the combined efforts of MDS and Summit Ridge. Even with more work on the horizon, Intended Hope is already providing a sanctuary for several women, a testament to the urgency and success of their mission. This impactful partnership between MDS and Summit Ridge Community Church is truly a blessing, bringing light and hope to those who need it most. Dan Acker Pastor, Summit Ridge Community Church West Regional Resource Coordinator
By Scott Soden June 4, 2025
A spirit of unity and devotion recently filled the mountains of Colombia as Brethren men from across Medellín gathered for their Annual Men's Camping Retreat! It was inspiring to see every Brethren church in Colombia represented, coming together for a time dedicated to growth, connection, and renewal. This special retreat wasn't just about getting away; it was a powerful blend of recreation, delicious food, heartfelt fellowship, in-depth Bible study, and intentional prayer. This kind of gathering is important, and reminds us how God calls men together – not just for fun, but to build one another up, sharpen each other, and stand firm in the faith. The emphasis of the retreat was fellowship and prayer, but their vision extended even further. These men prayed for their churches, the communities they serve, their denomination, and the world at large. This retreat served as a powerful reminder of God's call for men to lead with God's strength and to be a vital force for good in every area of life. Our brothers in Colombia are setting a wonderful example for us all. We are called to be men of faith who actively support and pray for one another. What if our churches here in the U.S. were to follow this inspiring model? Let's consider how we, too, can gather our men, dedicating time for fellowship, encouragement, and deep prayer–for each other, for our local churches, for the communities we are called to serve, for the entire Brethren denomination, and indeed, for the whole of the world. When men unite in God's will, the impact can be truly transformative! Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners
By Scott Soden May 23, 2025
The joy of the resurrection echoed across Andhra Pradesh, India, this past Easter, as our Brethren partners celebrated the baptism of twenty-four new believers at the Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam churches. What a powerful testament to the living hope found in Jesus Christ. Each of these individuals has embraced a transformational change, choosing to follow the light of the Savior over the multitude of deities in the Hindu faith. This courageous step, while filled with spiritual joy, often comes with real earthly consequences. For some, choosing Jesus means facing the painful reality of being shunned by their families and communities. Yet, in their baptism, these brothers and sisters have declared a profound truth: following Christ offers not only hope for this life, filled with His love and guidance, but also the eternal promise of life everlasting with Him. This beautiful event, occurring on Easter Sunday, is a vibrant expression of the resurrection we celebrate. Just as Christ rose from death to new life, these twenty-four individuals have risen to a new life in Him. Their baptism is a powerful reminder that the victory over death is real, and the hope we have in Jesus is a hope that transcends earthly trials and stretches into eternity. Let us celebrate their courageous faith and continue to support our partners as they nurture these new lives in Christ!  Scott C. Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners
By Ryan Smith May 21, 2025
Thursday, May 15, started with overcast skies and a slight chill in the air. Despite these conditions, 19 "golfers" from the North Central region showed up at the Brookside Golf Course in Ashland, Ohio, to participate in the Lynn Mercer Spring Invitational. As the morning gave way to midday, the skies turned blue and the sun warmed the course. While it's not known if the improvement in the weather had any impact on the golf being played, those in attendance had a very enjoyable day, which concluded with a lunch and the sharing of golf course stories that were certain to rival those of the best golf pros. The North Central region hosts the Lynn Mercer Fall Classic and Spring Invitational each year. Whether you're a golfer or not, these are great times to gather with others from around the region and spend the day together. The Fall Classic will take place sometime in September or October; do plan to attend. Respectfully Submitted, Ryan Smith Director of Ministry Operations
By Scott Soden May 21, 2025
Across the vast oceans and many years, God is bringing the Brethren Church in the U.S. back together with our brothers and sisters in Malaysia. Even though we've been far apart in distance and time, God has been moving to reconnect us yet again. Churches in Penang and Johor Bahru are now working with us to build new friendships. We hope this will strengthen our partnership and also include our friends from the Brethren Church in the Philippines. This will create a wonderful link of churches around the world. The church in Johor Bahru reports that it has moved to a new building that is all on one floor. This makes it easier for older members who have trouble with stairs to participate. Their new location also has a garden where people can go to think quietly, pray, and meet Jesus in peaceful solitude. We hope to visit our partners in Malaysia early next spring. Pastor Paul Stanley and some Philippine Brethren Church pastors plan to go too! This trip is evidence of how God is bringing us together and will serve as an opportunity to strengthen our friendships. We can also see the great work they are doing in God's name. This reconnection reminds us that being part of Christ's church extends beyond our physical location and place in time. We are united across time and place, and as we move forward together across the world, we trust that this new friendship will help God's kingdom and blessing continue to grow.  Scott C. Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners
By Dan Acker May 21, 2025
Against the stunning backdrop of the Wyoming wilderness, a truly meaningful event unfolded last week. During a fly fishing trip that brought together Brethren pastors in Casper, Jamie White was joyfully ordained as an Elder in The Brethren Church. The intimate service took place within the charm of a local lodge, where a distinguished group of Brethren Elders gathered to participate in this sacred occasion. Jim Miller, Tom Sprowls, Don White, Dave Stone, Miles Larson, Dustin White, and Dan Acker collectively laid hands on Jamie, affirming her calling and confirming her ordination as an Elder within The Brethren Church. The significance of this moment was further underscored by the presence of Bill Childress, Pastor at First Brethren Church of Gratis, Ohio, and Dustin LeMaster, a pastor at 5 Stones of Ashland, Ohio, who were there to offer their support and witness. Though the setting was informal, it did not diminish the profound importance of the office Jamie now embraces. Jamie's journey toward ordination was marked by diligent preparation and the affirmation of her gifts. Examined and approved for ordination by the North Central Region in 2020, the formal service was thoughtfully delayed due to the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving opportunities in her ministry. Upon hearing of the long-awaited ordination, Drew Meziere, the Regional Resource Coordinator for the North Central Region, enthusiastically exclaimed, “It’s about time!” Jamie and her husband, Dustin, himself an ordained Elder in The Brethren Church, have demonstrated a consistent commitment to ministry since their time at Radial Church, a Brethren Church plant they lovingly established in Canton, Ohio. Their dedication to living out the Great Commission has taken them to diverse landscapes, from guiding fishing expeditions and hosting spiritually enriching retreats along the pristine rivers of Casper, Wyoming, to serving communities near the tranquil lakes of Cleveland, Ohio. In every context, their passion for making disciples has remained unwavering. It is this very adaptability and commitment to meeting people where they are that has deeply resonated with Summit Ridge Community Church in Tucson, Arizona, their current church home. Recognizing the unique and fruitful nature of their itinerant chaplaincy, Summit Ridge has wholeheartedly embraced Jamie and Dustin's calling to minister in unconventional ways to individuals who may not typically engage with a traditional church setting. Their work exemplifies a dynamic and evolving expression of faith, reaching beyond traditional walls to connect with people in the everyday rhythms of their lives. With heartfelt joy and anticipation for the impact of her continued ministry, we extend our warmest congratulations to Reverend Dr. Jamie White on her ordination as an Elder in The Brethren Church. May God's abundant blessings continue to enrich her life and empower her vital work! Dan Acker Pastor, Summit Ridge Community Church (Tucson, AZ) West Regional Resource Coordinator
By Dan Acker May 13, 2025
Summit Ridge Community Church Commissions New Leaders, Emphasizing a Servant's Heart
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