Youth Converge at Ashland University for Brethren Academy 2022
This year marked the 7th year since the beginning of Brethren Academy. After holding a virtual experience in 2020 due to covid, and not being able to meet in 2021, we were eager to be back together this year for the first in-person gathering since 2019. Though it looked different than previous years, Brethren Academy 2022 was a huge success.
Led by Brethren Academy Director Sara Moore, students and mentors alike learned about their identity as Christ followers, as well as their identity as Brethren. Rather than a week-long meeting in the summer before General Conference, Brethren Academy 2022 was held November 11-13 on the Ashland University campus. The location shift allowed high school students to not only get to know each other, but also to interact with college students and participate in ministry opportunities on campus as well. While the shorter time made for a very full schedule, students and mentors were able to connect quickly and dive deeply into what the Lord had for them during their time together. Sara Moore said this: “We had an excellent group of students, mentors, speakers, and activities that challenged us to think about our identity in new and exciting ways. We formed new friendships and relationships that extend beyond the days we were gathered together.” After a weekend of being physically together, conversations have continued virtually and relationships that were started at Brethren Academy are still growing.
This year, as with many in the past, the mentor team was made up of many people who have been a part of Brethren Academy since its inception in 2016. Mentors of Brethren Academy are people that are a little further along in their walk with the Lord than the students and are able to walk alongside the students and help them process what the Lord is doing in their lives. Mentors connect with students, build relationships, and serve the students by leading them in discussions and activities that help them grow in their identity as Christ followers and Brethren.
The main speaker for the weekend was Cory Smith, the inaugural Brethren Academy director. He taught about what it means to be Christ followers, to be Children of God, and how the Brethren people are uniquely positioned to help the world around us in our current culture. Cory was also joined on Saturday by a panel of Brethren leaders to discuss what it looks like to be Brethren in unique contexts; this panel, led by Brethren Church national staff member Ryan Smith, included pastor Cory Smith, his wife Lydia Smith, Brethren Theologian and ATS professor Jason Barnhart, and Brethren Church national staff members Lydia Heckert and Miles Larson.
Brethren Academy 2022 would not have been possible without the hard work and preparation of Sara Moore. In Sara’s first year leading Brethren Academy in person, she did an incredible job handling every challenge thrown her way. Sara, with the help of her team, executed a fantastic weekend in which the Lord met students in new and exciting ways. Sara’s care for her students is evident in all she does: “My favorite part was seeing our students and mentors wrestling through the content together, praying for one another, and seeking Jesus’ face. My prayer is that our Brethren Academy students will be able to look back at our time together and see how God used this experience to help transform their lives.”
Thank you to all who poured into our youth and made Brethren Academy 2022 possible. We’re excited to see what the Lord has in store for these young leaders!
Lydia Heckert
Executive Assistant
Brethren Church National Office
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The Brethren in Durban, South Africa, have launched a critical new sewing school ministry, bringing a thread of hope and opportunity to the women there. This inspiring initiative equips women with valuable skills and empowers them to establish small businesses that significantly enhance their family's well-being and economic prospects. This new ministry carries a special resonance, drawing inspiration from the incredible work being done by our partners in India. For a remarkable 48 years , the Brethren Church in India has successfully operated a similar sewing school, transforming the lives of thousands. In both contexts, these ministries aim for more than just teaching a skill; the sewing school aims to transform entire lives and families and to open hearts to the enduring hope and boundless love of Jesus Christ. The work in India has shown us just how critical these programs are. By providing women with valuable, marketable skills, these schools offer a lifeline that can keep desperate women and their families out of dangerous situations, including the horrific threat of human trafficking. It's a powerful reminder that practical help, rooted in faith, can be a shield against incredible hardship. Like its counterpart in India, we believe the new sewing school in South Africa will become a beacon of hope, bringing economic stability and introducing women to the life-changing message of the Gospel. These ministries are powerful expressions of God's love in action, creating a lasting legacy of empowered lives and flourishing communities. Your support makes these beautiful stories of transformation possible! Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator
What a truly special and joy-filled season it has been in the Philippines, as two vibrant Brethren churches in Bocaue and Caypombo celebrated public declarations of faith through baptism. These events, occurring days apart, marked profound moments of transformation and commitment to Christ, highlighting the flourishing of faith and life in The Brethren Church of the Philippines. In Bocaue, ten new believers took the powerful step of baptism, surrounded by friends, family, and the overwhelming love of their church community. It was a beautiful reminder of God’s grace in action—a fresh start and a public embrace of the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ. “Such a special and joy-filled day as we witnessed lives made new through water baptism! A group of amazing individuals took this powerful step of faith, surrounded by friends, family, and an overwhelming amount of love. It was a beautiful reminder of God’s grace and the fresh start He gives. ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!’ – 2 Corinthians 5:17. We’re celebrating each of you and excited for all that’s ahead!” Each life made new was a testament to God's redemptive work and the unity we share as members of His body, regardless of where we are in the world. Shortly after, JOFF (Jesus Our Firm Foundation) Caypombo Brethren Church welcomed eight new members through baptism. This congregation is barely a year old, and the atmosphere there was filled with joy and worship as the church family witnessed hearts transformed and lives renewed. As the church proclaimed with gratitude, “What a glorious day it was as we witnessed hearts transformed and lives renewed through water baptism! Heaven rejoices as our brothers and sisters boldly declared their faith in Jesus!” These words resonated with the truth of Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death… that we too may live a new life.” Together, these celebrations in Bocaue and Caypombo represent more than just individual milestones—they reflect a larger movement of God’s Spirit stirring across the Philippines. The commitment and faith of these new believers are a powerful reminder of why we continue to pray, serve, and give: to see lives transformed, communities strengthened, and Christ’s love embodied in tangible ways. To all who support Brethren Global Partners, know that your investment is not just fueling ministry—it’s multiplying life-changing moments like these. Through your partnership, churches are empowered, disciples are made, and the hope of the Gospel multiplies across the globe. Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator
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
India Sewing School Celebrates 48 Years of Empowerment
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
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
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
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
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
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