In the Spotlight

Gilead Friends Work Camp Reaches Needs in Morrow County

We do not have to look far to find someone in need of a helping hand. A fresh vision for countrywide outreach was given to Dean Ebert, Elder at Gilead Friends. With 48 people laboring in the love of Christ Jesus, the first annual G.F.C. Work Camp was truly blessed.

The workers were able to minister to 14 households in the course of a week. Each day held new challenges as the workers did everything from tree trimming and removal to replacing spouting, vinyl siding, sealing roofs, cleaning gutters, painting, cleaning, and other odd jobs. It was inspiring to see the children work so hard and diligently.

At night the workers met at the camp set up a Shawn Morgan's home. A meal was served by Patty Lou Shaffer and a worship service was held which was indicative of God's love and grace. Pastor Charles Robinson came one evening to share the "Robinson Family Testimony"... a challenge for everyone to keep prayer a top priority.

The marathon volleyball matches, fishing, games, S'mores around the cackling fire, and laughter made every ache and pain well worth the effort. The Friday night celebration service was enjoyed by the workers and the families that were ministered to during the week.

As a result of this outreach vision, 940 hours of labor in the love of Christ happened for needy people in Morrow County. The awesome conclusion about this mission camp, as with any mission trip, is that the workers experienced what the Apostle Paul speaks of in Acts 20:35, NIV

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

--Submitted by Darla Ellyson and Lora McMillan

Friends Walk Together

"Friends Walk Together" was the theme of the first annual Walk-A-Thon sponsored by the Women's Missionary Fellowship of the Brewster Friends Church. The walk-a-thon, held September 16, 2001, raised funds for the churchÕs new Family Life Center, which is currently under construction. God blessed us with a beautiful day and enthusiastic walkers. Our oldest participant, 80 year old Lucille Fry, was also our first place winner in sponsors, bringing in $400.00. When notified that she was the winner, Lucille said, "I wish I had worked a little harder, I'm sure I could have brought in $500.00 if I had tried harder." She praised God for His blessings and the opportunity to give to His work.

Our youngest participant was seven month old Jason Spivey, grandson of Pastor Allan and Sue Swinderman. Along the route, walkers were provided with small American flags to display love of God and Country and area businesses donated water, pop, and gift certificates. The village police department provided an escort for the walkersÕ safety. Following the walk, a time of food and fellowship was enjoyed at the church. A free Tee-shirt with the theme, "Friends Walk Together" was given to each walker who brought in $100.00 in sponsors. Over $1,300.00 was raised for new sidewalks and a driveway at the church and at the new Family Life Center.

Submitted by Allan Swinderman
Pastor of Brewster Friends Church

Women's Missionary Fellowship Retreat Reflections

Women of Eastern Region have been blessed during the annual WMF Retreat for 25 years and this year was no exception. Guest Speaker Joanne Wallace encouraged and challenged the women to grow in their faith by spending more time alone with God.

WMF Committee members report total attendance for both weekends was over 700.