As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, we have so many reasons for which to praise God. We could discuss programs, staff, new initiatives, and the churches and ministries of those churches. But most of all we thank God for you!

You are the ones who not only volunteer and send people to our ministries, but you entrust us to serve our churches. Thanks so much for your prayers, your gifts, your friendship, and your love. We realize that we would not exist if it were not for the support of God's people.

Over 60 to Attend Bible Quizzing Invitational

Seven churches and one district will be part of the first Bible Quiz Invitational held at CE National's Russell Center. Registration starts at 6:00 pm, Friday, November 30, with the first round of quizzing beginning at 9:15.

Along with quizzing, there will be a tour of Grace College, student seminars, and a coaches meeting. During the coaches meeting, Scott Feather will talk about strategies for discipleship through Bible Quizzing. Timothy Kurtaneck, Dave Guiles, and Kip Cone will lead the three student seminars.

The final quiz awards will be given at 7:30 Saturday evening, but a worship time will follow with a challenge by Ray Feather. Sunday morning will also see a devotional time led by Ray.

Teams will be coming from Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.

Everyone is invited to come and cheer their favorite team on to victory!

Russell Center Dividers Installed

In preparation for the Bible Quiz Invitational, the Russell Center dividers have been installed. These dividers will allow the Russell Center to be partitioned into three rooms. Each room will be used for quizzing during the weekend.

300 Households Served Through Urban Hope

Meals ready for delivery

Urban Hope Training Center would like to thank everyone who gave to the Thanksgiving meal outreach. $13,606.50 was given. Because of this, 300 households will receive a Thanksgiving dinner in the Kensington area in Philadelphia.

Please pray as the distribution is made that God would open up opportunities for the Urban Hope staff to share Christ.

Plans Underway for Vision For Youth's Conference at Russell Center

Tim, Mel, and Jesse

Tim Ahlgrim, Mel Walker, and others from Vision For Youth, came to CE National to walk through the buildings. January 14-18, 2008, CE National will host the National Youth Ministries Conference produced by Vision For Youth.

During the walk-through, the group discussed the facilities with CE National staff member Jesse DeBoest, Director of Finance and Personnel, and Art Bushen, Grounds and Maintenance Coordinator, along with sound and video needs with Steve Koontz, Technical Coordinator.

Vision For Youth is an organization that helps youth workers be more effective in local churches. About 200 people are expected to attend the conference, which includes main sessions, seminars, discussion groups, exhibits, and fellowship. Last year a number of YouthNet members and National Institute students attended the conference in Sandusky, Ohio. CE National encourages Grace Brethren youth workers to come to Winona Lake in January to attend.

CE National is working closely with the leaders of Vision For Youth because our philosophies are very similar. In fact, Tim, Mel and Cheryl Fawcett were all a part of Momentum 2007, serving as seminar leaders and resource people for both youth and youth workers. Their expertise was a great asset to the conference.

412 Commission Starts Metropolitan Tour

This past week the 412 Commission headed to Philadelphia to Urban Hope for a few days to experience the urban culture. Brent Saba, Director of Training, talked with the students to help them understand the culture and to answer any questions they had.

412er Jenny Gowen said “Urban Hope was an amazing experience. It opened my eyes to the many diverse cultures found within the city; and the need they have (as true of all cultures) to be reached in their community for Christ.” Read more and see pictures...

OB Reunion Story--The Power of the Holy Spirit

Whenever I think back to the Operation Barnabas reunion weekend there is one lesson that surfaces again and again in my mind: the power of the Holy Spirit. Although this sounds like a cliché thing to say in Christian circles, this does not lessen its impact for me.  Read more...