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Wesleyans Making a World of Difference The ministry of Wesleyan Women is a vivid example of how Wesleyans are teaming with The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters departments to make a world of difference. Recently, General Director Martha Blackburn (pictured right with Assistant Director Nancy Jane VanHorn), expressed thanks to Wesleyans for giving $101,599.98 to reach the goal for Opportunity 21, an international partnership of Bible Societies and other Christian ministries for translating, publishing, and distributing Scriptures to children of India.

Wesleyan Women committed $100,000 and American Bible Society matched the amount. In addition, Wesleyans made it possible for Wesleyan Women to give $7,438.14 for Proclaimer Boxes, transmitting units produced by Faith Comes by Hearing. Each box comes with a computer chip that enables listeners to hear dramatized Scriptures in their own language. Wesleyans truly are helping to "fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment."

Nathan Birky, former general publisher of The Wesleyan Church and now publisher for Indiana Wesleyan University's Triangle Publishing, continues to show improvement from a December 27 injury. Birky suffered head trauma from a fall near an Indianapolis, Indiana, store. He has been transferred to a progressive unit, after spending several days in intensive care.

A version of the popular "Mac vs. PC" commercials has made its way into The Wesleyan Church.

The Church Multiplication Task Force (CMTF), made up of pastors on the Western Pennsylvania District, seeks to equip pastors in leadership and empower local Wesleyan churches.

"Our goal was to equip and empower local Wesleyan churches to fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment, and the videos are one way that we are seeking to do that," says Shawn Cossin, senior pastor at Sandy Lake Wesleyan Church in Sandy Lake Pa., and chairman of CMTF. "We wanted to creatively address common misconceptions and concerns that could keep churches from joining the Mission Multiplication Movement (multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches)."

A few of the one-minute videos were originally performed as a live skit at the recent Western Pennsylvania district conference. To view the videos, visit http://www.theydidwewill.org/.

Nathan Birky, former General Publisher for The Wesleyan Church, was seriously injured in a Saturday, December 27, fall outside an Indianapolis area store. Listed in critical condition, he remains hospitalized in Indianapolis.

More than 400 volunteers and staff from Heritage Wesleyan Church presented their sixteenth annual "Creative Christmas" musical production for three consecutive nights, December 19-21, at the iWireless Convention Center in downtown Moline, Illinois.

"It was one of the most impressive local church community outreach events and the most intentional follow-up strategy I have seen in a long time," said General Superintendent Jerry Pence, following a recent performance and interviews with church staff afterwards.

The "pre-evangelism" event attracts thousands from a two-state area. Church members enthusiastically purchase "Creative Christmas" tickets (ranging from $17 to $29 each) as gifts in order to invite friends, relatives, acquaintances and neighbors to the gospel-influenced presentation. About ten percent of Heritage Wesleyan's current attendees identify the program as their first introduction to the church. Many also find Christ as their Savior as a result.

This year, according to Eric Mills, Heritage's pastor of missions outreach and evangelism, 491 individuals requested follow-up information about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Within 24 hours, church volunteers visited the home of every local inquirer to deliver a dozen fresh-baked cookies and a DVD, featuring a short greeting from Senior Pastor John Bray and a sample worship service to give viewers another "taste of Heritage." Additional evangelistic follow-up includes a letter outlining the way of salvation and a phone call from church staff to respond to personal questions.

Planning for each annual edition of "Creative Christmas" takes more than twelve months, with actual rehearsals beginning in August. All the stage design, musical scores, choreography, drama, videography, and stage production work is coordinated by the Heritage Wesleyan creative arts staff. Only the pyrotechnics, sound, and lighting require outside contractors.

Heritage Wesleyan regularly conducts seven weekend services at three locations for an average 2,600 worshippers each week. A Saturday night and two Sunday morning services are offered at the main campus in Rock Island, Illinois and also at a satellite campus across the Mississippi River in Bettendorf, Iowa. Vida Nueva, a Hispanic congregation meeting on the main campus, conducts bilingual services in English and Spanish on Sunday morning and weekday discipleship ministries in a leased building nearby.

Besides its annual "Creative Christmas" production, Heritage Wesleyans also participate in an "Angel Tree" programministry that reaches out to the children of needy families in the Quad City area with the love of Christ. Members donated Christmas gifts this year for the families of over 600 persons.

Two former district leaders of The Wesleyan Church were promoted to heaven during the last week. Rev. Francis Hubbard, 72, former district superintendent of the Kansas District of The Wesleyan Church, died Saturday, December 27, 2008, at his home in Greeley, Colorado. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Rev. Marvin Hughes, 74, former Indiana South district superintendent, died December 22, 2008. Memorial services were held at Forest Hills Wesleyan Church in Evansville, Indiana. Rev. Hughes spent 51 years serving in The Wesleyan Church.

Four Houghton College seniors are the recipients of the 2008 Barnabas Servant Leadership Award. Kaylan Reynolds, Briana Shaffer, Jesse Fink, and Ryan Musser each received an award of $1,000 in scholarship money.

The Barnabas Award is one of the more prestigious honors that Houghton College presents and is given to selected students who exude sound leadership qualities and are committed to serving others. The award is named in remembrance of the "son of encouragement" and biblical servant, Barnabas.

Of the $1,000 awarded, each student is required to give at least $250 to a charitable organization of their choice. The organizations receiving contributions from this year's awards include the Romania Fund, Hope Refugee Services, Blood Water Mission, Greatest Impact, the Emily Kriekler Fund and Hope Micro.

"Knowing that others around me notice my efforts to serve and my involvement with campus activities and ministries has furthered my desire to replicate the Barnabas persona," says Reynolds.

FRACKVILLE, PA.  In a small room in the basement of a local church, those in need are finding help and hope. Every Saturday morning, the New Hope Wesleyan Church at 32 S. Spencer St. opens its door to the community and provides free clothing, household goods, toys and food to the needy. "Whoever shows up, whoever needs our help, they're all welcome here," said Elfriede Conrad, who, with her assistant, Diane Peters, runs the charitable effort known as the New Hope Clothing Closet.

The mission of the clothing closet is simple and direct: Accept from those who are blessed with plenty and have a desire to share with others who don't, accept usable things from those who don't need or want them anymore and put them in the hands of those who need them the most, Conrad said.

During the week, people come and place donations on the church's front porch. Conrad and Peters spend a few days each week sorting through the boxes and bags and carefully arranging the goods into an orderly display on shelves and clothing racks.

"We accept freewill donations if you can give it but we never charge for anything we have here, because that's not what the clothing closet is all about," she said. "We just want to give help to those who need it most."
 
As the economy gets bleaker, the number of those seeking help at the store each week has risen, according to Tina Brown, the church's assistant pastor, who along with her husband, Barry, leads the congregation of about 60.

On a busy day, more than 30 people have arrived at the church seeking some form of sustenance, she said. In addition to the closet, the church hosts a monthly free bread giveaway. "There are so many people out there who are seriously struggling to survive," Brown said. "We're very concerned about the needs of our community. Our ministry believes that we need to serve their hearts and their needs."

Although the shelves have been quite bare lately when the closet closes on Saturday, somehow, they're replenished by the following week, said Conrad, a firm believer that the Lord works in mysterious ways.

"It always seems that when we are out of something when we have no baby clothes, or when our pantry shelves are bare that the things we need the most right then will suddenly arrive on our doorstep," she said. "We're thankful that we have a lot of angels out there in our community that keep us going."

- Maria Herne, staff writer. Reprinted with permission from Republican and Herald Newspaper, Pottsville, PA

BreakPointe Community Church (Wesleyan) brings Christmas to the community in an "extreme" way.

Since 2004, the Overland Park, Kansas, church has given gifts to needy families with the help of congregants and donations from area businesses. At this year's Xtreme Christmas service, 142 families received gifts of all sizes. Gift cards from area businesses ranging from $250-$1,300 were distributed both to families within the church and those who live in the Kansas City Metro area.

"For us to be able to reach out and say we want your Christmas to be significant, particularly in a time this year when the economy is so tight and families are struggling. It's an opportunity for us to demonstrate, in a concrete way, the love of Christ," says lead pastor Dr. Tom Kinnan.

This year, gifts totaled $60,000. Kinnan estimates that $500,000 in gifts has been distributed within the last five years.

Twenty-three people indicated decisions to trust Christ as Savior after hearing the gospel in the service held in the Overland Park Convention Center on December 14, 2008.

To hear more about Xtreme Christmas, visit Fox News.

A new church plant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has an easy and unique plan for their first year in the city: learn the city and love the people.

The small group of four (two co-pastors and their wives) moved to Chapel Hill five months ago and started City on a Hill Project, a Wesleyan church plant from the North Carolina East District.

"We are taking a year to learn the community and love the people before asking people to come to a worship service," said Matt LeRoy, co-pastor.

On December 9, 2008, Matt, as well as Justin Simmons, the church's other co-pastor, did just that. The two braved cold temperatures and camped out one morning in "The Pit," University of North Carolina's central part of campus, to distribute free hot chocolate to students during final exam week. The duo didn't advertise the church; they simply wanted to serve. Showing God's love in a tangible way produced a mixture of reactions but brought a smile to most students' faces.

"We simply wanted to be an encouragement to college students during their exams," says Matt. About 50 students enjoyed a warm cup of hot chocolate while commuting across campus.

The team is also partnering with Interface Council, an organization in Chapel Hill that runs a community soup kitchen, food pantry and homeless shelters. Until Christmas Eve, the couples are collecting food items in their respective apartment complexes from their neighbors to donate to Interface Council. To date, numerous boxes of food items have been collected in their "Think inside the Box" campaign.

The foursome plans to live in and "love Chapel Hill" a full year before hosting their first worship service.

Prior to a recent Southern Wesleyan University men's basketball game, head coach Charles Wimphrie shared a brief devotional with his team based on James 1:12: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the text, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

After reading the passage, Coach Wimphrie told his team about Ethan Brown, a 16-year-old high school junior who loves sports. This past July, Brown was diagnosed with a brain tumor caused by neurofibromatosis, which can cause tumors to form along the nerve line in the body. Brown's tumor is wrapped around his carotid artery and is causing severe facial and eye pain. Additionally, he has tumors on both auditory nerves, which will eventually cause him to lose his hearing.

This past Monday, the SWU Warriors visited Brown and gave him a jersey autographed by the entire team. In addition to the jersey, the team presented Brown and his parents with a monetary gift to help the Brown family with medical expenses. The team also took time to read Scripture and pray with the family as they prepared for an upcoming surgery scheduled for December 11 and 12 at Duke University. According to Coach Wimphrie, Brown "has placed his trust in God and knows that He will take care of him during this difficult time."

If you would like to follow Brown's story, please visit the provided link: www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethanbrown.

Houghton College has announced a long-term multi-disciplinary commitment to assist the impoverished African nation of Sierra Leone after college president Shirley A. Mullen and professors met with the country's president, Earnest Bai Koroma, during an in-depth visit.

The assistance will come through programs, now under development at the New York State campus, in the areas of economics, education and spiritual development.

One program is designed to examine in-country microfinance programs, currently run by World Hope International, a relief and self-development agency with whom Houghton has partnered in the Sierra Leone focus. By using sophisticated financial analysis software, Houghton professors and students will work with and guide local nationals to improve efficiency and record-keeping for the program.

Microfinance activities empower citizens by lending money to start small businesses with recipients obligated to pay back their loans. More than 95 percent of loans have been successfully settled and thousands of businesses launched.

"Helping people make sustainable living is basic to our Christian faith," Dr. Mullen said. "More than 100 years ago, the first Wesleyan missionaries arrived in Sierra Leone with the goal of teaching, training and living in community. Our goals today are the same, but our focus has strengthened in the areas of self-development and sustainability."

Other programs under development include an intensive, three-week college course to study methods of decentralizing certain operations with the country's central government so that greater opportunity can be created in remote locations. The course, planned for summer 2009, will be conducted in conjunction with ministers of the Sierra Leone government.

Dr. Ronald Oakerson, a Houghton professor with experience working with African governments and nongovernmental operations to solve economic problems, is developing the course. Select Houghton students will be invited to spend time in-country to live and work on the decentralizing study.

Also under development is a teacher training program where Houghton professors, alumni and interested persons spend several weeks in the West African nation to provide training and assistance to the nation's school teachers. Further, the college's academic deans are studying ways to connect with Wesleyan churches and Christian groups in Sierra Leone to develop faith-based responses to community needs.

Houghton, founded by The Wesleyan Church in 1883, provides an academically challenging, Christ-centered education in the liberal arts and sciences to students from diverse traditions and economic backgrounds and equips them to lead and labor as scholar-servants in a changing world. The college of 1,200 students is located in western New York, just 65 miles from Rochester and Buffalo.

Bethany Bible College held its first Christmas at the College concert on November 30, 2008, in the new Saunders Irving Chapel.

Greeted by carolers singing outside and people from area churches and surrounding communities entered a chapel decorated with greenery, ribbons, poinsettias, and a 15-ft. Christmas tree bearing 2,000 lights. Approximately 1,000 community residents attended the evening of music, resulting in standing room only. Thanks to the expanded capacity offered by the new Saunders Irving Chapel, this incredible event was by far the largest engagement of the college with the broader Sussex community.

Under the excellent leadership of Professor David Klob, local school and community church choirs, a hand bell choir, students, and professors, along with Bethany's chorale Crosswind, provided a variety of Christmas music. Children from the audience were invited to decorate a Christmas tree while Sussex Mayor Ralph Carr read the story of the candy cane. At the close of the community service, the audience sang Christmas carols by candlelight, bringing everyone's focus to Christ as the Light of the world.

Heritage Church (Wesleyan) distributed 5,000 Frisbees and fliers to area families in September, inviting them to a carnival. Over 800 from the community attended and some of those families now attend the church's second campus in Bettendorf, Iowa, regularly.

In September 2007, the Rock Island, Illinois, church launched a new campus across the Mississippi River in Bettendorf, just 15 minutes away. Senior pastor John Bray noticed a trend at the original facility: Although the drive between the two cities is short, Iowans often didn't travel across the river to attend church in Illinois. Thus, he caught the vision to begin a campus in Bettendorf in order to minister to the local community.

Since the launch last year, Heritage has moved into a renovated building, even celebrating their first service September 13 and 14, 2008. Over the course of the last several months, the Bettendorf campus has seen their children's ministry explode in size, celebrated their first baptism service (in November) and multiplied in attendance (average first year: 425; average since September 2008: 575).

Mitch Cartrette, campus pastor at Bettendorf, says the church size is increasing because "people are growing hearts to reach out to the un-churched."

A Saturday morning of food and football is planned for Christ Wesleyan Church in Milton, Pa., on January 31, 2009. A church in the Penn-Jersey District, Christ Wesleyan is innovative in evangelism and compassionate ministry outreaches.

Its men's ministry will host a live simulcast broadcast of Athletes in Action's (AIA) Super Bowl Breakfast. Featuring Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy and NFL Hall of Famer Bart Starr, the breakfast will take place in Tampa, Florida, the day before Super Bowl XLII. For those not attending the event in the Sunshine State, it can be viewed live and off-site during the actual breakfast.

Brookings Wesleyan Church in Brookings, S.D., is also hosting their first simulcast.

"It seems like a fun and non-intimidating event to invite friends and co-workers to," says Kent White, administrative pastor at Brookings (Dakota District).

In 2008, approximately 500 churches in the U.S. took advantage of a simulcast broadcast, and numbers for 2009 are expected to be high again. By hosting a simulcast, churches can positively impact both their communities and congregants, and potentially attract individuals uninterested in attending a Sunday morning service.

"Sometimes it's hard to get people to attend church, but some are willing to come if invited to an event featuring well-known professional athletes and coaches," says AIA staff member Tim Pitcher. This will be the twenty-second annual Super Bowl Breakfast for AIA, the sport ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.

"The outreach potential is great since guys like football and breakfast," says assistant pastor Keith Walters. "It will be a great experience for our own guys to be a part of too."

For more information on how you can host your own Super Bowl Breakfast simulcast, visit http://simulcast.aia.com/.

Houghton College senior Dan Ballard recently made athletic history.

Ballard became the first male athlete in school history to be named an NAIA All-American in both track and field and cross country.

Ballard has excelled in both sports despite the fact that he never ran cross country before becoming a Highlander. While qualifying three times for the NAIA Championship meet, the physics major has also been a huge success in the classroom, where he has captured two NAIA Scholar Athlete Awards for cross country and one for track and field.

"He has been our number one male athlete all four years," says coach Bob Smalley.

Ballard is Houghton's fourth cross country NAIA All-American.

Thanks to North Michigan church plant White Cloud Wesleyan, area deer hunters received a free copy of the NIV Heart of the Outdoors Bible.

On November 15, 2008, opening day of the rifle season, the church organized an outreach that allowed the hunters to display their trophies on a community "Buck Pole."

Nineteen bucks were displayed on the pole. Approximately 200 hunters and their families attended the event, which included refreshments and prizes donated by area businesses. The NIV Bible was presented to thirty-six successful hunters.

Nancy Nason-Clark, professor of sociology at the University of New Brunswick and Director of Religion and Violence e-Learning (RAVE), addressed The Wesleyan Church General Board members and spouses at a Tuesday, November 18, 2008, dinner. Nason-Clark introduced on-line training and resources provided by RAVE on domestic violence for religious leaders around the world. The resources provide practical information for leaders on how to help women in need who endure physical abuse at hands of a spouse or boyfriend.

It is estimated that one in four women across the globe has been physically abused by an intimate male partner. According to The Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of Adolescent Girls (1997), nearly 31 percent of women in the U.S. report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives.

RAVE was born out of 20 years of research on violence against women in the church done by Nason-Clark. Visit www.theraveproject.com to learn more.

Southern Wesleyan University will offer a survey in Russian church history on their Central, S.C., campus.

The course will be offered January 13-April 28 on Tuesday evenings, from 6:00-8:45 p.m.

Topics will include the Byzantine roots of Russian Orthodoxy, Orthodox church-state relations, Roman and Eastern-Rite Catholicism and the origins of Protestantism, just to name a few. The focus will be on the Soviet and post-Soviet periods.

Dr. Mark Elliott, professor of history and coordinator of studies in history at SWU, will serve as instructor.

For more information on costs or to enroll in the course, call SWU's admissions department at (864) 644-5550. For details about the course, contact Dr. Elliott at (864) 644-5297 or e-mail melliott@swu.edu.

Halifax Deep Water Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia, celebrated its first birthday in November 2008.

The daughter church of Hillside Wesleyan Church was launched after A.J. Thomas envisioned starting a church downtown in the heart of the city. Thus, the church provided some resources and encouraged him to recruit a team of people who also desired to carry out the vision.

In July 2007, the launch team of 25 met to pray and dream about the church God had called them to create. Four months later on November 4, the church opened its doors for the first time.

Thomas serves as senior pastor at Deep Water, a church that calls a movie theater home in the prominent port city. Many congregants come from un-churched backgrounds, and are naturally curious about Bible stories and the life of Jesus.

"People are getting plugged in and checking it out," says Thomas. "Not massive amount are coming to know Jesus as Savior yet but people are inquisitive and asking questions."

In December 2007, average church attendance totaled 46; this fall that number has exceeded 100.

12Stone Church (Wesleyan) in Lawrenceville, Georgia, is planning a nearly $700,000 Christmas gift to people in their community. According to Norwood David, 12Stone's Chief Financial Officer, on November 23, 2008, the church, one of the fasting growing churches in North America, invited its congregants to "intentionalize Christmas," and commit to "meeting basic needs of someone who has been beat up on the road of life."

Using the parable of the Good Samaritan as its biblical base, the Church, whose senior pastor is Kevin Myers, gave $100 to each family who would covenant to help a needy person. On December 7, 2,484 families received the "kickoff cash" and not only signed the covenant, they committed an additional $440,000, bringing the total estimated giving to $699,400. According to Davis, on the Sunday of the announcement, 8,142 were in attendance on the two campuses of 12Stone Church, making it one of the largest in the Church's history. Learn more: www.inspiresharegive.com

Jane Robelot, an Emmy award-winning TV news correspondent who anchored "CBS Evening News" from 1995-1999, will address students receiving traditional bachelor's degrees on December 11, at Southern Wesleyan University's graduation ceremonies in Central, S.C. Robelot, a Christian with a heart for evangelism, is co-host of Dr. Michael Youssef's "Leading the Way," and also a reporter for WYFF-TV in Greenville, S.C.

She is one of three prominent guest speakers who will be featured during the graduation events, December 11 and 13, 2008. Rev. Kevin Myers, nationally recognized founder and Senior Pastor of 12Stone Church (Wesleyan) in Lawrenceville, Georgia, will deliver the Baccalaureate message in a December 11 Baccalaureate Chapel.

U. S. Congressman Gresham Barrett will be the guest speaker for two Adult and Graduate Studies program ceremonies on December 13. Rep. Barrett was re-elected to his House seat in 2008. www.swu.edu.

Reverend Gipsie Miller, retired minister and Wesleyan Women Director Emeritus, passed away on Friday, November 28. She was 101.

Well-known in The Wesleyan Church, Rev. Miller held district and general leadership roles for over 45 years. She acted as a Southern Area Representative on the Wesleyan Women General Executive Committee for 13 years. She wrote the history of Wesleyan Women before The Wesleyan Church merger as well as the history of the organization for the 75th anniversary of Wesleyan Women.

One of her greatest contributions was the creation of Community Missions, born from her desire to minister at home and around the world. For many years, she wrote materials for this ministry and served as general coordinator for Community Missions for the denomination.

Rev. Miller was a prayer warrior who encouraged women to love the Lord, serve others and develop as a leader.

The Southern Wesleyan Women's Soccer team made history recently as they advanced to the National Christian College Athletic Association National Women's Soccer Tournament for the first time ever. They defeated host Palm Beach Atlantic, 2-1, in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The Lady Warriors entered the tournament as the top seed and will return to Florida for the national tournament, this time in Kissimmee. The tournament will take place on December 3-6. Visit http://www.thenccaa.org/womenssoccerchamp.htm to follow all of the action.

Dr. Duane Kilty, Chancellor of Taylor University Fort Wayne since 2006, will become Indiana Wesleyan University's Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer in January.

Kilty has more than 20 years of administrative experience in fiscal management, strategic planning and personnel management in Christian higher education. In addition to his experience at Taylor, Kilty also has been an administrator at Huntington University and at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky.

Kilty will succeed Elvin Weinmann, who has been IWU's Chief Financial Officer since 1999. Weinmann will remain with IWU as an Assistant Vice President of Finance.

"Dr. Kilty is exceptionally experienced and is a perfect mission fit to a team of outstanding senior leaders at IWU," said Dr. Henry Smith, IWU President. Kilty, who is a certified public accountant, has a doctorate in business administration plus a Master of Business Administration.

HIV/AIDS is the humanitarian crisis of our lifetime, with nearly 40 million people affected worldwide. Half of new infections occur to youth between the ages of 15-24 and by the year 2010, an estimated 25 million children will be orphaned by the epidemic. Through its compassionate relief partnership with World Hope International, The Wesleyan Church is helping in real time. Learn more: http://www.worldhope.org/aids/overview.htm.

Faculty, staff and students at Houghton College undertook several fund-raising campaigns to show their thanks and support for others this Thanksgiving season.

Hundreds joined to raise funds in support of Emily Crikelair and her family, a Houghton student tragically struck by lightning in June 2008 at her home in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. The college sophomore is currently in long-term rehabilitative care at her home.

"There has been a real outpouring of support," said Sherra Hynes, vice president for Student Life.

Spearheaded by the class of 2011 and campus fund raising, the Houghton community set a goal to raise $2,500 to cover travel expenses of Emily's family to and from hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Through various collections, student donations, the sale of pray for Emily' green colored wrist bands, meal donations and concerts, the grand fundraising total is estimated at more than $5,000.

Financial giving continued as Houghton hosted its fifth annual turkey drive, a solely student-initiated effort to provide Thanksgiving turkeys for needy families in Allegany County. The students wanted to raise $1,250 and have nearly doubled their goal at $2,400.

The student body raised money for the turkey drive through various avenues, and funds raised are given to local stores. Selected families then receive a coupon to pick up a turkey at participating locations.

Last year, 71 turkeys were distributed across Allegany County through a partnership between Houghton College and surrounding agencies. This year that number jumped to 125 turkeys.

"There is so much need right at our doorstep," said Director of Security Ray Parlett, who manages the turkey distribution.

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH STATEMENT ON CREATION CARE:

PREAMBLE

The psalmist wrote "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1). Yet any honest reader of the newspaper or thoughtful observer of current events must acknowledge that all is not well with this earth that belongs to our God. As the earth's population grows and humanity's ability to impact the created order increases, we face an increasing and intensifying cluster of environmental concerns.

The Wesleyan Church believes that creation care is an important social issue of our day and that the time has come for us to take energetic, intentional steps toward more effective environmental stewardship. Our concern for the environment is not driven by any political agenda, but rather by what the Bible clearly teaches about God and His creation.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES

The very first thing the Bible teaches us about God is that He created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). The opening chapter of Genesis is a cosmic call to worship this God who is so amazing, majestic and powerful that simply by speaking He brings the world into existence. Speaking of Christ's work in creation, the New Testament affirms God as the Creator: "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (John 1:3). Fundamental to the Christian understanding of God is that He is not a part of nature, but that He stands over and above it as its all-powerful Creator. This world in which we live is His handiwork. The Bible reveals, however, that God's interest in creation did not stop when the work of creation was completed. To the contrary, the Scriptures show us a God who has an ongoing interest in and care for His creation:

• God delights in His creation. At the close of each day of creation, God looks at what He has made and sees that it is good (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31).
• When God first makes a covenant with His children, that covenant also includes "every living creature on earth" (Genesis 9:10). The covenant was not just with Noah and his offspring, but also with the broader created order.
• God speaks to human beings through His creation: "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1; see also Romans 1:20, Psalm 8:3-8). Creation is a rich testimony to the goodness and power of God.
• God cares for His creation (Psalm 104:10-30; Job 38:25-28).
• God provides for His creation, even the smallest sparrow (Matthew 6:26).
• God calls all of His creation to worship (Isa. 55:12-13).
• God is actively involved in sustaining His creation "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col. 1:17).
• The final redemption of all things will include the redemption of God's creation. The Apostle Paul says: "...in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Rom. 8:21). God's purpose in Christ is to bring healing and reconciliation not just to humans, but to everything in the created order.

  THE STATEMENT

  The Wesleyan Church believes it is time for Christians to take the lead in ensuring that the beauty and majesty of God's creation are sustained. We believe that these efforts will help ensure the protection and health of future generations, will be a blessing to peoples all around the world (especially the poor), will improve our witness to a watching world, and most of all, will express our love and worship for our Creator, Redeemer and Friend.

  We encourage Wesleyans to work vigorously for the protection and care of God's creation in ways that honor the dignity and welfare of human beings. We suggest the following practical steps:

  Become informed about environmental issues and needslocally, nationally, and globally.

  Take intentional measures to reduce the harm we personally do to the environment.

  Encourage our local churches to adopt policies and practices that minimize environmental damage and reflect good environmental stewardship.

  Include environmental stewardship as a topic for teaching and discussion in our churches, so that Wesleyans might be equipped to take action appropriate to their setting and context.

  Advocate for reasonable public and governmental policies which will protect and preserve the environment.

  Lovingly communicate that all of these efforts are motivated by our love for our Creator and our desire to steward what He has entrusted to our care.

  RESOLUTION

  Whereas, The Wesleyan Church recognizes the responsibility of all people to be good stewards of God's resources entrusted to our care, which includes our natural environment;

  Resolved, That the position statement on creation care be adopted by the North American General Conference and be recommended for implementation in each of our local congregations.

When Erika Duncan was asked to showcase her senior exhibit at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters, the Indiana Wesleyan University student was ecstatic.

While brainstorming ideas, the photography and graphic design major thought of the stories produced by kids' imaginations. Erika asked kids of all ages (between second and sixth grades) to write stories of something they've imagined.

The exhibit features stories provided by three children and Erika's photographs that illustrate each imaginative anecdote. This is an 11-year-old girl's story:

"Wouldn't it be cool if there was a flood in math? All of the math textbooks would be wet and ruined and we would not have the education that we always got and let alone homework. If there was a flood in math everybody would have fun and swim around, that is if you know how to swim." Erika's display will be on display through December.

Crime and poverty threatened to overtake Salem, Oregon, ten years ago, and Capital Park Wesleyan Church wanted to proactively address the societal decline.

Of the approximately 200 congregants in the Northwest District church, many plunged themselves into serving Salem residents, ultimately building a community center that provides an after-school program, GED programs for adults and teens, support groups and preventive care for various issues.

Within two years, the crime rate decreased by 40 percent. Children's reading levels increased. Families experienced a new level of safety, and saw Jesus' character displayed in the church congregants serving them. Previously nicknamed the "Felony Flats," the community soon became called Capital Park, because of the positive changes.

Today the Southeast Community Center serves 80-100 kids in the community and has added both a free-lunch and summer day camp program to their regular services.

Jo Anne Lyon, Wesleyan Church General Superintendent, spoke at the community center fund-raising event on November 6, 2008. City government, local social service agencies, church members and friends enjoyed the banquet, including a mini-concert that featured children benefiting from the center. This year, the dollar-amount raised exceeded five times the normal amount gathered in previous events.

The American Mideast Conference (AMC) has awarded Houghton College men's soccer team its Fair Play Award for the 2008 season. Houghton has won the award six times in seven years.

"Our guys play extremely hard and are very passionate about playing to win, but we talk about doing it the right way," said head coach Matthew Webb. "I am extremely proud of the guys for maintaining their integrity in how they handle themselves on the field."

The Highlanders had a 6-4-1 record in the conference and finished 9-8-1 overall.

"Coach Webb's teams always reflect the best in sportsmanship. He is reflective of the kind of coaches we want in our department," said H. "Skip" Lord, Houghton's director of athletics.

Davis Lewis, head coach of the Houghton College women's soccer team, has been named American Mideast Conference Coach of the Year. Lewis has won the AMC honor six times since Houghton joined the conference.

 The team ended at 11-1-1 in the AMC and won the conference championship for the seventh straight year, earning an automatic berth in the national tournament of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Lewis is the all-time leader in victories for women's soccer coaches in the NAIA. His career total now stands at 281-58-18, all at Houghton. He has led his team into the NAIA's national tournament nine times, including the last six in a row.

Southern Wesleyan University's Mitch McKay was named to 1st Team All-Conference in the Southern States Athletic Conference.

On the season, goalkeeper McKay allowed just 1.14 goals per game, averaged 5.33 saves per game, and recorded seven shutouts. He was also named to the Champions of Character team and the All-Academic Team.

The General Board of The Wesleyan Church reviewed North American mission and ministry statistics during its November 18-19, 2008, meeting and realized cause for both celebration and concern. The Church is experiencing significant growth in several countries overseas, especially in its Latin American and African mission fields. While celebrating 19% growth in North American worship attendance over the past decade (about 2% annuallyslightly above the annual population growth rates of the U.S. or Canada), concern was noted that worship attendance totals have plateaued over the past three years, along with baptisms, new members received, and new church plants.

This concern prompted the Board of General Superintendents to recommend, and the General Board to approve, a series of "grass roots" listening events. This will give local church leaders an opportunity to share perceptions of how The Wesleyan Church may need to be revived, reinvented, redefined or repositioned in order to maximize fulfillment of the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment in North America. Multiple listening events, each involving 15-20 pastors, will be conducted in every district by its supervising General Superintendent in conjunction with regular District Superintendent Days of Dialogue and other opportunities.

The General Superintendents have been authorized to restructure their jobs for the 15-month period from September 2009 through December 2010 in order to host these pastors' forums in cooperation with the District Superintendents. The most significant adjustment will be the reduction of overseas travel during this time, to concentrate resources and scheduling on the listening events.

Corporate and individual prayer set the tone of the 113th meeting of The Wesleyan Church's General Board in its first meeting since General Conference 2008. Board of General Superintendents Chair, Dr. Jerry G. Pence welcomed board members and then introduced an hour-long Concert of Prayer, which included worship and team building through prayer "solos," "duets," "trios," "quartets," and a "chorus," asking the Lord for His fullness and wisdom in fulfilling the Church's mission of fulfilling the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.

The board then discussed the Church's mission and vision, addressing future needs in light of its "Dashboard Indicators." A review of statistical information according to the sizes of its churches answered the question: "Who are we?" and "Where do we need to go?"

Other action by the Board included:

• Finishing the business assigned by the 11th General Conference, including memorials
• Approving a Position Statement on Creation Care
• Approving the concept of a task force for moral and social issues
• Approving the audit of the Corporation
• Hearing annual reports from the General Treasurer, Kevin J. Batman; Wesleyan Investment Foundation CEO, Craig A. Dunn; General Publisher, Donald D. Cady.
• Electing Ronald McClung Assistant General Secretary to replace retiring Assistant General Secretary, Joe Watkins
• Setting June 2-6 as the dates for the 2012,12th General Conference
• Guaranteeing a loan for Bethany Bible College
• Approving changes in the Peruvian Discipline
• Revising the missionary candidate approval policy
• Electing an internal audit committee
  

  Elvin Weinman Delbert Green
  Rodney Benson
  Kevin Batman (resource person)

• Electing Wesleyan College and University Trustees

  Bethany Bible College:
  Dr. Laurel Buckingham
  Rev. Larry Moore
  Dr. H. C. Wilson
  Dr. Philip Farrell
  Dr. Mark Butcher
  Rev. J. Michael Hilson
  Rev. Paul James
  Rev. David LeRoy
  Rev. Dwight Mikesell
  Dr. Peter Rigby
  Mr. Raymond McCabe
  Rev. Greg Reynolds
  Mr. Robert C. Strum
  Dr. Thomas Ward
  
  Houghton College:
  Dr. David Babb
  Mr. Kevin Batman
  Mr. Terry L. Slye
  Mrs. Bobby Strand
  Rev. Neil Koppen
  Mr. James Showvaker
  Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd
  Ms. Harriett Olson
  Mr. Elwood Zimmerman
  
  Indiana Wesleyan University:
  Dr. Harold E. Bardsley
  Mr. Donald Cady
  Dr. Paul S. Hontz
  Mr. Edwin L. Hoover
  Rev. Aron Willis
  Dr. Steven Emery
  Dr. Donald Ott
  
  Oklahoma Wesleyan University:
  Dr. Steven Babby
  Mrs. Martha Blackburn
  Dr. James Dunn
  Dr. James Garlow
  Rev. Phil Harris
  Mr. Roger Metcalf
  Mr. Darrell Allison
  Rev. Max Colaw
  Mr. Stephen O. Colaw
  Mr. Ward Koeser
  Rev. Ronald McClung
  Mrs. Naomi Mueller
  Rev. Dwight Nash
  Rev. Karl Westfall
  Mrs. Alice Adee
  Dr. Robert Bingaman
  Mrs. Gale Kane
  Mrs. Joan Phillippe
  
  Southern Wesleyan University:
  Judge Sherry Alloway
  Dr. Keith Carroll
  Dr. Kenneth Heer
  Dr. Marlin Hotle
  Dr. Charles Joiner
  Rev. Donald Milstead
  Rev. Patrick Styers
  Mr. William Houston
  Mr. Ray Lattimore
  Rev. Jerry Lumston
  Rev. Kevin Myers
  Rev. Marshall (Buddy) Rampey
  Dr. Katie Wood Ray

• Approving USF-EIF Distribution Formula, FY10 and FY11

General Superintendent Dr. Thomas E. Armiger said the November 18-19, 2008, meeting of the General Board at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters was one of unity and urgency in determining what the Church needs to do to be better stewards, and to maximize our programs to fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. Rev. Patty Bray, ordained Wesleyan minister and new board member, said she came to the meeting humbled at the thought of "sitting with people who are truly leaders in our denomination . . . and yet challenged to be a part of this, to learn from other people, and hopefully add something along the way." Dr. Armiger added, "The significance of this board meeting was probably laying out some of the issues that The Wesleyan Church faces in this quadrennium. The Board of General Superintendents plans to have pastor forums, to hear from the grass roots on how we can either, refine, revive, reposition, or reinvent the Church to help us fulfill our mission."

Compiled, edited, printed, and distributed to the General Board at its November meeting, the 2008 edition of The Wesleyan Church Discipline is available in record time.

Usually distributed in May, the new edition of The Discipline was produced at an accelerated speed for distribution to the new General Board.

General Secretary Dr. Ronald Kelly and Assistant General Secretary Rev. Joe Watkins spearheaded the project, with assistance from The Wesleyan Church Editorial Committee and Department of Communications staff. Wesleyan Publishing graphics design and printing staff took the manuscript from words to form and on to the printer. The result: 500 pages of the Church beliefs, mission, and vision, helpful constitutional guidelines, and helpful information to assist Wesleyans in fulfilling the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.

Wesleyan Publishing House announces that its worldwide licensing agreement with Riggins Rights International, an international publisher, has entered into a licensing agreement to publish the following WPH titles for marketing, sales and distribution in their specific country or region.

Dream Cycle: Leveraging the Power of Personal Growth by Steve Moore (Indonesian language).

God's Healing for Hurting Families by David L. Thompson with Gina Thompson Eickhoff (Japanese language).

Publication is expected to take place within the next 18 months. For more information, visit wph@wesleyan.org. To order a copy of the WPH edition for review, visit www.wesleyan.org/wph.

Southern Wesleyan University recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a day of dramatic and joyful music. Dr. AnnaMaria Cardinalli-Padilla, a world-renowned classical and flamenco guitarist and singer who recorded her first album at age 15, presented Hispanic music and culture on campus in Central, South Carolina.

The Hispanic population is the fastest-growing population in the United States, and the university is recognizing that, especially since a steady number of Hispanic students have enrolled at SWU in the last five years.

"We're trying to educate our campus about the Hispanic culture," said Samantha Wilson, associate vice president of student life at Southern Wesleyan.

The performer also presented a concert for the public.

"Events like this let us know how creative God is with all the different types of people that exist in the world. It allows us to appreciate diversity," said Wilson.

Dr. Stanley Carlson-Thies, Director of Social Policy Studies at the Center for Public Justice, discussed concerns about potential threats to faith-based hiring policies with Wesleyan educators during their November 17, 2008, Wesleyan Education Council meeting at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters.

The Council is comprised of the presidents and board chairs of the five colleges and universities of The Wesleyan Church, along with the General Director of Education & the Ministry, Dr. Kerry Kind.

The Center for Public Justice (www.cpjustice.org <http://www.cpjustice.org/> ) in Washington, D. C. is a Christian public policy "think tank" that seeks to help protect and support the ability of faith-based organizations to carry out their services and missions. Dr. Carlson-Thies (pictured with Houghton College President, Dr. Shirley A. Mullen) discussed some of the challenges that could emerge under the new federal administration.

Though Carlson-Thies sees a continuation of the government's Title VII (Civil Rights Act of 1964), which allows hiring according to an organization's mission, some of President-elect Obama's public statements have raised questions as to whether federal agencies would seek to restrict "faith-based" hiring practices among religious organizations that have historically been accorded a legal religious exemption, even when receiving support from federal funds. The educators discussed strategies of collaboration and response in keeping with the mission and values of The Wesleyan Church and its institutions of higher education.

In just the last 90 days, Wesleyan Investment Foundation has opened up over 100 new Savings accounts, representing over $5.5 million dollars. During the last 12 months nearly 500 new investors have opened accounts with WIF, representing nearly $40 million dollars. Total deposits at WIF now stand at $285 million.

Dr. Craig Dunn, CEO of Wesleyan Investment Foundation, said, "To see so many new investors partner with WIF is a testament to our financial strength and stability." He added, "We are well-positioned in this current environment to help those investors concerned about the safety and soundness of their financial institution, who are seeking an above market rate of return, and who want access to their money at any time. And on the loan side, as churches find it increasingly difficult to get loans from banks, these new deposits help WIF continue to fund needed capital projects."

Those interested in joining WIF's over 4,800 investors in "Serving Higher Interests," may contact the WIF office at 317-774-7300, by email at info@wifonline.com, or visit www.wifonline.com.

New City, a Greater Ohio District church plant, was launched April 19,2008. Twenty-nine people have been baptized since launch Sunday, and on November 8, the church saw a record attendance of 280 people.

Its ministry to the community is holistic in approach and includes mentoring and life coaching, as well as a Monday evening service that has recreation, arts and crafts. A meal is served at the Monday service, allowing the church "to share a meal and share the gospel." Bever says it is "exciting to see how God is working in the midst of poverty and brokenness. The same people who came to the church hopeless and helpless light up because they met Christ as Savior." New City is planning to assist with the launch of a similar church in Sacramento, California. Dave Bever and his wife, Jamie,are the parents of Josiah (6) and Madison (4). 

Wesleyan Publishing House's Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference was praised by attendees who traveled to The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters from as far north as the province of Ontario, Canada to the state of Tennessee in the south. One attendee said of the November 7-8, 2008, conference that it was "so good to be with people who understand my love for writing." General Editor of The Wesleyan Church, Dr. Ronald D. Kelly, who was a guest of the conference said, "If you want to learn basic writing skills, Indiana Writers Conference is the perfect place to learn."

Approximately 150 guests received inspiration and encouragement, quality writing instruction, and one-to-one writing counsel from over 20 professional writers, editors, publishers, and literary agents. Keynote speakers included Mark Gilroy of Thomas Nelson Publishers and best-selling author, Stan Toler. Another attendee summed it up, "The conference was top notch!" Indianapolis Christian Conference will be held again next year, November 6-7, 2009, and will feature author and futurist Leonard Sweet as a keynote speaker. For more information, visit http://www.indychristianwritersconf.com/.

The theme of Global Partner's annual offering is a good description of its worldwide ministry. The world missions arm of The Wesleyan Church, Global Partners prepares Wesleyans for leadership positions in 90 countries of the world.

Formerly known as the "Self-Denial" offering, "Empowering the Nations" is a church-wide opportunity to help in the training of national leaders in overseas church, mission, or regional ministries. The "Empowering the Nations" offering will be received annually at the local church level and then distributed to current or potential leaders, to help train them and further their higher education goals. The hope is that those educated leaders will go on to lead within the International Wesleyan Church.

A Training of Overseas Leaders (TOOL) scholarship program provides for educational, living and travel expenses for leaders and their families as they complete their education. To date, hundreds have received TOOL scholarships and have gone on to become national leaders in The Wesleyan Church in their home countries. For more information visit http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/etn.

The American Mideast Conference (AMC) has named Bethany Kowalczyk, senior forward on the Houghton College women's soccer team, its Player of the Year.

It is the fourth time Kowalczyk has won the award. "Beth has worked her way back from three knee surgeries and is playing the best soccer of her collegiate career," said David Lewis, Houghton head coach. "She has been an integral part of our team's success."

That success includes a 14-2-1 record this season, the championship of the AMC and a berth in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament. She continues to build on her career scoring record for Houghton College, which now stands at 96 goals and 43 assists.

Kowalczyk is also outstanding academically. The communications major was named to both the regional and national Scholar All-American teams by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America her junior year.

A November 4, 2008, fire in Weippe, Idaho, boyhood hometown of General Superintendent Jerry G. Pence, has affected dozens of families in the town of 400 people, including eight members of the Weippe Wesleyan Church. One of two sawmills, previously owned by the Hutchins family of the church, suffered extensive loss. Pastor Donald Blain has requested prayer for people injured in the fire, including Wesleyans, and for the economic setback that could impact the Northwest District church.

World Hope International (WHI), a faith-based relief and development organization and partner with The Wesleyan Church, continues to be active in the Hurricane Ike recovery process in Orange, Texas.

On October 30, WHI met with other relief organizations engaged in the recovery process to form a new long-term recovery organization to help address remaining recovery issues. WHI staff members have joined with state and civic groups in an effort to guide the formation of this new group. "The goal is to cooperate and work together in this disaster," said James Bond, WHI Disaster Response Manager.

WHI's role in the new organization will be to provide volunteer labor and construction management to rebuild homes on an ongoing basis. This week, nearly 50 volunteers from Kansas, Arizona and Colorado, as well as employees from Family Christian Stores, will be on site to minister to the needs of flood survivors. "We are still taking on new cases every day," said Steve Adams, WHI Site Manager. "We are going to need more help."

WHI expects to continue operations at least through November 22, and many volunteer opportunities remain. To volunteer or contribute financially to the recovery process, visit www.whirecoverysupport.org/.

General Superintendent Dr. Jo Anne Lyon was the chapel speaker during Nazarene Theological Seminary's fourth annual "Wesleyan Church Day" in Kansas City, Missouri.

Others in attendance at the October 28, 2008, Wesleyan Church Day included pastors and laity from local Wesleyan churches; Wesleyan district superintendents; faculty from Indiana Wesleyan University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and Southern Wesleyan University; and nine students from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

According to a press release from the Development and Alumni Relations department at Nazarene Theological Seminary, an approved seminary of The Wesleyan Church, attendees agreed that "this year's event was the best of those held to date." NTS president, Dr. Ronald Benefiel, added, "Even as this one has just ended, I am already looking forward to continuing this important conversation and partnership in the years ahead." 

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth"                   (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV).

With the national election now behind us, the transition of leadership begins. We call upon the Church to pray for President-elect Barack Obama and other elected officials as they give leadership to our country and local communities. Let us renew our commitment to be redemptive agents in our world as we live righteously, speak the truth, and cooperate with authorities to bring good to the lives of all people.

Board of General Superintendents
Dr. Thomas E. Armiger 
Dr. Jerry G. Pence
Dr. Jo Anne Lyon