The Friends Evangel
With the Superitendent ~ Jonathan Edwards
Superintendent’s Report
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” These words of Jesus depict so accurately where we are today both literally and figuratively. Seasonally speaking, we are at that time here in Indiana and across the Midwest where the “fields are white” and the harvesting machines are making their way across the fields to glean as much of the harvest possible before weather patterns change and make it more difficult to do so. For those involved in the process, there is a lot of excitement as the time to harvest draws near as well as a sense of urgency knowing that time is limited.
As we move in our thinking from this literal reality to the figurative and spiritual meaning of the words of Jesus, there are several similarities to be seen. First of all, “the fields are white. . .” In the midst of what, in many ways, seems the greatest chaos our culture has ever seen, in what is referred to as “woke” cultural thinking, we may be tempted to think that people are absolutely unreachable and beyond the “point of no return.” I certainly do not deny the seriousness of our chaotic cultural thinking, yet I am aware that that reality does not diminish the harvesting opportunities before us as Christians. The fact is, there are many non-Christians that are as concerned as we are by the twisted thinking of much of our culture today and are looking to us for some hopeful answers. The reality is, many of these people are “ripe” for the message of the gospel. We truly do have the message of “Hope” for which they are looking. Again, I do not deny the cause for concern in our culture that we have reason to feel, but I also recognize the opportunity that we have to share hope in Jesus and offer the message of transformation. Jesus truly dealt with some hard cases, like “the woman at the well,” “the demoniac,” Mary Magdelene, and Zacchaeus, and he brought transformation and hope to each of them.
Another similarity to be seen is the excitement that accompanies harvest. While it is true that much work precedes the harvesting process, yet when the time of harvest comes there is much excitement in gleaning from the fruits of your labors. The Scripture makes it clear that God uses a variety of individuals and a variety of means to prepare for the harvest. As is stated, “One plants, another waters and God gives the increase.” May we recognize the opportunities that are clearly before us in these “whitened harvest fields” and carry the excitement as we endeavor to reap the golden grain!
One other similarity that I will focus on is the sense of urgency. The reality is that while opportunities abound, time is continuing to march each of us rapidly towards eternity. In the words of a poet the reality is, “Only one life twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” While it is so easy for us to get caught up with the concern for the chaos of our age, may we also get caught up with the urgency of our age. May we truly “lift up our eyes” above the din of our “woke” culture, to the whitened harvest fields all around us!
For those of you receiving this issue of the Friends Evangel, you are aware that we are transitioning from the previous format of a paper “hard copy” that was mailed, to an online version of the same. It is always difficult to transition from something with which you are comfortable to something with which you are less than comfortable. For those that still prefer a hand-held copy, that is still an option by downloading and printing from the online version. It will obviously be in a simple document format rather than the previous “magazine” format, but will provide the hand-held option nonetheless.
Since our last communication through the Friends Evangel, much has happened within the realms of CYM and I will endeavor to summarize briefly.
July 22-31 our Yearly Meeting was held as we met on our campgrounds near Muncie, IN. We were truly blessed with the singing ministry of the Tim Cooley, Jr. family as they ministered to us effectively throughout the encampment. We were also blessed with the preaching ministry of our own, Dr. Michael Williams, as the Lord anointed his lips and he spoke to us nightly, and the Holy Spirit brought both inspiration and conviction as needed. The words, “Did not our hearts burn within us,” certainly come to mind as we reflect back on our time together.
Just a few weeks later, September 6-11, two of our churches were involved, along with a couple of other churches from the county, in the Randolph County Holiness Association Campmeeting, hosted by the Randolph Friends Church. We enjoyed being ministered to in song by various representations of the churches coming together for the meeting. Our evangelist for the week was Bro. Keith Bunch, coming to us from the state of Pennsylvania and speaking to us effectively with relevant messages from the Word of God. We were so grateful to see several receive help around the altar throughout the week and one get saved on Sunday morning. What a joy to be blessed spiritually throughout that week!
September 22-23, I was privileged to represent CYM in the combined “School of the Prophets and Future Pastor’s Conference,” held in Pell City, Alabama. I was grateful to be able to interact with many young potential pastors, current students in a variety of our Bible Colleges, as well as interacting with some of the “Old timers” like myself.
Within the last few weeks a flurry of activities have occurred in and around the New Westville, OH property. With excitement we report that as of Sept. 4, 2022, we have re-opened the New Westville church under the pastoral leadership of David and Tori Seeley. At present they are operating under the Home-Extension Department of CYM and under the name of New Westville Community Bible Church. A lot of time and work has also gone in to preparing the New Westville parsonage to put on the market to sell. The Seeleys have their own home in the area and at present selling the small home seems the best option. A special thank you goes to Travis Hatfield, Mikel Peck, and Daniel Edwards for assisting me in a lot of the work that has gone on there to prepare it for selling. We certainly covet your prayers and remind you that our greatest need at present is workers for the whitened harvest fields!
Like a River Glorious
Taken from Spiritual Moments with the Great Hymns
By Evelyn Bence
Like a river glorious
Is God’s perfect peace
Over all victorious
In its bright increase
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
~ Frances Ridley Havergal, 1836 – 1878
We are most aware of inner peace—its presence or its lack—in the midst of trial.
I expect that was true for Frances Ridley Havergal. A prolific British hymn writer, Havergal created poetic texts for the glory of God, but she also saw writing as her profession and livelihood. With great hopes of reaching a new market, she had signed a contract with an American publisher, but in January 1874 she received devastating news:
“I was expecting a letter from America, enclosing the 35 pounds now due me, and possibly news that “Bruey” was going on like steam, and “Under the Surface” pressingly wanted. The letter has come, and instead of all this, my publisher has failed in the universal crash. He holds my written promise to publish only with him as the condition of his launching me; so this is not simply a little loss, but an end of all my American prospects of either cash, influence, or fame, at any rate for a long time to come.”
Months later, another publishing reversal: a printer’s fire destroyed the only copy of a Havergal manuscript. She assessed the loss as a “winter’s labor” of which she had “not even a memorandum left, having sent everything to the printers.”
There may be no direct connection between one or both setbacks and the 1874 writing of “Like a river glorious / Is God’s perfect peace.” But I suggest the link. After all, every event or experience is food for a writer’s imagination. Besides, aren’t we most conscious of peace when we walk through chaos?
Havergal’s underlying “peace like a river” image is Biblical, appearing several times in the prophecies of Isaiah. I find one reference particularly interesting, as it is directly preceded by a description of God teaching His children the road to the riverbank. Here’s the complete picture:
I am the LORD your God,
Who teaches you what is best for you,
Who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
Your peace would have been like a river.
~ Isaiah 48:17-18
Did Havergal find peace in the midst of her trials? Yes. Her account of the failed American publisher continues: “Two months ago this would have been a real trial to me, for I had built a good deal on my American prospects: now ‘Thy will be done’ is not a sigh [a personal pain], but only a song!”
And here’s her take on the manuscript destroyed in the fire: “It may be that [God] has more to teach me…He is giving me the opportunity over again of doing [the work] more patiently, and of making it the ‘willing service’ which I don’t think it was before.”
Here is a woman well on her way to “perfect peace”—what the Hebrews called “shalom shalom”—peace to the second degree. Isaiah 26:3 gives the promise: “You [God] will keep in perfect peace / him whose mind is steadfast, / because he trusts in You.” The peace is discovered, as Havergal found, as one learns to be
Stayed upon Jehovah, [where]
Hearts are fully blest;
Finding as He promised,
Perfect peace and rest.
Like Havergal, you and I may have more lessons to learn before we find the perfect peace that stills a heart in the midst of chaos or loss. But today we can take one step—choosing to stay our hearts and minds upon Jehovah, turn our eyes upon Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Lord, in the midst of trial, loss, and chaos, allow me to know the peace that transcends understanding. If that peace comes only as I learn to heed Your lessons, then make me teachable. Help me learn to turn to You, the Prince of Peace, to discover what peace means.
Home Extension Report
A New Beginning for the New Westville Church!
New Westville
David Seeley, Pastor
We are excited to introduce Community Bible Church of New Westville! Early in the summer, a small congregation formed in the home of David and Tori Seeley. The home extension committee invited the congregation to use the New Westville facility and become a home extension church of Central Yearly Meeting. We held our first service in New Westville the beginning of September with 17 in attendance. Our people are very unified and excited about what God is doing here.
Pastor Bob and Elizabeth Welsh served at New Westville from 1989 to 1998. Their ministry laid a foundation that still exists today in the community. People living around the church have wonderful memories of the Welsh family. We are excited to build on the foundation that was laid so many years ago.
Come join us for our Grand Opening Gospel Sing on Saturday, October 22 at 6 pm!
Teen View
Hold Your Heart
Ashley Bahr
Remember those days when you were young?
Life was as easy as it could be.
There were laughs and stories and dreams.
You saw the sunshine and you were free.
Well there comes a point when you realize
That you finally have to grow up
And that hiding under your covers
Won't ever be quite enough.
I know those days when it feels like
There's no way you can keep going on.
Life just isn't worth living,
And nothing could be more wrong.
Those days when it's such a struggle
Just to pull yourself out of the bed.
The depression, it overwhelms you.
The fearful thoughts are spinning through your head.
Those days when you feel so broken
And the pieces keep falling apart.
Your sky grows stormy and gray.
Too much pain for this young, burdened heart.
You feel like there's no solution
To this riddle or game they call life.
And when it's your darkest hour,
It is then that I'll show you the light.
The light at the end of the tunnel
When you thought maybe this was the end.
I promise there's beautiful sunshine
On this dark road with sharp turns and bends.
Though it may not always seem it,
There's still happiness in this place.
And what you have to realize
Is that it takes a little faith.
I have always been here with you,
Just as I always will be,
And when life knocks you down so low,
Just put your trust in me.
So remember those days when you were young.
Life was as easy as it could be.
There were laughs and stories and dreams.
You saw the sunshine and you were free.
Well now here in your darkest hour,
Get under the covers and turn out the light.
Close your eyes and dream, my child.
Let me hold your heart tonight.
Church News
Union Friends Church
Westfield, IN
Mark Mowery, pastor
Exciting times are in store for Union Friends Church. As we transition from the excitement of summer activities we find ourselves busy once again with the fall. We held a bonfire to welcome back the college students from their summer travels, as well as some new faces. Some have returned to services and we are excited to have them join the church family.
Heidi and Jamin took the kids from Kids Klub to the creation museum in August. It was an enjoyable time. More importantly, parents joined the group, and there was evidence that what the children were learning about was resonating in their hearts. Kids Klub concluded with their latest theme of Space and learning about God’s mighty power and limitless love.
We participated in Union Bible College’s Fall Festival fundraiser. We served biscuits and gravy to some hungry college students and festival goers. We were able to raise over $400 for Union Bible College and Academy.
We had a wonderful service with Bro. Stephen Gibson. He shared with us the wonderful missionary efforts being done all over the world. Including the launching of Shepherd’s Global curriculum.
We trust that the Lord is blessing you as much as he has blessed us over the last few months. We look forward to our next big ministry, our Christmas drive-thru, and the preparation that goes into that.
Randolph Friends Church
Randolph, IN
Jonathan Edwards, Pastor
July began bittersweet as we received the news of Diana Covert’s sudden home going. Her home church, Sparrow Creek, held a very sweet and special service for her on July 6. We rejoice that Diana is safe in heaven with Jesus, but oh, how we miss her! She was such a vital part of CYM in so many capacities. As we began CYM camp later that month, July 22-31, we soon realized the many shoes of hers we needed to fill. God did grant us His comforting Presence throughout camp, giving us blessings of praying, worshipping, and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We were inspired and encouraged by the ministry of Dr. Michael Williams and the Timothy Cooley, Jr. family, for evangelistic services, and Tyler Edwards and Jamin and Heidi Edwards for the Youth and Children Ministries.
While we were at CYM camp, Brinkmann Home Improvement, LLC, poured cement for our church parking lot and winding drive!! We praise God for this wonderful blessing He has bestowed on us! Not only is it beautiful and so nice, it is paid in full! To God be the Glory!
The last full week of August found the directors of the Steps ministry, as well as many wonderful volunteers, purging, cleaning, and redecorating the Steps for the opening date, August 30! We have been averaging about 55 energetic kids! They have been so well behaved and we are having so much fun studying the Life and Miracles of Jesus’ Ministry.
On September 4, we enjoyed a follow-up service of our young people as they shared about their recent mission trip to Ranch Haven in Crawford, Colorado. They had so many “God Moments” where God showed Himself strong and gracious on their behalf!
Randolph certainly enjoyed the ministry of Rev. Keith Bunch, of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, as he shared the Word of God with us during Randolph County Camp. His messages were rich and anointed and we felt revived in Spirit! The pastor and wife were honored to host the area pastors’ families in their home for a meal and fellowship on the Sunday afternoon of RCHC.
September 22-25, Pastor J and LuRhe went their separate ways, for ministry purposes only! Sis. LuRhe flew out to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for a speaking engagement at a Ladies WOW event. Pastor J drove down to Pell City, Alabama, to represent CYM at the “School of the Prophets,” and the Future Pastors Conference. They were reunited on September 25, their 35th wedding anniversary, when Pastor J picked up Sis. LuRhe at the Cincinnati airport, rushing back in time for evening service at Randolph!
We are rejoicing at Randolph for the continued mercy, strength, and grace He continually gives us, as we strive to reach souls for His kingdom!
~ LuRhe Edwards, Correspondent
Sparrow Creek Friends
Winchester, IN
Daniel Edwards, Pastor
Our own Wayne and Diana Covert’s granddaughter, Emily Covert King, joined with her husband Caleb on the evening of July 10 to present our meeting with plans for their upcoming mission trip to the South Bronx in New York. While there, they’ll be working in conjunction with Urban Harvest Ministries, offering hope and direction toward a better way of life for some of the residents in that very troubled community. Although this area of New York is known to be dangerous and crime-ridden, this vibrant young couple gave us their strong personal testimonies and how clearly they believed God had led them to this place of decision. Firm in their dedication to the Great Commission, they came to our church family requesting help in:
~ Prayer for their protection
~ Wisdom in their interactions while there
~ Encouragement for this place of brokenness
Happy to support Caleb and Emily, Sparrow Creek trusts that you, too, will join us in this effort.
The musical talents of our good pastor and family were made available for worship in another camp meeting on July 13. At our own meeting that evening, Travis Hatfield graciously filled the pulpit and shared some good thoughts with us. We were provided with five interesting points to consider regarding the great positive light that Jesus has brought into the world. We are prompted to be continually searching out that light and to remember how grateful we are for it. On another note, however, those in attendance may be still scratching their heads about his claims of “lip reading” skills!
Not everyone can be privileged enough to finish their summer with a fun camping trip, but we did, as we hosted some “Happy Campers” here at Sparrow Creek! This year’s Vacation Bible School instructed up to 45 campers during the first week of August, ending with an entertaining and enjoyable final program on Sunday evening of July 7. Following that presentation, the campers and their families were invited to take in some additional outdoor activity as a tasty cook-out was held in the church yard. John Myers and Jerry Miller grilled burgers and hot dogs, while several of the “Camp Counselors” served up all the fixin’s. Nathan Covert directed proper marshmallow roasting technique, and many of the kids participated in a rescue operation for a lost ball at the top of the big blue spruce tree. Best of all, good memories were made, all the while teaching some of God’s good truths and promises to those in attendance.
On August 14, Bessie Smith and Tracy Peck led the church family in prayer as we gathered around our altar for the final Sunday evening meeting before Olivia Covert and Janae Myers head out to their respective college careers. Petition for God’s protection and guidance were lifted in recognition of this new phase in their lives, and gift baskets of essential goodies and necessities were presented to aid in the send-off. As most of you readers have watched these girls grow to this point in their lives, we trust you’ll join us as we pray for them in their ventures.
~ Bryan Kendrick, Correspondent
