Dan Beaver, far left, has partnered with Grace Brethren ministries, including some of those in the Philippines led by Pastor Adan Panizales (middle), Rey Paz (left), and David Torres (right).

“These (Filipino) people are able to adapt to other cultures with their unique personalities, their compassion, and their spirit,” says Dan, who taught physical education and directed the athletic program at Faith Academy, a Christian school for missionary kids, from 1989 until recently. (Tori taught art at an international school until 2000.) Noting that the Filipinos often leave their homeland in search of employment, he says that they frequently relocate to the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East.

Dan, who grew up in a missionary home in the Central African Republic, saw a natural outreach team. “They are people who could be trained and empowered for Christ,” he says.

“They can get into countries we (as Americans) can’t get into.”

By Tom Hocking
I had been there before, of course—at the front of a church watching a radiant bride and a nervous groom. I’ve seen bridesmaids in apple red dresses. I’ve enjoyed the fragrance of calla lily bouquets. I’ve intoned the words, “By the authority vested in me as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and according to the laws of the state of California. . .,” scores of times.

But this time was different—this time I was reciting the vows for my son and his beautiful bride.

By Andrew Jones
Developing godly leaders is anything but simple. In fact, it’s challenging and sometimes messy, according to a 2008 audit of leadership training in the Grace Brethren movement.

“Leadership is clearly essential…and complicated,” says Mike Yoder, coordinator of leadership training initiatives for Grace Brethren International Missions. “Few topics arouse as
much interest, discussion, and debate as the task of training leaders.”

Yoder, a Ph.D. candidate in Intercultural Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) in Chicago, conducted the audit in advance of Charis 2008, the worldwide gathering of Grace Brethren leadership from 17 countries, held in Bad Homburg, Germany. The 58-page document, both an encouraging and sobering report, affirms the complications of leadership training within the worldwide Grace Brethren movement. It also outlines goals and obstacles for leadership training in nearly 20 Grace Brethren groups around the world.