by Andrew Sharp

CHICAGO — The Association of Anabaptist-Mennonite Missiologists honored retired missionaries Elmer and Eileen Lehman and Henry and Esther Helmuth at a Jan. 21 event.

The recognition took place during a banquet at Council of International Ministries meetings.

James Krabill, convener for the Association of Anabaptist-Mennonite Missiologists, presented the missionaries with certificates recognizing their work in Costa Rica. Elmer and Eileen Lehman and Esther Helmuth were present to accept their certificates. Henry Helmuth died in 2004.

The Lehmans arrived in Costa Rica in 1961 as RMM’s first independently appointed missionaries. The Helmuths joined them in 1965. They worked together until 1983 planting churches, developing a Mennonite conference in the country and mentoring believers. Convención de Iglesias Mennonitas de Costa Rica (Costa Rica Mennonite Conference) now has more than 1,000 members in about 20 churches. Both couples were involved in additional church-planting efforts after returning to the United States.

Krabill said the Association of Anabaptist-Mennonite Missiologists is a loose organization of people interested in Mennonite and Anabaptist approaches to missions. At an annual banquet during the Council of International Ministries meetings, the group recognizes longtime missions leaders who were pioneers or who in some exceptional way influenced the theory and practice of mission work.

Elmer Lehman said the recognition was humbling, and they were grateful.

“By no means did we do this alone; God brings into the church persons of various giftings,” he said. “God gave us the good gift of local leaders that emerged in the church, and we worked as a team and had a great time doing it.”

Posted by RMM Blog Administrator at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

by Shawn Eicher

There is much to be thankful for as work moves forward on the Rosedale International Center (RIC). Construction has gone smoothly, and the finishing touches are falling into place. The many hours of work by volunteers have been a tremendous blessing. Generous donors have given hundreds of thousands of dollars towards the Branching Out Capital Campaign. Plans for new and expanded programs are coming together. As the primary renovations near completion, we look forward with excitement to the dedication and open house for the new building on March 14, 2010.

To date, we have reached 25% of our funding goal. While we still need just over $3 million, we continue to be confident that we are following God’s leading with the project and trust that He will provide what we need.

Specific funding opportunities include:

• Additional individuals to partner with us in major gifts of $10,000 and up as God leads.
  
• 488 more members of the “500.” These are people or groups who pledge to give $100 a month for 36 months. We know that not everyone can give $100 each month, and others might be able to give more. Those who can give at a lower level are encouraged to do so, and their funds will be combined with those of others to make up one “member” of the 500.
  
• The participation of CMC churches–perhaps with an offering or a fundraiser on our behalf.
  
• Individuals to be extra generous at the 2010 Missions Day Offering. Our goal for 2010 is $440,000. We’re praying for an additional one-time “bonus” of $200,000 beyond our normal goal ($240,000 for 2010) to fund new program initiatives at the RIC.
  
• Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible Schools, sewing circles and small groups to “adopt a room” and raise funds to pay for furnishings—items like linens, beds, blinds, carpet, and other accessories.

If God is leading you to be a part of this project, you can contact Shawn Eicher at shawn@rmmoffice.org, call the RMM office at 740-857-1366

Posted by RMM Blog Administrator at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)