Partners, May 2009

BIBLE CAMPS
NEBRASKA YOUTH CAMP

KEARNEY, Neb. — A fast-moving wildfire burned down two cabins at Nebraska Youth Camp on March 23.
“It’s a blessing from God that we only lost what we did,” said Jake Munsell, interim caretaker of the 60-acre camp.
In addition to the lost cabins, two others will need repair, said Lane Hinton, a member of the camp’s board of directors.
Camp officials are eager to enlist volunteers to help rebuild the cabins before the first camp sessions begin June 15.
“NYC is what keeps the Nebraska youth so tight and well-connected with each other,” Hinton said.
Donations to help rebuild the camp can be sent to: Nebraska Youth Camp, 65 Sweetwater Ave., Kearney, NE 68847.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

ARMS OF HOPE

MEDINA, Texas — Effective April 17, Arms of Hope, a not-for-profit Christian home network, was formed with the consolidation of Medina Children’s Home and Boles Children’s Home in Quinlan, Texas.
Discussions between the homes’ boards of directors began some time ago with the idea that the organizations could operate more effectively and efficiently by working together, leaders said.
“We are excited about the potential to help even more children and families in the future by building on our strengths under a strong leadership team,” said Kevin McDonald, Arms of Hope president and CEO.
Curtis Bedrich is chairman of the Arms of Hope board of directors.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FAULKER UNIVERSITY

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Faulkner University mourns the deaths of two student-athletes killed in a car accident April 21.
Teirson Hollis and Ryne Wilhite, both sophomores on the Eagles’ football team, died instantly when their car struck an 18-wheeler on Highway 82.
“I’ve never been through anything like this — it hurts so much,’’ Faulkner head coach Gregg Baker said. “T and Ryne were both great kids, two wonderful Christian young men. The only thing that is helping us right now is the fact that we all know exactly where they are, and that’s with our God in heaven.’’
Hollis and Wilhite were both offensive linemen. Hollis had been with the program since its inaugural 2007
season.
PUBLICATIONS

CHURCH GROWTH

HOUSTON — “Final Issue.”
So said the headline on the cover of the January/February/March issue of Church Growth, a quarterly magazine published for 45 years.
John Ellas, director of the Center for Church Growth, the magazine’s publisher, cited the Ecclesiastes 3:1 in a note in the final issue: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
“So, what has changed?” Ellas wrote. “The most obvious change is the new era of the Internet. Subscriptions and circulation of newspapers and magazines are steadily declining. … To make conditions more challenging for everyone, the economy has rapidly declined here and abroad.”