Fwd: After the rain

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From: EMM <micah.brickner@emm.org>
Date: Mon, Mar 2, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Subject: After the rain
To: <gehmanmennonitechurch@gmail.com>

Last January, a few months into dry season, I was getting tired of the view and the dust; everything was brown. I decided to plant a flower garden to bring some color to my world.

AFTER THE RAIN Last January, a few months into dry season, I was getting tired of the view and the dust; everything was brown. I decided to plant a flower garden to bring some color to my world. I planned out the area in our yard, but one strike of the shovel into the dry ground told me that this was not going to be easy. I poured bucket after bucket of water onto the area, but it was still no easy task to break up the hard, dry ground enough to get my flowers planted. But I did it. I planted a small flower garden and even found an old birdbath to put in the center. It is a place of beauty, and even the birds that visit bring another vibrancy to the yard.   READ MORE   DAILY PRAYER LANCASTER, PA. 1 | Join us in prayer for the Business Leaders' Breakfast on March 10. Pray that it would be a meaningful time of connection and learning for local business leaders. 2 | Pray that those celebrating Ramadan would experience a revelation of the gospel during times of prayer, fasting, and community gathering. 3 | Pray for the Afghan community in Lancaster. Pray that, for those celebrating Ramadan, they would experience a revelation of the gospel during times of prayer, fasting, and community gathering. 4 | Pray for the Nepali community in Lancaster. Ask God to provide for their needs and for the flourishing of their businesses and endeavors. Pray that they would have opportunities to learn about Christ in ways that are meaningful to them. 5 | Join J.C. Ebersole in prayer for All-nations Association of Bible Schools (AABS) as they begin to offer a new course on small business development. Pray for wisdom and much fruitfulness as it is developed and implemented among the schools. 6 | Pray for God to call volunteers for the programs at Neighbors Community Center, at Hub450, our building in Lancaster, PA. WEST AFRICA 7 | Pray for effective and humble partnerships between Western Christians and the vibrant sending churches in West Africa.  8 | Ask God for a deepening of relationships and gospel effectiveness for workers in West Africa, that they may share Jesus' love in culturally relevant ways, leading to genuine encounters with Christ. 9 | Pray for the Holy Spirit's "missional impulse" to drive forward new church multiplication movements in West Africa. 10 | Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead workers to the "one lost sheep" among the least-reached in West Africa until they are found.  11 | Pray for individuals and families to be called to join the work of leadership development and church planting in West Africa.  CENTRAL EUROPE  12 | Pray for the Holy Spirit to break down barriers to faith (like pride, apathy, distrust of organizations, etc.) that would enable the people in Central Europe to hear the words of Truth.  13 | Pray for God to call workers to join and strengthen the team in Germany. 14 | Pray for the Czech believers to rise up in faith and boldness to engage with their family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, sharing testimonies of how God has transformed them. 15 | Pray for a movement of Central European people to come to know Jesus, for disciples who make disciples into the 3rd and 4th generation.  16 | Pray for EMM workers as they minister with and among the Czech people. CENTRAL ASIA 17 | Pray for believers who face persecution for their faith in Central Asia. 18 | Pray for groups of believers to form and develop among the minority groups of Central Asia, like the Uyghur and Dungan. 19 | Pray for innovative and unique church planting and discipleship models to reach the rural communities in Central Asia. 20 | Pray for unity among the believers and for workers to be sent into the harvest of Central Asia. 21 | Pray for God to send workers to the field to work in business for transformation and teaching English. SOUTHEAST ASIA 22 | Join Steve Horst and Bethany Tobin in prayer for the EMM team as they coach new workers in the Isaan Doorways Program. Pray for participants to thrive as they persevere in learning language and culture. 23 | Pray for workers to be called to Thailand, to work with displaced people from Myanmar. 24 | Join Brody and Abigail* in prayer for their support-raising journey as they prepare to serve in Thailand. Pray that they would be infused with energy for a busy year of work, meetings, and travel. Pray that they would continue to trust in the Lord and be aware of where He wants them to grow.   25 | Pray for traveling mercies and divine appointments for Donna and Gerry Keener during two weeks in Vietnam in March for Leadership training with Mennonite Church pastors and workers. 26 | Join Mark and Sarah Schoenhals in prayer for Life Enrichment Church as they seek to be intentional in identifying and developing house church leaders. Pray for Mark and Sarah as they support this endeavor. OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD 27 | Pray for God to call Advance program participants for the fall of 2026. 28 | Pray for Alan and Carol Wert's small group as they read whole Bible books together during this term in Cardiff, Wales. Pray that they grow in unity and insight.  29 | Join Jonathan Bornman in praising God that the documentary, "Unexpected Peace," is screening on WITF in March! Pray for the viewers to be touched by God through the message of the film. Pray for the dubbing and distribution of Unexpected Peace across Tanzania.  30 | Please pray for Phil and Linda Gottschalk as they begin a new semester teaching at the Baptist Theological Institute in Bucharest, Romania. Linda teaches Church History, and Phil teaches History of Christian Thought. Please pray for Ukrainian refugees who are a part of the R10 Ukrainian Church in Bucharest, Romania that Phil and Linda are involved in. Pray for them as they encounter many barriers.  31 | Pray for Peter and Christy's* ongoing ministry with refugees in France. Pray that their immigrant friends could find the support they need, learn the language, and find healing from the pain of displacement. Join them in praising God for the practical ways that the French Mennonite  Some prayer requests adapted from joshuaproject.net. *Names changed for sensitivity reasons.

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Fwd: PA Has a Foster Care Crisis – The Church has the Answer

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kurt Weaver <hello@cm01.charityengine.net>
Date: Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Subject: PA Has a Foster Care Crisis – The Church has the Answer
To: Gehman Mennonite Church <info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org>

Dear Friend, Grace and peace to you in Christ. Last week, the Church Ambassador Network and local pastors met with State Senator Stefano and State Representative Grimm Krupa to pray and discuss the growing foster care and childcare crisis in PA - and especially in Fayette County.  According to our Road to Shalom report, Fayette County and southwest Pennsylvania rank among the most vulnerable regions in the Commonwealth, marked by high rates of child food insecurity (where children lack consistent access to enough nutritious food for a healthy, active life), substance abuse, single-parent households, and foster care placements. Statewide, more than 13,000 children are currently in foster care. These are not abstract statistics. They are precious children, image-bearers, and neighbors entrusted to our pastoral care. Scripture frames this not merely as a policy issue, but as a theological calling. God created the world in shalom (Genesis 1:31). When that wholeness fractures through sin, children often bear the deepest wounds. The Lord calls His Church to "bring justice to the fatherless" (Isaiah 1:17) and defines pure religion as caring for "orphans and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27). The foster care crisis reveals both the brokenness of the Fall and the Church's calling to embody redemptive love. We are encouraged that Keystone Family Alliance is expanding around the state and into hurting counties like Fayette County. Their model is explicitly church-centered: recruiting and supporting foster and adoptive families from within local congregations, building volunteer Care Communities around those families, and partnering with county agencies to help children find stability and belonging. They seek not merely placements, but perseverance. They surround families with practical help, mentoring, and relational support so that foster homes do not walk alone. To learn more about them, click here. This represents an important opportunity. Government administers child welfare. Agencies coordinate services. But the Church uniquely offers covenantal community; embodied love, enduring commitment, and gospel hope. True restoration requires both wise intervention and spiritual renewal. As our Lord declares, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). As shepherds, we can: ➡️ Pray for children in care, biological families in crisis, foster families, agency staff, and public officials. ➡️ Teach a robust theology of family, prevention, and care for the vulnerable. ➡️ Mobilize members toward foster care, respite care, and Care Community support through Keystone Family Alliance. ➡️ Advocate graciously for policies that strengthen marriage and family stability, recognizing that prevention is a form of mercy. The Church Ambassador Network exists to build bridges between pastors and public servants in prayer and principled partnership. If you would like to host a prayer gathering, connect with Keystone Family Alliance leadership, or explore how your church can engage, we would be honored to serve you. The crisis is real. Yet Christ is building His Church. And through faithful shepherding, He restores shalom in broken places. In Christ, Kurt Weaver, Director Pennsylvania Church Ambassador Network kweaver@pafamily.org Building relationships between the shepherd of the church and those serving in civil government as instituted by God. ➡️ Support Our Work

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Fwd: REAL Life REAL Hope and more!

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: REAL Life Community Services <rod@reallcs.org>
Date: Sun, Mar 1, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Subject: REAL Life REAL Hope and more!
To: <philandkelly@gmail.com>

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Last Call to Register! In just four weeks, we'll gather for the REAL Life REAL Hope Banquet — a special evening celebrating 15 years of connecting our community to hope. We would love for you to join us as we honor the heart of the REAL Life Community and the impact we're making together across Lancaster County. Why Attend? Hear powerful, real-life stories from families whose lives have been transformed Enjoy uplifting live music and meaningful moments of reflection Connect with friends and neighbors who share a passion for hope and growth We're honored to welcome Vanessa Philbert, CEO of Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Vanessa will share inspiring insights on strengthening our community and creating lasting change. Bring a friend, colleague, or family member — everyone can be encouraged by this meaningful night. Reserve your spot today — space is limited and registration is over Wednesday, March 4th! Click Here to Register!

Ice Cream for Breakfast & Creating Raving Fans

Our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast may have been held on Valentine's Day, but it was inspired by National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day — which explains the ice cream at 9 a.m.!  As we enjoyed a sweet start to the morning, we watched an inspiring video about Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas and his approach to creating "raving fans" without traditional marketing. His message was simple: focus on the experience and go above and beyond. Afterward, we discussed how REAL Life Community Services can create raving fans of those who support us and those we serve. The takeaway? Ask one powerful question: "What is one more thing I can do for you?" ​​​​​​​ Thank you to our incredible volunteers for living this out every day!

Sharing Hope This Easter This Easter, REAL Life Community Services is preparing special baskets for children in the families we serve — and we'd love your help! You can sign up to assemble one or more age-appropriate baskets, using our suggested item list as a guide. Each basket is a meaningful way to remind a child they are loved and not forgotten. Short on time? Donations are welcome and will help us complete any remaining baskets so every child is blessed this Easter. We also hope to include a small reminder of the true meaning of Easter in each basket — such as a children's Bible, an age-appropriate tract, or a small cross. If you have ideas or extra items to contribute, we would greatly appreciate it! Basket Drop-Off Deadline: 📅 Tuesday, March 31 ⏰ By 6:00 PM And please help us spread the word on social media! Together, we can share the joy — and the hope — of Easter. Click Here to Sign Up!

Helping Our Kids Stay Safe Online

This month, we hosted a powerful workshop on keeping kids safe online. Brad Ortenzi, Eastern USA Regional Director for ZOE International, shared eye-opening insight into how online predators target vulnerable children — and what adults need to know to stay proactive and informed. We're so thankful for Brad's expertise and heart for protecting kids, and to Blue Ridge TV for quickly producing a video we can now share with our community. This information isn't just for parents — it's for everyone. Awareness and education are key to protecting our kids and our community. If you missed the workshop, we encourage you to watch and share the video:

Click Here to Watch!

Faith Initiative Summit Last Tuesday, REAL Life Community Services welcomed church leaders and pastors from across the area for a morning of learning, connection, and collaboration. The goal was simple: to highlight trusted community partners who are making a real difference — and to equip local churches with resources to better serve their congregations and neighbors. We heard from Rachel Berner, founder of Second Chance Jobs, who shared how her organization partners with local businesses to help individuals returning from prison secure reliable employment. By supporting both employers and returning citizens — including assistance with record review and expungement when possible — they provide a true second chance and help reduce repeat offenses. Robert McKenzie from PA CareerLink highlighted workforce development resources for both adults and students. From job training and career placement to early career exploration for teens, CareerLink equips individuals to pursue meaningful futures. We also learned about senior support services. Nnenna & Jason Kuntz,  with Oasis Senior Advisors, offer free guidance for retirement planning and long-term care options, while Tim Burchett from the Office of the Aging shared information on government programs that assist seniors who lack the financial means or physical ability to live independently — helping them remain safe and supported with dignity. The gathering was a powerful reminder that when churches and community organizations work together, lives are strengthened. REAL Life Community Services remains committed to connecting local leaders with trusted resources — because collaboration creates lasting impact.

Join us in Prayer & Praises We recognize that there are several ways for you all to partner with us and that one of the most important ways is through prayer! Praises: We are celebrating that two families are actively preparing to purchase their first homes! Please pray for favor over their home searches — for the right homes to become available quickly and for a smooth, stress-free process from start to finish. Prayer Requests: This month we are hosting our Spring Banquet, one of our primary annual fundraisers. Please pray that the evening runs smoothly and that the program clearly communicates the heart of our mission. Most importantly, pray that God would soften hearts and inspire attendees to partner with us — through prayer, volunteering, and financial support. Help us keep these programs and more going! Consider a generous gift today to Connect the Community to Hope! Give Now

First Friday Food Drive March 6th Every first Friday of the month, we host a food drive in the back parking lot of the Declaration House. It's a way the community can give back and help donate items that we need.  You can drop off food at any time from 3-5 pm on that Friday.

Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays, 8-9PM Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

Momentum Tuesdays, 6:30-8PM Momentum guarantees a young person that there is someone who cares about them. A child needs to know that they are not alone in dealing with the day-to-day challenges of life. Momentum meets at the Lighthouse Community Center throughout the school year following the Cocalico School District calendar.

Denver Mom's In Prayer 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 9-10:30am Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

GriefShare Wednesday's Starting March 11th, 6-7:30pm Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center. This is a 13 week cycle to help navigate from a grief journey to a healing destination. For more information, please contact 610-775-3667

Young at Heart Wednesdays, 9-11AM All events are free and are for individuals that are 60 years and older. Coffee, chatting, games, speakers, and MORE! Come out and get to know others in your community!  1st & 3rd Wednesdays we meet at Adamstown Area Library! 2nd & 4th Wednesdays we meet at Faith Evangelical United Lutheran Church in Denver!

Aglow International Bible Study 3rd Saturdays, 10-12am Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center. Click Here to Learn More