Sudan mission workers visit with Brethren across the country.

Jim and Pam Hardenbrook are visiting Church of the Brethren congregations and districts to share information about the Sudan mission initiative, and to raise funds for their mission work in southern Sudan. The Hardenbrooks have been named as lead mission workers in the new initiative, and hope to be able to begin work in Sudan early next year.

The Hardenbrooks have given numerous presentations in the last several weeks, including presentations at six district conferences, a camp, several civic clubs, revival services, Sunday school classses, and more than 20 congregations in nine states.

Training for the mission workers has included a week-long seminar on cross cultural church planting and a Community Health Evangelism workshop. The couple also plan to attend the Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resiliency (STAR) training at Eastern Mennonite University, and five weeks of training with Mission Training International for cross cultural preparation and language acquisition. "Your prayers are needed as we attend these training sessions," the Hardenbrooks said in a newsletter to supporters. "We need to learn and integrate all the information and wisdom being offered."

They also thanked Brethren for the warm welcome they have received. "We have...visited with hundreds of folks who are interested in living the Good News of Jesus throughout the world," they said. "Over and over we have experienced the enthusiasm and energy Brethren have for the Great Commands and the Great Commission."

Upcoming presentations by the Hardenbrooks are scheduled at Virlina District Conference in Roanoke, Va., on Nov. 9; Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren in Quarryville, Pa., on Nov. 10-11; Mount Pleasant Church of the Brethren in Harrisonburg, Va., on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.; Shenandoah District’s "Making Peace Conference" on Nov. 17; Briery Branch Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Va., on Nov. 18; and Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee, Ind., on Jan. 20, 2008. To schedule a presentation call 208-880-5866 or 800-323-8039 ext. 227.

Source: 11/07/2007 Newsline