Church receives large offering at Rally Day event on mission.

Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren collected a $110,000 plus offering on Sunday, Oct. 18, at a Rally Day event focused on mission. Nancy and Irvin Heishman, co-coordinators of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic, were the keynote speakers.

The Heishmans led a Sunday school discussion on calling to ministry and mission, and gave a children's story on the conditions needed to grow the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life. A basket of fruits that can be grown in the DR but not in the US served as an illustration, and a papaya was cut open for children to sample. Irvin Heishman gave the morning sermon based on selections from Jeremiah. At a potluck meal following worship, the couple showed a slide presentation about the mission work in the Dominican Republic.

"It was a privilege and joy to be part of such a significant day in the life of this congregation," Irvin Heishman said.

The offering for the day was designated to help the congregation pay off a building debt. Their goal was to raise $80,000. The surprisingly strong $110,000 (estimated) offering was matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 by an individual donor. This gave the congregation a total benefit of about $210,000 toward its $240,000 debt.

"We had planned our Oct. 18 event for a year in advance," commented pastor Harold Yeager. "Irvin and Nancy Heishman blessed our congregation with their ministry, and God blessed abundantly with the offering. We give God every praise for being part of that special day."

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline