Tag: Church of the Brethren

Not Playing Around: 1000+ Letters for Nigeria

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nigeria

Do you remember the 276 school girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram? Does #BringOurGirlsBack ring a bell? Many of those girls belong to the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. The EYN is suffering terribly at the violence of Boko Haram.

Yet, what makes their story so inspiring to me is not the bad, but the good that exists despite the bad. The Church of the Brethren (including the EYN) is one of three historic peace churches. While we in the United States never face a real threat to our love of peace, the EYN is confronted with that challenge everyday. In spite of all the evil, hatred, and violence that the EYN has endured, they choose to respond with courage, love, and nonviolence.

Midway through August, the Church of the Brethren observed a week of prayer and fasting in solidarity of the EYN.

I believe that fasting has the potential to be so powerful because it recognizes that when we make space in our lives for Jesus, his love can shine through us in some pretty amazing ways.

I decided that I wouldn’t just fast for that week, but I would extend my fast for an entire year by salvaging hours of my time that I waste playing computer games to do something better with that time.

I am going to use that time to write three letters every day about the EYN for the next year.

From today, September 1st, 2014 every day until September 1st, 2015, I will write and mail three letters to public figures.

This includes:

  • Elected Officials
  • Other Government Officials
  • Philanthropists
  • Media
  • Celebrities
  • Religious Leaders
  • Anyone who will listen

I will share with them the story of the EYN, and I will ask them to get involved however they can. This may mean sharing the story of the EYN on their social media and programs, donating to the EYN compassion fund, or setting aside aid money for the EYN.I want to emphasize the role that their creativity can play in making a difference.

I also want to emphasize that the only way to honor the EYN’s commitment to peace and nonviolence, is to explore and support solutions that also emphasize peace and nonviolence. From government officials, the only aid I will seek is humanitarian, nonmilitary aid.

I cannot do this alone.

The cost of sending over 1000 letters is well above $500.

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Contribute to help me pay for stamps and envelopes
  2. Send me donations of stamps and envelopes
  3. Write letters of your own
  4. Pray
  5. Share my campaign and the EYN’s story with others
  6. Contribute to the EYN compassion fund

Contribute monetary donations at http://www.gofundme.com/dszfc8

(GoFundMe.com is a completely safe and secure website. It is among the most reputable and successful crowd funding platforms. If you have questions or concerns about donating through Go Fund Me, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/questions/)

All donations will go directly to purchasing stamps or envelopes, except for the Go Fund Me service fee. Any funds left over after 365 days of letter will be donated to the EYN compassion fund.

Send donations of stamps and envelopes to:

Emmett Eldred
Carnegie Mellon University
SMC # 2046
Pittsburgh, PA 15289

Write letters of your own!

Fill out this pledge form to commit to writing one letter a month or more on behalf of the EYN. If I can write three letters a day, you can write a few letters too!

Click here to donate directly to the EYN Compassion Fund.

The EYN gives me hope. They inspire me. So I’m not going to stop talking until I get people to listen. Join me. Support me. Pray for me and for the EYN.

Have You Taken the Dunker Punk Baptism Challenge?

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Check out these Dunker Punks from Manassas Church of the Brethren who are taking the Dunker Punks challenge, literally!

Whether you go about it by splashing a bucket of ice over your head, or by plunging into the Sermon on the Mount and Lord’s Prayer, and doing whatever it is the spirit inspires you to do from there, understand that becoming a Dunker Punk means that, from the moment you dive in, you will never be the same. And rejoice in the new you. 

Being a Dunker Punk is not about being baptized. It’s about living baptized. 

Click here to read the whole story. 

 

 

Read About One Dunker Punk Who Is Taking Action

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serrv

Read this message I received from one Dunker Punk who was excited to see our new Action page, and wanted to offer a story of something small that she does. I really enjoyed this message, because I think it sums up exactly how the Mustard Seed Revolution is supposed to work. Through small acts of devotion that express Jesus’ love, together we can make a big difference in our own lives, in the lives of those around us, and in the entire world. Remember, our actions don’t have to be huge to be radical.

I received this message from Karen Ungemach, a Dunker Punk from Palmyra, Pennsylvania:

Can I share with you something I have committed to do to help the situation with Israelis and Palestinians? I know it is nothing much, but several years ago, I committed to using only olive oil bought from SERRV in my house.

I don’t know if you are familiar with SERRV, but it is an organization started by the COB after WWII to help refugees support themselves and earn a living.Now they work with people in developing countries and some here in the US to provide work for them so they can support their families with dignity.

I found out a few years ago that there is a group of Israeli and Palestinian woman who formed a group working together and they sell olive oil. Sindyanna of Galilee was established as nonprofit organization in 1996 to work with the Arab population in western Galilee. Founded and managed by women, Sindyanna’s uniqueness is that it works in partnership with Israelis and Palestinians, and that it combines commercial activity and community work.

You can find out more about them at the SERRV website. Look under food, spices and snacks and it will be labeled organic olive oil. Their information is listed there. It is first class olive oil, organic, and supports these women. I know it is not much, but it is something.

Thank you, Karen!

If you want more ideas for how you can make a difference as Dunker Punks, visit our Action menu! If you have a story you want to share about a small, radical step you have taken to live more like Jesus, send us an email, or create a Dunker Punk profile!

Here’s One Dunker Punk’s Thoughts and Hopes for Our Movement

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Well actually, I guess I’ll be sharing the thoughts of two Dunker Punks here. Lee Saylor, a COB pastor in the Middle PA district was asked, “What makes this different from any other movement? What will make this one work?” His answer: “The people.” That’s what this movement is all about.

As you read the following thoughts from another Dunker Punk, I hope you keep in mind that how you choose to be a Dunker Punk is completely up to your creativity and the way Jesus fuels your imagination. What binds us together as Dunker Punks is our common study of Jesus and our devotion to living and loving like him. From there, it’s up to us. And that means it’s up to you! 

Here are a few thoughts written by Josh Brockway. If you went to National Youth Conference, you might recognize him as the guy who supplied those “Wonder Moments” after some of the sermons.

“Of Bureaucracies and Mustard Seeds”

Just to be clear, I work for “the man”. Yes, Stan Noffsinger is my boss, and that means I am part of the church institution. Just before coming to National Youth Conference I was at Annual Conference working to get a whole set of new rules approved. Then, at NYC, I walked out on the stage to get you all to wonder about your faith and what it means to be called by Jesus. There could not be two more opposite jobs in the church. One day I am doing institutional work and the next talking about spirituality. 

Some of us were awestruck by Rodger Nishioka’s powerful and challenging sermon. Let’s just say, you never want to walk out on stage after a sermon like that. I know I didn’t! Rodger’s words were still ringing in my heart and ears when I sat with Jarrod McKenna for lunch. To be honest, Jarrod had talked about Dunker Punks after NYC four years ago. So when he said he was going to invite people to be Dunker Punks in his sermon I was ready. Rodger had set the challenge and Jarrod was going to invite us into a way of meeting that challenge. 
 
So now, here we are a few weeks from the mountain top and we are figuring out what it looks like to “live into the calling to which you have been called.” Some of us have been talking with Jarrod late into the night trying to set out some idea of what it means to be a Dunker Punk. And to be honest with you, I am wrestling with how to support you all without making it about “the man” (not Stan Noffsinger, but the Institutional Church). How can we, who sit in these offices around the country, support, encourage, fan the flames, and even speak into what you all are doing without taking it over? How can we be with you and be riders while you drive?
 
The only way I can express that tension is to name some of my hopes. So here they are in no particular order.
 
1) I hope that Dunker Punks never has a “board,” organizational structure, or even a budget. As soon as that happens we shift from being a movement to being an institution. That doesn’t mean there won’t be leaders or that there will not be support. It just means that the whole idea is groups of two or three or four are doing what they can to be faithful disciples right where they are. 
 
2) I hope Dunker Punks never have a conference. Being a Dunker Punk is not about big, cedars of Lebanon, gatherings with stages and lights and bands. It is about these small local groups studying scripture and praying together and finding ways to take up Jesus’ towel of justice and service in your local communities. 
 
3) I hope Dunker Punks all tell their stories. Some of us will offer resources like a book or some videos or this web space, but there is no single Dunker Punk leader. Rather, as some say, Dunker Punks should be multi-voice— each of you should be telling each other what you are finding in the Sermon on the Mount, what opportunities you have found to serve, and what amazing things are happening around you. There is certainly a we-ness to Dunker Punks— that WE are Dunker Punks, but no one of us should speak for the whole. So claim your voice, your desires, your experiences and tell us. Think of this like a hashtag movement. The goal is gathering all our energies and passions together not setting up a single voice that speaks for us all.
 
So then, what we should we DO? Honestly, do what you are doing! Continue to read and study the Sermon on the Mount with one or two others (if more, even better). Pray the Lord’s Prayer daily. And keep your eyes open for ways to embody Jesus’s love and transformation around you. In the mean time, tell us your stories.
 
Some of us institutional folks are working on individual projects to help you all keep the energy going. In the near future there will be several resources that will come your way to help better understand the Dunker Punk frame and keep up with those three practices. By doing these things we are not trying to manage a movement, but rather offer some language for your experiences and some direction for your energies. 
 
Just remember, revolutions are like mustard seeds— small.
If you have a Dunker Punks story that you want to share, let us know at dunkerpunks2014@gmail.com! Or, simply fill out a Dunker Punks profile!

Read About Two Dunker Punks from History!

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sauer

You may not have heard of these two early Brethren, but both distinguished themselves as Dunker Punks through their revolutionary commitment to nonviolent nonconformity.

Among the first members of the Church of the Brethren in the colonial United States, Christopher Sauer became a prominent printer to native Germans and other German speakers in the colonies. Among the works that he printed were radical condemnations of War and Slavery, becoming one of the first outspoken advocates of pacifism and abolition in the country. In 1758, Sauer was arrested for denouncing the militant activities of the British army during the French and Indian war, though he died before receiving any punishment.

His son, Christopher Sauer Jr., continued his father’s legacy, and did even more to promote the dunker punk ideals of nonviolence and nonconformity. Not only did he continue to promote the ideals of pacifism and abolition, but he did so during an incredibly volatile and formative time in American history.

Sauer was very active in promoting these ideals during the American Revolution. While many throughout the country were gripped by nationalistic fervor for the American cause of independence, Sauer Jr. stood resolute in his belief that even independence was not worth the cost of violent conflict. Refusing to conform to the militant nationalism sweeping the nation and his region in particular, Sauer remained committed to nonviolence.

In 1778, Sauer was labeled an “Enemy of the State” and was summoned to appear in court to take an oath of allegiance. He refused both summons. A few days later, Sauer was arrested by the military, where he was subjected to humiliation and near-torture. Still, he refused to take an oath of allegiance. The next day, he was marched to a military internment camp, where he was held for several days until he made an appeal to George Washington. Washington allowed Sauer to be released, but Sauer was exiled from his hometown of Germantown until the revolution was over. Again he disobeyed the State and returned to Germantown a few months later. Sauer was arrested, and while in custody he missed another summons to take an oath of allegiance to the United States. As punishment, all of Sauer’s possessions and property were auctioned off. Sauer, a considerably wealthy man, lived the rest of his life in extreme poverty. Through all of these circumstances, he never wavered from his conviction to nonviolence.

Both of the Sauers, and Sauer Jr. in particular, remind us that being a dunker punk is not supposed to be easy. Sticking to the nonconformity that a truly Christ-like life demands isn’t supposed to be fun. We maintain our radical obedience to Jesus and his ways of nonviolence and enemy-love because we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven, and here in the Kingdom of Heaven, we do things differently. We are called by Christ to promote and build his kingdom here on earth, and the only way we can do that is stay resolute in our commitment to walking a different path.

Let Sauer Jr. remind us that no matter how bad things get, what we are doing is meaningful and powerful. So stay strong. Keep the faith you have committed yourself to living. And allow this community to support you. The Church of the Brethren and the dunker punks stick together. Allow us to help one another. We are called by Christ to Journey along a different path, and Christ has blessed us with everything we need to make that Journey together.

Stay tuned for more Dunker Punks in history and their radical and obedient acts of love! Want to suggest an historic Dunker Punk? Contact the curators of dunkerpunks.com at dunkerpunks2014@gmail.com.

Have your own story of being a dunker punk? Want support, encouragement, and prayers? Want a community to keep you accountable? Let us know in the form below!

Good Question

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Today this question popped up in our survey:

Hello, #DunkerPunks! Bill from @OnEarthPeace here. How can we help?

-Bill Scheurer, Illinois/Wisconsin District

Great question Bill! And I hope your question inspires other Dunker Punks to ask the same question of themselves. We have two broad answers: We want you to listen, and we want you to speak up! First of all, listen. By reading dunkerpunks.com and keeping your ears open to any other sources that promote the movements of Dunker Punks in the Church of the Brethren and other peace builders, you will find opportunities to pray, encourage, support, and get involved! Today, dunkerpunks.com got a submission about a fledgling movement called Muna Daya, started by several Church of the Brethren youth who felt moved at National Youth Conference to do something about the situation in Nigeria. Since then, we’ve started working with these youth to see what we can do to support their mission, and maybe you can too. You see, the more you listen and search for faithful servants who are passionate about following Jesus in radical, innovative ways, the more opportunities you will find to help. The other answer we have for you is something you’ve already done today: Speak Up! By reaching out to dunkerpunks.com, you’ve shown what true Dunker Punks do: step out from the crowd and get involved. Don’t wait for someone else to do something, do something yourself! Of course, we know that all of you at On Earth Peace have a lot of experience with stepping out, speaking up, and doing something, but our hope is that everyone else reading this will feel compelled to do the same. And since you’ve stepped up, we want to give you a few specific things you can do as well. First of all, we hope that you connect with Muna Daya and any other groups that you see featured on dunkerpunks.com. See what you can do to help them. Second, we’ll give you a few questions, because we want to step out too. How do you think we can work together to build peace? How can we help you? Let us know at dunkerpunks2014@gmail.com. We look forward to working with you more in the future! To see how other Dunker Punks have responded to God’s call to step forward, check out our responses page! Help support dunkerpunks.com as we move to work more closely with On Earth Peace by offering words of prayer and support on facebook or twitter. If you’ve taken a step forward to be a radical follower of Jesus, and you want to work with dunkerpunks.com, or if you want prayers, support, and assistance from the Dunker Punk community, let us know in the form below!