We were scheduled to leave for Leon, IA at 9:00 AM. When we met at the church, we found a mechanic working on the bus. The men decided that the bus needed to go to the shop for a leak test.  Upon inspection, the men at the shop decided that the repair could be made at the church so we returned to Salem Bethel Mennonite in Kalona.

Here, we spent the morning relaxing, socializing, exercising, and sleeping while experiencing a day of Iowa’s humid summer weather. Thinking that our A/C was finally up to par, we set out at 1:15 (four and one half hours after we had planned) for Arlyn and Janelle Kauffman’s house in Leon, Iowa. However, soon after we left, the A/C malfunctioned once again. As the temperature in the bus soared, we were forced to fling open the roof hatches to relieve our sweating bodies.

At last we arrived at our destination and the guys eagerly prepared for a quick swim in the pond after which we were treated to a delightful pizza/chips/pop/ice cream supper by the Kauffman family.

The program at Salem Mennonite was particularly significant for us as a choir because it was the home church of two of our choir members, and several songs were dedicated to the Leon Stutzman family.

~ Keith and Lisa

Here are several pictures of a stressed-out-but-joyful group on tour…

Another pleasant, relaxing day of travel. We only have about four hours to travel today, so we’re taking our time to take in some of the sights. This morning, we stopped at a small cheese factory/gift store. This afternoon, we are planning to stop at the Moline John Deer Museum. [UPDATE: we skipped this because we took too long at the cheese place.]

We arrived at Kalona in time to play a couple games of very “volleyball.” It was very windy, and we couldn’t figure out how to tighten the net properly, so it made for a very unique volleyball experience.

The program went well.

If you are planning to attend FB’s Summer Term 2006, you should plan to obtain these books for the classes you intend to take.

Titles, editions and listed prices may change without notice.  You must have the edition indicated. You are expected to have all necessary textbooks on the first day of class unless the instructor indicates otherwise.

If you wish to purchase books from the bookstore at FBEP, you should let them know at soon as possible before the class begins. The bookstore is offering an additional 5% discount on textbook purchases over $100.  E-mail Christian Learning Resource at clr@barnwellsc.com, fax to 814-789-3396, or phone 877-222-4769 (GROW).  Please include name, email address, and phone number with your order. You can pay when you arrive.  You will pay 6% PA Sales Tax on these, but then there are no shipping costs.

Download the list (PDF, 160 KB) (doc, 60 KB).

We left from Woodlawn right on time. Brandon Mullet and Dave Gingerich promised us ice cream if we call roll in less than 12 seconds.

The first hour or two was spent in some high-quality quiet time and sleeping. I found the six hours of driving time to be very relaxing and refreshing.

Our evening program was at Buck Creek Mennonite Church, of Richland Center, Wisconsin. The singing went well even though it was our first full program without choir books (traumatic at certain points).

We are sad to learn of the death of a choir member’s grandmother.

Our three programs went well. We were actually fairly perky for all of the programs. Two afternoon naps helped with that (at least I had that many).

Arlyn Kauffman was sick with something like mild bronchitis, so he missed all of the day’s programs. He was better enough to give come to the evening service (at Woodlawn Amish Mennonite), and give a testimony.

Our programs are split into three parts: First we have a standing of songs. Then Brandon and a couple students talk about FB. Finally, we have our last standing of songs (prefaced by the two ladies’ songs). Although this combination makes for a long service, many people have given positive comments of the middle section (as well of the songs, of course).

Bethel Conservative Mennonite is Brandon and Marie’s home church, so he waxed very elegant for his presentation on Sunday morning. Many of the choir members were sitting in the back of the auditorium enjoying his speech. We were talking about “Working with Joy,” our first song of the second standing, when Marie quotes it (in reference to Brandon’s speech): “We will follow, unafraid, not ashamed…” Little wonder we were cracking up as we filed in again…

This is the first installment of FB’s Spring Tour blog. You may download the tour bulletin here (PDF, 134 KB).

We presented our program this morning (10:15 AM) to our friends and families. This was our first “real” program, so we had some stumbling moments. As Brandon put it (accidentally), “Now you know what how you can pray for us.” Others assured us it was a very inspirational program and our vocal quality was very good. I do think Brandon plans to do some more practicing.

After many teary farewells, the bus rolled out the driveway at 1:21 pm.

There was a buzz inside the bus for the first half hour, while people settled in, and various announcements were made. After that, we had a quiet time for an hour and a half, while many people slept. Did we mention that this was a crazy weekend?

We are proud to have Jeff Garman (with Conservative Mennonite Coach Services) transporting us. He carefully mentioned that in the case of a water landing, we should release our seat cushions since they were not flotation devices. Swimming would be a better option.

We are planning to arrive in Nappanee area tonight, and will set up and organize for our three programs tomorrow.

Thirteen fine young men and ladies graduated from Faith Builders on Friday night, May 19, 2006. Rosemary Eberly, Arlyn Kauffman, Robin Soukup and Sherilyn Troyer presented stirring graduate addresses.

(click to enlarge any photo)

One of the traditions at commencement is the display of student memorabilia from days of study at FB.  Shown here are Robin Soukup’s and Rosemary Eberly’s displays.

Bro. Paul Emerson of Harrisonburg, VA, addressed the graduates and invited guests with reflections on worship and how discipleship is worship.

It will be sad to have these friends leave us. It’s amazing to think back and realize they’ve been here for two years. We will cherish the many happy memories and relationships that were developed in these years.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

The program bulletin may be downloaded here (PDF, 409 KB).

We have just shipped our newsletter Issue 80 to Haines Printing.  You may download the PDF here (599 KB). 

Included in this issue:

• “Western Civilization & the Kingdom of God”
• College Student Seminar & Retreat
• Summer Term
• Teachers Week
• Financial Report
• Europe Tour CD
• Little Gym Renovation

Click photo to enlarge (L to R, flanked by homeroom teachers Mr. Amos Stoltzfus and Mr. Brandon Mullet): Marcus Graybill, Laura Shafer, Josh Nisley, Irene Miller, Marlin Sommers

FBCS Graduation was Thursday evening, May 17, 2006. Mr. Melvin Lehman addressed the good-sized crowd and challenged the five graduates to accept a Compass (the scriptures), a Candle (light of God’s Spirit in them and others), and a Charge (the ministry of reconciliation).

The graduate addresses were very inspirational—the graduates have dreamed well and expressed their desire to serve God. One thing (in my humble opinion) that Faith Builders Christian School has done well is to teach our young people to speak publicly. Good work, Mr. Mullet, in speech class!

We also enjoyed the snack prepared for the time of fellowship afterward.

We will miss the leadership of this mature group of seniors next year. May God bless you as you pursue your dreams!