The Brethren in Christ Church has a long and admirable history rooted in the Anabaptist tradition from the Germanic countries. The foundation for this tradition was largely shaped and formed by tremendous persecution. This suffering no doubt produced a characteristically Christ-like humility within the tradition that most often manifests itself in its people loving their neighbors as themselves. They typically excel at building churches, clinics, reaching out to the poor, and enjoy a theologically motivated bent toward social justice.

Volunteer service from groups like the one coming from the Red Lion church is invaluable to Faith and Action’s ministry – particularly in light of a troublesome economy. One of Faith and Action’s most important ministry tools is its Capitol Hill facilities. Hence, volunteer work geared toward the maintenance of the facilities is vitally important. Yet, needed volunteer

services are not limited to maintenance and construction. Additionally, short term teams (6 to 10 people for two days to two weeks) can do everything from administrative tasks in the office to set-up and breakdown for special events. Groups that are interested in serving the

with Faith and Action should contact chief of program Peggy Nienaber for further information: peggy[at]faithandaction.org

Faith & Action Chief of Program Peggy Nienaber presents plaque to Col. Zumwalt at US Capitol

Jim now works as an author, speaker, and business executive. He also
presides over a security consulting firm named after his father:
“Admiral Zumwalt & Consultants, Inc.” Jim’s most extensive work
concerns foreign policy and defense issues; his work has been
published by various notable newspapers and magazines including: USA Today, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Washington Times and Parade Magazine. His perspectives have often been so thoughtful with angles so fresh, that his work has been cited by members of Congress and entered into the US Congressional Record.

In April, Jim released a book entitled Bare Feet, Iron Will: Stories from the Other Side of Vietnam’s Battlefield. Drawing from his experiences while serving in Vietnam, Zumwalt humanizes the Vietnamese, telling their stories from a deeply personal perspective. While speaking during Monday morning’s breakfast meeting, Zumwalt wept
when he spoke about a Vietnamese woman who lost nine sons and her husband, who all fought against our soldiers. He went on to ask, “Why shouldn’t their stories be told?”

Zumwalt’s vocation is a compelling example of Christ’s command to love one’s enemies. Yet, an impossible divide remains where people are unable to see and appreciate one another as human beings and individuals with their own compelling and unique histories, struggles, and present existences. With his book and speaking engagements,
Zumwalt aims to bridge that divide, reminding us that even our enemies are due a level of respect that is appropriate to fellow human beings, made by the same Creator.

Rev. Rob Schenck with Pastor Torry and Marlyn Gligora and elders of Christian Assembly, Columbus, OH

On Saturday Faith and Action president Rob Schenck was the featured guest speaker for a breakfast forum that was put on by Christian Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. This marked the third year Rev. Schenck has done the Saturday forum which was in addition to Rev. Schenck’s usual Sunday morning visit.

The forum – which featured a diverse audience – presented an excellent opportunity for people to ask questions or register concerns about trends in law, government, and public policy. Rev. Schenck commented on how he thoroughly enjoyed the forum: “Preaching is my calling and is enormously satisfying, but it does not allow for two-way communication and this kind of forum allows me to have communication with my audience that is very enriching. People’s specific concerns can be addressed.

“I was very impressed with the depth of insight, with how informed and engaged these people were with public policy – how knowledgeable they were about current issues related to our federal government.”

As part of the diverse audience, several African-Americans commented in different ways on how they resent it when people assume that they make all of their decisions based on skin color. In addition to this newly visible form of racism ensuing since the election of Barack Obama, other popular discussion topics included America’s current policy on the state of Israel and the trend away from traditional Christian values in America.

The only thing missing from the insightful and intriguing forum discussion was more time. With not enough time to address all of the questions that could have been raised on Saturday, the forum points to the fact that there is a real need for thoughtful conversation regarding the relationship between Christian faith and public policy.

“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35

Last night I watched an Air Force major general with a rack of ribbons on his chest that could be seen from space openly weep in front of a room full of military personnel and church leaders. It was unusual to say the least. I know, military men and women experience the same emotions as any of us–it’s just I’m not used to seeing them exhibit those emotions in public.

What was the occasion? That made it even more unusual . .

To continue reading, visit revrobschenck.com

Bill was born on October 1^st, 1957 and was raised in south St. Louis. The fifth of seven children, he was a state finalist in track-high hurdles and graduated from St. Louis University High School in 1976. He went on to study at University of Dallas, Texas, in Rome, Italy, and graduated from Saint Louis University in 1980 with a degree in Accounting/Business Administration.

The former US Congressional Candidate once received campaign support from Alan Keyes, David Limbaugh, and Dr. James Dobson. Bill has often appeared on various programs televised by Fox News, TBN, CSPAN, and a host of others. Additionally, Bill is a prolific author. Included in his published work are the inspirational Prayers & Presidents: Inspiring Faith from Leaders of the Past and the intriguing Three Secular Reasons Why America Should be Under God.

To learn more about obtaining copies of Bill’s books, please contact us here at Faith and Action.

“My messages were focused on how we can find relief from our fears and frustrations by placing our focus above an earthbound view to a heavenly one, where God is our sure hope,” said Rob. “Politicians, political structures and anything with human origins will ultimately disappoint us, but the eternal God never disappoints.”The messages, which ended with a challenge to place ones ultimate trust for salvation in Jesus Christ alone, were warmly received, including with standing ovations. Rob and his wife, Cheryl, now travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he will address the annual conference of the Evangelical Church Alliance, America’s oldest association of independent Evangelical ministers, missionaries and chaplains.

LEARN is an allied ministry with Faith and Action that is led by Dr. Johnny Hunter. Launched by
Dr. Hunter with the aid of Rev’ds Paul and Rob Schenck, LEARN is an impressive nation-wide
network that mobilizes African-American pastors with the primary concern of standing together
in the defense of life.

Dr. Hunter has been a close friend of Rev. Rob Schenck for many years. To learn more about
Dr. Hunter and the LEARN ministry, visit: www.learninc.org.

The Frederick Douglass Foundation – not to be confused with the Frederick Douglass House
that is located two blocks from the Faith and Action ministry center – professes that its core
pillars are to be “devoted Christians, proud black Americans, and active Republicans.”
Frederick Douglass, a fugitive slave for most of his adult life, was a controversial figure in the
19th century for more than one reason. He is well known for being a staunch proponent of
natural law, and the view that the absence of justice in support of natural law demands violence.

A quote from Douglass highlighted on the Foundation’s website sums up his view: “Where
justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one
class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them,
neither persons nor property will be safe.”

Peggy was invited by the Vice Chairman of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, Dean Nelson.
He is a good friend of Faith and Action’s and is also prominently involved with the Network of
Politically Active Christians.

Faith and Action is also involved with its companion group – the National Pro-life Center – in
providing information and resources to current and potential members of congress who are
supportive of the pro-life position from a classical Christian perspective.

The delay comes because Republican senators exercised the right under
Senate Judiciary Committee rules to delay a confirmation vote by one
week. It has been reported that various lawmakers would like more time
to examine Kagan’s record – particularly her time with the Clinton
administration. However, the delay is not unexpected and is fairly
standard.

The Senate Judiciary Committee conducts its hearings and casts its
vote to determine whether the nomination should move on to the full
Senate with a positive, negative, or neutral report. There has not
been a rejection of a Supreme Court nominee since Robert Bork was
refused confirmation in 1987.

Faith and Action chief of program Peggy Nienaber plans to attend next
week’s rescheduled hearing and vote. In addition to monitoring the
vote, Peggy will be praying over the process and for Kagan herself.

All three churches are part of the Calvary Chapel network which, under
the influence of Chuck Smith, was built into one of the most
significant church movements in the last 50 years. Calvary Chapel was
one of the first networks of evangelical churches to really engage
contemporary culture when Smith began preaching at the beaches in the
late 1960’s.

Rev. Schenck said that his Christian life was, in large part, “shaped
by Chuck Smith’s radio broadcast ‘The Word for Today.’” The
broadcast’s signature approach is its expositional teaching –
unpacking the meaning of Scripture verse-by-verse. Rev. Schenck
further commented that Smith’s approach to the scriptures “helped
greatly” in the early years of his Christian formation and that he
“feels a debt of gratitude to Chuck Smith and it’s great to be linked
to his churches.”

Smith remains the de facto overseer of Calvary Chapel churches. In
addition to Smith, popular stadium speaker Pastor Greg Laurie is
another well-known Calvary Chapel figure ( http://www.harvest.org/ ).

For detailed information on each of the churches Rob will visit, go to:

http://www.hosannachapel.org/
http://www.ccsouthbay.org/
http://www.calvaryccv.org/