On Saturday, October 16th, members of the Midwest Region gathered together in North Manchester, Indiana, for a time of fellowship and an opportunity to hear about how God is working with the Brethren Church worldwide. Scott Soden, Coordinator of Brethren Global Partners, shared updates and information from around the globe with the group. From South America to Spain, the Philippines, and South Africa, the church has arisen in the last two years of the pandemic to serve people in their local communities. Each ministry has faced unique challenges. However, each church and region has met those challenges with love, grace, and countless hours of prayer.
Linda Immel shared how the pandemic impacted the ministry in India. The shift from taking care of the children at the orphanage and school to serving families more from a distance. Linda also shared the difficulty for the leadership of the churches with the loss of founder Prasanth Kumar in April. She expressed her deep appreciation to the many sponsors who continue to give this season. Linda noted that many of the churches are now open, in a limited capacity, including the larger churches in Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam. Linda explained that Sudhir and Latha Kumar had been regularly traveling to the church in Visakhapatnam for services while keeping engaged with the many village pastors. Linda also described how hard Nirmala Kumar has been working to keep families fed and pastors connected. All while working through her grief of the loss of her husband, Prasanth.
During the gathering, Scott shared recorded greetings from new partners in South Africa. Scott also showed a memorial video shown during General Conference 2021.
Ron Burns closed out the gathering with a concentrated prayer for the many ministries throughout the U.S. and the world.

Scott and his wife Barbara also traveled to First Brethren Church of South Bend for services on Sunday, October 17. Scott was able to bring the morning's message and then a similar presentation to the many church members during their Sunday School Hour.
You can view the service at the South Bend Congregation below: