BVS-BRF

Service

through
BVS/BRF
August 22-September 1, 2010
Brethren Service Center
New Windsor, Maryland

Orientation Unit Leadership
Kevin and Marian Auker

The purpose for this unit is to offer Brethren Volunteer Service orientation in a context where conservative evangelical Christian beliefs are taught and advocated. This orientation is open to Brethren Revival Fellowship supporters and other interested Christians who affirm this faith perspective.The BVS/BRF orientation is one of several units held each year by BVS, a volunteer program of the Church of the Brethren working for peace, social justice, and meeting human needs.

Volunteers who qualify for admission into BVS may select this particular unit.

A BVS UNIT
AFFILIATED WITH
BRETHREN REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP

What is the BRF?

The BRF is a group of persons within the Church of the Brethren dedicated to maintaining an evangelical witness within the life of the church in our time. “We strongly believe that even in a complex and changing world, we must be guided by the Word of God in our decisions. Our purpose is to help make the church a New Testament Church by evangelism, service, and education.”

The BRF is not an organization to join, but rather a cause to identify with and espouse. The group is not concerned as much with organizational strength as with being an evangelical voice within the church. A strong emphasis is placed on personal evangelism through Biblical preaching and literature, on consistent Christian living, and Christ-centered education.

Who are the BVS/BRF Orientation Leaders?

Kevin and Marian Auker have served in the past as houseparents in BVS/BRF in Jackson, Mississippi and Lewiston, Maine, as well as youth work camp leaders. Their experience and gifts will be evident in the leadership task they have accepted.

The Director, Dan McFadden, Brethren Volunteer Service, is responsible for placements, projects, and supervision.

What Are the Special Goals for This Unit?

A Brethren Revival Fellowship perspective will be highlighted with the addition of the following goals:

1. To deepen our understanding of Jesus Christ, both as Savior and Lord, because He is the complete and perfect revelation of God.

2. To engage in diligent study of the Scriptures in prayer, because the Bible is the Word of God and the final authority for faith and conduct, an the supreme standard for all religious opinions.

3. To be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we apply the teachings of the Scriptures to our personal ethics, our ministering to others around us, and to help us develop a life-style consistent with a literal obedience to New Testament standards.

4. To discover God’s gifts to us, both individually and corporately, striving to use these for god’s glory and the blessings of others.

5. To make the Spirit of Christ a living reality in our daily experiences as His Disciples.

6. To learn how to discern the Will of God for us in our day.

7. To blend our desire to serve others physically and materially with our Lord’s command to evangelize all people, believing that salvation is only found in accepting Christ as Lord and Savior of one’s life. We shall witness both in word and deed to all persons.

8. To become aware of God’s concern for others and their problems and our responsibility to them as part of God’s creation.

What are the projects open to BVS/BRF Unit Volunteers?

Volunteers will be assigned in household units in order to provide for continued Christian community while serving on assignment. Houseparents for each household are recruited by Brethren Revival Fellowship.

Three projects are available to BVS/BRF volunteers in Lewiston, Maine:

• Good Shepherd Food Bank:
  • Office/Secretarial positions
  • Sorting, inspecting warehouse
  • Direct shipment and general warehouse

• The Root Cellar is an inner-city ministry caring for those in very poor neighborhoods. Duties include making home visits, volunteer intake, training, and activity scheduling.

• The Maine Home School Project has a traveling teaching assignment that visits students in their homes.

Is This Unit For You?

Many persons seeing this pamphlet will be aware of Brethren Revival Fellowship and be able to choose this orientation unit out of that knowledge. Others may not be familiar with this group and may need further information concerning the theological perspective, dress and lifestyle expectations, and other specifics of this particular BVS orientation. If this is the case for you, seek out a local BRF contact person, or Walter K. Heisey, 222 Old Mill Road, Newmanstown, PA 17073, Telephone: (717) 949-3173.

IMPORTANT!!

The first thing you need to do is call our office at 800-323-8039 to request the packet of information which includes the application. Tell us you are interested in the BVS/BRF unit. Even if you are just thinking about the possibility of BVS/BRF for next year, please call as soon as possible to receive the packet.

If you are considering being in the BVS/BRF unit please send in your application as soon as possible but no later than June 1. The deadline for completing the application process is July 12, 2010.

Sending in your application is NOT a commitment to serve!! What it does is allow our office time to get reference letters mailed out and returned and time for you to plan to have your medical exams completed and sent to us. When your orientation gets closer you will have the opportunity to decide for sure if this is what you want to do.

Brethren Volunteer Service
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin IL 60120

Phone:
800-323-8039, ext. 454

www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org

BRETHREN VOLUNTEER SERVICE

Brethren Volunteer Service challenges persons to Christian Service in important areas of need. Rooted in the Church of the Brethren and in understanding of the scriptural call to serve, BVS provides opportunities for volunteers to be involved in:

• advocating justice
• peacemaking
• serving basic human needs
• maintaining the integrity of creation

A program of the Church of the Brethren, BVS is open to any qualified person, age 18 to retirement. The minimum term of service is 1 year in the United States and 2 years overseas. Volunteers receive lodging, meals, medical expenses, necessary travel, and a small monthly allowance.