AUTUMN CHURCH CLEANUP TURNS TRAGIC
Assisting with autumn cleanup and yard maintenance at one's church is a common activity for many MAX members. On October 16, this annual activity turned tragic for 
sixty-nine year old Leonard Gerbrandt, a long term, faithful member of the Ottawa Mennonite Church, Ottawa, Ontario. Leonard fell from a ladder while trimming a tree during the congregation's fall cleanup day, suffering a serious head injury from which he never regained consciousness. On the evening of October 20, the members of the Ottawa Mennonite Church gathered for a prayer service on behalf of Leonard and the family. "The prayer service was very well attended and a time of healing for all present," reports the chair of the Church board, Monica Scheifele. Throughout the intervening week, the doctors' prognosis remained guarded. Leonard succumbed to his injuries late Saturday evening, October 23. We invite readers to be in prayer for Leonard's wife Ute, family members, and the Ottawa Mennonite congregation as they deal with this sudden and tragic loss. Leonard was a well known artist, associated with the Ottawa School of Art since 1972. He and Ute also served terms overseas in Bangladesh and Kenya, Africa, with Mennonite Central Committee and the Canadian International Development Agency. They were passionate about refugees and worked tirelessly in refugee resettlement.
PASTOR AT BEDSIDE OF DYING BROTHER
Mark Bowyer, pastor of Pleasant View Church of the Brethren in Lima, Ohio, requests our prayers. Recently Mark wrote in an email, "I have a brother, David (53) in Idaho who is dying of pancreatic cancer. He now has but a few weeks remaining. I will be traveling to be with him for an indefinite period of time, perhaps until the end. I am asking for prayer for him, his wife and their three children at home, and wisdom for myself as I travel and attempt to be a witness for Christ in that situation." May we honor Pastor Mark's request.
OLD ORDER AMISH PARENTS REQUEST PRAYER
An Old Order Amish family from southern Indiana requests prayer on behalf of their eight year old son who fell off a pony about three weeks ago, suffering a broken arm. His arm will remain in a cast for approximately another three weeks. His father requests prayer for his son's continued healing. Pray that Darvin's arm will be fully healed and restored to wholeness allowing him to continue the active life of an eight year old, including riding ponies.
MUTUAL AID LEADER HAS HEART SURGERY
Jim Gascho, former CEO of Sharing Services (Goshen, IN) and MAX Sales Manager and currently Managing Director of Michiana for Everence (MMA) had open heart surgery on September 9 to repair the mitral valve which is doing well. Since surgery, Jim has had a number of complications. Jim had surgery October 25 to have fluid drained from around his heart. This is the third hospitalization for Jim in the last six weeks dealing with complications. Doctors continue to attempt to regulate his heart rhythm. Pray for Jim, his wife Lila and for the medical team. Pray for complete healing and for strength for each day.
CELEBRATING MUTUAL AID IN ACTION
Until the end of 2009, Marvin Friesen served as pastor of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada congregation, Welcome Inn Mennonite Church in Hamilton, Ontario. In January, Marv accepted an interim six month pastoral assignment in New Brunswick moving there with wife Brenda and twelve year old daughter Grace. At the end of August they left Canada to pastor University Mennonite Church in State College, PA. The Friesens share the following story of mutual aid in action in the life of their family. We celebrate and offer our thanks with them.
"Shortly before our move to New Brunswick in January of 2010, for an interim pastoral assignment at Petitcodiac Mennonite Church, we sold our Hamilton home and placed our household belongings in storage. A friend graciously offered to store our belongings in a semi-trailer that he had available. 
Unfortunately, unknown to us or him, the trailer was not entirely weatherproof and over the course of our 6 months in Petitcodiac, water caused significant mold and mildew damage to our belongings. Most of our living room furniture, mattresses and personal belongings were damaged beyond repair. Hearing about our loss, Ross Penner, Pastor of Vineland United Mennonite Church (the congregation in which Marv grew up, and pastored for several years) approached us and asked permission to contact MAX Canada to enquire about assistance through their Mutual Aid Ministries program. At first we were hesitant - surely there were many people with greater needs than ours - but Ross encouraged us to consider allowing 'the church to do the work of the church.' Somewhat reluctantly we agreed, provided a cost estimate of loss and then waited to hear back. In only a few weeks we received the news that MAX Canada's Mutual Aid Ministries program would provide a significant assistance grant to supplement the congregation's assistance.
We are now comfortably settled in our new home in State College, Pennsylvania, where Marv has begun a pastorate at University Mennonite Church. Thanks to the generous assistance of family and friends, the Vineland United Mennonite Church, and the MAX Canada Mutual Aid Ministries program, we have been able to replace all of our lost belongings. We are exceedingly grateful for the loving care and support experienced during this somewhat challenging time. We are also very grateful for the assistance and support we have experienced from the broader church community through the MAX Mutual Aid Ministries program. In retrospect, Ross was correct in encouraging us to allow 'the church to do the work of the church.' For the generosity expressed and shared within the broader church family, we give thanks to God."
Marvin, Brenda and daughter Grace.
UPDATES:
Reuben Miller: In May our readers were asked to pray for a miracle on behalf of Reuben Miller, a young Old-Order Amish farmer in his early thirties from Lucknow, Ontario, who was facing a dangerous and imminent second liver transplant. For most of the spring and summer, Reuben was in the hospital in critical condition with various complications. At one point doctors advised he had only a few days to live. We are delighted to report that Reuben has made an inexplicable and remarkable recovery - without that second liver transplant. A miracle? He is now at home with recovered strength and minimal medication. Recently he was out plowing his fields with a four-hitch team. Reuben, his wife Ella and their four young children profoundly appreciative of the prayers offered on Reuben's behalf. The local Amish church community also expresses its thanks for the MAX Share Fund grant, offered to help defray some of the medical expenses. "The cheque was very much appreciated," writes Deacon Bill Miller, "I hope you will be richly rewarded for your kindness."
Jay Nissley (July, 2010) Jay, pastor of Kauffman Mennonite Church in Mannheim, PA underwent brain surgery on July 7 to remove a tumor from his right temporal lobe. In an October 13th email, Jay & Elta shared their celebration of the 30th and final radiation treatment for Jay as well as their 37th wedding anniversary. An MRI is scheduled for November 10. Assuming positive results, Jay will begin a therapy of chemo pills for 5 days each month for the next 6-12 months. "We continue to pray that healing of those random cancer cells will be complete through these radiation treatments, chemo pills and all the petitions to our heavenly Father," they write. Thank you for your show of care to us in numerous ways and for your prayers. They are felt and welcomed." We offer thanks to God for Jay's healing and thanks to all our readers who were faithful in prayer on Jay's behalf.
Asa Wright (September, 2010) In a recent conversation with mother Lourie Wright, we received a wonderful report about nine year old Asa's health. In August, Asa contracted whooping cough, a life threatening condition when combined with his severely compromised immune system resulting from his other health issues including severe asthma, seizures, and severe obstructive sleep apnea. Asa's condition has improved greatly and he has been able to return to school. The family wishes to thank the MAX community for your prayers. As Lourie stated in September, "We are strong believers in the power of prayer." Their experience with Asa has confirmed this belief.
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. 1 Timothy 1:1 (The Message)
Creating and Sustaining
