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The following devotion was originally published in the Hesston Record, July 13, 2016. A few weeks ago, I returned from Jr. Kids Camp at Tabor College. This was a great week of fun and learning for 4 th through 6 th graders.   Our theme this year was “Christ in me.” I loved our theme song by Jeremy Camp.   One of the lyrics says, “ So I will fix my eyes 'Cause you're my source of life. I need the world to see that it's Christ in me.” Often, we want people to notice us and we want to be the center of attention.   We are so self-focused. To prove this point, check out social media like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or Instagram or even our obsession with the “selfie.” However, Camp’s song takes the focus off of us and instead points to Christ.   Many people will say, “You might be the only Jesus someone sees.” I would like to shift that focus off of my behavior and actions and point to the One who is God and who will never let them down.   I will dis...

This past week, I wrote a guest post for our local paper, The Hesston Record.  It originally appeared in the March 9, 2016 edition.  This column will feature different pastors from area churches in the weeks ahead.  For those who do not receive The Hesston Record, I wanted to share my thoughts with you.  Have a great week! #HesstonStrong We are #HesstonStrong. This has become the rally cry for those affected by the recent shooting in Hesston at Excel Industries. We, as pastors, of the Hesston churches will be writing weekly reflections as to what this motto means to us.  Check back each week to see a response from pastors from other churches. Strong. What comes to mind? I know as a teenager I wanted to be strong which involved time and work in a weight room to build abs, biceps, quads, and shoulders.  As I grew up, strength became something that was portrayed in the workplace, home, and community showing others that despite circumstances, yo...

The Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church is looking for people in need of a change, an oil change, that is. The Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church is once again partnering with Lords Lubers of Valley Center to provide free oil changes for the Hesston community. In partnering with the Lords Lubers, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Valley Center which provides free oil changes as a non-denominational Christian ministry, the church will be helping cover costs. “When people are in need, the first place they should look is the Church, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case,” said J.L. Martin, Associate Pastor of Family Ministries. The Church has hosted the Lords Lubers in October and received an incredibly positive response from the Hesston community with 21 cars serviced at the last community oil change. “The first time we didn’t now what to expect, but we were very pleased with the results from October. Several people within the church and the community thou...

Hesston Elementary Service Project by Hesston MB Church families by Jackie Nelson The Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church’s children and parents came together to serve the Hesston Elementary School Saturday, April 2. A group of 32 parents and children gathered together to host a service day with J.L. Martin, Hesston Mennonite Brethren’s Associate Pastor of Family Ministries. Martin said the day was a positive learning experience for both parents and children. Martin said when most church members hear “service project,” many associate such projects with older youth, young adults and adult church leaders. “It’s important, and my belief, that we need to help kids understand that they can serve now rather than when they are teens or adults,” said Martin. Martin said children and parents working together in service helped reinforce the children’s ability to be active members of the congregation and gave their parents a chance to talk with children about being good stewards. “I...