Dan and Catherine Longenecker

You are invited to hear Dan & Catherine Longenecker tell some Bible stories from their hearts. They will speak at the Revival Fellowship meeting on Saturday, April 13, 2013. It is held in the fellowship hall of the Forest Hills Mennonite Church, 100 Quarry Road, Leola, Pennsylvania 17540. The meeting begins with worship in song at 10 a.m. and there is a noon meal for $6.

Dan & Catherine Longenecker  are part of the Network of Bible Story Tellers, International. This organization emphasizes telling Bible stories with emotion and drama - to capture what the writers had in mind. It involves internalization of the stories being told so that listeners are captivated and inspired. As they tell the stories from their hearts you hear more than someone quoting or reading the Bible to you. It actually keeps you awake (smile) !  

They will also share testimony of how this inter-denominational revival fellowship  - which was formed when missionaries from Africa returned with revived faith in Christ - ministered to them. Dan and Catherine have been involved in ordained pastoral ministry and chaplaincy in Pennsylvania, Oregon, New Jersey and Virginia. Dan grew up in Middletown, PA. Catherine grew up in Manheim, PA. They now live at Landis Homes in Lititz, PA

For more information you may call Wayne & Mary Lou Lawton in Elizabethtown 717-361-8990 

or Paul & Miriam Burkholder in Lititz  717-581-3964 

or Tom & Sheila Hess in Harrisburg 717-756-7921

For directions to the meeting check Mapquest.

Report of January 5, 2013 meeting at Forest Hills.

We gathered on Saturday, January 5, 2013 and sang “Another year is dawning, dear Father let it be, in working or in waiting, another year for Thee” and “Lead me, guide me, along the way “ a good prayer and lively spiritual by Doris Akers.

     After prayer Bill Scott spoke from Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear . . . “. It wasn't only the words Bill spoke but the way he spoke them – you could sense the presence of the Lord in his life and that God is trust-worthy in every situation. “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Bill then commented on the wonderful heritage of this fellowship. He was ready to leave the ministry because he felt so frustrated and inadequate but God spoke to him [through Roy Hession] the word about Saul being rejected as king of Israel because someone “better than thou” has been chosen. Bill saw that in his ministry God had chosen Jesus to replace him. This ‘death to the self’ resulted in new life for Bill and he spent the next 45 years in fruitful ministry. Bill didn't mention that he and his wife Marian had raised seven children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and God has used them in spreading the gospel around the world. Bill read an excerpt from a letter Herbert & Erma Maust had sent in 1975. The thing that thrilled Erma was seeing people set free as a result of being challenged and helped to pray honestly, “Lord, I am not willing [a confession of the sin of unwillingness and the cleansing that takes place instantly] but I choose to do your will [the response of faith after being cleansed] !

     Then Gloria Scott , daughter of Bill & Marian, spoke. She has been serving in scripture translation with Wycliffe, in Burkina Faso, Africa for the past 20 years. Gloria had prepared  and interesting fact sheet with colorful photos. She gave some power point illustrations of the persons and work God is helping her to do.  Gloria spoke about Elijah and the miracles that God helped him to perform. After the miracle at Mount Carmel (where the fire fell) Elijah became depressed and wanted to retire – he prayed that God would take him. (Gloria thinks that some in this fellowship may think it’s time to retire.)  But God was not finished with Elijah. He sent angels to feed him and he got some rest. God rebuked him for self-pity (he thought he was the only faithful one left). And God sent Elijah back in to ministry and miracle after miracle took place – all this after he had recovered from ‘giving up’ !

     There were some encouraging responses to this Word. Samuel Muikia sang the “Glory Song” in Kiswahili and Luganda and English. Testimonies were shared by the Lawton’s, John Maust,  Marlin Fahnestock, Jane Njenga, Joanne Reist, Lydiah Muikia, Linda Berry,  Becky Kurtz, Virgie Keener, Nancy Longenecker, Barbara Reed, Anna Ruth and Don Jacobs and Paul Burkholder. We realized that God has spoken today through His humble servants – and our zeal was renewed to keep on spreading this Word of His grace.

     Don Jacobs mentioned that some books he has written are available today: "What A Life" (a Memoir); "As The Wind Blows" ( Stories of his ancestry) and "Consider Jesus" ( a daily devotional from the book of Hebrews). 

     A delicious meal was served by Becky Maust Kurtz and Linda Berry.

                                                                                                    Wayne Lawton, reporter

A gracious testimony from Chuck Higgins

February 6, 2013

Dear Saints in the making...

    I am missing Marge from the “Chuck ‘n Marge” team and fellowship.  Not only do I miss having her around within the sound of my voice but also within her loving fellowship and her embrace.  I miss her wise counsel and as a “sounding board” to some of my foolish and farfetched ideas. 

    I was thinking the other day that as I took an overview of my life I see now where God in His maturation of my life on occasion has removed something/someone from my life I had to have to lean upon.  When that happened it took some time to regain that comfortable balance in the “new norm of living.” 

    However, I have discovered those epoch times were times God used to grow me into a further likeness of Jesus even when those times were often painful and agonizing.  So very often those were the defining moments God used Marge to help me as I entered that “new norm of living”.  But when Marge was removed it was the most agonizing of all.  I now have come to the awareness that I need her now more than I could ever have appreciated her before.

    I remember some years before I was faced with the fact Marge was probably the most important counselor I had for many of the decisions I was facing.  I invented a scenario in which I would be talking with, say, Billy Graham on the phone.  I was facing a major decision and needed his wise counsel for this.  He then proceeded to give me the counsel I needed.  After the phone conversation with Billy Graham I would turn to Marge and (humbly?) tell her of his wise counsel.  She would look at me and say, “Chuck, I’ve been trying to tell you the very same thing for the past few weeks and you would not even listen to me....if only....”  I failed to realize the wisdom she could’ve shared with me if only I would respect her and the wisdom she had to give.

    Another incident comes to mind when I was having a difficult time at a church I was pastoring. I decided (without Marge’s input) I should resign on a certain date.  So, I brought my conclusion to Marge.  When I approached within a week of that date I reminded Marge I would be tendering my resignation the following Sunday.  She then sat me down at the table (I should have known!) and calmly looking at me she said her piece.  She told me she didn’t agree with my decision.  She reminded me I had done this before in another church to which she did not agree.  She said we had not yet seen what God could do if we would remain.  She also told me that it will be difficult but that she would be with me all the way.  However, with grace, she said she would abide my decision.  Right then and there I knew she was right and I responded by deciding we must make this decision together in oneness of spirit.  I then discarded the selfish conclusion I thought I should  follow.  And guess what....God did His own awesome and miraculous thing following this decision we made together! But...that’s another story.

    You know now why I miss her so.  I found such encouragement from John 14:28 when Jesus told His disciples He was leaving them by saying, “If you loved Me you would be happy to know that I go to the Father for He is greater than I.”   I received that announcement as coming from Marge.  Though she is gone from me and the family yet God Who is greater is remaining with me!  Hallelujah!!  So, I’m learning, in another phase of my life, to lean heavily upon Jesus adjusting to this “new norm of living life” in the power of the Holy Spirit.

    As we continued through the years learning to live in the Light with one another we together grew only by the grace of God.  She was more than a wife to me, she was my sister in the Lord.  That made the redeeming difference in our relationship. 

chuck ‘n marge (Marge would have added her name to this)

Charles E. Higgins
clerhig1@cox.net

Gloria Scott, a missionary on furlough from Burkina Faso, Africa will speak at the Interdenominational Revival Fellowship on Saturday, January 5, 2013. Gloria serves with Wycliffe Bible Translators. The meeting will be held in the fellowship hall of Forest Hills Mennonite Church, 100 Quarry Road, Leola, PA 17540. Worship will begin at 10 a.m. with a devotional from the Bible by Bill Scott, retired pastor of Zion Bible Church, Zion, MD ( and Gloria's father). A noon meal will be available for $6.

This area fellowship originated with missionaries returning from Africa with testimonies of renewed faith. A website for this fellowship is found at http://revivalupdate.blogspot.com/

For more information you may call Wayne Lawton in Elizabethtown at 717-361-8990, or Paul Burkholder at 581-3964 in Lancaster, or Tom Hess at 756-7921 in Harrisburg.

PUT THIS DATE ON YOUR 2013 CALENDAR ! Plan to attend !

Fellowship Meeting, October 6, 2012

You are invited to hear Barbara Reed on Saturday, October 6th, at the area gathering of the Revival Fellowship. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Forest Hills Mennonite Church, 100 Quarry Road, Leola, PA 17540. There will be a lunch at noon ($6).

Barbara grew up in the Elizabethtown area, the daughter of the late Walter and Ada Longenecker Keener. She is a graduate of Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing. In 1955 she married Pastor Harold E. Reed. They served as missionaries in Somalia and Kenya until 1974. The couple have 4 children and 1 grandchild and are expecting their first great grandchild in mid-October. Barbara currently does some substitute nursing at the Adult Inpatient Unit of Philhaven Hospital.

The Revival Fellowship developed in this area as missionaries from several denominations returned from East Africa with renewed faith in Jesus Christ. For more information you may call Wayne and Mary Lou Lawton in the Elizabethtown area 717-361-8990 or Tom and Sheila Hess in the Harrisburg area 717-756-7921 or Paul and Miriam Burkholder in the Lancaster area 717-581-3964


Wayne D. Lawton, pastor
Cedar Hill Community Church
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Home/Office 717-361-8990







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Wayne Lawton reports on July 7 meeting at Hess

Report of the Revival Fellowship July 7, 2012 Tom and Janice Hess welcomed us to their farm for a day of food, fellowship and fun. It all started with with delicious barbecued chicken prepared by their son, Dan Hess, and baked potatoes prepared by Janice. Participants brought side dishes of vegetables,salads, desserts and beverages. We met in a spacious building with a large open door. With open windows and fans blowing it was quite comfortable.

Don Jacobs led in a song of thanks for the food. Following the lunch we moved right in to the meeting with Marlin and Rosie Givens from Palmyra leading us in songs of praise to the Lord and Rosie accompanying on her accordion. Rosie actually started the time with a beautiful accordion solo.

Samuel Muikia, from Baltimore, MD, asked who will share the Word. He was asked “will you do it?” He gave a challenging personal testimony . He was raised in a Christian home and taught to pray, to attend church, to give a tithe. But as he got older he chose the paths of sin. In 2004 he prayed a sincere prayer of repentance and received salvation. The Word he chose to share with us was from Exodus 2:9. He applied the words of Pharoah’s daughter to each of us: “take this baby [life] and nurse him for me and I will pay you.” We are given the task of caring for Jesus when we receive him in to our lives. We must be attentive to his wishes. We must move at his call and obey his commands. Christ wants to ‘grow up’ [mature] in us. And there are rich rewards for ‘taking care of Jesus’ ! It was a unique word and we were blest in hearing it. "Glory, glory, Hallelujah! Glory, Glory to the LAMB !"

Millicent Njuguna sang a solo “Feed My Sheep” which she has written and she sang to the music of the CD she has produced. Mary Njenga, [the wife of Rev. Johnson Njenga Kamau an ordained Presby-terian minister now attending Lancaster Bible College] gave her testimony praising the Lord for salvation! Miriam Njuguna from Lititz, gave testimony in her Kikuyu language and Mary interpreted it in to English. Miriam had been a religious person – even serving as deaconess in her church in Kenya – but she didn’t know Jesus personally. Later she was saved and the gospel became a living Word in her life. Paul Ndungu told how he was orphaned at a young age. He didn’t expect anything good to come in his life – but God made it possible for him to get an education and he came to America and studied at Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown where he obtained a doctorate in ministry. He is now the Executive Director of OnFire Agape Ministires, Inc., reaching Kenya for Jesus. (Check this ministry on the Internet. ) Cindy Hess who works at Landis Homes praised the Lord that by continually looking to Jesus she lives in peace! Wayne Lawton commented about two sisters who are now with Jesus: Kathryn Hess and Martha Keener. Kathryn attended the fellowship meetings and supported this ministry monetarily. Martha attended earlier and showed such compassion – she will never be forgotten! With these sisters in mind , Marlin led in singing “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory”!

After the meeting Tom Hess led a group through the Gospel Gardens that he has been preparing with the Lord’s help for the past number of years. Millie Maust of Collegeville and others were so impressed with the gardens but lamented the lack of rain which would have enhanced all growing things. Some of the children headed for the water slide and swimming in the small creek. Some adults and teenagers took rides across the field in the ZipLine. Carol Martin was so frightened she called out “Jesus, help me, take away my fear” then she zipped away and came back saying “Oh, this ride was so much fun and it wasn’t what I expected. This was the lesson the Lord wanted to teach me today. I am not to fear when things look hard! He will be with me!” Then she began to coach others “just let go – turn loose --lift up your feet. It isn’t frightening at all. You will enjoy it”. Wayne joined the children who were swimming and they wanted him to come down the water slide which he did. He forgot to remove his expensive hearing aids. But Vanessa Kinyanjui told him “that’s okay, we’ll buy you some new ones” (Oh for the faith of a child!). [The hearing aids are working – and do not seem damaged at all – Praise the Lord !]

Dick & Esther Miller of Palmyra, former missionaries to Zambia commented “In the book of Acts there are many themes – but fellowship is an important one and we really enjoyed the fellowship here today” Nevin & Barbara Kraybill of East Earl, former Tanzanian missionaries said “ Despite the heat, it was refreshing to be with God's people and especially the large group of Kenyans who attended. Thanks, Wayne, for your leadership in this group. To God be the glory!”

PS In addition to this report Don Jacobs has posted some photo's and a brief report on the Revival Website - take a look . . . . .http://revivalupdate.blogspot.com/2012/07/fellowship-gathering-at-tom-and-janice.html

Fellowship gathering at Tom and Janice Hess place

Our quarterly fellowship meetings are usually held in the Forest Hills Church but Tom and Janice Hess invited us to enjoy the work of their hands in their unique and marvelous "Gospel Garden."   It is amazing.  Each feature on the acre or more has a spiritual significance that Tom pointed out.  This is a work of love and prayer, and sweat, and should be visited by all who want to take a stroll through the Bible, from the 10 Commandments to the empty tomb.  Thank you, Tom and Janice, for your hospitality.

Braving the 95 degree heat, a nice sized group explored the delightful "Garden" under the guidance of Tom. Double click on the pictures to make them larger.