Bet Hannon

By Lorie Ham

One of the values of the board for Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance is that they pray before and during their meetings. They feel they have seen many answers to prayer through the years, including one dealing with their ability to write liability insurance—something that took them years of hard work and prayers before it was accomplished.

According to board member Jim Brandt, it was sometime in the mid-1950s when Mennonite Aid Plan members began asking for liability insurance. “However, under the California code, we were not allowed to offer liability. The need for liability insurance was a continuing issue for the next 65 years.” 

Throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, the call for liability insurance continued to increase but their efforts were still without any long-term success. At one point, they found a good source for their liability policies in GuideOne Insurance Company, but in 2002 that company discontinued those. Next, they turned to Merced Mutual, a company similar to theirs but twice the size, who began covering Mennonite Aid’s liability needs in California. However, the need to provide a reasonably priced liability policy in Oregon and Washington remained.

“In May of 2016, we devised a solution to subsidize our homeowner policies in the Northwest so that the burden on our members was not as great,” continues Brandt. “We allowed a rebate of the excess cost of personal liability thereby absorbing the additional costs of our Pacific Northwest members.

“Because of the continuing issue with liability (especially in the Pacific Northwest) and the costs imposed upon us, we also hired a consultant in 2016 to evaluate options.”

At their board meeting in October of 2016, the board decided to move ahead with two of the five options presented by the consultant. One of those options they began to pursue was to seek legislation that would allow them to write liability. The other one was that of starting a new insurance company, owned by MAP, to write liability. However, the board felt that both options were filled with obstacles. A committee made up of Dennis Langhofer, Jerry Linscheid, Jim Brandt, and Jim Enns were assigned to investigate the two options.

On December 2, 2016, Jim Enns and Larry Miller met with Assembly member Jim Patterson of the twenty-third district. This was just the beginning of many meetings and much work as they pursued this option, which ended up being the best one. “We also bathed our plans in prayer,” states Brandt.

On September 1, 2017, a California law was signed giving them the authority to write liability insurance. “At one time the Department of Insurance told us that we would never get that,” shares Jerry Linscheid (who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services). “Our board prayed and the passage of the law seemed an answer to prayer.”

“From our first meeting with Assemblyman Jim Patterson and legislative committee hearings to the final adoption by the assembly and senate to the governor’s signature, God’s leading had to be and was evident,” shares Jim Enns, Vice Chair/CFO of Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services.

While finally being able to offer liability insurance to their customers was one of the most memorable examples of an answer to prayer, the board and staff feel there have been many times through the years where they have truly seen God’s hand at work.

One of those earlier occasions was at the untimely death of their manager, Ron Licata. “God’s leading was significant on two fronts,” shares Enns. “First, we had a board chair at the time with significant knowledge and education in business and economics as a professor at Fresno Pacific University, Dennis Langhofer. He had time available to step in on a part-time basis to lead us through the interim between managers. Secondly, I believe God had led us to hire Jerry Linscheid prior to Ron’s death, to provide for a smooth transition.”

Jerry Linscheid shares another memorable incidence of an answer to prayer. “In 2015 the Rough Fire started north of Hume Lake and on the north side of the Kings River. It traveled south, crossing the river, towards Hume Lake Christian Camp and the many private cabins there. The prayers from our board and staff were just a small proportion of the thousands of people praying that the area be spared. The fire came up to the camp and went around it. Many people believe that the area was divinely protected from that fire. We insured about a dozen cabins at Hume Lake and would have been severely strained had they all burned.”

To this day, the board continues to pray before and during their meetings as they strive to provide for the needs of their clients. If you have a story of answered prayer you would like to share with Mennonite Insurance they would love to have you share on their Facebook page, and you can learn more about their history on their website.

By Lorie Ham

Many of us have picked up new hobbies during the pandemic or had extra free time to spend on the hobbies we already had. Whether your hobby involves cycling, collectibles like sports cards or anime figures, or even collecting expensive board games, if something bad happens, is that hobby covered by your homeowners insurance? Will you be able to replace those precious items?

So, let’s say your hobby includes collecting something. “A gap in coverage on your homeowners policy can occur when you own a lot of items that have policy sublimits,” states Mennonite Insurance/Mennonite Aid Plan Chief Executive Officer Jerry Linscheid.

You might ask, what is a sublimit? According to the International Risk Management Institute website, a sublimit is a limitation in an insurance policy on the amount of coverage available to cover a specific type of loss. A sublimit is part of, rather than in addition to, the limit that would otherwise apply to the loss. In other words, it places a maximum on the amount available to pay that type of loss, rather than providing additional coverage for that type of loss.

“For example, most homeowners policies have coverage limits for cash, jewelry, trailers, firearms, etc.,” continues Linscheid. “These sublimits range from $200-$2,500 depending on the category and the policy. Most companies will allow you to buy extra coverage if you own items in those categories. The best thing to do is check with your insurance agent. If you have invested thousands of dollars in a hobby, you want to be comfortable that you could replace most of those items should they be destroyed or stolen.” 

Sublimits can also be raised as needed. “If you do ask to raise the limits on a category of property, expect your insurance company to ask for some details about what you own. They may want pictures or receipts for those items. For example, we recently had a customer ask to increase the limit on bicycles from the standard $2,500 to $7,500. The agent required photos of the bicycles to verify that the increase was warranted. The cost to increase coverage will vary by company and category of property.”

So, if you have acquired a new hobby or more personal property, or gotten really serious about biking, the best thing would be to contact your insurance agent to make sure you have the coverage you need for whatever hobby or collection you might have. Mennonite Insurance/Mennonite Aid Plan is happy to chat with you any time. Call us (559) 638-2327, email us [email protected], or visit our Facebook Page and we will be happy to help.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

With the heat this year in many areas being so brutal, you are probably trying to come up with ways to cool off, and many of those ways most likely involve water—whether it be a community swimming pool, a pool in your own backyard, playing in the sprinkler, going to a water park, or enjoying a lake, river, or ocean. If you are considering any of those escapes this summer remember to be safe! You don’t want summer fun to turn into summer tragedy.

There are many things to consider when it comes to being safe in the water. In 2019, I wrote an article on pool safety that included common sense tips such as never swimming alone, and putting a fence around the pool to keep small children and pets from falling in. You can find all of those tips here, and even more in another past article that talks about the dangers of stringing lights near a pool.

“I think pool safety is important,” states Mennonite Insurance’s Chief Executive Officer Jerry Linscheid. “Most of the people who die in pools are young children and the death probably was preventable. That is devastating to a family.”

But what about safety involving other types of water fun? The American Red Cross provides safety tips for all kinds. Their top things to keep in mind are:

1. Be sure you are water competent for natural environments before swimming – this is not your home pool! 
2. Always enter unknown or shallow water feet first.
3. Watch out for currents, waves, and underwater obstructions – they’re not just found in the ocean.

They also recommend that every member of the family learn how to swim and what to do in an emergency. Their tips for swimming safely at the beach include always swimming in an area that has a lifeguard. And in all of these places, they advise being aware of the weather and heeding any warnings.

Another form of water fun that has become popular in the last few years is splash parks/pads. According to Pediatrix, while you don’t have to worry about drowning accidents here, there are still some precautions that need to be taken which include asking the facility manager how often they test the water, and what methods are used to filter and decontaminate it. Other tips include using swim shoes to prevent slipping, stepping on sharp objects, or burning feet on hot pavement, enforcing a no-running rule, and wearing sunscreen (which is a good idea no matter what type of water fun you are enjoying).

If you are planning on some more grown-up fun in the water such as surfing, body boarding, or other water sports, this article at realbuzz.com has several safety tips. One important thing the article states is to have as much information and education about the sport as possible.

By Lorie Ham

Inflation is popping up everywhere we turn, but did you know that it could also affect your home insurance coverage? That is why it is important to do regular updates so you don’t find yourself in a bind should something happen.

According to a recent article in Insurance Journal a new American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA)/Harris Poll survey of over 1,000 U.S. homeowners who have a homeowners insurance policy, shows that a majority of homeowners have not taken the steps to make sure that their coverage is keeping pace with inflation and increased building costs. Not only are a lot of people failing to keep up with inflation costs, but among insured homeowners who completed renovations or remodels during the pandemic, less than half (40%) updated their home insurance to account for those changes.

Another concern in many parts of the country is the increased risk of damage and loss from wildfires. An article on United Policy Holders states that as wildfires continue to grow in size and expense while ravaging or threatening residential areas, insurers and policy advocates are warning that roughly two-thirds of homes are underinsured. Depending on where you live, some other hazards such as floods are increasing as well. Are you in an area that is more likely to be affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or fires?

According to National Calendar Day.com, June 28 was National Insurance Awareness Day, a day when you are reminded to update your coverage. While that day has just passed, it’s not too late to take the time to make sure you have all of the coverage that you need. Some of the things they encourage you to include on your check-up checklist are:

• Evaluate your current possessions.
• How has your family changed? Has your family grown or have family members moved away? How many pets do you have?
• Do you plan to buy a new home?
• Are there big changes ahead that will influence the amount of insurance you will need?

“At Mennonite Aid Plan, we work at keeping the coverage adequate through regular updates,” shares Mennonite Aid Plan General Manager and CEO Jerry Linscheid. “Inflation affects every homeowner, so coverage should be looked at regularly.”

Contract Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services at 559-638-2327 with any questions about your homeowners insurance today. And while you are at it, be sure to check up on any other policies you might have as well!

By Lorie Lewis Ham

This month we have the final article in the Mennonite Aid Plan (MAP) history series celebrating their 100 years in business. They originally formed as a way for the brotherhood of believers to care for their own. The motto of Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ” was adopted and remains the official motto today. You can find parts 1 and 2 of this series on the website. We have covered the highlights of the last 100 years, and now we are going to focus on those who currently work for Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services.

Jerry Linscheid is the current General Manager and CEO.  That means he is the person who receives direction from the board of directors and tries to figure out how to implement that direction with all of their staff.  He began working there on June 1, 2009, just ten days after the previous General Manager, Ron Licata, passed away. “I was not able to work with him and had to learn my role from our staff, board members, and others.  I am grateful for their guidance.”

One of Jerry’s favorite memories from his work there involves a customer who thought her ring had been stolen from her home. “She wasn’t sure who might have taken it and didn’t want to wrongly accuse someone. We paid the claim as a theft loss. About six months later she called and said that the ring had slipped behind something and now was found. She returned the amount we paid to her. That embodies the relationship we want to have with all our customers, one where we trust each other and know that we are looking to do what is best for each other. When a company is created by church folks for church folks, that trust is more likely to be present.”

Insurance Agent Dalia Jimenez has been with the company for 26 years as of this past May and her time with MAP was recognized at their celebration banquet earlier this year. Her favorite thing about working there has been all of the people that she has gotten to work with through the years. “One special lady, Marsha Okada, passed away last year. We shared an office for many years and shared a lot of memories with her. She is missed dearly by all of us.”

Claudia Fletes wears many hats at MAP, working as an Insurance Agent, Underwriter, and in Customer Service, Sales, and Marketing. Her favorite thing about working there is also the people. “When I think of my 20 years at Mennonite Aid Plan, I think of the wonderful women I’ve worked with and the friendships we’ve made.”

Yolanda Hernandez has been an Insurance Agent with MAP since March 1 of 2006. Her favorite memories are of the staff potlucks and birthday celebrations throughout the years, handing out candy to the kids from the local daycare when they would stop by the office to trick or treat for All Hallows Eve, and seeing the Reedley High School band pass by the office when they would practice.

During her seven years there, Michelle Heinrichs has worked in Outside Sales and Customer Service. Her favorite memory comes from when she worked doing Outside Sales. “It was at an annual gathering of a pastors’ retreat. I grew up a pastor’s daughter, so I have worshipped in all settings and been surrounded by countless groups of people over the years. That was the first time that I was surrounded by leaders of the church singing or just listening to the worship music and it was evident their hearts were open to God moving in the room and their lives and churches. Very powerful. I was humbled to be in the room. I will always be grateful for that memory.”

Having been there only six years this coming October, Customer Service Representative Stephanie Heier is the newest member of the team, and like most of the staff, her favorite memories involve the people she works with. “My favorite memories are from our staff Christmas luncheons in the office.  We get to enjoy a lunch together, open presents, and give each other gifts.  It’s always such a fun time with my coworkers.”

Whether you work for the Mennonite Aid Plan, or are a customer, the key to their success seems to be caring about others. They truly embody their motto, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” Here’s to another 100 years! If you have a story to share about a special experience with MAP we hope you will share it with us on our Facebook page.

By Lorie Ham

On Mother’s Day, restaurants are full of families taking Mom out to eat for her special day. However, Father’s Day more often seems to include a special meal made at home, especially for Dad. Some foods associated with Father’s Day are pizza, steaks, seafood, chicken wings, or pretty much anything barbecued. While not all dads love the same food, a lot of people associate meaty and hearty meals with Father’s Day.

If you are planning to make something special for dad this year, the website Ahead of Thyme has 60 different recipes great for Father’s Day. Recipes include ones for grilling, slow cooker ribs, and Greek meatballs. The Food Network website also has some great recipes for Father’s Day, including porterhouse steak and maple bacon cheeseburgers! If your dad happens to be vegan, you can find 31 vegan recipes perfect for Father’s Day in this article on Bustle.

For some recipes you might not find elsewhere, food mysteries can be a great source! Many “cozy” mystery authors give their books a food setting where their main character has some connection to food—being a chef, a caterer, owning a food truck, etc., and they include recipes in the back of the books! Mystery author Leslie Karst writes the Sally Solari culinary mystery series and has a great Father’s Day recipe in the first book in her series, Dying for a Taste. “It makes for the perfect Father’s Day meal, as it’s simple and easy to make, yet elegant and wonderfully delicious!” (Her latest book, The Fragrance of Death, releases on Aug. 2, 2022)

Seared Pork Chops with Apricot Brandy Sauce

(serves 4)

This is a classic à la minute hot line dish, where a piece of meat is seared and then the pan it was cooked in is deglazed with liquid to dissolve all those luscious caramelized bits left behind. Once you’ve done all your prep work (chopping, coating meat with spices), it only takes about fifteen minutes to fry the chops and make the sauce.

Ingredients

6 oz. dried apricots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

½ cup brandy

1 teaspoon dried cumin

1 teaspoon dried ginger

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

4 thick-cut pork chops, excess fat around edges removed

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large red onion, sliced (about 2 cups)

¼ cup beef or chicken stock

4 tablespoons butter

Directions

Place the sliced apricots in a bowl and pour the brandy over to let them soak. The longer they soak the better—two hours minimum, but first thing in the morning or even overnight would be best. Mix the cumin, ginger, black pepper, and salt together in a small bowl and then coat the chops on each side with this dry marinade. Heat a large heavy skillet over med-high heat and then add the oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the pork chops gently in the pan. (Do not crowd the chops; cook them in separate pans or in two batches if necessary.) Fry until golden brown and then turn. Continue cooking until the chops are done to your liking (Gauguin serves them still a little pink in the center). Remove chops to a large plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Dump the sliced onions into the pork chop skillet and sauté over medium heat in the oil left in the pan, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn. When the onions start to brown, add the apricots (saving the brandy they’ve been soaking in for later) and continue to cook until the apricots start to brown.

Add the brandy and chicken stock to the pan and continue to cook for another 2 minutes. Add the butter and stir into the sauce once melted.  Plate up the chops and spoon the onions, apricots, and sauce on top.

For a fun Father’s Day dessert, we reached out to mystery author Dana Mentink, who writes a series featuring an ice cream shop owner! Dad will be thrilled with this recipe for Easy Peasy Banana Ice Cream.

Combine 2 cups of skim milk with 1 small package of instant banana pudding mix. Add one can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp vanilla. Mash one ripe banana and stir it into the milk mixture along with 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafers. Chill for several hours. Pour into your ice cream maker and churn for 35 minutes. Freeze for several more hours to ripen. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite recipe your family enjoys for Father’s Day? Please share it with us on our Facebook page! Happy Father’s Day and happy cooking!