This is our January cover.

In this issue

Personal

Do Christians go to heaven when they die? asks Pastor General Joseph Tkach in this month’s Personal.

Paul said that when he died, he would go to be with the Lord. Some say he’s enjoying the presence of God. Others say he is unconscious. What is this place called heaven? Page 6.

Women's Ministry

Connecting and Bonding was host for a ministers’ wives conference in London, England, Nov. 9 to 11.

Connecting and Bonding was founded by Jannice May, wife of Curtis May, Southwest U.S. district superintendent. Page 8.

Perspective on New York

The world is not the same, writes John McKenna, since the attack on the Twin Towers, Sept. 11. Mr. McKenna went to New York for the National Church Advisory Council’s 2001 Conference of the American Bible Society. This year was different, he said, from his other visits to Manhattan. Page 10.

Window on the World

Your brethren in the island nation of Fiji send you their heartfelt empathy for the trauma that Americans have experienced in the last three months, writes Randal Dick, superintendent of missions. They understand what we are going through. They are emerging from a devastating national crisis. Page 12.

Youth Ministry

James Griffin of Sherwood, Arkansas, writes that anyone involved in student ministry has experienced the claim it makes on personal time and the variety of issues that arise.

Where students are involved, personal time and space are rare commodities. Page 14.

Summer Educational Program

Bruce Marchiano writes that when he first arrived at the Summer Educational Program camp in Orr, Minnesota, and walked into the worship service, what he saw blew him away—young people hungry for God! Page 18.

Basic Christian Beliefs

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we have begun the Christian life, writes Michael Morrison. But accepting Christ is only a beginning—God isn’t finished with us yet. Page 24.

Reconciliation

Curtis May conducted a conference on reconciliation in London, England, Nov. 10.

Members came together to promote healing and reconciliation between members who have been humiliated, hurt, abused or in other ways scarred by past experiences in the church and society at large. Page 28.

Financial Report

Controller Ron Kelly notes that donation income has held steady for the past two or three months.

November closed with donation income at more than $1.76 million. Total income for the month was almost $2.3 million. Page 29.

Regional conference
dates set for 2002

By Nancy Akers
Executive assistant to Dan Rogers
Church Administration

PASADENA—Now is the time to mark your calendar for the 2002 regional church conference planned for your area. The locations and dates are:

Pomona, California—Jan. 19-21

Portland, Oregon—April 26-28

Lexington, Kentucky—May 17-19

Denver, Colorado—June 7-9

Dallas, Texas—July 12-14

Davenport, Iowa—*Sept. 14-16

Union, New Jersey—Nov. 8-10

Orlando, Florida—Dec. 6-8

*Immediately after this conference will be a fall festival running through Sept. 21. This will provide additional worship and fellowship opportunities.

Our focus this year will be on Christian Leadership. Our denominational president, Joseph Tkach, plans to make a presentation at each conference. Other presenters will be Mssrs. Rogers, Kelly, Albrecht, Catherwood, Schnarrenberger and other district superintendents.

This year’s conferences will include sessions for pastors and church treasurers on how the new church accounting model will be implemented. This information will give those responsible for financial matters the nuts and bolts needed to begin implementing the new financial model.

Other topics to be covered include leadership, disciplemaking, prophecy, worship, church issues, women’s ministry, youth ministry and children’s ministry. All members are invited and encouraged to come and participate in what promises to be an exciting conference on Christian Leadership. The conferences are a wonderful time to be refreshed and rejuvenated. And they also provide an excellent opportunity to renew acquaintances and make new friends.

For further information please contact your pastor or district superintendent.

Letters to the Editor

Free in prison

I’m 21, married with a beautiful nine-month-old daughter. I was born into the WCG, but left when I was 15. I’m back in the church, and my wife and I are members.

The purpose of this letter is to praise our Lord Jesus and tell others about his great love and grace.

I’m in prison for robbery, serving a two-year sentence. I am an ex-drug user and smoker. I’ve tried to commit suicide five or six times, but Jesus has changed my life. God has a purpose for me.

I never quite fit in being part of the old WCG. So I dropped out and starting getting high. The result? Prison. There was this hole in me that I tried to fill with drugs, sex, money. Finally it consumed me, and I committed robbery for drug money. I’ve been on probation in two states and was definitely on the broad road that leads to destruction.

Well, I prayed to God when I was in jams. He helped me but I ran from him. Well, finally I could not run any more. Jesus said: I will turn your gray skies to blue. I love you, follow me.

He picked me up and dusted me off, and I have followed him ever since. I was in the county jail and started reading the Bible and prayed for understanding. Boy, did he give it. I soon read the whole New Testament and was giving Bible studies and telling others about Christ.

I kept growing and learning. Almost a year later, here I am, a disciple of Christ. That hole could be filled only by one thing—Jesus Christ. Trust me, I found out the hard way. But let me tell you: I’m freer in here than I was out in the world. Through Christ I have stopped smoking, drugs and cussing. When the King comes into your heart that stuff must go.

Also I had a mental disability (Attention Deficit Disorder and possibly dyslexia). Well, my pastor, Larry Brown of Toledo, Ohio, anointed me, and God healed my brain.

God is great. He saved me, and through me my wife accepted Jesus and now is saved! It is not I that live but Christ in me. I’m a new creation!

Corey Waller
Marion, Ohio

I devour the WN every month. Send my special thanks to Mike Feazell. I get a lot out of his articles, especially the November article, "The Gospel Is Good News." I have been struggling for months trying to put scriptures together about judgment.

I knew the comments made by some radio preachers weren’t quite right, but I couldn’t seem to get it right, either. This article really hit the spot for me. I haven’t been this excited about an article in a long time.

Bruce Hard
Dallas, Texas

Hugh Mauck,
longtime employee, dies

HENDERSON, Nevada—Hugh Mauck, 82, who worked for church headquarters in Pasadena from 1955 to 1977 and again from 1982 to 1990, died of heart problems in Henderson, Nov. 30.

He was born Feb. 16, 1919 in Baltimore, Maryland. He served in the Army Air Force as an aviation cadet from 1944 to 1945.

During his time working for the church, Mr. Mauck served as circulation manager, founded the data processing and computer center, was an Ambassador College faculty member and was in charge of Educational Services for the Blind.

Mr. Mauck was baptized in 1953, and attended Ambassador College from 1954 to 1958, when he was one of 11 graduates. He was ordained an elder in 1989.

Mr. Mauck received a master’s degree in business administration in 1969 at age 50 from Pepperdine University, in Malibu, California. He received a doctor of philosophy degree in exegetical theology in 1993 at age 73 from Christian Bible College and Seminary in Independence, Missouri.

Ron Kelly, church controller, said: "Hugh Mauck set a fine example for hundreds of Ambassador College students. As an older, married student with business experience, Hugh served in the church offices as a supervisor over many younger students. His personal example and care were always appreciated. As the years went by, the Maucks always served the church with zeal and love."

Pastor General Joseph Tkach: "Hugh was always eager to seek the truth of a matter and share it with others in an inoffensive way."

Ken Peterson, Las Vegas pastor, said: "Gentleman with all the best that the word conveys, is a term that comes easily to mind in describing Hugh Mauck. Committed Christian is another one. He was committed to his Savior and his work through the WCG."

The funeral took place Dec. 4. David Wainwright, a retired elder in the Las Vegas church, officiated.

Mr. Mauck is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters Helen Farrell, Elizabeth Martin, Janice Strain and Melanie McAlister; 23 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild.

Personal from Joseph Tkach

Heaven

Do Christians go to heaven when they die? Paul said that when he died he would go to be with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). Since the Lord is in heaven, Paul must be there, too. Some people say he’s enjoying the presence of God. Others say he is unconscious. Either way, he is in heaven with Christ.

What is this place called heaven—or is it a place? Solomon recognized that heaven cannot contain God, and yet paradoxically it is his dwelling place (1 Kings 8:27-30). Although God is omnipresent, he is not present everywhere in the same way. He lives in believers, for example, in a way that he does not live in unbelievers. We "come into his presence" by becoming more aware of his presence.

Scripture shows that God, although he is everywhere, has chosen to dwell especially in heaven—or perhaps we should say that humans have used the word heaven to refer to the divine realm. Humans knew that God did not dwell on earth, nor in the underworld. They could not see God in the sky, either, but they used the word for sky to refer to the location of God.

Many people had a rather simplistic understanding of God’s location, and others would have been more sophisticated. Despite the misunderstandings and the limitations of human words, God inspired the writers of the Bible to use the word in Hebrew and Greek that is translated into English as heaven for the divine realm. Sometimes heaven is simply a way of referring to God himself, sometimes it refers to his glory, or his power, or his holiness. He is bigger than heaven, but heaven refers to his full presence.

Of course, since God is spirit, words that suggest distance and space can be used only metaphorically. Heaven is neither up nor down, neither east nor west. It cannot be located on a three-dimensional map of the galaxies. So when people are worried about place, about whether Christians "go" to heaven when they die, they are struggling with terminology that isn’t adequate to the task.

Our words can’t do justice to spiritual realities. Take the trio of love, joy and peace, for example. The love of Christ surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:19). God gives us an inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8). And his peace transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Words fail us when it comes to discussing these spiritual realities. If we can’t even discuss love, joy and peace completely, how much more will we be limited when it comes to discussing the presence of God?

The Greek philosopher Plato once created a parable that illustrates our limitations: There was a race of people who lived their entire lives in a cave. Their only contact with the outside world would be shadows on the wall. They had only a monochrome, two-dimensional understanding of reality.

Now suppose that one of the cave-dwellers was brave enough to venture out of the cave to discover the world of color, texture, smell, depth and density. How could the explorer explain these concepts to a people who had no experience with them? It would be impossible to describe the aroma of coffee, the concept of iridescence, or the warmth of sunshine. The sun would sound like bizarre fiction. An ocean tidepool would be weird beyond belief.

In the same way, we live in a limited world. We see only a fraction of reality. Though we may hear that a spiritual world exists, we cannot see it or investigate it. Those who leave this world to explore the afterlife never come back. Only Jesus has crossed the divide.

Only a few people have seen the glories of God. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him—but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit" (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). So we must acknowledge our inabilities when it comes to discussing our eternal future with God.

Heaven is in the realm of the spirit. When Paul says that God "has blessed us in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 1:3), he is not talking about a place, nor about the future. He is talking about a spiritual reality—spiritual blessings right here and right now (same verse). When he says that we are seated with Christ in heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6), he is not talking about a place. He is talking about spiritual realities: that our life and existence is now with Christ.

With Christ, we are able to enter heaven even before we die. "We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19). We enter his presence not through physical transport, but in the innermost person, in heart and soul. It is a movement of the spirit, not of the body. It is a change in attitude, not in altitude.

Our citizenship is now in heaven (Philippians 3:20). We really belong in the spiritual world. God is calling us heavenward, toward this reality (verse 14). Since that is where we belong, we need to focus on heavenly realities. It is our future, and it is our calling even today. We share in a heavenly calling; we have tasted a heavenly gift (Hebrews 3:1; 6:4). We have already come to a heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22). These are spiritual realities.

But there is much more to come. Although we have tasted the good things of God, we long for much more. Though we have glimpsed the goodness of God, we want to see it more clearly and more abundantly. We want to be saturated with his love and glory. Like Abraham, we long for a heavenly homeland (Hebrews 11:16).

We yearn to be with God, for him to satisfy our deepest desires. And in 10,000 years, we will have only begun to learn his infinite wisdom and compassion. We have an eternity of joy in front of us. "You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Psalm 16:11). Words cannot describe how good it is. It is everlasting joy, blessed peace, and the righteousness of God (2 Peter 3:13).

Our inheritance is being kept for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). There are spiritual rewards waiting for us. There is an eternal "house" reserved for us in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1; John 14:2-3).

This will be our home, and that is why the word heaven is used for the eternal destiny of all God’s redeemed children. To be in heaven is to remain in Christ in the presence of God. No matter where in all of existence that is, it is heaven, and we will be there.

"Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling" (verse 2). We are tired of the pains and sorrows and sufferings of this world. We "groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:23). Even so, we wait patiently (verse 25), knowing that soon enough, there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain (Revelation 21:3-4; 22:1-5).

In the resurrection, we will have a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:44). In some way we will be like Christ in his resurrection (1 John 3:2). It will be heavenly, in every sense of the word. "Just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven" (1 Corinthians 15:49). We will be people "of heaven" (verse 48).

The rewards of heaven will be ours to enjoy forever. Exactly when we start experiencing that glory is not very important. Our exact location is not very important.

The important thing is that we will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17). And even more important, it is through the Lord, and only through the Lord, that we can be there at all. It is only by grace that we can enter the kingdom of heaven.

But thanks be to God, for he has given us the victory. With Christ, our future is secure: "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (2 Timothy 4:18).

Women's Ministry

London: an oasis
for connecting and bonding

By Mary Hammond

LONDON, England—Connecting and Bonding was host for a ministers’ wives conference Nov. 9 to 11 for about 40 women from the United Kingdom and Europe.

The event took place at Hitchin Priory, originally a Carmelite monastery, which dates back to 1317.

Connecting and Bonding was founded by Jannice May, wife of Curtis May, Southwest U.S. district superintendent. This was the organization’s second international conference this year. The first was in South Africa in February.

Pat Halford, wife of John Halford, European regional director, welcomed attendees Friday evening, Nov. 9, for a praise and worship service.

The informal evening session that evening was chaired by Susie Dick, a member of the Connecting and Bonding board and wife of Randal Dick, superintendent of missions. The women got together in small groups, introduced themselves and discussed their hopes, aspirations and expectations for the weekend.

After breakfast Saturday morning, delegates were introduced to Lorraine Pelley, wife of Dennis Pelley, Pasadena pastor, worship leader for the weekend.

Then, Kathleen Hart, chaplain for student wives at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, spoke on the different stages of life.

Mrs. Hart said: "Despite various changes or crises, God is able to work with each one of us in amazing ways, despite our perceived limitations."

The women were encouraged to have a peer with whom they could exchange ideas and problems, and elicit help from, and to whom they could give support.

The next speaker was Shirley Henderson, wife of James Henderson, superintendent of African missions. In her talk titled "Running on Empty," Mrs. Henderson gave reasons for burnout: trying to be the perfect wife; setting unachievable goals; overestimating our energies and underestimating the time we need to rest and replenish ourselves.

Mrs. May gave each woman several gifts to show that ministers wives are a great asset and much valued by the church.

Mrs. Hart and her husband, Archibald, presented an afternoon session on marriage and relationships. They looked at relationship issues and differences from the male as well as female perspective: understanding your differences, dealing with conflict and how to live with an "incompatible" spouse.

Mrs. Dick then delivered a presentation on overcoming inhibitions to use one’s abilities.

"In my 30 years in the church, there has never been anything like this, nor have I ever seen so much love." Penny Goudie.

"This conference was an example to me of the ‘extravagant love of God.’ " Hilary Reeve.

"I can’t remember the last time I learned so much or was so warmly and lovingly course-corrected." Gerrie Bayley

"The lead ladies conducted with such loving spontaneity and in everything we felt appreciated." Jean Robertson.

Archibald and Kathleen Hart

CONNECTING AND BONDING—Attendees and speakers gather for a photo. [Photos by Nancy Silcox]

Women's International Conference set
for Nov. 15 to 17

CINCINNATI, Ohio—The Women’s International Conference 2002 will take place Nov. 15 to 17 at the Hueston Woods Resort and Conference Center, Hueston Woods State Park, an hour’s drive from Cincinnati or Dayton, Ohio. The theme is Women at the Well. The women in the Cincinnati churches will be hosts for this event. Details on the conference’s cost, lodging and registration will appear in future issues of the WN. Ruth Baker.

John McKenna:
New York City and
American Bible Society
conference

NEW YORK, New York—The world is not the same since the attack on the Twin Towers, Sept. 11. The Big Apple, a poetry to democracy in the world, received a blow on that day from which free peoples everywhere are still reeling.

John McKenna: New York City and American Bible Society conference

By John McKenna

At the National Church Advisory Council 2001 Conference, November 26-28, in New York City, the Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., Senior Minister of the Riverside Church, attempted first to persuade us about a new priority we must realize in our worship. We need healing, renewal, and refreshment in the love of Jesus. Since 9/11, we must pay closer attention to the impulses of the Holy Spirit for the work that lies ahead of us. There exists a tension in us of our comforts and our commitments.

Reverend Forbes drew our attention to the prophet Jonah. He assigned by analogy identification between Jonah’s struggle with the will of Yahweh and the Church’s struggle to obey Christ. From Jonah’s point of view going to Nineveh was out of the question. From Yahweh’s point of view, it was a must. God invades Jonah’s comfort zone. Shall it be our comfort or the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

The story is told that in the Perfect Storm there is God’s Big Fish and the prophet’s salvation from his comfort zone’s desires and his gratefulness for God’s deliverance of him from death from drowning in the sea. The deliverance of the prophet then results in a turning towards the mission the Lord God has for him. On dry land again, the prophet can overcome his self-centeredness and obey the Word of God. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Big Fish of the storms in our lives. It is His Grace that persuades us to do the will of God for our lives.

The pastor of the Riverside Church looked for a new unity among Christians since 9/11 and a new willingness to go where we are sent in the New Year.

The keynote speaker was Andrew Rasiej, president of MOUSE, Making Opportunities for Upgrading Schools and Education. He is an expert on the world of the Internet and the Information Age which is the future of our race upon the planet, an age of technology that is as profound a transformation of civilization as any we have ever experienced in our history. The Age of the Internet, says Rasiej, participates in the democratic and global revolution in which we are all presently involved. The problem is finding truth is the flood of information becoming available to everyone. The answer revolves around making it possible to find the Word of God in the midst of the development where everyone is free to choose for herself and himself to what they are willing to listen.

The Internet works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are 250 million people on-line. Websites compete for their time on it. We need the creativity to link up in this cyberspace with those who would choose to hear the Word of God in their times.

In the digital world, the Library of Congress On-Line will completely transform the availability of information. What will the Big Fish be in this ocean of word and pictures?

The Word of God was not written in Internet forms. To build a business among these forms takes great time, energy, and money. Who will pay for a form of the Word of God in cyberspace and time? Mr. Rasiej suggests that grants and foundations must be sought to equip us. We need custodians of this kind of space and time just as we have had custodians of the grounds where our institutions headquarter the Word for the world. Custodians should seek for as much unity in the diversity of these forms as it is possible for us to create.

But the deeper problem lies in the relationship between the forms of the Word in cyberspace and time and personal space and time. The dynamics of real education cannot be successfully realized without personal time and space. How will God put His Face on and face us on the Internet? The substance of faith requires this personal dimension and along with Internet forms we must learn to provide this personal space and time for those who are willing to hear the Word of God among us.

Who will resolves these problems? What will the Church on the Internet appear to be? Some people, at MIT for instance, believe that computers will obtain a power of intelligence able to replace the human brain. Artificial intelligence is not just a dream. It is at hand. What is the relationship of that which can be computed in this world and the non-computable dimensions of the reality of the development of human thought? Mr. Rasief appeared to suggest that, in the final analysis, the zero/one bites could add up in some sense to the rationality of the Word of God with us.

The workshops, held after the keynote speaker and the preaching of Reverend Forbes, were 1) Dale Carrell, Media Visions 2) Evan Morgan, Education and the Christian University Globalnet 3) John LaRue, Christianity Today, and 4) Robby Richardson, Evangelism and Gospel Communications International. One could not attend all of the sessions as they overlapped one another. I chose to Evan Morgan’s session on Education (www.cugn.org) and Robby Richardson’s session on the Gospel Communications (robby@gospelcom.net). Evan exhorted us to understand that, in all e-learning, mentoring and spiritual formation is imperative and automatic. There are 600 on-line courses already available from 150 different schools. Interactive courses across various time zones are becoming possible for anyone, anytime, anywhere. The problem is between the formal elements of education and the informal dimensions of learning. But distance learning in the democracy of globalization will occupy the 21^st century. But there is much here to be learned and developed. Robby’s concerns were similar, but specifically focused upon core purposes and peripheral tools employed in the electronic world. Is the Internet world a neutral place, can it become a place of the Word, will it be employed for divine purposes? These are his questions, the answers to which must be decided in the 21^st century. The best experiences thus far have been with ‘seeker-sites’, where felt needs are discerned and the Gospel’s clarity is brought to them. Then with various forms of follow-up and discipleship, people may be led into Church fellowship. We need to employ a tight focus for these sites while maintaining a broad network of relationships. Both workshops were very much aware of the way, since 9/11, the medium was deeply and profoundly involved in ministry both in New York and around the world.

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, serving a Military Vicariate that was established by the Roman Catholic Church in 1917, spoke with us about the pre-evangelistic work that is inherent among the chaplains of the many denominations in our armed services. Grace builds up nature and the military with its chaplain helps young people develop values the world does not teach its children. The chaplain is a lay-ministry sanctioned by the U.S. Government to do work that prepares people to live out Gospel truth. The great chasm that exists sometimes between military culture and society in general must speak to us of the way that military service and its traditions belong to biblical values of servant-leadership.

This was, so far as I know, the first appearance of a chaplain at ABS. Probably because of 9/11, we are more ready to hear of the way those who are willing to take up arms and serve their country as fighting men and women belong to the grace and truth of Christ with us. America’s leadership in the struggle for peace and freedom in the world certainly cannot be understood without this grace and this truth.

There was also special times allotted to some other speakers. Chris Thyberg of the Church Online (www.ForMinistry.com) taught us the three c’s employed to equip God’s People on the Internet world. Capacity, capability, and competency belong to the collaborate considerations of ministries on-line to serve local congregations. Trust relationships must be built up when information architects can do the hard task of creating the most unity between the various churches and para-churches seeking to proclaim the Gospel in cyberspace. The development of these architects is vital for the future of the proclamation.

Fergus MacDonald of the United Bible Society also exhorted us to take seriously the world since 9/11 and know that the world has responded to America’s tragedy and there is now an opportunity for a new family of societies possible. The Christian community ought to deal afresh with Aids around the world, find a new openness with Islam, and seek to make the Western Civilization more intelligible to the developing nations. The question about the West having lost its way in the world must be addressed with a positive leadership in which the world is given fresh opportunities to realize their destinies under God.

A young couple from Ghana was also given some special time to speak on behalf of the 70 language groups of Papua, New Guinea. They were with Wykcliff Bible Translators and burdened with the task of getting the Gospel put into the languages of these peoples. They gave a call to the African American Church to become more involved in the ministry of Bible translations. There are still 400 millions of peoples on the earth who do not own the Bible in their own languages.

The 2001 banquet speaker was the Reverend Della Reese-Lett. As a young woman Miss Reese was well known as a jazz-singer and most recently is known to everyone as one of the angels in the television drama Touched By An Angel. But Miss Reese is also a pastor of a church in Hollywood, where her preaching seeks to exhort her congregation into the positive values that we find in the Gospel. Terror, she sought to assure us, cannot and will not reign victoriously on this earth. Miss Reese’s appreciation for the uniqueness of the individual and her destiny in the world makes her seem something like an angel to many among us. I met her once in a jazz club in Cleveland, Ohio and reminded her of it and she said, "Its nice to see you again, Jack." After meeting with her, one cannot help but feel that there may be something to the individual as an angelic uniqueness in the world. But check your Bible on this impression.

The final two addresses were given by the preaching once again of Reverend Forbes and the address of the president of the American Bible Society, Dr. Eugene B. Habecker. Pastor Forbes preached for interfaith settings and the necessity of pluralism. Christian intercession and community must be seriously pursued. Individual and self-centered concerns must come to serve the values of the greater and common good. "No time for foolishness", Forbes remembered about his sabbatical at the deBois Center of Harvard University was the inspiration of the Reverend Higgenbottom. In the rapidly changing world, especially since 9/11, there is no time for foolishness among us. The opposite of the grace of God is the foolishness of man, and with the tragedy of the Twin Towers behind us we must understand that there is not time for foolishness in our nation.

The president’s address sought to impress us with the conference’s focus on the Word of God and a fresh understanding of the heart of Jesus in our time. The 6^th president of the Bible Society was John Quincy Adams, when the message of the Bible seemed the clear concerns of Christianity in the young nation. It is this tradition that President Habecker conceives as our mandate. Before 9/11 a cacophony of words from a diversity of points of view polarized the dynamics of Church and State in our time. But after 9/11 a new regard for truth drives us to seek to understand the Bible afresh and move beyond perspectives to grasp their relationship with the truth of the Word of God. Political tones have changed. Agendas have been revised. Life’s frivolities have been lost. We know we need to hear that Word of God that stands forever even in the midst of a rapidly changing world and its struggle to define our humanity. Churches must become the sources of the Bible’s wisdom and not Bible ignorance. The Bible’s wisdom must guide us into social actions that indeed define our humanity for us. The president quoted Greg AIbrecht, where he seeks to grasp the new boundaries that may define Christianity in our world, and from Mike Feazell’s The Liberation of the Worldwide Church of God, where the author seeks to help us grasp afresh the real significance of the grace and truth of God with us.

President Habecker was very much aware that the future must mean for us a new consciousness of the vital importance of relationality in our time. True values belong to life’s wholeness and we must live out our freedom in the knowledge of grace both common and redeeming in the wholeness of God’s Word with us. For this kind of relationality to be realized, transformations are necessary. Organizational forgiveness is imperative. It is this forgiveness that nutures good leadership, leadership that can overcome models of perfection employed as standards in the past and give real direction into the future. Here reconciliation with God is at the heart of institutional as well as individual development. We must be able to learn from our mistakes and champion a culture where divine forgiveness and the common good meet in Jesus Christ.

Since 9/11 the incarnate Word and the written Word must be listened too afresh and a new vision from the heart of Jesus enable us to face our future in Him.

Dr. John McKenna

Window on the World

Fiji: Members manifest
Christ during time of crisis

By Randal Dick

Your brethren in the island nation of Fiji send you a great big BULA—(the Fijian greeting). They also convey their heartfelt empathy for the trauma that Americans have experienced in the last three months.

Fijian members can understand what we are going through. They are emerging from a devastating national crisis. Nearly two years ago, a coup brought to an abrupt halt the peaceful life that was synonymous with Fiji. In the midst of turmoil our members found new opportunities to manifest Christ.

I spent 10 days with the Fijian members at their fall festival at a family resort between Nadi and the capital city of Suva. More than 90 percent of the members in the Fijian Islands had gathered to celebrate Christ and enjoy fellowship. Since this column is limited in space, I decided to take the picture-is-worth-10,000-words-route and show you rather than tell you. I’ll just list a few bulleted facts that you may find interesting.

• Fiji is a fascinating microcosm of three eras jostling each other: 1) it maintains its ancient tribal systems complete with the Great Council of Chiefs; 2) it was ruled by Britain as a colony for a century; and 3) it is a modern nation replete with all the technological goodies you would expect to find anywhere else.
• The senior pastor, Ratu Epeli Kanaimawi, has been appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs to chair a committee to research and present to the council recommendations as to how to heal the nation and go forward.
• Jacob Christopher, a member on one of the out-islands, is the Rabi Council of Leaders representative in the Kiribati Parliament.
• Mr. Kanaimawi serves on a council of leaders of most Christian denominations in Fiji. The leaders of the newly elected government have endorsed the group and met with them for prayer and discussion on how to reconcile the nation.
• Fiji now has a national Christian newspaper, called the Bula Star (Bula also means peace), and its editor, Iliesa Tora, is a WCG member (see photo).

Finally, I promised the Fijians that I would pass on to you that they miss seeing their American brethren. They invite as many as possible to join them next fall for worship and fellowship.

I’m sure they desire our prayers. We can be assured that they are praying for the church in the United States.

WORSHIP PROCESSION—In Fijian worship tradition, the congregation sings hymns as they take their seats.

FIJIAN MINISTER—Epeli Kanaimawi, along with his wife, Sophie, have served members in Fiji and the South Pacific for 22 years. [Photos by Randal Dick]

CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER—Bula Star, a new Fijian national weekly newspaper, represents the Christian viewpoint. Editor Iliesa Tora is a WCG member.

FIJI FEAST—Traditional Fijian feast of meats and a variety of vegetables, known as lovo, is dug out of its underground oven of hot stones.

EVENING CELEBRATION—The evening is a time to eat and enjoy life. The songs and dancing are spontaneous, full of laughter, and go on long into the night.

FIJIAN COMMUNITY—Fijian boys play at the ocean.

FESTIVAL GATHERING—Fijian members at festival 2001.

CHILDREN AT PLAY—Building relationships starts early in Fiji.

ACTIVE TEENS—Teens present worship dance.

Youth Ministry:
witnesses of transformation

By James Griffin

SHERWOOD, Arkansas—Anyone involved in student ministry has experienced the claim it makes on personal time and the variety of issues that arise.

Where students are involved, personal time and space are rare commodities. The commitment to touch a single student for God’s glory requires no less sacrifice than Christ gave for our reconciliation to the Father: total surrender.

Teens are relational. Their world revolves around the relationships they form. Be it with parents, teachers, friends or God, life is composed of relational bonds. Laying down our lives is testimony to the reality of Christ Jesus. Just as he gave up everything for our reconciliation to the Father, so we must be committed to the cause of Christ for teens.

One factor in opening the doors of the teen heart is the comfort zone. Often, Christians like to invite outsiders in. We open our doors and say, "Come and see what we have to offer." Unfortunately, that involves them coming rather than us going.

When teens enter unfamiliar territory, their shields go up. Contrary to what we seek—receptiveness—the teens are now put on red alert and our message is not top priority to them. If we truly desire to reach teens, we must first meet them on their turf. We cannot expect them to come to us, when we are the ones seeking to share with them.

Once in their territory, consistency is the key to success. When consistent behavior is modeled, a young mind is able to develop trust and feel a sense of security.

The same is true for the church. Consistency in behavior and love breeds trust, openness and a sense of stability. In a world of relativism and doubt, the church should be a place to which the weary can run for shelter. Conveying God’s loyalty will, in time, lay a foundation from which to share the more intimate things of God.

My dad took our family to Sea World when I was young. I had heard so much about Shamu, the dolphins and the rides that our van hardly had time to stop before I was flying out the door to get in the ticket line.

I was beaming with anticipation as my imagination ran wild with hopes for that day. I just knew that Shamu and I would be best friends.

I was wrong. The rides were fun and I got plenty soaked from watching the exhibitions, but I did not get to swim with Shamu. The whole day was shot because of it.

Since then, I have learned that being anxious does not help. Quite to the contrary, being fixed on the future distracts from the now, where our attention needs to be. Paul exhorts us "not [to] be anxious about anything." Instead, we should be patiently working with what we have, and "present [our] requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

We should not say, "But we only have this many in our youth group," or, "why do we need a youth minister when we have no youths?" When we are first good stewards of what God has already given us, then he will give us more.

Similarly, we should not expect a quick-fix ministry to truly fix much of anything. The Christ-centered model of ministry is not one of immediate transformation. In terms of spiritual riches, we sometimes think that if we make a mega-leap from the secular to the sacred, then God will bless our ministries exceedingly, abundantly. Yes, he will bless our ministries—just not overnight. The transformed life is a journey, not an event. On this journey, God’s timing is imperative in the changing of a life.

Student ministry is abstract. We seek to see lives transformed from the indefinite to the definite; from the lost to the found; from the sick to the healed. We seek to bring true meaning to a life. We long to demonstrate love and hope to a frightened generation.

Although God is a clear reality for those who are in constant communication with him, trying to portray these realities to a lost generation is difficult, dare I say impossible, except by the Holy Spirit. The fact that our task is insurmountable without the Holy Spirit should encourage us to seek God’s aid all the more. God is the originator of transformation and the only one capable of making it happen.

John Stott, author and preacher, wrote in Christian Mission in the Modern World: What the Church Should Be Doing Now!: "It comes more natural to us to shout the gospel at people from a distance than to involve ourselves deeply in their lives, to think ourselves into their culture and their problems, and to feel with them in their pains" (page 25).

But, that’s just it. With transformation as our goal, we must anticipate that the walk will be long and arduous. Our journey is not only time-consuming, but also, involving.

The process of transformation is a measure of success—by the very act of change, not necessarily the product of change. One of my good friends, Scott, told me, "Life is a great mode of travel." When we view life as a mode of travel, we are focused on what is happening now. Our goal is far ahead of us, but our eyes are focused on the road directly before us. We do not look through binoculars while driving. We would be in danger of having an accident. When we drive, we look both directly before us and slightly ahead so that we are fully aware of what we are doing and what is happening all around us. In other words, we are gauging our success continually: both by how far we have come and by how we are doing right now.

When I was growing up, my family would take drives. Dad would say we were going to see some of the houses he had built, but we knew it was just an excuse to go driving. Something in the act of driving itself was achieved that could not be gained by reaching a destination. The same is true in ministry. We set goals and evaluate our progress; however, change takes place continually. No single place exists on the map of progress where we can say, "You have now reached the pinnacle." Room for growth always exists.

The Worldwide Church of God, for some time, has corporately taken an interest in youth ministry. I hope that we are all motivated to take the initiative required for youth ministry within our congregations. History in our old youth program shows that programs are not enough. We must be transformation-oriented, pleading with the Holy Spirit to guide us into what he is blessing.

Then, we must take every opportunity to, as Barb Egbert, assistant director of the Summer Educational Program, says, "Bring them into the presence of the Lord." In doing so, we will witness miracles. Lives will be changed, hearts softened and minds renewed.

My friends, hang in, for we have just begun.

James Griffin is youth leader at Fellowship Christian Center (WCG) in Sherwood, Arkansas, and on the staff of the Summer Educational Program camp in Orr, Minnesota.

Youth Ministry

SEP Arkansas

Mike Rasmussen

By Mike Rasmussen and James Griffin

SEARCY, Arkansas—Campers will arrive in Searcy for the Summer Educational Program (SEP) Arkansas June 30.

Camp director Mike Rasmussen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and his assistant, James Griffin of Sherwood, Arkansas, are praying and planning for the camp.

"Pastor Mike and I pray over the phone for the camp, the staff and the campers," Mr. Griffin said. "We pray for individuals involved by name whenever possible."

SEP Arkansas will be at the Camp Wyldewood Retreat Center about 50 miles north of the greater Little Rock area. Campers will enjoy a wide variety of activities including swimming, a challenge course, horseback riding, rappelling off a 120-foot cliff, basketball, paintball and a river float trip.

A highlight of SEP Arkansas will be training to take evangelism back to the local communities. Plugging people in to local congregations for discipleship is a primary goal of SEP Arkansas. The camp will couple this training with fun activities, relationally bonding experiences, and purity ministry. SEP Arkansas will seek to continue the transformational process for those who have already met Jesus Christ and to show others the reality of God’s presence and their need for him.

For more information, please visit the SEP website at www.sep camp.com, or call Pastor Mike Rasmussen at 1-405-373-3137 or James Griffin at 1-501-346-4492.

Mike Rasmussen pastors the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, churches with his wife, Juli. They have two sons, Grant and Kurt.

I first arrived at SEP late at night, so I had no impression until I walked into the service next morning, and what I saw blew me away.

You must understand, I have seen many such retreat environments, but what I saw that morning was something very rare — young people hungry for God! The place was packed and the kids were un-self-consciously worshipping God like few assemblies I’ve encountered. I remember a couple of kids in the back of the room on their knees, their faces buried to the floor. I remember another seated on a long bench, his face bowed and his hands raised. Usually it is a chore to get kids past the need to appear ‘cool’ but these kids were well past it — they were just plain hungry for God, and boy, what He can do with that!

In so many retreats it is just an excuse for kids to have fun and if they have to go to some services, well, that’s the price you pay. But not at SEP. It was clearly about God and drawing kids closer to Him and equipping them not only to manage their lives in kingdom principles, but for Christian leadership as well. Exciting! And the testimony to how I feel about SEP is that I get many invitations from a variety of similar camps, but SEP is the only one I have returned to more than once. I want to be a part of what God is obviously doing there!

I remember standing with one of the camp leaders outside the meeting hall and this kid just walked right up to us and addressed him — "Mr…., I’ve been thinking about some of the stuff you’ve been teaching all week and I want to give my life to Jesus and be baptized. I’m going for it all the way." I tell you, a miracle right in front of my eyes. And that is just one story — I’ve seen many of these kids cross that line at SEP.

This may sound funny, but the up-front, clear and strong emphasis on Christ makes SEP different — it’s Jesus and seriously Jesus. Every activity is carefully constructed toward that focus. Another thing is the challenge that SEP presents kids with. A lot of activities are not for the faint of heart — the kids are challenged more than entertained, equipping them for what they’ll face in the real world, and that’s an SEP exclusive in my experience.

It’s so great hanging out with the SEP kids. They come and ask questions; they ask me about things they have a hard time agreeing on, they always treated me with the greatest respect. I’ve had nothing but excellent, mature experiences with them.

The leadership is great too. These men and women are so dedicated to these kids — passion for the kingdom fullness these kids can experience in their lives. And I can see that God is raising-up leaders among these kids, and what a privilege for me to be a part of that.

God is calling young people now. Not tomorrow or when they’ve finished school or when they’re 35, but now. He’s calling a generation of young people to usher the next dispensation of His grace in these uncertain times. The most valuable thing any of you can do is Jeremiah 29:11: "When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found." Jeremiah 33:3 — "Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and unreachable things you do not know." It is not time to hang around and be entertained. It is a time to trim our lives of all the nonsense and anything that is unworthy of a child of God. Seek Him with our everything, and stand back and watch the "wow" that He will undoubtedly do in and for and through our lives. Glory to His name!

SEP North Carolina

By Greg Williams

BUIES CREEK, North Carolina—The Mid-Atlantic District will be host to SEP North Carolina on the rural college campus of Campbell University, Sunday July 21 through Friday, July 26. The campus is a bit spread out and has a similar feel to our old Big Sandy campus. We believe that teens will benefit from the exposure to a college setting. Staying in dormitories and meeting in college classrooms will prepare them for what lies ahead.

Two programs will be offered simultaneously—Foot of the Cross and Higher Ground. Foot of the Cross (ages 12 to 15) will provide an environment where teens can experience the presence of God and hear a clear presentation of the gospel. Higher Ground (ages 16 to 20) will promote Christian leadership and offer peer ministry training for young believers. The cost for both programs is $300 per camper.

Making friends and having a Christian good time are also top priorities. Some traditional sports and activities will be offered, but more non-traditional activities such as golf, tennis and canoeing will also be featured. Campbell and the surrounding area offer high quality facilities, and we will have skilled instructors to teach the campers.

We have space for up to 160 campers and we are hoping to fill up, so apply early!

2002 regional SEPs

 

Regional camps will take place at these locations next summer.

 

Camp Wyldewood, Searcy, Arkansas: Sunday, June 30, to Friday, July 5. Tuition $280.

Camp Eaton, California: Sunday, July 7, to Saturday, July 13. Tuition $250.

Plymouth, Connecticut: Sunday, Aug. 18, to Saturday, Aug. 24. Tuition $175.

Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina: Sunday, July 21, to Friday, July 26. Tuition $300.

Camp Cotubic, Bellefontaine, Ohio: Sunday, July 14, to Friday, July 19. Tuition $275.

Camp Hicks, Lacey, Washington, Monday, July 8, to Saturday, July 13, Tuition $250.

To apply, see the Youth Ministry section at www.wcg.org, go to www.sep camp.com or write to the SEP Office, P.O. Box 2211, Frisco, Texas, 75034. Staff applications are available too.

Mid-Atlantic puts on
Builders Weekend

By Shane Bazer

FUQUAY-VARINA, North Carolina—After attending several Discovery Weekends and perhaps the Summer Educational Program once or twice, many young people want to make the next step beyond their commitment to Jesus Christ. They now want to take an active part in building their own youth ministries.

Over the Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, the Mid-Atlantic District sponsored a Builders Weekend for more than 40 on-fire youths and youth leaders at the Agape Retreat Center in Fuquay-Varina.

It was packed with workshops, dynamic praise and worship and discussions that focused on training our young people and those who minister to youths to be more effective builders of the kingdom and builders of the Worldwide Church of God.

Most of the congregations fully or at least partially sponsored their young people and youth pastors to attend. Attendees represented 16 WCG congregations.

Jeb Egbert, Summer Educational Program director, was the keynote speaker and provided motivational talks on Christian leadership, public speaking and being like Jesus. He said: "At such conferences, we learn how to complement the work of parents and the congregation to help create an environment in which Jesus is presented to all young people. My hope is that all districts will have conferences like what we experienced. I am certain that if they do, we will soon be reporting on significant growth within our denomination."

One of the participants, Alicia Pencola, from the Frederick, Maryland, church, said she felt that the weekend was "successful in providing more knowledge on how to get youths at each of our churches more involved."

Tim Brassell, pastor of the Norfolk, Virginia, church and one of the presenters, said: "I was highly inspired and encouraged as I witnessed a well-balanced and intentional Holy Spirit equipping session!"

Calvin Simon, one of the young men from the Norfolk church, led two young women to Christ after the "How to Share Your Faith" session by Paul David Kurts.

Debbie Harris, a youth ministry leader in Richmond, Virginia, was moved by the weekend. "To see God working among our teens and young people was powerful, she said. "Our teens were on fire for Jesus and it was overwhelming to experience this joy over Jesus firsthand."

'What I Saw Blew Me Away'

By Bruce Marchiano

ORR, Minnesota—I first arrived at SEP late at night, so I had no impression until I walked into the service next morning, and what I saw blew me away.

You must understand, I have seen many such retreat environments, but what I saw that morning was something rare—young people hungry for God! The place was packed, and the kids were un-self-consciously worshiping God like few assemblies I’ve encountered.

I remember a couple of kids in the back of the room on their knees, their faces buried to the floor. I remember another seated on a long bench, his face bowed and his hands raised. Usually it is a chore to get kids past the need to appear "cool," but these kids were well past it—they were just plain hungry for God, and boy, what he can do with that!

In so many retreats it is just an excuse for kids to have fun, and if they have to go to some services, well, that’s the price you pay. But not at SEP. It was clearly about God and drawing kids closer to him and equipping them not only to manage their lives in kingdom principles, but for Christian leadership as well. Exciting! And the testimony to how I feel about SEP is that I get many invitations from a variety of similar camps, but SEP is the only one I have returned to more than once. I want to be a part of what God is obviously doing there!

I remember standing with one of the camp leaders outside the meeting hall, and this young person just walked right up to us and addressed him—"Mr. ______, I’ve been thinking about some of the stuff you’ve been teaching all week, and I want to give my life to Jesus and be baptized. I’m going for it all the way."

I tell you, a miracle right in front of my eyes. And that is just one story—I’ve seen many of these young people cross that line at SEP.

This may sound funny, but the up-front, clear and strong emphasis on Christ makes SEP different—it’s Jesus and seriously Jesus. Every activity is carefully constructed toward that focus. Another thing is the challenge that SEP presents kids with. A lot of activities are not for the faint of heart—the kids are challenged more than entertained, equipping them for what they’ll face in the real world, and that’s an SEP exclusive in my experience.

It’s so great hanging out with the SEP kids. They come and ask questions; they ask me about things they have a hard time agreeing on; they always treated me with the greatest respect. I’ve had nothing but excellent, mature experiences with them.

The leadership is great too. These men and women are so dedicated to these young people—passion for the kingdom fullness these kids can experience in their lives. And I can see that God is raising up leaders among these kids, and what a privilege for me to be a part of that.

God is calling young people now. Not tomorrow or when they’ve finished school or when they’re 35, but now. He’s calling a generation of young people to usher the next dispensation of his grace in these uncertain times.

The most valuable thing any of us can do is to seek God with all of our hearts, because if we do, we will find him. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unreachable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).

It is not time to hang around and be entertained. It is a time to trim our lives of all the nonsense and anything that is unworthy of a child of God. Seek him with our everything, and stand back and watch the "wow" that he will undoubtedly do in and for and through our lives. Glory to his name!

Bruce Marchiano portrayed Jesus in the Matthew videos. E-mail your comments to Bruce at marchmin@ juno.com

 

Teen Hang in Rushville,
New York

By Robert and Deanna Gnage

RUSHVILLE, New York—We have started an every-other-week teen outreach, Teen Hang, that serves the villages of Rushville, Hall, Middlesex, Stanley, Gorham and Potter.

We provide a safe atmosphere where the teens can come to socialize, play air hockey, table tennis and pool, and eat to their hearts content. Free food is in itself a draw. A Christian rock group of on-fire teens comes to perform and evangelize every month or so.

We have worked hard to build trust with the young people, and we are slowly working to introduce Christ into their lives. The No. 1 rule of working with teens is: Teens don’t care what you have to say, until they know you care.

"There is nothing going on in Rushville other than the Teen Hang," said one teen. He said that it had been announced over the loudspeaker at school, and many were talking about it.

Chelsea Mitchell receives
God and Me Award

LOVELAND, Colorado—Chelsea Mitchell, daughter of Glenn and Connie Mitchell, received the God and Me Award, the first level of the God and Country Awards, Oct. 20 at the Northern Colorado WCG congregation. Pastor Bill Bixby made the presentation.

Chelsea is a Brownie Girl Scout with Troop 562 that meets at Trinity Lutheran Church. God and Me is a religious award program that requires Bible study and service projects. Chelsea interviewed neighbors about what it was like when they were young and how they came to know Christ. She also shared the contents of the Bible study workbook and interviews with her younger sister, Taylor.

For more information on religious awards programs, contact Programs of Religious Activities With Youth (PRAY), 8520 Mackenzie Rd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63134, or call 1-800-933-7729.

Iowa Discovery Weekend:
'One Common Goal'

By Jill Holmes

NEWTON, Iowa—From adults to young adults to teens, 43 people gathered at the Christian Conference Center in Newton for our first Discovery Weekend over Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

Some teens had been to SEP, and they wanted another great experience and more of Christ. Others were friends invited from school.

The weekend began with praise to God from Pastor James Newby, Dave and Ruby Thompson, Todd Woods and a message from Mike Pavlik of Ohio. Throughout the next three days, everyone got involved in a variety of activities. These included volleyball, basketball, soccer, Frisbee golf, hiking, indoor games, fellowship and a scavenger hunt.

Fireside chats kicked off the first night.

Four seminars were given during the weekend by Dave Thompson, Pastor Cliff Parks, Barry Brown and Jennifer Affeldt. The themes were how to deal with abuses, gifts, discipleship and church building. Dave Holmes and Sarah Holmes gave main messages. These were about three important relationships in life: with the Father, with family, with friends and about taking Christ home. The final night was complete with an outdoor praise service.

Staff members noted the common friendship created so quickly among the teens and young adults. Counselor Jessica Loter said: "I was struck by how such a small group of girls could bond so quickly to the point where they were crying with each other, praying for each other and encouraging one another."

Kristia Niles, a young adult, learned that she could affect younger teens by her words, because she’d been through some of the same struggles they have now. She commented: "It’s amazing how young people can gather together for one common goal, and that’s to praise Jesus! No matter if you were 10 or 24, everyone experienced the presence of the Savior, and that is what this weekend was all about."

COMMON FRIENDSHIP—Some of the participants and
staff gather after a seminar. [Photos by Jill Holmes]

COMMON GOAL—Barry Brown leads a seminar discussion.

Nashville children
reach out to
less fortunate

NASHVILLE, Tennessee—The five children in the children’s ministry of the Nashville church have been learning to follow Jesus’ example of caring for those who are less fortunate.

They joined with the women’s ministry to minister to homeless families at Safe Haven. While the women prepare a meal once a month to serve to the families, the children decorate and fill goody bags with toys, candy, balloons and a Bible verse. About 12 children are served each month.

In August the children started a fund-raising campaign under the sponsorship of World Vision to rebuild a home in India damaged by an earthquake. They built a house with Lincoln logs to show the church where they were with their project. Faye Woodall.

Basic Christian Beliefs

Christian Life

By Michael Morrison

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we have begun the Christian life. But accepting Christ is only a beginning—God isn’t finished with us yet.

After we come to faith, what do we do? How does faith make a difference in the way we live? What does God want to do with us? How does he want to change us? And how do we make the transformation easier?

God wants each of us to "be conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Rom. 8:29). We are in the process of "being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory" (2 Cor. 3:18). Paul worked so that Christ would be "formed" in the believers (Gal. 4:19). He described our goal in this way: "Attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13).

As children of God, we are to become more like the Son of God. He is not only our Savior, he is also our example, showing us what humans should be like. When we believe in Christ, we have a new identity and a new purpose for living. Our new identity is "child of God." Our purpose is "to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph. 4:22-24)—we are to act like the new person that we are.

What an enormous goal! We are to be like God. God is changing us to be more like himself—more like Jesus, who showed us what God is like when living in the flesh.

Obviously, we cannot make ourselves Godlike. But God can—and he is! He does not do this against our will, but only as we agree to what he is doing. And by the Holy Spirit working in our hearts and minds, he is helping us agree. "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Phil. 2:13).

We do not need to be like Christ in carpentry skills, cultural customs or physical appearance. Rather, we are to be like him "in true righteousness and holiness." In our morality and in our devotion to God, we are to be like Jesus Christ. That is the purpose of the Christian life, that we grow to be more like him.

We need to be changed on the inside, in our thoughts. Paul says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2). We are "being renewed in knowledge in the image of [our] Creator" (Col. 3:10). When we think like Christ, we will be like him.

God is the one who does the work, but we have a part. We can resist his work, or we can submit ourselves to cooperating with it. In the history of Christianity, three practices stand out: prayer, Bible study and worship. Millions of Christians have found that these practices (sometimes called spiritual disciplines) help us to present ourselves to God for him to do his work in our hearts and minds.

In prayer, we acknowledge our need for God. We are reminded that he is our standard, the reference point for our lives. We grow in love for God by praising his power and thanking him for his mercy. We set each day in its proper context, praising him for every good thing and acknowledging his purpose for our lives. We confess our needs and seek his help, not just for our physical needs but also for the spiritual transformation that we also need.

Prayer was a constant part of Jesus’ life, and if he needed it, we need it even more. But sometimes it is difficult. We don’t always know what to say, what to ask, or how to praise. It isn’t easy to set aside time. But we need to—regularly.

In prayer, we not only talk to God, we also listen to what he says as the Holy Spirit may bring certain thoughts to our minds. How do we know whether those ideas are from God, or merely from our own brain? To discern the difference, we need training in the mind of God—training that we get in Bible study.

Scripture was important to Jesus. He knew it well and considered it authoritative. He used Scripture to reject the devil’s temptations (Matt. 1:1-11). He said that we should not "live on bread alone"—we also need "every word that comes from the mouth of God" (v. 4).

We need the words of Scripture. God caused these books to be written for our instruction and encouragement (2 Tim. 3:16). Scripture helps change our thoughts to be more like Christ’s.

The early Christians devoted themselves to learning doctrine from the apostles (Acts 2:42). We get the same teachings from the New Testament. Part of God’s plan for our transformation is the study of Scripture. He doesn’t force us to do it—it’s our choice.

It isn’t always easy—for two reasons. First, parts of the Bible are hard to understand, and sometimes the meaning is debatable. There is depth in Scripture that can last a lifetime. We understand some of it the first time, a little more the second time, and a little more the third time. So we can’t expect to understand it all right away. It’s helpful to focus on what we do understand, not on what we don’t.

However, for most people, the hardest part about Bible study is taking the time to do it. We need to make it a habit, a regular discipline. Many Christians find it helpful to read a small portion of the Bible each day, thinking and praying about it. Devotional books are often helpful. The main thing is to form a habit, and keep at it.

Worship is a third discipline that helps us grow to become more like Christ. Jesus said that God is looking for people who will worship him sincerely (John 4:23). The early Christians devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking bread and prayer (Acts 2:42). They gathered for worship. The more we worship God, the closer to him we will be. Our faith will be stronger when we are in frequent contact with others who have faith.

There are many other spiritual disciplines, or tools for spiritual growth. These include meditation, fasting, solitude, simplicity, generosity, service and others. In all these, we must remember that spiritual growth is not our own achievement. We do not become like Christ through self-discipline. Rather, the disciplines are merely a way to let God do his work with less resistance from us.

In the Greek New Testament, one of the most common titles of Christ is kyrios, usually translated as "Lord." This Greek word could refer to a landowner, a government official or another person of authority. It could also refer to God, as it frequently did in the Greek translation of the Old Testament.

When the Roman emperor wanted people to call him kyrios, he was claiming to be "the" lord, the supreme authority—and Christians refused. Instead of saying "Nero is Lord," they would say "Christ is Lord," even though it sometimes cost them their lives. Although they obeyed Roman laws whenever they could (Rom. 13:1-7), they could give unqualified allegiance only to Jesus Christ. Only he has supreme authority. He is the Lord.

Peter tells us, "In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord" (1 Pet. 3:15). As our Lord, Jesus is two things: Protector and Boss. We are to trust him and obey him. He who gave his life for us can be counted on to give us what we need.

This does not mean everything we want, and it doesn’t always mean health and money. In fact, Jesus may even give us trials (Acts 14:22; Heb. 12:5-11), but we need to trust that he knows what he’s doing, that it is for our good.

The apostle Paul had many trials, but he "learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Phil. 4:11). Sometimes he was poor, and sometimes he had plenty, and Christ was his source of strength even when he was hungry (vv. 12-13). His Lord provided as much as he needed at the time. Sometimes he provided a way to escape a trial; sometimes he provided strength to endure it.

Our Lord is also our Master, who gives commands and expects us to obey. Paul talked about the obedience that comes with faith (Rom. 1:5); James said that faith without obedience is dead (Jas. 2:17). In our actions, we show whether we trust Christ. He died for us, and in response, we live for him and serve him (2 Cor. 5:15). We offer ourselves to God, to be used in righteousness (Rom. 6:12-13).

Why should we obey God? The simplest reason is: It’s our duty. Through his death on the cross, Christ has purchased us (Acts 20:28), and it is only fair that we do what he says. We are children of God, and we are to do what he commands. Of course, we do not obey in order to be saved. Salvation comes first, and obedience should follow.

But obedience goes deeper than duty. Obedience should come from the heart, done because we want to, not grudgingly, because we have to. So why should we want to obey?

There are three main reasons: faith, hope and love. In faith, we believe that God’s commands are for our own good. He loves us and wants to help us, not give us unnecessary burdens.

As our Creator, he has the wisdom to know how we should live, what works best and what causes the most happiness in the long run. And we have to trust him in that; his perspective is much better than ours.

Obedience expresses faith in his wisdom and love. Obedience is what he made us for (Eph. 2:10), and life works better if we are in tune with the way we were made.

Obedience also involves hope in a future blessing. If there is no future life, then Christianity would be foolish (1 Cor. 15:14-18). Jesus promised that his disciples would find eternal life worth far more than anything they might have to give up in this age (Mark 10:29-30). Everyone who is saved will have the joy of knowing God in eternal life, but there are also rewards in addition to eternal joy.

Jesus encouraged his disciples to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matt. 6:19-21). Several of his parables indicate that we will be rewarded for what we do in this life. God rewards those who seek him (Heb. 11:6).

Paul also wrote about rewards: "The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does" (Eph. 6:8). This is not talking about salvation, but about rewards in addition to salvation. He described the judgment as a fire that tests the quality of every person’s work. "If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward" (1 Cor. 3:14). If it is burned up, he will lose it, but he will still be saved (v. 15). The more we are like Christ now, the more we will "keep with us" after we die.

But reward is not the only reason we work, for we are children of the King, not employees who do only what we get paid for. Our final motive for obedience is love. This includes love for people around us, because they will be better off if we obey God than if we do not. God’s instructions are sensible, not arbitrary rules. They help people get along with other people.

But most of all, it is our love for God that causes us to want to obey him. He has done so much for us, that we cannot help but be thankful and want to please him. "If you love me," Jesus says, "you will obey what I command" (John 14:15). "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching" (v. 23). John later wrote, "This is love for God: to obey his commands" (1 John 5:3). "The man who says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar.... But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him" (1 John 2:4-5).

Obedience can also tell other people that we love God. Obedience says that he is great and good and wise, and we adore him. Obedience says that God is important to us, that he is valuable, that he deserves our loyalty. Let your good deeds be seen, Jesus said, so that people can see them "and praise your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).

"Live such good lives among the pagans," Peter wrote, "that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Pet. 2:12). A good example can help people be favorably disposed to God. "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Phil. 1:27).

Help the gospel be associated with good things, not bad. Our love for God means that we want to bring him favorable publicity, so that others will come to love him, too. A bad example will bring the gospel into disrepute (Titus 2:5). Those who flaunt their sins cannot be counted as members in good standing (1 Cor. 5:1-13).

We believe that Christians should gather in regular fellowship and live lives of faith that make evident the good news that humans enter the kingdom of God by putting their trust in Jesus Christ.—Statement of Beliefs of the Worldwide Church of God, 2001 edition, page 1.

 

Much of what we have been discussing comes under the theological term sanctification, which means "making holy." Through his death on the cross, Christ has already sanctified us (Heb. 10:10). That means he has set us apart for himself, for his use. We are holy, and Scripture frequently calls us "saints"—which means "holy ones." We are dedicated to God.

But in another sense, we are still in the process of being made holy (v. 14). The work is not yet done. Perhaps you’ve noticed that our behavior isn’t always what it ought to be. In the process of sanctification, our thoughts and behaviors are being brought into conformity with what they ought to be. We are holy children of God, and we ought to live like it.

Although God enables and energizes this process, Christians have an active part in it. They are repeatedly told to think, speak and act in certain ways. "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Phil. 2:12).

God "has saved us and called us to a holy life," Paul wrote (2 Tim. 1:9). He exhorts us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, doing the will of God (Rom. 12:1-2). He encourages us to "live a life worthy of the Lord" and to "please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10).

"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified ... that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.... For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life" (1 Thess. 4:3-7). "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14).

To be like Jesus, to live like Jesus—this may seem like an unrealistic goal. But it is our goal nonetheless, for God is the one doing the work in us. Despite our inabilities, we can be confident that he will finish the work in us (Phil. 1:6). Although our progress may sometimes seem slow, we trust in Christ, not in ourselves.

Paul expressed an excellent attitude: "Not that I ... have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Phil. 3:12). Christ has taken hold of us for his purpose, which is that we are to be conformed into his image. So we press onward, confident in him, striving to do his will.

"One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (vv. 13-14).

Press onward!

Answer: It is natural to see the baptism of fire as a punitive judgment, because John the Baptist goes on to refer to the fire of final punishment. But the grammar of the saying "in Holy Spirit and fire" (literal translation) indicates that there is only one baptism in view, not two. If the writer meant two baptisms, then he would have said in Holy Spirit and in fire, using the preposition twice.

Moreover, John said that the Messiah would baptize "you"—meaning the audience that was coming to him for baptism. He didn’t say the Messiah will baptize some of you in Holy Spirit and some of you in fire. Rather, it is one baptism.

D.A. Carson, in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 8, says: "There are good reasons ... for taking ‘fire’ as a purifying agent along with the Holy Spirit. The people John is addressing are being baptized by him; presumably they have repented. More important is the preposition en (‘with’) is not repeated before fire: the one preposition governs both ‘Holy Spirit’ and ‘fire,’ and this normally suggests a unified concept, Spirit-fire or the like....

"Fire often has a purifying, not destructive connotation in the Old Testament (e.g. Isa. 1:25; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:2-3). John’s water baptism relates to repentance; but the one whose way he is preparing will administer a Spirit-fire baptism that will purify and refine. In a time when many Jews felt the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn till the Messianic Age, this announcement could only have been greeted with excited anticipation."

The purifying work of the Holy Spirit begins in this life, and will be intensified when Christ returns, when we will be transformed and will not sin any more. As Paul says, everyone’s work will be tested by fire (1 Cor. 3:13-15). We will all have the baptism of fire. For some of us, it will be a great relief to get rid of impurities. Others will find it very unpleasant, because they like impurity.

Curtis May leads
London reconciliation
conference

By Chris Reeve

LONDON—The Indian YMCA was the venue for a conference on reconciliation, Nov. 10.

The day began at 9 a.m. with worship led by Chris Reeve, pastor of the Shenfield congregation. The rest of the morning was led by Curtis May, director of the Office of Reconciliation Ministries (ORM). This office promotes healing and reconciliation between members who have been humiliated, hurt, abused or in other ways scarred by past experiences in the church and society at large.

In most cases these are instances of racial intolerance, but Mr. May’s ministry also engages in healing hurts arising from other forms of abuse, such as gender, class and status discrimination. Although based in the United States, ORM has been invited to establish its services in Canada, South Africa and now England and Ireland.

The morning session featured the video Reconciliation—A Move of God, which portrayed the work of ORM and included interviews with people who had come to express and receive forgiveness through its work. Included were interviews with prominent workers in the field of reconciliation, such as John Dawson.

After the video, a panel was convened of church members from a variety of ethnic backgrounds who spoke about their own experiences as victims of discrimination. Their willingness to share their feelings helped the rest of the members present to speak more candidly about how they felt about the subject, which led to a closer bonding of the assembled group.

One participant on the panel was Jacob Abraham, general secretary of the Indian YMCA, who has consistently shown considerable interest in the WCG, and particularly in its reconciliation work. He told how he had been the recipient of several expressions of discrimination and wanted to support a forum dedicated to opposing it and healing those who were its victims.

After lunch the regular worship service began. The first message was by Eisen Daley. Following were addresses by Mr. May and Olivier Carion, pastor of the North London church. Mr. Carion invited Mr. May to join him in an act of reconciliation, in which Mr. Carion apologized for the hurt that white members of the WCG have in the past shown to their black brothers.

Mr. May accepted and offered his own apology on behalf of the black members (and other people of color). All ethnic groups are capable of showing racial intolerance, he said. Other members of the congregation were then invited to offer prayers for healing and harmony before the service closed.

About 200 members attended the conference. Martin Ryan, an elder from London, said, "This is one of the best things that’s happened in our church for a long time."

Peter Web of the Shenfield church said: "Thank you for organizing this conference. It has been priceless, so valuable. We’re so unaware of the fact that we are prejudiced toward other groups—people who are just different—often in subtle ways. But if we dig deep, we’ll find it. It’s there!"

LONDON CONFERENCE—From left: John Halford, Margaret Bedford, Chris Reeve, Olivier Carion, Curtis May and Philip Nowland, director of Personal Evangelism Ministry.

RECONCILIATION LEADERS—From left; Olivier Carion, Jacob Abraham, general secretary of the London YMCA, Chris Reeve, David Sulem, Stephen Hallal and Brian Smith. [Photos by Dave Bannister]

Update from Finance & Planning

Donations continue
at encouraging rate

By Ron Kelly

Donation income has held steady for the past two or three months. As I have mentioned so often, regular and sustained giving is extremely helpful in our budgeting process. So keep up the good work.

November closed with donation income at more than $1.76 million. Other sources of income of $526,000 brought the total for the month to almost $2.3 million.

Here are the year-to-date figures: donation income, $19.9 million; other income, $5.5 million. Total for the year so far is $25.5 million. However, expenses for the year are $30.5 million, so we have used more than $5 million from reserves to sustain our budget without making cutbacks in employees, salaried pastors and activities supported by the church.

We are at the earliest stages of our transition to a new financial model that focuses on the local congregations. We had hoped this process would be implemented by now, but our hands are tied until the Pasadena property sells.

We continue to experience delays in the sale process, and it now looks like completion of escrow could extend into the middle of 2002. This is a test of our patience—as well as a test of your patience, no doubt but patient we must all be.

The first phase of the transition to a new financial model is to integrate collections into worship services. Our goal for 2001 was to have all congregations do regular collections by the end of the year. I believe most of our churches are now doing so.

Collections are made at church services and the offerings are sent to Pasadena for central processing and receipting. While we encourage members to make their contributions at church, we realize a number prefer to contribute by mail or credit card, and that is fine.

Currently more than two thirds of our donation envelopes come from the local collection process, and about one third come through the mail.

Donating by credit card has some advantages. First, members can set a monthly amount that remains steady. This helps the church in processing. Also, some credit cards can be attached to affinity programs such as frequent flyer miles, hotel bonus points or even cash back. A word of caution, however: donation by credit card requires strict discipline to pay off the entire balance each month. Maintaining a balance and paying interest on charges would soon offset any benefit.

A negative side to credit card donations is that if one donates in this manner, he or she would not be participating in the weekly offering during worship services.

My wife, Norva, and I have solved that problem, so I pass it along for what it’s worth. We determine our monthly credit card offering at the beginning of each year. That’s what we consider our base level of giving.

During our many years in the WCG, we also gave special offerings during festival times. We continue that tradition with a slight variation. We determine the amount of offerings we would like to contribute and divide that by the number of worship services we attend each year.

Because we travel to many conferences and visit a number of congregations, we are not at our home church in Pasadena every week. But each week we are there, we contribute our special offerings in the collection plate. To us, we have the best of both worlds, the credit card option and the joy of special offerings at each service.

In whatever manner you choose to contribute, we hope you will joyfully participate in the work of the gospel with regular, generous donations and special offerings. Next month we will report the total income for 2001. It’s hard to believe time has passed so quickly. We pray your 2002 is off to a good start. And once again we so much appreciate your dedication to our Lord and Savior.

Statement of Income and Expenses for

WCG and PTM combined for November 2001

                                                    For the Month                 For the Year-to-Date

Income

    Mail Income                                     $ 1,767,000                         $ 19,982,000

    Other income                                         526,000                             5,504,000

        Total income                                    2,293,000                           25,486,000

Expenses                                                    3,207,000                         30,852,000

Net gain (loss) to bank reserves $                 (914,000)                     $ (5,366,000)

Kimani Ndungu

NAIROBI, Kenya—"It is heartrending to see men and women crying in church as they pray for God to give them food and shelter," said Kimani Ndungu, a minister in Nairobi, about the WCG refugee congregation there (November WN, page 3).

"This past week was so bad," Mr. Ndungu said, "that church attendance was about 50 percent because members were out begging for food from centers where it was rumored they had free food. Some members later came to church, and we discovered that some had not succeeded in getting any food."

Many families are sleeping hungry on a regular basis, despite the assistance the WCG provides locally.

Mr. Ndungu noted that they have not had any new cases of WCG members being arrested for illegal stay in the country. However, the situation is still sensitive because the government says the crackdown will continue.

The other problem is shelter. At least five families have received eviction notices from landlords. Reasons cited include fear of the government, fear that they are unable to pay rent, and fear that they may steal from other neighbors.

Refugees are attacked by Kenyans who wrongly assume they have a lot of money.

One Congolese member was attacked with a machete as he went to get a can of water. He unknowingly trespassed through his attacker’s compound, which was not marked, and he was attacked by the owner from behind. He needed several stitches to close his scalp wound. He has recovered now, but he is still traumatized.

"Frankly, I don’t know what to do about all these things," Mr. Ndungu said. "I find myself awake in the middle of the night several times a week praying that God would show us a way forward. May God help us."

Doug and Marg Lewis

Derek and Punque Jiru

Moses Pitakaka

RANONGGA, Solomon Islands—WCG members in the Solomon Islands are "getting on with life" despite the difficulties that plague the country, according to Doug and Marg Lewis, who visited the South Pacific island nation Oct. 2 to 14.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis serve in ordained ministry in the Mooroolbark Christian Fellowship in Victoria, Australia.

"The Solomon Islands are suffering from ethnic struggles," Mr. Lewis said. "The economy is in tatters and there is still sporadic fighting—despite a peace treaty signed one year ago."

Derek Jiru, long the spiritual leader for our largest group, in Qiloe village on the remote island of Ranongga, was ordained an elder to formally pastor that group. The group has 27 baptized members, and their church services are usually attended by 50 to 60 people, including a good number of children.

The remainder of our Solomons members consist of a small group in Honiara, led by Henry Kuper, and a number of individuals and families scattered throughout the various islands.

Sir Moses Pitakaka, who has served as deacon, was ordained an elder to pastor these scattered members and to represent the WCG throughout the country.

"During his term as governor-general, Sir Moses formed close working relationships with a number of denominational leaders of other churches," Mr. Lewis said. "As a result he is well positioned to help us take our place among the various parts of the body of Christ in the Solomon Islands."

SOLOMONS MUSIC—Music group wearing
T-shirts donated by the Mooroolbark, Victoria,
Australia, Ladies Club.

BALTIMORE, Maryland—Members of Christ New Life Community Fellowship, the Baltimore WCG congregation, participated in the Oct. 7 opening of The New Aunt Hattie’s Place, a nonprofit residential child care facility for young boys with special needs (www.aunt hattiesplace.org).

Aunt Hattie (Hattie Washington) offers loving and faith-filled Christian guidance and care to young people who were otherwise lost and abandoned by society.

Baltimore’s Voices of Praise opened the event by singing two hymns: "How Great Thou Art" and "Bless This Home." Elder Buzz Marvel was one of many religious leaders to bathe the renovated house in prayer, as the speakers and guests moved from room to room to seek God’s blessings and providence. Daniel Borchers.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than 30 senators and 100 representatives met for a National Day of Reconciliation, Dec. 4, in the Capitol Rotunda, where they sang, read the Bible and prayed. Staff members and reporters were not allowed to attend.

Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-Pennsylvania) said: "We need to recognize that the source of our blessing is not our superior wisdom, our superior resources, or our superior form of government. The source of our blessings is God. As we recognize his sovereignty, his blessing on the country, and our lack of appreciation for that, hopefully it will help us humble ourselves and turn to him."

House Majority Whip Tom DeLay defined the event’s intent: "This is about the nation that has pushed God out of its institutions, homes and communities, coming back to God and showing God that we are a nation that honors and reveres him."

Curtis May, director of the WCG Office of Reconciliation Ministries (ORM), said before the event: "Please join with us in ORM as we pray in advance of this event and also as it takes place that God’s will be done."

Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas) said that it was a different atmosphere, with no cameras, no reporters, no staff—just us, with our chaplains, Lloyd John Ogilvie for the Senate, and Daniel Coughlin for the House.

Tom Melear

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico—"The Lord is doing exciting things in our Albuquerque congregation," said Pastor Tom Melear.

"After six months of meetings to discern God’s will for our congregation through establishing our core values, mission and vision, we decided to move our worship time as a means of evangelism. We chose Sunday mornings as the best time nonchurched people would attend our services."

That meant finding a new hall, as they would need to leave the sanctuary they shared with a Christian Reformed church and had a wonderful relationship with the pastor and congregation.

A schoolteacher who is a member secured a new mini-gym for services. Mr. Melear reminded the congregation that some of the biggest churches in America today started in school gyms or auditoriums.

"Since beginning our worship on Sundays, our attendance has picked up," Mr. Melear said. "Kids are our best evangelists. It seems like every week one of our young members invites a friend to the service."

KLANG, Malaysia—The Klang church had an open house Sunday afternoon, Sept. 9, for 20 Living Today readers. Nearly 400 were invited.

A display of WCG publications was set up, and refreshments were provided. Board games and puzzles were available for children. The meeting hall was rearranged so visitors could sit around informally in small groups to talk or read. The booklets were in demand, with some taking extra copies for their friends. A few of the visitors expressed interest in attending future activities. Wong Mein Kong.

BONN, Germany—Nikolay Nikolov, a WCG partner in the gospel from Bulgaria, visited the Bonn church Nov. 3. Santiago Lange, WCG national leader in Germany, was also in attendance.

"During Nikolay’s stay in Bonn we discussed our joint gospel project in Bulgaria," according to Alois Mair, business manager.

The German church gave Mr. Nikolov money to buy paper for the Bulgarian magazine Holy Truth, which has a circulation of 4,000 copies (six issues per year). In late summer, Mr. Nikolov and his team printed and distributed 5,000 copies of a Bulgarian translation of the booklet Which Old Testament Laws Apply to Christians Today? Mr. Nikolov mentioned that this booklet written by Mike Morrison was well received.

The German church gave Mr. Nikolov 160 used eyeglasses that were collected in Munich because of the initiative of two members of the Munich congregation, Emma Brem and Jutta Gutherz. Mr. Nikolov will give these eyeglasses to a doctor, who will distribute them to people in need.

The church also gave Mr. Nikolov money to help selected needy people. He gave the church a list of 40 needy people with information on specific needs. The problems are many: poverty, unemployment, sickness, physical and psychological problems and bad housing. The church provided money to buy flour and basic food items for them.

Lynn Hebert

DALLAS, Texas—The apostle Paul was thankful at all times, even while in prison or going through other grueling trials, Pastor Lynn Hebert reminded the Dallas Central church at the Nov. 18 service.

The pastor admonished members to follow Paul’s example. "Be short on complaints and long on praise. Be thankful for what we have," he said.

Mr. Hebert said many people go to bed hungry. After the sermon, some of the congregation’s Prayer Partners said a prayer of thanksgiving, expressing thanks for many things, such as our firefighters, police and military; the pastor and his family; the church and its leaders; the international churches; the children, the future leaders of our church; families; and for answered prayer.

Also during that service, it was announced that David and Lori Simms have finalized the adoption of Shannon and Samantha, their foster daughters. The couple have been married 25 years and had remained childless. Two Dallas television stations reported the adoptions. Frank Lewandowski.

Chris Beam

HOUSTON, Texas—Chris Beam, pastor of Hope Community Church, set aside Sunday, Oct. 21, to celebrate a Hispanic Cultural Day.

This entailed having a combination Spanish and English service and a Spanish potluck fellowship meal.

John and Becky Flores coordinated the worship service and fellowship meal. Included were praise music, corporate prayer, inspirational readings, a Spanish historical reading, testimony, colorful costumes, decor and fellowship meal seating arrangements.

Joey Verdun provided the music lyrics for singing in Spanish and English. The lead worship singer, Melody Harper, had a comfortable knowledge of Spanish to lead the singing of songs in Spanish. Vianey Navarro, one of the young people, assisted her in doing backup singing in Spanish. Dana Bain provided instrumental accompaniment.

Intercessory prayer was provided by Patricia Mariani in Spanish, translated into English by her daughter, Vianey Navarro.

Juan Galvan performed a Spanish historical reading. The service continued with inspirational readings by Lydia and Joe Flores, Becky Glover, Vianey Navarro, Jasmin Quijada and Nora Rodriguez.

Benito Rodriguez gave a testimony. Gilberto and Elida Quijada read The Lord’s Prayer. Gilberto Quijada and his daughter, Jasmin, gave the closing prayer.

The congregation invited its neighbors, The Assemblies of God congregation, to the Spanish potluck. John R. Flores.

Alfred Maluleka

PRETORIA, South Africa—An unobtrusive, almost shy man in the Pretoria church named Alfred Maluleka performs a ministry on the train as he travels to and from work.

Mr. Maluleka was born in Mozambique and grew up in South Africa in a family that was troubled by demons. His father was an herbalist doctor, and his mother a dancer, but by the grace of God he was baptized in 1983. He is married and has four children.

About three years ago he felt that God had called him to do a specific ministry. Every day Mr. Maluleka travels from Hammanskraal, where he lives, to Pretoria, where he works as a boilermaker, a journey of about 45 minutes. He regards this as an opportunity to witness to hundreds of fellow travelers.

So every morning and evening, he boards a different train car and in his mother tongue asks permission to speak. He tells the passengers that he would like to witness to them about Jesus Christ his Savior. He gets mixed reactions. Some are eager to listen, and at other times he gets told in no uncertain terms to move on. Unperturbed, he just goes to the next carriage and approaches the people in the same way.

God has blessed his efforts, and numerous churches have invited him to speak to their congregations. Dolla Curtis.

Anthony Ruffa

NORWICH, Connecticut—Anthony Ruffa, a member of the Norwich church, was recognized for his work in the conceptualization, design, building and testing of the Instrumented Tow Cable (ITC).

Dr. Ruffa’s invention provides water column temperature measurements at much higher fidelity than the present technology. Plans are under way for fleet implementation. His work is considered revolutionary in the field of oceanography and holds great promise for multiple applications within the Navy.

Dr. Ruffa will be honored at the NAVSEA Engineering Leadership Conference in January. He and his wife, Gerri, have two children, Elizabeth and Joseph. Judith Gasparino.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—More than 85 people turned out Aug. 7 as the New Beginnings congregation used the National Night Out for an evangelistic outreach in the community.

The congregation was the overall winner in the community for turnout and participation. The New Beginnings Praise Band performed, and food and games were enjoyed.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT—Pictured are some of the people who turned out for the National Night Out in San Antonio. Many of these people have visited WCG services and one has become a member. [Photo by Larry Scott]

Don & Lana Johnson

ROANOKE, Alabama—The Roanoke Bible study, begun about four years ago, has grown to the point where it became an official congregation Oct. 21, thus separating from the Anniston congregation.

Bible study attendance is around 20 to 25 and is led by Faye Owens, a deaconess. Sunday morning worship service attendance is about 15 to 20 because of work schedules. Lee Owens and Randal Harrison aid Pastor Don Johnson by giving sermons on occasion. Kristy and Angel Owens are responsible for the newsletter as well as the church bulletin. Virginia Harrison is worship leader. Clemmine Knight has been an inspiration as well as matron to all. Don Johnson.

Jerry & Gloria Ortiguero

SAN FERNANDO, La Union, Philippines—Since 1997, Pastor Jerry D. Ortiguero has been actively involved in evangelistic campaigns and conducting community outreach Bible studies in Northern Luzon.

Mr. Ortiguero works with Alfredo R. Cacanando Sr., a member of the Manila church, who started a ministry of sharing the good news to the poor in his home province of La Union. He gives educational assistance to destitute families with deserving children, and provides medicine, hospitalization and funeral expenses. He even establishes community livelihood projects for them (like rag sewing, crocheting, papermaking and pressed dried-flowers decorating).

Three new churches have been planted from these evangelistic campaigns and outreach Bible studies with 237 baptized members. Soon, with the baptisms of 71 new people, the fourth church will be planted in Sto. Tomas in southern La Union.

Five outreach Bible studies are attended by 200 to 350 people. Nine small Bible study groups with 10 to 15 people are also conducted by servant-leaders.

"Jesus Christ mandated all Christians to make disciples," Mr. Ortiguero said. "We need to go out and tell the gospel to the unbelievers so they may have the opportunity to say yes to the lordship of Jesus Christ and be saved."

BAPTISM—Pictured are the 71 people baptized Nov. 4 from Sto. Tomas and Cadumanian, Rosario, La Union. [Photo by Belle Salisipan]

WESTWOOD, California—"You need reservations to get into Carlton Green’s four-star restaurant ... and he doesn’t take American Express. Or Visa. Or MasterCard, for that matter. Your medical insurance carrier will pick up the tab."

So begins a university article by Dennis McCarthy about Mr. Green, nutrition department director at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center. Mr. Green served as food service director at Ambassador University in Pasadena and Big Sandy. He won the prestigious Silver Plate Award from the International Food Service Manufacturers Association in the health care category.

"Carlton’s leadership has turned our nutritional department around," said Michael Karpf, UCLA Medical Center director. Mr. Green has stacks of letters on his desk from patients who praise the food service at the center.

Mr. Green and his wife, Judy, live in Sherman Oaks, California, and he serves as an elder in the Canoga Park church.

Dan Rogers

Mildred Ryan

ST. LOUIS, Missouri—The St. Louis church celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Westport Plaza Sheraton, Nov. 10 and 11. Five congregations were represented: St. Louis South and Lake St. Louis, pastored by James Lee; De Soto, pastored by Robert Ehlen; and St. Louis North and Alton, Illinois, pastored by Philip Perkins.

Saturday night, Nov. 10, the festivities started with dinner and dancing to the jazzy sounds of Oliver Johnson & the Nite Train Express. William Stough Sr. opened church services Sunday with a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing. After that, praise and worship services were followed by a special music presentation.

Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, was guest speaker. Mr. Rogers, who still claims St. Louis as his original home, spoke on "How the Holy Spirit Grows the Church." We were encouraged to know that God can use us individually and collectively to evangelize new members through the Holy Spirit, our love of Jesus and our love for his church.

The St. Louis church certainly has grown since its humble beginning 50 years ago. In early 1951, Mildred Roesler met with Herbert W. Armstrong and proposed starting a congregation in her St. Louis home. Mr. Armstrong agreed, and the St. Louis congregation was born Nov. 10, 1951. Mildred Ryan, Mrs. Roesler’s daughter, is one of three of the original 12 members still living. After the service, Mrs. Ryan answered questions about her photo archive display of the original members and other historical events.

Mrs. Ryan was asked to stand and was honored with applause for her 50 years in the church. When asked how she felt about being able to celebrate 50 years in the St. Louis church, Mrs. Ryan said: "The St. Louis church has endured because we were willing to make changes when changes came. If we stay focused on God and Jesus we know we will never be left alone." Susan Ehlen and Phil Perkins.

From left: Juanita Carpenter,
Stan Allison and Mitzi Rhodes.
[Photo by Vurn Runnel]

SAN FRANCISCO, California—The Bay Area churches celebrated their 40th anniversary Nov. 10 at the San Francisco church hall. Ron and Norva Kelly founded the original Bay Area church in Oakland Oct. 7, 1961. The Kellys were guests of honor, and Mr. Kelly was the keynote speaker at the anniversary celebration.

"We planned a Bay Area wide event since the Oakland church was the ‘mother church’ here," said Jim Roberts, pastor of the San Francisco and San Leandro churches. "We invited members from all Bay Area churches and also sent invitations out to many who have attended with us in the past. About 160 participated in at least some part of the anniversary celebration."

Events included brunch, a contemporary praise session, musical presentations and the worship service.

Carlton Smith, former Oakland pastor, attended. A number of other former ministers and members sent notes of goodwill that were featured in a commemorative brochure.

MIAMI, Florida—The Miami South church volunteers at The Agape Women’s Center in South Dade County. Agape is a rehabilitation center for women who have serious problems with substance abuse.

Pastor Ted Ralph conducts a weekly Bible study at the center on Thursday mornings. The women are invited to worship services once a month. The congregation also conducts a service at the center once a month with as many as 20 of the women in attendance.

Each Wednesday, Mr. Ralph and his wife, Lacy, visit women who have moved out of the center. Mr. Ralph has baptized two of the women.

"Our members have moved out of their comfort zones and have begun to focus outward beyond the four walls of our church sanctuary," Mr. Ralph said. "We are beginning to see the importance of reaching out to hurting people with the gospel of Jesus."

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah—The Salt Lake City church and the Salt Lake Alliance Church sponsored a bridging event for family and friends Oct. 6 as the churches were hosts for a dessert-drama.

Both congregations worked together to provide desserts and pooled resources to bring in Chuck Neighbors, a Christian actor and artist. Mr. Neighbors presented a lighthearted drama, "The Sacred Diary of Adrian Pless."

Sunday, Oct. 7, the two churches had combined worship services. Members of both worship teams combined to provide praise and worship. Mr. Neighbors gave the message, which was a challenging Christian drama of Charles Sheldon’s book, In His Steps. It was a powerful presentation of what can happen in a Christian’s life if he or she will live the Christian life and answer the question: "What would Jesus do?" Jim Perry.

Glen Weber

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho—Pastor Glen Weber facilitated a prayer retreat Dec. 3 and 4 for Gatekeepers, a pastors prayer group for the churches of Kootenai County, Idaho. The two days were spent seeking the Lord’s direction for the North Idaho churches. The group meets weekly for prayer for the churches of the area and for the community.

Mr. Weber, pastor of Living Grace Christian Fellowship, the WCG congregation for North Idaho, is one of the three Servant Leaders of the Gatekeepers team.

The Servant Leader team also planned a community church service for Sunday afternoon, Dec. 9. The service was called "In God We Trust—A Celebration of Freedom." It was designed to be a patriotic service to honor veterans and our people in the military along with the police, firefighters and other rescue personnel. However, the primary focus was on the freedom we have in the grace of Jesus Christ.

The color guard, with representatives from the military, fire and police, marched in accompanied by bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace." A group from one of the churches presented a moving drama focusing on those who die in war contrasted with the death of Jesus that redeems us. After a time of worship, Mr. Weber delivered a message on the freedom we have in Jesus Christ.

SAYRE, Oklahoma—Eleven churches joined with the Sayre Circle of Love Fellowship for a community communion service, Dec. 1.

The theme of the program was "Celebrate Jesus." Scenes of Jesus’ life from birth to the resurrection were portrayed by the Sayre church. Other churches participated by reading scriptures and singing.

"As I look out over this group, I’m reminded of Psalm 133:1," Pastor Ben West said. "How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."

The purpose of the program was to bring churches together in fellowship and to let the community know that the Circle of Love Fellowship is an active church in the community.

Seventy-eight people attended the event, including Don Lawson, district superintendent, and his wife, Sue. Ben and Shirley West.

STE. LUCE, Martinique—Two hundred forty members from Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Antigua, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and France met Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 to celebrate Christ.

The theme was "Intimacy and Security in Christ." Guest speakers were John Halford, European regional director, who attended with his wife, Pat, and Charles Fleming, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Photo by Hubert Dintimille

Each morning began with small prayer group sessions to improve our intimacy with our Savior and Master through structured Bible studies and suggested prayer themes.

A concert took place with the participation of Evangelical and Seventh-day Adventist singers. Also, a show expressed dances and songs from traditional to contemporary.

Because it was a week of school holidays in the French West Indies, the young people had special sessions for them during services.

The event ended with a communion service. Jack Brunet.

Pikeville helps with crusade

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—The Pikeville congregation participated in the interdenominational Mountain Crusade for Christ, Aug. 26 to 29, at the Pikeville High School football stadium. Rick Gage from Atlanta, Georgia, was the evangelist.

About 10,000 people attended the event, and about 450 people made first-time professions of faith.

The Sept. 4 Western Recorder reported: "Organizers are heralding the four-night event as a model of what can happen when more than 40 churches of various denominations cooperate on a common goal to impact their town."

The general chairman told Donnie Justice, Pikeville pastor, that although ours was one of the smallest churches involved, we were also one of the hardest-working churches involved in the crusade.

Mr. Justice was chairman of the ushering and parking committee. Mike Stewart was chairman of the attendance committee. Christine Stewart was co-chair and primary organizer of the banquet committee as well as co-chair of the attendance committee. Debby Bailey chaired the prayer committee.

Several other members helped with the event: Estil Stewart, Hubert Hall, Sandy and Dean Ward and Melvin and Rachelle Wilson. Debby Bailey.

West Palm Beach ministers to community children

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida—The West Palm Beach church moved to Sunday services Dec. 2.

They meet at the home of elder Roger Burrow and his wife, Martha, for the time being since their attendance is around 20 and they moved from a Sunday church building that did not offer a Sunday time slot.

"They are very happy," said Robert Persky, district superintendent. Their children’s program remains on Saturday, where they have as many as 60 children attend their outreach through JAY (Jesus And You) ministries. Three WCG members serve on the board of JAY Ministries, which is funded by a Presbyterian church. These children are being led to Jesus besides being trained to study, play together peacefully and become respectful and serving citizens of the community. Some of the most problematic children from the surrounding schools are now so changed in their hearts and attitudes that they are model students in school. Teachers visit the classes on Saturday to see what is changing the children.

When children don’t have clothes to attend school, the members (through JAY Ministries) buy clothes for them. Our members have donated many hundreds of hours and money to feed, clothe and teach the children proper manners, social behavior and Christian living principles, and they guide the children into a loving relationship with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The children’s ministry takes place in a vacant lot with old tables and chairs set up in the grass. Money is being donated from many sources to build a building. JAY Ministries wants our congregation to use their new building for services and to provide church services to the surrounding neighborhood.

CABLE GUYS—Ronald Kelly (left), church controller, and Neil Earle, Glendora, California, pastor, share a light moment before recording a television interview for Duarte, California, Cable 12. Mr. Kelly spoke on his trips to Bible sites in the Mediterranean area. [Photo by Roger Lippross]

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2001