NEW BEGINNING--Los Angeles church returns
to Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES, California--On March 4, with the theme, March Forth, the Los Angeles church returned to the city after three years and three months with the Pasadena congregation.
The worship service began with a solo, "Bless This House," sung by Adrienne Graham, a Los Angeles member. The service continued with congregational songs backed up by the congregation's 17-member choir, prayers of blessing by two youths, Craig Best and Aaron Plummer, and two senior adult members, Margaret Mortimer and Felix Johnson, and the main message by pastor Bermie Dizon.
In his message, Mr. Dizon told the 132 in attendance that "our vision as a church is to make the gospel of Jesus Christ relevant in the lives of people, in this congregation and in the lives of those we come in contact with."
Afterward members enjoyed a potluck and fellowship. Worship services are on Saturdays at the auditorium of Baldwin Hills School, 5421 W. Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, California, 90016, beginning at 11 a.m.
The congregation will celebrate its 40th anniversary in early August. Anyone interested in attending please contact John Graham at Box 2791, Gardena, California, 90247-0791, or send e-mail to John Campbell at J-Campbell@ msn.com John Campbell.
NEW BEGINNING--Los Angeles church returns
to Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES MEMBERS--
Candice Best and Celeste Palmer
at potluck after services March 4.
[Photos by John Campbell]
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa --Members and congregations, mainly from North America, Australia and Martinique, sent more than $2,000 to help repair the church-affiliated Le Triomphe orphanage in Madagascar damaged by Cyclone Eline (May WN), reported James Henderson, regional director for Africa.
Madame Eliezera, who runs the orphanage, thanks all involved for their love for Christ expressed through their kindness and generosity. The support and prayers of all the church are much appreciated.
MANILA, Philippines--Rewel Quimbo, 41, from Quezon, Bukidnon, died Jan. 10 of gunshot wounds when government troops fired on the vehicle in which he was riding.
Mr. Quimbo was a businessman who traveled frequently to Zamboanga City, said regional director Bill Sidney. Because of clashes between government troops and separatist rebels fighting for an independent Islamic state, the armies in Zamboanga City installed a mobile military checkpoint near a bridge entering the city.
The checkpoint was in a dimly lit area and could not easily be spotted at night. Not noticing the checkpoint, the driver of the vehicle accidentally rammed the checkpoint's barricade at 2:30 in the morning. The driver stopped but the military sprayed bullets on the vehicle.
Two passengers died instantly, including Rewel, who was asleep during the incident.
Rewel, who was an active member and worship leader in the Maramag, Bukidnon, congregation, is survived by his wife, Sonia, daughter, Majorie, and sons, Rewel Jr. and Robinson.
CHICO, California--Sixty-four members, former members and friends from central and northern California and Washington gathered in Chico Jan. 29 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Chico congregation.
"From the outset it was apparent that God's Spirit was filling the occasion with Christian unity and love," said pastor Larry Van Landyut.
The day began with a semi-catered potluck lunch at Subud Hall, where the church meets. During the dessert and fellowship that followed the meal, Mr. Van Landuyt shared greetings from former Chico pastors and members unable to attend, including Ross and Jan Flynn, who served the Chico congregation for a number of years in the early 1990s and now pastor the Detroit, Michigan, East congregation.
Among those present were original Chico members Ottie Aupperle, Gary and Norma Avey, Margaret (King) Brancyk, Bruce Chrysler and Brad Flemming.
The Aveys were recognized as the members who have been in Chico the longest. Alys (Marge Bailey) Carrick received recognition as the Chico member who had been a WCG member the longest--since 1953.
Eldest members Melvin Dieter, Mae Slay and Joe McDaniel, all in their mid-90s, were also recognized. More than a dozen Ambassador graduates and former Ambassador students living in the Chico area were given recognition as well.
After the meal and fellowship, the gathering was called to praise and worship by the Chico Youth Chorus singing a medley of "I Will Celebrate" and "He Has Made Me Glad."
Mr. Van Landuyt served as worship leader with his wife, Judy, accompanying at the piano. To conclude the praise service the Chico Men's Quartet, under the leadership of Gar Puett and accompanied at the piano by Bob Johnston, sang "There Is a Balm in Gilead."
Norman Smith, the first resident pastor in Chico, gave the keynote message. Mr. Smith's wife, Charlene, traveled with him from Vancouver, Washington, for the event, and their son Kyle and grandson Jeremy drove up from San Jose, California.
The service closed with an interpretive candlelight dance to "Go Light Your World" performed by Gina Ferrari and accompanied vocally by her grandmother, Judy Van Landuyt.
Larry & Judy
Van Landyut
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas--Terry Warren, pastor of the Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Arkansas, congregations, was released from the hospital March 6 after suffering a stroke Jan. 18.
"I would first like to thank everyone for their prayers, their cards and their calls," Mr. Warren said. "It has meant a lot to me to realize how many friends are concerned and praying. I receive daily outpatient therapy. The therapists say I am making good progress but from my viewpoint it seems dreadfully slow."
Mr. Warren is confined to a wheelchair unable to walk because his right side is paralyzed. He has gained some movement in his right arm, though not enough to function normally. His right leg is essentially immobile and is showing little potential for movement at this time.
Since Feb. 19 he has been able to give sermons in Fayetteville. However, he is not able to get around during the weekdays.
"God intervened when I had the stroke to protect my mind and my speech," Mr. Warren said. "The doctor told me that this was unusual. I consider it a miracle. The medical prognosis for my recovery is uncertain. The therapists believe that, over much time, I might eventually regain my ability to walk--possibly with a cane.
"Needless to say, this has been a heavy trial on myself, the family and the congregation. I'm hoping and praying for God's total healing. I thank everyone for their continued prayers that I can cope mentally, experience peace and receive God's intervention during this time."
Terry & Madeline
Warren
PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia, Canada--Members in Prince George are active in prison ministry to a group of Chinese who attempted to enter Canada and were sent to prison.
Last summer more than 400 people from Fujian province in China traveled in four dilapidated boats to the west coast of Canada. Government authorities arrested them and most have been kept in prisons. After hearings, a few have been granted refugee status but most will probably be deported back to China, according to member Lister Chen.
More than 250 of them were sent to the old prison in Prince George, a community of 70,000 people 500 miles northeast of Vancouver.
Mr. Chin said: "Although I am not fluent in Mandarin Chinese, I felt that God may have had a hand in sending these prisoners to our town. I contacted the prison authorities in the fall to ask about providing Bible studies, church services and song services for those interested."
Mr. Chin was told that 41 Christians were among the prisoners. He and others supplied them with Chinese Bibles and Chinese Christian literature courtesy of Gideons International, Vancouver Chinese churches and publishing houses. Members did two song services for them (before Christmas and on Chinese New Year's) with about half the prison population attending.
Every two weeks they go in and pray together, sing hymns, study the Bible, answer questions and watch the Jesus video.
The area Chinese Christian fellowship (of which Mr. Chin has become an active member) has lent its support in organizing and participating in this ministry. Visiting Chinese pastors also go to the prison.
They have also started a Mandarin Bible-reading group to improve their language ability. This group has attracted non-believers who have also started attending the Chinese Bible studies.
"Although our WCG congregation in Prince George is small, individually and collectively we can pray to see where God is working and participate in ministries that present themselves in unexpected and challenging ways," Mr. Chen said.
SPOKANE, Washington--While Glen and Connie Weber were attending their son Paul's graduation from the University of Alberta the weekend of April 1, Mr. Weber arranged for fellow pastors to fill the pulpit for him.
In Spokane, Walton Mize Sr. filled the pulpit. Bishop Mize, a pastor with Christ Holy Sanctified Church, spoke on the importance of being perfect through Jesus Christ.
In Coeur d'Alene, Bob Conrad of Lincoln Way Church of God (Church of God, Anderson, Indiana) filled the pulpit. His wife, Donna, led worship, with the WCG team assisting.
LOS ANGELES, California--"The world is hurting for reconciliation, and you cannot legislate it," Leigh Sniffen told an audience at the Los Angeles Sports Center Friday, March 31.
"We as a Christian community have a responsibility to live it, to share it, to take it to the world and to each other," Mrs. Sniffen said.
Mrs. Sniffen and her husband, Paul, were part of an eight-member panel sent from the church's Office of Reconciliation Ministries (ORM) to lead a discussion on racial reconciliation.
Alberta Ecker gave a testimony on her experiences being educated at an Indian reservation school in South Dakota. Bermie Dizon related his experiences with some of the racially charged policies while studying at Ambassador College in the 1980s.
Richard Parker reminisced about his experiences as pastor in Hawaii where he found himself as a white man experiencing racism. "I didn't like it one little bit," Mr. Parker said.
"Racism is of the devil, reconciliation is of God," Curtis May, ORM director, later told a gathering of bishops and wives. The ministers were in town to note the anniversary of the Azusa Street Revival of 1906 (not connected with Azusa Pacific University), an event usually thought to mark the beginnings of the pentecostal movement in this country. Neil Earle.
Azusa 2000 conference
Curtis May
Richard Parker
Harriet Carlisle
Bermie Dizon
Neil Earle
Alberta Ecker
Paul Sniffen
Leigh Sniffen
Raul Ramos
VICTORIA, Texas--The New Beginnings WCG congregation in Victoria meets each Sunday morning in a chapel at Twin Pines Nursing Home.
The residents are welcome to attend services. Member Bessie Brubaker is a resident of the home. The congregation has Bible studies there during the week, all at no cost.
Aaron and Madeline Migl take care of the congregation. Frank Parsons.
PORTLAND, Texas--The Corpus Christi New Beginnings WCG congregation provides all of the church services for the Coastal Palms nursing home in Portland and can use the new facility at no charge each week.
"The staff of the home encourages and brings the residents to our services each Sunday and Wednesday," said pastor Frank Parsons.
Often family members of the residents attend services with their loved ones. The congregation uses a program titled Sonshine, which has songbooks with large print, messages and a manual developed over 26 years showing how to conduct a nursing home ministry.
"There are more than two million residents of nursing homes in the United States today," Mr. Parsons said. "The average length of stay is only a year and a half."
On Wednesday evenings the congregation offers praise and worship with Bible study. Then on Thursday evenings they provide a music service of old-time favorites from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Jerry Magee and his wife, Patricia, along with Dorin and Eleanor Vaughn assist the pastor by conducting the service and providing the music.
ORLANDO, Florida--April 7 to 9 saw the gathering of 75 members and pastors from throughout Florida for a district conference and retreat at the Pinelake retreat facility west of Orlando. This site has served as a gathering place about every six months for the past five years.
Bob Persky, Florida district superintendent, and his wife, Kay, led the conference with inspirational reports and messages.
Pastor Larry Hinkle gave a presentation on Evangelism Explosion and the joy of leading new people to Jesus.
Attendees sang praise songs late into the night both Friday and Saturday. Saturday evening a two- hour prayer meeting took place. Ken Smylie.
SAN DIEGO NORTH COUNTY, California--Rosa Sutton, 71, a member here, rises at 2:30 a.m. for her 4 to 8 shift at Palm House, one of 18 homes for people with developmental disabilities operated by Mountain Shadows, Inc.
Mrs. Sutton is also on call to other homes for people with developmental disabilities.
Rosa Sutton
BELL GARDENS, California--Maria Isabel Parra, a member of the Pasadena Spanish congregation, received the 2000 Woman of Courage award for the city of South Gate March 31.
Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh presented the awards honoring outstanding volunteer service. One woman was selected from each city in the 50th Assembly District. Maria was honored for working with parents and schools in her area. Raul Ramos.
ROCHESTER, Minnesota--After serving for three years as a volunteer police and fire chaplain, Don Engle, pastor of the Mason City, Iowa, and Rochester congregations, was appointed last fall as captain of the chaplaincy corps.
Ten pastors from various denominations comprise the group. They volunteer their time to be on call to provide emotional and spiritual support. The chaplains are often called, sometimes in the middle of the night, to disaster or death scenes.
Their job is to provide comfort to survivors. This also helps police, fire and ambulance personnel to more effectively discharge their duties.
"Sometimes the police and fire officials need help themselves as they deal with the emotional toll their jobs often require," Mr. Engle said. "Helping people cope in times of crisis and trauma is both sobering and rewarding. This has provided a wonderful opportunity to get to know and serve the community."
Don Engle
ATLANTA, Georgia--Thousands of Christians will participate in JD2K (Jesus Day 2000)--"A Day on Earth as it is in Heaven" June 10.
March for Jesus USA, with the Mission America coalition, has targeted June 10 as Jesus Day.
Tom Pelton, March for Jesus USA director and Jesus Day Organizer, said the day will mobilize the Body of Christ around the world in a day of service and celebration.
According to Pelton, Jesus Day, "a day on Earth as it is in Heaven" is based on the idea that "in heaven, no one goes hungry, no child is fatherless, no one suffers alone and the streets are filled with singing. On Jesus Day, our desire is to see a day like that here on earth."
Jesus Day activities will include feeding the hungry, serving the homeless, touching AIDS patients and befriending the fatherless. The day will end with March for Jesus style citywide choirs.
March for Jesus is a part of the Mission America coalition, which is mobilizing Christians to establish their homes, churches, workplaces and school groups as Lighthouses to pray for, care for and share Jesus Christ with their neighbors, friends and family.
Called The Lighthouse Movement, the goal is to establish three to six million individual Lighthouses and 100,000 Lighthouse Churches.
For more information on Jesus Day, please call March for Jesus at 1-404-627-3267, e-mail MFJUSA@ compuserve.com or go to www. jesusday.org.
"We realize these kinds of activities are not for everyone," said Pastor General Joseph Tkach. "We inform you about them because some of our churches have been involved and do find them of value. Each congregation has its own unique blend of spiritual gifts, opportunities and sense of mission and should not feel pressured to get involved in programs to which they are not called."
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada--Pastor Robert Millman and the Edmonton congregation were hosts for several area congregations as they fellowshipped and worshiped with Pastor General Joseph Tkach, his wife, Tammy, and their children, Joe and Stephanie, April 29.
The morning began with a country-style worship program led by Pastor Al Nordstrom and the Evansburg congregation. The congregation, with fewer than 30 in attendance, has formed the Country Light worship chorus. They have cut their first CD, and they are guests at community gospel and country jamborees.
Members from around the province of Alberta then heard an update from Dr. Tkach before joining voices for contemporary praise and worship led by the Edmonton praise band coordinated by Wayne Teetaert.
The pastor general then gave a sermon titled "Good Things Come in Small Packages," emphasizing the value of our small denomination to the greater body of Christ. The service was videotaped for distribution to nearly 100 congregations and house churches across Canada.
After refreshments, Dr. Tkach conducted a question and answer session for the men while Tammy Tkach addressed the women and answered questions.
Sunday, April 30, Dr. Tkach attended a volleyball tournament for church youths from Alberta and Saskatchewan, where he presented trophies and posed for pictures with the teams.
The pastor general also took time April 28 for a luncheon and question and answer session with nearly 50 representatives of the Edmonton Evangelical Ministerial Association.
TOP TEAM--Joseph Tkach (right) and
Calgary teens, top senior team.
PASADENA--Legacy Partners invited the public to a community information meeting on their plans for the headquarters property May 2 in the Ambassador Auditorium.
Plans include condominiums and townhomes on most of the west campus. Retained will be the Ambassador Auditorium, four mansions, the Grove Villa East and West and Grove Manor Apartments, the homes along Orange Grove Boulevard, Memorial Hall and the main gardens and streams.
LANCASTER, California--Frank Schnee, 72, former regional director in the German-speaking area, is in his 13th year of living with Parkinson's disease.
His main concern is for strength to perform daily functions by himself. More and more he does not have the needed strength and has to rely on medication and his wife, Esther, for help with these daily functions.
Mr. and Mrs. Schnee would greatly appreciate the prayers of the brethren. They wish to thank everyone for their love and concern.
Al & Edna Barr
ATLANTA, Georgia--At the worship service Feb. 20 for the Atlanta congregation, ministers blessed about seven or eight infants and toddlers, according to Al Barr, district superintendent.
"Then we asked if any of the older children, up to 10, would like to be blessed or blessed again," Mr. Barr said.
"To our surprise, we had kids running up to be blessed. We said a prayer of blessing for each one."
Then, they asked if any teens wanted to be blessed. Even those home from college for spring break came forward. They spread all across the front of the auditorium.
Feb. 27 Mr. Barr explained what they did the previous week, and at the end of the sermon he asked if any adults would like to have a prayer of blessing, and whether they had any specific needs for which they wanted prayer.
Charles Young
Pastor Charles Young, his assistant Ian Toppin and Mr. Barr anticipated only a few people, but to their surprise, nearly all the adults came forward.
"It became clear to me that people want to be prayed for," Mr. Barr said. "They bring their burdens to church with them, and they want to leave those burdens somewhere. It is not just the message that reaches them, but prayer is a means for them to leave their burdens at the altar."
Those who sought prayer wanted to be better husbands and wives, and better parents. They wanted their children to come to Christ, they wanted to know their spiritual giftedness and they wanted to be able to bring others to Christ, Mr. Barr said.
"To me, this was an indication that this congregation is experiencing transformation," Mr. Barr said.
They are no longer upset over doctrine, styles of worship or days. They want to be transformed by the working of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. I am so convinced now of the importance of prayer in our worship service."
OPELIKA, Alabama--New Fellowship house church (the Opelika WCG congregation pastored by Stephen Glover) joined for worship services with the Church at Opelika Sunday, Feb. 20 and April 9.
The Church at Opelika is a combination of four house church groups with about 70 members who meet separately on various days during the week and come together as a whole on Sundays. Tom Tippett is pastor of the Church at Opelika.
At the Feb. 20 service the sermon was taken from Romans 7, and WCG members gave testimonies of the changes God has brought about in the church. Mr. Tippett said that God had brought the Worldwide Church of God members to their congregation as "living examples" of God's grace.
At the April 9 service, Mr. Tippett posed four questions to the congregations that might be asked by someone who was unsaved: who is Jesus of Nazareth?; what is the evidence that his claims are true?; why is his coming good news?; and what would I do in order to experience these things? Annette Winston.
EDMONTON, Alberta--The contact information for Robert Millman, festival coordinator for Edmonton is: phone 1-780-444-8903; fax 1-780-484-5661; e-mail rmillman @telusplanet.net
CAPE TOWN, South Africa--The festival will take place Oct. 13 to 21 at Saldanha Bay, one and a half hours from Cape Town.
For more information send e-mail to Colleen Kruger at ckruger @hixnet.co.za or fax her at 011 27 21 5577734
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--Wong Mein Kong, a Malaysian pastor, visited members in Myanmar (Burma) Feb. 29 to March 3.
Mein Kong wrote that Naing Key Har, our commissioned leader in Mindat, reported that a bachelor and three families have joined our fellowship in Chin State. That brings the number of our people there to 65 including children.
Another two families are considering joining the WCG after hearing him explain our doctrines of grace.
Key Har told Mein Kong about a village of 30 families with no piped water supply. Two WCG families live in the village, and they requested help to provide plastic pipes for the villagers to install a piped water supply from the stream. This was an excellent opportunity for service, so Mein Kong gave Key Har the money needed to buy the pipes.
Saw Htoo Plow also came to meet Mein Kong. He is the leader of a group of members in southern Myanmar.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000