LIVING LIGHT PARTNERSHIP--Members stuff information flyers into Living Light News. From left: Gail Millman, David Kerich, Ronald Playne, Bob Millman, Sue Lauchlan and Neil Sommers. [Photos by Al Nordstrom]
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada--Edmonton members have partnered with Living Light News, named by the Evangelical Press Association as the best Christian newspaper in North America.
Members have pledged to have Living Light News sent to 1,500 homes surrounding their church building. "An insert gives an opportunity for the church to tell neighbors who we are and what we're all about," said pastor Robert Millman. Included are a mission statement, programs and activities along with the pastor's name, phone number and web site. The paper also commits to do a feature story on the congregation.
The Westlock, Alberta, congregation (attendance 30) pledged to adopt 540 homes, more than half the town.
Living Light News is seeker-sensitive and is written for the non-believer. It features human interest stories that testify to God's love and power in people's lives, reviews of music, movies and literature and columns by ministries such as Focus on the Family.
The newspaper was the brainchild of owner-editor Jeff Caporale, a salesman who came to know Jesus in mid-life. When he told his co-workers that he was a new Christian, he was met with comments such as, "Me too!"
Mr. Caporale asked, "Why didn't any of you share your faith with me before now?"
Realizing that most Christians are not gifted at sharing their faith, he was moved by God to begin Living Light Ministries to bridge the gap between believers and non-believers.
For further information, check out the Living Light News website at http:// www.livinglightnews.org or send e-mail to shine@livinglightnews.org Robert J. Millman.
LIVING LIGHT PARTNERSHIP--Members stuff information flyers into Living Light
News. From left: Gail Millman, David Kerich, Ronald Playne, Bob Millman, Sue Lauchlan and
Neil Sommers. [Photos by Al Nordstrom]
PARTNERS IN MINISTRY--Pastor Bob Millman (left) and publisher Jeff Caporale
OLEAN, New York--The Olean congregation had a pre-service breakfast Easter morning and invited residents, staff and graduates of Genesis House, a temporary shelter for families.
Twenty-six came for breakfast and 12 stayed for the Easter services. Rose Anna Ladage.
OLEAN, New York--The Olean congregation sponsored showings of the video "Who Is Jesus?" with Bruce Marchiano as Jesus on local access cable television in Olean.
Member Mark Hollamby and Pastor Leonard Ladage were in an introduction and a concluding invitation with the church address and phone number for those who might have questions.
The video was shown 20 times in late April. The April 22-25 schedule was advertised in the Olean newspaper for six days.
After the first weekend of airing the video, Mr. Hollamby received a standing ovation when he arrived at work because his fellow workers had seen him on television.
Member Hal Elsigan, who did technical work on the video, said the station received a call from a woman asking if she could tape the program for her Sunday School class. She said she had never seen the subject matter covered so well.
The station, which had not received feedback of any kind about other programs, received only positive feedback from the showings. Rose Anna Ladage.
MINERAL WELLS, West Virginia--The Mineral Wells congregation joined with other Parkersburg area churches April 6-9 as hosts for the Mid-Ohio Valley Celebration 2000 Crusade with Ralph Bell, an associate evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which put on the crusade.
"This was a wonderful opportunity for our members to work together with other believers to help evangelize the unsaved for Jesus Christ," said Pastor Warren Wilson.
The congregation as a whole took part in Operation Andrew, which involved committing to pray for unsaved friends and family and to invite them to the crusade. Several members also took the Christian Life and Witness classes the association offered and served as counselors to people making commitments to Christ at the crusade. Others served in the 600-member choir or as ushers.
Participating members had this to say.
"It was beautiful to see the different denominations putting aside their differences and coming together to advance the kingdom," said Carol Salmons.
"I have gone from being used to the pastor doing all the evangelizing to getting out on the floor and taking part in an amazing happening--people being moved to make a decision to accept Christ as their personal Savior,"said Helen Hill.
"We were able to sing for Christ and witness and cry and laugh at being so near to his bringing new converts to him," said Melinda Miller. "It was emotional to sing at the invitation each night and see the people respond, especially when the teens came forward and packed the front of the hall and aisles on youth night," she said.
Merle Youtzy, 86, the oldest member in Mineral Wells, attended youth night and said: "It was great. I loved seeing all those young people up there."
The final evening, Governor Cecil Underwood gave his testimony. Melinda Miller.
HOUSTON, Texas--WCG members participated in the CEE-JAY (City for Jesus) Crusade April 8 in Houston.
Pastor Steve Ams, originally from Nigeria, and pastor of The Chapel of Praise Church and Messiah Communications, organized the event along with many other pastors and ministry leaders.
More than 100 churches participated in doing evangelistic outreach, medical missions, homeless ministries and a job fair. Many turned to Christ as a result of hearing the gospel.
The Hope Community Church (Houston North), Houston South and the Houston North Saturday congregation participated in the crusade by getting involved in intercessory prayer and service.
John and Becky Flores served in the job fair, and the medical missions social service information booth. Milton Randle, Dorris Carter, Joey Verdun, Alex Odems, Ben O'Neal, Ester Reed, Vernon Strickland, Karen Odems, Sheryl Malone, Lisa Smith, Jim Ryan and Pastor Chris Beam participated in the medical missions and homeless ministry outreach at various sites around the city.
The final event of the day was a message presented by evangelist Rod Parsley, in which 1,000 people committed their lives to Jesus Christ.
Pastor Ams asked Mayor Lee P. Brown to come to the stage, and the pastors, ministry leaders and wives prayed for him. Chris Beam.
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VISIT FROM CONGRESSMAN--Congressman James Rogan visits NewLife Fellowship in Pasadena May 21. Clockwise from upper left: Mr. Rogan gives testimony to children and adults of how he came to know Christ in adulthood; elder Merv Walton (right) and Pastor Bermie Dizon lead congregation in prayer for Mr. Rogan; Steve Brooks (right) gives gift of Christian children's videos to the congressman for his twin daughters, Dana and Claire; and Jubilee Concert Series members through whom the invitation came for the congressman's visit (from left): Odie Mangram, Steve Brooks, Trudy Magee, Congressman Rogan; Carmelita Dizon, Leardis Macklin, Mr. Dizon and Henry Wong. [Photos by Thomas C. Hanson]
PASADENA--Curtis
May, director of the WCG's Office of Reconciliation Ministries, was elected to serve on
the board of directors of African Enterprise April 11.
Mr. May was told by Archibald Hart, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, that serving on the board would enhance the Office of Reconciliation Ministries by giving Mr. May exposure to some prominent people who do that kind of work.
Mr. May attended their second quarterly meeting and was asked to share about his ministerial responsibilities, as well as the story of the WCG's journey.
They dismissed Mr. May from the meeting to discuss the issue of adding him to their board of directors, and Mr. May was later informed that he was unanimously approved to serve on their board.
RIZAL, Nueva Ecija, Philippines--Pastor Jerry Ortiguero reports that the church showed the Jesus film in the Tagalog language to a group of more than 120 people at Barangay San Juan.
Member Josie Vidal-Fabul had arranged for the showing of this video. Tony Gaspar, with three others from the Cabanatuan City congregation, including Gloria Ortiguero, led the group in praise songs, after which Mr. Ortiguero opened the meeting with a prayer.
When the film reached the scene where Jesus was nailed to the cross and the cross was hoisted into the hole, the video was stopped, and Mr. Gaspar read Isaiah 53, where the prophecy concerning Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension is recorded. He announced a twice monthly follow-up Bible study.
Outreach Bible studies in south La Union are all initiated and supported by Alfredo Cacanando Sr. as his way of sharing the gospel.
A church building of cogon grass as roofing and bamboo posts and framings will be built for worship services and activities. Mr. Cacanando will provide the funds for this bulding. This will be the third church planted in Ilocandia since these outreach Bible studies have been started.
Earlier in April they showed the Jesus film in the Ilocano language to more than 100 people at a remote barangay in BilaBila, Sallapadan, Abra.
WICHITA, Kansas--The Wichita and Wichita South congregations had combined services April 25. The South congregation, pastored by Lyle Campbell and Ron Haines, was host.
The guest speaker was Gerald Schnarrenberger, district superintendent in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Wichita congregation is pastored by Charles Calahan. On Friday night, April 28, Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart Music Ministry presented praise and worship. The South church was host again for the worship service April 29, with Mr. Schnarrenberger as guest speaker and Dr. Jutsum as praise and worship leader.
Several area pastors attended, including Don Lawson, district superintendent, and his wife, Sue. Afterward, Dr. Jutsum led another praise and worship service.
"We really had a wonderful service and had many compliments," Mr. Campbell said. "It also helped to heal some wounds and bring about some closeness."
SPOKANE, Washington--Ron Heagy, 1995 Disabled Oregonian of the Year, mouth artist, author, motivational speaker and founder of Life Is an Attitude and Camp Attitude, spoke to the combined Spokane WCG and Fellowship Church of God in Spokane March 19.
Mr. Heagy's story is one from tragedy to triumph. Just before his 18th birthday, he suffered a broken neck in a surfing accident. Now, instead of being a strong young man who could bench press 300 pounds, he could not move a finger.
He said: "Never again would I shave my own face, shower unassisted, dress, feed myself or hug someone I loved. From then on, a wheelchair would be my only mode of transportation."
He said it was a struggle for him to fight off depression and low self-esteem. He later found happiness by helping others. He has now been given a burden from the Lord to help young people. Some are suicidal because of drugs, alcohol or parental abuse, and others, like him, must cope with physical limitations.
"Today my greatest desire is to help prevent young people from making unwise choices, and to encourage them not to take life for granted," he said.
PASADENA--OPB Music Ministries and the Oasis Praise Band produced an album Celebrate Christ '99, a live recording of the praise and worship concert at the end of the festival in Palm Springs, California.
The album is available on both CD and cassette and includes such songs as "Awesome God," "Shine, Jesus, Shine," "O How Good," "Christ in Us Be Glorified" and many more.
For more information, write to Oasis Praise Band, 1001 E. California Ave., Suite 18, Glendale, California, 91206; visit their website at www.oasispraiseband.com or call 1-818-786-3918.
Oasis Praise Band is available for praise and worship services. Call the above number for details. Mitchell Vasseur.
WILSON, North Carolina--The Wilson congregation entered a community of faith relationship with the Convention of Original Freewill Baptists after that organization received a grant to assist communities of faith to become receptive to people with disabilities in nine North Carolina counties.
J. Keith Letchworth, project coordinator, contacted Pastor Don Mason to see if the WCG wanted to be included in the project. Mr. Mason designated Lauretta Lewis, who lives in one of those counties, to follow up on this request.
Among other activities the project has conducted two workshops on inclusion of people with disabilities into communities of faith. In one workshop, Wilson members Rupert and Vivian Rouse, Laura Casey and Dillus Belfield told about the WCG's practices for the inclusion of people with disabilities. They then shared this experience with the rest of the Wilson congregation.
CAMDEN, Arkansas--Bill Crumpler recorded a CD titled Woman in the Garden. Proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society earmarked for breast cancer research.
Mr. Crumpler wrote the lyrics and music, sings and plays the rhythm guitar.
The songs are poetic, philosophical and humorous. For more information write to Mr. Crumpler at 3897 Hwy 376 S, Camden, Arkansas, 71701.
GAINESVILLE, Florida--The Gainesville church formed a team and in relay walked all night May 12 and 13 as a cancer fund-raiser.
The WCG team joined 52 other teams and raised more than $122,000 for cancer research.
The WCG team consisted of Bud and Sandra Wille, Cynthia Ross, Don and Carole Hambrick, Paul Vople Jr., Betty Fleury, Cindi, Alissa, Emilie and Tom McGee, Janelle Wendt and Maurice Taylor. Carole Hambrick organized the team, which together raised almost $800. Ken Smylie.
NEWARK, New
Jersey--A church has been planted in Newark, with Ron Robinson as pastor.
"We welcome people to the church they have always longed for--a church that welcomes all people. The church has been given an opportunity to reflect the love of Jesus to the `least of these my brothers,' " Mr. Robinson said.
The congregation installed a 24-7 prayer line for anyone to call in prayer requests.
The congregation meets in the World Impact building.
"God has provided the building, which seats 600 in the auditorium, 250 in the cafeteria and kitchen, a gym, many meeting rooms, church office and a retreat camp (90 miles away in Pennsylvania) all for free," Mr. Robinson said. "Praise be to God for what he has done and is doing. We thank God for a new church, in a new way, in New Jersey."
Mr. Robinson noted that the World Impact missionaries are gifted in evangelism, and WCG members are gifted in small group facilitation and discipling, so "with our two gifts we can minister together to the poor and unchurched."
Mr. Robinson was officially installed as pastor of the congregation May 21 by Ken Williams, district superintendent. He has been pastoring the congregation since Dec. 26.
The congregation was host for the district superintendent planning and prayer meeting May 21 and provided breakfast for visiting ministers and church leaders in the New Jersey area.
Mr. Robinson invited World Impact missionaries and inner-city children to the breakfast. The missionaries go out on Sunday mornings to the Newark communities to pick up the children in vans for a church service.
HYDERABAD, India--The Indian churches conducted a national family convention April 29 to May 3 for members unable to get together in a single location for the annual festival because of its awkward timing in the India school and work calendar.
Around 95 people attended.
"The idea behind it was to give our countrywide fellowship an opportunity to come together at a time when there was no pressure of school and exams for the children," said Danny Zachariah, pastor of the Secunderabad congregation. "The traditional festival in September and October was not well attended because it normally fell during school time or mid-term exams.
Classes for adults were conducted on holistic personal development, Christian parenting, fulfilling the great commission, women's role in church development and Galatians. Goal-setting, discipleship and Christian leadership classes were conducted for the young adults. The 23 children, ages 6 to 15, enjoyed games in addition to classes in public speech, biblical principles and crafts.
GARRISON, Montana--Tobe Johnson, pastor of Living Hope Fellowship of the Worldwide Church of God, conducted a resurrection Sunday outreach service in Garrison, one year after conducting a similar service there.
People from five unchurched families attended. Garrison is about 40 miles west of Helena, where Mr. Johnson and his wife, Barbara, live and pastor.
Last year Mr. Johnson conducted a sunrise service at the home of Dave and Brenda Rowell. People from three unchurched families attended the service. One of those families, the Carleys, have become a strong part of Living Hope. They were baptized last fall.
At the end of this year's service, members from each of the five families became believers. After the service and activities, Mr. Johnson baptized Desiree Carley, the Carleys' teenage daughter, in a cold mountain spring.
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island--The Providence congregation invites singles to their third annual singles retreat Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2 to 4.
The theme will be Growing in God's Grace and Knowledge. The retreat will take place on the campgrounds of the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag, Rhode Island. The ECC is on old New England farmland that includes a lakeside beach and acres of woodlands.
Speakers include Luciano Cozzi, Providence pastor; Steve Botha, pastor of the Brooklyn, New York congregation; and Ron Stoddart, pastor of the Concord, New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine, congregations.
The cost is $115 for two nights, which includes five meals and lodging. For more information, please contact John McGrath at 1-508- 432-6677, or Laurie Burns at 1-508-467-9042, e-mail: LJB467@aol.com The deadline is Aug. 1.
CLYDE, New York--Shaena Bogart, a student at Wayne Technical and Career Center in Williamson, New York, earned statewide recognition at the New York State Skills USA VICA (Vocational and Industrial Clubs of America) competition in Syracuse.
Shaena, a junior in the graphics communications program, was elected state president of the VICA organization. She was chosen to be a delegate to the national Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, June 26 to 30.
Shaena is the granddaughter of Carman and Gen Cunningham, members of the Syracuse congregation. Eric Larison.
OCALA, Florida--Andrew Robert Smith, a second-grader
at St. John Lutheran School in Ocala, won the Christian citizenship award May 8.
This award goes to the student in each class who shows godly love to his classmates and teachers, is always helpful and giving (with a smile) and has a good attitude.
Andrew's teacher, Joanne Schultheis, said that she could see the love of God shining through Andrew.
Andrew attends the Ocala congregation with his parents, Dan and Pat (Preidl) Smith, his brother Brian and his grandparents, Bob and Ruth Preidl.
ENDLESS MOUNTAIN, Pennsylvania--The Endless Mountain congregation will have a five day and four night festival Sept. 14 to 18. The date was moved to take advantage of the warmer weather.
The celebration will take place at Mount Zion Retreat Center in Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania. The site includes 104 acres of mountaintop woodlands, hiking trails, dining facilities and recreational facilities.
Services are planned each day and include Ken Williams, district superintendent, as guest speaker.
The recreation center has a number of games such as table tennis, table soccer, billiards, darts, basketball, a jungle gym and places to rollerblade or rollerskate.
Lodging consists of a main lodge housing up to 100. Rooms have no televisions or telephones. However, the main office has a phone, and the lodge has a pay telephone.
Meals will be provided from Thursday dinner to Monday lunch. Three meals are included per day except for the first and last day. Dinner will be provided on the first day, breakfast and lunch will be provided on the last day.
Volunteers are needed for the following areas of service: worship, recreational committee, children's church, special music or information table. If you would like to serve in one or more of these areas, please send a note with your name and phone number along with your registration.
Costs for these activities including lodging and meals for five days and four nights are $130 per adult (age 16 and older), $70 per child (ages 4 to 15) and children younger than 4 are free.
Payment is refundable until Aug. 14 if you cancel your registration. Please make checks payable to Endless Mountain Church--LCAF and mail to Lou Tsiknas, R.R. 3 Box 110, Towanda, Pennsylvania, 18848. Registration deadline is Aug. 14. For more information contact Lou or Donna Tsiknas at 1-570-265-8640 or send e-mail to tsiknas@epix.net
DALLAS, Texas--The Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, congregations will be hosts for a festival Oct. 13 to 15 at Crowne Plaza Suites in Dallas.
The weekend will include praise and worship services, preaching and workshops.
Contact Tom Pickett, Fort Worth pastor, at 1-817-249-2728 or Lynn Hebert, Dallas Central pastor, at 1-972-681-7313 for more information.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado--An eight-day festival will be conducted in Grand Junction. The theme will be grace. The emphasis will be on family, the love of God and the love of people. For more information call Coy Colbert at 1-970-858-9299.
SOLDOTNA, Alaska--A festival retreat will take place Oct. 20 to 22 at Solid Rock Bible Camp in Soldotna.
The full-package registration fee is $92 per person. This includes lodging for two nights, six meals, sickness and accident insurance, bedding and linens. The cost for meals and activity insurance only is $33 per person. Costs for individual meals are breakfast, $4; lunch, $4; and dinner, $6.
A deposit of $25 is due by Aug. 15 with the balance due Oct. 1. Send payment along with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, plus any special needs to Barb Johnson, Attention: Festival 2000 Retreat, Box 2857, Soldotna, Alaska, 99669; phone 1-907-262-8395; fax 1-907-262-4080; e-mail barbjohnson@iolalaska.net
DEPARTING EMPLOYEES--The above employees have left the employ of the WCG. Diane
Sower of Facilities Services worked for the church for 14 years. Floyd and Mardell
Kielczewski retired May 31 after 35 years as facilities managers at the Summer Educational
Program camp in Orr, Minnesota. Mr. Kielczewski built much of the camp. Ralph Lucia of
Church Administration, who worked for the church for 14 years, moved with his wife,
Jennifer, and their sons, Andrew and Ryan, to Springfield, Illinois.
BINGHAMTON, New York--Binghamton members served a fellowship meal to 100 senior citizens and destitute March 18. They have served these meals for a couple of years now. They started using their music ministry at this meal.They serve the meals with the help of CHOW (an organization that collects food and distributes it to the hungry) and members Frank and Francine Race, who donate beef from their farm. Oleh Kubik.
ROCHESTER, Minnesota--Rochester women had a formal tea April 30 in the home of Mary and C.J. Porter in Racine, Minnesota.
In addition to a sandwich and tea luncheon, selections of poetry, readings and song were performed. The women also displayed hats specially created for the tea.
The women presented Alix Engle, wife of Pastor Don Engle, with a tea cup and wall hanging in commemoration of her service to the Rochester and Mason City, Iowa, churches. The Engles were transferred to Wichita, Kansas. Lori L. Campbell.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas--Harlingen and San Antonio ministers Dan Flores, Tony Antonocci and Sonny Parsons spent the day, May 13, witnessing to prisoners at Edinburg prison in South Texas, just north of the Mexican border.
This was part of the Bill Glass Day of Champions (March WN).
This was the first experience for Mr. Flores and Mr. Antonocci with the Bill Glass ministries.
"God really worked through these men as many prisoners came to a relationship with Christ through their efforts," Mr. Parsons said. "These ministers came out ready to serve again in the future. They have a better understanding of the scripture, `I was in prison and you visited me!' "
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000