ARIMA Trinidad--Attendees at an Evangelism Explosion clinic July 24-29 shared the gospel and as a result 186 people accepted Christ, according to Caribbean regional director Charles Fleming.
The clinic was sponsored by the WCG in collaboration with Coral Ridge Presbyterian church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the National Evangelism Explosion Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Evangelism Explosion is an international ministry that trains church leaders and members to evangelize.
Coral Ridge sent six of its experienced trainers, while the National EE Association of Trinidad and Tobago provided coordination and additional trainers. Seventy-three of the 76 people in attendance are WCG members who came from 15 congregations in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Guyana, Martinique, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Venezuela and Antigua.
"The other three are from other churches and represent our commitment to open our training conferences to members of the larger Body of Christ," Mr. Fleming said.
Evangelism Explosion involves on-the-job training. On three successive days, trainers took participants to present the gospel to members of the public, and 186 people accepted Jesus Christ. Members of the Arima congregation will offer discipleship training to them. Some attended the WCG weekly service July 29.
Twenty-eight of the EE participants are teens and young adults, and many of them stayed over in Trinidad for a youth conference July 30 and 31.
"The purpose of this conference was to hear from the youths how we can improve our service to them," Mr. Fleming said. Sixteen teens were baptized during the conference.
FUQUAY-VARINA, North Carolina--Members in the Mid-Atlantic district in their late teens, 20s and 30s gathered at Agape camp Aug. 4 to 6 for a weekend event titled Hearing the Call of God. It focused on young people finding their own place in the work of the gospel and becoming empowered to serve in ministry.
Young adults from Greenville, North Carolina, led praise and worship. At the first service, Friday evening, Aug. 4, Micah Royal explored Isaiah's calling to be a messenger of God and the implications that calling has on our own quest to discover our own calling from God.
In the second service, Saturday evening, elder Mervin Walton of the Pasadena NewLife congregation showed how prayer is an important part of our calling as believers.
The Sunday service brought the weekend to a conclusion as the group joined in a statement of commitment and gathered at the Lord's table to partake of the signs of Christ's body and blood.
The weekend also offered three studies of where and how one can experience Christ's calling to new life and to Christian service. Saturday morning, Matthew Royal led a discussion on how in worship we can hear God's call and also be called to serve. In the second seminar, Micah Royal led a discussion on how relationships with others in the Christian community can be used to point us toward what God is calling us to do.
Mr. Walton led the final seminar, on Sunday, on the calling we have to share our faith. He discussed prayer evangelism, foreign evangelism, prayer for foreign missionaries, middle class street and neighborhood evangelism, and street evangelism to the homeless, runaways and prostitutes.
Some of those in attendance have expressed how the Spirit has moved in their lives, how they feel more empowered to share the gospel with others, how they have been strengthened in their prayer life and how they have made renewed commitments to Christ. Micah Royal.
VALLE CRUCIS, North Carolina--As they have for the past five years, members from the Boone, Hickory and Marion, North Carolina, churches participated in the American Cancer Society's 24-hour Relay for Life, June 9 and 10.
Relay for Life raises money to support research, education, advocacy and patient services.
The WCG relay team had 12 members. They raised more than $4,000 and walked 100 miles. Members participated in several other areas, including Chief Terry Combs of the Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department, who provided traffic control.
Pastor Paul David Kurts gave the invocation, and Brian Clark sang the national anthem. The walking began with 150 cancer survivors, including member Carolyn L. Tedder, a four-year survivor, making the first lap around the track. After the survivors completed their first lap, others joined in the walking.
The luminary service was next. Luminaries were purchased for $10 before the relay in memory of loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer or in honor of survivors who have either won their fight or are still fighting. After the luminaries are lit, they burn all night.
Two WCG team members, Laura Price and Patrick Miller, unannounced to the rest of the group, changed their October wedding date to June 10. Mr. Kurts performed the ceremony.
MIAMI, Florida--The North Miami church has a ministry, the Children's Missions of Central America. Each week donations are collected for this mission. So far 373 pounds of new clothing, shoes and school supplies, along with $1,991.75 have been sent to Honduras and Guatemala for this cause.
TACA Airlines shipped the supplies for $130, a 50 percent discount. The North Miami church donated the shipping costs.
Juan Laguer, an elder in North Miami, arrived in Honduras June 22 to bring joy and gladness to many. He visited Democracia, a community in northern Honduras where a mission supports 55 children. About 80 percent of the children here have come to Christ apart from their parents.
That evening, Mr. Laguer gave the sermon, then got together with the children and played Christian music and games using a gift of a portable entertainment center. Each child has a Bible, and the North Miami church plans to send more to accommodate the new children.
Next Mr. Laguer went to St. Angel, where Mr. and Mrs. Torres are deacon and deaconess. They care for 22 children from one-parent homes. They have Sunday classes for the children, and have asked for the congregation's help as they need Bibles and school supplies. The congregation there has about 40 members.
Mr. Laguer arrived in San Salvador June 25 and stayed with Pastor Arguello for a week. Here they have disabled children who need medicine and vitamins. The North Miami congregation will help with donations of clothing, Bibles and school supplies. Business suppliers will donate medical supplies and vitamins.
Next, Mr. Laguer went to San Andres, Guatemala, arriving there Sunday, July 2. He then visited Villa Nueva and met with the pastor. About six members meet weekly.
Mr. Laguer then went to visit the Alana family in northern Guatemala. The father, Edwin Alana, is suffering from a broken shoulder from a farm accident. The mother, Tita, suffers with gastritis and a hernia. They need medicine and trips to the doctor, which isn't easy as they live about six hours by bus from Guatemala City.
For more information, contact Jim or Linda Brann, 14630 SW 14 St., Davie, Florida, 33325, phone 1-954-472-4069, e-mail jimbrann@ email.msn.com Jim Brann.
BEND, Oregon--Jim and Sue Brannan left for Arequipa,
Peru, Sept. 22 to serve as full-time missionaries.
"One of the more rewarding aspects of pastoring a church is seeing those whom God has placed in your care grow and mature in their Christian walk," said Pastor Robin Chester. "After having gone on several short-term mission trips, Jim and Sue Brannan have responded to the Lord's call upon their lives by becoming full-time missionaries."
The Brannans were accepted as field coordinators by Missionary Ventures International. As field coordinators, they will function as a bridge between North American involvement and the local Christian leadership.
The Brannans will be hosts for team mission trips that will assist them in the establishment of Christian leadership, churches and ministries, and channel resources such as tools and equipment and financial support to these churches.
Mr. and Mrs. Brannan will get to know pastors and churches in Arequipa to understand their needs to determine how MVI can support them in helping their own people.
You can send e-mail to the Brannans at jbrannan@coinet.com
BONN, Germany--The Bonn church took part in the annual Muensterplatz-Festival (named after the main cathedral on Muensterplatz) Aug. 15, organized by the Evangelical Alliance (EA) Bonn.
This was the first time the Bonn congregation had a booth. They offered their bi-monthly magazine Nachfolge (Discipleship) and other WCG literature and showed WCG videos.
"I believe we all were able to witness that the WCG indeed has a future and something valuable to offer," said Alois Mair.
NANTWICH,
England--Neil Earle, pastor of the Glendora and San Bernardino, California, churches,
attended a Tyndale House triennial conference on the theme of God's Unfolding Purpose in
Nantwich, Chesire, in northwest England, July 3 to 7.
Tyndale House is a scholarly and theological fellowship that has been a rallying point and think tank for British evangelicals over the years.
"Much serious thought was given to the best direction for evangelism and discipleship to take in the British Isles in this new century," Mr. Earle commented.
"British scholars are much more leery of faddism and wild experimentation than their North American colleagues, though, with the new technology raining in on them from satellites and the Internet they are worried about the spreading `addiction to novelty.' They are, like their colleagues around the world, seeing the need to redefine how we present the gospel, especially to the post-biblical, post-Christian European audiences."
The 100 scholars and editors heard talks from John Drane on the subject of the Christian church's need to reposition itself for the future. "Rather than, I've got it, come to me, the church should be saying, I've got my troubles but Jesus makes the difference," Dr. Drane argued.
David Smith of Oxford University's George Whitefield Institute shed light on the differences between revival optimists--those who feel the new technology can greatly advance the gospel--and revival pessimists, who are tempted to withdraw from engaging the culture.
"Never before have so many cross-cultural trends been bearing down upon us," said Dr. Smith, who concluded that "the test of any renewal must be theological substance."
"This gave me lots to think about for our own future direction as a fellowship," Mr. Earle commented. He ended the conference by meeting with Joel Edwards, director of the Evangelical Alliance in Great Britain.
SAYRE, Oklahoma--Several families took advantage of free clothing given away on Good Neighbor Day, July 15.
The event was sponsored by the Sayre Circle of Love Fellowship (Sayre WCG congregation) as a community outreach. Emphasis was placed on school clothing for children. Five gift certificates for school supplies were given to needy children. Refreshments were served, and people were invited to church.
United Methodist minister Lin Sylvester, his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter, Sandra, provided clothing to be given away and were guests at the worship service that afternoon. Shirley West.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand--During his November trip to New Zealand, Luciano Pavarotti heard member Shaun Dixon sing and invited him to go to Italy for further training and development of his career. Mr. Dixon spent several weeks in late August and early September in daily singing lessons with Pavarotti at his house in Pesaro, Italy.
Sept. 11 he traveled with Pavarotti to New York for a concert in Madison Square Gardens.
In May, Mr. Dixon sang for the king of Tonga at his palace. Rod Matthews.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas--The Bell Ringers choir from First Presbyterian Church in Mesquite, Texas, performed July 13 in the Coastal Palms Nursing Home, where a WCG congregation meets. All residents were invited to attend.
Jerry Magee, a member, has a niece who performs with the group. He had made contact with the church about the tour.
SUMMERSVILLE, West Virginia --About 40 current and former members attended a picnic July 23. Nellie Slaughter.
PORT-AU-PRINCE,
Haiti--John Halford, European regional director, visited the Port-au-Prince congregation
for its 25th anniversary Aug. 12.
"It was both a challenge, and a great pleasure, to be able to visit this desperately poor and struggling country again," Mr. Halford said. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Mr. Halford was accompanied by Jack Brunet, pastor of our congregations in the French-speaking West Indies. Because Haiti is French-speaking, Mr. Brunet helps Charles Fleming, regional director for the Caribbean, in serving the country.
The Port-au-Prince church meets in its own building (in which they also run a kindergarten for poor families during the week).
"The congregation is quite small, and it was sad to see how many familiar faces no longer attend," Mr. Halford said. "A few left because of the doctrinal changes, but I am afraid many others just became weary with well doing."
Elder Blaise Franklin and his wife, Georgette, work tirelessly to keep things running, Mr. Halford said. Along with his work in the ministry, Mr. Franklin is a baker, and is up every morning by 3.
Mr. Halford and Mr. Brunet also visited the two other Haitian congregations. One is in Bezim, 60 miles from Port-au-Prince, a bone-shattering four-hour drive each way. This is home to about 20 members, who are trying to come out of voodoo, Haiti's unofficial but most common religion.
Most speak only Creole, and they have a desperate need for Bibles, other resources and systematic quality teaching.
The other congregation is north of the capital, near a town called St. Marc, where about 50 people gathered Sunday evening, Aug. 13, at a member's home. Most understand French, so it is easier to help them.
"We discussed ways to continue to help these satellite congregations, without wearing out our laborers and exhausting the church's resources," Mr. Halford said.
"You would not be human if you did not breathe a sigh of relief as your plane took off from Haiti," Mr. Halford said. "But you would not be Christian if you did not leave a large part of your heart there."
Mr. Brunet and Mr. Fleming continue to explore ways to help the church there.
EAU CLAIRE, Wisconsin--The Eau Claire congregation celebrated its 25th anniversary July 15.
Bill Jahns, the minister who started the congregation, sent greetings from him and his wife, Cheryl. Former Pastor George Pendry and his wife, Rika, sent their greetings.
The seven original members received Bible commentaries in appreciation of their 25 years of faithful membership and service.
The worship service included a message from former Pastor Karl Reinagel, who spoke of the need to follow Christ. Pastor Roger Galstad spoke of the many blessings God has poured out on the congregation including four baptisms since their 40 day fast in January and the eight baptisms that have taken place in his prison ministry during the same period of time. He also reminded members to not "despise the day of small things" from the text of Zechariah 4:l0.
A few people from the United Church of God joined members for a picnic after the service.
Roger Galstad.
FLORENCE, Alabama--About 80 people from eight denominations celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Florence church July 8. The actual anniversary was July 12.
The congregation meets in a church building owned by one of the two other denominations meeting there.
"We
cooperate and plan events whereby the three groups can be more effective as a team,"
said Pastor Roland Stanley.
Such was the situation for the anniversary when a featured speaker was Jim Bevis, executive director of CSR Ministries. Mr. Stanley said that Jim and Ann Bevis have been supportive of the WCG since its transformation started and are excited about the potential for the three congregations.
Robert Taylor, superintendent of the Nashville, Tennessee, district, and his wife, Jan, attended. Mr. Taylor spoke on The Upside Down Kingdom.
The fellowship hall was filled to capacity for a potluck meal with members, former members, friends from other denominations and family. Shelba Stanley collected and displayed pictures of people and events during the past 25 years.
SALINA, Kansas--The Salina church was host for its third annual family retreat, Father's Day weekend, June 16 to 18, for members and ex-members of the WCG. The retreat, titled "Through Our Father's Eyes," was conducted at Webster Conference Center on the north edge of Salina.
A prayer and worship service Friday evening, June 16, set the tone for the weekend.
Bob Wildt and a band from Wichita, Kansas, provided praise music for the Saturday morning service.
Children enjoyed paddleboating, a game room and swimming during the weekend, but also added their part to the Saturday service with a creative reading from Psalm 8.
Guest speaker Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, reflected on the weekend's theme with a sermon, The Faithful Father and the Lost Son, which expresses God's unconditional love for his children by example of the prodigal son in Luke 15.
Saturday afternoon, Carol Meyer conducted a two part women's workshop titled Our Identity in Christ and The Beauty of Brokenness. Barbara Rogers added some comments on our identity in Christ. A men's workshop on The Blessing by Pastor Tony Auernheimer followed.
Praise and worship Sunday morning preceded an introduction to Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages. The weekend's activities ended with a candlelight communion service.
Audrey Auernheimer.
KALAMAZOO, Michigan--The Kalamazoo congregation invited former members to a reunion picnic July 23.
In attendance were members from WCG offshoots and members from other WCG congregations. Rosetta Andrews.
PASADENA--Joan Turpin and her husband, Glenn, played host to neighbors for a National Night Out to Fight Crime block party Aug. 1.
Mrs. Turpin invited neighbors from her street and adjacent streets. Posters were placed on lamposts, and streets were barricaded. Police representatives talked to the crowds.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma--A weekend celebration will take place in Oklahoma City Oct. 20, 21 and 22. The registration fee is $25 per person or $50 per family. For more information call Mike and Juli Rasmussen at 1-405-373-3137.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas--Sylvia Morgan, songwriter and guitarist, performed for the Sunday evening praise and worship service at Memorial Methodist Church July 30.
Several members attended the service when she gave her testimony about the WCG and performed her original songs.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas--The evening of Aug. 1 was the annual National Night Out across the United States.
It is a time when neighbors can come together to meet one another and help stop crime in the neighborhoods.
Pastor Frank Parsons and his wife, Jane, invited neighbors over for hot dogs, watermelon and games. Almost 50 people responded to the invitation. Mr. Parsons wore his New Beginnings WCG T-shirt with pastor on the back. Neighbors started asking questions, and Mr. and Mrs. Parsons invited them to services.
Mrs. Parsons overheard some of the children talking, and one told his mother, "I want to go to that New Beginnings church!"
"We have been going on prayer walks in the neighborhood for over a year now," Mr. Parsons said, "and God seems to be stirring around with his Spirit in people's lives. The seed has been planted."
NASHVILLE, Tennessee--The Footwashers e-group marked its first anniversary in August, according to Jonathan Stepp, 26, assistant pastor of the Nashville, Tennessee, congregation.
"When we started last August I knew of only a handful of people in my age group who were involved in ministry in the Worldwide Church of God," Mr. Stepp said. "Today I know 25, and in another year I have a feeling I will know many more. The Holy Spirit is at work in our church, and for the first time in a long while I fully believe that the sun is rising over our fellowship and not setting."
Mr. Stepp said that for him the commitment to be involved in Footwashers was born out of an "intensely difficult struggle" with his own calling.
"So many of my friends from the old days of the Summer Educational Program, Youth Opportunities United (the church's former youth group), and Ambassador University, had abandoned our church and, in many cases, our Lord," Mr. Stepp said.
For a long time, Mr. Stepp said he prayed that the Lord would help him find the others that he knew had to be out there. "Footwashers has been the answer to that prayer," he said.
In Footwashers he has heard the stories and seen the testimonies of what the Lord is doing in the lives of other young adults all over our church.
As John Stonecypher wrote: "The Footwashers Guild is a communion of young people before God, praying and working for the blessing of the world through the hands of the Worldwide Church of God.
"We are called to radical discipleship and servanthood in the WCG, taking the lowest seat and stooping to the lowest in service, both literally and metaphorically. In response to his call, we carry our crosses, we carry each other, and we wash the feet of our fellows in humility and love and joy. And in his name we call others forth to do the same."
For more information, you can visit the Footwashers website at www.wcg.org/footwashers
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama--Five Huntsville members returned from the Summer Educational Program (SEP) in August.
Hollie Barnes, Keegan Davenport, Adam and John Hughes and Amy Ward presented SEP 2000 to the congregation Aug. 5. The five shared the many memories of friendships developed during their stay in Orr, Minnesota. However, the main focus was the joy, love and excitement of growing stronger in their relationships with Jesus Christ.
Words such as awesome, loving and Spirit-led were used repeatedly, and the teens reminded us they returned to serve in the congregation.
Huntsville has a new light and help from its youths. Our congregation is in full support of our youths. Adam, John and Heidi Hughes were baptized Sept. 2. They are the children of Deborah (Johnson) Hughes and the late Mike Hughes. Larry and Deborah Ward.
PASADENA--The church honored the following ministers and wives for 25 years of service.
Leonard and Sandy Holladay, Anchorage, Wasilla and Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada; Dennis and Lynn Lawrence, Montreal, Quebec (English), and Cornwall, Ontario, Canada; Bob and Ruth Miller; Birmingham and Good Hope, Alabama; Alan and Carolyn Redmond, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, and Warroad, Minnesota; and Tom and Pam Smith, Washington and Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; and Wheeling, West Virginia.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000