Some 1,300 people gathered in Myrtle Beach for worship and good Christian fellowship. The theme of "Believing and Receiving Jesus" was explored in the sermon messages and seminar classes.

Ted Johnston, Great Lakes district superintendent, taught three classes on the Apostles’ Creed. Pastors Ron Dick and Mike Greider taught three classes on the cell-based church.

We had a variety of talented musicians and singers. Many could have been featured as special music performers, yet they humbly combined their talents to bless us with the best of blended worship.

Next year’s dates for the Myrtle Beach festival are Oct. 12 to 19.

Five hundred seventy-five members gathered in Saratoga Springs Oct. 4 to 8 to Celebrate Salvation Through Jesus 2001.

The Friday evening, Oct. 5, service opened with worship led by Cheryl Cormier and Jeff Batter. The opening message, "It’s Good to Be Near the Lord," was given by Ken Williams, district superintendent.

On Saturday morning, the Manhattan Bible Church praise team led us in worship, and Tom Mahairas, evangelist and president of CitiVision, gave his message—"At Ground Zero." Mr. Mahairas has spent much time at ground zero in New York praying for recovery workers there.

On Sunday, Michael Feazell spoke to us about the assurance of our salvation in his message, "Come and Have Breakfast." More than 400 took communion.

The final worship was led by Judi and Charles Piscitello, and the message was given by Pastor Peter Whitting. His message, "Separating Your Trash From Your Treasure," encouraged us to focus on Jesus Christ and the basics of the gospel message.

Two workshops were conducted. Mr. Whitting led a group of worship leaders in a session on "Worship in the Small Church." Carl and Annabel Dayhoff of West Virginia gave us an introduction to Evangelism Explosion. After the workshops, Mr. Williams led a praise and prayer service. Dan Bierer.

Mayor Rosemary Baker-Monaghan welcomed 472 attendees to Seaside at the Oct. 6 service.

Vaughn LeMoss from Open Doors was also featured as a speaker and seminar presenter. He focused attention on the plight of suffering Christians around the world, including China, North Korea, Africa and Asia.

Much emphasis centered on the importance of Christian witness and personal evangelism. Many recommitted themselves to the service of Christ and felt that this festival was a turning point in their Christian lives.

Douglas Mullikan of Portland, Oregon, was baptized Oct. 6. God also healed him during the prayer for him and the laying on of hands. Mr. Mullikan had an accident in 1991 in which he broke his back and neck. He had suffered chronic pain ever since.

Near the end of the final service, seniors were asked to come forward as hands were laid on them. A prayer of thanksgiving was offered for their service to our church. It was also asked that God would bless their serving as prayer warriors to help us advance in God’s service and evangelize our communities.

Members donated $4,067 and 1,500 pounds of food to Clatsop Community Action to assist food pantries. Joel Lillengreen.

DAVENPORT—Barry and Maria Stahl with children. [Photo by Ron Grove]

The festival in Davenport focused on worship and fellowship. Our theme was "Come Celebrate Christ … and Walk the Talk."

Sermons carried forward the message that we "might have a walk worthy of the Lord." Workshops further instructed us on our Christian walk of witnessing, stewardship and evangelism.

Fellowship evenings provided times of sharing in family games, singing and building of friendships. A baby shower benefited children aided by a crisis pregnancy center.

Our teens had a high level of involvement, helping lead daily worship and presenting the gospel message in a moving drama presentation. Two teens committed their lives to Christ during the festival, and two more teens were baptized at a teen event. Mike Urmie.

Four hundred fifty members assembled in Hot Springs for a celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ that included praise and worship, activities and lots of opportunities for fellowship and renewal of old friendships.

Lonnie J. Allison was the keynote speaker. Dr. Allison is director of the Billy Graham Center on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Dr. Allison spoke in the Saturday morning, Oct. 7, worship service, and then taught on personal evangelism. He taught a seminar attended by 150 members on how to work in cooperation with the Holy Spirit and other people, to move people one step closer to a decision for Christ.

The terrorist attack in New York on Sept. 11 influenced the sermons at the festival. Jim Kissee reminded everyone that Jesus Christ is our security and our hope in times of crisis; and Mike Booze addressed the ways that God fulfills his promises to us, even in difficult times. Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart Music Ministries presented an evening of praise and worship. Mike Booze.

About 500 members joined WCG President Joseph Tkach and his family at the Riverside Convention Center Sept. 28 to Oct. 1.

The four services and four workshops were tinged by a strong sense of identity with the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"Thousands of people are turning to God through this tragedy," said Mr. Tkach in his opening night message, "and that’s a good thing." Pastor Neil Earle of Glendora, California, echoed that theme in his sermon: "America seems to be rediscovering its Christian roots."

Pastor Phil Rice of Phoenix, Arizona, and Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart Music Ministries led a communion service Sept. 30.

"We packed a lot of spiritual meat in three days," said Jewel Love, an elder from Redlands, California. On Saturday night, Sept. 29, the Oasis Praise Band gave a concert that raised more than $1,300 for Christ Extension Ministries, a drug and alcohol recovery program.

In his closing message, Pastor Tom Ecker of the Inland Empire churches challenged the audience to "take what we have here and have it go with us. Jesus wants to live big in you." Larry Dietrich.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado—About 350 members met in Grand Junction for Festival 2001, a Festival of Grace. The festival took place at the Adams Mark Hotel and Conference Center and Golf Club.

From the first message by Del Leger to the last message by Wes Higgins, every day was spiritually uplifting.

Activities included an evening of praise and worship, a teen activity, youth day, children’s church and children’s choir, a singles drop-in, a senior citizens lunch, family day and a Western show and dinner. Bob Wright and Coy and Annetta Colbert.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida—More than 200 members attended a local festival in St. Augustine.

It was an inspirational retreat and reminder of God’s great love for us during these trying times in our nation. Sermons were given by Bob Persky, district superintendent, Gadson Burgess, Stanley De Veaux and Marty Davey. The festival concluded with a communion service.

Activities included a fishing contest, a praise and worship service, a family day and fish fry, a catered banquet and a Hawaiian costume dance.

TURKEY—Group tour at the library at Ephesus.

Twenty-seven members spent two weeks touring the biblical and historical sites of Turkey, Sept. 30 to Oct. 10. Ron Kelly, church controller, was the group coordinator.

The first few days were spent in Istanbul. Highlights were tours of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia church built by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century A.D. Other excursions were Topkapi palace, where the sultans of Turkey lived for more than 400 years, shopping at the Grand Bazaar in more than 4,000 shops and finally a cruise on the Bosphorus.

The group flew to Izmir to visit the area of the seven churches John addressed in the book of Revelation. The most impressive visit was the city of Ephesus, where the apostle Paul confronted the pagan worshipers of Diana.

Members spent an additional three days touring Cappadocia in central Turkey. During the second and third centuries, Christians often escaped persecution by moving to underground cities carved out of the soft rocks as deep as seven to eight stories under the earth’s surface. Ron Kelly.

Seven hundred forty-seven members sailed on Holland America’s M.S. Maasdam through the Western Caribbean. This seven-day cruise left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sept. 30 for ports of call in Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman Island; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

Members enjoyed a variety of shore excursions such as touring Mayan ruins, snorkeling, deep sea diving, fishing, visiting plantations, shopping or just relaxing on white sand beaches with turquoise water.

The two days at sea provided additional time to enjoy the amenities of the ship and fellowship.

The coordinator was Steve Botha, pastor of the Brooklyn, New York, church. Charles Taylor, pastor of the Miami, Florida, church, and his wife, Keysha, coordinated worship music teams led by Celestine Olive, Dennis and Lorraine Pelley and Murdock "Doc" and Vera Gibbs.

Services were offered daily, with sermons given by Bernie Schnippert, Curtis May, Dennis Pelley and Mr. Botha. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor led a praise and worship service with communion. Mr. Botha also conducted a prayer service. Jeb Egbert facilitated teen church, and his wife, Barb, facilitated children’s church.

John and Diane Siston from Travel Gallery were cruise hosts and information coordinators. The cruise was so successful that Mr. Siston received reservations for next year’s cruise while still on board ship. Steve and Harlean Botha.

By Bill Hall

BATTLEFORD, Saskatchewan—Canadian members from coast to coast gathered together to fellowship and worship. The number of U.S. visitors increased this year. Their presence was a welcome addition and gave an international perspective to celebrations.

St. John’s Newfoundland

Fifty-six people from many parts of the province converged in St. John’s for services. The theme was the presentness and the future fullness of the kingdom of God. Meals were served and enjoyed together and a harvest was taken in to help provide for needy people in our communities.

This year’s festival in Halifax proved to be an enjoyable experience for the more than 100 people in attendance. The main emphasis was on the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, Oct. 5 to 8, with different speakers each day—Gary Moore, Neil Earle, Eric Vautour and Owen Willis.

Vendee, Quebec

In the intimacy of Camp Vendee and surrounded by the spectacle of autumn colors of the Laurentians, up to 100 enjoyed this fall retreat with a focus on the theme of evangelism. During the final service when members prepared to take communion, they were treated to the first snowstorm of the year.

As many as 400 people attended at least one service during the Come Celebrate Christ regional weekend. The theme was "The Cross of Christ," stimulating meaningful meditations. Activities included worship services, seminars, children’s programs, a mini-concert by the Caribcana Steel Band and a family movie night.

The high attendance for services this year was 296. Since the festival coincided with Canadian Thanksgiving, members put on a turkey dinner for more than 200 people. Steve Bell, Canadian Christian music performer, presented a worship concert for members.

The theme in Battleford was "Celebrating Community." The highest attendance was 58 in services that featured members of the area ministerial association bringing their own perspectives on community. Activities included a tour of historic Fort Battleford, a women’s study on the book of Ruth and a community supper.

Edmonton, Alberta

More than 400 attended the annual Festival of Faith. Terry Peterman, director of The Counseling Center, a Christian counseling clinic, was guest teacher. In a moving testimony, he shared how Jesus saved him from the aftermath of his father’s suicide and misspent teen years suffering with a hard-core drug addiction. An offering was taken to support the work of The Counseling Center, and offerings of food, clothing and cash were also received in support of J-Jirah Street Missions.

Penticton was blessed with abundant spiritual food and fellowship for 420 attendees. Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart Music Ministries set the stage for a theme focusing on glorifying God for what he has done for us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Attendees generously contributed nonperishable foods to the Penticton Food Bank.

By John D. Stettaford

Bridlington, England

BOREHAMWOOD, England—About 956 members met at festival sites in the United Kingdom. In Bridlington, England, Robert Harrison reported that heavy-duty fellowshipping created an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness, necessary considering the backdrop of world events.

Raymond Jordan said that Kenmare, Ireland, activities raised 600 pounds ($1,400) for an Alzheimer’s charity. The highlight of the festival was a moonlight baptism in the Kenmare River.

Characteristic of the London festival site was a close supportive family atmosphere, reported Hilary Reeve. Outings included a tour led by Philip Nowland of Pulsar Teaching Ministries to the British Library and British Museum to see Bible manuscripts and artifacts. Some members attended a Sunday service at the American Church, remembering the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

In Paignton, the largest United Kingdom site, Harry Sullivan wrote that some 450 attendees heard messages on rededication. One sermon was given by Derek James of Emmanuel International, an organization committed to helping Christian communities in the developing world.

Perth, Scotland, had two guest speakers for ladies day, reported Hamish Dougall. Activities included a Scottish country dance and an adult dinner.

The European Capitals Tour began in Zurich, Switzerland. Twenty-two members from the United States and Canada visited the churches in Europe, said John Halford. Then they went to Bonndorf, Germany; Milan, Italy, by way of Switzerland; then to Venice, Italy; Paris, France; and, finally, the Netherlands, by way of Belgium. They visited the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam.

The festival in Tallinn, Estonia, with 29 present, was smaller this year because of the new Norwegian site, reported Leo Kaagjarv. Sermons focused on gifts of the Spirit and spiritual disciplines.

In Bonndorf, Germany, 10 readers of Nachfolge (Discipleship, a magazine published by the WCG in Germany) attended with several guests of the Lutheran state church. A total of 263 registered, wrote Silvia Mair. The festival next year will move to Bonn.

About 190 participated at the Venice festival at Lido di Jesolo, reported Daniel Bosch. Highlights included a sister-church ceremony between the Middletown, New York, and Montvale, New Jersey, churches and the Italian congregations.

The Sliema, Malta, festival had plenty of outside activities for 65 attendees, noted Dora Stagno. On youth day two spoke about their experiences with God.

In Hoogeveen, Netherlands, 125 people attended, said Henk Buist. On the first evening ex-members were invited to a reunion. A gospel rock evening took place for church and area teens.

Fifty members enjoyed unbroken fellowship at Sundvollen, Norway, according to Carl Frederik Aas. This is the sole annual opportunity for scattered members to gather. A whole day was set aside to be together with God, and another was spent in small groups.

In Sines, Portugal, Jose Ribeiro reported that the 34 people in attendance ate most meals together as a group, providing lots of time together in fellowship.

Majorca, Spain

Gene Hogberg reported that in Majorca, Spain, 136 visitors joined 30 members from the Iberian peninsula. The festival was marked by an unusual sense of togetherness, harmony and brotherly love.

The festival sites in Branville, France; and St. Luce, Martinique, will appear in a future issue.

By Leanne Ashcroft

BURLEIGH HEADS, Australia—Around 2,000 people gathered at 15 sites around the region for "A Celebration of the Good News." Here is a sampling of what took place at some of the sites.

The parable of the Good Samaritan will never be the same after a skit during a service for children in Warnambool, Victoria, Australia. The victim carrying a mobile phone, female shoppers walking by, robbers acting like the three stooges and an out of control donkey made sure no one will forget this parable in a hurry.

Jenny Verheijden, who helped coordinate the service, said: "It was amazing how creative the kids became. We had to pull the plug on some of their suggestions as splattering the victim with tomato sauce may have been too realistic for some of the younger children."

Young people in Caloundra, Queensland, Australia, enjoyed hearing from Wes Jessop, guest speaker and youth pastor, during a youth service. He encouraged young people to get rid of their stereotypical image of Jesus as "weak and boring," and discover who he really is. Members also had a foretaste of some of Pacific College’s classes with sessions on spiritual formation and team communication.

"Open Church 2001" was a major evangelism event planned for two days of the Mandurah, Western Australia festival. The community was invited to join with members as they explored the subject of "Hope for All People." The 15 visitors who attended were also offered a free subscription to a new Christian magazine, Life Today... A Perspective, which is published in Western Australia.

Wellington, New Zealand [Photo by Graeme Richards]

Messages at the festival in Wellington, New Zealand, centered on the theme of "Togetherness Through Christ." These included two addresses by Rod Matthews, regional director, and a guest presentation by John Walton, a regional leader for the New Life Churches in New Zealand, on the importance of grandparenting.

An evening address by Gregory Fortuin, New Zealand’s race relations conciliator, was opened to the public and challenged us to care for the disadvantaged.

In Rory, Vanuatu, the simple thatched church building in a jungle clearing provided a relaxed setting for the festival. The highlight was a reconciliation ceremony with a Rory Protestant Church, which had stopped members from using a church building in 1988. Pastor Wilson Kele and visiting speaker Rex Morgan gave speeches of apology, and then everyone shared a meal together. The two churches plan to help each other in various ways in the future.

Billy Taren, Rory deacon, summed it up: "It was a goodfella festival. They are getting better every year."

In New Delhi, India, members were apprehensive about the military strikes in Afghanistan, as New Delhi is close to the northern border of India. However, the north India festival was special because of the intimate fellowship that was possible with the small group that met.

Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, 47 Highland people set out on the back of a truck, carrying all their food and bedding for a week in Madang. The adventure really began as they traveled by dinghy to Krangket Island, as most of the women and children had never seen the sea. The later part was celebrated by 20 people in Port Moresby. Two teens asked for a public affirmation of their trust in Jesus to guide them, and two married couples took part in a recommittal service where Jesus was welcomed into their marriage.

By Arlan Aquino

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Local churches around the country celebrated Christ Sept. 29 to Oct. 6 with the theme "Celebrating Our Hope in Christ." Celebrating Christ 2001 for the members was a time of inspired worship, extended fellowship, loving outreach, joyful gathering and new learning.

Baguio, Philippines

Regional director Bill Sidney spoke to members in Baguio City and Metro Manila. Mr. Sidney stressed that a believer’s hope in Christ will transform his or her relationship with God and fellow humans in their daily living. He focused on how husbands and wives can treat one another better and how families can become more harmonious as Christ becomes the center of their lives.

Highlights in this year’s nationwide celebration included conducting the Condensed World Mission Course in Baguio City. Twenty-four members completed the course. Pyongyon Kim, a South Korean missionary, church planter and seminary teacher at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke to the group in a graduation ceremony.

Another highlight was an evangelistic campaign in Sorsogon. Missionary-pastor Enrico Mercader teamed up with some Christians from the Mangyan tribe for the event. A Mangyan evangelist spoke during the campaign.

A third highlight was outreach activities conducted by members. These were the visit to an orphanage by our Bacolod City members, a prison visit by our Tacloban City members and medical services sponsored by members in Palawan.

A fourth highlight was the set of equipping programs—the worship leading seminar in Cagayan de Oro and the youth evangelism training in Mindoro.

By Charles Fleming

CORAL SPRINGS, Florida—The festival season was a wonderful time to see some of the success our great God is having in his labor of love, building us together to become a building in which he lives by his Spirit.

Here are the reports we have received from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Services were conducted in the evenings because most of the members had daily responsibilities. We rejoiced that our youths are taking seriously their need to have Christ as the center in their lives. Some invited their friends to attend. Members committed to grow in unity and serve each other in a better way, giving priority to the children and the youths. Jose Rodriguez.

On Oct. 6, 27 people had a picnic at Pastor Jose Kasum’s house. The next day we had a children’s party with an attendance of 48 people. Daniel Quintana.

Twenty-nine people from the three congregations in the area got together in Veracruz for a two-day weekend festival. Daniel Vazquez.

Every day we had a morning service dedicated only to prayer and worship and later, at 11 a.m., we had the regular daily service. Those who attended felt a special bond in the Spirit and love for one another. A 7.0 earthquake and several aftershocks occurred during the festival. Salvador Barragan.

A family opened their large home to be the site for the festival, which 24 attended.

The first day we studied what God is expecting from us, what to do and how to share this grace and the calling we have received in a world that is becoming more unsafe. In the afternoon we had a concert of Christian music presented by the Melara family from Austria. Diogenes Alvarez.

On youth day in Arima the young people did special music and put on a skit titled "Are You About Your Father’s Business?" On Sept. 30, we had a thanksgiving and communion service in commemoration of the large number of our young people who have given their lives to Christ.

Members viewed a video on how communities can be transformed through prayer, and one evening was designated prayer night, in which the service was dedicated to praying for international, national and family issues. Laura Sealy.

About 100 members from the Bahamas, Jamaica and the United States celebrated Festival 2001. Pastor Robert W.T. McKinney was coordinator.

Children participated in a Discovery Channel camp at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island early in the festival. The next day members served hot meals to the community through the church’s soup kitchen.

The last three days of the festival were evangelistic in nature. Evening services were conducted outdoors at the church’s property to which the community was invited. Through messages titled "Not Only Is This Your Day of Visitation, but Also Your Hour of Decision," "Victory in Jesus" and "Salvation Full and Free," presented by Patrick Fearon, John Paul Jones and Mr. McKinney, at least 14 people (most of them youths), surrendered their lives to Christ. Twelve of them were baptized on the last evening of the festival. Patrick Fearon.

Praise and worship sessions were particularly enjoyable in Dominica. Different families or church groups played host to each session, with the women’s ministry conducting a praise and worship service for the entire Saturday session. The young people blessed all in attendance with a beachside service of praise and worship on youth day. Other activities included visits to homebound members unable to attend.

Members gave numerous testimonies of Christ manifesting himself both to them and through them. In this festival, Jesus was more than celebrated, he was glorified, magnified and renewed in our lives. Cris Vidal.

On Oct. 4 we were visited by some of the members from the festival cruise that had docked in Ocho Rios for the day.

Charles Fleming, regional director, conducted two Bible studies. He shared in a baptismal ceremony Oct. 7 where two young men were welcomed into the body of Christ.

When we heard the news of the threatening hurricane, Iris, a gospel concert planned for that evening was replaced by a prayer meeting. God intervened by diverting Hurricane Iris to pass to the south of the island. Leroy Joiles.

PASADENA—The WCG will offer two cruises for 2002.

The first will be an Eastern Caribbean cruise. Ports of call will include Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and the private island of Half Moon Cay. This cruise will leave from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has a different itinerary from the Western Caribbean cruise of 2001.

The second cruise is the Alaska Glacier Bay—Inside Passage cruise, which leaves from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and will include the ports of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan as well as Glacier Bay National Park.

Both cruises will start on Sunday, Sept. 22, and conclude on Sunday, Sept. 29.

Travel Gallery has negotiated attractive rates with Holland America Cruise Lines. The Alaska cruise is 50 percent below brochure rates with starting rates at $773 per person, plus port charges and taxes. The Caribbean cruise is 65 percent below brochure rates, starting at $579 per person plus port charges and taxes.

Both cruise groups will join in worship services featuring WCG ministers and worship leaders.

The most economical and desirable cabins tend to be reserved early. Many members have found the cruises wonderful times to invite family and friends to enjoy a reunion or just to spend quality time together. Family and friends are always welcome at all our worship services, but they are not obligated to attend. We can offer our WCG special rates to all who would like to join us.

For more information, please contact John Siston at Travel Gallery. He has brochures and pricing information on all levels of cabins and add-on airfares for those who would like Travel Gallery and Holland America to complete cruise arrangements. You can call him at 1-800-858-6999 or send e-mail to him at John@travelgallery.com Ronald Kelly.

By James Henderson

Ghana photo by Isaac Quainoo

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa —In the midst of celebrating joyfully their salvation in Jesus, African Christians took time to reflect on and pray concerning the state of the world.

At the forefront of our minds was the terrible atrocity of Sept. 11, with heartfelt intercessory prayer made for the U.S. members throughout the continent. In addition, the African members thought of the plight of their own people, and offered supplications for those in pain and in need in all nations.

We thanked God for the incarnation of his Son, Jesus Christ, not just 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, but for his incarnation in our own lives, his dwelling in us through the Holy Spirit, and prayed that we could make a difference for his kingdom now wherever we are, and also entreated the Father to speed the glorious Second Coming of our Lord and Savior.

Festival reports from various countries touched on these concerns as well as highlighting new attendees and baptisms. They illustrated how deeply moved the African members are as they share in the sufferings of their brothers and sisters worldwide.

 

Festival dates for 2002

Tuesday, March 26: Lord’s Supper

Thursday, March 28: First Day of Unleavened Bread, Maundy Thursday

Friday, March 29: Good Friday

Sunday, March 31: Easter

Wednesday, April 3: Last Day of Unleavened Bread

Sunday, May 19: Day of Pentecost

Saturday, Sept. 7: Feast of Trumpets

Monday, Sept. 16: Day of Atonement

Saturday, Sept. 21: First Day of the Festival of Tabernacles

Saturday, Sept. 28: Last Great Day of the Festival

Sunday, Dec. 1: First day of Advent

Wednesday, Dec. 25: Christmas

 

 

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2001