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February 2002
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This is our February cover.
Personal
Have you ever noticed that we tend to appreciate things more after they are gone? asks Pastor General Joseph Tkach in this month’s Personal. Page 6.
Advent
Congregations throughout the country had special services and outreach projects during the Advent season.
These included joining with other congregations, singing Christmas hymns, presenting Christmas plays and delivering food and clothing to people in need.
In Boston, Massachusetts, member Eric Fontecchio made a manger scene out of ice. Page 8.
Reconciliation
Curtis May, director of the Office of Reconciliation Ministries, discussed reconciliation with faculty members at The Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dec. 12.
He was accompanied by Jim Herst of the European Office, who is working on a doctorate at the university. Page 11.
Window on the World
Thank you for your outpouring of concern for our Rwandan refugee brethren, writes Randal Dick. When the Rwandans first appeared on our radar screen, almost immediately everyone who could help began to do so. Page 12.
India
and Sri Lanka
Rod Matthews, regional director for Australia, Asia and the South Pacific, reports on his annual trip to India and Sri Lanka.
Mr. Matthews visited Indian ministers Danny Zachariah and his wife, Mary, and Joe D’Costa and his wife, Joanna. Mohan Jayasekera, Sri Lankan pastor, met him for that portion of the trip. Page 14.
Women's ministry
The 2002 Women’s International Conference, with the women of Cincinnati, Ohio, as hosts, will take place Nov. 15 to 17.
The theme is "Women at the Well." The weekend will be a time of cleansing, renewal and a time of refreshing one’s walk with Christ. Page 16.
Youth ministry
The WCG announced details of Summer Educational Program camps in Ohio and Connecticut.
"We have the best possible scenario in terms of leadership, with experienced staff augmented by new team members," said Steve Botha, director of the Connecticut camp.
Jim Valekis, director of SEP Ohio, said: "We’re on the ground floor for building something new for the purposes of God’s kingdom work on this earth, and I’m excited about it." Page 18.
Basic
Christian Beliefs
Prophecy is an essential and encouraging part of the Christian faith, writes Mike Morrison in Basic Christian Beliefs.
Bible prophecy announces tremendously good news for us. Page 24.
Financial
Report
Donation revenues for December topped $3.2 million, making it the best month of the year, writes controller Ronald Kelly.
Income for the year was more than $29.6 million. Page 27.
Philippines celebrates
40th anniversary
By Bill Sidney
Regional director
QUEZON CITY, Philippines—The Philippine church is celebrating in 2002 the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Philippine Office.
The theme for this milestone year is "40 Years and Beyond—Delighting in God’s Faithfulness." It will be a yearlong celebration highlighted by a series of nationwide fellowships and prayer, reunions, cultural fests and outreach programs in different regions of the country. These will culminate with a grand celebration and worship congress in Quezon City.
A Walk Through Our History
1962 Gerald Waterhouse opens the Philippine Office in Makati, Metro Manila, as a growing number of Filipinos express interest in the magazine and other publications.
1965 The Manila congregation is born. Circulation peaks at about 200,000.
1970 The World Tomorrow television program is aired over Channel 7. More congregations are raised up and a number of Filipino men are ordained to pastor them. The Philippine Office begins to oversee church members scattered in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Micronesia.
1976 Herbert W. Armstrong conducts an evangelistic campaign at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City for the first time.
1984 Membership in the Philippines reaches 5,000.
1990 The church is registered locally with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The church buys several units of office space at the Peak Tower in Makati.
1995 The WCG is in the height of transformation and moves toward Christian orthodoxy. The church’s new covenant teaching cuts hard through the Philippine members. A large number of members leave the church.
1996 WCG publishes the magazine, New Life Asia. The Servant-Leaders Development Program (SLDP) is offered to potential and current WCG leaders by the WCG Leadership Development Institute (LDI). LDI would later become the Institute of Family, Leadership and Biblical Studies (IFLBS), which would then offer courses such as the Certificate in Christian Transformational Leadership in partnership with the Lay Institute of the Asian Theological Seminary and Foundations for Christian Leadership (FCL) in partnership with the International School of Theology in Asia.
1998 Pastor General Joseph Tkach visits the Philippines and meets with Philippine evangelical leaders in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
1999 The regional office moves to 60 Matahimik Street, Teachers’ Village. The WCG is recognized as a member of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.
2001 WCG graduates of the World Mission Course total more than 400. Six WCG missionaries are based in the 10/40 Window. Several tribal outreaches are flourishing in Luzon and one in a Muslim territory in Mindanao. Church planting goes on in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Thirty-five WCG leaders have finished the SLDP, while about 50 leaders have finished the FCL.
Houston conducts
luncheon for
Bible study group
HOUSTON, Texas—Hope Community Church conducts luncheons twice a year for the Bible study group that meets on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Elder Ester Reed, who conducts the weekly studies, has been doing a series from the WCG’s Statement of Beliefs.
The Christmas lunch took place Dec. 12 after a study presented by Pastor Chris Beam on the doctrine of humanity. It was catered by WCG members Margie and Earnest Calhoun.
Two guests, Leodis Moore and Alan McNeil, came from Harvest Communities, a long-term assisted living residence in the Greenspoint area in North Houston. Mr. Moore gave a testimony about how he had become blind by a medical mishap. He shared how God gave him a 45- minute miracle of sight, and that he felt the Lord gave him this miracle to encourage him in his sovereignty of healing. After the 45-minute healing, he was blind again. Mr. Moore gave God the glory for the temporary healing, knowing the final victory is God’s, and he will complete it in his own timing! Chris Beam.
HOUSTON LUNCHEON—Worldwide Church of God
members and guests gather Dec. 12 for twice-a-year
luncheon for Wednesday Bible study group.
[Photo by Lue Ennis]
More Than Survivors
at SEP South Africa
By Art Holladay
BERGVALLEI, South Africa—If you are a fan of the Survivor series on television, then the words outwit, outsmart and outplay would sound familiar to you. You would think of the dangers of Africa and a group of people all trying to win a million dollars.
Further south on the continent of Africa a group of young people were also facing the rigors of Africa, yet they weren’t trying to outwit, outsmart or outplay, and the prize was theirs free for the taking—worth far more than a million dollars. In addition, each and every person at the South African SEP could take home the prize—a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
"More Than Survivors" was the theme for the South African SEP 2001, with each dorm given a tribal name and mascot as well as a fire torch, setting an exciting atmosphere from the opening night.
Soon each tribe was given the opportunity to compete in immunity challenges and complex puzzles to be solved. Integrated into the theme were the values of friendship, fun, community, growth, the environment, the individual and Christ, which were emphasized at every turn.
In addition, campers had the opportunity to develop physically and spiritually through the various activities offered—Life Application classes, daily worship opportunities, Christian dance, an obstacle course, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, action cricket, golf, rock climbing, overnight canoe trip, ballroom dancing, tenpin bowling, riflery and handcrafts.
The volunteer staff arrived two days before the campers for training and camp setup. This was a time to renew friendships, make new acquaintances and for all to become a part of the task at hand. Being a part of the SEP staff team is hard work, and early focus on the same vision paid off.
The campers arrived Dec. 9, excited and ready to be challenged. Camp was filled to capacity, and the 96 campers were divided into three boys and three girls dormitories. Each dormitory was cared for by a counselor and an assistant 24 hours a day. In 2000, dormitory buildings were built and are a great asset to the SEP program, especially when the violent thunderstorms of the African highveld move through the area.
If you would like to be a part of SEP South Africa in December 2002 as a camper or staff member, contact the Youthworx Office at P.O. Box 413524, Craighall, 2024, South Africa, or send e-mail to wendyh@wcg.org.za
CHRIST-CENTERED CAMP—Praise and worship
was part of every day at camp. [Photos by Art Holladay]
BALLROOM DANCING—Ben le Roux and
Lungisile Simelane enjoy ballroom dance class.
Shannon Davidson:
young achieverM
ERIDIAN, Ohio—Shannon Davidson was selected by the International Leadership Network (ILN) to receive a 2001 Young Achievers Medallion award, one of only 50 Young Achievers nationwide to receive this award.Shannon is a student at Meridian Middle School with the following achievements and interests: member of National Junior Honor Society, volleyball team captain, tennis team, honor student, plays flute in school symphonic band, Cadette Girl Scout, volunteer at Idaho Humane Society, academic achievement award and President’s Student Service Challenge Award for 100 hours of community service in a 12-month period.
To obtain a nomination form call ILN at 1-800-693-4384.
Personal from Joseph Tkach
The Joy of Salvation
Have you ever noticed that we tend to appreciate things more after they are gone? People take better care of their heart, for example, after it stops working for a minute. The job that causes complaints one week may be valued more after the pink slip comes.
An old car looks good to someone who has none, but less desirable to someone who has a new one. It’s the same car, yet one person appreciates it more than the other one does, because the person who experiences loss tends to value it more.
In Jesus’ parable, the woman celebrated having 10 coins only after fearing she would have only nine (Luke 15:8-9). She had the same amount (10) before as after, but she did not celebrate until after she had lost and then found a coin. The shepherd did not celebrate 100 sheep, but celebrated finding one that was lost (verses 4-6).
People appreciate food more when they are hungry, they appreciate water more when they are thirsty, they appreciate help more when they are needy. Health and freedom—and perhaps all good things—become more important to us when they are threatened.
The joy of being found
The same seems to be true of spiritual realities, too. We value life with God more after we have experienced the problems of life on our own. In a strange sort of way, good can come out of evil.
Joe Aldrich mentions this statistic: "More than 90 percent of those who remain within the fellowship of the church following conversion were dissatisfied with their non-religious lifestyle before anyone proclaimed the gospel to them.
"More than 75 percent of those who ‘drop out’ of the fellowship following conversion showed no significant level of dissatisfaction before conversion" (Gentle Persuasion, p. 99).
In other words, people make a more serious commitment when they have a greater need. The less happy they were with life before, the more serious they are now.
Perhaps that is why Jesus came to seek the lost (Luke 19:10). Of course, everyone is spiritually lost, but Jesus came to seek those who would admit to being lost, who would admit that they needed to repent and turn toward God.
They were the ones who knew they needed help and would appreciate his help. Beggars appreciate crumbs more than rich people do.
This does not mean that second-generation Christians should go out and sin like crazy so they can have a better repentance. All sin brings is heartaches and grief. Why make it worse?
Everybody sins enough that they should be able to see that we are incompetent creatures and are in need of serious help. It would be foolish to pretend that we are among a (nonexistent) tiny minority who can manage life OK without any need for God.
Jesus did not call the comfortable. He called those who were burdened and tired (Matthew 11:28). He called the thirsty, those who knew they had a need (John 7:37). The first step of salvation, it seems, is to realize that we have a need. We need to see that life has more to it than what we can get on our own.
Some people struggle on the margins of faith. They know they fall short, but think that if they just had a little help, they could get back on their feet and make it on their own. They view Jesus as a temporary help, it seems—a little rescue every now and then, but they think they will manage after that. "Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it. A couple of days in the hospital and I’ll feel better and go on my way."
But we are far too sick for that. We need more than rescue—we need regeneration—a new life. We need a heart transplant, intensive care, constant monitoring and constant forgiveness.
We need a pacemaker—Jesus giving us a new heartbeat—and frequent medication from the Holy Spirit. We are seriously sick, and the better we realize it, the more appreciative we will be of the help that Jesus gives us.
Help now and forever
The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us both in this life and in the future day of judgment. We have needs in both ages, and we should not neglect either one.
Some people treat the gospel merely as rescue from future condemnation. They accept Christ and, thinking that their future is now secure, go back to living pretty much the way they were before, all on their own steam, their own willpower, their own ideas of right and wrong. They may have seen a future need for Christ, but failed to see that they are desperately in need of him in this age as well.
They may trust in Christ when it comes to the future, but they do not trust in him for the here and now. They may strive for financial success, or for fame, power and importance. They may strive for pleasures in food and drink, sports and amusements. They may get them, but none of these will satisfy, because God has made us to need something more significant than self-amusement.
God has made us for fellowship with him, and nothing else can satisfy our souls. However, we often go hours or even days without giving much thought to God’s glory, love and holiness. I am sure that once we see Christ in his glory, we will thump our heads and say, "Oh, how could I have ever paid so much attention to other things?"
But we do not yet see Christ this clearly. We live in the slums, so to speak, and find it hard to imagine places we have never been. We are too busy trying to survive the slum to dwell on the glories of God.
But all the miseries of this life are training, I think. We will appreciate the joys of eternity even more after we have struggled with the shackles of sin. We will appreciate spiritual bodies more after we have experienced the pains of our physical bodies.
We will appreciate paradise more after being lost, than if we had never been lost at all—or at least the contrast will help us appreciate it much faster.
The trials of this life make us look forward to, and will help us appreciate even more, the joys of eternity. In a strange way possible only with God, good will come out of and replace evil.
This does not make our trials go away. Rather, it may help explain why trials are part of life. As it is written in Acts 14:22: "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."
God does not give us health and wealth whenever we ask, even if we are his children, because such things would too easily tempt us to focus on this physical life instead of spiritual reality.
We are distracted too often as it is, but our attention (and our affections) would go astray even more if this life were more physically satisfying.
This physical life, in itself, is not supposed to be satisfying. It is supposed to make us hunger and thirst for the kingdom of Christ, so that we will come to him and be satisfied in him. The joys that he gives can never be taken away.
In this life, we get only a down payment, to whet our appetite for more. It is through realizing what we lack, that we appreciate what Christ gives. The pain of being lost makes the joy of salvation that much more wonderful.
SURPRISE 50TH BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATION—Pastor General
Joseph Tkach displays a humorous
cane sent to him by Charles Fleming,
regional director for the churches in the
Caribbean and Latin America, at a surprise
birthday celebration Dec. 20 in the Executive
Offices in Pasadena. Mr. Tkach turned 50 Dec. 23.
[Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]
Churches celebrate Christmas
The First Night
BOSTON, Massachusetts—Members from the Worldwide Church of God and the First Congregational Church of Waltham shared in a First Night celebration of music, fellowship and beauty the evening of Dec. 22.
"I really felt this was an excellent activity," said Rev. Howard Cepelak of the First Congregational Church.
Members from both congregations came together to watch WCG member Eric Fontecchio create a manger scene out of ice. He transformed blocks of ice into life-size figures of Mary (kneeling in front of the manger), Joseph (standing with staff in hand) and Jesus (laying in the manger).
Mr. Fontecchio also carved a dove holding a banner that read, "King of Kings," which was the title of the sermon that day. The ice pieces each had a light placed under them and it appeared as if they were all glowing.
After the ice scene was complete, members gathered on the front steps of the church and sang Christmas carols to the Waltham community. A photographer from the Boston Globe took pictures and told us how inspired and impressed he was.
Many people honked their car horns in appreciation as they drove by. In addition, quite a few people stopped to take pictures of the manger scene that night and over the next week.
During the sing-along on the church steps, several passersby joined in the singing. Allan M. Ebeling.
ARTIST AT WORK—Eric Fontecchio
creates manger scene out of ice.
ICE SCULPTURE—Manger
scene carved out of ice.
'You Shall Call
His Name Immanuel'
performed at Dallas Central
DALLAS, Texas—Members of the Dallas Central church performed the play "You Shall Call His Name Immanuel" on Dec. 16.
The play depicted the joys and hardships of events leading up to the birth of Jesus, including the shock of first Mary (Misti Garretson) then Joseph (Joel Gehman) learning of Mary’s pregnancy by the Holy Spirit.
Another trial occurred when the couple journeyed to Bethlehem when Mary was about to give birth and were unable to find housing. Finally, a gruff innkeeper (Mike Read) reluctantly agreed to let them stay at his stable.
Meanwhile, one of the Three Kings (Brian Holsenbeck) made plans to follow the star to visit the baby Jesus while a family of shepherds (Bruce, Debbie, Matthew and Nathan Hard) were dumfounded to look up into the nighttime sky and witness a chorus of angels singing for joy at our Savior’s birth.
The final scene showed Mary and Joseph talking about their experiences leading up to the birth and commenting on how blessed they had been despite the trials. The couple then saw and heard the angelic choir while the kings and the shepherds all arrived to worship the baby King.
At the conclusion of the play Ms. Garretson, who acted and sang opera in college, sang "Oh, Holy Night." Other songs included a vocal solo, "Oh Come, Oh Come, Immanuel" by Wylie Bass, and the Hard family singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Margaret Smith, Dallas Central choir director, played piano accompaniment for the singers. Hannah Orsburn played flute interludes between scenes.
Frank Lewandowski wrote the play, which Mr. Gehman directed.
Cynthia Chizen led the worship team at the Dec. 16 service. Frank Lewandowski.
Pearland, Texas,
church conducts
Advent service
PEARLAND, Texas—Community Christian Fellowship (WCG) conducted its annual Advent service Dec. 22.
The service focuses on the meaning of the Advents (one past, one to come) using the candles of hope, peace, joy, love and Jesus. As each candle is lit, more light shines in our darkened world.
Instead of the sermon, members lit the candles in succession and read scriptures related to both the first coming of Jesus as an infant and his second coming as King of kings. Before lighting each candle, the congregation sang together. The candle of hope: "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," Psalm 80:17-19 read by Dede Shorter and Mark 13:24-27 read by Margaret Ryan.
The candle of peace: "O Come, All Ye Faithful," Isaiah 40:1-11 read by Irene Wright and 2 Peter 3:8-15a read by Edith Schultz.
The candle of joy: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You," Luke 1:46-55 read by Chuck Gwinn and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 read by Herbert Drisdale.
The candle of love: "Children of the Living God," Luke 1:26-38 read by Deannah McChesney and Romans 16:25-27 read by Travis Kubena.
The Jesus candle: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," Matthew 1:23-25 read by Ryan Mounts and Revelation 22:10-17, 20-21 read by Dale McChesney.
The service concluded with the Lord’s Supper administered by Pastor Mark Mounts. Walter Eugene Hawkins.
ADVENT CANDLES
ADVENT SERVICE—Pastor Mark
Mounts conducts Lord’s Supper.
[Photos by Walter Hawkins]
Sayre, Oklahoma,
sings carols to shut-insSAYRE, Oklahoma—The Sayre Circle of Love Fellowship joined with My Father’s House of Prayer for caroling Friday, Dec. 14.
The group sang at a nursing home, at a complex for senior citizens and for the developmentally disabled. Then they traveled to homes of shut-ins to carol for them personally.
Afterward, 82 people gathered at the Circle of Love building for hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs and hamburgers provided by the congregation. As people visited and became acquainted, Larence Aston, pastor of My Father’s House of Prayer, said, "It must be pleasing to God to see his children enjoying each other in such joyous fellowship." Ben and Shirley West.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas—The San Antonio teens presented a drama Dec. 23 written and directed by Rocky Conrad, teen ministry director.
The drama, titled "The Good News," portrayed the birth of Christ from a modern day approach. The teens are now planning a drama for the Easter season.
San Carlos, Philippines,
members bring cheers to barangay
SAN CARLOS, Philippines—Fourteen members from the San Carlos outlying Bible study, including Pastor Rudy Salisipan and his wife, Belle, conducted a caroling outreach in Barangay Supo to bring cheers of the Christmas season to the folks there Sunday, Dec. 23.
Madrona Rosario, Dagupan City deaconess and leader of the San Carlos City Bible study meeting in their house, spearheaded this event hatched from an idea of Sandra Zambrona.
Barangay Supo is one of the most remote and poorest barangays of San Carlos City. Bible studies are conducted twice a month for adults and Bible classes are conducted for children.
The church asked the barangay chairman to identify the 20 poorest families in the barangay. Mrs. Rosario and her group also solicited financial and used clothing contributions from Dagupan City members.
From these contributions, 40 bags of groceries, 40 bags of used clothing and 60 bags of goodies were taken to the barangay that afternoon.
First, they drove to the place where they regularly meet for Bible studies and gathered the regular attendees, especially the children. Many of the women and older children were busy making small bilao (winnowing baskets), which restaurant owners in Dagupan City and Manila order to put food in for customers for dine in or take out.
This is one of two ongoing home industries in the barangay. The other one is making twine out of a reed species supplied by contractors who also buy the product, which is used for decorative purposes. They temporarily stopped and listened to what the group had to say.
After the opening prayer, Mr. Salisipan gave a message about giving and God being the greatest giver of all—he gave his only begotten Son for all humanity.
Then they gave goodies to the children and the groceries and used clothing to the adults and sang a Christmas carol.
Then, accompanied by the barangay captain, they went to the homes of the 20 families on his list. The first three families live in huts close to each other, and the group sang carols in front of the middle house. They then gave each family a bag of groceries and a bag of used clothing.
They gave each family a questionnaire leaflet from the Bible League for them to complete and return to receive a free Bible. They are invited to attend a WCG Bible study in the area to know more about the Lord who made it possible for the members to come and visit them and give them these presents. Rudy Salisipan.
North Broward church
performs cosmic Christmas
POMPANO BEACH, Florida—The North Broward congregation celebrated the 2001 Advent season with praise, worship and outreach.
The drama ministry team performed Cosmic Christmas, adapted from a story by Max Lucado, Dec. 1 during the worship service, which is conducted at Parkway United Methodist Church.
On Dec. 23 they gave an encore presentation for the Parkway congregation.
In a Dec. 22 service celebrating the birth of our Savior, members presented "Christmas Presents" to the congregation. Gifts of music, song, sign language, oral interpretation and dramatization were presented by a wide range of participants, including our youths and young adults.
The occasion was complemented by a praise and worship service including Scripture narrative and seasonal hymns, a motivational message from Pastor Larry Hinkle and a potluck dinner.
In further outreach projects, members collected and assembled 40 shoe boxes in support of Project Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, and continued to assist the St. Laurence Homeless Shelter.
Boots Persson roasted 13 turkeys for the Christmas meal and the worship team led by Charles Nickert and his angels (Carolyn Kieswetter, Audrey Huntley and Lori Grossfeld) presented a 45-minute worship service at the shelter on Christmas morning. Charles D. Nickert.
San Antonio has
fourth annual
caroling outreachSAN ANTONIO, Texas—For the fourth year in a row the San Antonio church sang Christmas carols at the home of Pastor Sonny Parsons.
More than 30 neighbors and community members gathered in the front yard and enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, treats for the children and fellowship.
Candles and guitar music by Sylvia Morgan added to the enjoyment of the evening. One family asked to attend the San Antonio church.
Ministers discuss
reconciliation in
Northern Ireland
By Curtis May
BELFAST, Northern Ireland—While in Northern Ireland in December, I met with old friends and made some new ones in the struggle for reconciliation.
Northern Ireland has been in turmoil since 1969 and even for centuries before that. But Christians and people of good will are making a difference.
Following is Jim Herst’s report on my trip. Jim is a longtime friend who was born and raised in Northern Ireland. He is working on his doctoral dissertation in church history at The Queen’s University. He is the theological consultant for the WCG in Europe and also serves as a chapter leader for the Office of Reconciliation Ministries.
Report from Jim Herst
On Monday, Dec. 12, Curtis May and I met with Dennis Cooke, dean of Edgehill Theological College and professor of church history. Edgehill Theological College is one of five theological colleges that form the Institute of Theology at The Queen’s University, Belfast.
In January 2001, Dr. Cooke pioneered a new course at Queen’s titled "Exploring Theology Together," co-taught by Roman Catholic and Protestant professors. The course is designed to promote understanding and reconciliation between the two dominant communities in Ireland. It is run in cooperation with the Roman Catholic Mater Dei Institute in Dublin, Ireland.
Others who met with us included Dominic Bryan of The Queen’s University School of Irish Studies, an expert in communal identity and ethnicity in Northern Ireland. He is an adviser to the Northern Ireland Assembly, as well as to the Northern Ireland Police Service in the area of inter-community relations.
Another person we met with was Olive Bell, reconciliation officer for the Community Relations Council of Northern Ireland. Ms. Bell also serves as a part-time administrator at Edgehill Theological College. Also present was Elaine Barnett, administrator of the Edgehill Christian Education Center, which specializes in promoting authentic Christian discipleship.
The conversation centered on God’s spiritual transformation of the WCG as a paradigm for denominational renewal. Dr. Cooke was particularly impressed with the WCG’s reconciliation video, Reconciliation—A Move of God, especially our apology at the beginning. We all felt that the Prince of Peace was present in our gathering.
RECONCILIATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND—From left: Dennis
Cooke, Olive Bell, Curtis May, Elaine Barnett, Dominic Bryan and Jim Herst.
Window
on the World
By Randal Dick,
superintendent of missions
Refugee Update
Thank you for the tremendous outpouring of concern for our Rwandan refugee brethren whom James Henderson wrote about in the January WN. Calls, cards and e-mails have poured in from individuals and pastors representing the concerns of entire congregations.
When the Rwandans first appeared on our radar screen, almost immediately those who could help began to do so. The initial aid came from members in Kenya, as they brought food and clothing to the refugees.
Permit me to share the extraordinary circumstances of how these Rwandan members became the Kenyan church refugees. Before the Rwandan holocaust that erupted in 1994, there was a small but dynamic WCG congregation in Rwanda. I visited them in December 1993, along with Olivier Carion, now a pastor in London, and Bernard Andrist, then the minister responsible for the Francophone African churches.
The beauty and prosperity in this nation, perched in the highlands of East Africa, amazed me. We had a lovely church social on that weekend at a member’s home high in the hills. We had a Bible study that lasted for hours—their thirst for the Word was insatiable. As I surveyed this peaceful scene, I would never have imagined that millions of people would be brutally murdered just a few months later.
However, there were indications of a storm about to break. We stayed in one of the few European hotels in Kigali, the capital. It just happened that the Belgian contingent of the United Nations forces stationed in Rwanda was billeted at that hotel. The soldiers told us that they had been placed on alert. We noticed they had come into the dining room armed, and armored personnel carriers and small tanks were parked behind the hotel.
But no one anticipated the genocide that would explode a few months after our visit.
Massacre begins
On April 6, 1994, an airplane carrying Rwandan Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana was shot down by a missile. This triggered mass killings. The Hutu majority turned on the Tutsi minority with vengeance. The infrastructure that allowed us to communicate, send money and be aware of the state of our brethren collapsed. We could only pray fervently for their protection and wait for them to resurface.
The original Rwandan refugees made their way from Kigali across the border into Zaire, near Goma, with what they could carry in their hands. We were so relieved to hear that most of the Rwandan brethren were alive and accounted for—yet saddened that a member’s adult son had been overcome by fumes while bathing in a volcanic lake and drowned.
But the relief gave way to new concerns as more than a million desperate people jammed into the makeshift refugee camp near Goma. Goma became a death trap. Disease was rampant and conditions were desperate. It was the rainy season and people were wet and cold, without shelter, having to sleep directly on the ground. World relief agencies and even some units of the military began to try to bring relief, but their efforts were overwhelmed by the tide of humanity that poured into the area.
But what could be done? There was no way to ship goods to them. We would be limited to what people could physically bring with them, and whoever managed to get to Goma would do so at the risk of being killed. We first provided them with a few tents, but the new tents raised their visibility. Former Hutu soldiers who were now hiding among the civilian refugees began to form into gangs and extort and kill anyone who tried to stop them from taking whatever they wanted.
We dropped the tent plan in favor of plastic tarpaulins. These were more versatile and just as helpful.
Next, we decided to buy several top-of-the-line, backpack-type water filters, almost indestructible and field repairable. They were small enough to pack easily and go unnoticed in one’s luggage. We also included bottles of iodine tablets to kill viruses in the water. This was an excellent help to the refugee brethren. They used the pumps to get enough pure water to barter for other necessities. The shelter and water filters began to make life much more bearable.
A relative of one of the members who lived in Goma took pity on our group, and let them live in a house that he had on the outskirts of town (see picture). Twenty-one people lived in and around the one-room house.
But food was scarce, and our members were suffering from malnutrition. They needed money for additional food. The most creative solution (I couldn’t report it then for security reasons)—and the one that did the most good—was hatched by one of our European congregations.
The members in Europe, after consultations with headquarters, wrote picture postcards to the refugee brethren. The brethren carefully steamed the postcards so the photos separated from the paper backing. They then inserted a large denomination banknote like meat in a sandwich and then re-glued the postcard so you could not tell it had been altered.
One person would then take the postcards and, at great peril, journey to Goma to deliver them to the brethren.
Meanwhile, back in Rwanda, a Tutsi army made up of Rwandan Tutsis and Tutsi allies from across the border in Uganda, attacked Kigali and overthrew the Hutu government. Then, the liberated Tutsi survivors, with the help of well-armed and trained Tutsi soldiers, took revenge on their Hutu tormentors.
Those holding power took whatever they wanted. The home pictured in this article belonged to a Hutu member. When he returned to Kigali, he found that a Tutsi official had confiscated it. The member was warned not to return to his home or the new owners would falsely accuse him of atrocities against Tutsis. He would be tried by a military tribunal and probably executed. We, in this blessed nation, have no real concept of what these people have been through.
The Rwandan refugees who arrived in Kenya last year (January WN) are coming to a far better situation than what they previously faced. Sometimes, we can’t do anything for brethren in these plights until the situation stabilizes. Then, even when it is possible to help, one must be circumspect. It is easy to make a person’s situation worse instead of better. We could have gotten our brethren killed by sending them too much, or the wrong things.
Read 2 Corinthians 9, where the apostle Paul describes a cycle of blessing and glorification that God perpetuates when brethren respond in love to the needs of others.
We have a powerful example of this cycle in action. When I was in the breadbasket of Kenya, it was being devastated by El Nino. There were horrendous floods, and crops were washed out. The brethren not only had no food to eat, but also had no seed to plant the next year.
So we used funds that many of you sent for such purposes and bought them sacks of corn to sustain them until they could bring a new crop to harvest. As soon as those Kenyan members in the farming region heard of the plight of their Rwandan brethren, they sent bags of corn to feed the refugee brethren. Second Corinthians 9 in action!
Growth in the midst of travail
The refugees’ experience can teach us a lesson as God takes a dire situation and uses it to his glory.
Mr. Henderson reported: "James Omuhaka, who assists Kimani Ndungu in pastoring the refugee church in Kenya, informs us that the (refugee) church has had to move to another hall because of increased numbers. Now the average attendance is around 100, with six baptisms in the past three months and a number counseling. In addition to worship services, Wednesday Bible studies have begun along with prayer services on Fridays and additional worship services."
James concluded by saying that "the Kenyan church is able to help supply food to around 15 families and 20 single men who would otherwise go hungry, and it seems likely that we will able to sustain such assistance to the beginning of June by which time we should be able to review the situation."
It is comforting to remember that God is the God of refugees. He works his will even in the most impossible situations. Who would have thought that people who have been through so much would be so effective in evangelism? They leave behind a thriving church in Goma, and already in Nairobi they are leading others to Christ.
The WCG is a close-knit worldwide family. It means the world to these brethren that you know of them, value them and pray for them. That is ultimately more important to them than any physical or financial assistance that may be rendered. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, we in the United States discovered how much it means to have brethren concerned about us in times of trial.
Earthquake
As we go to press, we are jolted by news of a volcano eruption in the Goma area (where we have several congregations). Jacques Muzalia, our contact in the Eastern Congo and Rwanda, reported: "Thanks be to God all the members are alive. Although no human loss has been sustained, much material damage has taken place. Four families saw their homes overcome by the lava flow. As for my own home, it was ruined by the seismic shocks. Now, six days later, the ONG (a charity organization) is trying to organize the distribution of food and water. However, the big fear is disease epidemics. Please pray for us."
HAPPIER TIMES—Church social in Rwanda in 1993.
GOMA—Former home to 21 members.
Regional
Snapshot
Rod and Ruth Matthews
Asia
India and Sri Lanka:
the challenges
BURLEIGH HEADS, Australia—I returned Dec. 12 from my annual trip to India and Sri Lanka.
The time I spent with the Indian ministers, Danny and Mary Zachariah in Secunderabad, and Joe and Joanna D’Costa in Bangalore, was profitable and enjoyable.
Secunderabad
In Secunderabad (the twin city of Hyderabad) a board meeting for the Indian Trust was conducted over two days, Nov. 23 and 24, and the trustees discussed several important business items, including the launch of a new Indian magazine (more below) and the sale of the apartments the Trust owns in Mumbai (Bombay).
Monthly Bible study
In Secunderabad, Mr. Zachariah conducts a monthly Bible study in the home of a friend in a nearby subdivision. Through the connections of this family, the numbers have grown to more than 20, and the enthusiasm is infectious. Few of these people attend our regular congregation, so in effect we have the basis of a second congregation in Secunderabad.
I gave a Bible study on Nov. 24 to the group and was impressed with their attentiveness and desire to learn from the Scriptures, and their eagerness to see the meetings maintained and expanded.
Orphanage
Mr. and Mrs. Zachariah and I visited an orphanage Nov. 24 that has received support from the Zachariahs, and from the school where Mrs. Zachariah and other members work. It is run by an elderly Irish priest who has lived in India for more than 40 years, and which is partly supported by various charities.
The 75 boys who live there were homeless and destitute and were picked up off the streets of Hyderabad-Secunderabad. The boys attend local schools, but the orphanage runs additional classes and a school to train some as tailors so they can ultimately be qualified in a trade and earn their own living.
The Bunbury, Australia, church had sent some money to meet some of their current needs, and we determined in talking with the warden that the most useful contribution at this time would be to provide each boy with a new shirt and trousers.
But the benefit would be doubled if we could provide cloth rather than ready-made clothes so the tailors-in-training could make the outfits right there as part of their training. Mrs. Zachariah negotiated a good deal on cloth with a wholesaler, and we made the presentation of cloth to the warden on behalf of the Bunbury church. The boys gathered around, were told what was happening, and applauded the gift as well as our concern for their welfare.
I also spoke to more than 40 people in our Secunderabad congregation Nov. 25 and enjoyed seeing a group of young people lead the worship with enthusiasm. The church-owned hall in Secunderabad is also the base for a community counseling service offering personal counseling or referrals in areas of finance, health, personal relationships and religious issues using qualified members or professional contacts.
Bangalore
In Bangalore, I spent several profitable days Nov. 26 to 29 with Joe and Joanna D’Costa and their family. The new magazine is produced by Mr. D’Costa there and initially is called Living Light. It is printed in booklet size and in a format not unlike Reader’s Digest. It is being offered initially to the former Living Today subscribers (the magazine formerly produced by the church in Australia), and is designed to carry articles of interest to non-Christians, particularly those of Hindu background.
The potential in India is enormous, but our approach has to be sensitive and discerning in an environment where Christianity is often accused of converting people through material inducements. It is a new and historic initiative for our fellowship in India, and there lies ahead a long but exciting road of learning and exploring how best to introduce the good news to an Indian audience through a locally produced publication.
Sri Lanka
After traveling on to Sri Lanka, Nov. 29, I was joined by Mohan Jayasekera. We spoke to the Colombo congregation Dec. 1 and enjoyed a meal with the members. We met with the pastoral team that serves the churches in Sri Lanka to review last year’s activities and plan for the year ahead.
Worldwide Educational Institute
The following day, Dec. 2, the Worldwide Educational Institute conducted its annual graduation ceremonies for nearly 80 young people who had completed the one-year, six-month and three-month courses.
We then celebrated another successful year with a dinner for the faculty and staff. The Institute faces some challenges in maintaining its student base in a country where the economy has been severely affected by the ongoing civil war, and where many other schools compete for students (although we continue to receive confirmation that the level of education the young people receive at WEI is clearly superior to that offered at any equivalent institution).
Last year, Sri Lankan Airlines contracted with WEI to provide a series of English classes to raise the competency of English communication for their staff. The service being provided by the small staff is outstanding. To see the fruits of their labors in the lives of the young men and women at the graduation ceremony was an inspiration.
We even managed to find some time to go to the Singhalese Sports Club stadium in Colombo and watch a cricket test match between Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
On the return trip, I attended a four-day course on Lifelong Leadership near Manila, Dec. 7 to 10. In attendance were the other regional directors and about 50 pastors and lay leaders from the Philippine churches. The course was conducted by Shelley Trebesch, a visiting professor from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena.
The course highlighted how God works with those who submit to him over the years to maximize each person’s potential and use their gifts. This was followed by a short conference for regional directors in which we discussed areas of developmental focus for the year ahead.
SECUNDERABAD ORPHANAGE—Meal time at the Secunderabad orphanage.
[Photos by Rod Matthews]
FUTURE TAILORS—
Some of the orphans with
donated cloth for tailoring instruction.
WORLDWIDE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE—The institute
graduated 80 young people in December.
SECUNDERABAD ORPHANS—Some of the orphans saved from the streets.
Women's Ministry
Women's International
Conference--
Women at the Well
By Kenda Turner
CINCINNATI, Ohio—The 2002 Women’s International Conference, with the women of Cincinnati as hosts, will take place Nov. 15 to 17. The theme is "Women at the Well."
The conference will take place at Hueston Woods Resort Center, a rustic retreat nestled in Hueston Woods State Park, five miles from Miami University in College Corner, Ohio, and an hour’s drive from either Cincinnati or Dayton.
The setting will be conducive to the weekend’s focus, which is to offer women an opportunity for reflection and spiritual intimacy with Christ as well as fellowship with each other. Jesus said: "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13).
The weekend will be a time to experience spiritual benefits that are often symbolized by the characteristics of water: cleansing, renewal and a time of refreshing in our walk with Christ.
The conference starts Friday, Nov. 15, with check-in beginning at 3 p.m. Dinner will be followed by a message from our keynote speaker, Naomi Beard. Ms. Beard is a minister at large, frequently speaking at conferences and seminars in the United States and abroad. She is former director of Women’s Ministry at the Church on the Way (Foursquare Gospel), pastored by Jack Hayford, a college professor and a speaker with a passion for equipping women. She is also a pianist, composer and vocalist, with a dynamic worship ministry.
Saturday’s schedule includes the keynote message by Ms. Beard, a message from Tammy Tkach, WCG’s Women’s Ministry director, and possible workshops and a hike in the surrounding woods. An additional highlight will be the development of friendship teams, which are designed for additional sharing time and prayer.
Saturday evening will include praise and fellowship around a warming bonfire, with the added treat of roasted marshmallows and a perennial childhood favorite: smores. Sunday’s schedule includes a praise and worship service, a message by Sheila Graham, and the Lord’s Supper.
Registration can be completed by filling out the accompanying registration form or by contacting Mary Koch (maryk@zoomtown.com). The cost, which includes registration, five meals and two nights lodging and activities, is $165 each for four sharing a room; $180 each for three sharing a room; and $215 each for two sharing a room. Make checks payable to Local Church Activity Fund—Erlanger. Please note that space is limited, so plan to register early.
Confirmation packets will be sent upon registration, with further details of the conference schedule and directions to Hueston Woods. For those traveling by airplane, plans are underway to provide transportation from the Cincinnati or Dayton airport to the site by church volunteers, for a minimal fee.
Our hope is that this Women at the Well conference will provide a time for women to draw from the Source of Living Water, and that each will experience an overflowing measure of strength and peace, joy and hope, love, reconciliation, forgiveness, and friendship by coming to the Well. "Indeed, the water I give her will become in her a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Won’t you plan on meeting us at the well?
CHRIST AND THE SAMARITAN WOMAN AT THE WELL—
Mural by Jean Charlot reproduced with the permission of
the Jean Charlot estate.
International Women’s Ministry Retreat
Sponsored by the Worldwide Church of God
Hueston Woods, College Corner, Ohio, 45003
Nov. 15 to 17
"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." (John 4:14)
REGISTRATION FORM
Name (Last) (First) (Middle)
Address
City State / Province Zip / Postal Code
Country Home Phone E-mail
Sharing with: (Mail applications together)
1) 2) 3)
__Please assign me a roommate with three others
SPECIAL NEEDS: __Hearing impaired __No steps __Wheelchair accessible __Sugarfree treats
Other:
COST PER PERSON: Includes: Registration fee, five meals, two nights lodging, activities and seminars.
Occupants Before June 30 July 1- Aug. 31
4 per room $165 per person $185 per person
*3 per room $180 per person $200 per person *2 per room $215 per person $235 per person
*Limited Availability
DONATION: I would like to help others attend. Amount donated: $_________
TOTAL ENCLOSED: $________
PAYABLE TO: LCAF—Erlanger c/o Mary Koch,
2656 Van Deren Drive
Lakeside Park, Kentucky, 41017
E-mail: maryk@zoomtown.com Phone contact: 1-859-426-1535
All retreat funds must be payable in US dollars. No applications can be accepted after Sept. 1.
Fox Valley, Wisconsin,
to have spring retreat
By Shari Voigt
APPLETON, Wisconsin—The Fox Valley Women’s Ministry invites women to attend its annual spring interdenominational retreat from 6 p.m., March 15, through 1 p.m., March 17, at the Lions Camp and Conference Center in Rosholt, Wisconsin.
The focus will be new birth and new beginnings in Jesus Christ. The goal is to encourage you, to challenge you, that the Holy Spirit will inspire you. Attendees will learn from speakers, participate in worship, take part in small group discussion and prayer, and spend time alone in reflection. Please join us for a weekend of spiritual renewal, fellowship and fun.
A $10 minimum nonrefundable deposit is required and will be applied toward the total tuition of $60. This covers five all-you-can-eat buffet-style meals and two nights lodging. Registrations received before March 1 qualify for an earlybird discount ($5 off tuition).
For more information please contact Sherry Kloehn at 1-715-752-4220 (evenings) or Shari Voigt at 1-920-725-5156 (days) or send e-mail to Shari at shari@expressitwrite.com
Southern California
Christian marriage retreatP
OMONA, California—Would you like to enrich your marriage and learn to better appreciate and celebrate the differences between men and women? Register now for our Christian Marriage Retreat, April 20 and 21, at the Sheraton Suites Fairplex Hotel in Pomona.The retreat is open to all married couples and is sponsored by the Pasadena WCG congregation.
The presenters will be Bill and Pam Farrel, authors of the best-selling Christian book, Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti.
Early-bird discount price (mailed by Feb. 15) is $125 per couple. From Feb. 15 until the deadline of March 18, the price is $140 per couple, which includes Saturday lodging, Sunday breakfast for two and all materials.
Call Dennis Pelley at 1-626-836-3199 or send e-mail to him at dennis_pelley@wcg.org for an application brochure. Join us for this fun and romantic weekend!
SEP Ohio
By Jim Valekis
DAYTON, Ohio—The Summer Educational Program (SEP) in Ohio will take place July 14 to 19 at Camp Cotubic.
Cotubic is in Bellfontaine, Ohio, about 45 minutes northeast of Dayton and an hour or so northwest of Columbus. Camp Cotubic is owned by the United Brethren Camp (COTUBIC stands for Church of the United Brethren in Christ).
The camp has an on-board staff who can supply us with lifeguards and certified water-sports personnel, as well as serve as activity directors and even counselors if we want them to. They seem motivated for the cause of Christ, and would love to work with us to serve Christ. "Loving Kids to Christ" is their motto.
Camp facilities
The camp offers the following facilities, which can be viewed at www.bright.net/~ccotubic
l A fully staffed kitchen with a dining hall, complete with a stone fireplace. They will cook and serve all the meals.
l A gymnasium that will also serve as the chapel area.
l Six camper cabins: A-frames that sleep 25 to 27 a piece. These are served by nearby bathhouses.
l Eighteen motel-like rooms that sleep two apiece and have their own bathroom facilities.
l A lake for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and paddleboating, a 170-foot waterslide, a water trampoline, docks, a swimming area and a giant zip line, that you get harnessed to and are zipped across 480 feet of land and lake while suspended in the air.
l Soccer, kickball and softball fields.
l A giant swing that seats two and swings out to the edge of the lake. The initial drop has a roller-coaster effect.
l A mud slide activity and a mud tug of war.
l Gladiator-style water-balloon challenge course.
l Two camp-fire areas with bench seating. One has a stage on which skits can be performed.
l Indoor and outdoor basketball and volleyball, a tennis court and archery.
I left the camp feeling like God was opening some doors for us here. I think something awesome is going to happen, bigger than we all think, for the good of the kingdom of God.
We’re on the ground floor for building something new for the purposes of God’s kingdom work on this earth, and I’m excited about it.
For more information, please visit the SEP website at www.sep camp.com, call Pastor Jim Valekis at 1-937-432-1892 or send e-mail to him at jim_valekis@wcg.org
Jim Valekis pastors CrossRoads Christian Fellowship, the WCG congregation in Dayton, Ohio.
SEP Connecticut
By Steve Botha
BROOKLYN, New York— For more than 20 years, the young people of the Northeast have been blessed to have access to an annual summer camp in Connecticut.
This year, as we have for the last several years, we will use Camp Mattatuck in Plymouth. Our camp will run from Sunday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 24. We can accommodate teens and preteens, ages 7 to 18.
We will run two programs simultaneously, with separate staff members serving the needs of each group. Some activities are conducted with all the campers together.
For example, after breakfast each day, we begin with a chapel service for all campers and staff. Our young people share in the leading of worship on these occasions. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is certainly central to all of the activities at SEP Connecticut.
Our camp in the woods has its own lake where all water sports are conducted. The waterfront has a swimming area, and canoes and sailboats are also available. In addition to water sports, our camp offers soccer, volleyball, kickball, archery, riflery, arts and crafts, flag football, dance and a COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) course.
This ropes course offers low, medium and high elements for use of campers depending on age and experience. This program teaches team building and develops confidence in the campers.
Accommodations are in cabins and platform tents. The dining hall overlooks the waterfront, and the wonderful food complements the scenery.
We have the best possible scenario in terms of leadership, with experienced staff augmented by new team members. Our camp staff is experienced in the various details of youth camp administration, as many of the staff have served at the camp for several years.
As we have grown, we have added new staff members who bring a fresh approach. The camp program has been in existence long enough that several of our staff were campers in the past.
We invite you to join us for an unforgettable summer experience on the lake at SEP Connecticut.
For more information, please visit the SEP website at www.sep camp.com, call Pastor Steve Botha at 1-914-243-7306 or send e-mail to him at SteveZelda@aol.com
2002 regional SEPs
Regional camps will take place at these locations next summer.
Camp Wyldewood, Searcy, Arkansas: Sunday, June 30, to Friday, July 5. Tuition $280.
Camp Eaton, California: Sunday, July 7, to Saturday, July 13. Tuition $250.
Plymouth, Connecticut: Sunday, Aug. 18, to Saturday, Aug. 24. Tuition $175.
Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina: Sunday, July 21, to Friday, July 26. Tuition $300.
Camp Cotubic, Bellefontaine, Ohio: Sunday, July 14, to Friday, July 19. Tuition $275.
Camp Hicks, Lacey, Washington, Monday, July 8, to Saturday, July 13, Tuition $250.
To apply, see the Youth Ministry section at www.wcg.org, go to www.sep camp.com or write to the SEP Office, P.O. Box 2211, Frisco, Texas, 75034. Staff applications are available too.
Youth Ministry begins at home
By Jeb Egbert
My mother was baptized into the Body of Christ through the WCG in 1963. As a boy, I became acquainted with going to church every week, miles from where we lived. We had no youth program, and from what I can remember, the congregation I attended in Los Angeles had no intentional youth-focus.
Week in and week out I, along with my two sisters, would join my parents for the two-plus hours of services. We sang the same hymns. We listened to the same sermonettes and announcements and sermons. We had no service for the kids.
To some, what I experienced was a sure recipe for disaster. "You couldn’t possibly have been reached, listening to big people sermons," some might conclude.
But I was reached. How?
My parents deeply loved me (they still do) and I knew that. They also deeply loved God, and I knew that too. They took their calling of parenthood seriously. They understood the need to "bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
And so we had chats at the dinner table about scriptures. After every service, we discussed the sermon. Dad and Mom would ask questions about the message to gauge our level of comprehension, and turn the conversation into an opportunity to further help us with our understanding.
If someone had asked me when I was 9 years old to define youth ministry, I think I would have said, "It’s what happens in our home." Youth ministry was not perceived as some isolated means of doing for parents what they could do for themselves.
The same is true today. Youth ministry is an emphasis within the WCG, but it only serves to complement the remarkable (and exceedingly challenging) work of parents.
I thank God for my parents and for their resolve in sharing the gospel with me when I was young. I attribute anything that I am, first and foremost, to the grace of our Lord and Savior, and secondly to the relentless, loving, nurturing ministry of my parents within our family.
Thanks to all the parents who are prayerfully and regularly sharing their faith with their children. May any efforts toward denominational youth ministry support the incredible discipling work that you are engaged in with your offspring. Clearly, the biblical approach to youth ministry is that it begins at home.
San Antonio teens
conduct serviceSAN ANTONIO, Texas—Prayers, children’s message, special music, worship leading, scripture readings and ushering were all conducted by the New Beginnings teens Nov. 25.
"The future of the church lies in our youths," said Pastor Sonny Parsons, "and we were very glad to see them involved in their church."
Basic Christian Beliefs
The End
By Michael Morrison
If there is no future, Paul writes, then it would be foolish to have faith in Christ (1 Cor. 15:19). Prophecy is an essential and very encouraging part of the Christian faith. Bible prophecy announces tremendously good news for us. We will find it most encouraging if we focus on the core message, not debatable details.
The purpose of prophecy
Prophecy is not an end in itself—it declares a more important truth. God is reconciling humanity to himself, forgiving our sins and restoring us to friendship with him. Prophecy proclaims this reality.
Prophecy exists not just to predict events, but to point us toward God. It tells us who God is, what he is like, what he is doing, and what he wants us to do. Prophecy urges people to receive reconciliation to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Many specific prophecies were fulfilled in Old Testament times, and we still await the fulfillment of others. But the sharp focus of all prophecy is redemption—the forgiveness of sins and eternal life that comes through Jesus Christ. Prophecy assures us that God is in control of history (Dan. 4:17); it strengthens our faith in Christ (John 14:29) and gives us hope for the future (1 Thess. 4:13-18).
Moses and the prophets wrote about Christ, including the fact that he would be killed and resurrected (Luke 24:27, 46). They also foretold events after Jesus’ resurrection, such as the preaching of the gospel (v. 47).
Prophecy points us to salvation in Jesus Christ. If we don’t get this, prophecy will do us no good. It is only through Christ that we can be part of the kingdom that will last forever (Dan. 7:13-14, 27).
The Bible proclaims the return of Christ, the last judgment and eternal punishment and rewards. With these predictions, prophecy warns humanity of the need for salvation as well as announces the certainty of that salvation. Prophecy tells us that God calls us to account (Jude 14-15), that he wants us saved (2 Pet. 3:9) and that he has in fact saved us (1 John 2:1-2). It assures us that all evil will be defeated and that all injustice and suffering will end (1 Cor. 15:25; Rev. 21:4).
Prophecy encourages believers that our labors are not in vain. We will be rescued from persecutions, vindicated and rewarded. Prophecy reminds us of God’s love and faithfulness, and helps us be faithful to him (2 Pet. 3:10-15; 1 John 3:2-3). By reminding us that all physical treasures are temporary, prophecy encourages us to treasure the as-yet-unseen things of God and our eternal relationship with him.
Zechariah points to prophecy as a call to repentance (Zech. 1:3-4). God warns of punishment, but looks for repentance. As shown in the story of Jonah, God is willing to reverse his predictions, if only the people will turn to him. The goal of prophecy is to turn us to God, who has a wonderful future for us, not to satisfy our itch to know "secret" things.
A need for caution
How can we understand Bible prophecy? Only with great caution. Well-meaning prophecy buffs have brought disrepute on the gospel with erroneous predictions and misguided dogmatism. Because of such misuse of prophecy, some people ridicule the Bible and scoff at Christ himself. The list of failed predictions should be a sober warning that personal conviction is no guarantee of truth. Since failed predictions can weaken faith, we must be cautious.
We should not need exciting predictions to make us serious about spiritual growth and Christian living. A knowledge of dates and other details (even if they turn out to be correct) is no guarantee of salvation. Our focus should be on Christ, not on assessing the credentials of potential Beast powers.
An obsession on prophecy means that we are not giving enough emphasis to the gospel. People need to repent and trust Christ whether or not his return is near, whether or not there will be a millennium, whether or not America is identified in Bible prophecy.
Why is prophecy so difficult to interpret? Perhaps the biggest reason is that it is often given in figurative language. The original readers may have known what the symbols meant, but since we live in a different culture and time, we cannot always be sure.
Psalm 18 is an example of figurative language. Its poetry describes the way that God delivered David from his enemies (v. 1). David uses several images for this: escape from a grave (vv. 4-6), earthquake (v. 7), heavenly signs (vv. 8-14), even a rescue at sea (vv. 15-18). These things did not literally happen, but biblical poetry uses such imaginative figures of speech. This is true of prophecy, too.
Isaiah 40:3-4 tells us that mountains will be brought low and a road made straight—but this is not intended to be taken literally. Luke 3:4-6 indicates that this prophecy was fulfilled by John the Baptist. The prophecy was not about mountains and roads at all.
Joel 2:28-29 predicted that God’s Spirit would be poured out on "all flesh," but Peter said it was fulfilled with several dozen on Pentecost (Acts 2:16-17). The dreams and visions that Joel predicted may not have been literal, but Peter did not press the prophesied details that far—and neither should we. When we are dealing with figurative language, the fulfillment is not intended to match the prophecy literally.
These factors affect the way people interpret biblical prophecy. One reader may prefer a literal meaning, another may prefer a figurative meaning, and it may be impossible to prove which is correct. This forces us to focus on the big picture, not the details. We are looking through frosted glass, not a magnifying glass.
In several major areas of prophecy, there is no Christian consensus. Ideas about the rapture, the tribulation, the millennium, the intermediate state and hell are widely debated. (See our website for articles on some of these subjects: www.wcg.org/lit/prophecy.) These details are not essential.
Although they are part of God’s plan, and important to him, it is not essential that we get all the right answers—especially if we think less of people who have different answers. Our attitude is more important than having all the right answers.
Perhaps we can compare prophecy to a journey. We do not need to know exactly where our destination is, what path we will take, or how fast we will go. What we need most of all is to trust in our trailblazer, Jesus Christ. He is the only one who knows the way, and we won’t make it without him. Just stick with him—he will take care of the details.
With these cautions in mind, let’s look at some basic Christian beliefs about the future.
The return of Christ
The benchmark event for our beliefs about the future is the second coming of Christ. There is tremendous consensus on the fact that Jesus will return.
Jesus told his disciples he would "come again" (John 14:3). He also warned his disciples not to waste their time trying to figure out when that will be (Matt. 24:36). He criticized people who thought that time was short (Matt. 25:1-13) and those who thought there would be a long delay (Matt. 24:45-51). No matter what, our responsibility is the same: to be ready.
Angels told the disciples that just as surely as Jesus had gone into heaven he would also return (Acts 1:11). He will be "revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels" (2 Thess. 1:7). Paul called it "the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). Peter said that Jesus would be "revealed" (1 Pet. 1:7, 13). John also said he would appear (1 John 2:28), and Heb. 9:28 says that "he will appear a second time ... to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
There will be "a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God" (1 Thess. 4:16). There will be no mistake about it.
Two other events will occur when Christ returns: the resurrection and the judgment. Paul writes that the dead in Christ will rise when the Lord comes, and believers still alive then will also rise to meet the Lord as he comes to earth (1 Thess. 4:16-17). "At the last trumpet," Paul writes, "the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed" (1 Cor. 15:52). We will be transformed—made glorious, powerful, imperishable, immortal and spiritual (vv. 42-44).
Matt. 24:31 seems to describe this event from another perspective: Christ "will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." In the parable of the weeds, Jesus said that he will send out his angels at the end of the age, "and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil" (Matt. 13:40-41).
"The Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done" (Matt. 16:27). Judgment is also part of the master’s return in the parable of the faithful servant (Matt. 24:45-51) and the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30).
Paul says that when the Lord comes, "he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God" (1 Cor. 4:5). Of course, God already knows each person, and in that sense, judgment occurs long before Christ’s return. But it will be then that judgment is made public for everyone.
The fact that we will live again, and that we will be rewarded, is tremendous encouragement. After discussing the resurrection, Paul exclaims: "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:57-58).
The last days
To arouse interest, some prophecy teachers ask, "Are we living in the last days?" The correct answer is "yes"—and it has been correct for 2,000 years. Peter quoted a prophecy about the last days and said it applied to his own day (Acts 2:16-17). So did the author of Hebrews (Heb. 1:2). The last days are a lot longer than some people think. Jesus triumphed over the enemy and began a new age.
Wars and troubles have plagued humanity for thousands of years. Will it get worse? Probably. Then it might get better, and then worse again. Or it will get better for some people while growing worse for others. The misery index goes up and down throughout history, and this will probably continue.
But through the ages, it seems that some Christians want it to get worse. They almost hope for a Great Tribulation, described as the worst time of trouble the world will ever see (Matt. 24:21). They have a fascination with the Antichrist, the Beast, the man of sin, and other enemies of God. They routinely believe that any given terrible event indicates that Christ will soon return.
It is true that Jesus predicted a time of terrible tribulation (Matt. 24:21), but most of what he predicted in Matthew 24 was fulfilled in the siege of Jerusalem, A.D. 70. Jesus was warning his disciples about events that they would live to see, and that people in Judea would need to flee to the mountains (v. 16).
Jesus predicted constant tribulation until his return. "In this world you will have trouble," Jesus said (John 16:33). Many of his disciples gave their lives for their belief in Jesus. Trials are part of the Christian life; God does not protect us from all our problems (Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12). Even in the apostolic age, antichrists were at work (1 John 2:18, 22; 2 John 7).
Is a Great Tribulation predicted for the future? Many Christians believe so, and perhaps they are right. But millions of Christians throughout the world face persecution today. Many are killed. For each of them, the tribulation cannot get any worse than it already is. Terrible times have afflicted Christians for two millennia. Perhaps the Great Tribulation is a lot longer than many people think.
Our Christian responsibilities are the same whether the Tribulation is near or far—or whether it has already begun. Speculation about the future does not help us become more like Christ, and when it is used to pressure people into repentance, it is sadly misused. Speculation about the Tribulation is not a good use of our time.
The millennium
Revelation 20 speaks of a 1,000-year reign of Christ and the saints. Some Christians interpret this literally as a 1,000-year kingdom that Christ will set up when he returns. Other Christians view the 1,000-year period figuratively, symbolizing the rule of Christ in the church before his return.
For example, the number 1,000 may be used figuratively (Deut. 7:9; Ps. 50:10), and there is no way to prove that it must be taken literally in Revelation. Revelation is written in a highly figurative style. No other scriptures speak of a temporary kingdom to be set up when Christ returns. Indeed, verses such as Daniel 2:44 suggest that the kingdom will be eternal, without any crisis 1,000 years later.
If there is a millennial kingdom after Christ returns, then the wicked will be resurrected and judged 1,000 years after the righteous are (Rev. 20:5). But Jesus’ parables do not suggest any such interval (Matt. 25:31-46; John 5:28-29). The millennium was not part of Jesus’ gospel. Paul wrote that the righteous and the wicked will be resurrected on the same day (2 Thess. 1:6-10).
Many more details could be discussed on this topic, but it is not necessary here. Scriptures can be gathered in support of each view. But no matter what a person thinks about the millennium, this much is clear: The time period described in Revelation 20 will eventually end, and will be followed by an eternal and glorious new heavens and new earth, which are greater, better and longer than the millennium. So, when we think about the wonderful world tomorrow, we might want to focus on the eternal, perfect kingdom, not a temporary phase. We have an eternity to look forward to!
An eternity of joy
What will eternity be like? We know only in part (1 Cor. 13:9; 1 John 3:2), because all our words and ideas are based on the world today. Jesus described our eternal reward in several ways: It will be like finding a treasure, or inheriting many possessions, or ruling a kingdom, or attending a wedding banquet. It is like all these things, but so much better that it could also be said that it is nothing like them. Our eternity with God will be better than our words can describe.
David put it this way: "You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Ps. 16:11). The best part of eternity will be living with God, being like him, seeing him as he really is, knowing him more fully (1 John 3:2). This is the purpose for which God made us, and this will satisfy us and give us joy forevermore.
And in 10,000 years, with zillions yet to come, we will look back on our lives today, smiling at the troubles we had, marveling at how quickly God did his work when we were mortal. It was only the beginning, and there will be no end.
For further reading
Max Anders, What You Need to Know About Bible Prophecy (Nelson, 1997).
Gleason Archer, ed. Three Views on the Rapture (Zondervan, 1996).
Gilbert Bilezekian, Christianity 101 (Zondervan, 1993), chapter 8.
Darrell Bock, ed. Three Views on the Millennium (Zondervan, 1999).
Millard Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine (Baker, 1992), part 12.
E.W. Fudge and R.A. Peterson, Two Views on Hell (InterVarsity, 2000).
Update from Finance & Planning
December closes upbeat
By Ronald Kelly
A hearty thank you for your generous financial support during December.
Donation revenues for December topped $3.2 million, making it the best month of the year. It comes close to the income of December 2000, which was $3.4 million.
In addition to regular mail income, we received $890,000 from other sources of income, including estate donations, Legacy Partners escrow extension agreements, asset sales and rental income. Thus, the tally for December topped the $4 million mark for total income.
Income for 2001 was more than $29.6 million. We are thankful for what all of you dedicated members have done to keep church income at these levels.
Expenses for 2001 were just over $34.5 million. We used $4.8 million from the church reserve fund to meet expenses. That is not good news, but it was within the parameters we set at the beginning of the year.
We will need to continue budgeting funds from reserves until the close of escrow on the Pasadena campus. The burden of maintaining the campus and the financial commitment we have to fund the church discretionary assistance program for retired employees will of course be removed after the sale.
In the meantime we have to bite the bullet by keeping a tight watch on expenses as well as establishing how much we can absorb by using church reserves. Thank you all for your patient endurance.
Predicting the date for the close of escrow is by no means an exact science. Projected dates have come and gone for two years. And once again delays in the city approval process now hint toward a mid-year (or later) closure rather than a late first quarter escrow completion.
These delays are difficult for all of us. Local churches are unable to implement our new financial model. Our reserve fund is affected. Legacy Partners cannot begin construction until escrow closes. And escrow can’t close until the City of Pasadena gives approval for the project.
The Ambassador project has been called one of the most extensive and complicated Southern California developments in many years. A project of this complexity takes a huge amount of study, time and adjustments before escrow can close and construction can begin. In the meantime we strive to exercise patience. Your loyal support is appreciated.
We trust your 2002 is off to a good start and that your walk with our Savior is spiritually uplifting. Through these ups and downs, the one constant is God’s care and love for each one of us. We have trials, but we know God’s purpose will be served.
Statement of Income and Expenses for
WCG and PTM combined for December 2001
For the Month For the Year-to-Date
Income
Mail Income $ 3,279,000 $ 23,262,000
Other income 890,000 6,394,000
Total income 4,169,000 29,656,000
Expenses 3,656,000 34,508,000
Net gain (loss) to bank reserves $ 513,000 $ (4,852,000)
Wills and trusts
Many members have requested information on how best to make a gift to the Worldwide Church of God, either during their lifetime or upon death through wills, trusts or other means.
If you want to receive information regarding such gifts, the Legal Department of the church is available to aid you in this regard without cost or obligation. Please write Legal Office, Worldwide Church of God, Box 111, Pasadena, California, 91123.
The Legal Department regrets that, because of the variance in laws of other countries, such legal information is only applicable to residents of the United States and Canada. However, in regard to other countries, the Legal Department will furnish whatever limited information it may have available.
Come, Celebrate
Christ festivals
By Charles Albrecht
