June 2002 Contents

This is our June cover.

In this issue

APU graduation

John Wertz, an Ambassador Center student, and Michelle West, an Ambassador Center employee, received their diplomas at Azusa Pacific University commencement exercises May 4. Page 3.

Festival update

The Worldwide Church of God is now accepting registration for the 2002 festivals, writes Charles Albrecht of Church Administration. Festival coordinators met May 13 for a teleconference to finalize preparations for this year’s festival. Page 5.

Pastor General

People sometimes object to the Christian belief that salvation is available only through Jesus Christ, writes Pastor General Joseph Tkach.

In our pluralistic society, tolerance is expected, even demanded, and the concept of freedom of religion (which permits all religions) is sometimes misinterpreted to mean that all religions are somehow equally true. All paths lead to the same God, some say. Page 6.

Property sale update

After three years of development planning, Legacy Partners decided April 29 it could not renew its contract to purchase the Ambassador campus, writes controller Ron Kelly.

Their failure to renew effectively places the sale of the campus back into the hands of Worldwide Church of God officials. Page 8.

Regional Snapshot

Congregations in Latin America continue to submit themselves to Christ as he continues his work of transformation. Charles Fleming is regional director for Latin America. Page 14.

Women's ministry

Tammy Tkach writes: "My daughter, Stephanie, asked me, ‘Mom, is there really more than one way to skin a cat?’ I laughed. She knew what the saying meant, but she really did wonder about that poor cat." Page 19.

Bible Study

As Paul nears the end of his friendly letter to the church at Philippi, he encourages his readers to focus on the positive, and he closes with thanks and praise that can encourage us, writes Mike Morrison in his Bible Study "Think on Good Things." Page 25.

Group tours

Dorcas Taylor, group tour assistant, encourages members to not miss the boat (or bus)! This is the last time the Alaskan and Caribbean cruises, and the Grand Canyon tour will be advertised in the WN. Interest has been high but there is still room. Page 27.

Financial report

The sale of the church-owned Summer Educational Program camp in Orr, Minnesota, coupled with regular donations for the year, has brought our total revenue status just past $9 million, writes controller Ron Kelly.

Regular mail income for April was just over $1.9 million. That’s almost even with the same month a year ago. Mail income for the year is about $6.4 million. Page 28.

Azusa Pacific University commencement

By Thomas C. Hanson

AZUSA, California—One Ambassador Center student and one employee received diplomas at Azusa Pacific University commencement exercises May 4.

In the undergraduate commencement exercises in the afternoon, John Wertz of Pasadena graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in art.

In the graduate commencement exercises in the morning, Michelle West of Pasadena, an assistant to Russell Duke, Ambassador Center director, received a master’s degree in business administration.

The undergraduates heard from Richard E. Stearns, president of World Vision United States, who spoke on "A Career or a Calling."

Donald O. Clifton spoke at the graduate commencement on "Strengths Quest." Dr. Clifton is a past chairman of the Gallup Organization.

For more information about the Ambassador Center, call 1-626-815-3874, send e-mail to acenter@apu. edu or write to the Ambassador Center, Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta Ave., P.O. Box 7000, Azusa, California, 91702-7000.

The Azusa Pacific University web site is www.apu.edu

John Wertz

Michelle West

DIRECTOR—Russell Duke,
Ambassador Center director,
in the processional.

PROCESSIONAL—Faculty lead processional at the
start of undergraduate commencement exercises May 4.
[Photos by Thomas C. Hanson]

I just finished reading Michael Feazell’s book The Liberation of the Worldwide Church of God.

I am attending a Bible church in Denton, Texas. After reading your book, I realized how much I must support my spiritual mother, even if it was guilty of bad theology. After all, I believe I learned a greater lesson, that of love and trust, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes following the Holy Spirit means leaving dogma behind and stepping out in faith. Your book has been a great part of the purging of bad theology I have been going through this past year.

Lara Bryant
Denton, Texas

God has inspired you [Michael Feazell] to hit another home run with your article in the March WN. "Take the Leap" helps to bring into focus this wonderful gospel of grace.

I’m amazed at the different understanding of the Scriptures I have with this wonderful understanding. The gospel is so exciting that you’re just bubbling inside to tell everyone about this good news.

Ron Matthews
Longmont, Colorado

Mike Zorn’s article "Life After War" (May WN) raked a lot of old memories back to the surface. I am glad that more combat veterans are coming forth with actual experiences and statistics to let others begin to hear what war is really like.

I have been vocal on the subject for some time now and have written numerous articles to different publications only to have many of them rejected because the contents haven’t been watered down enough.

Reading the article and also between the lines makes me reaffirm my long-held opinion that few comfortable civilians possess the slightest inkling of what is involved in actual warfare, and a much larger number don’t even want to have to hear about it.

This in my opinion is a good part of what accounts for veterans as a whole just learning to keep their mouths shut. That is why I so much appreciate those who, like Mike Zorn, are willing to expose their innermost selves in an attempt to inform others. I think that it takes guts.

I wish more veterans would do it, and more publications would print it. I believe if a person has any aptitude at all to put these things down on paper that they have a responsibility to their families and generations to come to be doing it. And I would encourage them all to do so.

That was an excellent article, and I didn’t finish it dry eyed.

Leith Cunningham
Korean War veteran
Cadillac, Michigan

Now is the time to
register for 2002 Festival

By Charles Albrecht

The Worldwide Church of God is now accepting registration for the 2002 festivals. Festival coordinators met May 13 for a teleconference to finalize preparations for this year’s festival. This year’s celebrations should once again be an exciting time of worship, family and fellowship.

We will kick off our 2002 festival celebrations in Atlanta, Georgia. Speakers will include the denomination’s president, Joseph Tkach, as well as Mssrs. Albrecht, Dick, Feazell, Kelly, Rogers and others. The Atlanta Summerfest will also include workshops given by Claude King on Experiencing God and Kimberly Woltz on How to Have Wonderful Praise and Worship for Your Church.

  
Claude King         Kimberly Woltz

Mr. King is co-author, with Henry Blackaby, of Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God.

In an effort to emphasize the geographic flavor of each site, more planning and coordination is being handled within the host districts. We also want to shape our activities around those attending, so we encourage you to register right away if you plan to attend.

This year’s sites will require a registration fee as opposed to a tax-deductible donation, which we had in previous years. To compensate for this change we have also lowered the festival rates this year.

For your convenience, several ways are available to register. To register by phone, please call toll free 1-800-924-4644 (please have credit card). Registration may also be completed on the Internet at www.wcg.org and then clicking on the Events button. Or you may register by mailing the coupon at right and including a check or credit card information.

Once you have registered you will receive a welcome packet with further details and specifics about your site. At that time, we encourage you to contact your coordinator and volunteer to serve at the site.

In addition to the festival sites listed on this page, the church will also be host for three festival tours (please see article on page 27). Registration for those sites is being handled by John Siston at Travel Gallery. He may be reached toll-free at 1-800-858-6999.

Atlanta Summerfest July 25-28

Davenport, Iowa Sept. 17-21

Grand Junction, Colorado Sept. 21-28

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Oct. 11-14

Riverside, California Sept. 26-29

Saratoga Springs, New York Sept. 27-30

Seaside, Oregon Sept. 21-24

IMPORTANT: Use this form for both summer and fall festival site registration.Do not use for Grand Junction, Colorado, the cruises or the Grand Canyon/National Parks tour.

Each head-of-household or single adult who will be attending should complete this form. You may attend both the summer site and a fall site.

I/We will be attending the following sites:

[  ] Summer Site: [  ] Atlanta, Georgia

[  ] Fall Sites: (Please select only one.)

[  ] Davenport [  ] Myrtle Beach [  ] Seaside

[  ] Riverside [  ] Saratoga Springs

Number in your family/party attending:

Adults ____ Single Adults ____ Seniors (60 & over) ____

Children (school age only) ____ Children’s ages __ __ __ __

(Information is for event planning and accommodations only)

Special needs: (Check all that apply)

[  ] Disabled (Cannot move about freely)

[ ] Wheelchair

[  ] Deaf (Sign language)

[  ] Blind

Registration Fee: (Not tax deductible)

Summer Site Rates:

[  ] Family Rate: (2 or more people) $100

[  ] Single Rate: $50

Fall Festival Site Rates (Excluding Grand Junction):

[  ] Family Rate: (2 or more people) $110

[  ] Single Rate: $55

Method of payment:

[  ] Check/Money Order (Payable to Worldwide Church of God)

Credit Card: [   ] MC [  ] VISA [  ] Discover [  ] AMEX

Card Number __________________________________________________

Card Expiration Date _____________

Cardholder Name (Please print clearly) ________________________________________________Signature (Required) _______________________________________________

Contributions: (Tax deductible in the United States)

[  ] I am contributing an additional amount to the church for its varied ministries and administration costs. Amount of additional contribution $ ________.

Something worth thinking about...

By Joseph Tkach

Only one way?

People sometimes object to the Christian belief that salvation is available only through Jesus Christ. In our pluralistic society, tolerance is expected, even demanded, and the concept of freedom of religion (which permits all religions) is sometimes misinterpreted to mean that all religions are somehow equally true.

All paths lead to the same God, some say, as if they have traveled all of them and have come back from the destination. They are not tolerant of the narrow-minded folks who believe in only one way, and they object to evangelism, for example, as an insulting attempt to change the beliefs of other people. Yet they themselves want to change the beliefs of people who believe in only one way.

What about it—does the Christian gospel really teach that Jesus is the only way of salvation?

Most religions are exclusive. Orthodox Jews claim to have the true path. Muslims claim to have the best revelation of God. Hindus believe that they are right, and Buddhists believe what they do, not surprisingly, because they think it is right. Even the modern pluralists believe that pluralism is more right than other ideas.

All paths do not lead to the same God. The different religions even describe different gods. The Hindu has many gods, and describes salvation as a return to nothingness—certainly a different destination than the Muslim emphasis on monotheism and heavenly rewards. Neither the Muslim nor the Hindu would agree than their paths eventually lead to the same destination. They would rather fight than switch, and the Western pluralists would be dismissed as condescending and uninformed, and an offense to the faiths that the pluralists do not want to offend.

We believe that the Christian gospel is correct, while at the same time allowing people to not believe it. As we understand it, faith requires that people have liberty not to believe.

But while we affirm the right for people to believe as they decide, this does not mean that we believe all faiths are true. Allowing other people to believe as they wish does not mean that we have to quit believing that Jesus is the only way of salvation.

Jesus’ earliest disciples tell us that he claimed to be the one and only path to God. He said, If you don’t follow me, you will not be in the kingdom of God (Matthew 7:26-27). If you reject me, you will not be with me in eternity (Matthew 10:32-33).

Jesus said that God "has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him" (John 5:22-23). Jesus claimed to be the exclusive means of truth and salvation. People who reject him are also rejecting God.

"I am the light of the world," he said (John 8:12). "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well" (John 14:6-7). People who claim that there are other ways to salvation are wrong, Jesus said.

Peter was equally blunt when he told the Jewish leaders, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Paul also made it clear when he said that people who did not know Christ were "dead in your transgressions and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). They had no hope, and despite their religious beliefs, they did not have God (verse 12). There is only one Mediator, he said—only one way to get to God (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus was the ransom that everyone needed (1 Timothy 4:10). If there were any other law, or any other path that offered salvation, then God would have done it (Galatians 3:21).

It is through Christ that the world is reconciled to God (Colossians 1:20-22). Paul was called to spread the gospel among the gentiles. Their religion, he said, was worthless (Acts 14:15). It is like the book of Hebrews says: Christ is not just better than other paths—he is effective whereas they are not (Hebrews 10:11). It is an all-or-nothing difference, not one of relative benefit.

The Christian teaching of exclusive salvation is based on what Jesus himself said, and what the Scriptures teach. And this is tightly linked to who Jesus is, and our need for grace.

The Bible says that Jesus is the Son of God in a unique way. As God in the flesh, he gave his life for our salvation. Jesus prayed for some other way, but there was none (Matthew 26:39). Salvation comes to us only through God himself entering the human world to suffer the consequences of sin, absorbing the penalty himself, to free us from it, as his gift to us.

Most religions teach some form of works as the path of salvation—saying the right prayers, doing the right things, hoping it will be enough. They teach that people can be good enough if they try hard enough. But Christianity teaches that we all need grace because we cannot be good enough no matter what we do or how hard we try.

It is impossible for both ideas to be true at the same time. The doctrine of grace teaches, whether we like it or not, that no other paths lead to salvation.

What about people who die without hearing about Jesus? What about the people who lived before Jesus was born, in a land thousands of miles away? Do they have any hope?

Yes—precisely because the Christian gospel is the gospel of grace. People are saved by God’s grace, not by pronouncing the name "Jesus" or having special knowledge or special formulas. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, whether they know it or not (2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 2:2). His death was an atoning sacrifice for everyone—past, present, future, Palestinian or Peruvian.

We are confident that God is true to his word when he says he "wants everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Although his ways and times may often be invisible to us, we nonetheless trust him to love the humans he has made.

Jesus said plainly: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17).

We believe that the resurrected Christ has conquered death, and therefore not even death can pose any barrier to his ability to lead people to trust him for salvation.

Certainly, we don’t know the hows or whens, but we can trust his word. Therefore we can believe that one way or another he urges every person who ever lived, or who ever will live, to trust in him for salvation—whether before they die, at the point of death, or even after they are dead. If some people in the last judgment turn to Christ in faith when they at last learn what he has done for them, then he will certainly not turn them away.

But no matter when people are saved, or how well they understand it, it is only through Christ that they can be saved. Well-intentioned good works will never save anyone, no matter how sincerely people believe that they can be saved if they try hard enough.

The whole point of grace, and of Jesus’ sacrifice, is that no amount of good works, no amount of religious deeds, can ever save anyone. If such a path could have been devised, then God would have done it (Galatians 3:21).

If people have sincerely tried to attain salvation by working, meditating, flagellating, self-immolating or any other humanly devised means, then they will learn that their works do not earn them anything with God. Salvation is by grace, and only by grace. The Christian gospel teaches that no one can earn it, and yet it is available to all.

No matter what religious path a person has been on, Christ can rescue them from it and set them on his own path. He is the only Son of God who provided the only atoning sacrifice that everyone needs. He is the unique channel of God’s grace and salvation. This is what Jesus himself taught as true. Jesus is exclusive and inclusive at the same time—the narrow way and the Savior of the entire world—the only way of salvation, yet available for all.

God’s grace, shown most perfectly in Jesus Christ, is exactly what everyone needs, and the good news is that it is freely given to all. It’s great news, and it’s worth sharing—and that is something worth thinking about.

Church assumes
lead role in
campus development
approval

By Ronald Kelly

After three years of development planning, Legacy Partners decided on April 29 they could not renew their contract to purchase the Ambassador campus for residential redevelopment.

The contract had expired at the end of March but the parties had been talking in the hope that a mutually acceptable extension agreement could be reached. Their failure to renew effectively places the sale of the campus back into the hands of Worldwide Church of God officials, who began to establish staff and procedures to complete the development and sale in a timely manner.

The church entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Legacy Partners in April 1999. At that time, Legacy optimistically projected escrow would close in about 12 months. However, because the complexity and size of the proposed project as one of the largest development plans in Southern California, and perhaps the largest in the history of Pasadena, more time than even they as professional developers imagined was needed to develop the project and proceed through city planning, entitlement and development approval processes.

The first major hurdle was to produce an environmental impact report (EIR). The EIR lays out the potential impact of the development on the community. Such things as traffic, cultural resources, population, air quality, noise, impact on schools, water and city services are included in the EIR.

Again, because of the complexity of the project, Legacy Partners and city planners did not complete work on the EIR and release it for public comment until December 2000—already many months behind their original time line.

After the EIR was published, the community was allowed time to read and comment on the potential impact the development would have on the community. Hundreds of questions were then submitted by the public. Each had to be evaluated and addressed. This process took most of 2001.

At various junctures throughout this time, Legacy Partners requested and received contract extensions from the church. The church negotiated these extensions with the advice of experienced real estate counsel and on prudent business terms. However, it seemed each time an extension deadline approached, more complexities developed. City staff, planners and commissioners conducted a variety of meetings and hearings designed to gather input and information from the developer, the church and the community.

On March 4, the Pasadena City Council conducted a major public meeting. Several hundred citizens attended the meeting that had to be moved to a hotel conference room because city chambers were too small to contain the crowd. For almost four hours, council members heard from more than 100 interested parties. City staff rehearsed the project displaying charts and diagrams.

With time allotted to two minutes each, many then spoke in favor of the project, while some others, especially residents of surrounding neighborhoods, expressed objections to the size, density and traffic problems they felt would result from such a large development.

In the meantime, as city decisions were delayed, the church has continued to suffer a considerable financial deficit for more than three years. In order to maintain normal operating expenses for the denomination, the church sold various surplus assets such as equipment, furnishings, fine art, the Ambassador University campus in East Texas, and more recently the Summer Educational Program camp in Orr, Minnesota.

The church has been counting on completion of the campus sale in order to fund the church’s existing discretionary assistance program. That program is the fund for elderly, retired, loyal employees. In addition to discretionary assistance, the church has been maintaining the campus in a way to respect the neighborhood and keep it properly prepared for the development. These two items alone require about $675,000 per month above regular church income.

During most of April, Legacy Partners and the church discussed a variety of contract extension options. But in the end, Legacy’s final request was to renew extensions through the remainder of this calendar year and for up to one full year thereafter. In addition, they requested an unacceptable, and in the church’s opinion, unjustified, reduction in the purchase price. Because the church could not prudently accept these requirements, Legacy did not renew its contract.

Church officials, in an emergency board meeting, authorized Bernie Schnippert, director of Finance & Planning, to form a team that would do everything possible to hasten the sale of the property. The decision was to continue to prosecute the various elements of the existing proposal on file with the city. The church determined in advance that it would be both legally and practically appropriate to do so. We will work with city officials and neighborhood associations to continue development plans.

We wish to stress that the decision to handle the development ourselves was made after careful consideration and input from outside legal counsel. This independent, professional judgment concurred that the decision was prudent and in the best interests of the church. Furthermore, outside advisers told the board that the expertise available to the church, both from within and outside the church, was of high caliber and not only justified the decision to move forward independently, but made it the preferable alternative under the circumstances.

The church believes it can, and therefore will, essentially slip into Legacy’s shoes in the approval process. The church will retain various experts in the appropriate disciplines to ensure a plan and project of the highest professional character. The only difference is that the church will actually be in a superior position with the parties because no third party will be between the seller and the other stakeholders.

The campus consists of some 138 separate parcels and buildings that were purchased or constructed between 1947 and 1974. The historic buildings have been complemented by modern buildings, spacious lawns, flowing steams and the crown jewel, Ambassador Auditorium. How or whether the sale of parcels would affect ability to preserve historic buildings and the Ambassador Auditorium is yet to be determined.

The church wants to assure its dedicated membership that it will do all it possibly can to effect an efficient and timely sale of the property. Should the development plan prove impractical, various parcels of the campus could begin to be sold before the turn of the year and others throughout the coming year(s), although the church will work with the city to ensure such parcel sale in no way impairs the filed plan now moving forward in the approval process.

Church officials appreciate the work Legacy Partners has done in its efforts to complete the campus sale. Sadly, time was the enemy of both the developer and the church and neither party was able to satisfactorily continue the extensions that were necessary for Legacy to complete its plans.

As always we solicit your heart-felt prayers regarding the campus sale. It has been a long and trying five years since the church first determined to place the campus for sale. Since entering the sales contract with Legacy, the past three years have been a roller coaster ride of emotions, as the sale date seemed to be approaching, only to disappear in lengthy city processes and developer contract extensions. But we remain encouraged and upbeat about the ultimate and successful completion of the sale.

Words alone cannot express our appreciation for all of you faithful members who have stood with us during these years of transition. The joyful transformation of our church far exceeds our concerns about time and circumstances. We know our sovereign God will see us through these and all of our other anxieties.

As Pastor General Joseph Tkach so often says: "Remember, prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight. When more of us prepare individually, the stronger we move together collectively."

Legacy Partners withdraws from Ambassador campus sale;

Church to press on with planned residential development

Following is a press release sent by the church to media outlets April 29.

PASADENA—The Worldwide Church of God, owner of the Ambassador campus in west Pasadena, announced April 29 that Legacy Partners, which had been under contract with the church to purchase the property and develop it into a luxury residential development, allowed its contract to expire and withdrew from any participation in the project.

"In the end, Legacy found the twin pressures of time and financial investment just too much to make the deal work for their bottom line," according to Bernard Schnippert, director of Finance & Planning for the church. "This is too bad," he added, "since the plan is a good one, well within the guidelines of the West Gateway Specific Plan, using fully qualified design, environmental and traffic consultants and engineers, and replete with numerous public benefits such as gardens, open spaces, historic properties, and of course, the unequaled Ambassador Auditorium."

The church intends to move forward with the plan without Legacy, although it does not intend to abandon its other options, which it calls "strictly backup plans for now." Schnippert added, "We have stated publicly that the Ambassador plan as put forth is really the best for the community, and thus our first option, and we are thus pressing forward with the plan, even without Legacy."

The development plan, which was put forth by the church and Legacy more than three years ago, called for a residential project spanning both sides of the 710 freeway, and included retention of numerous historical properties, acclaimed gardens, and the preservation and reactivation of the renowned Ambassador Auditorium.

Schnippert believes that most of the city and the neighborhood will be saddened to learn about the loss of Legacy, since it received broad community support, "with the exception of some," he added, "who hadn’t yet come to fully understand the benefits of the project and the economic realities of its development."

The church believes that proceeding with the existing plan is practical since the church intends to "slip into Legacy’s shoes" and move forward with the same environmental impact report, the same development agreement framework, the same community facilities district financing for the Auditorium plan, the same excellent traffic mitigation approach, and the same commitment to save the gardens and historic structures.

"Despite Legacy’s withdrawal, we believe that there is a basis for cooperation between the City, the community and the church to bring about the planned development we have previously put forward, although, with perhaps some fine tuning in an area or two of neighborhood concern."

Although the church is disappointed by the loss of Legacy, it is nonetheless still upbeat about its chances of success. "We believe the public statements by the neighbors saying they didn’t want to kill the plan," Schnippert added, "and also believe we are refining a plan that a consensus of responsible parties will eventually come to understand and embrace."

When asked about any concerns the church might have regarding various neighbors who have spoken publicly about the project, Schnippert remarked: "We expect the interested parties will move closer together as the plan moves along, not farther apart. At least, this is our goal."

"Legacy is gone," said Schnippert, "but the plan is still alive for now, albeit under new stewardship. The church believes this project should and will succeed."

Regional conference:
'Moving Forward With Jesus'

PORTLAND, Oregon—More than 300 members from Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Canada attended the Portland regional conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel April 26 to 28.

This year’s conference theme was "Moving Forward With Jesus." Attendees heard from denominational leaders Joseph Tkach, Dan Rogers, Michael Feazell, Ron Kelly, Carn Catherwood and other members of the headquarters team.

Some of the subjects presented were developing and implementing a vision for local congregations, where we are now in prophecy, fulfilling the everyday commission, congregational leadership, and the importance of properly planned corporate worship. Breakout sessions dealt with the implementation and management of the new congregational financial model, and children’s, youth, women’s and men’s ministries.

A communion service at the end of the conference on Sunday included a narrative of Mary of Bethany’s encounter with Jesus, composed and read by Joyce Catherwood.

With the pastors already in Portland, Church Administration decided to partner with the Christian Stewardship Association for an optional class on A Christian View of Money. It was taught by Mark Vincent during an intensive three-day session and will also be offered to pastors at several other conferences this year.

Hank Lageman and Dan Fricke were on-site coordinators for the conference. Next year’s conference in Portland will be April 25 to 27.

A number of people said they came away from this conference with material that they could effectively use in their Christian lives.

"The conference proved to be spiritually edifying, worshipful and equipping for us all, as we follow our Lord’s lead in our Christian journey, in touching the lives of the lost for the sake of Jesus," said Guy Engelbart, district superintendent.

STEWARDSHIP CLASS—Participants in stewardship class are from left: Dan Fricke, Glen Weber, Dee Bulante, Guy Engelbart, Steve Schemm, Sue Lageman, Al Tunseth, Dee Tunseth, Wayne Mitchell, Robin Chester, Leonard Holladay, Larry Auld, Tracey Rogers and Mark Vincent, lecturer. [Photo by Hank Lageman]

  Regional Snapshot
From Charles and Carmen Fleming

The Church in Latin America

By Hector Barrero

BOGOTA, Colombia—Our congregations in Latin America continue to submit themselves to Christ as he continues his work of transforming us. The commitment is to become congregations founded on grace. As they say, the journey from head to heart takes time but is worth it.

New people are being added to some congregations and these new members have brought renewed enthusiasm and vitality. Leadership is multiplying and is becoming more effective in preaching the gospel.

The word crisis best describes what is going on in the political and economic fields for the majority of the Latin American countries. Without a doubt this has affected the living conditions of members in Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela.

As so often happens, it is in the midst of these crises that people recognize their need for God, because they see no other hope. The WCG congregations, faithful to the calling of the Lord Jesus Christ, are taking the gospel of grace to those who are tired and wearied by economic or insecurity pressures and distresses.

In February, Carlos Espinosa, our senior minister in Argentina, visited members in Salto, Uruguay. Some 60 people met there to share the word of God and communion. They all rejoiced for the 15 people who were baptized last year in that city. An average of 40 people meet there weekly. They were joined by 12 of the 20 people who meet in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay.

Mr. Espinosa also visited our congregation in Cafayate, Salta, in northwest Argentina. They had a series of meetings for strengthening, prayer and worship, a workshop on children’s discipleship classes and six baptisms. Thirteen members took communion. They also celebrated a wedding.

They shared moments of blessing and of encouragement. The members are grateful for the leadership at headquarters and for the articles in El Noticiero (Spanish WN).

In Buenos Aires, the capital, 11 people form a small group that visits the principal congregation in Ezeiza, where the church has a meeting room in which an average of about 30 people attend. In Bahia Blanca, to the southeast of Argentina, about 30 people also meet.

Pastor Guillermo Juy commented: "We maintain a regular attendance of 10 to 12 people. This year we had four baptisms, two of whom were teenagers 14 and 16 years of age."

El Salvador has been chosen as a central place for leadership meetings in Central America. In November, leaders from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Colombia, met in San Salvador to review the vision for the region. David Agreda is in charge of the team that translates and edits El Noticiero (Spanish Worldwide News), which keeps the members in Latin America informed and doctrinally up to date.

In Honduras, Mauricio Diaz, a bivocational pastor and an internationally recognized economist, leads a growing congregation. Marco Antonio Mejia leads a group in San Pedro Sula, a city in the north, where in less than two years we went from 12 adults and eight children to a congregation of 15 adults and 60 children.

This small group of members uses its financial blessings to support the work of the Colombian church. They sponsor a radio ministry in Colombia and the trips of Pastor Hector Barrero, who visits Puerto Rico.

Most of our congregations are seeing encouraging growth. We have a shared vision of building healthy churches that have the eight characteristics highlighted by Christian Schwartz in his survey of healthy churches around the world. Hector Barrero, our senior pastor in Colombia, is the national representative in Colombia for the Natural Church Development organization.

Nationally the attendance is 150, with 60 attending in Bogota. Much work is being done to develop different ministries geared toward evangelism. Pastor Barrero is active in the evangelical movement, serving on both local and national boards. The local board meets every three months with an average attendance of 70 pastors of different denominations to discuss leadership and church issues.

Pastor Barrero commented: "As vice president of this association, I have the opportunity to speak in these meetings about our church’s experience and the gospel of grace. Pastors invite me to speak in their congregations about legalism and grace. This is because some churches tend to practice old covenant laws."

Pastor Barrero is also in charge of the Billy Graham Association School of Evangelism in Bogota. It is a one-year plan to raise a new generation of young evangelists. Nearly 80 people of different denominations have attended the first two conferences and two more conferences are scheduled in July and October.

Seven people meet weekly in the Pacific coastal cities of Manta and Portoviejo to study the Bible and pray. They invite friends and others to join them. "As a congregation we desire to have more members," said Melba Muņoz, a member of the group.

Small groups meet in five cities: Cochabamba, La Paz, Potosi, Sucre and Santa Cruz. In Cochabamba, 10 people meet in a rented hall. Daniel and Carmen Arana work together with the Baptist church in Sucre.

Groups meet in four cities: Lima, Huaraz, Trujillo and Piura. In Lima, 31 people took communion in March. Jose Kasum Bustios, the pastor in Lima, noted: "We are consolidating a body ready and willing to carry out the mandate given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ." Two Dallas, Texas, Central members, Octaviano Nino and Odar Garcia, visited the group in Trujillo and encouraged and motivated the members there.

The Lord Jesus Christ is motivating the members in Latin America to work to extend his kingdom. The members are constantly being trained in evangelism and the results are evident.

In the midst of political, social and economic difficulties the Lord is blessing his church in the region. We are grateful for the support of members in other parts of the world.

CAFAYATE, ARGENTINA—
Young people enjoy activity.

BAPTISM—Member baptized
in Chihuahua, Mexico.

HOUSE CHURCH—Members of the Popayan,
Colombia, house church sing praises to God.

CONFERENCE—El Salvador.

RADIO PROGRAM—Hector and
Paulina Barrero record radio program.

ARGENTINA—Members meet in Bahia
Blanca. [Photo by Luis Chavez]

Everett, Washington,
youths participate in
30 Hour Famine

EVERETT, Washington—The weekend of Feb. 22 and 23 was a hungry, hardworking and fun couple of days for the Everett youths. Ten youths and a few adults participated in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine.

From noon Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday, the teens went without food in support of World Vision’s annual fund-raiser. The 30 Hour Famine is one of World Vision’s largest fund-raising activities. It depends on the support of teens around the world to help raise the money needed to continue with its activities in providing Third World countries with food, healthcare, education and clean water.

The teens began their fund-raising efforts in December. They set a fund-raising goal for themselves of $1,000. However, their final fund-raising efforts brought in a little more than $2,000.

The youths e-mailed friends and family members, asked for support from businesses and schools, and also had support from the Seattle-Bellevue and Everett congregations.

During the 30 Hour Famine, the Everett teens participated in a gathering with nine other denominations from the area on Friday night. A World Vision representative spoke to the teens and then the host church had a few Christian bands play for the teens and lead worship services.

The Everett teens then had a sleepover at their youth leaders’ house. Early Saturday morning, they helped plant more than 300 trees along Kackman Creek. The purpose was to help restore a salmon habitat. After cleaning up from the mud and rain, everyone met for the worship service in Everett. Then, the congregation adjourned to a restaurant to join the teens in breaking their fast.

The teens had a firsthand feeling of what it was like to go without food for several hours. They began to realize how blessed they are to live where they live and how easy it is to take it for granted. Tori Emerson.

PLANTING TREES—Brenna Cannon
and Shannon Strong plant a tree
along Kackman Creek.

WORKING TOGETHER—Jonathan
Ricaurte and B.J. Bartholomew
plant a tree.

Teen named
First Princess in contest

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Shanita Campbell, daughter of members Edward and Shaneen Campbell, was chosen as First Princess in the 33rd Queen of Soul pageant March 23.

Shanita, a high school senior, has played basketball and run track throughout high school. This year she is a photographer and writer for her school newspaper as well as the yearbook staff. This was her first pageant. A scholarship award comes with her title.

As First Princess she will participate in various community activities as well as participating in the annual Fiesta events in San Antonio, including the Battle of Flowers parade.

Fontainebleau Summer Camp

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana—Two camps will be conducted this summer, the first, July 13-17, for ages 7 to 10, and the second, July 17-21, for ages 11 to 15. Both will be at Fontainebleau State Park near Baton Rouge. The cost is $10 for the camp for 7- to 10-year-olds; and $20 for 11- to 15-year-olds.

Activities will include swimming, sailing, tubing, archery, water sports, Christian living classes, arts and crafts and a Hawaiian banquet and dance for the older group.

Registration forms must be submitted by July 1. For camper and staff information and registration contact Joy Cryer, 2604 Slagle Rd., Leesville, Louisiana, 71446; phone 1-337-239-7139; e-mail joycryer@earthlink.net

Pasadena Teens Fast
for World Hunger

PASADENA—Sixteen teens in the Pasadena congregation participated in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine, from Friday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m., to Saturday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. We fasted so we could see what it is like for kids who have to go more than 30 hours without food.

Not only did we fast, we raised money for these kids who don’t have much to eat on a daily basis. We asked people to sponsor us by donating money, which we sent to World Vision, a Christian organization that helps feed poor children in about 100 countries. Our goal was to raise $1,000. We reached our goal and then some by raising $1,640.

Our pastor, Dennis Pelley, and Mat Morgan, coordinator of the project, had plenty for us to do. Saturday we did a service project at Linda Vista Elementary School. We pulled up weeds, picked up trash and did whatever we could to help make the school look better.

That evening we went to the Pelleys’ house, where we played games and got to know each other better. After that we had a two-hour praise and worship discussion. We talked about the day’s events and how what we were doing was going to help other people.

Finally the time came. We were able to eat! Seven pizzas were ordered and seven pizzas were eaten. Thirty minutes later not a slice of pizza could be found.

We ended our evening watching a movie and playing more games. After spending the night at the Pelleys’ house, we awoke to the smell of home-made waffles, scrambled eggs and sausage being made for us by Dennis and Lorraine Pelley, Mat and Pam Morgan and Lola Fyles.

For us, we knew exactly what time we were going to end our fast and be able to eat again. Not everyone has that privilege. A lot of people have no idea when they are going to see another meal. Participating in this famine showed us we shouldn’t take for granted something as simple as going in the kitchen and opening the fridge and seeing it full of food.

When people open up the fridge and say something like, "There isn’t anything to eat in here," they don’t understand what they are saying. Lora Fyles and Phillip Vance.

PASADENA GROUP—Pasadena youths who
participated in 30 Hour Famine are pictured with
Debra Debose, principal of Linda Vista school.
[Photo by Pam Morgan]

 
SERVICE PROJECT—From left: Lora Fyles,
Stephanie Golden and Carmel Dizon.
[Photos by Mat Morgan]

Youth Discovery Weekend
in Sorsogon, Philippines

DONSOL, Sorsogon, Philippines—Thirty-two participants, five staff and two children assembled at Woodland Resort, Donsol, Sorsogon, March 28 to 30 for a Youth Discovery Weekend sponsored by the Youth Circle for Christ. It carried the theme, "Jesus Christ: the Surpassing Riches of God’s Grace." Among the participants were a Seventh-day Adventist and some Catholic youths who were invited by our church youths.

Activities included discovery sessions, group exercises and interactions, testimony, prayers, sharing and worship services. Except for the occasional swimming they did before and after sessions, the schedule was packed with learning activities geared toward attainment of the purpose, that is to make Jesus known.

The retreat reached its zenith as participants and guests attended a communion service and every participant partook of the Lord’s Supper. Some of the brethren in the place also joined us in the celebration. Myra Leslie J. Narido.

Seven baptized at SEP Visayas

VISAYAS, Philippines—Seven campers were baptized at the SEP camp in Visayas. From Cebu: Tim Philip Rota, Mardem Demetillo and Roy Dominic Macasero. From Legaspi City: Sarah Vim Dawal, Jemabel Joann Dawal and Audrey Anne Acha. From Iriga, Camarines Sur: Mechi Garcia.

The baptisms were conducted by George Escara, Visayas area coordinator, assisted by Jessup Bahinting, Jimmy Boone, Rey Busalla and Romy Pusta.

Mr. Bahinting was camp director.

Dallas Central boys
complete God & Country
program

DALLAS, Texas—Seven Dallas Central boys were among 12 children who received medals April 14 for completing the God and Country program. The awards were presented that day at the Dallas Central worship service.

One of the parents, Cheryl Miller, organized the class and worked with the youths. Mrs. Miller explained that the program for grade levels one to three is called "God and Me." The requirements involve each child talking with his or her parents and learning about their family, studying about Jesus’ childhood and times, and learning about how Jesus’ life relates to the child’s life and what he has done for them.

The section on Jesus’ life included the group making a trip to the Biblical Arts Center in Dallas.

The Dallas Central boys who completed the course are Matthew Hard, Daniel Hebert, Gordon Herrmann, Kenneth Herrmann, Micah Hyatt, Josh Medieros and Mark Miller. Mark’s older sister, Kathy, had previously completed the program.

GOD AND COUNTRY AWARD—Children
who completed the God and Country program
received medals April 14. [Photo by Jesse Hebert]

Southeastern district
discovery weekend

TEMPLE, Georgia—More than 80 teens from Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi met at Woodland Christian Camp in Temple, April 5 to 7, to celebrate Discovery Weekend 2002. The theme was "Helping Disciples Make Disciples."

The weekend kicked off April 5 with group prayer, organized games and a late night hot dog and marshmallow roast. Two upbeat sessions, "Standing Up for Jesus" and "Sexual Purity" (attendance with parental permission), started the day on Saturday, while the afternoon brought basketball, volleyball, canoeing, hiking and fishing. The night ended with a display of talent as several students sang contemporary Christian songs in a talent show that concluded with a dance.

Al Barr, district superintendent, capped off the weekend by leading the students in praise and worship, sharing a message of the need of Jesus’ sacrifice, all culminating with the students sharing communion together.

Naomi Cheeks of Kennesaw, Georgia, exclaimed, "This is what it’s all about—meeting new friends who have the same desire to worship our Lord and Savior and have fun doing it!" Many teens expressed their excitement about next year’s Discovery Weekend and their desire to invite friends to share in the fellowship of friends and believers. Anthony Mullins.

SEXUAL PURITY—Ian Toppin speaks about abstaining
from sex until marriage.

12 baptized at SEP Mindanao

MINDANAO, Philippines—Twelve teens among the 93 campers were baptized at the SEP in Mindanao. They are Iris Doann Baulete, Joy Quindo, Emily Jane Baulete, Athea Afrondoza, Faye Jordanet Barangot, Leo Mark Macayan, Isaac Dave Micabalo, Dexter Guy Pilar, Leo Jose Macayan, Bermie Dagondon, Ian David Garcia and Raymund Abordo.

Rex de la Pena was camp director.

Senator Ed Angara, who spoke to participants of the Corn Congress conducted at the camp’s Folk Arts Theater, visited the campers and staff. Len Joson.

Women's Ministry

A Better Way

By Tammy Tkach

My daughter Stephanie asked me, "Mom, is there really more than one way to skin a cat?" I laughed. She knew what the saying meant, but she really did wonder about that poor cat.

There usually is more than one way to do something. When we talk about getting difficult things done, we Americans use the saying about "good old American ingenuity." And then there’s the cliche, "Necessity is the mother of invention."

If the first thing you try doesn’t work, you just back up and have another go at it.

When Jesus taught people about himself and God’s ways, he brought a new perspective on everything. He showed them a better way, a way of the spirit of the law, rather than the letter. He showed them the way of love, rather than judging and measuring. He brought them (and us) a better way.

But he was adamant about the one way to attain salvation. His many stories about the law being inadequate pointed out that for some things there is only one way. The way to salvation is through Jesus and Jesus alone.

"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life," he said in John 14:6, leaving no doubt that we needn’t look further (New Living Translation throughout).

Peter told Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander and other relatives of the high priest that there is salvation in no one but Jesus. "There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them" (Acts 4:12).

Paul reiterates this in his letter to Timothy: "For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).

Even so, some still insist on looking for options and alternatives.

What? You can’t tell me there’s only one way. I want my freedom of choice!

Many try alternate religions. Eastern movements are growing in popularity.

Some want a spiritual experience, but without the structure of a church. Some turn to the occult. And then some Christians feel they have to go beyond the basics of just believing in Christ. It’s called "Christ-plus."

Maybe the simple act of believing, without doing anything, seems way too easy. Or too simple. Or it seems to let some off the hook, like the thief on the cross whose simple request to be remembered by Jesus was granted. Could a criminal’s record—heinous acts that demanded crucifixion—be wiped out with one simple statement of faith in the stranger on the next cross? The thief’s belief was enough for Jesus. Without hesitation, he promised this man eternity in paradise (Luke 23:42-43).

Jesus tells us we don’t need to look for alternatives, options or other ways of skinning the proverbial cat. We need only confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, and we will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Olympia women
make blankets for Indians

OLYMPIA, Washington—The Olympia Women’s Ministry has been busy crocheting 9 x 7 blanket pieces since January 1999.

Bonnie Petty, coordinator of the Warm Up America blanket project, has boxed them up and mailed them to Indians in the Oglala Sioux tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

Bonnie contacted Roslyn Jumping Bull in Oglala to determine the people with the most need. Jeannie Walker and Janette Wolfembarger crocheted most of the blankets, though others also helped.

"This is an ongoing project," said Bonnie, and next winter our goal is to present the blankets to the individual personally for the opportunity to disciple them. Brenda Peterson.

BLANKETS FOR INDIANS—Bonnie
Petty with a blanket from the Warm Up
America project. [Photo by Brenda Peterson]

Bible Study

Think on good things:
a study of Philippians 4

By Michael Morrison

As Paul nears the end of his friendly letter to the church in Philippi, he encourages his readers to focus on the positive, and he closes with thanks and praise that can encourage us.

Verse 1: "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" As he explained in chapter 3, we cannot trust in our imperfect performance—we must trust in Christ and in the transformation that he will bring us when he returns (3:21). By keeping a clear focus on Christ, we can stand firm until the end.

As he exhorts them, Paul reveals how much he likes these people who have helped him: he loves them and longs for them. They give him joy and honor, and he can appeal to them as friends.

Paul then turns to a specific problem within the Philippian church, mentioning two women by name: "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord" (4:2). The disagreement between these Christians was apparently not a private matter, but had caused problems within the congregation. Paul does not cast blame and does not give orders, but treats them both the same.

Paul then asks someone to help: "Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life" (v. 3).

Paul not only pleads—he praises. These women had been a big help in Paul’s evangelistic team, but good gospel workers can have weaknesses in other areas, and these two needed some help in patching up their differences. So Paul calls on an unnamed but faithful friend to be a mediator. After all, these women are in the book of life and will live forever with each other, so they ought to try to get along now.

Paul then goes back to a persistent theme in this letter: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (v. 4). But it’s hard to rejoice when we have persecution and personal disagreements. Nevertheless, we are to rejoice, for we are in the Lord. We have much to be happy about: a salvation that no one can take away from us.

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near," Paul exhorts. This is good advice for anyone, anytime, whether in a time of persecution or a personal squabble. Gentleness is better than retaliation.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (v. 6). We are encouraged to pray about everything that concerns us, confident that God will take care of our needs. Rather than worrying or fighting back, we can be thankful, even in times of trial. Paul is helping the Philippians to concentrate on the positive.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (v. 7). With confident prayer, we can have inner peace. Although circumstances around us may be in turmoil, we can have a peace that by normal standards doesn’t make sense. But our faith is in Christ, not the circumstances of this world.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (v. 8). If you want inner peace and interpersonal peace, then think on good things. Love looks for good things, not bad (1 Cor. 13:5-6). If you have a problem with someone, look for whatever is true and good and praiseworthy. Give your problems to God, and you will find peace.

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you" (Phil. 4:9). Paul again appeals to his own example among the Philippians. He tried to live the gospel as well as to share it, and he encourages the readers to do the same.

Paul then thanks the church for the help they sent him while he was in prison: "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it" (v. 10). Although Paul is thankful for the physical help they gave, he also uses this opportunity to point the readers away from the physical, toward faith in Christ:

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (vv. 11-13).

Paul had times of plenty, and times of poverty. In both cases, he looked to the Lord, not to his physical circumstances. He was content even when in poverty, because he looked to Christ. Christ did not give him strength to break out of jail, but to stay in jail. Christ did not give him the ability to turn stones into bread, but to endure hunger. This is the kind of strength Christ gives—perhaps not the kind we want, but the kind we need most.

Verse 13 is sometimes lifted out of context to say that Christ enables us to do anything we want, such as to succeed in business. But this is not what Paul meant. Rather, Christ enables us to endure all circumstances. The new revision of the NIV makes it clear that we need to consider the context: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Paul does not preach in order to get a salary, and he is not dependent on anyone. But Paul praises them for the help that they gave, because it reflects a spiritual virtue within them. "Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need" (vv. 14-16).

When Paul was ministering in Corinth, for example, he received financial help from Philippi (2 Cor. 8:1-2) rather than being supported by the Corinthians (1 Cor. 9:7-14). Although the church at Philippi was poor, and some of the Corinthians were wealthy, the Philippians supported Paul’s missionary work. And in Thessalonica, too, they continued to help him.

Paul appreciates this not so much for his own benefit, but because it is a spiritual value for the Philippians. "Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account" (Phil. 4:17). Frank Thielman says, "The imagery is of a bank account that receives compounded interest" (Philippians, p. 237). God will reward them for the good that they have done, and Paul was eager for them to be blessed as a reflection of their generosity. When we serve God in physical ways, we benefit spiritually as God is working in us.

"I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God" (v. 18). This financial help is more than enough for me, he says, and then he points out its spiritual significance: It is a sacrifice that pleases God. We worship God in our offerings, whether they are given to the poor or to missionary workers.

And in return, "my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (v. 19). The reason that we can be generous is because God will supply everything we need, including the strength to endure difficulties.

Paul ends his letter with a traditional doxology, praising God: "To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (v. 20).

Then, as a customary postscript, he adds a few personal greetings: "Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household" (vv. 21-22).

Who are these people from Caesar’s household? We do not know—they may have been part of Caesar’s staff that worked in various parts of the empire. Paul mentions them here perhaps to drop a hint that the gospel is bearing fruit in significant places.

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen" (v. 23).

Questions for application

l Would I want my name to be in a public letter, with an apostle asking me to quit arguing with another member? (v. 2)

l Am I willing to give all my anxieties to God in prayer? (v. 6) Am I willing to be thankful even in difficult times?

l How well do I concentrate on the praiseworthy, rather than the things that irritate me? (v. 8)

l Poor people are more likely to be Christians than wealthy people are. Do I find it easier to trust in God when I am poor, or does wealth tempt me to trust in my money? (v. 12)

l What kind of strength is Christ giving me in my circumstances? (v. 13)

l Do I view my offerings as a form of worship, or as payment for services that I want to benefit from? (v. 19).

l How often do I greet saints in other cities? (v. 22)

 

Don't miss the boat (or bus)!

By Dorcas Taylor
Controller’s Office and
Group Tour assistant

PASADENA—This will be our final opportunity to publicize the 2002 fall festival group tours in the WN.

Interest in the Alaska cruise, the Caribbean cruise and the Grand Canyon tour has been high, but space is still available. Each begins Sept. 22 and ends Sept. 29. Following are details about each group tour.

If you have ever dreamed to take a cruise, now is a good time. Our price for the Alaska Inside Passage cruise is at least 50 percent off of full fare. We will depart from Vancouver, British Columbia, and then cruise the Inside Passage with a port stop in Juneau where you can experience an Alaskan cookout, flightsee the Juneau Ice Field or visit the Mendenhall Glacier.

Skagway, another stop, offers a sightseeing streetcar to points of interest. The final port stop will be in Ketchikan, where the largest totem collection in the world can be found and you can shop at the contemporary art galleries or quaint boutiques.

One of the most memorable experiences of the cruise is Glacier Bay National Park, where you will see thousand-year-old glacier ice cliffs. Park rangers will be on board to explain much about the bay. You may even see a bald eagle or other wildlife.

Our minister couples for the Alaskan cruise will be Joseph and Tammy Tkach, Bernard and Arlene Schnippert, Russell and Phyllis Duke, and Ronald and Norva Kelly.

Prices offered to the church for the Eastern Caribbean cruise are 65 percent off.

Dennis Pelley and Michael Feazell will be featured speakers, and Mr. Pelley and his wife, Lorraine, will direct the musical programs. After departure from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the first stop will be at Nassau, Bahamas, where you can shop, watch the flamingos at the Ardastra Gardens or get a tan on the beach at the Blue Lagoon.

Next stop is San Juan, Puerto Rico, where you can stroll the cobblestone streets or visit historic sites.

Next, we’re off to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, known for its duty-free shopping, but you may choose to lounge on the beach, ride a bike or take a harbor cruise in a glass-bottom boat. We then travel to Half Moon Cay, where you can enjoy an island barbecue, shop or enjoy the beach.

Both cruises promise Holland America’s great service, food and cabin quality that experienced travelers have come to expect from our church-sponsored festival cruise programs.

The tour leaders for our luxury coach Grand Canyon and National Parks Tour will be Neil and Susan Earle. The tour leaves from Las Vegas, Nevada, and goes to Hoover Dam before continuing on to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Then we will travel on to Monument Valley and Moab, Utah. From there we will travel to Arches National Park and the next day on to Canyonlands National Park and an evening cruise on the Colorado River.

On Friday, Sept. 27, we arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park and then on Saturday, we arrive at Zion National Park for further touring. On Sunday we head back to Las Vegas.

For all tour groups, the itinerary is Sunday to Sunday, which will allow travelers only five business days missed from work.

For complete itinerary, pricing and details, please contact John Siston at Travel Gallery, 1388 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, California, 91106-1528; telephone 1-800-858-6999; fax 1-626-577-0577; e-mail john@travel gallery.com or check Travel Gallery’s web page at www.travelgallery.com.

We do hope you can join us for one of these tours. The experience is something you will want to share with other members, family or friends. So ask them to join us as well.

Update from Finance and Planning

April--it was a good month!

By Ronald Kelly

April is often a month that lifts our spirits. Spring is under way. Showers prepare the fields for planting, and flowers burst forth in color. Sunshine brightens the days as they grow longer (usually helped along by daylight savings time). In addition to the wonders of God’s creation and the joys of nature that springtime brings, this year, the church financial picture got a lift as well.

As we reported in the previous issue of the WN, the church-owned summer camp in Orr, Minnesota, has been sold. During April the sale was completed and the sale proceeds are now in our reserve funds. The sales price of $1.7 million was a true market-value price. As Bernie Schnippert, treasurer, has pointed out, it was arrived at after intensive negotiations with numerous competing potential purchasers. The sales proceeds of $1.7 million, minus the book value of the property, $364,000, gave the church at net gain of $1,336,000.

Regular mail income for April was quite good—just over $1.9 million. That’s almost even with the same month a year ago. Mail income for the year is about $6.4 million. Please see the accompanying chart to get an overview of the monthly and annual financial picture.

As you already know, or if you didn’t you may read in this issue, our sales contract with Legacy Partners to purchase and develop the Pasadena campus has expired and they are not renewing it. At first glance this may seem a bit discouraging. Momentarily it certainly was to all of us. But, as we evaluate our opportunities, we have become more and more optimistic. Preliminary talks with city officials indicate that we can move right along with the development plans.

We will work with city staff and neighborhood groups to put together a project that we hope will successfully meet the desires of all stakeholders—the city, neighbors and members of the Worldwide Church of God. In early May, Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard indicated his desire to have project plans ready for review by the City Council in "four to five months." In other words, the approval process has not necessarily been put on a slower track because of Legacy’s departure.

We are also optimistic that a fair price can be obtained from the property sale. The climate for the housing market in Southern California is good right now. Many of the sub-developers that Legacy had been working with have indicated their desire to continue their plans as they work directly with the church, who will, more or less, step into the role of master developer.

Obviously there is always room for concern to take on such a project. But our expert outside consulting and legal firms are convinced this project is "doable" and they are ready and willing to continue their assistance to us.

Naturally, as we proceed with development, certain costs will be attached to the project. But we have more than 100 parcels of land in a 48-acre campus. If additional funds are needed, selected properties can be sold to meet the costs of development and to augment the church’s reserve funds.

Thus, we have no current plan for dramatic reductions to staff and church projects as we proceed through the sale process. My staff and I review our income and expense budgets on a daily basis. We make recommendations to management and the board when we feel changes need to be made. Even though it is only early May as I write this column, we are already forming templates and spreadsheets preparing the 2003 budget. The board has approved the budget for 2002, and although it allows for reserves to be used, the reserve fund will not fall below an approved level.

If city officials approve the development agreement, we can begin to implement our transition to the new financial model that we are explaining to everyone who attends our regional conferences. We are all anxious to put into action a new financial structure that provides for much-desired funds in our local churches.

Let me digress here for just a moment and comment on the success we are experiencing in our six pilot congregations that have implemented the new financial model. Generally pastors are reporting an increase in donations as members take responsibility for and ownership of their local church donations. In fact, two of the congregations report an increase of more than 50 percent during the first quarter. That is exciting and encouraging. I don’t know whether to expect that to be the case in all 450 of our U.S. congregations, but we know that many will have similar experiences.

That being said, we have to plan for the possibility that the development plans will not be approved, or would be further delayed. What would our options then be? Well, we own prime real estate in one of the finest areas of Southern California. And we can sell the property parcel by parcel, though this wouldn’t be our preference. That could take some time, but it certainly can be done.

The point here is that members should not be worried that the church is somehow near financial ruin. We have been operating under tight budget constraints. We have sold the Big Sandy and Orr facilities. We have auctioned most of the surplus equipment and furnishings in Pasadena. We have done these things to maintain our church operations and to keep our reserve funds at an acceptable level while we keep the Pasadena property in the sales process.

We will continue to diligently and responsibly manage the various budget areas of the church. As you see in this issue of the WN, we are proceeding with our first option to continue the current development plan to sell the campus in Pasadena.

Should that not prove feasible, we have the option to solicit new buyers, seek a new developer or to sell individual parcels. None of these options is bad. Some would take more time than others, but one way or another, the campus will be sold, and the Worldwide Church of God will move forward as we put our faith and confidence in the Creator of the universe.

Statement of Income and Expenses for
WCG and PTM combined for 2002

                                                            For the Month         For the Year-to-Date

Income

    Mail Income                                             $ 1,908,000                     $ 6,440,000

    Gain on sale of SEP Orr                              1,336,000                        1,336,000

    Other income                                                 637,000                        1,273,000

        Total income                                           3,881,000                        9,049,000

Expenses                                                         2,503,000                       9,450,000

Net gain (loss) to bank reserves                      $ 1,378,000                    $ (401,000)

SAN LEANDRO, California—The sister churches in San Leandro and San Francisco experienced a period of great joy during the week that ended March 2.

Two blood sisters, one in each church, were involved. The one sister, Marie Ongchangco, had to go on dialysis after the failure of a former kidney transplant from her brother some 20 years ago. While awaiting a donor for a second transplant, the family of her sister, Yolanda Caranto, struggled with the decision whether she should become that donor.

Yolanda is the wife of Severino Caranto, our elder in San Francisco, and is the mother of three children. The family decided to begin the series of tests to determine if she was a suitable match for organ donation. During the process, the family decided that if everything checked out positive, they would proceed with the donation. Indeed, this was the case.

Both sisters were amazingly calm and at peace the day of the surgery. Family and church members throughout the Bay Area were praying.

"It seems the Comforter responded in bringing peace to the sisters and their husbands," said Pastor Jim Roberts. "And the Father blessed the procedure with great success."

 
SACRIFICIAL GIFT—Recipient Marie
Ongchangco (left) and donor Yolanda Caranto.
Right: previous donor, Rouel Lacsamana.

DALLAS, Texas—The Dallas Central congregation, pastored by Lynn Hebert, has organized a denominational prayer team similar to the Presidential Prayer Team organized by evangelical churches to pray daily for the President.

Mr. Hebert said: "We pray every week at every service for headquarters and the staff. We regularly mention the campus sale. My personal prayer team has also been on notice to pray daily for headquarters’ needs—particularly Pastor General Joseph Tkach.

Mr. Hebert continued: "At our Bible studies, it’s heartwarming to hear more prayers for specific people and needs at headquarters. At the last two leadership meetings, we broke up in small groups and prayed at length for Dr. Tkach; Bernie Schnippert, church treasurer; Ron Kelly, controller; Mike Feazell, director of Denominational Publications; and Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers; and their families as well as the sale of the campus."

Mr. Hebert noted that many had not sensed the urgency or need to pray for church leaders and headquarters’ needs like we used to. Perhaps it’s because of an emphasis on our local church and its needs.

He concluded: "In any case, it’s good and right that we recognize our need to pray for those over us. I’m happy to see that our congregation is renewing our emphasis to pray for headquarters."

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa— "Thank you for your outpouring of prayers and generosity to our refugee church in Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya," said James Henderson, regional director for Africa.

A number of churches and individuals from around the world have contributed to a food assistance fund that has enabled us to assist those who would otherwise go hungry, according to Mr. Henderson. This fund is administered by WCG people in Kenya and is used to purchase food for those in genuine need. Some families have been moved to the Kakuma refugee camp in northern Kenya. Those who have written back say conditions in the camp are tough but better than sleeping hungry and at times hiding in fear.

Attendance in Kangemi now averages 120, including adults and children. On some days attendance is more than 200. Church activities are going on as usual. The congregation has a singles ministry, a well-attended children’s ministry, a choir, and an evangelism ministry.

PASADENA—Church Administration announced the following ministerial ordinations:

Durrell V. Brown, Glendora, California (reinstatement, originally ordained in 1967).

Garry Edward Code, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.

John D. Peterson, Mansfield, Ohio.

Mark Tracy Porter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Robert Bruce Robertson, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.

LAGOS, Nigeria—An evangelical crusade took place in Lagos, March 1 to 3. About 150 were in attendance, of which around 30 were new. Speakers were Michael Fatokun and Michael Ogunlase from Nigeria and James Henderson, superintendent of African missions. At the conclusion of the crusade, six people were baptized and many renewed their commitment to Christ.

SAN DIEGO, California—The San Diego North County congregation was host March 9 for the Southern California regional ministerial conference.

Curtis May, district superintendent, conducted the conference. In attendance for the worship service as well as the luncheon and meeting afterward were Curtis and Jannice May; Glenn and Donna Bechthold; Don and Anne Cline; Tim and Leslie Disney; Bermie and Carmelita Dizon; Lelia Duncan; Neil and Susan Earle; Tom and Alberta Ecker; Rand Holm; Richard Parker; Dennis and Lorraine Pelley; Ken Peterson; Raul and Sylvia Ramos; Leonard Raught; Eric and Pat Shaw; Mark and Anne Stapleton; and Pam Morgan.

Charles Sanderson was worship leader. Don Sharp and his wife, Joanne, directed the local church band. The children’s choir, led by Eric Shoquist, presented two numbers, and Mrs. Sharp sang "You," accompanied in dance by her daughter, Lauren. Regina Reeves sang "Life Is Hard, God Is Good" during the offertory.

Mr. May gave a sermon titled "Why Is Church Unity So Important?"

Afterward, members and guests were treated to a catered meal served by members of the church. During the luncheon, members fellowshipped with the visiting ministers and their wives. After the luncheon, the ministers and wives used the church’s facility for their meeting. Denise Ivicevic.

Daniel Bosch

BERGAMO, Italy—"Our group in Sardinia is slowly, but constantly growing," said Pastor Daniel Bosch.

"On Feb. 23 and several times since, we had a record attendance of 13. The Porcus, our only longtime family in Sardinia, would not have believed that this would be possible even just a year ago."

The growth is coming mainly through members’ contacts with family and friends, plus some new contacts from the church’s new magazine, Seguimi (Follow Me).

Similar things are happening with the church’s new group in Palermo, Sicily. The group meets every week with a Bible study (group discussion) on Wednesday. Even though originally a fruit of WCG media efforts, this group now grows out of personal contacts.

The tragedies of Sept. 11 created an opportune time to share the gospel, according to Mission America.

911 Remembrance was birthed out of the shared desire of many to respond appropriately to the Sept. 11 disasters. Mission America is coordinating a nationwide effort to share the gospel through anniversary memorial services Sept. 11, 2002 and the continued distribution of the memorial booklet Fallen but Not Forgotten.

More than 10 million copies of this booklet were distributed in New York City and throughout America during the Christmas and Easter seasons, as well as in church and citywide projects.

Pastors who are interested can arrange for a 911 Remembrance service as they think appropriate.

Mission America suggests you consider the following steps in preparing for such a service:

1. Plan an appropriate anniversary memorial service in your congregation for Wednesday evening, Sept. 11. (A brief video being prepared by Campus Crusade will be available as well as the Fallen But Not Forgotten booklets).

2. Consider a door-to-door distribution of the booklets with an invitation to the memorial service.

3. On Sunday, Sept. 8, have the booklets and invitations available for church members to give to friends and family.

4. Bathe this effort in prayer, for without him, we can do nothing!

To order the booklets, call 1-877-648-4336 or visit www.911remembrance.com (They cost 16 cents each plus shipping and handling. Be sure to put your church label on the back of the bookl