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 booklets.)

Mission America noted that 911 Remembrance is about working together to bring Americans to Christ by sharing the gospel.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa— Congregations in Bailundo (attendance 70), Calussinga (attendance 30), and Terranova (attendance 90) have decided to associate with the Worldwide Church of God, according to Noah Tembe, WCG secretary in Angola.

"In some of these areas more groups may be involved, but the war situation has hindered communication," said James Henderson, regional director.

Mr. Henderson mentioned that a large number of strict Sabbatarian groups in Angola wanted to officially affiliate with the WCG. He explained to them that we would be happy to teach them, but that we would proclaim that Jesus has freed us from the necessity to adhere to the Mosaic law. For many of the groups this was an issue, as some did not accept the idea that we are saved by grace through faith and not by anything we do (Ephesians 2:8), but felt that selected elements of the Mosaic law were also required for salvation.

"We can have empathy with them and respect their sincerity, and at the same time gently and lovingly guide them to appreciate more clearly the ‘One who has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses’ (Hebrews 3:3)," Mr. Henderson said.

"These and other groups in Angola need our prayers for their guidance and safety. They also need Bibles and theologically sound Christian literature. It is hoped that late this year another conference in Angola will take place to help consolidate the churches there and discuss the platform for future church development and mission.

EULESS EVENT—From left: Ross Jutsum, Cordero
Agwuh, Lance Tyree, Derek Plunkett, Breyana Armstrong,
Jennifer Beck and Chelsi Berry. [Photo by Lee Berger]

EULESS, Texas—On March 9, Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart Music Ministries visited New Hope Christian Fellowship, the WCG congregation meeting in Euless. Tom and Adrienne Pickett served as the pastoral hosts for Dr. Jutsum in a repeat visit to this area.

The 90-minute worship program of testimony, teaching and music drew participation from all ages in the audience, varying in tone from serious thought-provoking offerings to lively upbeat numbers. Along with traditional Christian hymns and songs, the congregation was treated to several of Dr. Jutsum’s original songs, including some from his latest album, "Fresh & New This Morning."

OPELIKA, Alabama—About 2,000 people, including the Opelika church, pastored by Bill Guthrie, participated in a communitywide prayer rally April 6.

The rally took place at the Beulah High School football field, and, as Mr. Guthrie said, "many touchdowns for Christ were scored that night."

About nine or 10 churches in the Beulah area sponsored the event, and the Opelika congregation was invited to take part. Mr. Guthrie met another pastor to plan the event.

"It was amazing to see denominational barriers come down and all these pastors working together for one purpose," Mr. Guthrie said.

A youth rally began the event, followed by the prayer rally. About 600 young people were there, and about 25 of them accepted Christ as their Savior. Mr. Guthrie led one young man to Christ and prayed with others.

The group prayed about many areas of concern including family, spiritual needs, substance abuse, community, healing, the nation and other problems.

KAKUMA, Kenya—A new church in Kakuma, northern Kenya, began in February, and has reached an attendance of 60 to 65 adults each week.

The church was founded through the evangelistic efforts of two young men—Nyenye Musafiri Nova and Eraston Kibururu Bikumbania, both refugees from Kivu in the Congo (former Zaire). Nyenye fled in 1994 when troops who supported then President Mobutu Sese Seko chased students out of the area. Eraston escaped in 2000 when ex-President Laurent Kabila’s forces were involved in tribal and territorial conflicts in the region, and was one of the many Christians who refused to take sides and get caught up in the fighting.

Last year they both joined the WCG’s refugee church in Kangemi, Nairobi, and early this year, following the advice of UN officials, they moved along with two church families from Kangemi to a refugee settlement in Kakuma, near the Kenyan border with Ethiopia.

Soon after their arrival in Kakuma, Nyenye and Eraston began door to door and street evangelism, using for tools back copies of Christian Living for Africa (a WCG mission magazine occasionally published in East Africa) and the African edition of the WN. Gradually new people began to show up for Saturday and Sunday meetings. Most of the new contacts are Sudanese, with some from the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Twenty-three of the new contacts are deaf, and are in the process of learning American sign language.

"This is an exciting development for our church in East Africa," said James Henderson, regional director, "and our brethren there thank God continually for the work he is doing in their midst through our fellowship. Please pray for this new church, that God may enrich their faith. They also have physical needs to remember in prayer—specifically English Bibles, books about how to learn American sign language, and also musical instruments as they intend to begin a music evangelism ministry. In addition, of course, there are the nutritional needs that are common to all refugee situations."

LUZVIMINDA, Palawan, Philippines—Tragedy struck early Wednesday morning, April 17, when six people, including two WCG members, were killed when the truck in which they were riding fell into a ravine.

Three passengers died instantly, while three others died later in the hospital. One of the passengers who died instantly was Vilma Rosario, wife of Bernardo Rosario Jr., who is the son of retired minister Bernardo Rosario Sr. She left a grade three daughter.

The other WCG casualty, Emmanuel Obligana Jr., 42, a member in the Luzviminda congregation, left a wife and four children.

Another member, Flor Lorenzo, was in a Manila hospital at press time. Eugene Guzon.

Frank and Cora Guice
[Photos by Linda Helscher]

Mark and Christine Leon

POMONA, California—Forty-six married couples from 26 communities participated in a Christian marriage retreat sponsored by the Pasadena congregation, April 20 and 21, at the Sheraton Suites Hotel in Pomona.

The retreat featured sessions by inspirational speakers Bill and Pam Farrel, based on their book, Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti. They gave Christ-centered presentations on the differences between men and women and the effect on marital relations. Participants discussed working together in Christ to build strong marriages while celebrating their differences. On Saturday night, couples planned their own romantic dates.

Praise and worship was led by Celestine Olive, Tony Murphy and Dennis and Lorraine Pelley with a worship dance performed by Barbara Edwards and the solo, "Inseparable" sung by Linda Morgan. A number of gift certificates for merchandise and future date-night outings were given away as prizes. The next retreat is planned for March. Larry and Linda Helscher.

LEADERS—Kitgum, Uganda.

CONFERENCE—Attendees in Nairobi.

SERVICE—Worship service at Neno Worship Centre.

ORDINATIONS—Newly ordained East African ministry.

NAIROBI, Kenya—Fifty-six leaders including elders, deacons and house-church leaders met April 19 to 21 for an East African ministerial conference.

James Henderson, superintendent of African missions, was host. The conference brought in leaders from Uganda and Kenya. Unfortunately, Ben Kaswaga, of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was unable to come.

Early on Saturday morning, April 20, the attendees joined 300 members of the Dandora, Parklands and Kangemi churches in the Kangemi area at a joint service in the WCG Neno Worship Centre. Services at Neno Worship Centre are usually vibrant, with a lot of singing and dancing to the accompaniment of a keyboard, two amplified box guitars and clapping hands and stamping feet.

During the service four elders were ordained: Charles Shiroko, who with his wife, Eliana, serve the Dandora congregation; James Omuhaka, who with his wife, Felista, serve the WCG Neno Worship Centre; Thomas Etori, who with his wife, Jane, serve the churches south of Mombasa; and Simon Ngatia, who was ordained to serve the church in Naivasha town.

After the ordinations and more singing and dancing, Mr. Henderson preached about the church as a sanctuary like Noah’s ark. He explained that just as the ark was a vessel of salvation for Noah’s family and all the animals on board, the church is a vessel of salvation in today’s world.

He compared the conditions in the ark—different sized, colored and shaped animals sharing space in one vessel—with conditions in the church consisting of people from various tribal groupings and diverse circumstances. He encouraged members to ensure that people who come to the church find sanctuary and acceptance.

After church services, conference attendees left for one and a half days of learning and fellowship at St. Francis Spiritual Centre, a facility owned by the Catholic Little Sisters of St. Francis. The conference facility is in Kasarani, about 13 kilometers north of Nairobi.

At the conference, Mr. Henderson spoke on the topics of pastoral care within the congregation, the sacraments, the New Testament theology of preaching, church music and public prayer and other aspects of church services. A question and answer session also generated questions covering polygamy, baptism, participation at the Lord’s Supper and church administration issues. Kimani Ndungu.

Leonard Banks

Robert Gnage

ROCHESTER, New York—Pastor Leonard Banks followed the lead of Pastor Robert Gnage in Rushville, New York, and had church members put together gift packages in door hangers and then distribute them to neighbors around where the church meets on Sunday mornings.

The door hangers contained a brief explanation of the who, what, where, when, why of our church; the Gospel of John; and an explanation of why we celebrate Easter, titled "The Man from Heaven." This pamphlet leads the reader to consider a relationship with God through Jesus. Mr. Gnage and Mr. Banks obtained the materials from the International Bible Society. Ken Williams.

DALLAS, Texas—Several dozen youths, teens and singles in the Dallas Central church vowed May 5 to stay sexually pure until marriage, and many married couples renewed their vows.

The vows of chastity by the youths and singles followed a few months of classes involving viewing a video series on the Song of Solomon followed by group discussion.

The theme of the program is "True Love Waits." At the May 5 service, Pastor Lynn Hebert read a letter from President George W. Bush commending the program for upholding biblical standards of morality.

Addressing any who may have made mistakes and think it’s too late for them to commit to purity, Mr. Hebert said: "Jesus Christ welcomes you no matter what your past. His arms are open to all who want to make a recommitment. Every day is a new start."

Several singles gave testimonials on the rewards and challenges of remaining abstinent until marriage. Speakers included Joe Shipman, Chris Lupe, Corrine Brunet and Steve Kramer.

Mr. Hebert asked all youths and singles making the purity pledge to come to the front of the sanctuary. Many of the parents or sponsoring adults placed a ring on the finger of the one making the pledge and then said a prayer over him or her. Jeff Fischelli, youth pastor, prayed over the entire group.

Mr. Hebert asked the couples renewing their vows to hold hands, close their eyes and remember key events in their lives. He then had each man and woman face one another and renew their vows.

After the vows, he announced: "You may now continue to be husband and wife. What God has joined together, let not man put asunder."

Corrine Brunet led worship at the service, accompanied by the teen band led by Peter Gordon.

Hannah Orsburn was commended for her school band winning top trophy in its class in a competition at the Myerson Symphony Center in Dallas. Miss Orsburn, who plays flute, won a gold medal for best soloist. Frank Lewandowski.

FRAGILE SYMBOL—Lynn Hebert,
Dallas Central pastor, uses a fragile rosebud
as a symbol of the need to remain sexually pure until marriage.
[Photo by Jean Grunheid]

PURITY CELEBRATION—
Steve Kramer gives a testimonial
at Dallas Central’s May 5 service
celebrating purity. [Photo by Jean Grunheid]

22 ‘Lost boys of Sudan’ attend service in Rochester

ROCHESTER, New York—March 3 was set aside for a special service for 22 of the lost boys of Sudan. Through a series of contacts that started with elder Ihor Kulbida, these young men were invited to the church.

Separated from their families in the country’s civil war, some 17,000 boys fled Sudan. Caught in the middle are members of the Dinka and Nuer tribes, who have seen their villages burned and families slaughtered. The lost boys have been parentless and homeless for years. They walked some 1,000 miles from Sudan to Ethiopia, back to Sudan and finally to Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, where the United Nations stepped in. About 3,800 of the lost boys were sent to the United States, 60 in the upstate New York area.

Tony Sidor, a member of the Walnut Hill Community Church in Pittsford, New York, said he felt that the Lord moved him to help these young men adjust to their new lives in America.

During the March 3 combined service with the Walnut Hill and Rochester churches, Mr. Sidor gave a message and some background of these young men’s plight.

Then, three of the boys came forward to answer questions from the congregations. They were asked if they could sing a song in their native tongue, so they came forward and sang two hymns.

The same week they came to the service, 12 of the boys moved around the corner from where Pastor Leonard Banks and his wife, Patama, live.

Mr. Banks and some of the members are involved in helping these young men get adjusted to their new community. Mr. Sidor asked Mr. Banks to head a Bible study for these young men. From time to time some of the boys come to the worship service in Rochester.

CERTIFICATE CEREMONY—Ministers
who received certificates at the ceremony
are pictured from left: Thomas Masela (Umtata),
Bill Pearce (Port Elizabeth), Colin Curtis (Pretoria),
Stan James (Pretoria), Jock Bennie (Durban) and Maxwell
Pono (Port Elizabeth). [Photo by Michael James]

PRETORIA—Six ministers and their families attended a certificate ceremony at the University of South Africa in Pretoria, Jan. 26.

The ministers completed a Ministry and Community Service course, presented by the Faith in Action program, conducted by the faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the university. They completed the course over one year with an exam written in November.

Following is a list of candidates who also received certificates, but could not attend the ceremony.

South Africa: Freddie Europa, Johann Grobler, Bennie Maake, Tim Maguire, Candida Millar, Gladman Ncokazi, Sergie Subiah, Syd Townsend and Owen Visagie.

Ghana: Alfred Ablordeppey, Francis Ablordeppey, A.K. Adih, Gabriel Ojih, Emmanuel Okai and Edward Sarfo.

Kenya: John Amadala, Kenga Ndiso and Abraham Mathiu.

Nigeria: David Adelana, Michael Fatokun, Oyebamiji Oladele and Timothy Olatunji.

Tanzania: Ben Kaswaga.

Uganda: William Wilberforce Othieno.

Zambia: Muphana Ngula and Willie Nkhoma.

Zimbabwe: Alan Carlson, Denny Mpande and Patrick Tshuma.

Mr. Oladele from Nigeria was the top student. Michael James.

WORMS, Germany—A retreat for women from Germany, Austria and Switzerland took place in Worms, May 3 to 5. The theme of the conference was "To Be There for One Another."

During the welcome evening, May 3, and for the entire conference, music was led by Jutta Gutherz of the Munich, Germany, church. Silvia Mair of the Bonn congregation led the worship service.

Ursula Schattner of the Basel, Switzerland, church spoke on "Good Works." She emphasized that good works, which Christ prepares in us and for which he has created us, are an everlasting and wonderful ornament, which every woman should strive for.

Saturday, May 4, was devoted to the subject of counseling. Erna Voth led the women through an intensive seminar. Mrs. Voth, a professional counselor, is a member of the Kirche am Rhein (Church on the Rhein), an Evangelical Free Church in Bonn. Astrid Kromin of the Bonn church gave an overview on the meaning and the origins of the word counseling from a historical and theological perspective.

On Sunday, the women took communion, led by Pat Blubaugh, a member from the United States. After communion, workshops were conducted on the topics of Becoming Free From the Roots of Bitterness and Renewal of Your Mind, led by Ursula Lehnert of the Stuttgart church. Then Rosl Mittag of the Munich church led two prayer meetings. The conference was organized by Rosl Mittag and Agnes Domes. Silvia Mair.

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan—On March 15, Curtis May, director of the Office of Reconciliation Ministries, along with Sam Butler, pastor of the Grandville and Muskegon, Michigan, churches, and members John Likely and Glamorice Sheppherd, attended the fourth annual Summit on Racism sponsored by the Racial Justice Institute of Grand Rapids.

More than 800 people from government, businesses, the educational field, media and churches attended the conference at Calvin College. The keynote speaker was Angela Oh from Los Angeles.

At a reconciliation conference Saturday, March 16, Mr. May, among other things, spoke on black-on-black violence in the inner cities. He explained: "When you’re told you are no good and anyone who looks like you is no good, it makes it easy to violate another."

The conference included not only church members, but a Hispanic praise and worship band and some members of the community, including two pastors.

Mr. May also spoke to both the Grandville and Muskegon congregations Sunday, March 17, emphasizing the role of reconciliation in our ministries. Michelle Munger and Sam Butler.

Frank and Jane Parsons

David Orban

PASADENA—Rodney Schuler has been hired as pastor of the San Antonio, Victoria and Corpus Christi, Texas, churches beginning June 10.

Frank Parsons, the former pastor of those churches, will transfer to pastor the Gladewater, Texas, church, formerly pastored by David Orban. Mr. Orban will continue to pastor the Tyler and Longview, Texas, churches, with his wife, Sandy.

Joseph and Georgette Franklin

CORAL SPRINGS, Florida—"I am really excited to let you know what God is doing in our little congregation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti," reported Charles Fleming, regional director in the Caribbean and Latin America.

About 40 people attend weekly services. The congregation is led by Joseph Franklin, a bivocational pastor who owns and operates a bakery in the backyard of his home.

In 1997 members of the congregation decided to start a school. They began with one kindergarten class of about 35 children. They now have five classes and a total enrollment of 142 students.

The plan is to demolish the existing building and put up a new structure to accommodate 12 grades with an enrollment of 300 to 400 students. The decision to start and expand the school was made by the leadership of the church because of the crying need for schools in Haiti.

Forty percent of Haiti’s population of 6.9 million is younger than 15 years old (CIA World Factbook). The government simply cannot provide schooling for everyone when it is faced with 80 percent of the population living in what the CIA report calls abject poverty. More than two thirds of the labor force is without formal jobs. Churches and other civic organizations have had to step up to the plate.

The Haitian members are grateful to the following congregations for their generous support: Grandville, Michigan; Indianapolis, Terre Haute and Columbus, Indiana; Dallas, Texas, Central; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Fort-de-France, Martinique; and Pointe-a-Pitre, Gua- deloupe. Forty percent of the funding to run the school has come from generous donations made by these churches. The remaining 60 percent comes from tuition fees and from the Haitian church.

One example of the way the Haitian members support the school is a joint project between the church and Andre Naval. Mr Naval is an artist whose work has been shown internationally. He and the Haitian church have been working together to sell his postcards. He gives one third of the price of each postcard sold by church members to the church for the school building fund. The postcards sell for 50 U.S. cents each. We are trying to help market Mr. Naval’s postcards in the United States Mr. Naval is also willing to sell his original paintings with a benefit for the school.

The Port-au-Prince congregation has also planted two small congregations in rural areas. The congregation in St. Mark meets in a small structure built in the front yard of Serge Jacques, a member. About 15 to 30 people meet there twice a month. A group also meets in Bezin, with 25 in weekly attendance (six baptized members) living in an area where voodoo predominates. This little church is like a light in the darkness.

Debby Bailey (left) and Christine Stewart

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—The city of Pikeville has observed the National Day of Prayer (NDP) for eight years.

Debby Bailey, a WCG member, has served as chairman for the committee for Pike County for the past two years.

During that time, the observance has grown from a single noontime event at the city park to include a prayer breakfast, a prayer walk and an evening service all in the city of Pikeville, as well as numerous events throughout the county.

The NDP crosses denominational lines and as a result several denominations willingly participate.

Christine Stewart, worship leader for the Pikeville congregation, led the choruses during the main noontime event this year.

PASADENA—Curtis and Jannice May invite you to a benefit dinner and dance for Connecting & Bonding and the WCG’s Office of Reconciliation Ministries, Saturday evening, Nov. 30, at Almansor Court in Alhambra, California.

Connecting & Bonding, directed by Mrs. May, sponsors ministerial wives conferences.

Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. Those ages 16 and older are invited to attend. Proceeds will go to help finance Connecting & Bonding and Reconciliation Ministries.

Please send checks made out to ORM to the Office of Reconciliation Ministries, 300 W. Green St., Pasadena, California, 91123. For more information call the ORM office at 626-304-6160.

MANILA, Philippines—Beth Leyva, a WCG missionary in China, relates that she met Cecil Bangay, another WCG missionary in China. Beth also met her sister, Malou, who is a missionary in Hanoi.

Here are some excerpts of Beth’s letter: "I was able to attend a winter Christian conference in Nanjing, China. It was great since I was able to spend some time with Cecil Bangay, a dear friend and fellow missionary worker there. It was especially great to meet close friends from my former "home" in Shenyang.

"Then, I visited my sister, Malou, in Hanoi, Vietnam. Spending five days with her was truly rewarding since we were able to strengthen each other emotionally and spiritually. It was super great because I was able to spend two nights with her friend (and just recently a sister-in-the-faith!) and her family in the countryside of Nam Dinh. I was also privileged to witness a baptism of a local friend. Truly a great time of celebration.

"Lastly, I attended a consultative meeting with fellow missionary workers (from around China and even from Central Asian countries) in Thailand with specific focus on our particular people group—the Uighurs.

"It was particularly interesting since there is much I do not know or understand about the work being done among my own people group. Listening to the wisdom of people who spent the last 19 years translating the Bible or just befriending their Muslim neighbors is humbling."

WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania—The Fountain of Life Church, the WCG congregation in Washington, had a breakfast before Sunday services on Mother’s Day, May 12.

Longtime members Joe and Doris Giacometti were the cooks and servers for the breakfast. Several other members helped with cooking and serving also.

Before the sermon, Pastor Tom Smith gave a rose to the oldest mother, the one with the most grandchildren and to the newest mother. After the service, Mr. Smith presented all the mothers with roses. Shirley Collins.

PASTOR RECEIVES BLACK BELT—Todd O. Crouch, associate pastor of the Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, church, received a black belt in the martial art of Tae Kwon Do March 4. The presentation was made in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, by noted instructor Mick Forte. [Photo by Denise Crouch.]

Ministry Fair

The Denver North congregation conducted a Ministry Fair Jan. 12. After two years of study and discussion, the Church Development Team put on a ministry fair for the congregation.

"We have been wanting to see where God was leading our church," said Pastor Allen Bullock, "and we discovered that we were not prepared yet for whatever God has for us. Our study of Natural Church Development along with Rick Warren’s ‘Purpose Driven Church’ have been two key sources to help us see where we need work to prepare us for what God has in store for us in the future."

The congregation has seen that the five purposes of the church are found in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission: 1) Worship, 2) Fellowship, 3) Discipleship, 4) Ministry and Service and 5) Evangelism.

Through Natural Church Development the congregation learned the eight characteristics that make up a strong and healthy church: 1) Empowering Leadership, 2) Gift-oriented Ministry, 3) Passionate Spirituality, 4) Functional Structures, 5) Inspiring Worship, 6) Holistic Small Groups, 7) Need-Oriented Evangelism and 8) Loving Relationships.

"It is our goal to strengthen the areas where we have weaknesses and to capitalize on our strengths," Mr. Bullock said. "We found that these eight characteristics fit perfectly with the five purposes of the church as well as the gifts and ministries God has given each of us. It has been an exciting two years of preparation and now a year of educating the congregation is ahead of us."

Gerald Schnarrenberger, district superintendent, and his wife, Connie, attended the worship service in Denver North during the Ministry Fair day.

For more information contact Bill Wells, Church Growth and Development leader, at 1-303-425-4294, 6408 Welch Ct., Arvada, Colorado, 80004.

 

 

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002