VEHICLES FOR ZAMBIAN CHURCH—Members with Nissan minibus (right) and Toyota pick-up truck (left). [Photos by James Henderson]

LUSAKA, Zambia—Transportation is one of the greatest difficulties facing congregations in Africa.

For some time, the Lilongwe church has been involved in outreach programs and evangelistic efforts including public meetings in Salima, Mbingwa and Chisosa. But one of their biggest challenges was transportation.

So the church in Lilongwe contacted Transport Aid Organization (TAO), a nonprofit organization based in Japan that donates used vehicles to churches, schools, charities and nongovernmental organizations. When a vehicle is donated, the receiving organization must freight the vehicle and meet all other expenses.

In May, the Lilongwe church received notification of a donated vehicle, a Toyota Ace, a one-ton pickup truck. Transport needs had been made known to the Brighton, England, church, whose pastor, Ken Buck, pastored the Malawi congregations in the 1980s.

The Brighton church raised the US$2,000 needed for freighting the vehicle. When the vehicle arrived, the Lilongwe congregation met all other expenses for clearance, registration and insurance.

Various transport needs had also arisen in Zambia. In June, the church applied to TAO for donated vehicles. Two vehicles were offered, and the church board raised the money to clear them.

At the beginning of October, the Zambian church board received notification that the vehicles had arrived in the country. TAO had donated a Toyota Dyna 1.5 ton pick-up truck and a nine-seater Nissan Vanette minibus.

A dedication service took place in Lusaka, Nov. 10, to give thanks for the blessing of the received vehicles. Kalengule Kaoma.

HOUSTON, Texas—David and Nikki Taylor were coordinators for Hope Community Church’s men’s-women’s workshop, Jan. 12.

They invited congregations around the North Houston Greenspoint area, along with individuals in the community, to renew their relationships with God and Christ. The theme was "Falling in Love With God All Over Again."

Rhonda Chrisco of Renewal Ministries and Marshay Moore of Harvest Community were guest speakers. They were also members of a symposium made up of five speakers. Then, attendees separated into classes to further explore the theme. After the workshop a meal was served and presentations and door prizes were handed out.

In addition, Deborah and Rebecca Glover led a bake sale with money raised for Hope Community Church. Nikki Taylor.

Ttom Melear

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico—Ambassadors for Christ Community Church (the WCG congregation in Albuquerque) conducted open house services in December to invite members of the community to services. Attendance increased by 17 during the month.

Only weeks before, the congregation voted to move services to Sunday as a means of evangelism. After moving to a small gymnasium and choosing a new name, plans began for an open house. Homes received a flyer announcing the open house, and members were encouraged to invite friends and acquaintances.

A dedication service began the open house series. In his sermon, Pastor Tom Melear told the story of Flight 93, the airplane that crashed in Pennsylvania, Sept. 11. On that flight, Todd Beamer led a small group of passengers to overtake terrorists.

"They were ordinary men and women with extraordinary faith in God, working together with the courage to do the right thing at great and ultimate personal sacrifice to benefit others," said Mr. Melear. "As the newly formed Ambassadors for Christ Community Church, we are called to follow Romans 12:1, to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. We need that same depth of courage and commitment to make a difference for the kingdom in our community."

Mr. Melear also encouraged all in attendance to remember the words of anthropologist Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

A youth service was part of the open house series and underscored the importance of young people. They were encouraged to invite their friends for the service. The Youth Praise Band accompanied the congregation and conducted the intercessory prayer time. Even though it was her first time to attend, Bianca Welle, a teen, participated with the praise band and sang the National Anthem. Mr. Melear’s sermon highlighted Mary, a teenager selected to be the mother of Jesus.

As 2002 begins, the Ambassadors for Christ Community Church is committed to sharing the joy of God’s salvation in the community and to making the congregation a fun place for serious learning. Karla Weaver.

Annette Nettles, a member in Arizona, is sponsoring a western Caribbean singles cruise April 7 to 14. The ports are Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

For more information, call Travel Gallery at 1-800-858-6999.

Carlos & Telma Espinosa

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—"Our country is in the middle of a muddy marsh of sharp conflicts of all kinds—political, financial and social," reported Pastor Carlos Espinosa.

In less than three weeks since Nov. 20, Argentina has had five different presidents, various secretaries of economy and national governmental teams. Mr. Espinosa reported that on top of the currency devaluation, the economic crisis was made worse by the Corralito (Little Coral) of almost confiscatory financial measures that have paralyzed the country and filled its citizens with uncertainty.

This situation has left a sector of the economy without a cash flow. This includes small businessmen, bricklayers, carpenters and gardeners (about 40 percent of the population). This profoundly affects the middle and low income sectors of society in the midst of an unemployment index of 20 percent and growing, Mr. Espinosa said.

"The social climate these days is tense, and in some cases violent, with regrettable losses of human lives," Mr. Espinosa said. "The authorities try to prevent general anarchy."

The devaluation in the peso-dollar exchange now set by the government is beginning to generate increases in the cost of living and prices for food, basic goods and medicine.

"In this country, we seek to have solidarity with others spiritually and materially, strengthening each other in the serene hope of the faith of the loving Father, who says to us, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’"

Mr. Espinosa concluded: "Please let the brethren worldwide know that all our brethren here are grateful in the Lord for your support, genuine interest and fervent prayers for us and for our government authorities. We will continue to meet holding the hand of our Lord Jesus before the Throne of Grace seeking to be comforted, praying for one another, finding help in time of need, and above all, thanking him for taking us out of the greater mortal muddy marsh, cleaning us and seating us with him in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:4-10)."

AUSTIN CONCERT—Joe Feldpausch
and his wife, Shana, perform concert for
Austin, Texas, church and guests.

REACHING OUT—Some Austin, Texas,
members who distributed advertisements
for the concert. [Photos by Lee Berger]

AUSTIN, Texas—Family Christian Fellowship (FCF) of Austin sponsored a concert by Joe Feldpausch, touring Christian singer and songwriter, Nov. 17.

The Sunday before the concert, FCF members hung invitations on the doorknobs of all houses in the neighborhood of about 1,300.

On the night of the concert, the audience participated in a lively session of praise and worship before the main act. Effort was made to include young children in the music, even having them come on stage and play some simple rhythm instruments. Feldpausch then performed a concert of his original songs.

LUANDA, Angola—Pastor Raphael Oliveira, who shepherds the WCG congregations in Luanda, reported on the progress of the old covenant groups that were seeking to continue their affiliation with the WCG. He informs us that our original congregations in the Luanda area are flourishing and are facing 2002 with a renewed sense of optimism for their future in Christ Jesus.

Last year Pastor Oliveira, Noah Tembe, secretary of the Angolan WCG fellowship, and James Henderson, regional director, conducted a seminar for about 50 leaders of the 46 associated churches that were reviewing their decision to be with the WCG now that the WCG has more clearly understood the significance of the new covenant.

During that meeting the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 through 7) and the Transfiguration (Matthew 17) passages were used as a basis for moving away from reliance on old covenant teachings to celebrating the new covenant established through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus.

A few months later the main leaders of these groups affirmed their intentions to stay with the WCG. However, the WCG’s doctrinal shift remained a problem for many of them. Pastor Oliveira and Mr. Tembe have revisited some of the leaders with the intent of conducting Bible studies and conferences to strengthen the understanding of the new covenant teachings.

The current situation is that a few of the groups, particularly in Wambo Province (47 people) and Bailundu (323), have begun to embrace the WCG’s new teachings against the advice of others.

"It is not clear where all this is going but it is clear that ‘when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away’ " (2 Corinthians 3:15), Mr. Henderson said.

"Please pray that reconciliation in Jesus can take place with these groups, and that God will continue to grant our leadership in Angola the grace and wisdom in showing the love of Jesus toward God’s children in these special circumstances.

"Mr. Tembe said that he had been briefly in touch with members in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and he is hopeful that soon we will have an e-mail contact for the Kinshasa area. Once that happens it means that most of our leaders around Africa will have e-mail contact—quite a miracle in itself," Mr. Henderson said. "Please continue to pray for improved communications within the WCG in Africa."

FORT SMITH, Arkansas—The Fort Smith church had a children’s party for their new community in their new meeting location Oct. 31. Included were games, competitions, a wiener and marshmallow roast and visiting.

Members were out-numbered two to one. Sue Walker.

DALLAS, Texas—Randal Dick, superintendent of missions, spoke at a meeting of the Dallas Central Missions Committee Jan. 12 and at worship services Jan. 13.

Sixteen people attended the Jan. 12 meeting, which was conducted at the home of Brian and Caroline Holsenbeck.

Pastor Lynn Hebert said he invited Mr. Dick to address the members because of the strong interest in missions in the congregation.

Dallas Central has a considerable international membership, with about 35 members, or about 20 percent of the total, having been born or raised in about a dozen nations.

Perhaps partially for that reason, a number of the members are developing a heart for missions. Three Dallas Central members went on a mission trip to Peru last summer, with other members contributing prayers and love offerings. The congregation has also helped support a mission trip of college students to China and sent gifts to children of WCG members in Haiti.

Several months ago, Mr. Hebert and a number of brethren formed the Missions Committee to prayerfully explore God’s will for the congregation’s involvement in missions.

Mr. Dick advised the Missions Committee to seek to enable overseas congregations rather than allowing the international members to become dependent on their American brethren. He also said that mission work is a matter of being, not doing. He said a Christian needs to be a missionary representing Jesus at home, in his or her neighborhood and in everyday life before being ready to do mission work in other nations. Frank Lewandowski.

MUSIC MINISTRY—Ross Jutsum visits
Onalaska, Wisconsin, church, Jan. 13.
[Photo by Doug Johannsen]

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota—Ross Jutsum, president of State of the Heart music ministry, toured parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Jan. 12 and 13.

His first stop was Minneapolis South on the morning of Jan. 12, where his hosts were Pastor Charles Holladay and his wife, Linda. Next stop was an afternoon combined service with the St. Paul and Minneapolis North congregations. His hosts were Pastor Doug Johannsen and his wife, Betty. This was followed by a potluck and sing-along.

After crossing the partly frozen Mississippi and St. Croix rivers on an early Sunday morning drive complete with a spectacular golden sunrise, Dr. Jutsum visited the Onalaska, Wisconsin, church, where his hosts were Pastor Gary Demarest and his wife, Marcia.

Dr. Jutsum brought many new songs, including some found in his new CD titled "Fresh and New This Morning." He involved children in a number of new and well-known songs.

"Dr. Jutsum brought with him many good memories of the past, as well as helping bind us together with song, news and stories about many other congregations in the body of Christ," Mr. Johannsen said.

Dr. Jutsum has visited more than 350 cities and 52 denominations since founding State of the Heart in 1997. He has produced five worship music CDs, including two family vocal albums, two sacred piano solo albums, and a Christmas album, in addition to an eight CD set of instrumental hymn and praise song accompaniments.

You may visit Dr. Jutsum’s web site at www. stateoftheheart.org or e-mail him at SOTHeart @aol.com

Karen O’Dell

OXFORD, England—Karen Beth O’Dell of Amarillo, Texas, attended the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CMRS) in Oxford during the fall semester of 2001.

The Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies is affiliated with Keble College of Oxford University.

A second-year student at Azusa Pacific University, Karen applied for admission to CMRS through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and was accepted into the honors program.

She returned for the spring semester to APU, where she majors in music and English. Karen is the daughter of Sammy and Julia O’Dell.

CHRISTMAS SKIT—Teens from left:
Lauren Petley, Sarah Lemire, Josh Lemire.

CHRISTMAS SKIT—Children,
from left: Becky and William Smith,
Michael, Steven and Gizelle Leal.
[Photos by Lee Berger]

AUSTIN, Texas—Eight teens of the Family Christian Fellowship, the Austin WCG congregation, began the service Sunday, Dec. 23, dressed in first-century costume for the performance of an original reading and skit.

As the teen skit ended, the audience was invited to join in singing "Worship the King." Then the younger children (also in costume) performed by singing two Christmas carols. The rest of the service was a joyous celebration of seasonal songs and a sermon focusing on the Advent (past and future) of the King of kings.

CAROLING IN AUSTIN—Members from Austin, Texas, sing carols Dec. 22. [Photo by Lee Berger]

AUSTIN, Texas—On Saturday evening, Dec. 22, a group of members from Family Christian Fellowship (the Austin WCG congregation) participated in their first-ever Christmas caroling event.

They practiced the songs as a group, then headed out to the neighborhood surrounding the school where the church meets. Singing three or four songs at each stop, the group made its way through several streets spreading the message of Jesus’ birth and God’s love. Many people responded by stepping outside their homes to listen, smile, applaud and offer thanks.

One listener remarked emotionally: "It has been since my childhood since I’ve seen carolers singing in the streets. Thank you for bringing back those special memories."

Some of the children caroling with the group would give listeners holiday gifts such as pencils with a holiday message, a free Jesus video and candy for the children. A card giving information about the congregation was handed out as well.

WINNING DRAWING—Anna Lisa
Johnson’s winning Christmas card drawing.

BURLESON, Texas—Anna Lisa Johnson, 8, daughter of Kelly and Doris Johnson and a member of the Burleson Christian Fellowship, drew the winning picture for the Burleson Independent School District’s (BISD) Christmas card. This card was sent to the board of trustees wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr. Johnson said he thought that the reason she won was because it was the only drawing submitted that had a Christian theme.

"Our children are evangelizing because they love Jesus and are not afraid to tell other people about that love," he said. "We adults need to have that same innocent love so we help others learn about Jesus."

ORLANDO SERVICE—Pastor Steve
Schantz (second from left) joins other
pastors for a combined Christmas Eve
service. [Photo by Jin Kim]

ORLANDO, Florida—The Orlando congregation joined with John Knox Presbyterian’s English and Spanish congregations, and the Korean Church of Jesus Love on Christmas Eve for a candlelight service.

Each church took part in the service by singing carols and hymns, reading scriptures, and taking communion together to re-confirm their faith and love for their Lord and Savior. The pastors from each of the four congregations shared in leading the service. After communion, all the participants stood in a large circle, held glowing candles, and sang "Silent Night." Linda Rose.

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina—The teens and preteens of The Carpenter’s House (Fayetteville WCG congregation) presented a Christmas drama, Dec. 16.

Act I followed the biblical account of Mary and Joseph beginning with the journey from Nazareth until the shepherds showed up at the stable. It concluded with the shepherds going out into the audience asking the question: "Have you heard the good news? Jesus is born."

Act II featured Joe, an unemployed construction worker, and his pregnant wife, Mary, returning to their hometown for a political recount. When they sought help at the County General Hospital, they were turned away because they were uninsured. Gang members and homeless people assisted with the birth and showed up in the alley to worship. It was a bit of a stretch, but it made the congregation stop and think about the unique way God sent his Son into the world.

That same day, the women’s ministry group went to a nursing home. They lifted spirits by leading in a sing-along of Christmas carols, and then they gave lap quilts to 89 patients. Greg Williams.

INCARNATION SERVICE—[Photos by Brenda Gula]

PASADENA—The Pasadena congregation was host for a birthday party for Jesus, Dec. 22. After an Incarnation worship service, members enjoyed a potluck lunch, with balloon animals, singing and a birthday cake.

Children and adults were entertained by member Dorothy Walker’s son, Dave Knackstedt, a Christian magician who uses magic to preach the gospel with Bible stories and characters. The congregation also brought gift books for disadvantaged children in the community. Fred Stevens reviewed the story of Jesus’ birth.

Jesus’ birthday cake was full of meaning. The complete birthday cake symbolized God’s love for us (John 3:16). The plain cake represented our sin (Romans 3:23). White frosting covered the cake just as Christ’s purity covers our sins (Isaiah 1:18). On top of the cake was a yellow star to signify the one that shone over Jesus’ manger (Matthew 2:1-2), an angel to indicate the first glad tidings (Luke 2:9-10), and candles to show that Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12). Twelve candles reminded members that Jesus is the light of the world through all 12 months of the year, not just at Christmas. The candles were red, symbolizing his blood shed for us (Matthew 26:27-28). Evergreens on the cake signified everlasting life (John 3:16), God’s gift to those who receive it. Brenda Gula.

CHRISTMAS VISIT—Members of the Sherwood, Arkansas,
church who visited Westlake Retirement Center, Dec. 8.
[Photo by Natalie Griffin]

SHERWOOD, Arkansas—Women’s ministry members from the Fellowship Christian Center, the WCG congregation in Sherwood, descended on the Westlake Retirement Center Dec. 8 with bags filled with Christmas presents for the residents.

This was the second year for their holiday visit to the center, and they were joined for the festivities by three men from the choir and two children.

The gifts were placed around the tree in the lobby, and the members joined the residents in the activities room for a program of hymns and Christmas music, accompanied on the piano by Nancy Griffin, and directed by Becky Griffin.

Residents and visitors joined in the singing, and afterward, the gifts were passed out to each of the 88 residents. Ann Evans.

PASADENA—Church Administration announced the following ministerial ordinations.

Franklin Allen, Washington, D.C., West.

Roy Bortolotto, Yorkton and Moosomin, Saskatchewan, and Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.

Denis Cayer, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec City, Canada.

Larry Chanasyk, London, Ontario, Canada.

Eugene Ferguson, Washington, D.C., West.

Shannon Fertig, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Emason Govha, Mutare, Zimbabwe.

Clive Holliday, Durban, South Africa.

John Huffman, Greenville, South Carolina.

Dennis Hussak, Buffalo, New York.

Philip Kashumba, Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe.

Langton Khumalo, Kadoma, Zimbabwe.

Stephen Lumumba, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Amon Matare, Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe.

Joseph Mubwandarikwa, Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe.

Justen Mugumba, Harare West, Zimbabwe.

Richard Stillwell, Asheville, North Carolina.

PASADENA—The church honored the following employees for 25 years of service to the church.

J. Michael and Victoria Feazell, director of Denominational Publications.

Cora Guice, Telecommunications dispatcher.

Donat and Monique Picard, pastor, Paris, France.

Sheryl Richardson, Australian Office.

Monte and Kayte Wolverton, director, business and marketing.

DALLAS, Texas—"Who will speak for the unborn?" Pastor Lynn Hebert asked the Dallas Central church Jan. 20, marking the beginning of Sanctity of Life week, Jan. 21 to 28.

The congregation watched a James Dobson video, Life Is Sacred. After the video, Mr. Hebert continued: "We were created in the image of God. When we lose a life, we’re missing the impact that life could have had. Every life has value to God."

The pastor warned of the dangers of devaluing life.

"Abortion and euthanasia are symptoms of a greater problem," Mr. Hebert said, adding that 37 million abortions have been performed in the United States since 1973.

He urged the members: "Celebrate life. That’s what our Father does." He called on the members to take a stand for the sacredness of life. Frank Lewandowski.

Randy Bloom

CORDOVA, Tennessee—Randy Bloom, superintendent of the Central district, received his master of divinity degree from Liberty University of Lynchburg, Virginia, Jan. 28. He graduated magna cum laude.

Mr. Bloom also has a master of religion degree with a counseling concentration.

Paul David Kurts

ALI AL SALEM, Kuwait—Paul David Kurts, pastor of the Hickory and Boone, North Carolina, churches, was sent to Kuwait with 150 other members of the Air National Guard 145th Airlift Wing from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Mr. Kurts is on a three-month tour in Kuwait as part of "Enduring Freedom." Normally his duty as a chaplain’s assistant back home involves serving one weekend a month and two additional weeks during the year.

The 145th Airlift Wing is a C-130 Hercules unit, whose primary mission involves the delivery of supplies (food, medical, equipment), transport of troops and the evacuation of people in harm’s way. The base is 39 miles from the Iraqi border.

His duties as a chaplain’s assistant are similar in many ways to his duties as a pastor. He has already had several opportunities to minister to the troops.

LOUDON, New Hampshire—In light of the winter weather with its freezing temperatures, the Loudon congregation, which meets in the Loudon Congregational Church, was host for a January Meltdown potluck dinner and praise night Jan. 19.

After sharing a meal with Loudon Congregational Church members, the combined group enjoyed a time of rejuvenating praise and worship. Praise team members from the Loudon WCG congregation were joined by members of the Loudon Congregational Church for an uplifting service.

With a blend of song, scripture and prayer, they turned their focus heavenward and immersed themselves in the glory of God. Thom Friedrich.

Ann Bustos

PORTSMOUTH, Virginia—Ann Bustos, a representative of Voice of the Martyrs from the New Creation Community Church, the WCG congregation in Portsmouth, spoke at a small group meeting Nov. 29 on behalf of persecuted Christians.

The meeting took place at the home of Ann Watts in Hampton, Virginia.

During her speeches, she shares the pain and anguish of those who live in nations where worshipping Jesus Christ is not permitted. Ms. Bustos urges the church to pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters and the work they do. Ann Bustos and Waneece Jones.

JOPLIN, Missouri—Charles Rice, a deacon in the Independence, Kansas, church, attended the Joplin area Pastors Prayer Summit, Jan. 28 to 31. About 40 pastors, representing many denominations, attended this year’s conference.

One of the facilitators, Howard Boyd, was well-acquainted with Glen Weber, who pastors the Spokane and Kennewick, Washington, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, churches. Mr. Weber is active in prayer summits in his area.

Prayer Summits bring pastors together to minister to each other, to pray for their churches and to pray for unity in the Body of Christ.

"This was my first summit, and it was the most intense time of prayer and worship that I have ever experienced," Mr. Rice said. "We went up the mountain to seek the face of God and he met us there. We had a communion service each evening along with our prayer and worship, and these were uplifting experiences."

Mr. Rice was invited to the conference by a pastor, mentor and friend, Don Speck, of Country Community Church in Independence.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002