Alaskan cruise

The fall festival cruise to Alaska was a smashing success for the more than 400 who joined for inspiring worship and fantastic scenery. Joseph and Tammy Tkach, Bernie Schnippert and Ronald Kelly presented messages during the days at sea. Russell and Phyllis Duke led the music and conducted the festival choir.

The ship put into port at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, but the scenic highlight was a day spent cruising next to the glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park. More than one third of the group were first-time cruisers, but almost all of them, along with those who had been on other group cruises, are now hooked on cruising and are making plans for next year. Ronald Kelly.

Thirty-nine WCG members, their spouses and children pioneered an 1,100 mile coach tour sponsored by Travel Gallery of Pasadena Sept. 22 to 28 through three states and five national parks. They visited the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.

"I had high expectations for the Grand Canyon tour," said Danny Nail, an elder from Melbourne, Florida. "Every expectation was exceeded, including the spiritual uplift."

Betty Thompson, a retired schoolteacher from West Allis, Wisconsin, agreed: "This Grand Canyon festival tour was a treasure of fantastic memories painted on a canvas of God’s artistry."

Neil Earle, pastor of the Glendora, California, church, and his wife, Susan, led the tour. Mr. Earle conducted four worship services aided by elder John Petrisor from Washington and a host of singers, worship leaders and musicians from across the United States.

"One of my highlights was of us singing hymns to God the Creator as the train pulled in from Williams, Arizona, and the unforgettable outline of the Grand Canyon came into view," Mr. Earle commented. "That sent a shiver up my spine."

Art Jones, a National Parks tour director with Travel Gallery, was tour guide.

Another coach tour will be offered next year. Contact Travel Gallery at 1-800-858-6999 for details. Neil Earle and John Siston.

Two hundred forty WCG members and families from 30 states and a few international areas enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation and were refreshed by the Holy Spirit as we worshiped our Lord Jesus on the Eastern Caribbean Cruise. We had more than 30 young people in our group and provided youth church during services for teens, preteens and preschool children. At our closing service we were inspired by a lively vocal praise team made up of four teens from New Jersey: Tamara and Tanya Jendrek, Caroline Fischer and Sarah Magallanes, who led worship and presented special music.

Sermons by J. Michael Feazell, Larry Helscher, Roger Lippross and Dennis Pelley celebrating our saving faith in Jesus uplifted our members as well as several guests who dropped in for our worship services. Dr. Feazell also led a question and answer discussion one afternoon. Karl Jenner, an elder from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and a United Airlines pilot, shared personal memories and reflections of the tragedies of 9-11.

Our ship, the Holland America Maasdam, made port stops in Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where many shopped for souvenirs and jewelry. Some chose to take historic tours of the islands, and the more daring ones enjoyed water sports such as parasailing and kayaking. We were renewed in our love for God and encouraged to share his gospel of grace with others as we returned home. Dennis Pelley.

Caribbean cruise: Jendrek family.
[Photo by Linda Helscher]

A combined regional conference and festival took place at the Airport Holiday Inn in Moline, Illinois, Sept. 14 to 21.

More than 300 attendees participated in daily praise and worship and benefitted from general sessions and workshops. During the conference, Pastor General Joseph Tkach gave an overview of how we should look at prophecy and in another session discussed what it means to be a Christian leader.

Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, took several of the general sessions to teach how we can develop and implement a vision for our congregations and fulfill the great commission to the church. Carn Catherwood, South Central district superintendent, spoke on the importance of corporate worship and how we can effectively mix traditional and contemporary styles of worship.

The theme for the festival was "Come Celebrate Christ—Your Life." We sang praises to our great God as we were led by an inspired and talented group of musicians.

We gave offerings daily. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, it was a shout of praise. On Wednesday we offered confession. On Thursday we gave an offering of goods to a shelter. The designated shelter couldn’t handle it all, and the excess was given to other charities. The offering on Friday was financial, and on Saturday we offered ourselves in service to God.

The sermons during the conference were both informative and inspiring. Dr. Tkach discussed the various views on hell and showed how we all can avoid hell, whatever it turns out to be. Greg Neller, pastor of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, church, challenged us to be true to our calling by living our belief in our day-to-day lives.

Mr. Rogers used the account of Peter walking on water to show how God is with us during our times of need, and James Newby, pastor of the Chicago Northwest and Joliet, Illinois, churches, used the story of Paul’s encounter with the philosophers on Mars Hill as the basis for his sermon on having our life in Christ. Dave Fiedler, North Central district superintendent, concluded the festival by showing us how we need to develop the mind of God in our attitude toward the lost. Dave Kroll.

More than 400 members from all over the United States, plus some from Canada, gathered in Riverside, California, Sept. 26 to 29 to celebrate our Lord.

We billed the occasion as a Family Reunion in addition to a worship celebration, and the fellowship reflected that feeling. Each day after the service, members had to be encouraged to leave the building so rehearsals and technical work could be done.

Mssrs. Dizon, Ramos, Holm and Albrecht brought moving sermons focusing on our relationship with Jesus Christ and with each other. Mr. Ecker led the closing communion service on Sunday.

Worship music was provided the first two days by a worship team from Pasadena led by Celestine Olive, and on Saturday by the combined talents of Higher Ground (another Pasadena-based team). Ross Jutsum rounded out the weekend on Sunday with old standards and some of his own compositions.

Higher Ground also provided a praise concert on Saturday night benefiting the Bengali Evangelical Association (www.bea.org). More than $2,200 was raised from the 170 who attended. Al Killebrew of Higher Ground commented afterward, "I’ve never played for such a responsive group as we had tonight!"

Besides the worship services, studies for men were led by Larry Omasta and for women by Deena Murray. Through an agreement with the convention center, we served four receptions and a fellowship luncheon attended by 285. The food service was paid from registration fees and on-site ticket sales, and the food costs were credited to the hall rental, reducing our hall rent to near zero. Mark McCulley.

Festivalgoers to this community on the Oregon coast heard from Seaside Mayor Rosemary Baker-Monaghan and from Dwayne McQuilliams, director of Clatsop Community Action, the agency that oversees several food banks at the Sept. 21 service. Attendance that day was 406. The festival ran from Sept. 20 to 24.

This is the eighth year in a row Seaside attendees have donated money and food to help the many needy people in the area. Mr. McQuilliams expressed deep appreciation for our continuing support and Christian example. Oregon ranks first in the nation in hunger, and Clatsop County ranks among the highest counties in Oregon, so our contributions have been meaningful.

This year’s donation was $4,771 and 753 pounds of food. Over the past seven years, the WCG has become known by the residents of Astoria and Seaside for its support for the coastal food bank. One person said: "Most groups come to our city to hold their meetings and then leave town; but you folks do more than that. You also give help to us while you are here."

In an article in the Oct. 4 Daily Astorian, Mr. McQuilliams said: "Without the annual support of this group, Clatsop County food banks and meal sites would not be able to meet the need. Very few resort areas in the nation are as fortunate as we are to have tourists of this caliber visit on an annual basis."

The Seaside Ecumenical Bell Choir, led by Arlene Ydstie, put on a program for the church. The group is composed of Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists and Episcopalians.

A group of members joined a chaplain in his Sunday service at an assisted-living center. Judith Gascon from the Portland West congregation played the keyboard, while members of the Salem and Portland East congregations provided vocal support in singing traditional hymns known to the facility residents.

Many members and their families enjoyed walking on the beach, visiting shops and restaurants, feeding seals at the aquarium, sight-seeing along the coast highway, and spending time with old friends. A major attraction was the Seaside Sand Sculpture Festival that brought world class artists who worked for two days building detailed sand sculptures. Joel Lillengreen and Paul Hailey.

To many, this festival from Oct. 11 through Oct. 14 exceeded all expectations in inspiration and unity. But it was threatened even before it started when the Atlantic storm Kyle headed for the coast after meandering in the ocean for several weeks. It arrived just as we were preparing for the opening service.

The Holy Spirit, working through many people, each with gifts and distinctive strengths, brought together an event that lifted us all and made a difference in the Myrtle Beach community.

The festival began with a rousing praise and prayer service that started with a procession of youths singing praises to King Jesus. After stirring songs of praise, thanks and worship, 697 people listened to powerful testimonials of God’s intervention and participated in four huddle sessions in which we gave thanks for God’s blessings of the past year and prayed for youths, the community, our nation and our personal needs.

The festival theme was "Joining Jesus at Work." Sermons by Dan Rogers, Jonathan Stepp and Tim Brassell built on the theme. Attendance ranged from more than 900 to nearly 1,100.

The community was invited through radio ads to the Saturday evening, Oct. 12, benefit concert featuring WCG singers and musicians. The crowd of 537 people worshiped and donated $4,085 to three charities. Sunday morning, Howard Blakeney, Myrtle Beach pastor, presented checks to representatives of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Hospice. The next day, members used the other third of the donation to buy items and directly serve the homeless in Myrtle Beach.

The festival concluded with communion, led by Keith Brittain, Mid-Atlantic district superintendent.

More than 150 people attended the festival in Northern Ireland with a theme of Reconciliation. Guest speakers were Curtis May, director of the Office of Reconciliation Ministries; Paul Redfern of St. Marks Church of Ireland parish in Ligoniel, a church on the peace line in north Belfast; and Stephen Cave, secretary general of the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland.

Messages covered many aspects of reconciliation, internal and external, practical and theoretical.

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Belfast, Northern Ireland, congregation. David Stirk.

Around 165 to 170 people attended the festival at Bridlington’s Leisureworld theatre.

On day one Robert Harrison encouraged members to engage in wall-to-wall fellowshipping and to consider, through messages and conversations, the "not yet" of the kingdom of God.

Sermons were supplemented by seminars by Mr. Harrison and Marion Pearse, and a Bible study by John Stettaford.

After the last service, Mr. Harrison baptized John Facchini of the Middlesbrough church, bringing the festival to an inspiring close. Rob Harrison.

London, England

About 120 people from several nations gathered in Britain’s capital for a week of celebrating our salvation in Jesus Christ. Activities and atmosphere encouraged an upward, inward and outward focus.

Graham Buik coordinated worship, with spiritual food provided by preachers including Richard Kane, director of the Futureway Trust, the group that organizes National Marriage Week. We enjoyed communion services, Sunday morning visits to London churches, a joint Bible study with the WCG and YMCA, whose facilities we used during the festival, and Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Catered meals, trips organized by tour guide David Bannister, and fellowship evenings gave opportunities to grow together. As part of the Evangelical Alliance Facevalues initiative, we gave food to some of London’s homeless. Anthony Dady.

Paignton, England

More than 400 members gathered in Paignton to enjoy the festival with a theme, "Our Identity in Christ," focusing on our relationship with him. Other subjects included spiritual discipline, letting grace work in our lives, accepting differences in others, the problems of taking the Christian message to a post-Christian world, functioning as witnesses and emotional healing in Christ.

One service was organized by young adult members. Two communion services, a praise service and a traditional hymn service were also conducted. David Silcox conducted a question and answer session on the church, and John Halford conducted one on the British magazine. We had seminars on improving marriage relationships, analyzing our reactions in difficult circumstances, and how wise women manage relationships. Harry Sullivan.

Twenty-three people enjoyed nine days of spiritual food, fellowship and two fellowship meals in Estonia. Several visitors made their way from Finland, Germany, the United States and England to join in the celebrations.

The festival was conducted in two of the largest cities in the country. The first five days were in Tartu, the university center of Estonia, and the final four days in Tallinn, the capital. Two public lectures were conducted in Tartu by Leo Kaagjarv and Mike Barlow. In Tallinn we visited the zoo and an open air museum featuring actual and replicas of housing and conditions in Estonia over the past several hundred years.

The spiritual part of the feast focused on reverence for God, Christ centeredness and likeness, and our righteousness in Christ celebrating our wonderful calling and salvation. Mike Barlow.

Forty people from five countries worshiped God at the festival in Oslo. One day was set aside for small group prayer meetings. We prayed for members, families, friends, readers of church publications and for guidance of the church worldwide. Communion was provided.

Every day we had a small group meeting before the service. In the evenings we fellowshipped, with games for young and old. The festival began by explaining God’s plan and purpose for humanity. Other topics covered were freedom in Christ; what is prayer?; and what is the Christian’s responsibility?

It was a time of bonding, rest, reflection, joy and fellowshipping. Attendees felt the festival strengthened their relationship with Jesus Christ, the Master of their lives.

Scandinavian members are scattered and see each other only once a year, so planning has already started for next year. International visitors remind us that we belong to a worldwide family. Carl Fredrik Aas.

Mallorca, Spain [Photo by Carl Parker]

More than 116 members and guests from many countries met for nine days at the Eldorado Sun Club resort.

Spanish and English messages were punctuated with daily praise and worship, particularly by young children playing musical instruments. Messages included the coming fullness of God’s kingdom, grafted in Christ and God’s kingdom now.

Members bonded through shared daily meals, participating in the festival choir, in a talent show and in outreach. One of the highlights was the ordination of Javier Perez Font to elder. Christ is stimulating growth in the church in Barcelona, where Javier Font is from and to where he returned to continue serving the small congregation.

Earnest offerings of thanksgiving, petitions for blessings and inspiration for church leaders and members, as well as governmental officials, were publicly expressed. Members and guests were stirred during the festival to recount God’s miraculous interventions in their lives. Carlisle S. Parker Jr. and Denise S. Coultas Parker.

Venice, Italy

Around 210 members participated in this year’s festival near Venice, Italy. This included 130 guests from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, England, Ireland, the United States and Australia.

This year’s celebration of Christ had personal evangelism as its central theme. Members were encouraged to become personal lights in their daily lives, lights that cannot possibly go unnoticed by those whose eyes are being opened by God.

Highlights included sermons given by guest speakers Randal Dick and Francis Bergin, a seminar on evangelism given by Pietro Bolognesi, head of the Institute for Evangelical Formation and Documentation in Padoa and area representative of the Italian Evangelical Alliance, a Lord’s Supper, a workshop with Mr. Dick and the Italian members and a piano concert by Swiss pianist Caroline-Sara Stauffer.

Members were able to choose from a variety of gifts, souvenirs and handcrafts prepared by the Sicilian brethren. Funds will be donated to the project "Bread of Life" to assist poor children in Peru with food and schooling. This collection is coordinated in Italy by the Italian Bible Society. Daniel Boesch.

Thirty-two people met in Roseau, Dominica, a site administered by the European Office. Our theme was "Living the Word," under which banner we walked a journey of being a living sacrifice through Christ living in us.

Our emphasis was based on loving Christ with all our heart, soul and mind; letting the written Word be a lamp unto our feet; letting the Word dwell richly in us; and a call to Christian action.

Worship and prayer occupied the greater part of each service, and added much depth to our fellowship.

Sunday was family day, and our youths led us in worship and prayer on the beach. Then we all shared a potluck lunch, followed by a get-together fun show. Cris Vidal.

By Aub Warren

Mandurah choir

Spiritual community was both the theme and the experience at festival sites around Australia this year.

Around 400 participated in worship, seminars and a variety of family-based activities in Caloundra, on the Sunshine Coast. "There were many positive comments about the atmosphere of peace and joy," said coordinator Bob Regazzoli. "The youth services were entirely planned and presented by the young adults and had a tremendous impact."

The messages and seminars developed the theme of spiritual community and of celebrating our life in Jesus Christ. The aim was to better equip members to be more productive in their congregations.

In Western Australia around 380 enjoyed a festival characterized by a spirit of togetherness, thankfulness and dedication to our great God—as was evident throughout worship songs, speaking and fellowship. Children’s church was enjoyed by 63 participants under the age of 12.

In Ulladulla, New South Wales, about 380 people appreciated a diverse range of speakers, including James Henderson, regional director for Africa, who encouraged us to build a safe, respectful community that encourages each person to maintain what connects them to God.

We celebrated who we are in Christ and the wonderful salvation God is working out in our own lives and ultimately for everyone. Our spiritual pilgrimage has a destination that will surpass all our expectations.

"We were again inspired by the substantial messages from the youth service as they encouraged all of us in our goal of becoming like Jesus Christ," said coordinator Rod Dean.

At the festival conducted at the Mooroolbark Community Centre in Victoria, the emphasis was on reaching out to the community. In addition to providing craft classes and cleaning up the station area, a sausage sizzle raised $200 for the Disabled People’s Company. The response to a free family film night open to the public was overwhelming, and comments such as, "This is what churches should be doing for families," has prompted the local council to do this in conjunction with our church at least four times a year.

Wellington, New Zealand

In Wellington, 100 members gathered at the Overseas Terminal, a conference center on Wellington Harbour, to celebrate "Jesus—Humanity’s Hope." Guest speaker was Ken Edgecombe, chairman of the Council of Wellington Churches.

Social activities included a variety evening with a theme of the "Orient Express"; a complimentary seniors lunch; a women’s breakfast, addressed by the retired Rev. Sylvia Jenkin; a family day at the Botanic Gardens, including orienteering and a barbecue; a lunch harbor cruise; dinner at Molly Malone’s; and a cafe church evening. Rex Morgan.

One hundred twenty people attended a festival Sept. 25 to 29 at the Genting Permai Park and Resort. Rey Taniajura, director of Missions in the Philippines, gave two presentations on courses and programs used by the WCG Philippines for discipling new believers and training leaders. Another visitor, Patrick Chong, gave a talk on the work of Prison Fellowship International and his experiences in prison ministry. Wong Mein Kong.

Youth activities took on a new dimension in Fiji this year, with a large variety of items. Church youths teamed up with youths from other denominations to perform a variety of action songs. Members of the New Methodist Church also attended and participated fully at the festival.

The men’s outreach program teamed up in twos and visited Indian homes to offer prayers. Many invited them back for prayers the next day. Healing, job opportunities and family reconciliation were high on their prayer requests. This breakthrough has opened an important door for the Fiji church to take the gospel to the Indo-Fijian communities in the country. Epeli Kanaimawi.

Forty-five members from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad met at the church hall on Sept. 22 and 29 to celebrate a festival with a theme of "Relationships." In a country that has seen too many violent incidents of communal riots, members came together to learn that good relationships are possible between communities. It all begins with what Christ accomplished for us on the cross. Dan Zachariah.

The highest attendance ever recorded at the church building at Rory on the island of Malekula was achieved on the last day of this year’s festival. The attendance of 111 included a number of chiefs and church leaders from various denominations in the surrounding area and meant that some members had to sit outside, as there wasn’t enough room for everyone in the hall.

During a radio interview, Epeli Kanaimawi, visiting Fijian pastor, spoke about the Assembly of Christian Churches in Fiji (ACCF), with which he is closely involved. Mr. Kanaimawi also invited church leaders in Vila to come to a meeting that evening. Twenty-eight leaders from a number of denominations turned up, eager to discuss the work of the ACCF.

Members in the Solomon Islands met in two locations this year, the city of Honiara and the island of Ranongga. The messages focused on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and also the way in which renewed hearts and minds are manifest in our relationships within the Body and with those in our community.

In Honiara our little group was host for a number of friends and relatives at our meetings, while in Ranongga many members of the neighboring United (Methodist) Church village participated throughout our celebrations. Doug Lewis.

Twenty people enjoyed two days of celebration in post-election Port Moresby, where a family walk around the heart of the city took place—something unthinkable just months ago because of violence.

Around 70 people from both coastal and highland Papua New Guinea, with three visitors from New Zealand and Australia, shared all things in the Krangket Island festival community. One well for water, one "thunder box," one main "house sleep," one big cooking fire and one spirit of love enhanced the maturing relationships between adults and children, men and women, black and white. Ken Slade.

Davao, Philippines

Kiara, Philippines

Philippine members met at 15 festival sites all over the country. The celebrations focused on the WCG Philippines 40th anniversary, with the theme "40 Years and Beyond—Celebrating God’s Faithfulness."

In Metro Manila, a combined service took place at the International Charismatic Worship Center (ICWC) during the first day of the festival, and at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on the third day. Guy Ames, former regional director of the Philippines, was the guest of honor and speaker on both occasions.

A family day and sports fest took place at the Marikina Sports Complex, which was organized by the local churches. On the final day of the festival, Bill Sidney preached to 200 members who attended the combined service at the IBP.

Meanwhile, more than 600 members attended the festival at the Teachers Camp in Baguio City. In addition to worship services conducted every morning, there were activities for different age-groups: a talent show, dance night, a praise and worship concert staged by the Raised to Praise worship team of the Quezon City church and seminars conducted by the National Office about reaching out to professionals and youths.

Eugene Guzon, national director, facilitated question and answer sessions regarding our goals and objectives as a WCG denomination here in the Philippines.

In Bacolod City, members gathered for a worship service at the Business Inn on the evening of Sept. 20. Greg Tingson, president of Asian Christian Outreach Ministries, gave the sermon. During the weekend, Pastor Pete Melendez facilitated a retreat for 22 married couples at the Balay Kalinungan, University of St. La Salle.

The festival in Cagayan de Oro City was celebrated by 159 members who gathered in Ylaya, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. The highlights of their celebration were the worship services with speakers Eugene Guzon, national director; Len Joson, Mindanao area superintendent; Pastor Joel Alisbo; Orly Micabalo; and Jerome Manriquez.

The members also conducted outreach livelihood programs Sept. 23 to 27. They shared their baking and scented-candle making skills to 30 non-WCG participants, who also had the opportunity to join worship services.

The members in Kiara, Bukidnon, conducted an Evangelism Day, Sept. 26. A worship service took place in the morning, which was attended by 120 members. In the afternoon, 24 members went throughout the Kiara community, sharing the gospel using evangelistic tools such as Evangelism Explosion, Four Spiritual Laws and Romans Road. After five hours, they brought 15 people to Christ. Ruben Carmelotes, evangelism ministry chair of the Kiara WCG, facilitated the outreach.

Eighty-one members, guests and their families from the Batangas City and San Pablo City churches, and the Lucena Bible study group, gathered at Bukid Garden Resort, San Pablo City, for a combined worship service on the first day of the festival. The guest speaker for the worship celebration was Rey Taniajura, area superintendent for southern Luzon. This was followed by a get-together where children and adults enjoyed games organized by Daisy Boone. An added highlight of the celebration was the baptism of Edwin Delmoro of the Batangas City church.

Other members in southern Luzon met in three more areas: Sabang Beach Resort in Prieto Diaz, facing the island town of Rapu-Rapu, where the Gabao church and tribal fellowships in Bulawan, Sta. Lourdes and Prieto Diaz met. In Albay, the festival location was Viento de Mar Resort in Bacacay, facing the island of Cagraray. Some 200 men, women and children gathered to praise God. Some came from an Aeta tribe in Sta. Teresita that will become a WCG church in November. In Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, members met at the residence of the Maning and Dory Badilla.

The Cebu members had a four-day festival. They were joined by the Toledo and Dumaguete churches. The celebration was made more special by the presence of children from Cebu and Toledo. These children’s parents are nonmembers, so they are special targets of the church evangelistic and discipleship outreaches through Sunday school. Bituin Acebron.

Vendee, Quebec, Canada

Penticton, British Columbia, Canada

SURREY, British Columbia, Canada—Festival 2002 was celebrated in nine locations from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador in the east to Penticton, British Columbia, in the west.

In St. John’s, members from the Newfoundland and Labrador congregations enjoyed a week of worship and fellowship. Some traveled more than 12 hours to worship God with their fellow members.

Tropical storm Isidore hit the site on the last day.

Festival celebrations in Halifax, Nova Scotia, centered on the weekend of Sept. 21 and 22. On Sept. 21 about 100 members enjoyed a tribute service conducted by the Sydney congregation to remember the Halifax congregation for their years of financial and logistical support of the ministry in Cape Breton.

About 130 people enjoyed some or all of the autumn retreat at Camp Vendee, Quebec. Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart Music Ministry joined them for the first weekend and contributed to the opening praise service. On the final weekend, the youth population of the retreat swelled from the eight during the week to 25. Lynn Lawrence conducted youth studies each weekend.

More than 200 members celebrated Christ in a festival sponsored by the Toronto East congregation. Most attendees came from the Toronto area, but some guests hailed from as far away as Malaysia, Mexico and the United States. This year’s theme was "Journey With Jesus."

The Sunday service was a highlight as guest speaker Gary Nelson, general secretary of the Canadian Baptist Ministries, gave the sermon. His timely message, "Living as Aliens," was filled with warmth, humor and practical Christianity.

The Barrie, Ontario, congregation was host for a joyous festival celebration. Focusing on Christ, the Light of the World, daily sermons by Pastor Phil Baldwin and elders Ken Parker and Charles Sutton explored what Jesus called the narrow, difficult path to eternal life.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba, festival had visitors from across Canada and some from North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas. American visitors included Carn and Joyce Catherwood. Mr. Catherwood has deep roots in Winnipeg and Manitoba, both as his birthplace and as the first WCG member baptized in the city. At the end of the festival, 145 members gathered for a communion service.

Battleford, Saskatchewan, was host for a festival with the theme: "Becoming a Missionary Church." Several guest speakers from the area faith community spoke on the theme.

One speaker, Brian Archand, related a moving story when he told of his life growing up on an Indian Reserve, and how he became an aboriginal Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer. He shared his battle with alcoholism, and his mistrust of the "white man’s" Jesus. At one point, he found himself separated from his family, in a hotel room, and drinking heavily.

There he found a Gideon Bible and happened to open it to John 3:16. He was compelled to read it over several times and suddenly it all made sense to him. He prayed for God’s forgiveness and it was like some great weight being taken off of him. He reunited with his family and has since then planted churches, spoken to prisoners and helped other police officers deal with the stress of their profession.

About 380 gathered for a "Festival of Faith" in Edmonton, Alberta. Gary Moore, national director, opened the festival with a message titled "My Church, My Community."

Activities included a Bill Gaither gospel concert, a golf tournament, paintball and laser quest for families, an evening out at a dinner theatre, and a luncheon-barbecue.

Guest worship leader Phil Baldwin opened this year’s festival in Penticton, British Columbia, setting the stage for the theme, "Celebration of Grace." Bob Millman, Edmonton pastor, Phil and Susan Baldwin, and local pastors from British Columbia gave sermons and workshops. Attendees generously contributed nonperishable foods to the Penticton food bank, operated by the Salvation Army. Bill Hall.

Ghana

Reports from the various locations throughout Africa where the festival took place show that the focus was on celebrating together the joy of salvation received through Jesus, our Lord, as is illustrated in the theme used in Yaounde, Cameroon: "Christ in You —the Hope of Glory."

Political turmoil affected the travels of a number of members, but it did not deter them from persevering in their efforts to join other Christians of like mind. For example, the Barbley family from Liberia was caught up en route to Ghana in the civil strife in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. They were hassled by aggressive Ivorian soldiers, and money was taken from them. Nevertheless, undeterred, they continued their pilgrimage to meet up with their spiritual family.

Social concerns were also an integral part of the festivities. Honoring the widows and the widowers and making provision for the orphans and homeless, were part and parcel of love shown in action.

The festivals uplifted the spirits of those who attended, but now they are in the past, and the African churches are gearing up to the future of the gospel work wherever they are located. Much mission work is to be done in this vast continent. Please pray that each of our members will be instruments in God’s hands, that he will use each and every one of us for the furtherance of his kingdom. James Henderson.

A four-day convention in Jamaica had a theme of Gossiping the Gospel. The opening night was rained out by a tropical storm. Pastoral team members from the outlying areas gave sermons. The convention ended with a changeover ceremony of the chairmanship of the pastoral team. The new chairman is Courtney Campbell.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002