In this Issue

Military Service

As we celebrate the nation’s 227th birthday we would like to honor WCG members and relatives serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, those who are serving or have served elsewhere in the military and the many thousands who have paid the ultimate sacrifice that we might enjoy the freedoms God has given us. To lead us in offering thanks, we have asked for comments from Leith Cunningham, a WCG member and Korean War veteran. Page 4.

Pastor General

“When I was with the Jews, I acted like a Jew,” Paul said. “When I was with people who thought they were under the law, I acted that way, too, even though I am not really under the law.” In other words, Paul acted like something he was not, writes Pastor General Joseph Tkach. Page 6.

Discipleship

As a boy I heard the story of Abraham recounted at least once a week, writes Michael Feazell, and it usually went something like this: “God told Abraham to go, and he went. He didn’t ask questions; he didn’t hesitate; he just packed up and left everything he knew—country, family—and went.” Page 12.

Youth Ministry

Ted Johnston writes that our goal in youth ministry is to help children, teens and college-age young adults become active followers of Jesus. A follower of Jesus is one who is in communion with God, through Christ, actively participating with Jesus in his ministry patterns. The four Gospels illustrate the patterns of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Page 16.

Window on the World

Seven years ago, the WN gave a fair amount of coverage to the apparent rapid growth of the WCG in Angola, writes Randal Dick. At one point it seemed that the WCG had 5,000 or more members in Angola. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, not the least of which was a raging civil war, we were never able to fully establish those congregations and their leadership. Page 20.

Bible Study

Paul introduces his letter to the Romans as a letter about the gospel, and he describes the gospel as “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes,” writes Michael Morrison. In the gospel, a righteousness from God is revealed. Page 25.

Financial Report

For the month of May, we had projected donation income at $1.68 million, writes controller Ron Kelly. Total contribution income was just over $1.57 million. Page 31.

Youth Conferences

Jeb Egbert, national youth ministry co-director, visited the Southern California congregations May 3 to conduct a conference for youth leaders and youth workers. The host church was the Pasadena WCG congregation. Page 8.

Jim Valekis, youth director for the Great Lakes District, presented a Youth Builders Conference in Washington, Pennsylvania, April 26. Page 30.

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