June 2003 Contents

This is our June cover.

In this issue

Ambassador Center

Nine Ambassador Center students graduated from Azusa Pacific University May 3, reports editor Tom Hanson. In the graduate and accelerated degree programs ceremony, Eric Shaw, pastor of the Altadena Community Life church, received a master of arts degree in religion. Page 3.

Property Sale

The church reached an important milestone in the entitlement process for the Ambassador campus when it received a letter from the City of Pasadena stating that the Master Plan Application for the Ambassador campus is complete, writes Mathew Morgan. Page 5.

Pastor General

Jesus didn’t carry any swords or spears. He didn’t have an army behind him, writes Pastor General Joseph Tkach. His only weapon was his mouth, and it was his message that got him into trouble. Page 6.

Easter

Worldwide Church of God congregations across America celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter weekend. Some congregations worshiped at sunrise services; others celebrated with dance, adult or children’s dramatizations and messages. Page 8.

Memorial

Dean Blackwell, the first pastor of the Big Sandy congregation in 1953, was remembered in a memorial service on Sunday, May 4, at the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship sanctuary in Big Sandy. Page 10.

Conferences

Raul Ramos, director of the U.S. Hispanic Ministry Department, facilitated workshops on La Cosecha (The Harvest) at the regional conferences in Covina, California, and Orlando, Florida. He will also offer this workshop at some other regional conferences. Page 15.

Youth Ministry

Jeb Egbert comments on Matthew 28:19-20 in regard to what is often overlooked in the process Jesus outlined—the same process he used in his earthly ministry that culminated in commissioning the disciples to go and do likewise. Page 16.

Discipleship

We were made to be like Jesus—but how is that different than trying to be like Buddha or Confucius? How is Christianity different from other religions that tell people to imitate a highly respected role model? asks Michael Morrison. Page 24.

Financial Report

Donation income in April was just over $1.3 million, down about $400,000 from our projections of about $1.7 million, writes controller Ronald Kelly. In the meantime, bank balances exceed projections. Total cash inflow for the year is just over $14 million. Page 29.

Nine Ambassador Center
students graduate
from Azusa Pacific

By Thomas C. Hanson

AZUSA, California—Nine Ambassador Center students graduated from Azusa Pacific University May 3.

They are Gabriel Alaniz, Covina, California, sociology; Hector Amaya, West Covina, California, psychology/sociology; Omar Cova, Rosemead, California, graphic design; Lisa Daugherty, Kansas City, Kansas, liberal studies, minor in Spanish; Rachel Heidrich, Yukon, Oklahoma, English; Joshua Killebrew, Altadena, California, computer information systems; Shari Rae Metz, San Diego, California, English and education; K. Michelle Ross, Milwaukie, Oregon, liberal studies, math emphasis; and Rachel Van Lanen, Little Suamico, Wisconsin, music education.

The commencement speaker was Bill McCartney, founder and president of Promise Keepers men’s ministry.

In the graduate and accelerated degree programs commencement that morning, Eric Shaw, pastor of Altadena Community Life Fellowship, received a master of arts degree in religion.

Both ceremonies were moved indoors to the Richard and Vivian Felix Event Center because of rain.

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

Gabriel Alaniz
Covina, California

Hector Amaya
West Covina, California

Omar Cova
Rosemead, California

Lisa Daugherty
Kansas City, Kansas

Rachel Heidrich
Yukon, Oklahoma

Joshua Killebrew
Altadena, California

Shari Rae Metz
San Diego, California

K. Michelle Ross
Milwaukie, Oregon

Rachel Van Lanen
Little Suamico, Wisconsin

Eric Shaw

A quick note to say what a great idea it was to publish the two stories in the May WN about the transformation of men moving from heresy toward truth. My prayer is that it will help to provoke a few more WCG members to see our own personal movement or need for continuing personal movement, from our inherited ruts of erroneous thinking into ever enlightening wonder and worship of God and all that he is, and all that he is doing among us humans.

Roger Griffiths
Gold Coast, Australia

Thank you for sharing with the church in the March WN about the Discretionary Assistance Program. I feel honored to be a member of a church that thinks of those men and women who labored in the heat of the day. They are the reason most of us are in the church today. We love them and respect them highly.

Vernon Rogers
Big Sandy, Texas

Mike [Feazell], I just read your booklet The Gospel Really Is Good News. Thanks so much for sending out a message of grace, not judgment. You have articulated our position quite well, and I will be sharing this message over Easter.

Thanks for THE good news!

George de Vlugt
Pastor
London, Sarnia and Strathroy Ontario, Canada

It makes me so thankful to our wonderful God who loves with an everlasting love. Some people believe in universal salvation (that nobody is lost) but the Bible doesn’t teach that.

I think it is a great misrepresentation of God’s character to proclaim "it’s now or never." Thank you from the bottom of my heart from a fellow-partaker of the new creation, who, like you described in the Bible lesson, is sometimes struggling, tired, worried and hanging-on-by-my-fingernails.

Thank the Lord that he sees how pitiful we are—we, the heirs of grace, and that he also sees the majority of our brothers and sisters, not yet begotten, and loves them as much as he loves us. This is truly the love of God.

Gloria Eiskant
Great Falls, Montana

My thanks to Michael Morrison (March WN) for answering this question in the most comprehensive and clearly stated way that I have ever read. It truly was inspired and is itself inspiring. It is one of those articles that stays with you and imparts joyful understanding beyond this physical realm.

Danny Nail
Melbourne, Florida

Update on Sale of Campus

City of Pasadena says
Master Plan Application complete

By Mathew Morgan

The church reached an important milestone in the entitlement process for the Ambassador campus on April 29, when it received a letter from the City of Pasadena stating that the Master Plan Application for the Ambassador campus is complete.

The application, a formal submittal to the city, outlines specific entitlement goals for the property. It is the culmination of an intense planning process started in September of last year combining the expertise of SheaHomes, master development consultant; Van Tilburg, Banvard, Soderbergh, architects; EDAW, master planner and landscape architects; and other land use experts. Citizens of Pasadena also participated in the process through an extensive public listening phase.

The plan proposes 1,431 new residences on the property, while maintaining the significant historical buildings and gardens created or maintained by the church since 1947. It also is respectful of surrounding neighborhoods and will provide appropriate value to the church when complete.

Now that the application is complete, the statutory period for conducting the environmental review begins. During this phase, the city will study various environmental impacts associated with the new community, including traffic, air quality, water, sewer and historical resources.

Various city commissions, appointed by the city council, will also review the plan in the coming months and make recommendations to the council. The city council is expected to vote on the plan in the first half of next year.

The church’s entitlement/sale team, with the help of public relations professionals, continues to meet with individuals and groups within the city and the region to solidify support for the plan.

During the first week in May, we met with numerous individuals and groups, including the mayor, members of the city council, the chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and others. This hectic pace is expected to continue until the campus plan is approved.

For more information about the Ambassador campus plan please visit www.ambassadorcampus.info

SEP Announcement

If you are between the ages of 7 and 18, and if you would love to have a blast in a Christian environment for one week that may produce the best friends you will ever have, now is the time to apply for this summer’s regional SEP camps.

We are planning summer camps in California, Washington, Ohio, Colorado, South Carolina, Iowa and Connecticut. To apply, just go to www.wcg.org/youth. All of the application and tuition information is right there.

Parents: Invest in your kids and their friends!

Grandparents: Want to send a grandchild to camp? What an amazing gift!

Last summer we had more than 500 young people attend SEP. This year, we are praying for more than 600. We hope that one of them will be you!

 

 

Jeb Egbert

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2003

It's Not Fair!

Jesus didn’t carry any swords or spears. He didn’t have an army behind him. His only weapon was his mouth, and it was his message that got him into trouble. He made people so angry that they wanted to kill him.

His message was seen not merely as wrong—it was dangerous. It was subversive. It threatened to upset the social world of Judaism. But what kind of message could make the religious leaders so angry that they would kill the messenger?

One idea that could anger the religious leaders is found in Matthew 9:13: I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners. Jesus had a message of good news for sinners, but people who considered themselves good often thought that Jesus preached bad news.

Jesus invited prostitutes and tax collectors into the kingdom of God, and the good people didn’t like that. "That’s not fair," they may have said. "We have been working hard to be good, and why can they get into the kingdom without working hard? If you don’t keep sinners out, it isn’t fair!"

Jesus before Pilate

Jesus was preaching that God is not fair. Even today, people don’t like to hear that idea. Good Christian people want God to be fair—but he isn’t.

Most people think that fairness requires equal treatment for everyone, but when it comes to salvation, God simply isn’t fair.

However, God is more than fair. His grace is far beyond anything we could deserve. God is generous, full of grace, full of mercy, loving us even though we don’t deserve it.

That kind of message bothers religious leaders and all who say that the harder you work, the more you will get; if you behave better, you will get a better reward. Religious leaders like to have that kind of message, because it makes it easy to motivate people to work hard, to do right, to live right.

But Jesus says, It isn’t so.

If you have dug a really deep pit for yourself, if you have messed up time and time again, if you have been the worst sort of sinner, you don’t have to work your way out of the pit to be given salvation. God simply forgives you for the sake of Jesus. You don’t have to deserve it—God simply does it. You just need to believe it. You just need to trust God, to take him at his word: Your million-dollar debt is removed from the record.

That is good news for ordinary people.

But it seems that some people are distressed at this kind of news. "Look, I’ve been working hard to get out of the pit," they might say, "and I am almost out. You mean to tell me that ‘those’ people are pulled out of the pit instantly, without having to do any work at all? That’s not fair!"

No, grace is not "fair"—it is grace—it is a gift we did not deserve. God can be generous to whomever he wants to be generous to, and the good news is that he offers his generosity to everyone. It is fair in the sense that it extends to everyone, even though this means that he forgives some people a big debt, and some people a smaller debt—the same arrangement for all even though there are different circumstances.

In Matthew 20 is the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Some men worked all day long in the heat of the day. Some worked only half a day, and some worked only one hour, but they all got paid the same amount, a day’s wage. Some got exactly what they agreed to, but others got more. However, the men who worked all day long said, "That’s not fair. We worked all day long, and it’s not fair to pay us the same as those who worked less" (see verse 12).

But the men who worked all day got exactly what they had agreed to before they began work (verse 4). The only reason they got upset was because other people got more than they deserved.

What did the paymaster say? He said: "Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?" (verse 15).

The boss said he would give them a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work, and that’s what he did—and yet the workers complained. Why? Because they compared themselves with others and they got the shorter end of the stick. They got their hopes up, and then they were disappointed.

But the landowner said: "I am doing you no wrong. If you think it’s not fair, the problem is in what you expected, not in what you actually got. If it hadn’t been for the amount I paid the newcomers, you would be quite happy with what I gave you. The problem is in your expectations, not in what I did. You accuse me of being bad, simply because I was good to someone else (see verse 15).

Those who worked all day were angry for getting the same wages as those who worked less hours.

How would you react to this? What would you think if your boss gave a bonus to the newest employees, but not to the old faithful workers? It would not be very good for morale, would it? But Jesus was not giving us payroll advice here—he was telling a parable about the kingdom of God (verse 1).

The parable reflected something that was happening in Jesus’ ministry. God was giving salvation to people who hadn’t worked very hard, and the religious leaders said: "That’s not fair. You can’t be generous to them. We’ve been working hard, and they have hardly been working." And Jesus replied, "I am bringing good news to sinners, not to the righteous." His teaching threatened to undermine the normal motive for doing good.

We might like to think that we have worked all day long, bearing the burdens and the heat of the day, deserving a good reward. But we have not.

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the church or how many sacrifices you have made; those are nothing in comparison to what God is giving us. Paul worked harder than any of us; he made more sacrifices for the gospel than we realize, but he counted it all as a loss for Christ. It was nothing.

The time we’ve spent in the church is nothing to God. The work we’ve done is nothing compared to what he can do. Even at our best, as another parable says, we are unprofitable servants (Luke 17:10). Jesus has bought our entire lives; he has fair claim on every thought and every action. We cannot possibly give him anything on top of that—even if we do everything he commands.

We are really like the workers who worked only one hour and got a whole day’s wage. We just barely got started, and we were paid like we actually did something useful. Is that fair? Maybe we shouldn’t even ask the question. If the judgment is in our favor, we shouldn’t ask for another opinion!

Do we think of ourselves as people who have worked long and hard? Do we think we deserve more than we are getting? Or do we see ourselves as people who are getting an undeserved gift, regardless of how long we’ve worked? That is something worth thinking about.

Joseph Tkach

Grace Family conducts
Easter season services

DALLAS, Texas—Grace Family Church conducted three Easter season services.

On Palm Sunday, April 18, the drama ministry presented "The Plan," a play celebrating the plan of salvation. The play opened with slides of a galaxy, stars and planets projected on a screen while the Ancient of Days (Brian Holsenbeck) and The Word (Ryan Coutts) enthusiastically discussed their plan to create humans and make a way for them to receive the gift of eternal life.

Later, Satan (Mike Read) approached the heavenly court and accused the human race of being hopelessly flawed and unworthy of God’s attention.

Additional scenes depicted Satan influencing King Herod (David Hebert) into ordering the boy babies in Bethlehem to be killed after Jesus’ birth, the adult Jesus’ triumph over Satan’s temptations and Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

In the final scene, the resurrected Jesus returns to heaven and is cheered by the Father and the angels. They also cheer as they look down to earth and see new Christians being added to the Body and as they view the former persecutor Saul of Tarsus becoming converted. The Father tells Satan that Jesus and he know the end of the story and that countless millions of people will ultimately be saved. The frustrated Satan slinks away in defeat.

The play was written by Frank Lewandowski and directed by Joel Gehman. Vince Fischelli Jr. was in charge of props and lighting, with Tim and Pat Kruse providing technical assistance. Margarita Arias made the costumes for the three main characters.

Barry Ford, Grace Family gospel chorus director, wrote music and lyrics for the play’s theme song. Daniel Fischelli sang the song, backed up by an angelic chorus. Nnamdy Ford performed rap lyrics he had written.

Misty Ansted sang a vocal solo, "Holy, Holy, Holy." The Grace Family choir sang "Were You There in Gethsemane," with a solo by Lori Simms, and "Easter Celebration." Margaret Smith directed the choir, with piano accompaniment by Sherry Hebert. Other instrumentalists were Clif Newkirk and Mr. Holsenbeck.

On April 17, the church partook of a Lord’s Supper service, including taking of the symbols of bread and wine followed by members washing one anothers’ feet.

The congregation conducted an Easter service on April 20 with Ms. Chizen as worship leader. She also sang a solo, "Redeemer."

Pastor Lynn Hebert said: "It’s good to be reminded on Resurrection Sunday that our Savior is alive. It’s all about Jesus."

The pastor testified that in 1968 he had what he called a "Road to Damascus" experience. He was on guard duty in Vietnam when he came under fire, and a bullet whizzed past his head. He ducked for cover and became determined to know Jesus in a more personal way. Frank Lewandowski.

Frederick-Chewsville,
has sunrise service

CHEWSVILLE, Maryland—More than 40 people attended a 35-minute Easter sunrise service conducted by New Life Community Church

The congregation sang worship hymns, and Pastor Richard Kissel gave a message on the events of the first Easter Sunday morning of almost 2,000 years ago. Then the women, led by JoAnn Thompson, wife of elder Wilmer Thompson, prepared a breakfast for all present.

After breakfast, the congregation had a Resurrection Sunday worship service.

Mr. Kissel asked the six people he baptized the day before to come to the front of the congregation. Then he ordained Gerald Varner as a deacon and Linda Smith as a deaconess. These were the first baptisms and ordinations in the congregation in years.

PASADENA NEWLIFE EASTER PLAY—From left: Steven,
Vi, Kiki, John, Anthony, Abel, Melinda, Joel and Betsy.
[Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]

Prescott Valley women participate 
in community Easter celebration

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Arizona—Pat Walters and Angie Walker from Fellowship of Grace, the WCG house church in Prescott Valley, sang in the Northern Arizona Worship Choir in a Good Friday event titled "We Will Worship: A Call to Intimacy With God."

Guest speaker Dennis Jernigan was worship leader and soloist.

The Worldwide Church of God women were among about 80 others from 17 churches in the choir. The event took place at the Yavapai College performance hall.

Mr. Jernigan began the evening with his personal testimony, followed by singing and praising God for what he has done for all of us through his Son.

The Prescott Valley house church consists of six or seven people most times. Frances Calkins.

WCG congregation
host to city sunrise service
in Pikeville

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—For the fifth time, the Pikeville congregation was host for the annual sunrise service in the city park sponsored by the ministerial association.

Team Pastor Mike Stewart gave the message, and Christine Stewart led the music. Several members, including some young people, presented a drama showing how we find freedom from our sins through Jesus Christ.

About 50 people attended the event.

PIKEVILLE SERVICE—Mike Stewart leads service. [Photo by Eddie Bailey]

Belleville and Alton, Illinois, celebrate Easter

BELLEVILLE, Illinois—The Belleville congregation was joined by its sister congregation, the Alton church, for a service that focused on the sacrifice and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The traditional flowering of the cross reminded members of how Jesus took an emblem of shame and turned it into a badge of glory.

Attendance almost doubled for this year’s celebration. A variety of tributes to Christ were made through special music presented by various members. The Alton Kids Dance Team performed a dance with sign language to the song, "Lamb of God."

The service was arranged and directed by Debbie Du Vall of the Belleville congregation. Afterward, a potluck meal was organized by Larrie and Kimi Wiggand. Jim Stokes.

Alton Easter dance team.
[Photo by Jim Stokes]

Dean Blackwell memorial service: 
A true pastor and dedicated servant

By Sonny Parsons
Big Sandy pastor

BIG SANDY, Texas—Dean Blackwell, the first pastor of the Big Sandy church in 1953, was remembered in a memorial service on Sunday, May 4, at the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship sanctuary in Big Sandy.

The hall was filled to capacity as friends and relatives thought back on the life and times of Mr. Blackwell. Carn Catherwood, district superintendent, officiated. Mr. Blackwell was remembered as a loving, caring, family man who lived and studied God’s Word.

Carn Catherwood conducts memorial service.

This is the 50th anniversary of the Big Sandy church, and Mr. Blackwell played a significant part in its inception. Jim Blackwell, a nephew of Mr. Blackwell, told of his uncle’s love and the fond memories the family has of Mr. Blackwell and his wife, Maxine, who died only four months earlier.

Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, spoke of Mr. Blackwell as a true pastor whom God will surely welcome with, "Well done, you good and faithful servant." Mr. Catherwood read a letter from Mr. Blackwell’s sister, Bonnie Hughes, as she remembered him in thought and words. She said he was always known as Bob to the family.

A choral group sang some favorite songs, and Glenn Roberson sang a special rendition in memory of Mr. Blackwell. Lois and Rick Peterson led an instrumental group made up of Bill Stenger, Lee Pettijohn and others.

Choral group at Dean Blackwell’s funeral.

Representing denominational headquarters in Pasadena were Joseph Tkach, Randal Dick, Herman Hoeh, Curtis May and Mat Morgan.

After the service, those in attendance had a time of fellowship and refreshments. Friends, acquaintances and family reminisced about the lifetime of a true servant and man of God.

         
Joseph Tkach talking with others in           Herman Hoeh (left) at Dean Blackwell's funeral.
attendance at Dean Blackwell’s funeral.

Following are tributes to Mr. Blackwell:

My (Jim Friddle’s) mother and Dean’s father were brother and sister. We were together a lot when we were growing up. Dean was like a brother that I never had. I am seven years older than Dean and remember when he was born.

I introduced Dean to Herbert W. Armstrong in 1952 in Gladewater, Texas. I had been listening to Mr. Armstrong on the radio, and so had he, but neither of us knew the other was hearing him.

At that time Dean wanted to become a minister. In the fall of 1952 he began attending Ambassador College. I began attending in the fall of 1953. We spent many happy hours together during our years in the ministry and always remained close. My wife, Marge, and I always looked forward to being with Dean and Maxine.

Dean was an incredibly kind and generous person, who always saw the good in other people. In all of our association together I never heard him criticize or talk against other people. He loved what he did. He loved teaching and helping others understand more about God. God saw to it that Dean’s desire to become a minister was fulfilled. He inspired thousands of people through the years in many areas of the world. God’s Holy Spirit was working in him mightily.

Our family will miss him very much—and many others will as well.

Jim and Marge Friddle
Concord, North Carolina

My first introduction to Dean Blackwell was in Big Sandy, Texas, in the mid-’60s hearing him boom out powerful sermons at the festivals. This was part of my earliest experience with the Worldwide Church of God.

During my time at Ambassador College in Pasadena, Dean taught me the value of books and a great love for them. He regularly took groups of us students to used bookstores "for the hunt of rare treasures." He taught us how to recognize rare and valuable books.

He became a good friend of our entire family. He had the unique ability to relate to people of all ages. He was a friend to my wife, Jannice, and me as well as our children.

We will miss him and Maxine dearly.

Curtis May
Director, Office of Reconciliation Ministries

Like so many people, Joan and I are blessed to have known Dean and Maxine as good friends. These were friends of our youth, thus making our memories so sweet and intense. And we are twice blessed to have known them as friends in our maturity, and those memories will sustain us.

John and Joan Basinger
Dallas, Texas

I will never forget the night I met Mr. Blackwell. It was the Ambassador College mixer in Big Sandy, and we were all dressed up. It was supposed to be exciting, but it happened to fall on the first anniversary of my dad’s death (I lost my mom earlier), and I was so mixed up inside. I just wanted to go end it all, like I had tried twice already in my life.

I was getting ready to leave, but up walks Mr. Blackwell and Dr. Lynn Torrance, the registrar. Dr. Torrance said, "Dean, I want you to meet someone," pointing to me. I had never met either of these men and did not know who they were.

Dr. Torrance said: "This little girl almost got in without me checking into her transcripts. I saw her bio and her smile and just knew she had to be an AC’er, so I threw her into the ‘in’ basket." He smiled and put his hand on my shoulder and then laughed and said, "But I knew that wouldn’t do, so I read her transcripts, realized I was right the first time and threw her back in." They were both smiling, which made me smile, and feel a little better.

Then Dr. Torrance said: "Dean, this little girl has been through a lot. She has lost both her parents, and her dad was just a year ago." Mr. Blackwell looked at me with such compassion, which was truly a rare if nonexistent thing in my life, gave me a huge bear hug and said, "Well, I’ll be your dad from now on."

I will be forever grateful God sent them over to me that evening. It was the beginning of a healing that has taken about 25 more years to come all the way through.

When I just hear the name Blackwell, I tear up for joy. It is a profoundly meaningful name in my life and represents healing.

Cindy Richey Bresaw
Canton, Ohio

I always considered Mr. Blackwell to be one of the church "celebrities"—one of those people you and thousands of others heard at the festival but someone you didn’t talk to one-on-one. I was wrong.

I got to know Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell a couple of years ago during their periodic visits to the Big Sandy congregation, which was meeting at that time in Gladewater. They were so easy to talk to. I had just started singing praise and worship music with the music team, and found that Mrs. Blackwell liked our music. I remember loaning her a Darlene Zschech tape!

And Mr. Blackwell loved to discuss the Bible, go over the sermon he had just delivered, or just talk friend to friend. He was genuinely interested in you. He made it easy for you to come up to him and just talk! Both of them will be missed, but their legacy of care and love for every one of us will always be appreciated.

Jerome Ellard
Big Sandy, Texas

SURREY, British Columbia, Canada—A number of congregations across Canada will be hosts for celebrations this fall. This year marks a change in the way these festivals will be administered. Since these events are being organized by a local coordinator, registration forms and fees should be sent to the addresses listed in the summaries below. Forms should not be sent to the National Office in Surrey.

Given that costs will vary from site to site, the registration fee (listed) will differ depending on the location. Those planning to attend should register early as this will enable the congregation sponsoring the activity to determine what can be offered during the gathering.

Those planning on attending at the Vendee site should contact the coordinator directly for registration forms and fee information.

Before completing the registration form on page 13, read the description carefully for the site you are interesting in attending. Be sure to note the registration fee. Complete the form and send it to the address listed and make sure the check is made out to the Worldwide Church of God Canada. Housing information and a schedule of events will be sent to you once you register (unless otherwise noted).

Members will gather from all parts of Newfoundland and Labrador to picture God’s salvation in Christ. About 60 of us, along with those transferring from other parts of Canada and the United States, will meet for services and fellowship Oct. 11 to 18.

Tourist information for lodging and recreation may be obtained by calling 1-800-563-6353, the provincial tourism number.

Registration fee: the contribution is up to the individual.

Send registration forms to Chris Starkey, 22 Olympic Dr., Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4K3, telephone, 1-709-368-9901; e-mail, cstarkey@ nfld.com

Enjoy wonderful worship and drawing near Jesus at the WCG Eastern Canadian camp facility in the Laurentian Mountains, beside Lac Windigo. The celebration begins Friday evening, Sept. 19, with worship and small group activities daily, and ends with communion Sunday morning, Sept. 28.

Come for all, or some, but register early if you want accommodation on site.

The registration fee is $30 per person, or family. Nightly accommodation rates are $15 per person (family rates available), and meals are $20 a day for three meals (family rates are available).

Please do not use the attached registration form.

For registration forms, fees or further information, contact Dennis Lawrence, telephone 1-514-425-5371; e-mail dennis.lawrence@ videotron.ca

The Toronto East congregation will be host for a celebration with the theme "Living in Christ."

Services will be conducted Friday evening, Oct. 10, through Saturday, Oct. 18.

Most services and activities will be conducted at Advent Lutheran Church, 2800 Don Mills Rd., close to major highways and easily accessible by public transportation.

A number of fine hotels are within easy driving distance of the site.

Registration fees: none.

Send registration forms to Richard Wilding, 77 Finch Ave. East No. 232, North York, ON M2N 6H8, telephone 1-416-222-9884, e-mail wildingr@rogers.com

The Barrie congregation invites you to Come Celebrate Christ, Oct. 10 to 18, at the Inniswood Baptist Church.

Barrie is on the shores of Lake Simcoe in central Ontario. With attractive beaches, championship golf courses, several world-class performing arts venues and challenging ski slopes, Barrie is an attractive vacation spot, no matter what the season.

Registration fees: $50 (individual) or $100 (family).

Send registration forms to Philip Baldwin, 95A Toronto St., Barrie, ON L4N 1V1, telephone 1-705-726-8531, e-mail baldwin@bar.imag.net

The Winnipeg congregation will be host for Festival 2003 to celebrate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Oct. 10 to 18.

We are planning an uplifting and enjoyable week of services, workshops and activities including a variety show, a Christian concert, a smoked turkey brunch for seniors, a family square dance and a pancake breakfast.

Registration forms, motel information and a schedule are available from coordinator Alan Redmond, telephone 1-204-654-3217, e-mail redmond@mb.sympatico.ca, or from the Winnipeg congregation website at www.wcg.org/churches/ can/winnipeg/

Registration fees: $75 (individual) or $125 (family: two or more, with children under age 18).

Send registration forms to Worldwide Church of God, 50 Barnes St., Winnipeg, MB R3T 4Z7.

The theme for the festival in Battleford, Oct. 11-18, is "Being a Caring Church." Along with special events and activities conducted on the Thanksgiving weekend of Oct. 11 to 13, we will have evening services featuring guest speakers from our area faith community.

We will be enjoying a traditional Saskatchewan fowl supper during the first weekend.

For additional information contact Bill Hall, telephone 1-306-937-7848, e-mail bill.hall@sk.sympatico.ca

Registration fees: $40 (individuals), $60 (families).

Send registration forms to Battlefords Worldwide Church of God, Box 1690, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0.

The Edmonton congregation will be host for a "Festival of Faith" Oct. 11 to 18. The theme this year is "Basic Bible Prophecy: Unraveling Revelation, Understanding Our Times, Focusing Our Hope in Jesus."

Additional information and a schedule of events can be obtained from the Edmonton congregation website: http://churches.wcg.org/ Edmonton or by contacting Robert Millman, telephone 1-780-444-8903, fax 1-780-484-5661, e-mail rmillman@telusplanet.net

Registration fees: $50 (individual), $100 (family).

Send registration forms to Worldwide Church of God, 15641 96th Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 2R7, telephone 1-780-444-8903, fax 1-780-484-5661.

This year’s celebration, Oct. 11 to 18, will be a Festival of Thanksgiving for the priceless blessings freely given to us by our loving God through his Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Attendance is limited to 450.

Penticton, in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most popular vacation sites, and one can still enjoy warm weather in early October.

Registration fees: $80 (individual), $130 (family).

Send registration forms to Bob Morton, 1536 Scott Crescent, Kelowna, BC V1Z 2X6, telephone 1-250-769-5613, e-mail rgmorton@shaw.ca

ST. ALBANS, England—Following are details of the main sites where the festival will be take place this year in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Unless noted, the festival dates are Oct. 11 to 18.

Please contact the site directly to arrange your accommodation.

This information is also available on our website www.wcg.org/uk

Paignton is on the coast of southwest England. The festival will take place at Beverley Park.

Registration fees: five pounds per person, eight pounds per family or four pounds for weekenders.

For more information visit the Torquay Tourist Information Centre website at www.torbay.gov.uk

Contact Harry Sullivan, The Round House, Mill Lane, Hulcote, Milton Keynes, MK17 8BP. Telephone 011 44 1908 582222; e-mail harry_sullivan@wcg.org.uk

Bridlington in the north of England is a seaside resort that boasts a working harbor whose origins go back at least as far as the Romans. The festival will take place at the Leisure World Theatre. Several Christian-related seminars are planned.

Registration fees: 10 pounds per adult, maximum 30 pounds per family. No fee for children, senior citizens and single-parent families.

Contact Robert Harrison, 44 Yewdale Rd,, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 28NE. Telephone 011 44 1423 889168, e-mail robert_ harrison@wcg.org.uk

For tourist information visit the web site www.eastriding.co.uk

Weekend services in London will take place at the Indian YMCA, Fitzroy Square, Oct. 11 and 12, and 17 and 18.

For more information contact Olivier Carion, 12 Eastcote Dr., Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 1SE. Telephone 011 44 1582 763 131, e-mail Olivier_carion@wcg.org.uk

The festival in Perth will take place at Dewars Conference Centre.

For tourist information visit the website at www.perthshire.co.uk

Registration fee: 10 pounds per adult payable on arrival. Senior citizens and single parent contributions are discretionary.

Contact Hamish Dougall, Etive Mor, Highfield Place, Bankfoot, Perthshire, PH1 4AX. Telephone 011 44 1738 787277, e-mail hamish_dougall@wcg.org

Bangor is a seaside town about 12 miles east of Belfast. For information about the town and its environs, visit the website at www. northdown.gov.uk

Contact David Stirk, 69 Laurel Heights, Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 4RJ, Northern Ireland. Telephone 011 44 028 4066 9986, e-mail david_stirk@wcg.org.uk

The festival will again take place at Nea Makri, a seaside resort 17 miles from Athens.

Tours of ancient sites will be arranged, including the Acropolis and National Museum in Athens, ancient Corinth, Epidavras and Delphi. Some of these trips will include a Bible study on the bus or at the site.

For more information please contact Michael Marcou by e-mail at sonja1@otenet.gr

A local festival will be conducted in Malta. Please contact Barry Bourne, Knollside, 70 Copperfield Rd., Bassett, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 3NY. Telephone 011 44 23 8067 9965, e-mail barry_bourne @wcg.org.uk

The festival in Bonn-Roettgen will offer simultaneous translations into English.

Activities include a tour of Bonn, a candlelight dinner in a castle near Bonn, a Rhine River cruise, an excursion to the Phantasia leisure park, a tour to the city of Rheinbach with a visit to the glass museum, a concert by the Salvation Army Brass Band and a Christian music evening, where groups from other churches will also perform.

Besides regular worship services, the festival program will include an evangelism workshop by Marcus Pfeil, a trained professional, and a seminar on "The Practical Art of Forgiving," presented by Diane and Richard Gross from New York (see page 32).

Contact Weltweite Kirche Gottes, Postfach 1129, D-53001 Bonn, Germany. Telephone 011 49 228 66 89 10, e-mail Wkg53bonn@aol.com, website www.wcg.org/de

The festival in Najac, France, will take place Oct. 25 to Nov. 1.

Najac is in Aveyron, the Green Land of the south of France, a region known for its castles, monuments, food specialties and regional wines.

Services will be in French, with a simultaneous English translation. In addition to worship services, prayer meetings and seminars on various topics, activities will include dances, evenings of entertainment and tours. During church services a children’ s class is organized.

Registration fee: 50 euros per person (18 years old and older).

For a registration package, please telephone Marie-Angelique Picard at 011 33.1.43.22.60.84, fax 011 33.1.43.35.05.52, or preferably by e-mail at dpi@club-internet.fr

The Italian Celebration of Christ festival will take place in Lido di Jesolo, a summer resort on the Adriatic Sea, east of Venice.

Languages spoken will be Italian, German, English and possibly French with simultaneous translations in all these languages.

In addition to worship services and seminars, activities will include two lunches together, an evening of fellowship with a family dance on a private boat that will tour the Bacino di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basin, Venice), an evening of entertainment, and tours to Venice, Bologna and Florence.

For application packages, please contact, Joseph Caristi, 94 Belcher Rd., Blairstown, New Jersey, 07825; telephone 1-973-426-7716 (day), 1-908-362-7093 (evening); fax 1-908-362-1073; e-mail jcaristi@cs.com or (outside United States), Worldwide Church of God, Casella Postale 67, 24030 Brembate di Sopra (BG), Italy; telephone 011 (39) 035-21-78-08; fax 011 (39) 035-21-77-53; e-mail wcgitaly@tin.it

The church in Portugal will not conduct a formal festival this year because several members wanted to travel to other sites. The small number of Portuguese members requires the participation of each member to conduct a festival.

A festival will be conducted in Estoril in 2004.

The festival in Oslo will take place at Tyriheimen conference center 45 minutes outside of Oslo. We expect about 60 people from eight nations to attend. Services will be in English.

For more information please contact Carl Fredrik Aas by e-mail at cfaas@online.no

Hispanic Ministry Department
seeks to proclaim gospel
to Hispanic communities

WEST COVINA, California—Raul Ramos, director of the U.S. Hispanic Ministry Department, facilitated workshops on La Cosecha (The Harvest) at the regional conferences in Covina, California, and Orlando, Florida.

Mr. Ramos will also offer this workshop at some of the other regional conferences.
   Raul & Sylvia Ramos

"It is not limited to Spanish-speaking pastors," Mr. Ramos said. "We ask the pastors of each district to identify emerging ministry leaders within their congregations who have a desire to reach out to the Hispanic community. We then invite these ministry leaders along with their pastors to the workshop to share vision and strategies."

The U.S. Hispanic Ministry Department of Church Administration recognizes the importance and need of proclaiming the gospel in the heart language of the Hispanic people living in this country.

More than 35.4 million Hispanics live in the United States, according to the 2000 Census. Eighty-seven percent of them speak Spanish at home (Nielsen Enumeration Survey 95-96). The United States can now be identified as the fifth largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. This is a large mission field.

"An important goal of the U.S. Hispanic Ministry Department is to identify and equip Spanish-speaking ministry workers to reach out to this ever-growing community," Mr. Ramos said.

Mission

The U.S. Hispanic Ministry Department of Church Administration exists to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Hispanic communities throughout the United States and to equip Spanish-speaking disciples with a passion of reaching out to the lost.

Goals

• dentify, equip and mobilize emerging Spanish-speaking ministry workers to effectively reach out to the lost.

• Train and send out Spanish-speaking ministry leaders in order to train others in evangelism and other ministries.

• Recognize and support existing Hispanic ministries within the church.

• Encourage the establishment of Spanish-speaking WCG congregations.

 
REACHING OUT TO MORMONS—Salt Lake City pastors gather with WCG officials April 2 to discuss the WCG’s transformation. Clockwise from lower left: John McKenna, WCG; Ken Mulholland, Mike Gray, Mike Hurt, James Ayers, Mike Feazell, WCG; Eric Nachtrieb, Bill Young, Pastor General Joseph Tkach and Gregory Johnson. [Photos by Thomas C. Hanson]

To the next article in this series

Disciplemaking youth ministry 
includes equipping workers

You may have noticed the emphasis in our youth ministry articles on following the disciplemaking ministry patterns that Jesus modeled and then commanded his disciples: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).

What is often overlooked is the process Jesus outlined—the same process he used in his earthly ministry that culminated in commissioning the disciples to go and do likewise.

If the Gospel accounts only shared that Jesus called and commissioned his disciples, we would be left wondering how he did it. Thankfully, however, the Gospels are full of the details of Jesus’ disciplemaking ministry. Those details provide us with a rich source of direction as we seek to follow Jesus in obeying his command to make disciples.

Hallmarks of the early years of Jesus’ ministry include the following:

• News about him spread throughout the region (Luke 4:32).

• People were amazed at his teaching and authority (John 2:23-25).

• Crowds gathered to see and listen to him (John 4:39-42).

About a year and a half into his ministry, Jesus begins to focus his attention on those who want more than to simply eat the food he miraculously provides or watch miracles. He begins to invest in a few in an intentional way. And he challenges these few to become fishers of men.

We find, for instance, that Andrew, Peter, James and John become a priority of Jesus’ ministry. He eats in their homes (Mark 1:29; 2:15). He spends additional time with them (Mark 9:2). He withdraws from the masses to spend time with just a few (Mark 7:17; 9:30-31). He is intentionally equipping those who have shown a level of interest beyond simply wanting to sit in the audience. Such equipping doesn’t happen by accident. It is a strategic component of the development of a disciplemaking ministry.

Jesus’ strategy for equipping believers to become active in his disciplemaking work can be summarized by the acronym CPR. C refers to cultivating. Jesus set an example of investing time in developing enduring relationships with the few who wanted more. While this no doubt took time away from the masses, it was Jesus’ intent to build an enduring ministry. To do so required equipping and developing a cadre of those who would enthusiastically continue a disciplemaking ministry once Jesus’ own earthly ministry was complete.

P refers to planting. Peppered throughout the Gospels are numerous accounts of Jesus sharing with his inner core of disciples the attitudes and skills necessary to become productive workers in Jesus’ harvest ministry. Jesus intentionally set up and capitalized on what we sometimes refer to as teachable moments. Such teachable moments are most productive when the teacher has cultivated an enduring relationship with the student.

Interestingly, the disciples began to seek these teachable moments with Jesus. In Matthew 17:10, they ask him questions about the teachers of the law. In verse 19, they ask why a demon could not be driven out. In 18:1, they ask about the kingdom of heaven.

R refers to reaping a life-changing harvest by holding each other accountable to walk like Jesus walked. In John 13:12-17, Jesus set an example for his disciples, but followed up with instructions that they should follow that example. Accountability was increasing as Jesus’ ministry neared an end. Expectations were on the rise that the planting and cultivating would ultimately produce a disciplemaking harvest.

Effective youth ministry does not end with bringing students to Jesus or in building up those students in their faith. Rather, effective disciplemaking youth ministry includes following Jesus in identifying those who want more and investing in equipping them for active participation in Jesus’ work on earth. This equipping occurs through sharing teachable points of view that are biblically based, and then holding the student accountable to do something with what they are learning.

How do we identify those who want more? Those who emerge as candidates for equipping have some distinct characteristics. For starters, they make themselves available. Being a disciple who makes disciples becomes a priority. They clear time to learn more. I was once told: "You can hear what people say is a priority to them, but the best way to validate this is to check what they do with their money and their time." Those who want more demonstrate that level of commitment by freeing their calendar and other resources to engage more actively in ministry.

A candidate for equipping will show himself or herself to be faithful. They have track records that demonstrate an eager desire to focus on things that are important to Jesus, not just themselves. And the fruit in their lives begins to reflect Christ’s priority in their day-to-day conduct.

They are teachable. Jesus’ disciples demonstrated this characteristic as they began to ask more and more questions of him. They had a thirst for learning.

A final characteristic is that they are responsive. Jesus provided what some might see as mundane expectations associated with service, such as passing out the loaves and fishes, to observe how his disciples responded to his Lordship in their lives.

It is difficult if not impossible to pour oneself into the lives of hundreds or even dozens of people for equipping purposes. Jesus’ own example was that he invested in a small group that he fully expected would, in turn, invest themselves in equipping a small group to become disciplemakers—thus perpetuating the disciplemaking cycle.

Jesus’ method for equipping went far beyond offering a two-hour workshop. For Jesus, equipping was a life-style—a 24 hour a day, seven days a week investment in the lives of his inner circle of disciples.

Following Jesus’ methodology for equipping workers presents significant challenges for us. How do we find the time and the appropriate places? The answers are not easy, but when it comes to equipping youths and the adults who serve in youth ministry, I have found that time away together for concentrated equipping is of great value.

One such place is the Summer Educational Program (SEP), which provides an immersion experience where youth leaders actively equip youths who want more. If you are a teen, older preteen or college-age young adult who is hungry to be equipped to participate in youth ministry, I encourage you to come to camp.

If you are a youth ministry worker who wants to be further equipped and to help equip our youths, I invite you to apply to work on the staff of one of our camps. Camper and staff applications are available at www.wcg.org/youth/application_regional.asp 

Another option for intensive equipping are the YouthBuilders conferences that Ted Johnston and I conduct in various locations in the United States. We also equip youth leaders and workers at our 2003 regional conferences.

While such conferences do not take the place of long-term equipping relationships, they are significant short-term and intensive equipping opportunities for those who want more. If you are interested in attending one of these conferences, check with your pastor, who can give you the details.

One final note. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus said: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Please join us in asking for these additional workers, and please consider whether God is answering your prayer by asking you to be one of them. If you sense God asking you to seek equipping, be sure to let your pastor or your youth ministry leader know—they will be happy to help you get the equipping you seek.

Jeb Egbert

Copyright © 2003 Worldwide Church of God

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—New Beginnings, the San Antonio congregation, was host for a camp-out March 21 and 22 at rustic and serene Bastrop State Park for any families that included teen or preteen members (plus anyone else who felt young-at-heart). About 40 people from San Antonio, Austin and Victoria, Texas, attended.

In past years, WCG families—especially young people—from central and south Texas built bonds through inter-church sports events, camp-outs, dances and other activities. However, in the last few years, the congregations have had little interaction, and former relationships have weakened. The purpose of the campout was: "To recapture a connection among the youths and families of these congregations along with fun and rest and relaxation."

Families helped other families pitch their tents, some being set up at midnight by the beams of flashlights. A spaghetti dinner and a full-course breakfast cooked by Don Persyn helped keep the campers happy. Volleyball, Frisbee golf, capture the flag and a series of goofy games added to the enjoyment and intermixing of strangers-soon-to-be-friends. Meaningful discussions around the glow of the camp fire inspired some to keep talking into the wee hours of the morning.

The work of Pastor Rodney Schuler and his wife, Paula, and Rocky Conrad, youth minister, was worthwhile. The reconnection had begun. Rodney and Paula Schuler and Lee Berger.

Sayre, Oklahoma,
teen girls in National
Youth Service Day

SAYRE, Oklahoma—April 12 was National Youth Service Day, and the teen girls of the Circle of Love Fellowship did their part in serving the community and the church. The girls helped to serve 50 people a lunch of chili hot dogs and chips provided by the Sayre Chamber of Commerce for the annual Trash Off Day. Women of the church provided dessert.

Many prison inmates and guards helped pick up trash. After lunch, they continued picking up trash, and Circle of Love conducted its worship service. Teen member Valerie McMurtry and her friend, Kennan Daughtry, led a discussion Bible study on each member’s favorite Bible verse and each person’s Bible hero. The teens led praise and worship.

"This was one of our outreach programs to help the community and to let people know we are here to serve them," Pastor Ben West said. "Mayor Jack Ivester thanked our group for our help in providing a place to gather and a place to eat."

Nancy Sanders of the Sayre Chamber of Commerce said, "Your involvement was a blessing to us."

Girl Scouts Week:
Sayre, Oklahoma

SAYRE, Oklahoma—The Junior Girl Scouts presented a program to the Circle of Love Fellowship March 15 to thank them for the use of their church building for weekly meetings.

The program was part of their observance of Girl Scout Week.

In return, Pastor Ben West thanked the girls for taking such good care of the building and keeping it clean. The girls and their troop leader, Spring Bowman, stayed for the worship service and a fellowship meal afterward.

Big Sandy teens
participate in
30 hour famine

BIG SANDY—From Feb. 21 to 23 the PRODIGALS youth group of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship made a mark in their communities.                                                   The PRODIGALS

We gathered on Friday night, Feb. 21, for a meal prepared for us by Jerome and Helen Ellard and began the weekend by watching the 30 Hour Famine video followed by a praise and worship service.

Guest speaker Joey Brannen, from New Beginnings in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, spoke to us about sin in our lives. He then led us in communion in preparation for our 30-hour fast. We began our fast at midnight.

We were going to sleep in the churchyard so we could get a feel of what it would be like to be homeless, but because of inclement weather, we moved our cardboard village into the church building and spent the night under a roof.

Saturday morning, we met for a Bible study given by Josh Sowards, also of Oklahoma City. Instead of our breakfast meal we fed on God’s Word, as Josh led us in a study about humility.

Then the PRODIGALS led the worship service. Pastor Roger Strickland from the Mount Sinai Baptist church, spoke on unity in the body of Christ, where we are all equals in God’s sight.

After the service, the PRODIGALS and their guests divided into three groups. One group took off toward Hawkins, one to Big Sandy and another to Gladewater. We had a scavenger hunt for items needed for charities in these towns.

We walked to Two Rivers grocery store, a two-mile hike, to spend 50 cents per person on the meal to break our fast the next morning. This taught us to appreciate the transportation we have as well as the abundance of food in this country.

We had $8 in all and spent $7.44 on four packages of hot dogs, one loaf of bread, two dozen eggs and one box of pancake mix.

During the weekend we played games that taught us about the needs of others in our country as well as Third World countries. We spent Saturday night in praise and worship to our Savior and then met around a bonfire. We had testimonies and confessions given by many. It was a time of sharing, caring and reaching out. Sunday morning, after giving thanks for the food, we broke our fast with the food we bought, prepared by John and Darlene Jones.

Josh Sowards then led the teens in a Bible study on "How to Keep the Fire Going." The PRODIGALS then conducted the worship service.

After church the PRODIGALS served beans and rice provided by the Benners to the congregation as a symbol of the type of meal people in Third World countries eat every day. We raised $931 for World Vision. Travis Slick.

Six teens graduate from
Kids Evangelism Explosion

PASADENA—Six teens from NewLife Fellowship graduated from the Kids Evangelism Explosion class March 16. The class is designed to clarify the gospel for kids, to bring children to a saving knowledge of Christ and to help children become witnesses for Christ.

The class involved a 16-week interactive class and on-the-job training. In on-the-job training, a trainer and two trainees would share the gospel message with a child in the 7 to 11 year age range. Several children accepted Jesus as their Savior as a result of the kids sharing the gospel message with them.

One of the major benefits of the class was that the six trainees now have a better understanding of what the gospel message is, because in learning to share it with others it became clearer to them. The graduates are Abel D, John L, Melinda M, Steven M, Deanna O and Anthony W. Janet Morrison.

Graduates from left: Deanna, John, Melinda, Abel, Ezer
Maninang (trainer), Janet Morrison (director),
Jayson Ferrer (trainer), Anthony and
Steven. [Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]

Learning to Be Like Christ, Part 3

Learning by Living

We were made to be like Jesus—but how is that different than trying to be like Buddha or Confucius? How is Christianity different from other religions that tell people to imitate a highly respected role model? It is different in several ways.

First, most religions teach some form of works as the path of salvation—saying the right prayers, doing the right things, hoping it will be enough. They imply that people can be good enough if they try hard enough.

But Christianity teaches that we all need grace because we cannot be good enough no matter how hard we try. The point of grace, and of Jesus’ sacrifice, is that no amount of good works or religious deeds can ever save anyone. If such a path could have been designed, then God would have done it (Galatians 3:21). The Christian gospel teaches that no one can earn salvation, and yet it is available to all, because Jesus gives it to us.

Second, most religions tell us to change our behavior, and they expect us to supply all the effort. Christianity says that God himself will supply the power we need to change our lives. We humans have gotten ourselves into this mess, and we can’t rescue ourselves. The power of salvation must come from God.

We are not trying to transform ourselves into the image of Christ—we want to let God do it in us. The Bible describes this as the Holy Spirit living in us, God living in us, or Jesus Christ living in us. The power to change our behavior comes from him, not from within ourselves. It is his work, not anything we can take credit for.

Third, most religions motivate people through threats and desire for reward. Christianity motivates us through grace and love. We obey God not out of fear, but out of love and thankfulness for what he has done. And we are confident that he has given us the best instructions possible on how to live.

Christianity says that we were created for a purpose, and that purpose is eternal happiness living with a supremely loving God (Psalm 16:11). Jesus is not just an example of how we ought to live—he is also an example of what salvation means. He lives in eternal glory, and says that we can join him in that glory, if we trust him.

Over the centuries, Christians have found several ways to let God do his work in our lives. God does not force us to love him—love by definition has to be willingly given; it cannot be programmed into us or forced out of us. We have to choose it. God works in us as we submit to him. "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).

How do we invite God to do his work in our lives? How do we become more like Jesus Christ? In several ways:

In worship, we are reminded of God’s greatness, his mercy and his desire to do good in our lives. We are reminded that we can trust him and that we depend on him, just as Jesus did.

In prayer, we acknowledge that we depend on God, and we ask him for the help we need—needs such as food, intervention, and spiritual change. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

In Bible study, we read and think about the works and words of God. Jesus studied Scripture and used its words to help him resist temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). He said that humans do "not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (verse 4). Spiritual life needs spiritual nourishment.

In the church, we interact with other people in the same Christ-focused training program. We learn from our interactions about how to express love, and we grow in appreciation for people who have talents and abilities different from our own. Jesus created the church not just to preach the gospel, but to help us grow, because that is also part of his work and purpose.

In service, in helping others, we act the way Jesus would. We learn by experience that service gives us more life satisfaction than selfishness does. Being involved in the work of God is the most satisfying feeling of all, for it will be of eternal value. When we die, we can’t take physical things with us, but we can take relationships.

In the day-to-day experiences of life, we have opportunities to learn to be like Jesus, to choose to be patient, to be considerate, to help others, to pray. On the job and in our homes, Jesus has something to say about what we do.

What about the trials and difficulties of life? We wish they’d go away, but Jesus never promised that. Instead, he promised us problems: "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). "No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15:20).

God uses our difficulties as opportunities for us to learn. Even Jesus had to experience troubles. "Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). If even Jesus had to learn through suffering, we can expect it to be part of our training program, too.

We will experience problems in life whether or not we follow Jesus. Our choice is not whether to have problems, but whether we learn from those problems. Do we react to them the way Jesus would, or do we become bitter and seek revenge? We learn more about love when we love people who are hard to love; we learn more about forgiveness when people sin against us. Our character is shaped more like Jesus not so much in good times, but in difficult times.

We do not always understand why God allows people to suffer. We may not see any good in it, or any lesson to learn. But God assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). We may not know how—we just have to trust him.

Whatever the trial, we can at least be assured of this: "Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (verse 18). We can be confident, even in our trials, that God has something wonderful planned for us. Our trials are only temporary, but the glory will last forever!

The Bible warns us that several things can stifle the work God is doing in our lives. We can resist those enemies, but it will take some effort.

In Luke 8, Jesus told a story about seeds in different types of soil. In his story, the seed represented the word of God (verse 11). Some people receive the gospel message with joy. "They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away" (verse 13). They expected Christianity to be smooth sailing, but that is not what Jesus promises. "When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away" (Matthew 13:21).

Another group of people are like seeds that fell among weeds. Although the message of Jesus began to grow in their lives, it was eventually choked out by weeds. "As they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature" (Luke 8:14).

Some people are so distracted by the things of this world, that they fail to think about eternal life. The gospel has no results in their lives because they ignore it—they are too "busy" to give eternity any time. Either they are amusing themselves with wealth, or they are frustrating themselves trying to get wealth (see also 1 John 2:16-17). Either way, they don’t give God any time. They are choosing mortal life instead of eternal life.

However, some people respond well to the message: "The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by perseverance produce a crop" (Luke 8:15). Perseverance helps us grow and produce fruit. Our choices make a difference in what the gospel does in our lives.

We need to value the eternal life that Jesus offers us—and we need to act like it is more valuable than the temporary rewards of this mortal life. We should love God more than we love money, physical pleasures, or the success that this world offers. Those things are temporary, so we need to keep our eyes on the goal of eternal life, with eternal pleasures and eternal significance.

We have a choice. If we want a meaningful life, a satisfying life, an enjoyable life, then we need to look to Jesus as our model, and as the power that can change our life.

God wants us to live forever in love and joy, and we need to trust him to do the work that he has already begun. He’s the one who created us to be "in his own image"; he’s the one who sent Jesus to guarantee it for us; we can be sure that he will finish his work in our lives. Trust him, and open your life to let him work more powerfully!

Michael Morrison

Copyright © 2003

UNION, New Jersey—Members past, present and future gathered together to mark Union’s sixth annual Unity in Diversity celebration. Born out of a desire to recognize Black History Month, the event has evolved into a celebration of the congregation’s diverse membership.

The day began with the call to worship presented by the combined choirs of the Newark 24-7 and Union churches, followed by an inspiring praise and worship service. The combined dance ensembles of Umoja and Nsombi blessed the congregation with dances of praise, and then the choirs from the two congregations delivered the offertory piece.

The service continued with a reading of Max Lucado’s "Do That Again Lord," and the Joyful Praise Singers and Children of a Greater God filled the auditorium with God’s praise with their rendition of Kirk Franklin’s "Always."

HUMANITARIAN PRESENTATION—
Joudon Ford (far right) receives Humanitarian
award from Pastor John Adams. Looking on,
from left, are James H. Winston, Eleanor
Holder-Elcock, Sandra Delmonte and
Thomas Ackerman. [Photo by Mary Malcolm]

Each year on this special day the Union congregation honors specially selected individuals who have clearly personified the examples Christ set. This year Vilma Sidotti was honored with the WCG-Union Pillar award, and Joudon Ford was the recipient of the WCG-Union Humanitarian award.

The Pillar award is given to an individual who offers service that uplifts and supports others and is generally done so from behind the scenes.

The Humanitarian award is bestowed upon the person who exemplifies the words of Matthew 25:35-36, to that person who looks into the eyes of the lesser members of society and sees a child of God there, and in turn that person looks into their eyes and sees Jesus.

JOYFUL PRAISE SINGERS & CHILDREN
OF A GREATER GOD [Photo by Mary Malcolm]

Mr. Ford was also presented with an award of excellence from Jacqueline Young, superintendent of the Essex County Educational Services Commission, for his dedicated and tireless service to the youths of Sojourn High School at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.

After the presentations Mr. Ford gave voice to the expressive dance movements of Eleanor Holder-Elcock in a presentation of "In Return."

Jeff Broadnax, pastor of the Clarkstown, New Jersey, and Middleton, New York, churches, gave a sermon titled "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Mr. Broadnax said that we each have a song to sing, a story to share, an experience that will at some point become an inspiration to someone else, an incentive that will be a source of comfort, strength and encouragement.

Union had more than 35 guests for the day. For those attending a Worldwide Church of God service for the first time, this was a wonderfully rewarding experience. Brenda Moretti said that Mr. Broadnax was a "dynamic speaker with a thought-provoking message." Carl Williams shared that the entire day was inspirational, and that the sermon held a real message from which he could reap vital knowledge.

Jackie Burke said that Mr. Broadnax’s message inspired her, and she was ready to go share his message. An agnostic in attendance was impressed with the praise and worship portion of the service and felt that Mr. Broadnax’s sermon brought out life lessons that people should strive to live by.

The day was capped off with a potluck supper and hours of warm fellowship between all attending. Janelle Winston.

MERIDEN, Connecticut—Carlton and Judy Green came from California Feb. 8 to help the Meriden congregation celebrate Black History Month. They shared in a wonderful celebration with a worship service in the morning, followed by a social and a praise service in the afternoon.

Many from the surrounding communities came. Larry Wooldridge.

MUSKEGON, Michigan—In honor of Black History Month, on the first Sunday in February, Arlene Beckem gave a reconciliation program along with her family. Seventeen members of her family attended. Arlene said that for reconciliation to take place in our church we must remember Christ and the woman caught in adultery. Christ did not condone the woman’s sin, neither did he ignore it.

Thus, she said, we cannot condone or ignore the sins of our white ancestors and how they mistreated and enslaved African Americans. She said we as sisters and brothers in Christ need to come together and talk about injustices so that we do not unwittingly continue to do them. This would help the world know that we are Christians.

Then, Arlene’s niece and nephew, Kela Hubbard and Demarkus Nelson sang, "They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love." Arlene’s sister, Sefonia Beckem-Hubbard, said that although she is not a WCG member, she appreciated how the members, as well as the pastor, Mr. Butler, and the assistant pastor, Norm David, have always been so helpful to their family.

She and her daughter, Kela Hubbard, presented Mr. Butler and Mr. David with flowers. She sang "His Eyes Are on the Sparrow." Arlene’s brother, Anthony Beckem, said that although he is not a member, he feels so welcome each time he visits Arlene’s church. He sang, "I Keep Running Back to You" and "Show Me (Lord) How to Love."

Mr. Butler concluded the program by giving a sermon titled "Reconciliation Is a God Thing." He talked about how God reconciled humanity to himself while we were yet sinners, thus we need to extend that same kindness and love to others.

The second Sunday, Arlene’s brother John, an evangelist who lives in Detroit, visited the congregation and gave a sermon titled "United for Spiritual War." He reminded the congregation that it did not matter what church or denomination we are in, the only way we as Christians can fight Satan is by uniting.

The third Sunday, a black group sang different types of Gospel and praise songs.

PHOENIX, Arizona—The Community of Hope Church and the Office of Reconciliation Ministries sponsored a Healing Racism Workshop on Feb. 8, during Black History Month, at Grand Canyon University, in the Ethington Theatre.

Pastor Phillip Rice of the Community of Hope Church, a WCG congregation, gave the invocation. Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County sheriff, commented about his experience with ethnic prejudice as a leading law enforcement official.

Jesse McGuire, a trumpet soloist, performed the national anthem and told about his experience at Ground Zero in New York City. T.J. Gies, a Community of Hope Church youth, led workshop attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Curtis May, ORM director and a WCG district superintendent, defined racism, prejudice and stereotyping in his plenary address. An experienced workshop leader, Mr. May and his wife, Jannice, have traveled extensively in the United States and abroad to promote reconciliation in the WCG and to provide sensitivity training in areas of racism, genderism and denominationalism.

In a video presentation, John Dawson of the International Reconciliation Coalition explained the process of reconciliation between individuals and people groups, and the necessity for confession, repentance, restoration and restitution to help people heal from wounds caused by oppression.

Ethnic Notions, another videotaped presentation, showed the harm that is done on a national scale when stereotyping is perpetuated. Afterward, six panelists shared their personal experiences of how racism and prejudice affected them. A few members of the audience also shared their stories of broken relationships caused by racism.

In the afternoon, Tom Wiles, chaplain of Grand Canyon University, emphasized the need for forgiveness within the Christian community, to bring people together who have been harmed by racist attitudes.

The workshop included a third video, which presented little-known facts about important inventions by African Americans, who made a significant difference in American history.

Mr. Rice concluded the workshop by acknowledging some of the ways that past teachings of the Worldwide Church of God perpetuated racism and the many positive cultural changes that have occurred in the WCG, which have promoted healing and a spirit of community in our denomination.

It was evident from the positive comments made by attendees during the workshop and in surveys turned in afterward that this event brought a deeper appreciation of the need for greater public awareness of what racism is and how it can be healed.

Planning team members who worked together to promote and provide the workshop are Diane Bungert, Larry and Blanche Marshall, Art Mathis, Mary and George Nemecek, Phillip Rice and Carol Swiney. Marilyn Fall, Phoenix ORM chapter leader.

DALLAS, Texas—Curtis May, director of the Office of Reconciliation Ministries (ORM), spoke at Grace Family Church on April 27.

"I pray daily for unity in the Body of Christ," Mr. May said. "What we do should be a reflection of God. We need to defend the character of God."

Citing 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, he said all Christians have been called to the ministry of reconciliation.

The minister addressed the church’s discipleship class and served as speaker for the main service.

In one video Mr. May showed, an ABC News film crew followed two everyday people, one white and one black, as they each tried to rent an apartment, get a job and buy a car. The white man was frequently treated much better than the black man. Whenever the news crew confronted one of the perpetrators, he or she would deny they had done anything wrong.

DALLAS VISIT—From left: Curtis and Jannice
May and Sherry and Lynn Hebert.

Mr. May said he has personally experienced incidents of harassment, such as police, with lights flashing, making him get out of his car following his counseling a white person in a white neighborhood. A similar incident occurred to Mr. May and his son, Brad, a policeman, when they were outside the home of a disabl