SUNDAY CHURCH
PLANT—J. Michael Feazell,
WCG national publications
director, speaks to a
new church congregation Sunday, March 21, in
Rancho
Cucamonga, California. Neil Earle (far left)
pastors the congregation, along
with the Glendora
church.
www.ienewcovenantfellowship.org
[Photo by Susan Earle]
Champlin, St. Paul members
prepare for Palau
campaign
CHAMPLIN, Minnesota—During the last several months, members of the Living Hope (Champlin) and New Life (St. Paul) churches have been learning about evangelism and preparing themselves for a Luis Palau campaign in St. Paul Aug. 7 and 8. More than 400 churches are participating.
“Our members have volunteered to work with youths and be on prayer teams and other ministries,” said Pastor Doug Johannsen.
 Karen Doyle |
Karen Doyle, a speaker and area representative for Stonecroft Ministries as well as a representative of the Luis Palau festival team, accepted an invitation to speak to Champlin and St. Paul members Feb. 14 and 15.
Here are some excerpts from her message: “You and I are the preachers, you and I are the ones sent. We are evangelists—not like Billy Graham or Luis Palau or a street corner evangelist. Not all of us are called to be that type.
“There are types of evangelists. We each have a different type.” She went on to explain that there are at least eight types of evangelists and that these types would be discussed in detail in evangelism training sessions. “Take these classes and you will learn what type of evangelist you are. You will learn how to use your type to meet other people. Being an evangelist is simply reaching out and telling others about Jesus Christ. God gives us instances, opportunities in our lives.”
“Did you know that 85 percent of people who come to know Jesus Christ come because they have a relationship with someone?”
Urging us into friendship evangelism, she continued: “If you are in school, are you talking to just the people who believe the way you do? If you’re in your office, are you going to lunch with just the people who are Christians? Are you reaching out to people who don’t know Jesus? We need to develop a relationship with them. When we gain their trust then we have the opportunity and privilege of sharing Jesus Christ with them.”
TUSCUMBIA, Alabama—Each year, Faith Community Church, the WCG congregation in
 Roland Stanley |
Tuscumbia, participates in the Shoals Save-A-Life Baby Bottle program as one of its community help projects.
Each person who takes a bottle agrees to donate the amount they can collect in three to four weeks. Contributions are usually daily pocket change, but can be currency or checks. Save-A-Life is a Christian program to counsel and assist girls through unwanted pregnancies. As the name implies, the intent of the program is to save the babies. The program collected more than $120,000 during the 2003 campaign in churches and schools. Roland Stanley.
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| FAMILY EVENT—Teens serve free ice cream before movie. |
MOOROOLBARK, Australia—After several years of taking what seemed like uncertain and faltering steps, the Mooroolbark Christian Fellowship (MCF) in Victoria has become an increasingly active part of the Mooroolbark community over the past two years.
As the congregation’s networks have developed, the church has found itself playing a facilitating role in bringing many groups in the community together in practical ways.
MCF’s community presence began several years ago when the church began meeting in the community center after other meeting places became unavailable. Although the congregation had been involved in the community for some time, from the beginning of 2002 partnerships have increasingly been forged between the congregation and the community center, as well as with the traders association, community groups, school
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| MOVIE NIGHT—Families arrive for movie night. |
communities and other churches.
As a congregation, we have been graciously welcomed by pastors and members of several churches, and have been involved in regular cooperative ventures.
Many of the church’s networks have been developed through a quarterly magazine, Living Today, which is delivered to all Mooroolbark households (about 7,000). Living Today highlights and celebrates success stories and community initiatives, as well as promoting community services of our own and other churches’ activities designed to serve the community.
Each edition also features a lead article discussing a Christian value or principle in general terms and familiar language. A companion article inside presents a more overt Christian perspective on the same topic, along with contact details for follow-up literature. Randall Bourchier.
BUFORD, Georgia—Buford Fellowship Church, pastored by David Whited and Terry Cohron, has embarked on a new program to encourage regular attendees as well as bringing new babes-in-Christ into the church.
We have initiated a monthly Wednesday evening Bible study, and weekly Sunday Bible studies. We have also started monthly men’s breakfasts with accompanying Bible study.
We have retained our monthly potluck dinner.
On Feb. 29, we were blessed with a performance by a group of musicians called “The Trumpet Ensemble.” They performed several numbers and were conducted by our own Sally Stratton. We had 30 visitors and a total attendance of 71. Whit Russell.
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| Rey Taniajura |
MANILA, Philippines—Rey Taniajura was elected to the board of directors of PHILRADS (Philippine Relief and Development Services, Inc.) March 15.
The organization serves as the relief and development arm of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC).
It seeks to enable and equip local churches to minister to the poor and needy.
In addition to providing relief and livelihood assistance, it also helps set up community development projects and child development centers.
Elected chairman of the board of PHILRADS is Dave Sobrepena, general secretary of the Assemblies of God church in the Philippines. Elected vice chairman is Felipe Ferrez, president of the Foursquare Gospel churches of the Philippines. Arlan Aquino.
WILSON, North Carolina—The Wilson women’s ministry conducted a Christmas service at the Piney Wood Elderly Care Home in Ahoskie, North Carolina.
Helen Johnson, women’s ministry coordinator, opened the program with a thank-you for the invitation. Doris Murphy led worship with Altrovise Terry at the piano. Women’s ministry members combined their voices in songs of praise. Lauretta Lewis invited everyone to the throne of God in prayer.
Stella Whitley extended a welcome to staff members, the women’s ministry group and the 22 residents in attendance. Beatrice Askew gave personal recognition to the residents. Doris Murphy sang “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” after which her husband, James, read a poem, “Music on Christmas Morning,” written by Anne Bronte.
Linda Terry read Isaiah 40:10-11, followed by Phyllis Smith, who read Luke 2:8-14. Markie Braswell lit the Advent unity Candle of Christ, followed by a reading by Toy Braswell.
Lisa Askew played Silent Night on an electric keyboard.
Then, Helen Johnson delivered a message titled “You Are Not an Accident.”
Stella Whitley gave a response to the message, with a grateful heart of being able to get to hear the message and get to know the women of the Worldwide Church of God. Helen Johnson.
PASADENA—Fourteen members from three of the WCG Pasadena congregations (NewLife Fellowship, Community Life Fellowship and Pasadena Spanish) attended the Connecting Kids to Christ Workshop March 20 at the Foothill Community Church in Covina, sponsored by Children’s Ministry magazine.
The workshop started with us finding the “One Thing” that is needed to connect kids to Christ. This “One Thing” is starting and developing a lifelong friendship with Jesus as the core of children’s ministry from nursery to preteens. Participants did a lot of fun-filled learning activities to aid in teaching lessons to children.
The morning was spent on learning how to renew and strengthen your relationship with God so your ministry would be an overflow of your life and then developing a clear goal and strategy to accomplish God’s call for you. Participants then learned how to master creative ways to help, know and follow Jesus as their forever friend.
In the afternoon, participants were grouped in the specific ministries where they serve (nursery and preschool, elementary, preteen and leadership) and helped each other (using a workbook) by sharing their experiences in groups of four.
The seminar wrapped up with participants committing to connect kids to Christ through everything they did.
For further information or to find the location of the workshop nearest you, visit the Children’s Ministry magazine’s web site at www.cmmag.com/cmml2004 or call them at 1-800-888-5991. The more people who attend, the lower the registration fee, and each paid registration includes a one-year subscription to Children’s Ministry magazine. Ezer Maninang and Nancy Akers.
CAMBRIDGE, Ohio—The Cambridge women’s ministry will be host for a retreat July 23 to 25 with a theme of “The Master’s Table.”
The cost will be $90 per person. A non-refundable $45 deposit is needed by June 15.
Attendees will see the passion play The Living Word.
Speakers will include Lyn Mills, who will talk about planning to survive widowhood. Rose Harless will speak on Heaven’s Grocery Store.
Please contact Lyn Mills at 5254 Skyline Dr., Cambridge, Ohio, 43725; phone 1-740-439-7037; e-mail cambridgemom@yahoo.com.
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| DEFENDING MARRIAGE—Pastors and ministry leaders, including Daniel Bierer, WCG pastor, gather on the steps of City Hall in Manhattan March 29 to proclaim the biblical definition of marriage. |
NEW YORK, New York—More than 300 pastors and ministry leaders gathered on the steps of City Hall in Manhattan March 29 to proclaim the biblical definition of marriage.
Five hundred congregations were represented. Several WCG members were present, including Daniel Bierer, pastor of the Manhattan, Westchester and White Plains, New York, churches.
“Participants came with an attitude of repentance, humility and love to acknowledge that the moral decline of our culture is primarily the fault of the believing church due to its passivity and indifference in regards to the societal needs at large,” Mr. Bierer said. “Matthew 19:4-6 was read in defense of the traditional biblical view of marriage.”
Joseph Mattera, founder of the City Covenant Coalition, led the press conference and prayer rally that followed. Roderick Ceasar led the group in singing praise songs on the steps of City Hall.
Manhattan Community Church, the WCG congregation in Manhattan, is an associate partner of the City Covenant Coalition.
Response from Bulgaria
BONN, Germany—“We received several letters from readers of the Bulgarian magazine Swiata Istina, who express their gratitude for the magazine,” said Alois Mair of the German Office.
A pastor of two evangelical congregations wrote: “For several years we read your free Bulgarian magazine Swiata Istina. With this letter I would like to ask you for several copies for my brethren.
“Many believers need Christian literature. I am an evangelical pastor in the village of Marinka, 15 kilometers away from Burgas and in the village Panichareno, 30 kilometers away from Burgas.
“The people there are gypsies. My wife works with 50 children, ages 5 to 15. These children need Christian literature, materials for children, pencils and books for their education. The unemployment rate and poverty are devastating, therefore spiritual literature, the spiritual light, helps a lot for the strengthening of our faith and our hope.
“I have pastored these villages for 13 years, and we are happy to see that you sacrifice your money, your time and your talents for God. With great joy we will pray in both villages for you! The Lord bless and expand your work!
“We would like to receive 50 to 60 copies of your magazine. We ask for booklets and New Testaments. We bless your work and your sacrifices for God’s Work in Bulgaria.”
Nikolay Nikolov, our friend and partner in the gospel in Bulgaria, together with his family and friends, visited the pastor and his congregation. They donated 100 New Testaments, Swiata Istina magazines, 200 Christian calendars for 2004, toys for 100 children, food and clothing.
Mr. Nikolov also informed us that a WCG information brochure in Russian is ready for printing.
“These are exciting developments,” Mr. Mair said. “God seems to be opening new doors for the gospel in Bulgaria, and we are privileged to have a part in it. Your prayers that God’s will may be done are appreciated.” Alois Mair.
PTM COURSE COMPLETED—Beatriz
Manalad (center, left photo) receives certificate Feb. 21 from Jim Roberts, San
Francisco pastor, and Hazel Roberts for completing PTM’s Experiencing the
Word course. [Photo by Jun Caranto] At right, Pastor General Joseph Tkach
and his wife, Tammy, along with John Siston (left) present certificate to John
Shrewsbury.
1980s Imperial High School
reunion
set for Dallas
DALLAS, Texas—If you were a student attending Imperial High School in Pasadena in the 1980s, you are invited to renew old friendships and make new ones at the Imperial High School (IHS) 1980s Reunion in Dallas, July 9 to 11.
The IHS reunion will take place at the DoubleTree Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria, 4099 Valley View Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75244. Call 1-800-222-TREE (1-800-222-8733) for reservations and mention you are with the Imperial High School Reunion to get our special room rate of $75 a night. (Free shuttle service is available from DFW Airport by using the hotel courtesy phones in the baggage claim area.)
The cost for the reunion is $45 for each adult. Children are free. Please make your checks payable to Liana Scott and mail to Liana Scott, 1717 E. Belt Line Rd. No. 1312, Coppell, Texas, 75019. A dinner-dance is planned for Saturday evening, July 10. Your reunion fee covers all costs. A family based event will take place Sunday, July 11, so bring your spouse and kids!
Please reserve your room and send in your reunion fee as soon as possible. We would appreciate knowing how many plan to attend. Also, if you know someone who attended Pasadena IHS during the 1980s, please pass this information along. For additional information, contact Amy Anderson-Wendland (amywendland@sbcglobal.net) or Liana Graham-Scott (liana.scott@ celanese.com).
Women inmates baptized in Philippine prison
PAMPANGA, Philippines—Iron bars and prison walls did not prevent the Word of God from entering the prison cells for women at the Pampanga Provincial Jail. Pastor Carlos Castro explained the gospel to the inmates Feb. 16. Visiting team members were padlocked in the cells along with the inmates during the Bible study.
On March 3, nine women inmates surrendered their lives and put their trust in Jesus Christ and affirmed their allegiance through baptism. Rudy Sultan.
Pikeville church plans citywide youth event
PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—The Pikeville WCG congregation is the main thrust behind JULY JAM (Jesus Unconditionally Loves You. Just Ask Me.), a youth outreach scheduled for this summer. Several churches are participating.
The outreach will take place in the city park every Friday evening during the month of July from 8 to 10 p.m. Each evenin will feature area bands, a message and a youth drama team.
Pastor Tim Brassell will speak the third Friday. Cameron Mills, former University of Kentucky basketball player, will be the featured speaker for the final night. Light refreshments will be available and free things given away each Friday. There is no cost for this event.
JULY JAM will give church members an opportunity to share God’s love with the youths in our area.
For more information, please call Mike Stewart at 1-606-639-6102 or send e-mail to him at mike.stewart@gci.org.
Not too small to do great things in the Lord
MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana—The Michigan City church, which averages 30 people in attendance, is sponsoring 10 young people for the Spiritual Enrichment Program (SEP) in Illinois this summer, and they are still looking for ways to send more.
“This is as a result of the burden felt by two of the members for young people,” said Pastor Michael Houghton.
After the 2003 regional conference, Cleone Colvin and Jody Brinkeman approached Mr. Houghton with what they called a “crazy idea.” They said they wanted to minister to young people. This was “crazy” because this congregation had no young people at all in regular attendance.
The congregation worked to organize a youth day celebration of Jesus with youth messages and activities and a potluck featuring hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. Attendance that day was 28 adults and 19 young people. From zero to 19 in one event was extremely encouraging for the two women, so they decided to push on.
A fund raiser allowed the congregation to scholarship young people to SEP.
“Listening for the voice of the Lord and being willing to follow his lead will always produce great things,” Mr. Houghton said. “These two ladies built a ministry from the ground up simply because they were willing to follow the Lord.
“The Lord is working in mighty ways in the WCG, and it is a great privilege for all of us to be a part of what he is doing.”
Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2004