By Thomas C. Hanson
The church's international regional directors and wives met in Pasadena June 18 to 21 and in Palm Springs June 22 to 26.
The Pasadena portion of the conference focused on strengthening work relationships, identifying growth areas and doing something to promote that growth, said Randal Dick, superintendent of missions.
In Palm Springs the regional directors and wives worked on enhancing relationships. Each morning was open time for appointments, and the afternoons began with small group meetings and worship.
Then one or two regional directors would informally analyze their region--the joys and sorrows, the ups and downs. Then they would pray about the region.
Mr. Tkach began the conference in Pasadena with an interactive discussion of what the directors and their wives expected of the conference. He concluded the conference with a discussion of whether those expectations had been met.
The directors also heard from Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers; treasurer Bernie Schnippert; Charles Albrecht, international operations manager; and Jack Hayford, pastor of the Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California.
John Halford, European regional director, said: "Overall, I think this was a very successful conference. It was encouraging and reassuring to hear about the problems and opportunities for the church around the world. It is obvious we are heading in the same direction, even if the roads seem sometimes different.
"In our church, God has built a truly international and multicultural instrument for his purpose. We must not allow ourselves to forget that, whether we live in Europe, the center of the United States, or in a remote island in the Pacific."
Rod Matthews, regional director for Australia and Asia, said: "The conference was one of the best we have had for some time. We much appreciated the time that Mr. Tkach dedicated to being with us, to listening to input from representatives of regions covering the whole world on a range of issues affecting the church, and for sharing his thoughts and feelings with us.
"I know that we all, but especially the ladies, much appreciated Tammy Tkach's presence and special contribution too. It was a profitable time together sharing the situations we face and our struggles at this time in the history of our fellowship.
"As the relationship matures between headquarters and the regions, I feel the conference was encouraging in helping us maintain our common focus and goals, yet exercising our responsibilities to find the most effective way of fulfilling the church's commission in the nations we serve."
Currently the regional directors meet once a year, but they hope to meet three times a year in the future.
July 22, 1997, WN, page one
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