U.S. Festival: members excited about worship services

WCG members celebrate Festival at 14 regional and scores of local sites.

"From what I have heard, this year's Festival was a highwater mark in worship for many in our fellowship," said Mark McCulley, Festival Administration manager. "Many said they were more excited about the worship services--the music, the sermons and the atmosphere of loving fellowship--than ever before. Some had come only for the weekend but were so thrilled by the atmosphere that they stayed the rest of the week."

Following are reports from a few sites.

Vail, Colorado

"More than 200 (including several teens) committed their lives to Jesus Christ for the first time and many others made recommitments," said Ted Johnston, Festival coordinator.

"Many saw the need to become involved in ministry in their communities and congregations," Ted said. "God showed us that having received the benefits of the kingdom we need to reach out to offer it to others. One service focused on how to share our faith with others in nonthreatening ways. I believe the Festival was a `launching pad' for many into the ministry we all share as believers in Jesus Christ."

Bruce Marchiano, who played Jesus in the Visual Bible Matthew and Acts videos, shared his message about Jesus. "His dramatic monologues of Jesus' words from Matthew's Gospel provided a powerful reminder that through Jesus, God has come in the flesh, tabernacling among us to save us," Ted said.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

"This Festival more than any other I have experienced was a transforming of the heart," said coordinator Allen Bullock. "Many said they had never been so moved by a Festival before."

As a community service project members served two nursing and rehabilitation homes. Members made contributions that were used to buy snacks, clothing and personal items for residents.

About 80 members prepared 242 goody bags, each with a personal note attached. Sixty-three members distributed the bags, visited residents or provided musical entertainment. One nursing home resident said, "It feels like someone cares."

Seaside, Oregon

Two speakers from the evangelical community addressed our Saturday audience of 928 people, which included not only WCG members but other area Christians, according to coordinator Joel Lillengreen.

Pastor Jerry Thurston of the Life Center/Open Bible Church of Vancouver, Washington, welcomed the WCG into the evangelical fellowship and spoke about the importance of Christian networking.

Joe Aldrich, past president of Multnomah Bible College and Seminary, spoke on Christian evangelism as each Christian can take part in extending the light of God's kingdom into this world of darkness.

To express appreciation to the community, the church once again sponsored a food drive. Donations exceeded a ton of canned and nonperishable food and nearly $3,200.

At a women's tea, Sandra Snavely, a Portland talk show host, spoke on the role of Christian women of the '90s.

Caribbean Festival cruise

Six hundred fifty attended Festival services aboard the MS Ryndam in the eastern Caribbean.

They stopped for services on St. Lucia and an outdoor service and picnic in Barbados. Mr. Tkach spoke on both islands as well as on board the ship. Tammy Tkach and Sheila Graham conducted two women's ministry sessions on the ship.

Roger Batson, a member from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, died of a heart attack during the cruise. Members collected $2,700 for his widow, Anne.

(For those interested, details of the 1998 Panama Canal cruise are in the Aug. 19 Worldwide News.)

Saratoga Springs, New York

Members in Saratoga celebrated and worshiped at a new level, supported by consistently fine messages, workshops and exciting music, according to coordinator Jim Rosenthal. Two praise and worship evenings were open to the public.

Dennis Brunelle, director of the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, explained how the council's activities helped the community, and members donated nearly $5,000.

Palm Springs, California

"This year's Feast in Palm Springs was a truly spiritual event," said coordinator Richard Parker.

Members heard sermons from Jack Hayford of the Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, and Enrique Zone of Azusa Pacific University.

Kahuku, Hawaii

Two hundred twenty-seven members and guests attended the Hawaiian site on the island of Oahu.

A few Hawaii members who had not attended services for some time attended Festival services. They were so inspired that they decided to attend again.

Members donated $1,000 to a nonmember family whose house burned and seven children were killed. Curtis May and Bermie Dizon.

Local sites

Following are reports from some local sites.

Big Sandy, Texas

Coordinator Don Mears said that with Ambassador's closure, many members have found new jobs and were happy to celebrate the Festival without leaving home, and without taking time off from work.

Services were conducted on the evenings of the first and last days of the Festival, and on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Workshop topics were: "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Doctrine" and "Sharing Your Faith" by pastor Don Mears; and "Love Languages," how to communicate love in relationships, by Pat VanDeventer.

At Sunday services, Debbie Wylie, children's church teacher, gathered the children on stage to ask how they could "give Jesus a hug" by loving other people. The children read scriptures, responded to her questions, and sang a song.

As a community service project, the women's ministry collected donations to help provide bullet-proof vests for Big Sandy police.

Pasadena

In Pasadena, services were conducted on four days for those unable to attend the eight-day Festival in Palm Springs, according to coordinator Raul Ramos. The Pasadena Spanish church was host to the Festival, which included services, fellowship lunches, evangelistic programs and workshops.

More than 35 guests attended a Spanish-language service, including many from a rescue mission. Attending English language services were some former members.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Members in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, where Glenn Nice served as coordinator, were encouraged to use their gifts to touch peoples' lives and lead them to Jesus Christ.

In the closing service members were told that as they grow closer to Christ they become bolder in their service to others. Pat Kleweno.