December 1998 Contents

In this Issue

Cell-based church

Charles A. Calahan writes about the cell-based church he pastors in Wichita, Kansas.

The cell-based model of ministry is one that some visionaries of church growth believe to be an important model of the church in the next century. It is a strategy of ministry that some WCG congregations are either adopting or are considering adopting.

The cell-based approach is a shift in the purpose and function of a congregation. The cell church is based on members meeting in holistic small groups and then coming together weekly to praise and worship as a congregation.

The small group or cell group component enables the presence of Christ to be manifested in relationships of caring Christians. Page 5.

Personal

Pastor General Joseph Tkach writes in this month's Personal on the general subject of trials, and how it may relate to the "name it and claim it" teaching, also known as the "word of faith" teaching.

Many Christians have been taught that they are guaranteed a way to escape trials. They point to biblical promises that God will intervene for those who have faith in his Son.

God not only promises to help us in our trials, he also promises us trials! Christ did not come to bring us a trouble-free life. Instead, he warned us that we would have strife within our families because of him (Matt. 10:34-36), that we would have trials (John 16:33) and that we would be persecuted (John 15:20).

We enter the kingdom through many trials (Acts 14:22), and every Christian will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). We should not think it unusual when trials afflict us (1 Pet. 4:12). Pages 6 and 7.

Seasons of Salvation

"Which is the greatest miracle of all?" asks Don Mears.

Many Christians would point to the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross. The crucifixion-resurrection event is, after all, the basis for our salvation.

But why would we consider the death and resurrection of Jesus so great an event? After all, others have died and risen again. When Lazarus rose, a great deal changed for him, but little changed for the world. But when Jesus rose, everything changed.

The reason his death and resurrection have such power is not because death and resurrection are the greatest miracle. Rather it is because his death and resurrection had been preceded by the miracle that truly is the greatest of all: the miracle of the incarnation. Page 8.

Small congregations

Some small WCG congregations are doing big things.

Douglasville, Georgia, sponsored a multidenominational women's retreat Aug. 15 and 16. Page 4.

Sherwood, Arkansas, added a weekly Wednesday evening service that includes communion. Page 20.

The Corona, California, congregation, conducted a summer "Virtues & Values" program that brought some community children to church for the first time. Page 21.

Financial Report

October income picked up a bit to $106,913, bringing the year-to-date average to $105,972, writes controller Ronald Kelly.

This still falls below our budgeted income of $110,000 a day.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and financial support. I ask you to join me in prayer that our members will be able to maintain a regular and sustained program of giving. Page 22.

Women's conference:
A testimony of God's love

By Donald Madlena

DOUGLASVILLE, Georgia--The Douglasville congregation was host for an interdenominational "Time of Refreshing" women's summer conference Aug. 15 and 16.

Women of varying ages, races and denominations united to praise and worship God.

Praying for the event

Twenty-two churches were represented at the two-day conference.

Prayer began months before the event. A community prayer group, which included members of the Douglasville WCG, the Southern Baptists, the Christian church and other area churches met weekly to pray for the conference.

The Douglasville congregation, with 25 in attendance, came together for a weekend prayer retreat that focused on the conference and all the details that needed to be worked out.

Some of the men from these groups did a prayer walk throughout the grounds and conference center building the day before the meeting.

Men from the Douglasville WCG congregation continued in prayer throughout the weekend, remaining at the conference to pray for specific needs as requested.

Variety of denominations

A variety of denominations were represented in the band and praise team, the worship leaders, the special music performers, the sound system and sound technicians, and the guest speakers.

Guest speakers from eight churches presented a variety of topics that inspired participants

Barriers come down

I believe God is greatly pleased when denominational, racial and generational walls come down.

Miriam Moon from a predominantly white congregation said after the conference that in more than 30 years in her church she had never felt the love of God so strongly as she had during that weekend.

She was sorry that her church had not opened up to other races as the Worldwide Church of God has done. She had never had so many women of other races hug and kiss her neck!

Next year's conference

Next year's conference will be March 20 and 21.

The cost is $55 if received by Dec. 31. For more information about the event, please telephone Faye at 1-770-949-5673 or Joanna at 1-770-949-9876.

Cell-based church:
Community, nurturing, outreach

By Charles A. Calahan

PASADENA--Randall G. Neighbour, president of TOUCH Outreach Ministries and editorial director of CellChurch magazine, spoke to international regional directors and U.S. district superintendents Nov. 5.

The morning-long presentation was titled Introduction to Cells. In the afternoon session, WCG pastors Ron Dick and myself discussed our experiences in transitioning the WCG congregations we pastor to the cell model of ministry.

Ron pastors the Lexington, Kentucky, congregation, and I pastor the Wichita, Kansas, cell church congregation.

The cell-based model of ministry is one that some visionaries of church growth believe to be an important model of the church in the next century. It is a strategy of ministry that some WCG congregations are either adopting or are considering adopting.

The cell-based approach is a shift in the purpose and function of a congregation. The cell church is based on members meeting in holistic small groups and then coming together weekly to praise and worship as a congregation.

The small group or cell group component enables the presence of Christ to be manifested in relationships of caring Christians. In this environment people are edified and equipped to minister. Unbelievers are saved and discipled. Leadership is raised up and mentored.

The weekly corporate worship becomes a time of praise and celebration centered on the glory of God.

Under the unity of the larger congregation, the cell groups are mobilized to carry out the ministry vision of the congregation and the denomination.

The cell groups nurture a sense of belonging that is difficult to experience in the large weekly worship assembly. In the cell groups, love, community, relationships, discipling and reaching out to unbelievers spring up naturally and powerfully.

The spiritual gifts of members are confirmed and used, worship is expanded, prayer is prominent, and ministry is extended by cell church strategy. It is in the cell group that caring for one another occurs.

It is this loving, bonded community of believers, which is the manifested body of Christ, that reaches out to unbelievers and brings Christ to the world (John 13:35). Members and new believers are taught to know, to grow in, to serve and to share Jesus.

A cell-based church actively seeks to develop each Christian into the likeness of Christ.

In the human body the basic unit of life is the cell. In a cell church, the basic unit of the body of Christ is the cell group. This basic unit is the means by which Christian community is built and the work of the kingdom is performed.

Following are testimonies from Lexington, Kentucky, cell members. Pastor Ron Dick asked for and received their permission to publish their testimonies.

Pat Arthur: To me, the cell-church model has been an awakening into the workings of the body of Christ.

In my cell group we have people of all ages. I am a woman in my mid-50s. I have become a grandmother figure for a teenage boy. What a joy this has been for me. We talk about everything. We pray about things in his life as well as mine.

Men and women in our cell are close. We discuss problems openly and help each other see things we might not see otherwise. Together we are working toward God's kingdom using the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Only in a cell group could I have ever hoped to get to know and love these wonderful people I now call my family.

Jenni Heaton: Facilitating a cell has been a wonderful experience.

Every week I am amazed to see God working so strongly in the cell.

I don't have much natural leadership ability, but I don't need it. Jesus leads the cell. I just take care of some administrative duties, ask questions and make sure we start and stop on time.

The Spirit has been more evident to me as I have experienced the cell-church model than ever before in my life. I don't have to make it happen. God is taking care of everything.

I have been able to grow more as a Christian since joining a cell than in the last 10 years. I can once again see God working directly in my life. He is in control, and I feel more joy and peace than ever.

I think everyone should have a chance to be equipped for Christianity and evangelism by a living cell. You don't know what you have been missing until you experience Jesus working through you in a cell.

Charles Calahan earned a doctorate in family life education and consultation from the School of Family Studies and Human Services at Kansas State University. Dr. Calahan pastors the Wichita, Kansas, church.

Ron Dick

Randal Neighbor

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998

Personal from Joseph Tkach

Christ did not come
to bring us a trouble-free life

I want to comment a bit on the general subject of trials, and how it may relate to the "name it and claim it" teaching, also known as the "word of faith" teaching.

Many Christians have been taught that they are guaranteed a way to escape trials. They point to biblical promises that God will intervene for those who have faith in his Son.

God not only promises to help us in our trials, he also promises us trials! Christ did not come to bring us a trouble-free life. Instead, he warned us that we would have strife within our families because of him (Matt. 10:34-36), that we would have trials (John 16:33) and that we would be persecuted (John 15:20).

We enter the kingdom through many trials (Acts 14:22), and every Christian will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). We should not think it unusual when trials afflict us (1 Pet. 4:12).

Nevertheless, Scripture also says that if we ask for anything in Jesus' name, then he will do it for us (John 14:12-14). Well then, some Christians reason, we can ask for a trouble-free life, and if we have enough faith, then Jesus will make sure that we have no troubles.

John 14:12-14 says we can have anything we ask for. Can we claim that as a promise for whatever we want? No--unstated qualifications are in a passage like this, qualifications that are explained elsewhere in Scripture.

Consider this: Some Christians earnestly prayed, and had faith, that Pat Robertson would be president. Others prayed in Jesus' name for George Bush, and others for Bill Clinton.

The unstated qualification is that God answers only according to his will (1 John 5:14). God will not respond to prayers that violate his sovereign will. He often has reasons we cannot see. We do not know his will perfectly, and it is quite possible for us to believe something that is not true.

Our faith is no guarantee that the answers we seek in our prayers will happen, since our faith may be mistaken. I have yet to hear of a literal mountain moving into the sea.

Some Christians believe that God will remove Bill Clinton from office; others believe that he will not. Some pray for one outcome, some for the other, but both cannot be true.

We may ask God for a million dollars--many Christians have--but not receive, no matter how many things we buy "on faith," confident that God will supply.

We can have full confidence in Jesus Christ--confidence that he saves us--without having faith that he is a genie performing all requests made in his name just because we use the right words and believe.

Faith and healing

Many Christians have firmly believed that God would heal a loved one. They prayed in faith. Some believed that they had confirmation from other believers or from other miracles. So they were genuinely surprised, even dumbfounded, when the loved one died.

What they believed with such certainty turned out not to be true. Their faith could not heal the person--only God could heal, and he chose not to, despite their prayers, their faith, God's love and God's promises.

When such disappointments happen, a new trial sets in. If faith in the healing turned out to be a mistake, what about faith in Christ? Was it also a mistake? That is one of the dangers of the "word of faith" teaching--it links faith in our Savior to faith in specific predictions.

Did Jesus promise to heal every disease? He did not heal Epaphroditus, as least not as fast as others wanted him to (Phil. 2:27). Even in his earthly ministry, Jesus did not heal everyone (John 5:3-9).

Didn't Jesus suffer for us, paying the penalty of all sin? Doesn't that mean we have no reason to suffer?

Some say so, but we should test this line of reasoning with another fact: Jesus died for us. Does this mean that we should never die? The penalty of sin has been fully paid, so we do not need to die. We already have eternal life (John 5:24; 11:26). But the fact is, every Christian dies. There is something wrong with the line of reasoning. We do not experience everything Jesus accomplished for us.

There will come a time when we will be raised imperishable. There will come a time when we never experience pain. There will come a time when we receive the full benefits of Jesus' redemption. But that time is not yet. Now, we share in Jesus' sufferings (1 Pet. 2:20-21).

Jesus promised persecution, not freedom from pain and sorrow. When Paul was beaten, stoned and imprisoned, he felt pain, even though Jesus had paid the penalty of all sin. Paul had great faith, but also many sufferings (2 Cor. 1:5; Phil. 3:10; 4:12).

Although Jesus atoned for all sin, Christians still suffer despite their faith--and sometimes because of their faith.

We suffer from persecution, and we suffer the incidental pains of living in a world in which sin is still common. Sin hurts innocent people, and sometimes we are the innocent people who are hurt.

Sometimes it results in early death, sometimes in slow and pain-filled death. We may suffer physical damage from a burning, a beating, a car accident or asbestos fibers.

Our health may suffer from exposure to cold, from smoke in a fire or chemicals in our food. We may suffer from wild animals, large or small, or even microorganisms. God has not guaranteed to protect all his people from all possible problems.

Is it always God's will to heal people who have faith in Christ? The biblical evidence is that he sometimes does, and sometimes does not. Stephen was killed, James was killed. Eventually all the first Christians died of something. Yet, how many times did God save them out of danger before they eventually died? Perhaps many times.

Have you ever wondered about preachers who claim to heal all infirmities, yet they themselves wear eyeglasses? There is no reason why biblical promises would apply to one kind of ailment but not the other.

The scriptures sometimes cited in support of a universal promise of healing do not make exceptions for eyesight, age, accidents or anything else. But both Scripture and experience tell us that these verses were not intended as universal guarantees.

Yes, some have been healed, sometimes dramatically. These are examples of special favor, grace and mercy. We should not take these examples of exceptional grace and create universal promises out of them.

And we especially should not imply that people who aren't healed do not have faith. Sometimes their faith is demonstrated through their suffering--they remain cheerfully confident that God will do what is best for them.

Whether they live or die, whether they have prosperity or poverty, they trust in God. There is nothing wrong with their faith. What is wrong is a teaching that implies that they are somehow not doing enough.

Purpose of trials

Well, since God promises us trials, and he promises to help us in and through our trials, what are they for? Why does God allow any evil?

We do not fully know, but we know that God does allow evil, and Jesus himself was willing to endure it, and he is still enduring it patiently.

The Scriptures tell us about a few benefits of trials: "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom. 5:3-4).

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Heb. 12:11).

"You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Pet. 1:6-7).

In short, we learn things from suffering that we cannot learn from studying. Suffering shapes our character in a way that words cannot fully describe. Even Jesus learned from his sufferings, and we are also called to take up a cross and suffer with him.

"If we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Rom. 8:17).

Trials are not pleasant, but we are comforted by the fact that God is at work in our lives, and he is able to retrieve good from all things.

He has the knowledge, and the compassion, to work in our lives for his glorious purpose. We do not always understand what specific lessons we are supposed to learn from a particular trial, but the overall lesson is always to trust in God.

Often, a trial of faith is just that--a trial of faith. In trials, we must trust God despite our physical circumstances, and by trusting God, we are growing in our faith relationship with him.

This is of infinite importance, since in Christ we are everything we can be, and without him we are nothing.

An untried faith can be weak. Anyone can persevere when things are good. A tried faith is stronger, and the bond between us and God grows stronger.

God wants a personal relationship with his children, a relationship characterized by faith, trust and love. This bond of faith can be strengthened by our trials. Trials teach us to rely on God for our every need. Whether our trial is health, or money, or relationships, or a problem in the church, we are to look to Christ.

Friends, I thank you again for your diligence, your work, your patience and your faith. Please continue to pray for one another, and for us, so that God's work might be more fully done in our lives and in our church.

Seasons of Salvation:
The greatest miracle

By Don Mears

Which is the greatest miracle of all? Many Christians would point to the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross. The crucifixion-resurrection event is, after all, the basis for our salvation.

But why would we consider the death and resurrection of Jesus so great an event? After all, others have died and risen again. Lazarus, Jairus' daughter, Eutychus. Why is the resurrection of Jesus a greater event than the raising of Lazarus from the dead?

And make no mistake, Jesus' resurrection is a greater event than the raising of Lazarus.

When Lazarus rose, a great deal changed for him, but little changed for the world. But when Jesus rose, everything changed.

Then what was so different about Jesus' resurrection? The key lies in who died and rose. In the case of Lazarus, a man died and rose again to continue his mortal life. But in the case of Jesus, someone much more than a man died and rose again.

Jesus was a man, but not just a man. He was the God-man--God in the flesh, God incarnate, both God and man in one.

The reason his death and resurrection have such power is not because death and resurrection are the greatest miracle. Rather it is because his death and resurrection had been preceded by the miracle that truly is the greatest of all: the miracle of the incarnation. The incarnation means his resurrection is new.

C.S. Lewis called it "the Grand Miracle." He wrote: "The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation.... Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this.... It was the central event in the history of the Earth--the very thing that the whole story has been about" (Miracles, chapter 14).

By a miracle that passes human comprehension, the Creator entered his creation, the Eternal entered time, God became man--in order to die and rise again for the salvation of all people.

"He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity; down further still ... (to) the womb ... down to the very roots and sea-bed of the Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him" (Miracles, chapter 14).

The greatest miracle of all is that wonderful, incomprehensible act by which God became man, and was born to a young Jewish girl named Mary, in a stable in Bethlehem, about 2,000 years ago during the reign of Herod the Great.

The power of the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ does not lie in the events themselves. The power of the events derives from the person of Jesus himself: who and what he was and is.

His words have power and authority because they are the words of God incarnate. His life has power because it is the life of God incarnate. His death and resurrection have power because they are the death and resurrection of God incarnate.

Is it any surprise then that three of the four Gospels begin their record of Jesus' work by emphasizing the wonder of his incarnation?

Matthew records how Jesus was miraculously conceived in the womb of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that he was "God with us."

Luke made it clear that Jesus was the Son of God. John described how the Eternal Word, who is God, had become flesh as Jesus Christ to dwell among us.

The real surprise is that we members of the WCG would for so long have taken so little notice of this greatest of all miracles.

We had our reasons. We saw that the time of year when the great miracle was celebrated was the time that pagans had festivals for their gods. We saw also that a spirit of commercialism had become attached to the Christmas season.

Disturbed by these things, we avoided the festival. But we forgot to dedicate time to think about the message Christmas was intended to remind us of: the message of God's greatest miracle.

What a pity that, as a result, we forgot to rejoice in this greatest of all miracles, the birth of Jesus.

Let us no longer miss the opportunity to celebrate the great miracle: to come in wonder and worship before the One who humbled himself to become a baby, a child, a man; who descended into his own creation so that by ascending again he might lift it up with him from decay and bondage into glory and freedom.

A call to unity
about Christmas

By Joseph Tkach

In the fall of 1995, the Worldwide Church of God published its new position on Christmas observance.

In short, the church respects and affirms its members' personal choices on Christmas observance, encouraging all members to love one another as Jesus commanded, and not to condemn one another over use of days.

The church believes that Christians are free in Christ to avoid participating in Christmas or to celebrate Christmas, always keeping in mind that whatsoever is not of faith is of sin (Romans 14:23).

This change in the former position of the church, which condemned all celebration of the birth of Jesus, is based on what the church believes to be a clearer understanding of biblical teaching.

The church has always held the Scriptures in the highest regard. In Luke 2:10-11, an angel of God describes the birth of Jesus as "good tidings of great joy for all the people.''

Recognizing that it was appropriate for the angels to rejoice at the birth of Jesus (verses 13-14), the church believes it is certainly in keeping with the message of Scripture for its members to do so.

Following the apostle Paul's instruction in Romans 14, it is important that all members respect one another's views on this subject and not judge one another. Neither those believers who celebrate the birth of Jesus in winter, nor those who don't, are more righteous or more evil than the other.

Many of our members avoid the Christmas celebration for conscience sake. There is no sin in their abstinence. Other members devote themselves to worship, and celebrate with thanksgiving the miracle that God sent his Son into the world for our salvation.

We can all learn to say with Paul: "Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord.... Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God'' (Romans 14:6, 10).

Love, not command, is what motivates many Christians to celebrate during the Christmas season. They love their Savior and they love their families. The Advent season provides an opportunity for them to express both.

Likewise, love motivates many Christians who choose not to celebrate Christmas. They also love their Savior and their families. Their discomfort with the Christmas celebration is based on their desire to avoid taking part in something that defiles their conscience.

Can we respect one another's views, and follow Jesus' command that we love one another? I believe we can.

The fact that non-Christians or even some Christians celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday or in a profane way is not a reason for all Christians to avoid Christmas. After all, some get involved in ungodly conduct at our fall festival or attend it merely for a vacation. These are not reasons for all members to avoid the festival.

At the same time, the fact that many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus in December or January does not mean that all Christians must do so. After all, there have been faithful Christians throughout the centuries who never celebrated Christmas.

The WCG supports its congregations and members as they work through their decisions regarding Christmas. Every pastor must provide meaningful worship opportunities during the Advent season for members who desire to celebrate the Incarnation of the Son of God.

The decision whether to observe Christmas, and if observing it, how to observe it, is a personal matter. Some Christians celebrate Christmas with traditional customs, while some celebrate it without traditional customs. Some avoid Christmas altogether.

The church teaches that Christians who celebrate Christmas and those who do not should seek to honor Christ (Romans 14:5-6).

May God grant us peace and unity as we live together in his grace and obedience.

A closer walk with Christ

All our annual festival occasions must serve to draw us into a closer walk with Christ. They are opportunities to preach Christ, celebrate Christ and drink deeply of the living waters.

The next festival season for many of us is the Advent season. Since our goal with festivals as a denomination is to provide spiritual leadership while allowing members to observe festivals from two traditions, pastors need to provide spiritual leadership for those members who choose to observe the Advent season.

Many people will be thinking about the birth of Jesus, and pastors can build on those thoughts and direct members to the spiritual significance of his birth.

Whether his birth actually happened in December is not important--what is important is that we can build on the thoughts that are seasonally common in December, just as we usually use Thanksgiving Day as an opportunity to discuss thanksgiving.

Iron Sharpens Iron

The dual nature of
Jesus Christ

By Ted Johnston

Critics and inquirers alike often question a core tenet of Christian belief--that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human.

Some claim Jesus was an exceptionally gifted man but not God. Others say he was God, only appearing to be human. Some insist that Jesus was a reincarnated angel. Others claim he did not become God until his resurrection.

These and other denials of Jesus' full divinity or full humanity distort the testimony of Scripture. Moreover, they deny the basis of our salvation--that God took on human flesh to come and rescue us.

Jesus is fully God

An early Christian profession of faith exclaims that "Jesus Christ is Lord" (Romans 10:9). Here are two truths about Jesus. First, he is Christ, a title equivalent to the Hebrew term Messiah, meaning "the anointed one."

By calling him Christ, early Christians acknowledged that Jesus is greater than any human being (see Mark 8:27-30) and that he is the one sent by God to rescue us.

Second, though in Jewish thought the Messiah might be a great man, Christians called Jesus "Lord" (kyrios in Greek). This word was used in Greek translations of the Old Testament for God's personal name (YHWH in Hebrew).

Jews and Christians alike refused to acknowledge the Roman emperor as Lord because this was a title for God alone. Yet Jesus was called Lord.

In Philippians 2, Jesus is said to be "in very nature God" (verse 6); and is to be worshiped as Lord: "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (verses 10-11).

This statement paraphrases Isaiah 45:23, where God speaks of himself. God alone is to be worshiped, and when Christians call Jesus Lord, they proclaim him to be God.

The New Testament continuously insists that Jesus Christ is God.

* He was God before he was born in the flesh: "In the beginning was the Word ... and the Word was God" (John 1:1).

* After his human birth he continued to be God. On earth, Jesus forgave sins (Mark 2:5-7), something only God can do. He claimed divinity (John 8:58) and thus equality with God (John 10:28-30). These claims led to charges of blasphemy (Matthew 26:63-66) and death by crucifixion.

* After his resurrection, he continues to be God. Thomas called the risen Jesus "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).

The author of Hebrews, quoting Psalm 104, says of Jesus, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever" (Hebrews 1:8).

Jesus is fully human

The New Testament also insists that Jesus is in every sense a human being, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). John wrote, "The Word became flesh" (John 1:14), and in his epistles John attacked denials of Jesus' humanity as demonic heresy (1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 7-11).

Throughout the Gospels we see Jesus operating within the confines of human flesh. He was born of a woman and grew up in a human family. He often got tired, and he hungered. At the end of his life, suffering the excruciating pain of crucifixion, he cried out in a human way, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).

That Jesus Christ is fully human is of great importance to us. This truth tells us that in order to save us, God became one of us. To do so he did not abandon his divinity (only God can save us), but he fully clothed himself with humanity.

This dual nature of our Savior continues as he intercedes for us in heaven: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Scripture thus implies that Jesus continues to be fully God and fully human--now God in glorified human flesh.

Herein lies a great mystery of the Christian faith.

A great mystery and an encouraging truth

Paul writes: "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness [the great mystery of our faith (New Living Translation)] is great: He [God] appeared in a body" (1 Timothy 3:16).

Here Paul enumerates core Christian beliefs, beginning with Jesus' incarnation (coming in human flesh). That Jesus is both God and human is a mystery beyond our limited experience. Yet no other explanation upholds all that Scripture says about Jesus Christ.

Understanding this essential truth is more than an intellectual exercise. It involves appreciating the great depths of God's love for us.

Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of a woman (Matthew 1:20), was the union of God and humankind for the express purpose of providing a Savior for us (verse 21).

This Savior would have a vital and unique quality--he would be Immanuel, which means "God with us" (verses 22-23). He was indeed fully God and yet in an amazing, glorious way, he was "with us" by being fully one of us.

Jesus is fully God and fully human.

Defending the truth

Down through the centuries, leaders of the Christian church have been challenged to defend the truth of Jesus' dual nature against beliefs to the contrary.

Whatever the challenge, the Holy Spirit has eventually led the church back to the scriptural truth that Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

The church council that met in Chalcedon in A.D. 451 produced one of the most complete statements of this doctrine.

It reads in part: "Our Lord Jesus Christ is one and the same God, perfect in divinity, and perfect in humanity, true God and true human ... Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, manifested in two natures without any confusion, change, division or separation. The union does not destroy the difference of the two natures, but on the contrary the properties of each are kept, and both are joined in one person." (Quoted in The Story of Christianity, volume 1 by Justo L. Gonzalez, HarperSan Francisco, 1984).

Though the statement employs language that may be unfamiliar to us, a careful reading indicates that it well summarizes the truth of Scripture on a topic of great consequence to all believers.

Jesus Christ's dual nature

--fully God and fully human--

The Statement of Beliefs of the Worldwide Church of God says of Jesus Christ: "As God manifest in the flesh for our salvation, he was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, fully God and fully human, two natures in one Person."

Following are Scriptures that establish both his divinity and his humanity.

Fully God

Isa. 9:6; Matt. 11:27; 16:16; Mark 2:5-7; Luke 5:20-22; 9:20; John 1:1; 1:14; 2:19, 21; 3:13, 31; 5:18; 6:38; 8:58; 9: 38; 10:17; 10:30; 13:3; 14:9; 14:23; 16:15; 16:28; 17:8; 17:21-23; 20:28; Romans 9:5; 1 Cor. 10:3-4; 15:47; 18:4-6; 2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-17, 19; 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:17; 2:5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:2-3, 8-11; 2:7, 9, 14, 16; 13:8; 1 John 5:20; Rev. 1:8, 17; 2:8; 3:14.

Fully human

Matt. 1:1, 18-25; 4:2; 26:38; Luke 1:26-38; 9:58; 22:44; John 1:14; 11:33-35; 19:28, 34; Romans 9:5; 1 Cor. 15:3; Gal. 4:4; Phil. 2:5-11; 1 Tim. 2:5; 3:16; Heb. 2:14-15, 17-18; 4:15; 10:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 4:2; 2 John 7.

Changes in terminology

U.S. Church Administration has made changes in terminology concerning the use of the designation regional pastor. From now on, we will be using the term district superintendent. We felt this change was appropriate because the term district superintendent is more widely used and understood in U.S. denominations.

    Dan Rogers

Window on the World

From Randal Dick
Superintendent of missions

Bangladesh Revisited:
flooding, evangelism

In Central America a hurricane kills 15,000 people--it's big news, and rightly so. In Bangladesh, however, the worst flooding in decades leaves 10 million homeless, and kills hundreds of thousands this summer, and, it seems, no one knows.

John Biswas, a Bengali, a member in San Bernardino, California, and president of Bengali Evangelistic Association, raised as much money as he could (in the past few years, the WCG has provided literature, built a training center and provided funds to BEA for humanitarian aid) and made a mission trip to Bangladesh. He distributed relief, encouraged ministerial trainees and visited congregations.

Help for the suffering

Even pictures, worth 10,000 words, cannot tell the whole story. John got around by boat, over waters that stand for hundreds of square miles over what used to be villages and farmland.

In many cases this water has covered the land for two months or more. Cattle, with nowhere to go, stand in water until they starve, or die of disease.

John saw a family, crowded into a hut on a hummock of land, water on all sides. Also huddled in the corner of the hut were four big cobras. The family was sharing what little milk they had for the children with the snakes. (Hindus believe that snakes are sacred).

Water is receding, but cholera, malaria and other related diseases are rampant. Crops have been destroyed, so famine is a serious threat.

The supplies and money John was able to raise (thanks to all those church areas and individuals who contributed) were able to minister to the immediate needs of about 5,000 people. The prime minister of the nation received John in order to express gratitude for the effort.

Training center shelters more than 100	John Biswas discusses relief strategy	Floodwaters remain in many towns
Prine Minister (left) receives John Biswas	The only way to move about is by boat	Preparing to distribute clothes to flood victims

The gospel proclaimed

In addition, John spent several weeks visiting the fledgling congregations, so much in need of encouragement. He was also able to continue the training of dozens of gospel workers.

The training facility, provided by donations from the WCG, has been a valuable asset. However, during this trip the center was being used as an emergency shelter, housing about 100 people.

The greatest miracle is that 57 new Christians were baptized. Most of us cannot fathom how much a Bengali has to be "crucified with Christ" in order to become a practicing Christian.

They are considered outcasts by those around them. Their relatives and fellow villagers consider Christianity a primary source of evil.

In rural Bangladesh, where we are working, it is not unheard of that Christians are beaten, or even killed if they try to openly practice their faith in the village.

A few of our converts are living incognito in distant villages, because relatives are seeking to punish them for defying the family and becoming Christian.

This mission field is not in the urban centers like Dacca. This work is in the heart of Bangladesh, in its villages, where everyone knows everything about everybody. Yet, in spite of these odds, new Christians were baptized on this trip. Just three years ago, the congregations did not even comprise 57 people.

We can clearly see that Christ has set his hand on this place at this time, to show mercy to some.

We did not seek to be involved in this ministry in Bangladesh, but neither will we flinch from carrying the wonderful burden of Christ to these people.

I don't know where the funds will come from to support this ministry in '99. But, because God has chosen to work through people, I trust that God will move the right people in the right numbers at the right time to provide the means.

How you can help

If at any time you would like to make a donation to the mission work in Bangladesh, you may do so by making a check payable to the Worldwide Church of God with the note "for Asia mission."

Send the check to the Worldwide Church of God, 300 W. Green St., Pasadena, California, 91105.

WCG provides new Bengali literature, enthusiastically received	Growing number of ministerial trainees, or gospel workers
57 new brothers and sisters in Christ	One of the larger village churches

Regional Snapshot

Philippines and Northeast Asia
Experiencing the
grace and work of Jesus

By Arlan Aquino

MANILA, Philippines--The WCG in the Philippines is a vibrant worshiping and witnessing community of Christians.

Many WCG members are coming to own the Bible's vision of the priesthood of all believers. Personal involvement of members in evangelistic efforts and in nurturing the flock is increasing and deepening.

Ministers, ministry leaders and members alike are responding to the church's call to be equipped for ministry.

Bill & Daphne Sidney

Despite the economic woes of the country, the brethren remain happily committed to God's work. Just like all other areas around the world, the Philippine and Northeast Asian region faces difficult challenges. God's grace, however, is more than sufficient to sustain the work and ourselves.

Bill Sidney serves as the regional director of the Philippines and Northeast Asian region. His wife, Daphne, leads the women's ministry. They oversee 60 churches around the country and small groups of members in Japan, South Korea and the Micronesian area.

Labors of love

Congregations across the country minister not just to their members but also to needy neighbors. The Metro Manila churches, for example, provide regular medical and dental services. The Davao church visits orphanages and street children, and the Pampanga-Bulacan churches distribute relief goods to victims of natural calamities such as the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

In some places, these outreach ministries lead to conversions. We now have a congregation where our Baguio brethren conducted a medical mission and Bible studies.

The Tacloban and Dumaguete churches conduct prison fellowships. Many prisoners have received Jesus as Lord and have been baptized.

Already, we have regular church services in one of the prisons in Dumaguete, conducted by elder Frank Pedeglorio.

Women's ministries

In all these labors of love, we recognize the role women play. Aside from helping our churches, our women have ministries of their own.

In Manila, Carol Llaneza leads a group of women in ministering to cancer patients. In Antique, Lorna Huera teaches the Bible to 30 to 50 children whose parents do not belong to the church. Women in other churches conduct vacation Bible schools for children of members and nonmembers alike. Mrs. Sidney has conducted several women's ministry classes and retreats.

Brethren are more actively involved than ever in the church's evangelistic efforts. In northern Luzon, the San Fernando church conducts Bible studies in four barangays (villages) of La Union. These Bible studies, attended by about 600 people, are supervised by Alfredo Cacanando and pastor Jerry Ortiguero.

In Quezon City, four house churches have been raised up in Payatas. Arman Busalla, Carlito Apostol, Abe Matriano, Fred and Vivencio Millamina and Ernie Muyot handle the regular evangelism and discipleship program.

In the Visayas, the San Carlos City congregation has a weekly radio program called Ang Maayong Balita, or The Good News. Laurencio Sabanal conducts the Sunday program.

In Mindanao, the Davao City brethren conduct evangelistic campaigns every other Sunday in the city's public park. They sponsor a regular radio program conducted by pastor Ric Deligero.

In-house Bible studies and cell groups are effective ways to bring people to Christ in the Philippines. An in-house Bible study led by Enrico Mercader in Sorsogon drew many of his neighbors to our fellowship. The group is now a church.

Two other churches have grown out of cell groups. One is the Antipolo church in Metro Manila, and the other is the Bugo church in Cagayan de Oro City (September WN).

New Life-Asia magazine

We also publish bimonthly the New Life-Asia magazine. New Life-Asia, or NLA as we call it, has a circulation of 10,000. NLA is used as an evangelistic tool in many congregations.

One goal is to see the NLA, and other literature, published in different dialects. Our brethren, led by Ernesto Magundayao, are willing to help in the translation project.

Retreats and training

The Philippine churches also had to face challenges brought about by the doctrinal changes in the WCG. For many congregations scattered in the country, the retreats conducted by Rey and June Taniajura helped in the healing process.

Church leadership is providing means to train lay leaders and members. An initial step was to open the 1997 ministerial conference not just to church leaders, but also to members.

Further equipping of members was done through the Navigators discipleship program, Evangelism Explosion and World Mission course. Most full-time ministers are either graduates of Evangelism Explosion or the World Mission course.

Networking with other Christians

God has given us favor in the eyes of the evangelical community in the Philippines. We have a working relationship with the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), the umbrella organization of evangelical groups in the country.

We worked with them in the Celebration of Biblical Christianity in the Philippines Aug. 15 and in the Men of Promise conventions.

We also started to network with agencies involved in urban or city ministries. Mr. Sidney is a member of the board of reference of the National Coalition for Urban Transformation (NCUT), and Mr. Taniajura is associate secretary-general.

NCUT is a network of Christian leaders and organizations. In December, NCUT will conduct a three-day urban consultation with the theme, Signs of Hope in Manila 1998.

Linda Baldoz, a member and attorney, who is undersecretary in the Department of Labor and Employment, will be a head panelist.

Where do we go from here?

The church has a mission board composed of Eugene Guzon, Gil Llaneza and Rey Taniajura to oversee the mission program. Last June, the church became a member of the Philippine Missions Association.

Several members have already expressed interest in doing cross-cultural missions. At present the church has three missionary couples: Joe and Norma Salvador, Joel and Elizabeth Alisbo and the Baseras.

The Alisbos are assigned to Burias Island in Masbate. The Salvadors are undergoing a six-month mission training course conducted by the Asian Center for Mission.

In Cagayan de Oro, pastor Johnny Logrono was invited to sit as a member of the advisory council of the Asian Center for Missions (ACM).

God has also led us into contact with World Outreach Philippines (WOP). Through WOP, many of our pastors and members are receiving introductory lessons in world mission.

Another major thrust of the church is the equipping of members for ministry. Mr. Sidney has encouraged church leaders to pursue further studies in the seminaries. Two have earned master degrees. Several are about to complete their studies.

Mr. Sidney hopes the church can establish Bible schools in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

God has been merciful to the WCG. May he draw us closer to him. May his Son's face shine ever brighter before us. May his Spirit strengthen us, along with our Christian brothers and sisters in other fellowships, to finish the Good Commission he has given us.

Micronesia needs our prayers

Members in the Western Pacific islands of Micronesia and Guam need our prayers. John Yugumang, our lone member on Yap Island, is suffering from a painful knee affliction that is keeping him from traveling much.

Our two members on Guam have remained staunch in the faith. Bill Roberto is now past 70, and a foot problem keeps him bedfast most of the time. Bernie Morcilla is striving to sort out a family and job problem.

In Pohnpei we have three members. Dusty Frederick works in the government's radio department, and Leslie Robert teaches in a public grade school.

Pray that God will equip our brethren there to build up themselves and others whom God will call. Pete Melendez pastors the members in Micronesia.

Prayer points for our brethren in Japan

Eugene Guzon

Eugene Guzon, who pastors the members in Japan, said our 20 brethren in Japan need our prayers. Many of them are expatriates.

The brethren need to be equipped to do evangelism. Mr. Guzon has begun training the brethren on how to reach out to people with the gospel. They have gone through the cell church seminar, and the brethren are beginning to meet in groups using the cell format.

During the Feast, Mr. Guzon conducted a seminar on the "Contagious Christian." The brethren are planning to launch an international friendship association as part of their outreach project to both expatriates and Japanese.

Pray that our brethren there be drawn closer to God and be well-equipped for ministry.

Manila church offers regular medical services

Women's Ministry

Women's International Conference

Celebrating the Seasons
of Our Lives

CHICAGO, Illinois--The Chicagoland's Women's Ministry is excited to be host for the 1999 Worldwide Church of God Women's International Conference (WIC).

The conference will be conducted at the Wyndham Hotel in Itasca, Illinois, Aug. 6-8. The registration fee is $70 before June 1 and $85 after that. The hotel offers us a flat rate of $95 a night for up to four people in a room.

We want to give a little background to the conference and a foretaste of what we are planning for you.

We had our first local retreat in September 1997, but we already had in mind that we would like to build up to having a regional retreat at some point in the future.

Then Angie Latimer, Chicago Northwest Women's Ministry co-ordinator, went to WIC '98 in Dallas, Texas, and found out how it was put together.

The next thing we knew, it was announced that the next WIC would be in Chicago. The Holy Spirit had bigger plans for us than we had thought!

Since then we have been formulating a clearer picture of what the Holy Spirit wants us to do for women in our fellowship around the world. Our theme, "Celebrating the Seasons of Our Lives,'' will provide not only encouragement, but also practical help in the different phases of a woman's life.

We will have praise and worship on the Friday evening, general sessions and workshops on Saturday and a closing session on Sunday.

Here are some of the workshops we plan to provide:

Mothering Small Children--How to find time with the Lord when you can barely go to the restroom by yourself!

Mothers and Teenagers--How to maintain a good relationship with your daughter through this phase of her life and encourage her to walk with God.

Menopause--How to cope with the various reactions to this change in life and how to know that God understands.

Walking Alone--Single and loving it!?

The Golden Years--How to still have a vibrant and thriving Christian walk as we get older.

The conference will cover issues such as contentment, knowing God is in control (even when we haven't got a clue about what he is doing in our lives) and accepting the call of Christ in every phase of life. He always has a plan for us, wanting us to turn to him for comfort and guidance no matter where we are in our lives.

A few women have expressed concern that Chicago is too dangerous a city. Let us assure you that the Wyndham Hotel in suburban Itasca is in a safe area.

The Wyndham Hotel is offering a rate that with four people to a room you would pay $50 each to cover both nights, and that means putting aside $6.25 a month.

We request that all conference participants stay at the hotel to cover our costs. We plan to have a donation fund to help any who need financial assistance to attend. We are encouraging families to come together (which would mean saving $25 a month for a room).

We plan to have a worship service for everyone (other than the women) on the Saturday and also plan a family activity that evening.

The hotel is only a short drive from downtown Chicago's many sights including museums, the Shedd Aquarium, the Sears Tower and Woodfield Mall. A shuttle service runs to and from O'Hare International Airport and to the mall.

We deeply desire to provide you with a meaningful time in worship and personal reflection. We can hardly wait to see you! We are already receiving enthusiastic responses from around the world.

The time we spend together will be a time of sharing, helping and learning from each other. We will have something here for everyone.

You will find that in addition to receiving what you need; others will receive the same from you.

So, start saving now to come and enjoy what the Holy Spirit is preparing for you. Registration information will be available soon. In the meantime please pray expectantly for the continued planning of this event so all will go smoothly.

With love and anticipation.

Your sisters in Christ,

Angie Latimer & Karen Newby

WIC '99 coordinators

Angie Latimer

Karen Newby

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998

My religion is
following Jesus

By Tammy Tkach

During the two years between my graduation from Ambassador in 1978 and getting married to Joe in 1980, I worked for a development corporation in Denver, Colorado.

The owners of the company were Jewish, as were most of the employees. They let a few of us gentiles work there, but I was always a bit of a mystery to them.

Shortly before the Day of Atonement one year, one of the men asked me why I was taking that day off. I told him and then he asked if I'd be fasting. When I said yes, he said, "You're a better Jew than I am!"

He must have wondered what kind of church I attended, in which we weren't Jewish, but kept the Jewish laws and days better than many Jews.

So what religion was I? This question came up at the company where I worked after I was married. It always made me a little uncomfortable. Like everyone else, I had to ask for time off for the Feast days.

They wondered why I needed two weeks off in the fall, plus a few other days scattered here and there throughout the year, and I wasn't even going on vacation.

My answer was a shaky, well, I attend the Worldwide Church of God, and we're sort of our own religion. Then I would explain that we observed the Old Testament festivals.

A strange expression would cross their faces. I was sure I understood why I observed the festivals, but it didn't seem to make sense to others. And I knew I could explain it only so far because I wasn't a pastor. I thought pastors were the ones who could explain difficult scriptures and complicated things like prophecy.

I realize now that I was suffering from cognitive dissonance, a condition where you hold two opposing beliefs at the same time.

It's a trick of the mind, and it can go on for a long time without a person knowing it's happening. In this case, it was a matter of believing I was Christian but not wanting to be called one. I had brief feelings of discomfort at times, but didn't stop to find out why.

Now I know what I believe and why. When someone asks what religion I follow, I can confidently say I'm a Christian. I don't have the cognitive dissonance with those feelings that tell me something isn't quite right. I know now, by the grace of God, that "Christian" is the only name by which I want to be known.

Someone once said God is not religious. God is God. People invented religions. Like Paul, knowing Christ and him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2) is all I need to know and all the answer I need to give to those who ask me about my beliefs.

Labels aren't important. We can call all believers brothers and sisters in the Lord. We are unified by the Spirit and not divided by manmade differences unimportant to God.

My religion is following Jesus, loving God with my whole heart, mind, body and soul, and loving my neighbor as myself, and I choose to worship with the Worldwide Church of God.

Muncie women hosts
for evangelism seminar

MUNCIE, Indiana--The Muncie's Women's Ministry was host for an evangelism seminar Sept. 12.

Representatives from Women Today, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ, presented Conversations That Count, a seminar that covered the topics of how to write your own faith story, how to introduce a person to Christ, how to help new Christians grow, and how to answer the hard questions an unbeliever might have about Christianity.

It brought evangelism to life by showing how a Christian can bring spiritual issues into everyday conversations with non-Christians.

About 50 WCG members from central Indiana and western Ohio attended the seminar in the WCG Muncie church hall. Becky Valekis.

Teen Ministry

My missions trip to Germany

By Jennifer Frampton

PLAINFIELD, Indiana--Last summer I went on a missions trip to Germany sponsored by Teen Missions International.

Teen Missions is an interdenominational organization founded in 1970 by Bob Bland, who still serves as president. Every summer it sends from 1,500 to 2,000 youths on mission trips throughout the world.

My team's project to Germany was to continue construction on a shower house and to help prepare a youth camp in Neufrankenroda. Every day we broke up into different groups that worked on the shower house or built pallets and trusses.

In the morning, we would have personal devotions, breakfast and a Bible-marking class before starting work at 8:30. Then we would work for four hours.

We then had lunch made by Motese, the camp cook. Then we worked three and a half hours in the afternoon and had one hour free time before dinner.

In the evenings we had a class for the girls and the guys, group devotions and camp-fire time before getting ready for bed.

My team was a work team, but we did have a chance to do some evangelism. The main way of communicating with people was through German tapes we used while doing performances with puppets. We had several opportunities to spend time with German children playing games, singing and doing puppet shows.

Two of my team members gave their testimonials with the help of a translator. One of them gave her testimony to a group of children one evening, and the other one gave hers during a church service with many unsaved people there.

My favorite time of evangelism was when we would give presentations on street corners in town. We did three different performances and were well-received each time. People would stop and listen, and then after a song, we would go and pass out tracts.

On several occasions we ran into people who spoke English, and at those times we witnessed to them. I always prayed for the people who took tracts that God would use them for his glory.

Some people were surprised that we would give up our summers to go and work for God.

We were allowed only 32 pounds of luggage, and that included our sleeping bags and everything else we were taking. It was difficult for me to choose which items to eliminate, as I arrived in Florida 20 pounds over the weight limit.

I lived with much less than I ever dreamed I would be able to, and I was happy.

Regional teen weekend
set for Cincinnati

By George Hart

CINCINNATI, Ohio--Cincinnati will be the site of a regional teen retreat, "Just Like Jesus," Dec. 27-29.

Activities will include music, seminars, games, skits, sports, a service project and a hike.

Praise and worship will be provided by Jim Blackwell, pastor of the Lafayette, Indiana, and Champaign, Illinois, churches, and the youth band, Samuel's Ear.

The cost is $55 and includes two nights dormitory-style lodging and meals. If you wish to purchase a retreat T-shirt, please add an additional $8. Youth coordinators are welcome to come with teens, at the same price.

For more information, please contact pastor George Hart at 1-513-231-9185 or Ron Hickman, youth director, at 1-513-625-5355.

Registration Form

Name

Address

City

State

Zip

Phone

Church Area

I am enclosing $55 per person for the retreat.

If I wish to purchase a retreat T-Shirt I will enclose an additional $8.

My T-shirt size is _________

Mail to Winter Retreat '98

8263 White Hill Lane

West Chester, Ohio, 45069

An information packet will be mailed to everyone who registers for the retreat. Please mail your registration right away, as spaces are already filling.

Mission trip to Guatemala

By Stephanie Duncan

FEDERAL WAY, Washington--Last winter our youth minister, Kevin Graham, took several teens to an Acquire the Fire youth conference.

There, Carrie Lang and I were inspired to participate in a mission trip with Teen Mania Ministries.

We began a series of fund-raisers--selling candy, cleaning houses and accepting generous donations from family and friends--and raised $1,800 each. We were determined to go and nothing was going to stop us.

What at first seemed an impossible dream, God brought to life. Without faith in God and the generous support of the Federal Way congregation, family and friends, it could not have happened.

We went to Garden Valley, Texas, for training in evangelism and learned a drama about the life of Jesus Christ.

Then it was on to Guatemala. After each performance, the team leaders gave an altar call. Then the rest of the cast talked to the audience. We explained the drama, answered questions and if they desired, we prayed with them inviting them to accept Jesus as their personal Savior.

I saw God work in so many lives it was amazing. After one drama, my group singled out one man in the audience. He had a sign around his neck that said, "I am deaf, and I can't speak."

We surrounded him and began praying for him. About 45 minutes later, he jubilantly began to say: "I can speak! I can speak!" (He was investigated by some of the leaders, and the village people confirmed that he was never able to speak). We were witnesses to a miracle from God!

One day we were ministering in Central Park for the second time. We saw a man who began helping us by sharing his testimony. Later we found out that he had seen the drama the previous day and had committed his life to Jesus.

I was amazed that he had accepted Jesus as his Savior the day before, and he was immediately ministering to his people. Our five groups of 25 people each took the message of Jesus to thousands of people. We believe that just over 1,000 people accepted Jesus.

The experience of leading someone to Christ is an amazing feeling of fulfillment. I pray that everyone will have that experience.

Mission trip to
Northern Ireland

By David Smith

PASADENA--As you see on these pages, our youths are making a difference through mission trips. Youths can make a difference in this broken world that needs changing. They can make a difference right now.

Next summer, BOLD (Being Our Lord's Disciples) Student Ministries will sponsor Project Serve, a mission trip to Northern Ireland, along with Youth for Christ. While plans are not final, we would like to find out which youths age 16 to 19 would be interested in such a trip.

The proposed dates are to leave New York July 18 and to return Aug. 9. We are looking for five WCG students from across the United States to participate with a group from Pasadena, and about 185 other students from the United States, Northern Ireland and Europe.

As part of Project Serve, you will participate with Northern Ireland Youth for Christ in an outreach ministry called Summerserve 99. Summerserve has developed a track record of effective evangelism in the community and spiritual growth for the young people.

Your time in Northern Ireland will begin with a one week home-stay. Living with a Christian host family will help you experience the customs of the country.

Beginning the second week, students will be placed on a ministry team comprised of four or five Americans and eight to 10 young people from Northern Ireland and Europe. These ministry teams will work with various churches in direct evangelism. Mornings will find them ministering through Vacation Bible Schools to enthusiastic neighborhood children. Evening outreach includes coffee bars.

Northern Ireland has experienced centuries-old tension between Catholics and Protestants. Northern Ireland has a growing evangelical movement that serves as a voice for people to be reconciled to God and to each other.

For more information about this trip, please write to David Smith, BOLD Student Ministries, 300 W. Green St., Pasadena, California, 91123. Or you can send him e-mail at notperfect@earthlink.net

Fourth quarter income
important for church

By Ronald Kelly

October income picked up a bit to $106,913, bringing the year-to-date average to $105,972. This still falls below our budgeted income of $110,000 a day

But, as we near the end of the year, I do want to thank all of you so much for your prayers and financial support of our church.

Laboring for the Lord

So many of you have labored in the service of our Lord with great enthusiasm and courage.

We have all experienced a journey that has been challenging, exciting and rewarding, filled with ups and downs we could never have imagined. But God has been with us every step of the way.

Income has also had its ups and downs--sadly a lot more downs than ups in the past few years. Over the long haul, however, we have been able to adjust our expenses and maintain a firm financial footing.

We had to make difficult decisions to discontinue long-standing activities of the church such as the World Tomorrow telecast and Ambassador University. As difficult as those decisions were, they were necessary to maintain financial viability.

Because of those decisions, as you read in last month's WN, our auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, once again issued an unqualified opinion for the 1997 financial year. That was indeed good news.

The accompanying charts show that our income continues at a slow, but continual decrease.

July and August were below budget projections. October picked up a bit, and that was encouraging. And, of course, in September and October we were blessed with your contributions to the festival offerings we have traditionally taken up each autumn.

In addition, some congregations are planning special offerings the last two months of the year, because they did not take up four offerings during September and October.

Join with me in prayer

As I write this column in November, I ask you to join me in prayer that our members and co-workers be able to maintain a regular and sustained program of giving to the great work of the church as we strive to serve our members and reach out to a world so badly in need of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

If our income stabilizes at our projected budget, we will be able to maintain our present course. Obviously if income continues to decline, we will have to make painful, though necessary, adjustments. It is my constant prayer as controller that we will not have to make those kinds of traumatic modifications in 1999.

Words cannot express our gratitude for your generous support. In the United States, we celebrate a national day of Thanksgiving Nov. 26. We indeed have much to be thankful for--most of all for the saving work of our Lord and Savior, but we give special thanks for each of you faithful brothers and sisters who have made the Worldwide Church of God a haven of spiritual joy.

Review our charitable giving

As we come to the end of a calendar year, this is a good time to review our charitable giving. In the United States, we are blessed with a tax savings advantage many nations do not enjoy. So the more you give the more you save in taxes.

Donation receipts are scheduled to be mailed in mid-January. To ensure the deductibility of your contributions, please do not file your 1998 tax returns until you receive a written receipt.

Let's pray together for a financially successful year's end and look forward to a productive beginning of the new year.

Heartfelt love for members:

Mr. Tkach visits
Oswego, New York

By Ken H. Williams

Oswego, New York--Joseph Tkach, WCG president, visited WCG congregations from rural eastern New York and northeastern Pennsylvania Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

Worship service

At the worship service, Oct. 31, pastor Oleh Kubik expressed appreciation on behalf of church members from the Binghamton, Elmira, Syracuse and Utica, New York, and Wilkes-Barre, Lewisburg and Towanda, Pennsylvania congregations.

The title of Mr. Tkach's sermon was "No Second Coming Without the First." He explained why the Christian church celebrates the Incarnation.

In response to the sermon, many expressed that they felt the tug of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to acknowledge that celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is appropriate and meaningful for Christians to do.

God loves us enough to become one of us for our salvation. Many Christians spend time each year celebrating this great miracle.

Ministry equipping workshop

The next day, Nov. 1, 86 participated in the Ministry Equipping Workshop, a regular event in the Rochester region.

Mr. Tkach presented a three-hour session on the Worldwide Church of God worship calendar.

He emphasized the following values of our church: All of our members are important. We want to pastor all of them. We want them to know God loves them. We want to lead them in worshiping God.

Jesus tells us to love one another. Love does not condemn. Love is patient. Love is faithful and honest.

Mr. Tkach gave an inspiring overview of how the Holy Spirit has led us away from legalism and old covenant practices. He emphasized the need to speak the truth in love.

Many remarked that this session was extremely helpful in providing further understanding of why we have gone through our doctrinal changes.

Group prayer

During a group prayer, Dianne Kubik prayed for the Tkach children, Joe III and Stephanie. Mr. Tkach was visibly touched by this and expressed his gratitude.

Church members gathered around Mr. Tkach and laid hands on him and prayed for him. The bond that had developed over the weekend was sealed by taking communion together.

Heartfelt love

Dorice Maybury of the Syracuse congregation gave a prayer we won't likely forget. She thanked God for his love for us and for giving our pastor general heartfelt love for the members. She became more enthusiastic as she prayed and declared: "He is down to earth. He's one of us. He even acts like he likes us! This is really cool!"

This may be one of the few group prayers we have participated in where everyone laughed out loud. It was humorous but expressed the bond of love and peace Jesus has given us.

Orr studies at
summer school in Oxford

PASADENA--In August, Ralph Orr, director of in-service education, attended the Oxford Summer School of Religion at Wadham College in Oxford, England.

This privately organized summer school brings together some of the best lecturers in religious studies at Oxford University. Classes cover topics in theology, biblical interpretation, church history, Christian doctrine and comparative religion.

John MacQuarrie (whose theology textbook is a standard in Episcopalian seminaries) began with a series of lectures on Christology.

Sue Gillingham lectured on Psalms, its development and history of interpretation up to and through the New Testament.

Bishop Kallistos (Timothy Ware), the leading spokesman for Greek Orthodoxy in the English-speaking world, discussed the Christian doctrines of death and resurrection.

Canon Fenton described the gospel of Mark. Bishop Cragg, an international expert on Islam, discussed the Koran, its nature, development and present role in Islam.

N.T. "Tom" Wright, an internationally regarded evangelical New Testament scholar, gave four lectures on the Dead Sea Scrolls and their relevance to Christian origins.

When asked why he was a Christian, he quickly responded, "Because Jesus was raised from the dead."

Students also heard one lecture on how Christian theology made possible the origins of science, and another lecture on medieval English mysticism.

Afternoons were open for private sight-seeing. Many students filled their evenings with classical music concerts, Shakespeare's plays or a visit to C.S. Lewis' favorite pub, the Eagle and the Child.

There, Lewis and other Christian writers, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy Sayres and G.K. Chesterton had gathered for conversation.

At Westminster Abbey and at Ely Cathedral, students worshiped at evensong, part of the daily liturgy of Anglicanism. Orr also took communion at a Eucharist service organized and led by the Episcopalian clergy attending the summer school.

Later, to get an another perspective of English Christianity, Orr worshiped with an independent evangelical congregation in a working class neighborhood of Oxford.

Orr believes his Oxford experiences should help him to develop further the WCG's distance learning classes for its pastors. He also thinks his time in Oxford can contribute to the ongoing doctrinal and liturgical discussions of the church.

John McKenna:
senior editor
Denominational
Publications

PASADENA--John McKenna joined Denominational Publications after the closure of Ambassador University in 1997, where he served as chair of the Theology Department.

"I am grateful to God for giving me favor with the WCG," Dr. McKenna said. "I have found in our church a fresh commitment toward learning to articulate the grace and truth of God, the passion for which I often find lacking in many churches."

Dr. McKenna commented on how he became a Christian.

"Christ came to me in 1971 in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco, when the Flower Children were desperately seeking a new way of life for themselves, perhaps far removed from their families and old friends.

"To explain what a graduate in physical chemistry from Princeton University was doing in this sub-culture of society is too much for me right now," Dr. McKenna continued.

"Suffice it to say here that self-destructive tendencies in our race fully raged in the depths of my existence. It was not until, because of years of all kinds of bad habits, when the gates of death had drawn near, that I cried out to God.

" `God, if you are really there, please help me.' That his answer came in the form it did, continues to surprise me even to this day. I would not be alive except for the surprise of God in my life."

Dr. McKenna became part of the Jesus Movement in California in 1972. He hitchhiked from San Francisco to Laguna Beach because he had two brothers there he wanted to tell about Jesus.

He married Nancy "Mickey" McVicker a few months after she was saved at an Outreach Ministry with which he was involved for two years. They enrolled in Fuller Seminary and stayed there for 10 years, during which time he earned a master of divinity degree and a doctor of philosophy degree in historical theology.

He also served as an adjunct professor and a special assistant to then-President David Allan Hubbard.

When President Hubbard retired in 1992, Azusa Pacific University hired Dr. McKenna as an adjunct professor. Primarily, he taught in the university's extended education programs.

In 1996 the WCG hired him to chair the Theology Department at Ambassador University in Big Sandy, Texas. When the college closed, he was asked to return to Pasadena in the capacity of senior editor for Denominational Publications.

Bible Study:
Why remember
the crucifixion?

Almost 2,000 years ago, a Jewish carpenter was condemned as a dangerous religious and political rebel. He was executed in one of the most painful and shameful punishments then available: flogging and crucifixion.

This form of death was a scandal to both Jews and gentiles. Nevertheless, Jesus' followers made a point of remembering his death--not just the fact that he died, but also that he died in such a shameful way. In their written stories about Jesus, they devoted lengthy sections to his horrible death. They set aside one day each year as the anniversary of his death.

Why is Jesus' death so important to Christians--and so central to the Christian faith?

1. Is Jesus' death listed as of "first importance" in Paul's summary of the gospel message? 1 Cor. 15:3. How did he characterize his own preaching? 1 Cor. 1:18, 23. Was Jesus' death predicted in Scripture, and therefore necessary? Luke 24:25-26; Acts 3:18; 17:3.

Comment: It was necessary not just for the Christ to die, perhaps in a painless way, but to suffer, and to be crucified for our salvation. It was an essential part of Jesus' ministry, and an essential part of the gospel.

2. Did Jesus predict that he would suffer and die? Mark 8:31-32; 9:31; 10:33-34. Did he predict the manner of his death? Matt. 20:19; 26:2; John 12:32-33. After his Gethsemane prayer, was he sure that he had to die in this way? Matt. 26:54. Was this his purpose, his mission? John 12:27.

3. What prophecy from Isaiah did Jesus say had to be fulfilled? Luke 22:37. What other verses in Isaiah 53 did Jesus fulfill? What significance did Jesus give to his own death? Mark 10:45. At his Last Supper, he said much more. Why did he give his body? Luke 22:19. Why did he give his blood? Verse 20; Matt. 26:28.

Comment: Several verses from Isaiah 53 are quoted in the New Testament. The apostles preached that Jesus was the suffering servant Isaiah had described, and it is likely that this came from the teaching of Jesus himself. Jesus saw himself as the innocent person who suffered and died to ransom the guilty. God laid our sins on Jesus, and he was killed for our transgressions to buy our freedom.

In the Last Supper, Jesus not only predicted his death, he also explained its theological significance. He gave his body for us--for our benefit. He allowed his blood to be shed so that we might be forgiven.

Jesus knew that he was the mediator between God and humans. His blood enables us to have a covenant with God--a relationship of promise and loyalty. Indeed, the death of Christ is the only way for our salvation. That is why Jesus, even though he knew what awaited him, "resolutely set out for Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51).

4. It would have been easy for the apostles to emphasize Jesus' resurrection and skip over his shameful death. How did they deal with this? Acts 2:22-24; 3:13-15; 4:10; 5:30-31; 7:51-53; 10:37-40; 13:27-30.

Comment: The apostles preached the resurrection, but they also boldly reminded people of the ignominious punishment Jesus had received.

Not only did they admit the cross, they also called it a tree--a word that would remind Jews of Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which says that anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse. By using the word tree, the apostles drew extra attention to the shameful way Jesus had died.

Why emphasize the manner of death? Because it was important. The Scriptures had predicted it, Jesus had predicted it, and it was necessary for our salvation.

5. What significance did Paul see in the curse of crucifixion? Gal. 3:13-14. Paul did his best not to offend people. But did he emphasize the crucifixion even though he knew it was offensive? Gal. 5:11; 3:1; 6:14. Was the cross the center of his gospel? 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:2; Phil. 3:18.

Comment: Paul gives the theological significance of the cross: Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. He was made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). He was a sacrifice so that we might be justified, declared right, so that we might not receive the punishment our sins deserve (Rom. 3:24-26). He carried our sins, and the penalty of our sins, on his cross.

It is through the cross that we can be given the blessing promised to Abraham (Gal. 3:14). It is through the cross that we are reconciled to God (Eph. 2:16). On the cross he forgave our sins, taking away the written note of debt that was against us (Col. 2:13-14). Paul makes it clear that our salvation depends on the cross of Christ.

Since we fail to keep the law perfectly, we fall under its curse (Gal. 2:10). We all deserve the death penalty (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Jesus, being sinless, did not need to die, but he willingly died to pay the penalty of our sins for us. The righteous died for the unrighteous. He received punishment, which we deserve, so we could receive forgiveness, even though we do not deserve it. He received death so that we might receive life.

6. How was the significance of the cross explained to the Hebrews? Heb. 12:2. What terms are used to describe what Jesus did with sin through his self-sacrifice? Heb. 7:27; 9:26-28. How did Peter explain it? 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18.

Comment: "The cross enforces three truths," John Stott writes in his book The Cross of Christ (page 83).

"First, our sin must be extremely horrible. Nothing reveals the gravity of sin like the cross.... If there was no way by which the righteous God could righteously forgive our unrighteousness, except that he should bear it himself in Christ, it must be serious indeed....

"Secondly, God's love must be wonderful beyond comprehension.... He pursued us even to the desolate anguish of the cross, where he bore our sin, guilt, judgment and death. It takes a hard and stony heart to remain unmoved by love like that....

"Thirdly, Christ's salvation must be a free gift. He `purchased' it for us at the high price of his own life-blood. So what is there left for us to pay? Nothing!"

7. Jesus did not tell his disciples to remember the miracles of his ministry. Instead, he told them to remember his death. How were they to do it? Luke 22:19.

Comment: The cross was the focus of Jesus' mission as a human. His job was not done until he was crucified.

Jesus eliminated a lot of rituals, but he commanded one: the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper. He told us to participate in these reminders of his death because his death, and our participation in his death, is the key to our salvation--and the key to our mission.

We remember Jesus' death not just as something that happened to Jesus--it has continuing relevance for us today. Let's explore some of that significance.

8. In the ritual of baptism, what do we picture in connection with Jesus' death? Rom. 6:3. Spiritually speaking, are we crucified with Jesus Christ? Gal. 2:20. What are we to crucify on a daily basis? Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:13. What must we do if we are to follow Jesus? Luke 9:23.

9. What does the cross teach us about God's love for us? Rom. 5:8-10; Rom. 8:32. What does it teach us about Christian living? Rom. 6:6-12; 1 Pet. 2:24; Rev. 12:11. What ethical responsibility does it give us? Eph. 4:32-5:2; Rom. 12:9, 17, 21.

Comment: Through the cross, we are given freedom:

* We are no longer prisoners of the law (Gal. 3:23; Rom. 7:6).

* We are no longer slaves of sin and passions (John 8:34-36; Rom. 6:6-7, 16; Titus 3:3).

* We are no longer enslaved by death (Rom. 8:2; Heb. 2:14-15).

* We have overcome the world and the evil one (1 John 5:4-5; 1 John 2:13-14; Rev. 12:11).

With this freedom, we are to be slaves of righteousness, slaves of Jesus Christ. He died for us so we may live for him (2 Cor. 5:14-15). This is how we should respond to the love of God shown to us in the cross of Christ.

10. How is the cross an example for us when we suffer? 1 Pet. 2:19-23; Heb. 12:2-4.

Comment: Unjust suffering is part of the Christian calling, and part of the example Jesus set for us. "A servant is not greater than his master" (John 15:20). Trials help mature us, just as they helped Jesus Christ (Heb. 2:10; 5:8-9; Jas. 1:2-4). Love and service to others aren't always convenient, comfortable and safe. We may not understand our trials, but we are encouraged that God understands what suffering is. He has experienced it.

When we suffer, we are also encouraged by knowing that a crown of glory awaits us, just as it did for Jesus. When we identify with him in his cross (as we do in baptism, in the Lord's Supper, and in a life of service), we will also share in his glory (Rom. 8:17-18; 2 Cor. 4:17).

The cross may be foolishness to humans, but it shows us the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:17-25). The cross was a stroke of genius, a brilliant maneuver. It simultaneously shows how ugly sin is, and how beautiful God's love is. It decisively punishes sin and offers forgiveness. It shows both justice and grace. It breaks the power of sin and death, and gives us power to overcome.

The cross gives us visible evidence that our sins have been dealt with once and for all, that our struggles are not in vain, and that a crown of glory awaits us through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Michael Morrison

Bibliography

F.F. Bruce. Jesus: Past, Present and Future, InterVarsity, 1998.

Michael Green, The Empty Cross of Jesus. InterVarsity, 1984.

Leon Morris, The Atonement. InterVarsity, 1983.

John Stott, The Cross of Christ. InterVarsity, 1986.

Alaska and
Mediterranean cruises

By John Siston

The church is offering a Pentecost cruise to Alaska and a Fall Festival cruise to the Mediterranean (see below and the October WN).

Here's what you can expect on a cruise. Last October, 145 members and families attended the Festival on board the MS Ryndam cruising through the Panama Canal.

Members and a few other passengers who partook of the open-to-the-public worship opportunities, attended services, workshops, prayer meetings and other group get-togethers celebrating Jesus Christ.

The group cruise experience has developed into a worship, educational and travel opportunity over the years. In light of its success, and with other cruises planned this year, a history of the WCG's group cruising experience might be of interest.

In the late 1980s the church experimented with conducting the Festival on a cruise ship. This allowed members to arrive at their location, unpack their bags for the duration of the cruise, and enjoy the mix of scenic beauty, historical and geographical significance and the variety of activities and services a cruise offers.

While these cruises were enjoyable, a couple were not without inconveniences. It was decided to look for a more veteran cruise line, and Holland America was chosen for the 1994 Alaska Festival cruise.

While the Alaska cruise was successful, cruising in general was put on hold in 1995 and 1996 since not enough members were interested to warrant chartering an entire ship.

In 1997 our agent suggested we use a Holland America ship as a group Festival site instead of a full ship charter. No up-front deposit or a specific number of people was required to guarantee the ship as a Feast site.

This new approach resulted in a 10-day eastern Caribbean cruise. Members made up more than half the ship's 1,266 passengers. It stopped at six islands and allowed members to meet other members in a couple of countries.

In 1998 the Panama Canal cruise included more time at sea, so church activities were scheduled to dovetail with ship activities and ports of call. In addition to services, prayer meetings, praise music and other group get-togethers, Ted Johnston, Neil Earle and Dennis and Lorraine Pelley presented workshops on personal evangelism, church history, men's and women's ministry and passages in marriage.

So with past experience as our guide, two cruises for 1999 are planned. Both will be filled with spiritual rejuvenation, worship, fellowship, continuing education and sight-seeing, as well as the comfort and convenience of travelling with people with similar interests.

Alaska--spring inside passage

Since the Alaska sailing season ends in September, a cruise that corresponds to the traditional Festival of Tabernacles dates was not possible for five years.

However, to accommodate the many who showed interest in Alaska cruising, a May, seven-day cruise was selected to correspond to the feast of Pentecost.

It embraces two of the world's most spectacular travel experiences, the thousand-mile Inside Passage, and Glacier Bay. A list of church activities scheduled on board will be sent to members who book the cruise. Those interested should call Travel Gallery at 1-800-858-6999 immediately for a cruise packet.

Mediterranean--Empires of the Black Sea

A sailing that overlays the more traditional Festival dates is the fall Empires of the Black Sea cruise that combines Holland America's Flagship Forum lecture series, the land of Chekhov, Tolstoy and Rachmaninoff and cities visited by the apostle Paul.

The cruise starts in Venice, and the itinerary includes Dubrovnik, Athens, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Odessa, Yalta, Romania and Istanbul.

Colonel James W. Reid, Holland America's guest lecturer, who served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army in intelligence and diplomatic assignments, will provide informative background information. It includes his lecture "From Classical Greece to Tsarist Romanovs."

Specific church activities will be announced at a later date to all going on this cruise.

For more complete itineraries, cruise brochure and booking information, call Travel Gallery at 1-800-858-6999, or write to Travel Gallery at 30 S. Wilson Ave., Pasadena, California, 91106.

In a future issue we will detail the China Cultural Exchange Festival Tour scheduled for the fall of 1999.

Mr. Tkach Visits
Des Moines, Iowa

By Karl and Carla Reinagel

DES MOINES, Iowa--Pastor General Joseph Tkach joined 160 members from Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota in Des Moines for a Feast of Trumpets celebration, Sept. 21.

In a sermon titled "You Can't Have a Second Coming Without a First Coming," Mr. Tkach presented a factual, balanced approach toward Christmas observance.

During a potluck afterward, he was presented with a card featuring his portrait by local artist and church member, Bernie Wernli, which was signed by all.

Brethren were thankful that Mr. Tkach visited them while attending a Church of God Seventh-day conference in Des Moines. He was available for several hours after services to talk and listen to them.

Inland Empire
has 40th anniversary

By Neil Earle

SAN BERNARDINO, California--"I want to congratulate, thank and challenge you," Pastor General Joseph Tkach told 264 members and guests attending the 40th anniversary service here Sept. 19.

"In a time when some 50 churches close each week across American Christianity, we see how you can compare with the majority."

Mr. Tkach encouraged the congregation to rise above the sense of disorientation many Christians, not just WCG members, tend to experience in their Christian lives.

Mr. Tkach was preceded in his remarks by Mark Lambert, senior pastor of Judson Baptist Church, where the San Bernardino congregation has met since January.

"You're just an awesome bunch," pastor Lambert told the congregation assembled from the five churches that comprise the Inland Empire fellowship.

"I don't know how many of us in the body of Christ would be willing to pay that price," he added, referring to the losses the 65-year-old WCG has suffered in past years as it has moved more closely to the Christian mainstream.

To warm applause from the audience, pastor Lambert related his experience of meeting then-San Bernardino WCG pastor Gary Sefcak at an evangelical pastors luncheon two years ago.

"I have sinned," Mr. Sefcak told the group of ministers of which Mr. Lambert is president. "I have said and thought some things about you I shouldn't have."

"There was a big lump in my throat," Mr. Lambert concluded. "Gary and I have been friends ever since."

WCG members also received greetings from Patricia Massie, coordinator of the Inland Empire National Day of Prayer.

"You have been so much help," she told the congregation, praising the efforts of Glendora members Brett and Julie Miller in helping prepare a newsletter for the NDP.

The program included reminiscences from Jim Diehl, Victorville, California, pastor, and his wife, Karla, as they introduced some founding members who were in attendance in the Redlands Y.W.C.A. building, where the church began in 1958.

From that beginning in Redlands have sprung six churches--San Bernardino, Corona, Hemet, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs and Victorville.

"It's so important for us to recapture our traditions as we move forward," said Roger Lippross, visiting from the Pasadena congregation.

"It was just like the old days," said Lelia Love, who helped supervise meals for 281 people. A potluck and live country and western band led by Emmett Rushing concluded the festivities with area talent on display.

Neil & Susan Earle

Jim & Karla Diehl

Gary & Karla Sefcak

Ministerial pictorial

The following were left out of the U.S. ministerial pictorial published in the November WN.

Rick & Michelle Baumgartner
Medford, Oregon

Ed & Thelma Faulk
Lorain, Ohio

Church Administration announces
the following ministerial ordinations.

William Hochstetler Kalamazoo, Michigan

Thomas Jagielski New Albany, Indiana

George Buschlack Cedar Rapids, Iowa

John Young Pensacola, Florida

Aaron Root Fox Valley, Wisconsin

Ron Getsman Bismarck, North Dakota

Archie Hill Kankakee, Illinois

David Husmann Sioux City, Iowa

Samuel Willis Indianapolis, Indiana

Jacky Duncan Gadsden, Alabama

Melvin Hall Monroeville, Alabama

Mike Koszalka Portland, Oregon, West

Joe Newton Charlotte, North Carolina

William Davies Santo, Vanuatu

Jim Noordhoek Batesville, Arkansas

Jeff Noordhoek Batesville, Arkansas

Glen Sinkule Palm Springs, California

Chester Smith Evansville, Indiana

Update: News of people, places and events

WCG partners with Asian Theological Seminary

MANILA, Philippines--The WCG entered into a working relationship Sept. 24 with the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS), considered to be one of the top seminaries in the Philippines and Asia.

Bill Sidney

Rey Taniajura

Bill Sidney, regional director, and Isabelo Magalit, ATS president, signed a memorandum of agreement binding the two institutions in an endeavor to provide quality biblical and pastoral training outside the seminary to Christian workers and lay members.

Signing with Mr. Sidney and Dr. Magalit were Rey Taniajura, administrator of the church's Leadership Development Institute (LDI), and Ruth Callanta, director of the ATS Lay Institute (ALI).

Mr. Taniajura said: "We are working on the curriculum of the certificate program in Christian Transformational Leadership. We hope to offer the first subjects in January." Arlan Aquino.

Boston starts chapel with First Congregational Church

BOSTON, Massachusetts--The Boston WCG congregation and the First Congregational Church of Waltham launched a chapel service the last Wednesday of each month.

(The Boston church has been meeting in the First Congregational Church building for three years.)

The chapel service came about after the two congregations formed a combined evangelism committee.

Al Ebeling

On the last Wednesday of each month, members from both congregations gather for a praise and worship celebration.

"We sing both contemporary and traditional praise music, have voluntary intercessory prayer, individual testimony and a biblical message," said pastor Al Ebeling.

"Our goal is to worship with one another as often as we can and take this enthusiasm and message to the community of Waltham."

The congregations share weekly Bible studies and men's ministries. Pastors from both congregations have shared each other's pulpits.

Member's daughter recovering from bomb blast wounds

DURBAN, South Africa--Caroline Crouch, daughter of a Worldwide Church of God member, who was injured in a bomb blast Aug. 25 in Cape Town (October WN), is "getting on extremely well," according to pastor Gordon Green.

"I've seen her twice at a gym where she is getting special training from a personal trainer," Mr. Green said. "She is walking much better, although still slowly.

"It's hard to believe that she was initially paralyzed from the waist down. Full recovery will take a while, but it seems almost daily there is some progress."

Sherwood, Arkansas, begins Wednesday night service

SHERWOOD, Arkansas--Because many Sherwood members desire more of Jesus Christ in their lives, the Sherwood congregation began a weekly Wednesday evening worship service Sept. 23.

The midweek gathering is in addition to a weekly Sunday morning worship service.

The format is a praise, worship and prayer service, and concludes with the sacraments of Holy Communion.

Gene Griffin

"Communion every week may be a bit much for some," said pastor Gene Griffin, "but it seems to satisfy the hunger many of our members have developed for more of Jesus Christ in their lives."

The service begins with three lively praise songs, followed by a period of intercessory prayers. Another session of four or five worship songs comes next, followed by more voluntary prayers.

Pastor Gene then asks for God's blessing on the sacraments, after which the final session of five or six worship songs begins. During this session, members who wish to do so come forward to the altar and partake of the sacraments of bread and wine.

At times, especially during the final session when communion takes place, the worship becomes moving and powerful, and many members respond by raising their hands, bowing, kneeling and even bowing on their knees while worshiping in song.

"I enjoy the worship, the prayer and actually feeling the presence of God during these services," said Silver Newton, a new member from the community who, with her son Jasper, joined the Sherwood church several months ago. "The service rejuvenates me spiritually during the middle of the week," she said.

Candles, some scented, and special lighting enhance the Wednesday evening service, helping members view themselves as if they were singing with the holy angels in the throne room of God. New worship songs are introduced each week.

"The Wednesday worship is great," commented Airman First Class James Kenneth Williams of the Little Rock Air Force Base. James was drawn to the Sherwood church because of an advertisement. "The Wednesday service gives us an opportunity to come together as a church family and get out of the world," he said.

Sharon Linder has lived in central Arkansas all her life, and began attending the Sherwood church about the time the Wednesday evening service was started. "The Wednesday service has helped me focus more on Jesus Christ--to put him first in my personal and work life," she said. "And when the service is over, and we all leave, we each leave feeling refreshed."

Jim Valekis gets scholarship at Earlham School of Religion

Jim Valekis

RICHMOND, Indiana--Jim Valekis, pastor of the congregations in Muncie and Richmond, Indiana, and Dayton and Tipp City, Ohio, is the first recipient of the Nancy Kortepeter Mullen scholarship from the Earlham School of Religion.

It covers full tuition for all classes for the 1998-99 school year.

Recipients are chosen based on these characteristics: 1) A person with courage of conviction who is open to new insights; 2) A person with a love for people in general and compassion for those with particular needs; 3) A person who hungers for learning and is called by God to use his or her spiritual gifts in serving humanity; 4) And finally, a person with a joyful spirit who encourages and inspires others.

Columbia church in Church World Service Crop Walk

COLUMBIA, Missouri--Members of the Columbia congregation participated in a Crop Walk Oct. 4 sponsored by Church World Service to fight world hunger.

Al Kersha

Pastor Al Kersha learned of the Crop Walk while attending an Inter-Faith Council meeting in August.

Funds are given to food pantries and other relief efforts in the United States and around the world. The culmination of the fund-raising effort is a group walk that highlights the plight and need of the hungry and destitute.

"When I learned of the Crop Walk's sponsoring organization it seemed vaguely familiar to me," Mr. Kersha said. "After finding an old document passed on to me from my parents, it was confirmed that Church World Service was the sponsoring agency that helped my parents, older brother and myself to be relocated from a displaced persons camp in Munich, Germany, to the United States in 1947."

Several members of the Columbia congregation helped raise money for the Crop Walk, collecting about 10 percent of the total in the community.

On the day of the walk, Mr. Kersha welcomed participants and recounted his family's experience with the Church World Service.

Corona uses children's church to evangelize

CORONA, California--The Corona congregation was looking for a way to use the gifts of its members for community evangelism.

With weekly attendance between 20 and 30, including children, resources are limited. However, one strength of the congregation is its dynamic children's church. God has also blessed the congregation with a church facility that includes a number of classrooms.

The congregation started a "Virtues & Values" summer program with classes Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30 for children ages 3 through fifth grade.

The classes would give parents time to run errands or do chores while their children were being taught about virtues and values such as being thankful, having compassion, being a good friend and being obedient.

Terry Davis coordinated the program with assistance from Deena Murray and the youth group consisting of Pam and Rosario Alvarez, and Jon and Janelle Davis.

Each class included a video, snacks, craft projects, games, a scripture to learn, singing, prizes, and for the younger children a story time, while the older children did a short Bible study on a topic.

The program was marketed by free newspaper advertisements, and by passing out flyers to parents at a grocery store and at the city's youth recreational programs. The children were also encouraged to bring friends and neighbors.

The program began with seven children attending regularly. By the end of the three months, the average attendance was between 15 and 20.

More than 45 new children came to the class at one point or another. Some had never attended church before and were excited to learn about a God who loved them and a Jesus who