By Brenda Plonis
BOREHAMWOOD, England--In a whirlwind visit July 24 to 28, Pastor General Tkach met with the combined churches in northern England, members in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the Summer Educational Program (SEP) in Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Mr. Tkach attended the annual general meeting of the church's U.K. board of directors, Friday, July 24. Then, he and John Halford, European regional director, met Joel Edwards, director of the Evangelical Alliance in the United Kingdom.
On the Sabbath, July 25, Mr. Tkach spoke in Manchester to about 250 members. In the evening, he flew to Belfast and on Sunday, he spoke to the members there.
Although members from Northern Ireland made up the bulk of the 155 people present, a sizeable contingent from the Irish Republic traveled considerable distances for the occasion.
As it was Mr. Tkach's first visit to Ireland, he spent part of the morning seeing the countryside and the city of Belfast. Although it was quiet, the stark nature of the city split by rival Christian groups was apparent. Mr. Tkach said it was a tragedy that such a beautiful country and such friendly people should be scarred by this conflict.
Bob Beggs led members in songs of praise. Mr. Tkach presented Samuel and Margaret Armstrong of the Ballymena, Northern Ireland, congregation with a bouquet and card to mark their 50th anniversary.
Then Mr. Tkach gave a sermon on the theology of suffering.
After the service, members enjoyed a buffet provided by the women of the Northern Ireland churches. Although the service had begun at 2 p.m., it was nearly 7 when Mr. Tkach left.
Mr. Tkach then flew to Glasgow, Scotland, and went on to visit SEP in Loch Lomond.
He visited the camp in the afternoon and evening when all of the campers arrived. He then addressed campers and staff Tuesday morning, July 28, on the issue of time.
He urged those present not to kill or waste time, but rather to use it wisely. He reminded them to take time to build a relationship with God and to talk with those who already know him well.
Mr. Tkach later said that SEP was one of the most beautiful places he'd ever visited and a great place to get to know God.
ANNIVERSARY GIFT--Mr. Tkach gives
bouquet of flowers to Samuel and Margaret Armstrong,
who celebrated their 50th anniversary.
SUMMER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM--From left,
Andrew Silcox, Joseph Tkach and John Halford.
ADDRESSING MEMBERS--Mr. Tkach gives update
before delivering sermon in Belfast, July 26.
AFTER SERVICES--Members engage in discussion with
Mr. Tkach about theology after services in Belfast, July 26.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998