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April 1999
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This is our April cover
Which is more important to the WCG: the days on which we meet or learning to love one another? asks J. Michael Feazell, director of Denominational Publications. We know what we want the answer to be, but sometimes it seems our different viewpoints on such things as festivals crowd out the Christian love we'd like to experience.
Two of the underlying values that guide our church policies are these: 1) All our members are important. 2) Jesus commands us to love one another.
May God grant us all hearts that can see beyond these forms of worship into the real substance of worship: knowing and loving him more deeply. Pages 4 to 7.
"Some pastors in my region haven't been able to rally their churches to a vision of reaching out to the community," a district superintendent said.
"Some have general goals, but don't have a specific vision. Others are frustrated because the congregation isn't supporting the vision the pastor has."
Mr. Tkach responds by offering a few encouraging words for such pastors--and for members in their congregations.
It is good to have goals larger than what we can achieve. On an individual level, Christ calls each of us to perfection, or wholeness.
Even though we are unable to achieve complete wholeness in this life, we should still strive toward it--yet without discouragement, for we know we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1).
Because of God's faithful grace, we are encouraged to go forward with confidence, knowing that Christ lives in us. Pages 8 and 9.
We have compiled the results of the member worship survey that was distributed last November, writes Ron Kelly, Festival administrator.
A total of 15,440 adult members completed the survey. Your participation helps us more accurately plan for festival seasons and other worship opportunities during the year.
The purpose of the survey was to help us understand what festivals members would like to see the denomination sponsor.
As members expressed preferences, it is important to realize the rights of others to feel differently than us.
Our preferences should not be a source of division, but an allowance to celebrate with joy as we choose. Pages 10 and 11.
When Jesus said, "I am the bread of heaven, the bread of God, the bread of life," he was tapping into a rich reservoir of religious symbolism.
Bread had represented many things to the Jews in the past, writes Don Mears.
But now Jesus challenged them to see that these historical meanings had been wrapped up in, and were superseded by, one great new meaning. The true bread is Jesus Christ! Page 24.
Accounting for the first two months of 1999 is now complete, writes controller Ron Kelly.
Income has been fairly steady, but just a little under our budget estimates.
To meet February projections we hoped for a daily average of $103,000 per banking day. However, February closed at $97,634 per day.
Mail income is about 12 percent below last February. Pages 22 and 23.
By Thomas C. Hanson
PASADENA--The church named three new district superintendents during the Feb. 22 to 26 ministerial conference.
They are Randy Bloom, Memphis, Tennessee; Robert Taylor, Nashville, Tennessee; and Ted Johnston, Akron, Ohio.
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Carn Catherwood, former district superintendent of the Memphis region, will now be district superintendent of the Big Sandy region. Mr. Catherwood lives in Big Sandy.
Don Mears, former Big Sandy district superintendent, will continue to pastor the Big Sandy and Tyler, Texas, churches.
The addition of three district superintendents will mean that "we can better serve our pastors and members and ease the workload of the district superintendents," said Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers.
In other conference news, the ministers and wives heard from Paul R. Ford, who specializes in lay mobilization, leadership training and team building. The women also heard from Pat Clary, founder of Women's Ministries Institute in Pasadena, who spoke about fanning the flames within you.
TEAM BUILDING--Paul Ford talks to U.S. district superintendents,
Festival coordinators and international regional directors during the
Feb. 22 to 26 conference [Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]
By J. Michael Feazell
Which is more important to the Worldwide Church of God: the days on which we meet or learning to love one another?
We know what we want the answer to be, but sometimes it seems our different viewpoints on such things as festivals crowd out the Christian love we'd like to experience. Sadly, instead of peace in some of our congregations, we find dissension, confusion and anger.
Two of the underlying values that guide our church policies are these: 1) All our members are important. 2) Jesus commands us to love one another.
Because we all belong to Jesus Christ, every member of the church is important to the church. We know that Jesus loves every member of his Body. He cares for every member, for every sheep of his pasture. As the Body of Christ, therefore, the church wants to see that every member is shepherded in love, knowing that is how Jesus wants it to be.
Likewise, when it comes to days of worship, we want to pastor all our members, not just those who meet on Sunday or just those who meet on Saturday. Regardless of the day on which our members might choose to meet, we want all of them to hear the same, consistent gospel message.
We want all of them to know, and to be reminded at every church service, that for the sake of Jesus Christ, God loves them. We want them, at every church service, whether Saturday or Sunday or midweek, to worship the Lord who loves them and saves them.
Not only does Jesus love us, he tells us that if we are his disciples we will love one another. As his life takes root in us, his heart of love for his people will renew and transform our hearts.
From the Bible, we learn about some of the characteristics of Christ's love. Love does not condemn. Love is patient. Love is faithful and honest. If we are to obey Jesus, then we are not to condemn one another. We are to be patient with one another. And we are to be faithful and honest, even with how we use the Word of God with one another.
One of the ways in which we must be honest and faithful with the Word of God is that we must teach the truth about the Sabbath and the Israelite festivals.
We once taught that these festivals are required for Christians, and that they are the identifying sign of true Christians. We were wrong about that. They are not required for Christians and they are not the sign of true Christians.
But honesty and faithfulness also demand we must teach the truth about all festivals, the fact that no particular festival is required for Christians or is the identifying sign of true Christians. Not Christmas, not Easter, not Passover, not Tabernacles--no festival is required for Christians.
For the same reason, no festival is forbidden for Christian worship--as long as the festival is used to worship and honor Jesus Christ.
Our sin in the past was in the way we kept the Sabbath and festivals as a requirement and a sign, and the way we viewed believers who did not keep them. The sin was not in gathering on a particular day to worship God.
We are free in Christ to keep or not keep any of these festivals. We worship him, and we can do so any time, any place.
If a group decides to meet on Saturday, they can worship Jesus on Saturday. If a group decides to meet on Sunday, they can worship Jesus on Sunday. God does not judge us about which day we meet on; he does, however, judge us on our judgmental attitudes toward one another.
The new covenant is not the same thing as, nor is it defined by, meeting on Sunday and on traditional Christian festivals.
If anyone thinks that it is, he or she is making the same mistake we all made before: we were making a day of worship the criterion for who is and who is not a true Christian. That is merely substituting one form of legalism for another. The core value remains just as wrong.
If there is anything we should have learned from our Sabbatarian experience, it is that days don't measure the Christian. We are Christians when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, not when we start meeting on some particular day. That concept was wrong when we were Sabbatarians, and it is wrong now, regardless of which day the issue is over.
Once again, all our members are important. That is why our policy is that members are free to meet on either or both sets of days. The days do not matter to Christ--the attitudes do.
Can a person be a "new covenant Christian" and meet for worship on Saturday? Yes, a person can. Can a person be a "Christian in name only" and meet on Sunday? Of course a person can. And vice versa.
It is a changed heart, a heart in which resides the Holy Spirit, that makes the Christian, not the outward activity of meeting days.
"But doesn't the Holy Spirit lead the true Christian to celebrate the birth of Jesus?" someone asks. "How can people become mature Christians as long as they do not celebrate the Incarnation?" asks another.
The answer is simple. A person can become a mature Christian by putting his or her confidence and trust in Jesus Christ and, as his disciple, grow in his love.
I celebrate Christmas, and I find it to be a thoroughly inspiring and blessed time for my family and me. But that is not what makes me a Christian, and it is not what makes me a healthy or mature Christian.
I mature in Christ as I believe his promises to me, as I listen to his words and practice them, as I step out in faith and trust the Holy Spirit to give me the power I need to love, to forgive, to live a holy and blameless life. We must not mistake celebrations for maturity.
Celebrations are one of the wonderful ways we can honor and praise God for who he is and what he has done, but there is no demand that we must all celebrate in exactly the same way or at exactly the same time.
As Christians, we all celebrate Jesus and what God has done in him, but many of us do it in different ways.
There is beauty in that. It presents us with a wonderful opportunity to practice Jesus' words: "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
What a shame it is to us when unbelievers see our petty divisions and squabbles over, of all things, worship days.
How tragic when Christians, called to love one another, cannot even give each other ground over choice of days for assembly--and assembly for what, but to hear the words of Jesus about kingdom love, patience, kindness, mercy, gentleness and peace?
Listen to the essence of the argument: "You are not true Christians! You meet on Saturday to hear about our Lord and Savior, who was crucified to forgive our sins and reconcile us to God and give us new life in the kingdom of God. I can't stand being in the same church as you stubborn, narrow-minded, old covenant legalists."
"Ha! We're not true Christians? You are not true Christians! You meet on Sunday to hear about our Lord and Savior, who was crucified to forgive our sins and reconcile us to God and give us new life in the kingdom of God. I can't stand being in the same church as you liberal, men-pleasing, sun-worshiping pagans."
But Christ says, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). And he inspired Paul to write, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Corinthians 13:14).
The bottom line is this: It is OK for Christians to meet on Saturday. It is OK for Christians to meet on Sunday. It is not OK for Christians to ridicule or condemn one another.
What does this mean in practical terms? It means, for one thing, that when a new person begins attending church, it is wrong to try to get that person involved in a dispute over worship days or to try to convince that person to agree with or join a "side" or "party" in the worship day wars. (I pray you have no "side" or "party," and that you are not involved in "worship day wars.")
If you are a conservative observer of the holy days and the Sabbath, it means you must not try to persuade others of your view.
Sabbathkeepers have a place in the Worldwide Church of God, as long as they respect the church enough to not work against its doctrines by trying to convince other members or visitors that the holy days and the Sabbath are binding laws for Christians.
If you are an observer of Christmas and Easter, it means you must not try to make others feel that they are not truly mature Christians until they begin observing Christmas and Easter.
The kingdom of God is not about days. It is about Jesus Christ. The Christian life is not defined by rituals. It is defined by the love of Christ at work in his people.
Official church policy is that congregations can work out their own times for celebration and worship.
They can celebrate on the traditional WCG festivals, on traditional Christian festivals, on the nearest weekends to the actual dates of the festivals, on Saturdays, on Sundays, or any combination of these.
When they meet, they must celebrate Christ. They must not teach that days are sacred or commanded. They must use days for celebration, not for separating sheep from goats. Days are our servants, not our masters. Jesus is our Master.
If a minority wishes to celebrate on days the majority does not, then that minority should be made to feel secure and comfortable in doing so.
And that minority should likewise be respectful and understanding toward the majority who make a different choice about days.
Whatever our personal conviction is about the days we offer to God, let us understand that God accepts the offerings of days that other Christians make, too.
"In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. Each person should have a personal conviction about this matter" (Romans 14:5, New Living Translation).
How we use our time in the presence of God is a personal choice, one that God blesses when it is done toward him in a pure conscience.
"Those who have a special day for worshiping the Lord are trying to honor him.... So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian?" (verses 6, 10, NLT).
According to Paul, there is no need for the rhetoric we tend to throw around about how "we can't learn anything from Christmas and Easter" on one hand, or how "if you celebrate Trumpets you don't understand the new covenant" on the other.
We can, because we are in Christ, understand and appreciate one another's viewpoints and practices in regard to the days we devote to God.
God makes us free to devote to him the days we choose. That is between us and God, Paul says.
We need to get off each others' backs about such things, Paul warns. "So don't condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian's path" (verse 13, NLT).
It was essential that the Worldwide Church of God root out the legalism and judgmentalism inherent in our past approach to Sabbathkeeping and holy day observance, and we have done that.
Our former doctrines on the Sabbath and the holy days were not in harmony with the gospel, and there is no room in the church for the spirit they engender. But please understand this crucial point: there is neither sin, nor righteousness, inherent in the festivals themselves. How we used the days was wrong, not the days themselves.
Let every person make up his or her own mind about what days to devote to God, and let it be done with a pure and humble heart, not a heart that believes we are more faithful than another for the sake of the days we choose.
"So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up" (Romans 14:19, NLT).
This is a goal worth striving for. Imagine a day when we can understand and appreciate one another's preferences on days and actually build each other up rather than tear down.
The amazing thing is that Paul is not calling for harmony in the church on the basis of everybody doing the same thing; he is calling for harmony in the church on the basis of a changed attitude toward one another's varying practices.
We all stand or fall before God, not before one another. And God loves every one of us. God asks the strong to be considerate of the weak. He asks all of us to have the attitude of Christ toward each other (15:5).
Surely we can agree to "pull in our horns" over these matters, and not go the way of all flesh and allow it to tear us apart.
The Bible shows us a better way, the way of letting Jesus fill our hearts with his love. We do not have to make the same mistake we made in years gone by, nor the same mistake Christians have been making for centuries.
We can, with the help of Christ, love one another and bear with one another in understanding and the peace of God. Why not follow the Holy Spirit into that peace, rather than follow human passions into discord and division?
Those who persist in causing division, Paul says, should be removed from the Body. God values harmony and peace wrought in the forge of his love, a love that involves a life, like that of Jesus, of self-sacrifice.
The only self-sacrifice this matter demands is for some of us to change our attitudes toward one another.
Church policy supports either set of days or any combination of both. May God grant us all hearts that can see beyond these forms of worship into the real substance of worship: knowing and loving him more deeply.
"Some pastors in my region are discouraged," a district superintendent said. "They haven't been able to rally their churches to a vision of reaching out to the community. Some have general goals, but don't have a specific vision. Others are frustrated because the congregation isn't supporting the vision the pastor has."
Let me offer a few encouraging words for such pastors--and for members in their congregations.
It is good to have goals larger than what we can achieve. On an individual level, Christ calls each of us to perfection, or wholeness (Matt. 4:48; Eph. 4:13).
Even though we are unable to achieve complete wholeness in this life, we should still strive toward it--yet without discouragement, for we know we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Because of God's faithful grace, we are encouraged to go forward with confidence, knowing that Christ lives in us.
Jesus Christ sets before us a job far beyond our abilities: to bring the gospel to the entire world. Christian churches have been working at this for almost 2,000 years, and large segments of the world still have not been reached--and some areas once Christian are not Christian any more.
Still, we do not lose heart. We continue the work because Christ lives in us. It is his work, and he will bring it to completion. We do not need to worry about that.
If we were able to achieve all our goals, we would also be tempted to take the credit. We might claim to have the right method, the right formula for success, the right wisdom or even the right level of humility!
But because we fall short, we are reminded that the tasks set before us are, in fact, humanly impossible. The gospel is not humanly received. We cannot take credit for conversions or for individual growth in the gospel. We must rely on Christ.
I am encouraged that pastors want to reach out to their communities and to help their congregations become effective outposts for the kingdom of our Lord and Savior. This is in itself a sign of a church being transformed by Jesus Christ.
But with change, there is also inertia. We are usually slow to change, both individually and collectively.
Consider the first century church, the church with all the apostles, the experiences with Jesus, and the eyewitnesses of his resurrection.
These were the people Jesus told, "Go into all the world." Was there a mad rush for missionary work? Hardly.
The apostles stayed in Jerusalem for several years. A miraculous vision had to occur before Peter would even go into a gentile's house.
Even that small step had to be carefully explained to the critics in the Jerusalem church. A major conference had to be conducted to clarify just what the gospel is, that people are saved by faith, and that gentiles are to be accepted. The process took many years, and not everyone finally agreed.
In time, the apostles left Jerusalem and carried the gospel to other peoples. But the Jerusalem church itself remained rather conservative, a victim of inertia.
They were slow to change their view of the world and their view of how they were to serve God. They limited themselves, but God was not limited. He raised up others to share in the work.
Antioch became a center of missionary activity. Antioch became the church that sent Paul out. And the church grew.
Our goal is to be like Antioch, not like Jerusalem. If we do not change, we will end up like Jerusalem did, and God will raise up others to do the work. He has plenty to choose from. The good news is that we are changing. Though inertia affects us, it is being overcome! But it takes time.
Our frustration is--ironically--a symptom of progress! If we were mired in our inertia, we wouldn't care. We would be like a turtle that pulls its legs and head into its shell, protecting itself and not going anywhere.
Ten years ago, we had little interest in reaching out to our communities. We had just begun to talk about it. We certainly didn't think in terms of each congregation having its own vision for how to further the kingdom of God.
We had an underdeveloped concept of lay ministries, of bivocational pastors and of spiritual gifts. We have made a lot of progress. Though there is much yet to do, we do not need to become discouraged, for it is Christ who is at work within us.
Whenever there is a change, some are quicker to adapt than others. Eventually more people grasp the idea, but at first only a small number do. Significant progress has already been made. Christ is working in our fellowship, and he will complete the work he has begun. But it takes time, and people who are quick to adapt to change are not always gifted with patience!
I firmly believe that we need to continue to change, to be transformed under Christ's leadership. When I sound a note of patience, I do not want anyone to think it is an opportunity to dig in and resist change.
I want us to move forward, yes, but with some realism about how much work it takes for us to move forward. We need to run with patience the race set before us. We must never stop running, but we must run with patience.
Now let me further address the above-mentioned pastoral situation. Some pastors are discouraged because they have either not formulated or have not gathered support for an outward-reaching vision.
Paul Ford, a speaker at our February conference for regional directors and district superintendents, pointed out that only 30 percent of pastors are visionary by gift or style.
Some pastors get out front and shout for people to follow, while many others lead by coming alongside people, comforting, counseling and encouraging members to go forward together.
Both approaches are legitimate forms of pastoral leadership, but it is difficult for a person of one style to try to function according to the other style. We all function best when we spend most of our time operating in the way God has gifted us.
Let me return again to outward vision.
I believe in some cases, it is best that we not be too concerned about outward vision right now. God may not yet be giving all of us an outward vision because it may not yet be his time for new people to come into the congregation. We may have not yet matured into the nurturing fellowships that we still need to be. I say that not to condemn, but to diagnose the situation so that we can deal with it.
My dad used to talk about "upward, inward, and outward," and he placed them in that order for a reason. Our highest priority is to get our upward relationship back on track. We are to worship God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and we are to love him with all our depth of being.
When our relationship with God is strong and growing, we also find ourselves growing in the second priority--inward. We find ourselves growing in love for one another, in service toward one another and in caring for one another.
Small groups can play an important role in this process of nurturing one another. Some of us are dressing our wounds and trying to heal; others are ready to take on new challenges.
Our relationships with one another need to be built on the solid ground of faith in Christ--not on the mire of lockstep uniformity. We used to have strong bonds of fellowship within the church, but they were based on little more than doctrinal conformity.
There is certainly value in doctrinal unity. But our relationships must be based on more than that--they must be based on a loving relationship with Christ that leads us to love one another.
It is easier to change a doctrine than an attitude, and it is easier to change a belief than a habit. Now God is changing the cultural climate of the church. He is changing our attitudes toward Jesus. He is changing our attitudes about one another. And he is changing our attitudes about people around us.
This is not easy, but the process had already begun, even before we realized what was happening. We were making doctrinal changes to conform to biblical truths. But even more than that, God was initiating the doctrinal changes as an important step in transforming us to be more like his Son.
He calls us to a relationship with himself, not just with his book, and not just with a list of truths. And he calls us into relationship with one another through faith in him, not through an agreed upon set of common behaviors.
We are all in various stages of understanding that concept, and in various levels of applying it in our attitudes. Once we realize that our identity is in Christ, that our only significance is in him, then we will find that our attitude toward one another has changed too.
When our relationships with one another are strained, it is more difficult for us to display the love of Christ to new believers. If we can love only those who agree with us, how can we be a good incubator for people just beginning to come out of the world?
Christ leads his people to love one another even when we have different ideas, different practices and different ways of worshiping God.
I firmly believe that when the upward and inward are healthy, the outward will fall into place. We will have eyes to see the diverse gifts of our congregation and how those gifts can serve the church and the community--and we will have the desire to do so.
We thank God for the progress that he has already brought to our fellowship, and for the progress that continues to be made.
Just as we must have a patient eagerness for the return of the Lord, we must also have a patient eagerness for the completion of his work in our fellowship, as he transforms us to be closer to "the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13). To him we give all praise and honor and glory.
By Ron Kelly
PASADENA--We have compiled the results of the member worship survey that was distributed last November.
A total of 15,440 adult members completed the survey.
Your participation helps us more accurately plan for festival seasons and other worship opportunities during the year.
We would like to discuss a few principles about this survey. Some members thought the survey was given to manipulate change in our worship activities. Others thought it was an attempt to maintain traditions. Neither of those is true.
The purpose was to help us understand what festivals members would like to see the denomination sponsor.
A survey is a snapshot of how individuals feel at a given moment in time. The same survey one year later would probably produce different results. This survey, then, indicates how 15,440 people responded to questions in November 1998.
One question we asked may have seemed odd. We asked if members would be interested in a large church conference in the summer.
In our long-range planning, we hope to have a summer ministerial conference where we gather all our ministers from around the world. We have not had such a conference since 1979.
We thought that hundreds (perhaps thousands) of our members would enjoy coming together to join in the conference and to have a week of worship, conferences, workshops and seminars.
Such a conference would require months of planning. If our budget could afford such an activity, the earliest we could plan it would be in mid-2000, and that might be complicated as we proceed through the Pasadena property sale. So 2001 could be more realistic.
More than one third expressed an interest, but we suspect more would want to attend if it became a reality.
Further, the survey was designed to allow expression of preferences. That does not mean a member would not be willing to do something that would benefit the group as a whole.
For example, you will see in the survey results that 45 percent of our members prefer to take the Lord's Supper only once a year on the eve of Nisan 14.
But we find when a congregation has a special worship service at which members can participate in the Lord's Supper that many more than 45 percent may participate.
Some may prefer to celebrate the resurrected Lord on Easter Sunday, while others prefer to have that service on the nearest Saturday.
In some congregations, the minister and members will agree on one day or the other. And in other congregations services will be offered on both days to meet the worship desires of members.
This should demonstrate that the survey is not meant to manipulate or mandate, but to provide opportunity for discussion and planning.
As members expressed preferences, it is important to realize the rights of others to feel differently than us. Our preferences should not be a source of division, but an allowance to celebrate with joy as we choose.
Please do no use this survey as a "club" to argue your preferences, as its purpose is to inform, not to persuade or motivate.
Each of us should rejoice that members want to celebrate the meaning and significance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All eight days 40%
Attended a mini-site 9%
Held on one or more days in a local church 17%
Did not attend at all 34%
All eight days 50%
Will attend an eight-day site on a weekend 10%
Will attend a mini-site or in a local church 30%
Will not attend at all 10%
Saratoga Springs, New York 1,100
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 3,400
Hot Springs, Arkansas 1,800
Seaside, Oregon 1,050
Palm Springs, California 1,300
Davenport, Iowa 900
China group tour 120
Mediterranean cruise 175
International travel 1,200
33% Expressed a desire to meet on the exact Hebrew calendar day
13% Were desirous of celebrating on the beginning evening
40% Expressed a desire to have a celebration on the nearest weekly worship service
14% Have no desire to celebrate the WCG traditional festivals
45% Expressed a desire to celebrate only once a year on Nisan 14
36% Expressed a desire to celebrate more than once a year, but for special occasions
16% Expressed a desire to celebrate monthly in the local church
3% Expressed a desire to celebrate weekly
59% Desired to have a service during the Christmas season
19% Desired to have a service-- but not in December, rather at another time
22% Had no desire to have a service during the Christmas season
27% Desired to have a service on Easter Sunday
64% Preferred to have a service for the resurrection during the days of Unleavened Bread
9% Had no desire to have a specific resurrection service
60% Prefer to have weekly worship services on Saturday
10% Prefer to have weekly worship services on Sunday
30% Are willing to have weekly worship services on the day that best suits the majority of members in the local church
62% think they are not
17% think they are
21% have no opinion
37% said yes
24% said no
39% had mixed feelings
69% said yes
9% said no
22% had mixed feelings
WCG members
bring improved sight
to Guatemalans
MARSHFIELD, Missouri--Three Worldwide Church of God members left for Zacapa, Guatemala, Jan. 7 to participate in Share the Vision Mission 1999.
Ten people from three states were in the group. They joined to provide improved eyesight for Guatemalans.
The group consisted of four members of the Marshfield Christian Men's Group (Bill Mason, Bob Nevin, Richard Cupp and Bob Schall).
The Marshfield Christian Group was formed about a year ago and consists of seven men, six of whom are WCG members.
Two couples joining the group, Edwina and Gary Harper and Ellen Verrell, a licensed physician, and her husband, Dick, have traveled to Guatemala and other Third World countries on missions trips.
The Lions Club of Muncie, Indiana, donated more than 7,700 pairs of eyeglasses. The group also received support from numerous groups and individuals, including the Springfield, Missouri, WCG congregation.
Delta Airlines shipped 36 boxes of glasses and equipment free.
The group tested individuals to determine prescriptions and searched for eye glasses that matched. More than 1,700 pairs of eyeglasses were given to people of all ages.
For information about the next mission call Bob Schall at 1-417-532-7490 (home) or 1-417-532-3104, extension 362 (work) or by e-mail at bob-val@juno.com
GUATEMALAN MISSION--Share the Vision Mission brings
improved eyesight to more than 1,700 people.
From Randal Dick
Superintendent of missions
An increasing number of members, young and old, are contacting us to ask about getting involved in a mission effort.
They want to make a difference for the kingdom of God. They also are convicted that they should personally get involved in spreading the gospel in a meaningful way.
This is a welcome sign of revitalization within the fellowship. It is especially gratifying to see the number of young people who are actively pursuing mission work.
Tonia Weik is a WCG pioneer when it comes to our experience with short-term mission. She is a graduate of Ambassador University, where she became involved with the Ukraine Project.
I call it a project because in its initial years it was more of a humanitarian effort than it was a kingdom effort. Tonia, along with other leaders (Craig Shrum and Brenda Plonis to name two) realized that a spiritual component was missing in what was being done.
Tonia shared with me what she had observed about short-term missions while in Ukraine. She described both the positive and negative aspects of short-term missions.
Anyone considering a short-term mission needs to think about these same issues. I asked Tonia to write up her observations, and I would like to share them with you.
From Tonia WeikThe Christian community is over-flowing with them--opportunities to serve Christ internationally and at home.
Advertisements for and articles about short-term mission trips are in many Christian publications. Christian universities, Bible translators and humanitarian aid organizations are some of the many groups involved in short-term missions.
Programs are available for people of every age with a wide range of skills. This area of Christian ministry is growing by leaps and bounds, and there really is something for everyone.
I have spent time in Ukraine as a volunteer teacher and a missionary. Last summer, I helped organize a short-term mission in Khust, Ukraine.
Six team members participated in the two-month program. They were young adults from the United States and Canada, and our target Ukrainian group was teens.
That summer was a first for everyone, beginning with the preparation. It was the first time I had actively read about and planned for such a program.
We planned for small groups, prayer meetings and other activities without knowing how we would begin them, what we would say, or whether they would be successful.
It was exciting to be involved in something that was new to our fellowship. We did feel like pioneers at times--not knowing where we were going until we arrived. With work, prayers and God's blessing, we had an inspiring summer. I am so full of stories that I could write a book.
Our goal was to bring more people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Several young Ukrainians did make a commitment to God by the end of the summer--thanks to God for the discussions we had about the power of prayer, the unconditional love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Our mission team can say that we accomplished what we set out to do. I believe that short-term missions have a specific role in the church, but what exactly is that role? I took a look at some of the benefits.
*Team members are representatives of Christ through personal contact and relationships with people in the host country.
*Different Christian activities can be organized based on the various skills among team members.
*Team members learn from each other, as well as from the culture they enter.
*After a short-term mission, participants can return home spreading the word and inspire someone else to serve on such a mission.
Based on these mission experiences, a team member may decide on a career as a missionary.
The qualities of short-term missions (short duration, relatively inexpensive, travel options, spiritual lessons) make it a feasible consideration for many people.
After looking at my list, I saw that it was rather one-sided. Most of the benefits concerned the team members and not the people of the host country.
I know that short-term missions are beneficial--I was both a participant and an organizer. At the same time, I believe that there is something more. Short-term missions are, for example, the hand or the arm of the body, but not the body. These are some of the parts I found to be missing:
After two months, the team went home and the people we worked with lost Christian leadership.
The program was based more on short-term Christian activities than on long-term Christian growth and fellowship.
However, I could see God's guiding hand in what took place in Ukraine. We did as much as we could with what we had been given, and there were many blessings.
I hope and pray that such short-term missions will continue in Ukraine and around the world. At the same time, a body is needed--a base, a person or people who are in the host country on a long-term basis.
Short-term missions can operate as an important function of the organized base. When the program ends, those newly converted will receive continued spiritual support.
I hope that mission work will continue in Ukraine, and that our fellowship will remain involved. I pray that God will provide a base--that a well-suited person or people will be able to live and serve there for the long-term.
I am thankful that so many teenagers and young adults are involved in short-term missions both at home and overseas. They will never forget the miracles that they witness, the lessons that God teaches them and the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces. As we experience personal growth, we also must tend to the growth of the church. Before we can feed Jesus' sheep, we must find them.
We must realize that the spreading of the gospel to all nations (that's what mission is--it matters not what nation) is an ongoing process.
However, short-term mission is usually thought of in terms of a project. It is of short duration. The short-term missionary usually does not have time to learn enough about the culture to be effective on his or her own.
The short-term missionary is usually gone in a matter of weeks, or months at the most. Whatever effect they may have, usually leaves with them.
Short-term mission can be effective, even though it is a project, when it is linked to an indigenous mission effort. Hence, our efforts as a denomination are to mobilize, equip and release the local brethren around the world into effective gospel workers in their areas.
The best results are achieved when short-term mission can make the efforts of the local church more effective.
One example is a crew of skilled drillers who went to Mali to support the efforts of a long-term mission working there.
The missionaries needed a foothold in the community. They recognized that the greatest felt need of the local people they wished to reach with the gospel was to be able to remain in their homelands. However, the effect of long-term drought was forcing them off their lands.
The team of drillers came into the picture to locate water and drill deep wells so the people could have stable water supplies. The trained missionaries, who had prepared for years for this moment, then had the respect of the people. Over a period of time, they raised up indigenous churches and leaders among the people.
I think the message for us is two-fold. We, in God's army, need to borrow at least one theme from the U.S. Army. The Army ad campaign says, "Be all that you can be, in the Army."
We need to be all we can be in this life, for the sake of God's army. People who are retired, but still have their health, some financial stability and their career skills are extremely valuable assets to the Body of Christ.
Young people who wish to serve Christ should pursue their chosen career to a level of excellence, not just for the money or prestige, but because those skills and that experience are of great value to the Body of Christ.
When we serve alongside a ministry that is established in the host country, and bring our skills as a spiritual sacrifice, it is of great value.
I have no doubt that as our brethren around the world become more skilled and confident as gospel workers, that the opportunity for short-term mission will increase.
I hope that a core of skilled and willing fellow servants will be available when that time arrives.
Gary and Tamara Moore
By Gary Moore
SURREY, British Columbia--The Canadian region, like all others, is working through the incredible process of renewal led by Jesus Christ.
Each year brings its share of challenges and opportunities. The decline in church attendance and income show signs of bottoming out. People are still leaving, but at a reduced rate.
We see a gradual increase in the number of guests and new attendees in various congregations. The lines haven't yet crossed, but in due time they will, and we should begin to see growth.
We have 78 congregations in Canada. A children's church that George and Miriam de Vlugt began in Strathroy, Ontario, has grown into a full congregation averaging between 30 and 40 people in attendance. Their highest attendance for the year was 63 people at their Incarnation service.
Our new magazine, Northern Light, has completed its first year of existence. The magazine, the chief print communication tool for the WCG in Canada, nurtures Canadian members and provides news of churches across Canada, and in other nations.
We produce 10 issues a year, and an online edition is also available on the Internet at www.wcg.ca A new sermon is added each week for people unable to attend services, and members can express their thoughts and opinions in online polls and message boards.
We developed a ministerial site for our pastors. It includes educational and training opportunities for our distant pastors.
A taped class from Regent College has been offered, and now we are working our way through George Barna's new book, The Second Coming of the Church, in weekly segments. Participating ministers can offer their thoughts on each segment on a message board.
We conducted regional youth camps at four locations in 1998. Afterward, a number of teens were baptized. We are seeing an increase in teen baptisms in our congregations. We are delighted to see them accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and their commitment to live lives to glorify him.
As the denomination permits a range of liturgical choices, congregations are using this freedom to meet the needs of members.
This creates more diversity in our fellowship over issues involving forms of worship, but the substance that unites us is the true foundation of all Christianity--the past, present and future work of Jesus Christ.
Dealing with this diversity is stimulating growth in the ability to discern issues of central importance from secondary issues of personal preference.
We conducted the autumn festival at a variety of points from Penticton, British Columbia, in the west, all the way to St. John's Newfoundland in the east. A significant percentage of our members participated and were further anchored in the centrality of our salvation in Christ.
This year we are offering a new Feast site--online. Of course this cannot replace the experience of being with others, but we hope it will provide an opportunity for members unable to attend a site.
We work to implement our vision for spiritual health in our congregations. That vision includes congregations that are upwardly oriented in worship to God; inwardly oriented in nurturing and discipleship; and outwardly oriented in community service and evangelism.
Our pastors and congregations are working to improve their functions in all three of those critical aspects of Christian community life.
This is being done in the larger context of a nation in which Christianity has seen a tremendous decrease in its societal influence.
Canadian church attendance rates are well below U.S. levels, though they are still higher than in Western Europe. Christianity in Canada is seen as merely one of a number of options in a range of cultural and religious choices.
We pray that rather than being swallowed up by the prevailing culture, our congregations can truly be lights of the world and the salt of the earth in our nation.
We want to be examples of the kingdom of God in a darkened world. We solicit the prayers of our denominational brothers and sisters. Many Canadian members have you in their prayers daily.
By Hector
Barrero
ARMENIA, Colombia--I was finally able to visit the city of Armenia, where an earthquake struck Jan. 25 (March WN).
We are thankful that none of our members were injured. One of them is living in his brother's home, which was damaged.
Gabriel Velez and his family, the leaders of our group in Armenia, are doing fine, just scared, but thankful to God that nothing happened to them. Many homes around him were destroyed.
I thought I had seen everything on television, but the reality is overwhelming. Eighty percent of the city was destroyed. It looks like it had been bombed.
Thousands of people left the city to live with relatives in other cities. Those who remain live outside of what was left of their homes in improvised tents.
The city not only suffered the earthquake but also the looting of many who thought it was like the end of the world and wanted to have all possible food to survive. Some wanted food and water, while others wanted to steal all they could.
Because the police and fire stations were destroyed and many were dead, no one at first was in control of the city. The city was without electricity, and looters caused panic among the population during the nights.
Many took up arms to protect what was left after the earthquake.
Three or four days later the army reached the city, as main roads were blocked by landslides, and the small airport had been also been damaged.
At Gabriel's home we prayed and sang praises to God for his mercy and asked him to provide for the many thousands who lost everything.
We gave our members an offering given by members in Bogota, plus another amount taken from the local church fund.
They are thankful to us for this gesture, but we are more thankful to Jesus Christ, who protected them and their families.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and interest in what happened in Armenia.
Dear Sisters,
The Chicagoland's Women's Ministry is excited to be host for the 1999 WCG Women's International Conference (WIC).
The conference will be at the Wyndham Hotel in Itasca, Illinois, Aug. 6-8. The registration fee is $70 before June 1 and $85 after that. Rooms are $95 per night with up to four people in a room.
The conference will provide encouragement and practical help in the different phases of a woman's life.
The conference begins with praise and worship on 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 rest room by yourself!
Mothers and Teens--How to maintain a good relationship with your daughter and encourage her to walk with God.
Menopause--How to cope with it and how to know that God understands.
Walking Alone--Single and loving it!?
The Golden Years--How to have a vibrant Christian walk as we get older.
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 want to provide you with a deeply meaningful time in worship and personal reflection.
We are already receiving enthusiastic responses from around the world. This will be a time of sharing, helping and learning from each other.
Please pray for the planning of this event so all will go smoothly.
With love and anticipation
Your sisters in Christ
Angie Latimer & Karen Newby
WIC '99 coordinators
For details see the December WN
Registration Form
Name
Address
Home Phone Work Phone
Emergency Name Emergency Phone
Payment
Registration fee: $ ________
$70 on or before June 1, $85 after June 1
(Includes all general sessions and workshops; breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday, breakfast Sunday)
NOTE: Registration fee is transferable but not refundable.
Donation: $ ________ To assist women who require financial assistance to attend.
Total enclosed (U.S. Funds*): $ ________
* Canadians and other international guests, please use international money order.
Special Needs and Comments:
Please make check or money order payable to: WIC Chicago Fund
and mail this form and payment to Margaret Davis
900 N. Taylor Ave.
Oak Park, Illinois, 60302
Hotel reservations must be made directly through the Wyndham Hotel by each individual conference applicant.
Wyndham Hotel
Northwest Chicago
400 Park Blvd.
Itasca, Illinois, 60143
Reservations 1-630-773-4000
Mention you are with the Worldwide Church of God group. Cost is $95 per night (tax not included).
We request that this be done as soon as you send this registration form to us.
If you have any questions please contact us:
Karen Newby 1-847-741-6658 (e-mail james_newby@wcg.org)
Angie Latimer 1-847-587-5038 (e-mail LATIMO@aol.com)
A retreat sponsored by the Frederick and Cumberland, Maryland, and Strasburg, Virginia, Women's Ministry will be at the Eisenhower Inn and Conference Center in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 9-11. The theme is "Women in God's Service" (WinGS).
The goal of WinGS is to provide time away from your busy schedule to meditate on Christ's words, to pursue spiritual growth, and to enjoy fellowship with your Christian sisters.
The WinGS planning committee wants to provide an avenue for women to make a renewed commitment in their lives and to learn how to truly honor and serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Speakers will be Tammy Tkach, Sheila Graham, Susie Dick, Tina Dennis and other Christian presenters.
WinGS Retreat '99 will bring women together to take inventory of their spiritual condition. This retreat will help each participant equip herself to be the kind of servant Christ has called her to be as well as provide ways to identify her gifts to fulfill this purpose.
Registration is open until May 15. A nonrefundable registration fee of $20 is due with your application. Complete retreat cost is $185. This will cover all WinGS events and workshops, two nights lodging (two people to a room), two continental breakfasts and two luncheon buffets. The balance of $165 is due by June 15.
Complete the registration form below and mail to Henrietta Kissel, 11137 Mountain View Lane, Ijamsville, Maryland, 21754-8821. Make checks or money orders payable to Henrietta Kissel.
Registrations are transferable but not refundable.
The hotel check-in time is 3 p.m., and check-out is 11 a.m. The WinGS opening session is 7 p.m. Friday, and the final session ends at 4 p.m. Sunday. Dress is dressy casual.
Access the WinGS Retreat '99 website at: www.wcg.org/Churches/US/Mid-Atlantic/women/retreat199907.htm for the preliminary agenda, workshop information, travel information and a link to the Eisenhower Inn and Conference Center website.
For more information call Henrietta Kissel 1-301-607-6198 (e-mail: hkissel@hotmail.com) or Charlotte Whitting at 1-301-695-9487 (e-mail c_whitting@hotmail.com).
Name
Address
City State Zip Code
Home Phone Work Phone
Church
Roommate's Name
Circle any special needs:
Wheelchair or impaired mobility Elderly needing assistance Hearing impaired
Other
Method of payment
Registrations are transferable but not refundable.
Total Payment = $
By Aub Warren
LAKE MOOGERAH, Australia--Pastoral representatives from around our region gathered here for a four-day conference March 8-11.
The 70 participants represented about 20 areas, including Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific.
Pastor General Joseph Tkach was the guest speaker and spoke to the group every day.
"The conference was a wonderful and infrequent opportunity for personal interaction with our pastor general," said regional director Rod Matthews. "Mr. Tkach's delight in coming here and his personal warmth and willingness to share social time with everyone in addition to giving presentations and answering questions is an encouraging example of servant leadership."
Many of the participants were attending for the first time. In addition to employed pastors and some elders, were pastoral team leaders and representatives.
Elder Larry Malmstone, from Brisbane, Queensland, observed: "We can see that people are alive and want to go out and bring Jesus Christ to people in their communities. We are going forward."
"Loving and sharing," was how his wife, Kay, described the experience. "It's been rewarding to see where the leaders of our church are. It's been positive and uplifting for us."
During the conference most participants discussed plans, issues, challenges and opportunities in their areas. Challenges ranged from responding to the financial restructuring in Australia to coping with the threat of violent persecution of Christians in India.
Daniel Zachariah, pastor in northern India, told of the nation's shock at the killing of Graham Staines, an Australian missionary. "People had not realized how far some of these people would go."
Mr. Zachariah asked for prayers for Christians in India during this often-frightening time.
Many areas reported on the emergence of new ministries, development of new leadership and identification of new opportunities for outreach, worship and discipleship.
Tammy Tkach and Sheila Graham, Women's Ministry Support coordinators in Pasadena, visited the conference for a day and made a presentation on women's ministry.
They were on a regional speaking tour that included women's ministry seminars, workshops and retreats in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore (additional coverage is scheduled for the May issue).
Bob Haanstra and Randall Bourchier, pastoral team members from the Wodonga and Melbourne East, Victoria, churches, led inspiring worship sessions every morning and afternoon.
During his first day address Mr. Tkach addressed internal and external issues facing the church. He highlighted the need to transmit the Christian faith to the next generation, giving congregations resources to live out the Great Commission and development of vision at the regional, congregational and local ministry levels.
"Every congregation needs to develop a vision for its role in its community," Mr. Tkach said.
He also urged pastors to ensure inclusive worship, rather than an exclusive emphasis on one style (unless a clear congregational preference exists), to mentor and harvest more leaders and to help the church learn to evangelize effectively.
Devoting a full morning to the changes to the church's worship calendar and understanding of Old Testament festivals and traditional Christian celebrations, Mr. Tkach warned against polarization around liturgical calendars. Christians focus on and celebrate God's saving acts in our lives through Jesus Christ, Mr. Tkach explained.
A three-day conference for Asian pastors followed the regional conference.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS--Participants in the March 8
to 11 ministerial conference at Lake Moogerah, Australia.
[Photo by Aub Warren]
By Stevi Warkentin
My husband, Loren, and I attended a ministerial conference in Pasadena March 5 to 7.
We had a wonderful, Spirit-filled experience, but I cannot stop thinking about one of the comments we heard at the conference.
During a breakout session an elder remarked about the difficulties involved with having only one or two teens in a church area. He asked for advice about how to keep the teens from leaving our church.
My mind raced back to a conversation I had with an 18-year-old girl. She told me the reason she came to church was because of an elderly man in our congregation. She knew it mattered to him if she was there.
Not long after that conversation, my husband and I started serving the teens of our congregation. We didn't start out with any official role, just a desire to connect with some of their hearts.
Six years later we find ourselves serving as youth pastors, and loving it. We were asked to coordinate the annual inter-district youth formal in February. We contacted the church areas in our district to inform them of the dance.
Time and time again we were told the church we were calling had only one or two teens, so they didn't do anything for them.
In Matthew 18:10-14 (the parable of the man leaving 99 sheep to find a lost one), Jesus teaches us what our response should be. It only takes one person allowing Christ's love to flow through them to touch the heart of a teen--to show how much that teen matters to them, to our church and most of all, to God.
Some people call this shepherding. Some call it mentoring. I call it the power of one.
Loren and Stevi Warkentin are youth pastors in Long Beach, California.
We would like to expand our Teen Ministry page, and we need your help. We need articles about teens, for teens and by teens. We want to publish articles about things that interest you, about what's going on in your lives such as school, plans for college, dating and music. We want to hear about the challenges you face as Christian teens. We want to hear about the Christian events you attend. We want to know about your walk with Jesus, how you came to know him as your personal Savior.
We'd love it if you sent us articles. Articles should be no longer than 700 words. If you would like to send a photo of yourself that would be great, too. We're looking forward to hearing from you.
Promise Keepers men's ministry conferences
will take place in the following cities.
Memphis, Tennessee June 4-5
Detroit, Michigan June 25-26
Indianapolis, Indiana July 9-10
Denver, Colorado July 16-17
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania July 23-24
Tacoma, Washington July 30-31
San Antonio, Texas Aug. 6-7
Charlotte, North Carolina Aug. 13-14
Hartford, Connecticut Aug. 20-21
Stockton, California Sept. 10-11
Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 24-25
East Rutherford, New Jersey Oct. 1-2
St. Petersburg, Florida Oct. 8-9
Des Moines, Iowa Oct. 15-16
Phoenix, Arizona Oct. 22-23
All conferences are free. To register call 1-800-888-7595. You can ask for special group registration information. For speaker information see the Promise Keepers website at www.promisekeepers.org
By Ron Kelly
Accounting for the first two months of 1999 is now complete.
Income has been fairly steady, but just a little under our budget estimates. To meet February projections we hoped for a daily average of $103,000 per banking day. However, February closed at $97,634 per day.
Mail income is about 12 percent below last February.
As we plan our budget year, based on trends of recent years, we would expect income to be higher in the early months of the year, drop a little during the middle and pick up again toward the end of the year.
With that trend in mind, we planned our budget at $98,000 per banking day for the entire year. That means we need more than $98,000 per day in the early months. When income is not up to expectations, we have to take a deep breath as we calculate what measures will be necessary to reduce expenses.
One reason income has held steady so far is that estate donations and other distinct gifts have been more than anticipated. This has kept our reserve fund at an allowable level.
I wanted to share our thinking with you, but also to let you know we are encouraged by the steady income. We greatly appreciate the more stable donation pattern we see at the beginning of this year. So keep up the good work!
As you read this issue of the WN, most of our congregations will be participating in the special seasonal offerings we take up locally. These festival offerings are an important part of our church finances.
In the past, offerings were collected seven times during three festival seasons. As we grew in our understanding of scriptural requirements for the Christian church, we recognized neither the days nor the offerings collected on them were mandatory.
Of course the option to worship on those days and the desire to give offerings on them is perfectly OK, and a large number of our congregations continue in that tradition.
Other congregations as well as individuals have expressed a desire to take up offerings in a different pattern such as monthly or on selected special worship occasions honoring the resurrected Christ or his incarnation.
However each of us desires to express our appreciation with special offerings, we pray it will be in gracious joy and excitement as we participate in acts of worship that include our songs, fellowship, learning and giving.
The Ambassador Center at Azusa Pacific University will complete its second year of operation in May.
The center helps provide WCG men and women with an outstanding Christian education from APU, an accredited university. A wide range of majors serves the undergraduate student.
For more information about the center call 1-626-815-3874, send e-mail to acenter@apu.edu or write to the Ambassador Center, Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta Ave., P.O. Box 7000, Azusa, California, 91702-7000. The Ambassador Center has a website at
http://www.wcg.org/acenter
MONTHLY MEETING--Russell Duke, director of the
Ambassador Center, talks to students Feb. 27. New students
are shown in individual photos. [Photos by Thomas C. Hanson]
Eric X. Alvarez
Pasadena
Junior
Spanish
Candida Vischer
South Africa
Junior
Christian Leadership
Steve Ramos
San Diego, California
Junior
Christian Ministry
Rita Hochstetler
Michigan
Freshman
Communications
Michael Alaniz
Covina, California
Sophomore
Communications
Ruth Lorenzo
Philippines
Senior
Psychology
By Don Mears
"Jesus said to them, `I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.... This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever' " (John 6:32-33, 58).
Bread, the staff of life, has been a staple food for thousands of years. Whether made from wheat, rye, barley, millet, rice or even potato flour, it has been the basic diet of common people. Bread has been synonymous with food for ordinary working people of many cultures.
As the common food of the average Israelite, it featured frequently in the spiritual consciousness and the ceremonial and sacrificial worship of ancient Israel.
For example: "The bread and wine that Abraham shared with Melchizedek king of Salem were a customary expression of peace and fellowship. To break bread with someone was an act of communion (Gen. 14:18).
"The unleavened bread of the Exodus reminded them of the haste and eagerness with which they had left their life of bondage in Egypt, on their way to a life of liberty as a new nation in their own land (Ex. 12:39).
"They remembered the manna in the wilderness--bread from heaven that had preserved their lives during the journey from Egypt through the wilderness to their new home in Canaan (Ex. 16:2-4).
"The Bread of the Presence, or showbread, that was placed daily in the holy place of the Temple, reminded them that God was their provider and sustainer, and they lived constantly in his presence" (D. Freeman, article "Showbread," New Bible Dictionary, InterVarsity Press, 1996).
So when Jesus said, "I am the bread of heaven, the bread of God, the bread of life," he was tapping into a rich reservoir of religious symbolism, historical tradition and cultural associations. Bread had represented many things to the Jews in the past.
But now Jesus challenged them to see that these historical meanings had been wrapped up in, and were superseded by, one great new meaning. The true bread was not the unleavened bread of the Exodus, or the manna of the wilderness, or the bread of the presence in the Temple. The true bread is Jesus Christ!
Jesus had adopted an ancient and familiar symbol, and had given it a new and fuller significance. The new significance was not totally unrelated to the ancient significances; but it went much further.
Early this month, many WCG members spent a week thinking about bread and its symbolic significance. They kept the traditional Days of Unleavened Bread--a week following the Lord's Supper during which they chose to eat unleavened bread with their meals rather than the normal leavened bread.
If you were among those who chose to eat that unleavened bread this year, what did it mean to you?
For Abraham, breaking bread with Melchizedek had been an act of communion on the human level. But when we Christians partake of Jesus, the bread of God, we have communion not just with one another, but with him and with the Father.
Israel's unleavened bread reminded them of fleeing Egypt to a new life in Canaan. But for Christians, that flight was symbolic of our entrance into the new life in the kingdom of God.
The manna from heaven preserved Israel's life during their journey through the wilderness. Christians rejoice that in Jesus, the bread of heaven, our lives are nourished and kept safe as we journey toward the fullness of eternal life.
The showbread reminded Israel that God was the provider and sustainer of their earthly lives. Christians know that in Jesus, the true bread, our lives are lifted up above the mundane, earthly level, and we live with him "in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 2:6).
Jesus showed that the meaning of ancient traditions can be superseded by a new and eternal revelation.
The Holy Spirit was an essential part of Jesus' ministry. Not only was Jesus enlivened by the Spirit, Jesus also taught his disciples that the Holy Spirit would be an essential part of their ministry.
1. When and how did the Holy Spirit begin the life of Jesus? Matt. 1:18, 20; Luke 1:35. What did the Holy Spirit do to Jesus at the beginning of his ministry? Luke 3:22; John 1:32-33.
Comment: Christ "made himself nothing" (Phil. 2:7), and the Holy Spirit caused Jesus to begin growing in Mary's womb. Although the Spirit remained in Jesus from that moment on, a visible sign was given at his baptism that the Holy Spirit was empowering him.
However, Jesus was not the first person to be given God's Spirit. The Old Testament describes a variety of people who were given power, wisdom and understanding by the Spirit. Jesus said that David--and presumably all other writers of Scripture--spoke by the Holy Spirit in the Psalms (Matt. 22:43).
But in the first century, the Jews had gone a long time without a Spirit-filled prophet. They were waiting for someone to come in the spirit and power of Elijah.
2. Before Jesus was born, was John the Baptist filled with the Holy Spirit? Luke 1:15. Even while Jesus was in Mary's womb, who was filled with the Spirit? Verse 41. What was Elizabeth inspired to say? Verses 42-45. Several months later, what was her husband, Zechariah, inspired by the Spirit to prophesy? Verse 67. And shortly after Jesus was born, did the Holy Spirit move upon yet another person? Luke 2:25-27.
3. After Jesus was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, what did the Spirit lead him to do? Luke 4:1. After his victory over the satanic temptations, was he drained of power? Verse 14. What did he tell the people that the Spirit was leading him to do? Verse 18. What emotion filled him because of the Holy Spirit? Luke 10:21.
4.John tells us that God gave Jesus the Holy Spirit without limit (John 3:34). He was filled and led by the Spirit in all his work. One work in particular showed that he was empowered by the Spirit. What did that miracle prove? Matt. 12:28. In his ministry, how did Jesus fulfill a prophecy about God's Spirit? Verses 15-18.
Comment: Jesus' comment about "blasphemy against the Spirit" (v. 31) refers to people who become enemies of God (Isa. 63:10). The Pharisees became worse than unbelievers--they were actively resisting the power of God. By calling Jesus' power satanic, they were fighting against God, making themselves enemies of the only power able to lead them to salvation and forgiveness.
5. What did John the Baptist predict that Jesus would do with the Spirit? John 1:33. When was this done? John 7:39. Is it Jesus who sends the Spirit, or is it the Father? Luke 11:13; John 4:10; 7:37; 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7.
Comment: Jesus sent the disciples out to preach, heal and cast out demons, and they presumably did this with the same power Jesus had, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was living with them, but was not yet in them (John 14:17). They would be filled with the Holy Spirit after Jesus had been glorified. Both the Father and the Son would send the Holy Spirit to live within the believers.
6. What does the Holy Spirit do in a person's life? John 3:5; 6:63. What does the Spirit bring to our minds? John 14:26; 15:26. What is the focus of this spiritual work? John 15:26; 16:13-14.
Comment: The Spirit of God does not teach us truths about math, but about the Truth, Jesus himself, the way of salvation (John 14:6). The Spirit enabled the disciples to understand what Jesus had taught, and to understand what was "yet to come"--his death and resurrection. By causing the disciples to understand, the Spirit enabled them to preach the good news of life through Jesus Christ.
Jesus sent his disciples with a message, told them to receive the Holy Spirit (John 15:27; 20:21-23) and to wait until they received the "power from on high" they needed (Luke 24:49). The gospel work of the church is done in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Through the Spirit-led disciples, the world hears the message of truth, the message of Jesus--but many people do not accept that message (John 14:17). In this way, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to unbelief and judgment (John 16:8-11). The world may be hostile, but even in times of persecution, the Holy Spirit speaks through the disciples (Luke 12:11-12).
Disciples are baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). The Spirit is as much a part of our identity as the Father and the Son are.
Jesus said that he would go away, and yet live in his disciples (John 14:18; Matt. 28:20). He lives in us by means of the Holy Spirit, the Counselor who continues the teaching work of Jesus.
Michael Morrison
Angels are spirit beings, messengers and servants of God. They have a special role in four major events of Jesus' life, and Jesus referred to them on occasion as he taught about other subjects.
The Gospels are not designed to answer all our questions about angels. They give us only incidental information as angels enter the story.
Angels enter the story before Jesus does. Gabriel appeared to Zechariah to announce that he would have a son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-19). Gabriel also told Mary that she would have a son, Jesus (vs. 26-38). Joseph was told about it by an angel in a dream (Matt. 1:20-24).
An angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds, and a host of angels sang praises (Luke 2:9-15). An angel again appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him to flee to Egypt, and when it was safe to return (Matt. 2:13, 19).
Angels are mentioned again in Jesus' temptation. Satan quoted a scripture about angelic protection, and angels ministered to Jesus after the temptation was over (Matt. 4:6, 11). An angel helped Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane during a different temptation (Luke 22:43).
Angels had an important role in the resurrection, too, as mentioned in all four Gospels. An angel rolled back the stone and told the women that Jesus was risen (Matt. 28:2-5). The women saw one or two angels inside the tomb (Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4, 23; John 20:11). Divine messengers showed the importance of the resurrection.
Jesus said that angels will again play a major role when he returns. Angels will come with him and will gather the elect for salvation and evildoers for destruction (Matt. 13:39-49; 24:31).
Jesus could have had legions of angels, but he did not ask for them (Matt. 26:53). He will have them when he returns. Angels will be involved in the judgment (Luke 12:8-9). Perhaps this is when people will see angels "ascending and descending upon the Son of Man" (John 1:51).
Angels may appear as a person, or with unusual glory (Luke 2:9; 24:4). They do not die and do not marry, which apparently means that they have no sexuality and do not reproduce (Luke 20:35-36). People sometimes thought that unusual events were caused by angels (John 5:4; 12:29).
Jesus said that "little ones who believe in me" have angels in heaven who care for them (Matt. 18:6, 10). Angels rejoice when people turn to God, and angels bring the righteous dead to paradise (Luke 15:10; 16:22).
Jesus also said that the devil has "his angels" (Matt. 25:41). These are more commonly called demons, or evil or unclean spirits. The chief demon is Satan (which means "the adversary"), also called the devil (one who leads others astray), Beelzebul (lord of the house), the evil one, the enemy, the tempter, or the prince of this world.
More than any other section of Scripture, the Gospels often mention demons--but as with angels, the Gospels do not answer all our questions--they simply give us incidental information about demons as they touch on the story of Jesus. In almost all cases, the stress is that Jesus already has absolute power over all evil spirits.
Demons caused a wide variety of problems for people: illness, muteness, blindness, screaming, partial paralysis, unusual strength, convulsions, wounds and insanity. Some people were completely possessed by multiple demons; others were only partially influenced.
Jewish and pagan exorcists had elaborate rituals and words (Matt. 12:27; Mark 9:38), but Jesus simply told the demons to leave, and they did. He used his own authority over them. He gave that authority to his disciples (Matt. 10:1; Luke 10:17), but they were not always successful (Mark 9:18).
Satan is the chief enemy of the gospel (Matt. 13:19), but he cannot stop it. Jesus defeated him in several ways. Jesus resisted his temptations (Matt. 4:1-11), liberated his captives (Luke 13:16) and thwarted his desire through prayer (Luke 22:31-32).
In a parable, Jesus described himself as tying up Satan and taking his possessions (Matt. 12:29). He spoke of seeing Satan fall (Luke 10:18). Through his death on the cross, Jesus drove Satan out (John 12:31-32). Satan was condemned (John 16:11).
Just as our salvation and God's kingdom is already here, but not yet in its fullness, so also is Satan's defeat. He has been defeated, but he still works against the gospel. Jesus predicted that victory would be complete at the end of the age (Matt. 13:39-42; 25:41). There is a time appointed for the devil and his angels to be punished (Matt. 8:29).
Michael Morrison
By John McKenna
We have shown in the last two studies (January and March) how Israel turned the great I-AM of the Lord her God into the Not-I-AM that allows her to break her covenant vows to Yahweh and marry herself to her idols.
For this sin against her covenant-making God, the People of God bring down upon themselves the fire of his judgment against their evil opposition to him. The children of the marriage of the prophet Hosea to the temple priestess Gomer bear names that embody the divine judgment against Israel.
We have also studied the nature of this judgment. When the great I-AM who covenants with his people is denied his real presence with Israel, the result is disobedience throughout the land.
Instead of faithfulness, loyal covenant love and real knowledge of God in the land, there are false swearing of oaths, murder, stealing, adultery and ecological crises in Israel.
Yahweh's case against his people is won with evidence not even the heavens and the earth can deny.
Ignorance of who God truly is in his acts toward his people mean for Israel a complete breakdown of her existence and eventual exile from the land at the hands of the Assyrian Empire.
But we have also seen that this judgment is not the last word of the prophet. Hosea also knows of a salvation that is the ultimate word of the Lord for Israel.
In fact, it is the point and counterpoint resolution of divine judgment and salvation that is marked by the whirlwind of God's word blowing through the land. The holy passion of the divine judge is experienced with a purpose that rests ultimately in the promise he will keep with his people. We may study this passion by looking at the love songs in the Book of Hosea (Hosea 11:1-11 and Hosea 14:1-8).
Hosea 11:1-11 involves a change in the main metaphor of marriage in the Book of Hosea. It relies on the father-son relation rather than the husband-wife relation for speaking about the covenant between God and Israel.
It sees Israel being delivered as a son from his slavery in Egypt. The whole history of the People of God in covenant with the Lord is rehearsed in this complaint of a father over his son.
Even though the Lord brought Israel forth as his son from Egypt into the land, yet the boy would not return to his Father's love. Even though the fire of the sword was upon him, Israel did not turn to his Father.
And then we read this:
"How can I give you up, O Ephraim!
"I will deliver you, O Israel!
"How can I give you up as I did Admah?
"Or treat you as I did Zeboim?
"My heart writhes within me!
"With compassion, I long to be with you!
"I will not be angry with you!
"I will not turn and destroy Ephraim!
"For I am God and not a man,
"The Holy One in your midst!" (author's translation).
For me, these texts are some of the most powerful verses in the Old Testament.
They show us the great I-AM in covenant with his people. In his divine and holy freedom he decides to save Israel, as if Israel were his son, even though his son is only and always the rebel toward him.
This verse demonstrates the loyal love of the Lord God in covenant with his people and the great pathos in God's divine determination to save Israel as his people, in spite of their disobedience.
The salvation of Israel is rooted in the divinely free will and holy passion of God as Father for Israel his son. God is not only present with Israel in the history of the world, but also present with Israel as the son of his holy love.
Here, Israel's fortunes are turned at last to the great I-AM. The same lion that devours his people in judgment shall gather them back together with a roaring love that none shall be able to deny.
The other love song appears in Hosea 14:1-8. Here words of love are put into the mouth of Israel.
"Wipe away our iniquity and embrace us with goodness that the peace offering may be the fruit of our lips."
As the bride of the Lord God, Israel is to enjoy union and communion with her husband. In this way, their marriage will be restored. The covenant promise will be fulfilled.
These are words of love that remind us of one of the greatest love songs--the Song of Solomon.
Hosea declares that Jezreel will become once again the Lord's Israel. Not-pitied will become Pitied. Not-My-People will become My-People. The Not I-AM shall be at last the great I-AM the Lord her God--all this with a love that drops down from the heavens to drench like the morning dew the thirsty land of the People of God.
It is possible to read verse 5 of this love song in the following way: "I-AM is as the dew with Israel!"
In this way, we might hear the usual translation "I will be as the dew to Israel" as the great reversal of the great I-AM with Israel. The Lord with his people would be as the dew is to the land.
According to the words of Hosea's prophecy, this means that Israel will blossom in her covenant with her God. She shall be fruitful in his loyal love. She shall be healed in the shadow of his goodness, enriched in the beauty of his passion for her.
She shall know and be known by the great I-AM who is the Creator and Redeemer of the world. She shall be found embraced by his promise. The Ephraim that could not be given up is freed from her idols.
"O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?" (Hosea 14: 8)
The day will come for the People of God when, freed from their idols and idol-making, freed from her betrayal of her husband, she will know the joy of union and communion with her God.
She will bear the Messianic promise. She will know no more the idols of her disobedience against the Lord, but rather she will bear the fruit of their covenanted love for one another.
This fruit will be as of the olive tree. It is a fruitfulness that comes when the great I-AM, the Lord God who is with her, fulfills his vows to her. Perhaps this is the greatest love song in the world.
These love songs teach us, even in the midst of the divine judgment, the source of the relentless freedom with which God pursues the one he loves.
In this covenant, God is for his people with such fearsome love that, beyond all the punishment of his judgment against her, they will experience the great promise of the Lord. The great I-AM will not be denied. In the world, Israel shall become his faithful wife.
The whirlwind of this judgment and salvation in the Book of Hosea ends with an exhortation that calls attention to the role of wisdom in the prophecy of the history of Israel:
"Who is wise? He will discern these things.
"Discerning, he will know them,
"For the ways of the Lord are right,
"And the righteous walk in them,
"But transgressors stumble in them" (Hosea 14:9).
The question asks the readers to be wise in such things as the book contains. The prophet would have his readers understand the future to which his ministry would point the People of God.
The righteousness of God in covenant with his people will be confirmed. His people will become fully justified.
The wicked will stumble in the Lord God's judgment against the unrighteous. They will perish.
Wisdom and holy passion will come together so that Israel will experience in the latter days the joy of God's redeeming love.
Next time, we will consider the relation of wisdom to prophecy.
SPOKANE, Washington--Early Sunday morning, Feb. 21, someone burned a cross on the lawn of Zion Temple Church of God in Christ, an African-American church in Spokane.
The Spokane WCG congregation has a ministry called Agape Fellowship Ministry, which is a ministry to hurting churches. WCG members attend hurting churches on Sunday mornings and pray with them, worship with them and encourage them.
A dozen people from the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, congregations attended Zion Temple the week after the cross-burning. Along with the WCG group were another dozen people from other churches.
"Pastor Luis Solomon Sr. and his congregation were moved to have us support them during their trial," said Glen Weber, WCG pastor. "I was asked to sit on the stage with the pastor--as is the tradition in African-American churches.
"Not long before he was going to speak, he whispered in my ear that he was going to share the pulpit with me and expected me to give a split sermon with him," Mr. Weber said.
"I was not expecting to speak. However, before leaving home I had asked God for a passage of scripture that would be appropriate to read. God clearly pointed out Colossians 3:1-17. I simply preached from that passage, which went hand-in-glove with pastor Solomon's message and was appropriate for the situation."
NASHVILLE, Tennessee--The Nashville congregation celebrated Black History month with a gospel fest and fish fry Feb. 27.
The service included praise and worship, gospel music presented by members and friends of the congregation, an interpretive dance by the Spiritual Expressions (a group of four teen girls), a film by Frederick K.C. Price from his series on Race, Religion and Racism, and a message by member John Tucker.
Mr. Tucker traced how the Holy Spirit has worked through modern history, including President Abraham Lincoln, to bring us in line with the values on which our nation was founded.
God causes leaders to accomplish his purposes in ways that are not even characteristic of their nature, Mr. Tucker said. Just as he worked through the leaders of nations in the Bible, he has continued to work in our day.
VAN NUYS, California--Several WCG ministers attended a Crowns of Beauty Conference sponsored by World Impact at the Church on the Way Feb. 4 to 6.
The Crowns of Beauty theme is from Isaiah 61:1-4, where the suffering are given crowns of beauty instead of ashes. World Impact is a Christian missions organization dedicated to ministering God's love to those in the inner cities of America.
Its purpose is to make God known through evangelism, follow-up, discipleship and planting culturally conducive churches.
Main speakers were Keith Phillips, president of World Impact; Jack Hayford, pastor of the Church on the Way; and Don Davis of the Urban Institute.
In attendance were 1,250 delegates representing 358 churches and organizations, six countries, 36 states and 31 denominations.
WICHITA, Kansas--Charles A. Calahan, pastor of the Wichita congregation, presented morning and afternoon workshops March 12 on Natural Church Development: The Eight Qualities of a Healthy Church to the 1999 Kansas Leadership and Sunday School Convention.
More than 4,000 Christian leaders attended the three-day event. The keynote speaker was Tony Evans, pastor of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, and a frequent speaker at Promise Keeper events.
DES MOINES, Iowa--Ross Jutsum, president of State of the Heart Music Ministry, led a weekend of worship services and seminars here March 5 and 6.
Dr. Jutsum's messages focused on the object of our worship, Jesus Christ, rather than forms and styles of worship. Members were challenged to let their worship draw them together in love rather than divide them over personal preferences.
Friday evening, March 5, Dr. Jutsum led the worship service in Chariton, Iowa, for a group of members and visitors with his presentation, "Jesus Christ--the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever." The young people were so excited about their participation midway through the service that they remained on stage for the remainder of the worship.
Saturday morning Dr. Jutsum had breakfast with the worship leaders in Omaha, Nebraska, before giving a workshop to the members of the Omaha and Lincoln churches titled, "Worship Is a State of the Heart."
After a break, the combined congregations were treated to a worship service again centering on Jesus Christ, the focus of our worship.
That afternoon Dr. Jutsum returned to Des Moines to conduct his third worship service of the weekend, which concluded with a baptism.
After a chili supper, members gathered for another workshop, which was also attended by members of the Foursquare Church that shares its building with the WCG.
Donna Lemley seemed to capture the thoughts of many members: "Our God is a fun God, and I had so much fun praising God with Ross. I have thanked Jesus many times for allowing Ross to come to Des Moines." Karl Reinagel.
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas--The Little Rock church met at their new location, 7101 W. 12th St., 10 a.m., Sunday Feb. 7.
Pastor Leon Steele spoke on "What Is a Church?" The congregation also meets on Wednesday evenings for Bible study and intercessory prayer.
"I just enjoyed three days of prayer and fasting Jan. 25 to 27 with Concerts of Prayer--Greater New York City," said Daniel Bierer, pastor of the Montvale, New Jersey, and Middletown, New York, churches.
Mr. Bierer was accompanied by elder Ron Robinson. "How great it is to see the renewed zeal that is taking place in the body of Christ."
SAN JOSE, California--Myra Emata-Stokes, a senior business administration major at San Jose State University, was selected as a Templeton Fellow to participate in a national project to explore the role of higher education in developing character and civic responsibility in college students.
Sponsored by Campus Contact, a coalition of nearly 600 college presidents, the Templeton project provides an opportunity for student leaders from member campuses to interview their presidents on these topics.
CLEARWATER, Florida--Anton Thomas, son of William and Jackie Thomas of the Clearwater church, will receive a four-year innovation graduate fellowship from the 3M company of Minnesota.
Funding for this fellowship will be $30,000 for each of the four years.
Anton will graduate from Florida A&M University May 1 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He plans to pursue a doctorate in engineering, and he will work for 3M during the summers.
ROCHESTER, New York--The Rochester congregation had a youth worship service Nov. 21.
Terri Dudek and Joseph Kebbi were worship leaders. The opening and closing prayers were given by Corey McPhall and Amy Cooper. Michael Williams led the congregation in a responsive reading.
The under-10 crew, Kaitlyn and Kailey Gnage, Corrine Spencer, and Kaylin Cosme, provided special music, led by Robert Gnage.
Mr. Gnage presented one of two adult messages, his being a view of youth spirituality and the need for adults to acknowledge it.
Andrew, Kaitlyn and Kailey Gnage, Malcolm Kebbi and Serena Rogers read scriptures.
The main message was delivered by Jon Gross, who discussed "Friends in Christ."
Next came the Lord's Supper. Terri Dudek and Joseph Kebbi read the appropriate scriptures, joining pastor Ken Williams in opening the service.
Richard Gross gave the closing message. Amy Cooper gave the closing prayer.
Crystal Nowatchik read from Jeremiah for the benediction. Richard Gross.
VICTORIA, Texas--Thirty-three members and guests gathered Feb. 27 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Victoria church.
The day began with a morning worship service, and a potluck followed. The afternoon was spent reminiscing about the past 25 years.
Five original members attended the anniversary event. They are Bessie Brubaker, Ewalt Schmidt, Gladys Mitchon, Estelle Migl and Dorothy Schulte. They are seated in the front row of the photo.
NORFOLK, Virginia--The Norfolk congregation participated in the installation of pastor Timothy Jerome Brassell Jan. 16.
Keith Brittain, district superintendent, officiated, along with elders Emory Jones and Jerry Hall and deaconess Sharon Hall.
Mr. Brassell and his wife, Donna Faye (Weaver) have two children, Jocelyn, 6, and Autumn, 1.
The worship service that day also included communion. Waneece Jones.
FLORENCE, Montana--Jessica Wallace, 14, launched a read-a-thon to benefit victims of Hurricane Mitch in Central America.
The participants, five groups of eighth-graders at Florence-Carlton School, read out loud in one-hour shifts Feb. 26 and 27 for 24 hours.
"We do this all because God showed his love for us first and now we can show it for other people," Jessica told the local newspaper.
The whole class signed up and set a goal of raising $6,000 to match the amount given by the Missoula, Montana, chapter of the Red Cross.
CONFERENCE ATTENDEES--WCG ministers attend Crowns of Beauty conference
Feb. 4 to 6 in Van Nuys, California. From left: Ron Robinson, Montvale, New Jersey; Curtis
May, Pasadena; Dan Bierer, Montvale, New Jersey, and Middletown, New York; Randal Dick,
superintendent of missions; and Mike Medina, Montevideo, Uruguay.
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL PASTORAL CONFERENCE--Dan Rogers, superintendent of
ministers, addresses ministers, wives and worship leaders at a conference conducted in
Pasadena March 5 to 7. [Photos by Ron Grove]
CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIAN WORKSHOP--Dee Bulante, now pastor of the Tucson,
Arizona, congregation, conducts a workshop in Pasadena Feb. 21 on Becoming a Contagious
Christian. Mr. Bulante conducted the workshop with Bermie Dizon, pastor of the Pasadena
A.M. church. [Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]
Ben Dizon receives
scholarship PASADENA--Ben Gibson R. Dizon, son of Bermie and Carmelita Dizon, passed qualifying examinations and an interview in March to enter the seventh grade at Pasadena Polytechnic School. He was given a full tuition scholarship.
The Polytechnic School offers outstanding education opportunities in an atmosphere that fosters integrity, responsibility and concern for others.
The church will again offer a Festival tour in Ghana. Last year the group visited sites in Accra, and Cape Coast and Elmina, sites of two slave castles. A similar tour is scheduled for this year.
For more information, write to Gabriel Ojih, Ghana FOT Tours, P.O. Box CT 2738, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana. Telephone: 011-233-21-502817 or e-mail Ojihgab@AfricaOnline.com.gh
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999
