November 1999 Contents

This is our November cover

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 1999

WN to honor 100-year-old members
and those married 60 years or more

In the January 2000 issue, The Worldwide News would like to honor everyone in the Worldwide Church of God who is 100 years old or older (anyone born on or before Jan. 1, 1900 and all couples who have been married for 60 or more years (anyone married on or before Jan. 1, 1940).

	November 1999 Contents
Selected articles are provided for online viewing below. The whole issue is available for download in html. This page has been visited times since October 29.

• This is our November cover
• WN to honor 100-year-old members and those married 60 years or more
• Worldwide Church of God Pastors (A-L)
• Worldwide Church of God Pastors (M-Z)
• Worldwide Church of God Pastors (International)
• Celebrate Christ '99
• Jackson, Tennessee, congregation to celebrate 25th anniversary
• Bible Study: Inheritors, Not Slaves; A study of Galatians 4
• Update: News of people, places and events

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 1999

Worldwide Church of God Pastors
(M-Z)

We are grateful for the loving service of all those who care for and give so much to enrich, encourage and help establish our members in the eternal riches of Christ.

We are thankful for the love and spiritual leadership given by the men and women pictured here. Many volunteer their time and make sacrifices to serve others. We honor them--at the same time recognizing that thousands of men and women serve behind the scenes, also making sacrifices to serve our Savior. We regret that we do not have pictures of many pastors and wives. Most of the U.S. pictures were taken at pastoral conferences, which the women were not always able to attend. The church is composed of people, and its work is done by people working together. We are thankful for the teams who do the work, and the team leaders pictured herein.

Don & Joanna Madlena
Douglasville, Georgia,
Christ's Ambassador;
Assistant pastor, Atlanta, Georgia

Tom & Betsy Mahan
Kennesaw, Georgia

Wilhelm & Ingrid Mandel
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Martin & Geneen Manuel
Assistant pastor
Charlotte, North Carolina

Charles & Dixie Marino
Jacksonville, North Carolina

Duane & Alberta Marquis
Lincoln, Nebraska

Dale & Sybil Martin
Bridgeport, Connecticut

Larry & Cleo Martin
Rapid City, South Dakota

Don & (Geri) Mason
Raleigh and Wilson, North Carolina

Ora & (Peggy) McCulley
Liberal, Kansas

Brad & Rhonda McDowell
Antelope Valley, California

Harold & (Mary) McKissic
Geneva, Alabama

Joe & (Susie) McNair
Fresno and Visalia, California

Jimmie & Kim Meade
Port Huron, Michigan

Tom Melear
Albuquerque
and Santa Fe, New Mexico

Bill & Kathy Miller
Everett and
Seattle-Bellevue, Washington

Bob & Ruth Miller
Birmingham and Good Hope, Alabama

Carrol & Carol Miller
Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Ken & Joanna Mitchell
Antelope Valley, California

Wayne & Patricia Mitchell
Salem, Oregon

Frederick & Laura Moore
Mobile, Alabama; and
Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi

John & (Jolie) Moskel
Columbia, South Carolina;
and Augusta, Georgia

Mark & (Debra) Mounts
Houston, Texas, South

Merle & Doris Mullins
Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Stan & (Saundria) Murphy
Assistant pastor
Clarksville, Tennessee, P.M.

Ellis & Dorothy Necessary
Morristown, Tennessee

Greg & Tammy Neller
Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
West and Central

Alfred & Arlene Nelson
Montpelier, Vermont; and Plattsburgh, New York

James and Karen Newby
Chicago Northwest, West and Joliet, Illinois

Nevin & Jane Nolder
St. Cloud and Brainerd, Minnesota

Jeff & Tamie Noordhoek
Batesville, Arkansas

Jim & (Cindy) Noordhoek
Batesville, Arkansas

John & Cathy Novick
Jackson, Meridian,
Hattiesburg and Natchez, Mississippi

Sammy & Julia O'Dell
Amarillo, Texas

David & (Sandy) Orban
Longview, Lufkin, Tyler
and Big Sandy, Texas

Frederick & Yolanda Ortiz
Moreno Valley, California

Ed & Kathleen Owens
Erie, Pennsylvania

Ernest & Erskileena Owens
Assistant pastor
Manhattan, New York

Doug & Diane Palser
Bellingham, Washington

Richard & Sally Parker
Long Beach and
Orange County, California

Cliff & (Cheryl) Parks
Peoria, Illinois

Frank & Jane Parsons
San Antonio, Uvalde, Victoria,
Kerrville and Corpus Christi,Texas

Jack & Mary Ellen Patterson
Panama City and
Tallahassee, Florida

Doug & Rosa Peitz
Baraboo and La Crosse, Wisconsin

Dennis & Lorraine Pelley
Providence, Rhode Island;
and Norwich, Connecticut

Phil & (Mimi) Perkins
St. Louis, Missouri, North;
and Alton, Illinois

David & Jonnie Perry
Indianapolis P.M., Columbus
and Terre Haute, Indiana

Ken & (Sue) Peterson
Las Vegas, Nevada;
and Kingman, Arizona

Paul & Bonnie Phillips
Alamosa, Colorado

Thomas & Adrienne Pickett
Fort Worth, Texas

Charlie & Judi Piscitello
Batavia, New York

Stuart & Robbie Powell
Ponca City, Oklahoma

Larry & Vicki Pritchett
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Ted & (Anlacy) Ralph
Miami, Florida, South

Raul & Sylvia Ramos
San Diego,
Imperial Valley (house church)
and Pasadena Spanish,
California; and Yuma, Arizona

Mike and Juli Rasmussen
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,
East and West

Leonard Raught
Corona, California

Karl & Carla Reinagel
Des Moines and Chariton,
Iowa; and Omaha, Nebraska

Anthony & (Karen) Rice
Baton Rouge and
Alexandria, Louisiana

Phillip & Lil Rice
Phoenix, Arizona, Community of Hope

Jim & Hazel Roberts
San Leandro and
San Francisco, California

Tracey & Jean Rogers
Eugene, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon

Aaron & Vania Root
Fox Valley, Wisconsin

Jim & (Diane) Rosenthal
Albany, New York

John & Josie Mae Ross
Greenwood, Mississippi

Jon & Debra Rummel
Assistant pastor
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Charles & (Barbra) Sanders
Springfield, Illinois

Floyd & Patty Sayler
Butte, Montana

James & (Mary Sybil) Scales
Beaumont, Texas

Steve & (Carol) Schantz
Melbourne and Orlando, Florida

C.A. & Lawana Schultz
Columbus, Mississippi

Verne and Sharon Seekings
Fredonia, New York

Howard & Jacqueline Shadoan
Stone Mountain and Athens, Georgia

Rick & Cheryl Shallenberger
Evansville and New Albany, Indiana

Ron & Rebecca Sharp
Midland, Texas

Eric & Pat Shaw
Pasadena Contemporary Life

Charles & (Gracie) Shelton
London, Kentucky

Ray & Elizabeth Shelton
Upper Lake, California

Richard & Erma Siedschlag
Fargo, North Dakota

Glenn & Claudia Sinkule
Palm Springs, California

Anthony & Lisa Sizemore
Madisonville, Kentucky

Paul & Pamela Sloan
Mountain Home, Arkansas

Stephen & Karon Smith
Fairfield, Santa Rosa, Modesto
and Eureka (house church), California

Tom & Pam Smith
Washington and Mount Pleasant,
Pennsylvania; and Wheeling,
West Virginia

Ken & Marki Smylie
Gainesville and Ocala, Florida

Clifford & Mary Snyder
Pueblo, Colorado

Tim & Mary Ann Snyder
Denver, Colorado, South

Armando & Gloria Soto
El Paso, Texas

Charles & (Ellen) Spoon
Lubbock, Texas

Roland & Shelba Stanley
Florence, Alabama

Leon & Janie Steele
Little Rock, Arkansas

Jonathan & Bethany Stepp
Ministerial trainee
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Jim & Grace Stokes
Belleville and
Mount Vernon, Illinois

Mark & Reba Swann
Assistant pastor
Clarksville, Tennessee, A.M.

Charles and Keysha Taylor
Miami North and Keys
(house church), Florida

Raymond & Cindi Taylor
Seaford and Wilmington, Delaware

Willie & Jacquelyn Taylor
Macon, Georgia

Sam & (Dorothy) Templeton
Cambridge, Ohio

Dan & (Marthe) Thomas
Tupelo, Mississippi

Donald & Melvena Thurman
Mena, Arkansas

Pat & Barb Tobin
Marion and Mansfield, Ohio

Frank & Alvetta Tomes
Assistant pastor
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Lou & (Donna) Tsiknas
Endless Mountain,
Pennsylvania (house church)

Jim & Becky Valekis
Muncie, Indiana; and
Dayton and Tipp City, Ohio

Jeff & Deborah Vallet
Logan, West Virginia

Kenneth & Joan Vandeveer
Ada, Oklahoma

Larry & Judy Van Landuyt
Chico and Redding, California

Mark & Brenda Villers
Coos Bay, Oregon

Forrest & Mary Lou Walker
Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Terry & Madeline Warren
Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Arkansas

Ronald & (Carolyn) Washington
Livonia, Michigan

David & Rose Weber
Wheatland, Wyoming

Glen & (Connie) Weber
Spokane, Pasco, Colville and
Clarkston, Washington; Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Richard & (Patricia) Weber
Murfreesboro and Cookeville, Tennessee

Kenneth & Shirley Weeden
Wilmington, North Carolina

Don & Joyce Wendt
Farmington, New Mexico

Wayne & (Bonita) Wendt
Jackson, Tennessee

Dennis & Sidni Wheatcroft
Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Murphy, North Carolina

Baron White
Hemet, California

David & Tina Whited
Buford, Georgia

Tom & Connie Whitmire
New Bern, North Carolina

Peter & (Charlotte) Whitting
Frederick-Chewsville
and Baltimore, Maryland

Lee & (Sue) Wilkes
Moultrie, Georgia

C.C. & (Millie) Williams
Assistant pastor
Keys, Florida (house church)

Greg & (Susan) Williams
Fayetteville, North Carolina;
and Dillon, South Carolina

Jeff & Abby Williams
Cape Girardeau and
Poplar Bluff, Missouri;
and Paducah, Kentucky

Samuel & Charlsetta Willis
Indianapolis, Indiana, A.M.

Hugh & Linda Wilson
Reno and Battle Mountain, Nevada

Warren & Lorraine Wilson
Clarksburg, Summersville and Mineral Wells, West Virginia

Larry & (Connie) Wooldridge
Charleston, South Carolina;
and Savannah, Georgia

Charles & Deborah Young
Atlanta, Georgia

John & (Gwen) Young
Pensacola-Milton, Florida

Richard Young
Lake Charles, Louisiana

Not pictured: Robert and Ethel Albarado, Lafayette, Louisiana; Arthur and Donna Baldrey, Casper, Wyoming; Thomas and Billye Conway, Las Cruces, New Mexico; Ramon and Ginger Corpus, Petoskey, Michigan.

James Fichtner, Great Falls, Montana; Daniel Jr. and Juana Maria Flores, Harlingen, Texas; Vance and Sarah Gilless, Hobbs, New Mexico; Glenn and Celia Gillham, Midland, Texas, East.

Norris and Doris Grous, North Platte, Nebraska; Ronald and Doris Haines, Wichita, Kansas, South; James Hainz, Wausau, Wisconsin; Melvin and Lynda Hall, Monroeville, Alabama.

George and Lou Anna Isken, West Bend, Wisconsin; Mitchell and Barbara Jay, Monroeville, Alabama; Surgay and Janice Kalamaha, Minot, North Dakota.

Janice and Stan Moore, Twin Falls, Idaho; Gene and Susie Nouhan, Cincinnati, Ohio, West and Erlanger, Kentucky; Albert and Margaret Olheiser, Dickinson, North Dakota; Jimmie and Gracie Reed, Hot Springs, Arkansas; Kurt and Michelle Rigby, Bakersfield, California; Richard and Renee Roberts, Daly City, California (house church); Bryan and Julie Rogers, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Vernon and Dixie Schemm, Scott City, Kansas; Steve and Michelle Schemm, Federal Way and Tacoma, Washington; Al Jr. and Nancy Sims, Cadillac, Michigan; Ronald and Gail Stoddart, Concord, New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine; Keith Wolaridge, Bakersfield, California; and Walter and Della Young, Lafayette, Louisiana.

In addition to the above pastors, church records show more than 550 elders serving in U.S. churches.

Worldwide Church of God Pastors
(International)

We are grateful for the loving service of all those who care for and give so much to enrich, encourage and help establish our members in the eternal riches of Christ.

We are thankful for the love and spiritual leadership given by the men and women pictured here. Many volunteer their time and make sacrifices to serve others. We honor them--at the same time recognizing that thousands of men and women serve behind the scenes, also making sacrifices to serve our Savior. We regret that we do not have pictures of many pastors and wives. Most of the U.S. pictures were taken at pastoral conferences, which the women were not always able to attend. The church is composed of people, and its work is done by people working together. We are thankful for the teams who do the work, and the team leaders pictured herein.

International

Randal & Susan Dick
Superintendent of Missions

Australia, Asia and Pacific

Rod & Ruth Matthews
Regional Director
Director of Ministries
(Asia & Pacific Islands)
Regional Office

Terry & Bev Browning
Coburg Christian Fellowship
(Melbourne), Australia

Jack & Sally Croucher
Auckland, New Zealand

Joe & Joanna D'Costa
Bangalore, India

Rod & Vicki Dean
Bathurst and Sydney, Australia

Mark & Lexie Ellis
Brisbane North, Caloundra
and Logan, Australia

Kerry & Anne Gubb
Bunbury and Perth, Australia

Colin & Lynne Hardy
Melbourne South and Morwell, Australia

Phil & Patti Hopwood
Devonport, Hobart and
Launceston, Australia

Mohan & Nihara Jayasekera
Sri Lanka

Epeli & Sofi Kanaimawi
Fiji

John & Heather McLean
Director of Ministries
(Australia & New Zealand)
Regional Office

Peter & Cathy McLean
Sydney, Canberra
and Wollongong, Australia

Rex Morgan
New Zealand Office, Vanuatu

Bharat & (Urvashi) Naker
Adelaide, Australia

Bob & Kathy Regazzoli
Brisbane East, Caboolture,
Ipswich, Kilkivan,
Toowoomba and Warwick, Australia

Gary & Susan Regazzoli
Ballarat, Bendigo
and Mount Gambier, Australia

Dennis & Sue Richards
Napier, Nelson,
Palmerston North
and Wellington, New Zealand

Colin & Dene Riseborough
Hamilton, Whangarei and
Link Community Church
(Auckland), New Zealand

Aub & Karen Warren
Media Director
Regional Office

Wong Mein Kong & Chew Yeng
Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Singapore and Thailand

Yong Chin Gee & Yuet Siam
Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
Singapore and Thailand

Danny & Mary Zachariah
Hyderabad, India

Canada

Gary & Tamara Moore
Regional Director
Surrey, British Columbia

Kevin & Shirley Armstrong
Barrie, Sudbury, North Bay
and Muskoka Falls, Ontario

Jonathan & Berry Buck
Peterborough and Kingston, Ontario

Trevor & Vickie Cherry
Yorkton and Moosomin,
Saskatchewan; and Dauphin
and Brandon, Manitoba

George & Miriam De Vlugt
London, Sarnia, Windsor
and Strathroy, Ontario

Gordon & (Barb) Graham
Calgary, Alberta

Bill & (Averil) Hall
North Battleford and Kindersley,
Saskatchewan; and Lloydminster, Alberta

Neil & (Wendy) Hunter
Operations and
Human Resources Manager
Surrey, British Columbia

Jack & Betty Kost
Victoria and Qualicum Beach,
British Columbia

Roger & Sylvie Labelle
Montreal-Laval, Abitibi,
Montreal, Trois Rivieres,
Quebec City and Saguenay, Quebec

Dennis & (Lynn) Lawrence
Montreal, Quebec, English;
and Cornwall, Ontario

Bob & (Gail) Millman
Edmonton and Westlock, Alberta

Bob & (Sandra) Morton
Kelowna, Penticton
and Castlegar, British Columbia

Alvin & (Dorothy) Nordstrom
Grande Prairie, Evansburg
and Bonnyville, Alberta

Royston & (Sheila) Page
Vancouver and Prince George,
British Columbia

George & Luann Patrickson
Abbotsford, British Columbia
District superintendent Western Canada

Bill & Linda Rabey
Ottawa, Smiths Falls
and Ottawa Valley, Ontario

Alan & (Carolyn) Redmond
Winnipeg, Manitoba; Thunder Bay,
Ontario; and Warroad, Minnesota

David & Cathy Sheridan
Medicine Hat, Saskatchewan;
and Red Deer and Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Doug & (Mique) Smith
Toronto West
and Sault St. Marie, Ontario
District superintendent
Eastern Canada

Chris Starkey
St. John's, Gander
and Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Eric & Edna Vautour
Moncton, Fredericton,
Saint John and St. Stephen,
New Brunswick

Rejean & (Joanne) Vautour
Sherbrooke, Magog
and Matapedia, Quebec; a
nd Edmundston, New Brunswick

Colin & (Carrie) Wallace
Saskatoon, Prince Albert
and Tisdale, Saskatchewan

Eric & (Amy) Warren
Regina, Saskatchewan

Richard & (Janet) Wilding
Toronto, Ontario, East

Owen & Tina Willis
Halifax, Digby, Sydney and
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia;
and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Will & Linda Wooster
Salmon Arm and Kamloops,
British Columbia

Maurice & Lorraine Yurkiw
Associate pastor
Winnipeg, Manitoba;
Thunder Bay, Ontario; Warroad, Minnesota

Not Pictured: Matthew & Rebeca Baker, assistant pastor, Abbotsford, British Columbia; Leo & Jane Van Pelt, Kitchener, Hamilton and St. Catharines, Ontario.

Caribbean

Charles & Carmen Fleming
Regional Director
Caribbean and Latin America

Clifton & Pearl Charles
Bridgetown, Barbados;
St. John's Antigua; St. George's Grenada;
Georgetown, Guyana; Arima
and San Fernando, Trinidad; Crown Point, Tobago

Patrick & Sharon Fearon
Freeport Bahamas
Belize (scattered)

Robert & Nathania McKinney
Nassau and Moore's Island, Bahamas;
Marsh Harbour, Abaco

Michael & (Maxine) Mitchell
Kingston, Ocho Rios, Mandeville,
Montego Bay, Jamaica

Cecil & Senior Pulley
Hamilton, Bermuda

Crisford & Mary Vidal
Roseau, Dominica;
and St. John's, Antigua

Not pictured: John Paul & Sheva Jones, Moore's Island, Bahamas

Latin America

Salvador & Maria Barragan
Lima, Trujillo, Marcara-Shumay, Peru;
San Jose, Costa Rica; Barquisimeto,
Caracas, Venezuela; Torreon,
San Luis Potosi, Mexico City, Mexico;
Nicaragua (scattered)

Hector and Paulina Barrero
San Juan, Puerto Rico; Bogota, Medellin,
Colombia; Ecuador (scattered);
Dominican Republic (scattered)

Luis & Lusby Chavez
Bahia Blanca, Argentina

Carlos & Telma Espinosa
Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, Cafayate,
Argentina; Paraguay (scattered)

Alberto & Esmeralda Esquivel
Associate pastor
Mexico City & San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Guillermo & Alma Juy
Elder
Chihuahua, Mexico

Jose & Petra Medina
Valencia, Venezuela

Alfredo & Maria Mercado
Guadalajara, Tijuana,
Mexicali, Tepic, Mexico

David & Piedad Mosquera
Elder
Bogota, Colombia

Daniel & Mary Vazquez
Jalpa de Mendez, Veracruz,
Orizaba, Jalapa, Poza Rica, Mexico

Ruben & Gina Zevallos
La Paz, Cochabamba,
Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Philippines

Bill & Daphne Sidney
Regional Director
Quezon City

Joel & Elizabeth Alisbo
Burias Island and Bucal (BS)

Abe & Puring Balisnomo
Legaspi City, Sorsogon, Daet, Iriga, Naga City

Jose & Teresita Basera
(Trinidad) Bohol

Rex & Sheila de la Pena
Youth pastor
Makati-Marikina City
Regional Office

Ric & Luz Deligero
Davao City, Tagum, Kidapawan,
General Santos City, Digos (BS)

George & (Pam) Escara
Iloilo City, San Carlos
and Bacolod City; Kalibo, Balasan,
Sibalom Bible studies

Max & Lolit Fabricante
Olongapo City

Dom & Josie Guevarra
San Pablo, Calapan,
Lucena City, Batangas City

Eugene & Lulu Guzon
Japan; Makati-Marikina City
Regional Office

Len & Jojie Joson
San Pedro
Regional Office

Vic & Ligaya Lim
Cavite

Gil & Carol Llaneza
Manila, Caloocan City
Regional Office

Johnny & Bing Logrono
Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Butuan City,
Pagadian City; Tubood, Majayahay Bible studies

Gilbert & Vilda Maglunob
San Pascual, Burias Island

Medardo & Henrieta Maninang
Marikina & Antipolo

Rene & (Marina) Marquez
Makati-Marikina City

Pete & Paz Melendez
North Pacific; Makati-Marikina City

Enrico & Lilia Mercader
Gabao

Jerry & Gloria Ortiguero
Laoag City, San Fernando (La Union)

Romy & Fe Pusta
Cebu City, Toledo, Dumaguete City

Jun & Linda Rustia
Baguio City, Mankayan, Bokod

Rudy & Belle Salisipan
Dagupan City, Urdaneta, Roxas, Santiago

Joe & Norma Salvador
Missionary
Southern Mindanao

Audie & (Rachel) Santibanez
Bulacan, San Fernando (Pampanga),
Cabanatuan City

Ted & Luz Sernal
Maramag, Kiara, Mauswagon Bible studies

Rey & June Taniajura
Bicol
Regional Office

Andrew & Gladys Teng
Quezon City

Not Pictured: Virgilio & Pacita Repaso, Naga City; Arturo & Judy Reyes, Tacloban City; Danilo & Josie de Guia, Catbalogan, Samar; Jesse & Delita Montes, Borongan; Josue & Cerila Ogdoc, Sogod; Crispin & Naomi Mercado, Puerto Princesa; Nilo & Pilar Belarmino, Zamboanga City; Eriberto Colona, Ipil, Zamboanga Del Sur; Henry & Linda Santos, Luzviminda, Palawan; Francisco & Francisca Pedeglorio, Dumaguete City Jail (Prison Ministry)

Europe

John & Pat Halford
Regional Director
Borehamwood, England

Carl & (Torveig) Aas
Olso and Stavanger, Norway;
Aarhus and Copenhagen, Denmark;
Stockholm and Gothenburg (BS),
Sweden; Helsinki, Finland (BS)

Steve & (Julie) Bearman
Dunstable, England

David & Margaret Bedford
Manchester, England

Francis Bergin
Business Manager
Borehamwood, England

Daniel & Columba Bosch
Italy

Paul & (Jackee) Brown
London South, Brighton, Maidstone
and Camberwell, England

Jack and Betty Brunet
Fort de France, Martinique;
Grande Terre, Guadeloupe;
Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Kigali, Rwanda;
and Boma, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, Zaire (BS)

Ken & Hilary Buck
Brighton, England

Olivier & (Susan) Carion
London, England, North

Gerard & (Bernadette) Claude
Brussels, Belgium; Colmar, Metz, Lens, France

Hamish & Jean Dougall
Glasgow, Perth, Irvine, Aberdeen,
Edinburgh, Shetland (BS), Inverness (BS), Scotland

Barney & Dorothy Dowson
Sheffield, Hull and Nottingham, England

Denys & (Agnes) Fell
Hull, England

David & Alberta Gibbs
Birmingham, England

Anthony & Penny Goudie
Norwich, Ipswich, Ramsey,
Cambridge and Peterborough, England

Jim & Mary Hammond
Ramsey, England

Robert & (Margaret) Harrison
Bradford, Middlesbrough,
Newcastle, Preston and Penrith (BS), England

Keith & Marion Hartrick
Bradford, England

Jim Herst
Editorial
Borehamwood, England

Richard & Annette Milligan
Llanelli, Wales

Donat & (Monique) Picard
Paris, France, A.M. & P.M.

Pedro & (Brigida) Rufian
Madrid, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal (BS)

Andrew & (Dana) Silcox
Watford and Basildon, England

David & Nancy Silcox
Scattered British Isles;
scattered Mediterranean & Middle East

David & Audrey Stirk
Ballymena, Belfast, Craigavon, Ballymena,
Northern Ireland; Birmingham, Ross-on-Wye,
Northampton, England; Malta; Dublin, Galway,
Munster, Irish Republic

Andre & Astrid Stoffel
Basel, Zurich, Geneva and Yverdon, Switzerland

Harry & Tina Sullivan
Associate pastor
Shenfield, England

A more complete list of European ministers is scheduled for the December issue.

Africa

James & Shirley Henderson
Superintendent of African missions
Johannesburg, South Africa

Alfred & Hannah Ablordeppey
Hohoe, Ghana

Frances & Margaret Ablordeppey
Hohoe, Ghana

David & Aina Adelana
Kaduna, Nigeria

Charles & Comfort Akowuah
Kumasi, Ghana

Samuel & Emily Akuonu
Lagos, Nigeria

John & (Jennipher) Amadala
Kitale, Kenya

Solomon & Charlotte Ayitey
Accra, Ghana

Victor & (Agnes) Balinga
Limbe, Cameroon

Jock & Merle Bennie
Umtata, South Africa

Raphael & (Elizabeth) Benza Tsuka
Kinshasa, Congo

Lazarus & (Marjoni) Chimba
Harare, Zimbabwe

Lenke & (Hanatu) Chinke
Jos, Nigeria

Colin & Dolla Curtis
Pretoria, South Africa

Atsu Dravie
Area pastor for Benin, Togo and Burkina Faso

Freddie & Jeanette Europa
Cape Town South, South Africa

Essien & (Edith) George
Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Roland & (Elizabeth) Gevers
Bloemfontein, South Africa

Prem & Hyleen Goolap
Mauritius

Gordon & Marilys Green
Director of Family Ministries
South Africa

Johann & Marlene Grobler
Krugersdorp, South Africa

Harris & Elizabeth Hlazo
Westwood, Zimbabwe

Art & Wendy Holladay
Youth ministry coordinator
South Africa

Stanley & (Kathy) James
Pretoria, South Africa

Edward Kagoro
Kampala and Western Uganda

Kalengule & (Nsama) Kaoma
Regional pastor
Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi

Ben & (Martha) Kaswaga
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Pieter & Lettie Keyter
Klerksdorp and Krugersdorp, South Africa

Robert & Debbie Klynsmith
Cape Town, South Africa

Morgen & Joleen Kriedemann
Ministerial director
South Africa

Johan & Colleen Kruger
Cape Town North, South Africa

Gardner & (Loney) Kunje
Blantyre, Malawi

Benny Maake
Modjadji, South Africa

Caleb & Francinah Makhela
Pietersburg, South Africa

Aldrin & Elinah Mandimika
Harare, Zimbabwe

Thabo & Nonceba Manzingana
Soweto, South Africa

James Marete
Kibirichia, Kenya

Thomas & Constance Masela
Umtata, South Africa

Bryan & Ina Mathie
Cape Town, South Africa

John & Grace Mathieson
Cape Town North, South Africa

Abraham & (Esther) Mathiu
Kibirichia, Kenya

Roy & Tine McCarthy
Cape Town, South Africa

Nbarga Mengue
Douala, Cameroon

Christopher & Gladys Moghalu
Awka, Nigeria

Ramond & Elizabeth Munengwa
Harare, Zimbabwe

Jean Mvondo
Yaounde, Cameroon

Yves & Lisebie Nayna
Mauritius

Kenga & Mildred Ndiso
Scattered East Africa

Jean-Jacques & (Rosalie) Ndoudoumou
Area pastor
Cameroon

Kimani & (Ann) Ndungu
Regional pastor
East Africa

Jimmy & Pam Nicolau
Kempton Park, South Africa

Albert & Chathrine Obi
Enugu, Nigeria

Michael & Grace Ogunlase
Assistant regional pastor
Nigeria

Gabriel & Angeline Ojih
Regional pastor
Nigeria and Ghana

Emmanuel & Margaret Okai
Accra, Ghana

Oyebamiji & Funlayo Oladele
Lagos, Nigeria

Timothy & Marie-Therese Olatunji
Kaduna, Nigeria

Francois Ongba
Makak, Cameroon

Sylvester & Monica Onyemali
Benin City, Nigeria

William & (Jesca) Othieno
Eastern Uganda

Wilson & Isioma Otiegede
Lagos, Nigeria

Yohanna & Sarah Poyi
Abuja, Nigeria

Rigobert & Angele Rafiringason
Madagascar

Chris & (Marguerite) Rogers
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Ronald & (Ellen) Roy
Johannesburg, South Africa

Edward & Comfort Sarfo
Kumasi, Ghana

Casely & Irene Schandorf
Accra, Ghana

Emmanuel & Monica Sogbo
Accra, Ghana

Abner Somzana
Umtata and Matatiele, South Africa

Costa & Jane Surangai
Nairobi, Kenya

Anthony & Emma Tadarera
Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe

Carlos & Yvonne Tavares
Mission in Portuguese

Owen & Lorraine Visagie
Cape Town South, South Africa

Vidal & Christine Wachuku
Abuja, Nigeria

Not pictured: Benin: Arthur Adjibodou; Botswana: Ephraim Ncube; Congo: Paul Kalume Mvita, Ndayi Mpinda; Kenya: Kagema Muriuki, Joseph Wainaina, James Maina Mwai, Benjamin Koech Kaino, Stephen Ochana; Malawi: Gray Nthinde, S. Nkoso, Willie Mandkhoma, B. Chakhaza, Julius Kachali; Nigeria: Ayo Odewunmi, Kaduna; Daudu & Imani Jezhi, Abuja; Nenfort Gomwalk, Jos; South Africa: George & Violet Mashao, Soshanguve; Ben Rubisane, Kempton Park; Syd & Marlene Townsend, Bloemfontein; Pieter & Elizabeth Kubeka, Soweto; Zimbabwe: Ken Clark, Joseph Mpofu.

Celebrate Christ '99

WCG members met around the world to celebrate Christ for the 1999 festival.Pastor General Joseph Tkach received cards from teens who enjoyed the Christocentric celebrations at the festival sites.

Barb Egbert said that in Pensacola, Florida, they were greeted at the door by bright-eyed teens. The teens ran the sound system, the computers (of course), read Scriptures and were hosts at the snack table.

The teens were an integral part of the festival, so a breakout teen service wasn't necessary, Mrs. Egbert said.

One teen had invited her friend to church, and that friend is now immersed in the church, calling it her own church. "Our teens evangelize so naturally, just by inviting their friends," she said.

Seaside, Oregon

Seaside attendees continued in the spirit of giving to the coastal community, according to coordinator Joel Lillengreen. This year members contributed more than a ton of food and $3,844 to help Clatsop County feed and care for the needy.

A former member traveling through Seaside who had not attended services in 21 years saw the welcome sign at the Convention Center and attended a service. He was so overjoyed with the service, he wants to get in contact with the WCG in his area.

Steve Schemm, pastor of the Federal Way and Tacoma, Washington, congregations, said that because of prayer meetings people were released from pain and received physical healing; an estranged relationship was reconciled; and healing took place from past hurts.

All kinds of baggage from the past, including anger at controlling spouses, being an abusive parent, fearfulness and shame, were released to Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit.

"It is through people releasing their burdens and baggage to Jesus that they can then move into ministry to others," Mr. Schemm said.

Palm Springs, California

Eddie Gibbs, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, gave a sermon Sept. 25 titled, "Come, Everything Is Now Ready."

The next day members took communion. Phillip Rice, pastor of the Phoenix, Arizona, congregation, reminded members that there was no room for Jesus in the inn, no room for him in the religious community, and in fact, no room for him anywhere but on the cross.

Coordinator Larry Dietrich noted that other highlights included music by the Oasis Praise Band, who also performed a benefit concert that raised more than $2,400 for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, and a gospel music concert featuring groups within and outside the WCG that raised more than $1,000 for persecuted Christian organizations.

The festival was blessed musically with appearances by the Higher Ground Praise Band and numerous individuals.

A choral group led by Don Sharp and pastor Glenn Bechthold of the San Diego, California, North church performed the worship musical "My Utmost for His Highest" Oct. 1.

Saratoga Springs, New York

Festival highlights included appearances by Ross Jutsum, director of State of the Heart Music Ministry.

Communion was offered on the last evening. The 70 to 80 teens in attendance added a special spark to the celebration, according to coordinator Jim Rosenthal. Two teens were baptized.

Members gave $3,727.50 to the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, an umbrella group serving many in the region.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The sub-theme for the Myrtle Beach conference was reconciliation, according to coordinator Greg Williams.

Throughout the week, messages on denominational, racial and family reconciliation were delivered. Steve Brown of Key Life Radio, and Tommy Ferrell from the South Carolina Baptist State Convention were guest speakers.

Mr. Albrecht, PTM executive director, and Curtis May, Pasadena regional pastor, conducted a racial reconciliation workshop as part of the conference.

The Third Annual Great American Gospel Fest took place the last four nights. Hundreds of participants from the East Coast competed in what is being called "the Star Search of Christian Music."

Baptismal counseling was offered during the festival, and more than a dozen people were baptized.

A number of people who had not attended services in several years were in Myrtle Beach and rededicated themselves to be active members of the church.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Sermons focused on two major themes: The Lordship of Jesus Christ and the direction of the WCG as a denomination, according to coordinator Mike Booze. One sub-theme that surfaced in many messages was the need to reach out to the lost with the message of Jesus Christ.

Chuck Calahan, pastor of the Wichita, Kansas, congregation, gave a seminar on Natural Church Growth, based on the book by Christian Schwarz.

Hawaii

At this year's gathering, we celebrated our Savior with song, dance and the spoken word, according to coordinator Richard Parker. Several nonmembers who passed by our services remarked on how inspiring the meetings were.

Canada

Members met at Canadian sites in North Battleford, Saskatchewan; Toronto, Ontario; St. John's, Newfoundland; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Penticton, British Columbia; and a national online site.

On the last day of the festival in North Battleford, a communion service was followed by a worship service that featured a drama performed by the youths. Afterward, the congregation invited friends to a turkey supper.

The focus of the festival in Toronto was on how meaningful our relationship is with Jesus Christ. In St. Johns, members again harvested vegetables at Merv and JoAnn Tilley's farm, where hampers of food were bagged and distributed to the poor.

In Winnipeg, the opening night was devoted to songs of praise, led by the Winnipeg Praise and Worship team, some of the church's own musicians and two other musicians from the Southdale Alliance church.

In Penticton, members supported the Salvation Army food bank and Street Level, which provides a constructive environment for youths. The Penticton congregation regularly provides financial support to Street Level and contributes food to the Penticton Food Bank.

Attendance at the national online festival site was 40 to 60 people a day. Some participants were from as far away as Zimbabwe. Each day new content was posted including a sermon, thought of the day, festival poll and message boards. The second week included the best messages from the live feast sites across Canada and a collection of photos.

The online festival site is still available at www.wcg.ca

United Kingdom and Europe

This year's festival in the United Kingdom and Europe saw a number of visitors from not only overseas, but also from other denominations.

Pastor General Joseph Tkach, his wife, Tammy, and their children, Joe and Stephanie were guests in Paignton, England, and Oban, Scotland; and he and his son also traveled to Kenmare, Ireland, for the last day.

Some of the non-WCG speakers were Jessie McFarlane, founder of the women's British Prayer Chain ministry, who spoke to the women in Oban, along with Mrs. Tkach. Jessie's husband, Peter, also gave a talk about his involvement in missionary work in Moldova.

Highlights in other parts of Europe included a public lecture in Tartu, Estonia, and seminars given in Italy by Dr. Schalk of the Institute of Natural Church Development and by the Open Doors association on persecuted Christians in Latin America.

In Bonndorf, Germany, Nikolay Nikolov and his family from Bulgaria were guests. Mr. Nikolov spoke, and his family gave special music in Bulgarian. Mayor Scharf of Bonndorf welcomed people to the festival, and Pastor Jammertal of the Evangelical Church in Bonndorf combined with the WCG members for a service.

Australian region

At gatherings large and small around the region, more than 2,000 people celebrated the grace of God and our calling to the work of "living and sharing the gospel."

The Pacific island of Malekula, Vanuatu, was host for the festival for the first time, in the church-owned building in the village of Rory.

Members from five nations met in the Genting Highlands in Malaysia, 1,000 meters above sea level, enjoying "inspiring worship services, warm fellowship and cool weather," according to coordinator Wong Mein Kong.

In Hyderabad, India, members met at St. John's Regional Seminary. Pastor Danny Zachariah was asked by some of the students what he thought of the Catholic Church. He said that we accept as our brothers and sisters all who believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as Savior, and that the body of Christ is not limited to any human institution.

"Equipping the saints for the work of ministry" was the focus at the largest site, in Caloundra, Queensland, where seminar topics included worship, small groups, mentoring and outreach.

Community outreach was a feature at several sites, with concerts, guest speakers and donations to community charities.

The annual Festival Snapshot video highlighted the work of the fellowship, congregations and individuals around the region.

Philippines

Rich rejoicing in Christ aptly describes the spirit of festival celebration in the Philippines this year. The Philippines had 13 sites; seven of which were eight day sites.

Four Christian leaders graced the celebrations: Harry Bilyeu, coordinator of Asian Center for Missions; Tom Dennison, director of the Word of Life Bible Clubs in the Philippines; Jo Laville, president of World Outreach Philippines; and Ephraim Tendero, general secretary of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.

The WCG teamed up with the Institute of Studies for Asian Church and Culture for an evangelistic campaign in Baguio City. In Cebu, 26 participants completed the Condensed World Mission Course. In Davao, three nights of gospel proclamation reached 700 people, with about 40 responding to the gospel call.

For many, the festival was a time of recommitment to Christ and the advancement of his kingdom.

Caribbean and Latin America

Reports from the region tell of spiritual rejuvenation amidst the worship, fellowship and inspiring messages.

In Dominica, activities included an outreach visit to the homeless, a panel discussion on drugs, and Dominica Night. Activities in Guadeloupe included a marriage enrichment seminar.

Three people were baptized in Ste-Luce, Martinique, including two Amerindians from the Galibi tribe in French Guyana.

During an altar call the final evening in Christian Pen, Jamaica, seven people came forward to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. On the weekend, members shared their meals with members of a football club that uses the field next to the church building. Twenty-nine of them showed up for services after the festival. The second part of the festival took place in Montego Bay.

In Haiti, members sang praises to the Lord and discussed the many blessings Christians can have in a place as devastated as Haiti.

In Acapulco, Mexico, Don and Josefina Hart brought used clothing and toys for distribution. A 7.2 earthquake rocked the country but caused no damages at the festival site.

The festival in Colombia was characterized by praise and prayer--personal prayer, intercessory prayer and group prayer.

Africa

"For the first time I understand what it means to have Jesus living within me."

"Christ and his grace are more meaningful to me than ever before."

Such was the tone of the many comments about the festival conducted on weekends or at eight-day conventions in at least 14 countries in Africa. At presstime we do not have all the details, but estimated attendance was around 4,000.

A number of people became Christians at various sites, and worship and dance uplifted our people everywhere.

Members in Ghana celebrated their 25th festival. They gathered at the church's farm complex in Kutunse.

The silver jubilee festival was advertised and open to the public. A presidential staffer at the seat of government, D.S. Boateng, along with other dignitaries, attended the Thanksgiving Day service on the eighth day and exhorted Christians to be disciples of Jesus indeed. His comments, and portions of Gabriel Ojih's sermon on thankfulness to God being a way of life, were featured on the evening news on national radio.

Members met at sites around the world to celebrate Christ during the 1999 festival. Following is a partial list of festival sites, coordinators and attendance figures based on information submitted to The Worldwide News.

United States regional sites

Davenport, Iowa John Bailey 520

Hot Springs, Arkansas Mike Booze 1,100

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Greg Williams 2,000

Palm Springs, California Larry Dietrich 1,001

Saratoga Springs, New York Jim Rosenthal 808

Seaside, Oregon Joel Lillengreen 731

China John Halford 157

Mediterranean Cruise Russell Duke 45

Canada

North Battleford, Saskatchewan Bill Hall 90

Penticton, British Columbia Robert Morton 368

St. John's, Newfoundland Chris Starkey 71

Toronto, Ontario Robert Brown 650

Winnipeg, Manitoba Alan Redmond 375

Australia

Caloundra, Queensland 653

Gowrie Park, Tasmania 57

Warrnambool, Victoria 216

Perth, Western Australia 401

Ulladulla, New South Wales 207

New Zealand

Rotorua 174

Christchurch 91

Asia

Bangalore, India

Hyderabad, India 63

Welimade, Sri Lanka 107

Genting Highlands, Malaysia 102

Pacific Islands

Honiara and Ranongga, Solomon Islands 55

Fiji 85

Malekula, Vanuatu 73

United Kingdom

Paignton, Devon Tony Lodge 544

Oban, Scotland Hamish Dougal 193

Scarborough, Yorkshire Bob Harrison 170

Kenmare, Ireland David Stirk 140

London (with Berlin, Germany) Robin Jones 175

Europe

Bonndorf, Germany Santiago Lange 195

Middelburg, Netherlands Henk Buist 180

Lido di Jesolo (Venice), Italy Daniel Bosch 188

Attard, Malta David Stirk

Palma, Majorca, Spain Pedro Rufian 116

Sao Pedro do Sul, Portugal Jose Ribeiro

Nea Makri, Greece K.J. Stavrinides

Tallinn/Tartu, Estonia Leo Kaagjarv 56

French Caribbean

Deshaies, Guadeloupe Jack Brunet 75

Ste-Luce, Martinique Jack Brunet 175

Caribbean region

Atlanta, Georgia (Atlanta, Bahamas, Bermuda) Robert McKinney 300

Dominica Crisford Vidal 62

Christian Pen, Jamaica Michael Mitchell 183

Montego Bay, Jamaica Michael Mitchell 83

Philippines

Baguio City Jerry Ortiguero 527

Cebu City Romy Pusta 150

Daet Abelardo Balisnomo 191

Davao City Ric Deligero 150

Kiara, Bukidnon Ted Sernal 302

Tacloban City Arturo Reyes 107

Zamboanga Nilo Belarmino 62

Spanish-speaking areas

Acapulco, Mexico Salvador Barragan 71

Colombia Hector Barrero 73

Africa

Ghana 501

Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria 396

Jackson congregation
to celebrate 25th anniversary  

The Jackson, Tennessee, congregation will have a 25-year anniversary celebration the weekend of Nov. 19-21. If you are interested in attending all or part of this celebration please contact: Wayne or Buni Wendt at 1-901-742-2684 or by e-mail at wayne_wendt@wcg.org

Bible Study

Inheritors, Not Slaves

A Study of Galatians 4

In chapter 3 of the letter to the Galatians, Paul explained that Christians receive the Holy Spirit by faith, not through the Law of Moses. The Law was never intended as a path for salvation, and it no longer has authority over the people of God. We are under the authority of Christ, not under the Law (3:23-25; see the October WN, pages 25-26).

Paul points out that God gave the promise of salvation to Abraham centuries before the Law of Moses was given (3:16-17). Salvation does not depend on the Law in any way, for salvation is based on the promise given to Abraham.

Since Christ is the descendant of Abraham, and we belong to Christ, then we are also descendants of Abraham and inheritors of the promise of salvation (3:29).

When it comes to inheriting Abraham's promise, there is neither Jew nor Greek--all ethnic groups may inherit. In Christ, even slaves can receive an inheritance from Abraham. In salvation, there is likewise no difference between male and female--all have equal rights to inherit the promise (3:28).

Children now come of age

In chapter 4, Paul takes the concept of inheritance into another analogy, to show again that the Law was only a temporary authority and that Christians are not obligated to it.

"What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world" (4:1-3).

If a father died early, he might leave his entire estate to a young child. The child, although the legal owner, would not have authority to run the estate. A temporary trustee would run the estate, would have authority over all the slaves of that estate, and would also have authority over the legal owner, as long as the heir was under age.

Paul then makes the analogy that "we" (apparently including himself and the Jewish people) were under that kind of temporary authority. Just as he earlier said that "we were held prisoners by the law" (3:23), he now says that the Jewish people were like underage children--inheritors who were under authority, just as slaves are.

But the child is not like a slave forever. Eventually a time comes when authority is given to the heir. "When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons" (4:4-5).

Jesus was born under the jurisdiction of the Law, and he redeemed or rescued the Jewish people from the restrictions of the Mosaic Law. Now, Jews may receive the full inheritance rights, which means that they are no longer under the law.

Gentiles no longer slaves

Gentiles, who were not under the Law of Moses, also become inheritors through Christ, so at this point Paul begins to use the word you again: "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, `Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir" (4:6-7).

Since God had given the Holy Spirit to these gentile Christians, that was proof that they were his children, with the right to inherit the promise. They were no longer slaves under a restrictive authority. But what kind of slavery had Jesus redeemed them from?

Paul explains: "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods" (4:9). They had been enslaved by pagan religions.

"But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?" (4:9). The Gentile Christians, having been rescued from slavery, were thinking of returning to bondage. They wouldn't have put it in those words, of course, but Paul is pointing out that this is what it amounts to.

Apparently they were being tempted with a different sort of slavery than what they came out of. They were being told that they had to be circumcised and that they had to obey the Law of Moses (4:21; 5:2-4). They had come out of pagan principles but were in danger of going back into another set of rules--another nonfaith approach to religion.

(Paul uses the uncommon Greek word stoicheia here for principles of the Galatian heresy, the same word he used in 4:3 for the slavery "we" had under the old covenant "basic principles." The context of the letter makes it clear that the slavery the Galatians were falling back into was an obligation to old covenant customs.)

Paul then mentions one way they were falling back into servitude: "You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!" (4:10). In a heresy that involved circumcision and the Law of Moses, it is not difficult to figure out what sort of days, months, seasons and years were being advocated. The old covenant said a lot about special times.

But if Paul was talking about the Sabbath and festivals, why didn't he say so? It is because the Galatians were coming out of one religion and into another. Paul used words that applied to both religions to point out the similarities involved. Pagan religions had their special days, months, seasons and years; so did the old covenant. They have a different set of days, but it is a similar idea. The Galatians had come out religious bondage, and were going back into a religious bondage.

So Paul asks: How could you do such a thing? Can't you see how foolish this is? Don't you know that this can enslave you all over again?

Paul said nothing about the manner in which they observed these special days. He did not say they should observe them in a better way or a different way. Rather, he is concerned that they observed them at all.

Paul pleads with them

"I fear for you," Paul wrote in verse 11, "that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you." In order to win them to Christ, he had become like a gentile (4:12; 2:14; 1 Cor. 9:21). Now he urges them to become like he is.

With heavy sighing and tears, no doubt, Paul remembered how eagerly the Galatians had first believed the gospel he preached. They had joyfully received the gospel with great respect for Paul. That is why Paul is so astonished that they had so quickly believed a different message (4:12-16).

He points out that the false teachers had selfish motives (4:17), but he is willing to suffer to help them become more like Christ (4:19).

Son of a slave, or son of promise?

Paul then moves to an illustration of slavery and promise, taken from the Torah itself: "Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says?" (4:21). Paul speaks now to people who want to be under the authority of the Torah. This was the heresy he was fighting against.

"For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise" (4:22-23). Paul reminds the readers here of Hagar and Sarah, and the fact that Abraham's blessing was given to Isaac, the child God gave Sarah in a miraculous way. The blessing was given on the basis of grace, not of normal human ability.

He then draws a dramatic analogy from this: "These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants" (4:24). The Old Testament does not make this analogy--Paul is creating it for his own purposes. Some might not like the analogy, because it makes Paul's point painfully clear: "One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children" (4:24-25).

Hagar is associated with the old covenant, the covenant made at Mount Sinai and in Paul's day centered in Jerusalem. This covenant produces slave children, and all who are under the old covenant are in slavery. Paul was flabbergasted as to why the Galatians were being tempted to fall into this slavery (4:9), an old covenant slavery that included the observance of special days and months and seasons and years (4:10).

But Christians are not under the old covenant. "The Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.... Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise" (4:26, 28). Christians are children of Abraham's promise, and are free--which means, in this context, free of old covenant restrictions.

Eliminate slavery

Paul then saw another useful application of the analogy: "The son born in the ordinary way [Ishmael] persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit [Isaac]. It is the same now" (4:29). That is, the Jewish children of the old covenant were persecuting the children of the new covenant.

Paul then makes his point, again from the Scriptures that the people respected: "But what does the Scripture say? `Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son' " (4:30; Gen. 21:10). The application is clear: Get rid of those who teach the old covenant. Do not listen to them, for they will not inherit the promises of Abraham (5:2).

Paul is struggling for the spiritual survival of the Galatian Christians. He is not going to mince his words or beat around the bush. Rather, he makes it clear: The old covenant is slavery and you must get rid of it. Christian life is not found in the old covenant.

"Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman" (4:31). We are children of the new covenant, not the old. We cannot have both--we must choose the new.

Michael Morrison

Update:
News of people,
places and events

SEP Office announces teen weekends for several sites

FRISCO, Texas--The Summer Educational Program Office announced that teen weekends will take place in the following locations.

Houston, Texas: A teen weekend will be conducted in Houston Nov. 19 to 21. Featured activities will include praise and worship services, a banquet, a Christian rock concert and a dance.

For more information call Monica Matthews at 1-281-689-5136 or send e-mail to mojema823@aol.com

Baton Rouge, Louisiana: A teen weekend at Fountainbleu State Park, near Baton Rouge, will take place Dec. 10 to 12. Charles and Keysha Taylor, who pastor the Miami, Florida, North congregation, will be the guests for the weekend and lead the praise and worship and other activities.

Contact Joy Cryer at 1-318-239-7139 for more information. Cost for the weekend including food and lodging is $40.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina: A teen retreat in Blowing Rock is planned for Dec. 21 to 23. Tim Brassell, pastor of the Norfolk, Virginia, congregation, will be the guest speaker.

A variety of activities will take place including praise and worship services, interactive workshops, basketball, volleyball, swimming and skiing (optional).

The cost for the retreat, which includes food and lodging, is $60 for nonskiers and $90 for skiers.

Space is limited, so please register by Dec. 7. Contact Paul David Kurts at 1-828-313-2311 or by e-mail at paul_david_kurts@wcg.org for more details.

San Jose, California: A teen weekend will take place in the San Jose area Dec. 18 to 20. Barbara Egbert, associate director of SEP, will be the guest speaker.

For more information, contact Bill Funsten at 1-408-997-6344 or Mel Dahlgren at 1-408-365-1180.

"Although activities may vary from location to location, Jesus Christ is at the center of all of them," said Jeb Egbert, SEP director.

"Last year these weekends were affectionately called SEP's Greatest Hits because much of what SEP is all about was captured in a time span of less than 48 hours," Dr. Egbert said.

The weekends typically begin with a Friday night praise and worship service. On Saturday, there are team-building activities, recreational activities and church services. In some cases, a Saturday night banquet and dance has been planned.

If you are interested in having such a weekend in your area, contact Dr. Egbert at jeb_egbert@wcg.org or call him at 1-972-712-5737.

Charles & Keysha Taylor

Manhattan congregation to celebrate 40th anniversary

MANHATTAN, New York--The Manhattan congregation, pastored by Jeff Broadnax, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a service Nov. 13 at the White Plains Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains New York.

The featured speaker will be Carn Catherwood, who was a member of the team conducting the first baptizing tours in 1959.

The Addicts Rehabilitation Center Gospel Choir (ARC) will be special musical guests. The day will also feature an 11 a.m. brunch and an anniversary presentation after the service at 1:30 p.m.

The theme is "Back to Our Future" with our focus resting on Jesus Christ, our past, present and future. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children. For more information see the Manhattan website at churches.wcg.org/westchester-ny/man_west.html or contact Arnold Coleman by e-mail at rvpgoal@netscape.net or call Mr. Broadnax at 1-212-594-3010. Please RSVP as soon as possible.

  
Jeff Broadnax   Carn Catherwood

Bengali Evangelical Association on the WCG website

The Bengali Evangelical Association (BEA) is now on the WCG Internet website at www.wcg.org.bea

The BEA is headed by John Biswas, a member of the San Bernardino, California, congregation. BEA seeks to preach the gospel to the unchurched in Bangladesh.

Nov. 14: International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Church

NEW YORK, New York--Nov. 14 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).

The IDOP is a global day of intercession for persecuted Christians worldwide. On this day a concerted effort of prayer will be offered up for the persecuted, the oppressors and their nations, and for increased awareness.

In 1998, more than 80,000 from as many as 115 countries participated.

The Bible League is a partner of the IDOP organization. "We offer a way to strengthen our persecuted brethren by providing one of God's sources of comfort, his Word," said Jeff Kolsch, a member of The Bible League and the WCG. "We hope your congregation will stand with them in prayer Nov. 14th, and partner with us by participating with our one-day free program kit."

Each kit includes a promotional poster, a persecution in China video, a reproducible bulletin insert and an appropriate number of 21-day daily devotional booklets.

"We hope each congregation will take up a collection for $1 New Testaments, the sword of the spirit that our persecuted brethren need."

Call Mr. Kolsch at 1-800-334-7017 or send e-mail to him at JKolsch@aol.com. Additional resources can be found on the Internet at www.persecutedchurch.org

Lexington, Kentucky, congregation to have youth day

LEXINGTON, Kentucky--The Lexington congregation will have a youth day Nov. 27 followed by dance that evening. The dance atire is semiformal or costume. A prize will be given for the best costume.

Lodging can be arranged for Saturday evening. Food will be provided. For more information contact Geoff Pittman by e-mail at Geeeoff@juno.com or write to him at 4864 Bud Lane, Lexington, Kentucky, 40514. Geoff Pittman.

Financial Report

Because of the festival break, the church's monthly financial report does not appear in this issue. The next report will cover September and October.

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 1999