AZUSA, California--Russell
Duke, director of the Ambassador Center at Azusa Pacific University, taught a course in
servant leadership in June in Korea and Japan. ANAHEIM, California--Pastor General Joseph Tkach addressed the General Conference of the Iglesia de Dios (Septimo Dia) (Church of God [Seventh Day]) July 3.
This is a Hispanic denomination with 38 congregations in the United States and eight congregations in Mexico with attendance of more than 3,000.
Most of their congregations meet on Saturday, with a few conducting Friday evening and Sunday services. They were formerly associated with the Church of God (Seventh Day) but have been separate from them for more than two years.
Accompanying Mr. Tkach to the conference were Charles Fleming, regional director in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and his wife, Carmen; and pastor Raul Ramos and his wife, Sylvia.
Mr. Ramos met their pastor who lives near him and was invited to speak in their congregations. In the concluding message of the conference Mr. Tkach was asked to speak on the second coming of Jesus in light of the gospel.
Mr. Tkach noted that there were 800 in attendance and that there is serious interest in some sort of partnership with the WCG in the future.
AZUSA, California--Russell
Duke, director of the Ambassador Center at Azusa Pacific University, taught a course in
servant leadership in June in Korea and Japan.
The class is part of a master of arts in leadership studies in Azusa's Education Department, and Operation Impact, which in its 25 years of service has provided educational support to more than 1,900 leaders of mission organizations and businesses.
Select faculty travel to sites around the world during the summer to teach courses.
In Seoul, Korea, the nine students taking Dr. Duke's course had English as a second or third language.
They are Korean missionaries and pastors in a Christian organization called Kingdomizers. Most of the students in Tokyo, Japan, are expatriates of the United States.
Students attend class four hours a day for a week and then read assigned texts and fulfill assignments over the following year. Four courses are offered over a two-week period. Term papers, reports and projects are evaluated to assign grades.
The program exists in more than 19 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Kenya, Mexico, Philippines, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine and Zimbabwe, and in the state of Alaska.
The cost is $120 a unit for a 39 unit master's degree. Contact Grace Barnes, director of Operation Impact, at 1-626-815-5483, by e-mail at gbarnes@apu.edu or Azusa Pacific University, Operation Impact, 901 E. Alosta Ave., Azusa, California, 91702, Attention: Grace Barnes.
TORONTO, Ontario--Eighteen WCG ministers and wives attended the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Toronto July 19 to 22.
Dave Gilbert, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pastor, said: "The amount of material and its excellence and presentation was outstanding. Speakers from a wide variety of denominations and backgrounds gave moving, Spirit-led expositions on evangelism and discipleship."
Ken Williams, district superintendent in Rochester, New York, said: "God wants his children to share their faith in and love for Christ. He longs for the burdened, harassed, lost of this world to come to his Son to receive salvation and be cared for in his flock." Steve Botha.
EVANGELISM SCHOOL--Standing, from left: Jim and
Kim Meade, Phillip Baldwin, Donna and Briscoe Ellett,
David and Hinke Gilbert, Ed and Thelma Faulk, Ken Williams,
Jim Rosenthal, Roger and Donna Abels. Front row:
Joan and Rejean Vautour and Steve Botha. Not pictured:
Eric and Edna Vautour.
CEBU CITY, Philippines--The general assembly of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), the equivalent in the Philippines of the National Association of Evangelicals) voted July 6 to accept the membership of the Worldwide Church of God.
Pastor Rey Taniajura reported that several questions were raised about the church's transformation, so Bishop Efraim Tendero, president of the organization, asked him to come up to the stage to answer them.
When the issue of ratification was resolved, no one raised any objections.
BURLEIGH HEADS, Australia--Yong Chin Gee, senior pastor in Malaysia and an area including Thailand, Hong Kong and Indonesia, suffered a heart attack Friday, July 23, while visiting relatives with his wife, Yuet Siam, according to Rod Matthews, regional director for Australia and Asia.
Over the weekend, doctors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, treated him for blocked arteries. The doctors asked him to remain in the hospital under observation for the next week, and he has been instructed to rest from work for the next six weeks.
Mr. Matthews talked with Yong Chin Gee in the hospital, and said he is doing well considering the potential seriousness of what he experienced. The doctors told him it was a major heart attack, but the fact that he got to the hospital quickly helped the miracle of his recovery.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas--The Great Northwest Community Association chose the San Antonio congregation's New Beginnings Community Outreach Ministry as the organization that most exemplified the Fourth of July spirit in its annual parade.
"We had the largest and most spirited group there," said pastor Frank Parsons. During the parade, members handed out balloons, candy, American and Texas flags, and distributed invitations to the congregation's Fourth of July services honoring those who have served in the military.
Rita Persyn built a wagon that would hold 10 to 12 people, and it was pulled by Don Persyn driving his lawn tractor.
The parade began right behind the San Antonio congregation's church building and proceeded for nearly two miles through the neighborhood members have been evangelizing.
SAN ANTONIO--The New Beginnings Outreach Ministry of the San Antonio, Texas,
congregation, most exemplified the Fourth of July spirit. [Photo by Frank Parsons]
HARLINGEN, Texas--The Harlingen congregation, the southernmost U.S. congregation, had a festive weekend with outdoor services, food and live music by Hispanic entertainers Saturday, June 19.
Tony Antonacci and his wife opened their home for the activity. Pastor Dan Flores Jr. conducted the service and introduced pastor Frank Parsons and his wife Jane.
Each week the Harlingen congregation writes a Christian article for the newspaper.
FESTIVE WEEKEND--Harlingen members.
[Photo by Frank Parsons]
SAN ANTONIO, Texas--For the third straight year the San Antonio congregation has conducted a vacation Bible school. Many neighborhood children attended.
This year's theme was Treasure Hunt Bible Adventure! by Group Publishing.
Consuelo Orduno has served as the director for each of the three sessions.
At Treasure Hunt Bible Adventure the children learned one Bible point each day. The instructors focused on one key biblical concept: The Bible shows us the way.
This point was reinforced daily through Bible stories, Bible verses and hands-on activities that helped children discover that the Bible is like a treasure map that leads us through life.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL--Children portray
biblical characters. [Photo by Frank Parsons]
FORT WORTH, Texas--The Fort Worth congregation celebrated its 35th anniversary July 3 with 132 members and guests present. Fourteen of those were present at the first service July 4, 1964, and are still attending the Fort Worth church.
Dean Blackwell was guest speaker.
A potluck meal was served after the service. Then, Mr. Blackwell, pastor Tom Pickett and his wife, Adrienne, cut an anniversary cake.
FORT WORTH ANNIVERSARY--From left:
Dean Blackwell and Adrienne and Tom Pickett.
PASADENA--Randal Dick,
superintendent of missions, was awarded a master's degree in missiology from Fuller
Theological Seminary June 13.
Mr. Dick defined missiology as the study of what takes place along the boundary between the church and the world. He was the first WCG student to attend Fuller's School of World Mission, one of the world's leading institutions in the field of missiology.
"Although it has taken six years of sandwiching classes between work assignments, it has been a worthwhile endeavor," Mr. Dick said. "It seems that all the classes were tailor-made for our needs."
DETROIT,
Michigan--Ross Flynn, pastor of the Detroit East congregation, graduated with honors April
25 with a master's degree in counseling from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
Mr. Flynn was honored with membership in Chi Sigma Iota, the Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International in recognition of scholastic and professional excellence.
During a nine-month internship at the Oakland University Counseling Center, he volunteered 900 hours to assist individuals, couples and families in crisis.
A focus during his studies was on differentiating between mentally healthy and destructive forms of faith, religion and spirituality. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and will soon receive the designation of Limited License Professional Counselor (LLPC) and Limited License Psychologist (LLP).
ST. PAUL, Minnesota--Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul was the setting for a Midwest district leadership seminar July 17 and 18.
More than 130 pastors and church leaders from congregations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and North and South Dakota heard from Greg Bourgand, dean of academic affairs and director of advanced degree programs at Bethel.
A number of WCG ministers and members are enrolled in various areas of study at Bethel Seminary.
Doug Peitz, pastor of the LaCrosse and Baraboo, Wisconsin, congregations, approached Dr. Bourgand about presenting a seminar after attending his class on leadership.
A praise and worship service led by Diane Kraft and Barry Stahl began each day. A Saturday night church service included a sermon by Dave Fiedler, district superintendent, on "Despise Not the Day of Small Things." Members were encouraged to promote evangelism in their areas. Linda Fiedler.
ROCHESTER, New
York--"Most pastors in the Rochester region report a new energy in those who are
serving in the congregations," said Ken Williams, district superintendent.
"We find this encouraging, considering that several leaders from each congregation had left our fellowship over the past three years.
"Where possible, the pastors looked for people with the spiritual gifts necessary to fill the vacancies. These leaders have a renewed enthusiasm for the gospel, and their service is spontaneous."
Mr. Williams continued: "Our pastors have held Jesus on high. It's as if we have received a new vision of Christ, and we are learning to focus on him. Members are showing evidence of being alive in Christ."
MONCTON, New Brunswick--Pastor Eric Vautour has been invited to appear regularly on radio station CJSE in Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada.
This came about after a Baptist ordination ceremony, where Mr. Vautour saw a high school friend, Adrien David Robichaud, pastor of the Wesleyan Church in Moncton, and host of a radio program. He asked Mr. Vautour if he would be interested in being a guest on the program.
The name of the program is: "Quatre vents ê l'Äcoute," which basically means "Listening From the Four Winds."
Mr. Vautour usually appears on the program once a month.
BATAVIA, New York--The Batavia congregation honored longtime deacon Anthony J. Kota Jr. at the worship service June 12.
Mr. Kota has served as a deacon for more than 33 years in four congregations.
Ken Williams, district superintendent, spoke about the church being a family and the loving service family members give.
Pastor Charlie Piscitello, along with the congregation, presented Mr. Kota with a plaque and a watch in recognition of his faithful service. Barbara Woodworth.
HUGHESVILLE, Pennsylvania--The site for the Endless Mountain congregation's Sept. 25 to 29 festival celebration will be Crystal Lake Camps & Convention Center, north of Hughesville.
The site has 960 acres of mountaintop woodlands, three lakes, hiking trails, dining facilities, conference rooms and recreational facilities.
Worship services are planned each day and include Ken Williams, district superintendent, as guest speaker.
Lodging consists of cabins housing eight to 17 occupants. All cabins have bathrooms and showers. Three meals are included per day except for the first and last day.
Costs including lodging and meals for five days and four nights of the celebration are $155 per adult (age 12 and older), $120 per child (ages 7-11), $115 per child (ages 3-6), and children younger than 3 are free. Payment is not refundable if you cancel your registration unless someone else fills the available slots.
Please register by Sept. 7. However, room is available, you may register after that date. Please make your payments payable to Endless Mountain Church--LCAF and mail to Lou Tsiknas, R.R. 3 Box 110, Towanda, Pennsylvania, 18848. For more information call Lou and Donna Tsiknas at 1-570-265-8640 or Gene and Fallie Padwa at 1-607-754-4746.
BRADENTON, Florida--The Christian Retreat Conference Center on the banks of the Manatee River will be a festival site, Sept. 24-26.
This will be a weekend of dynamic praise and worship to our Lord Jesus Christ. For more information, call Ken Smylie at 1-352-374-6585 or by e-mail at ken_smylie@wcg.org
JANESVILLE, Wisconsin--Soon after his arrival in the Janesville area, then pastor Ron Jameson began attending a Thursday morning prayer group of evangelical pastors.
There he became friends with pastor Percy Smerek of New Hope, who volunteered and got his congregation's approval for the WCG to use New Hope's building.
A sign advertising the Janesville congregation stands beside New Hope's sign. Doris Walter.
SAVANNAH,
Georgia--Mildred Frentz celebrated her 100th birthday July 23.
Mildred was born to Edward and Hattie Wiese in Hammond, Indiana, and spent part of her childhood growing up on a farm. Her parents dug a pit for food storage, churned their own butter and used a horse and buggy for transportation.
In 1928, Mildred married Fred Frentz and together they raised two children.
In 1958, she first heard the World Tomorrow radio program and started to attend the WCG in 1962 at the age of 63. She has attended congregations in Michigan City, Indiana, and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and now attends in Savannah. She still enjoys good health.
The Savannah congregation honored Mrs. Frentz July 17. Larry Wooldridge.
JOPLIN, Missouri--Teens conducted the worship service in Joplin July 31.
Jessica Peterson performed a violin solo of "Amazing Grace." J.R. Darby sang "The Door." Chad Pendergraft conducted the worship songs. The songs were from last year's Acquire the Fire event in Joplin.
The teens put on a skit titled Peer Pressure. Jessica Peterson talked about her mission trip to Canada to help bring youths closer to Jesus.
Jennifer Williams spoke on prayer and violence in school.
The teens enjoyed an afternoon of miniature golf and video games, then went to a member's house for a lock-in that included fellowshipping, watching movies and playing cards. Ron Swinehart.
MIDDLETOWN, New York--The Middletown congregation honored the following students: David Green for graduating from high school; Derrick Goodfriend for receiving an award in French; Matt Finch for his achievements in Boy Scouts; Jasmin Mitchell for being chosen by the "Who's Who" organization for her art work; and Cheyenne Mitchell for receiving the elementary school's Carol Bosch award for Outstanding Character, Leadership and Scholarship. Susan Mitchell.
KANSAS CITY, Missouri--The 1999 Men's Ministry Equipping Conference will take place Oct. 30 and 31 (Saturday morning to mid-afternoon Sunday) at the Salvation Army MoKan Camp & Conference Center, 16200 E. Highway 40, Kansas City, Missouri, 64136; telephone 1-816-373-4153.
The cost is $60 for each person, which includes Saturday night lodging and four meals; dorm-style units (four people per room, private bath, air conditioned).
If anyone wishes to stay in a motel instead of at MoKan Camp, an appropriate refund will be granted. Contact Ray Meyer at 1-816-734-4025 for motel information.
A $25 deposit is required by Sept. 22. Send registration and deposit to Ray A. Meyer, Box 28183, Kansas City, Missouri, 64188. Make check payable to LCAF Kansas City North.
The purpose of the conference is to help enrich and equip Christian men in the areas of spiritual formation--receiving and growing in the faith; evangelism--sharing the faith; apologetics--defending the faith; and to promote such in the Worldwide Church of God.
Though time for recreation will be limited, the following are available: hiking, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, billiards, tennis and swimming in a pool.
Registration Form
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Church area:
Pastor:
Deposit: $25 (check or money order) payable to LCAF Kansas City North, balance due upon arrival
Mail to Ray A. Meyer, Box 28183, Kansas City, Missouri, 64188
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador--Central American ministers met in San Salvador June 13 to 15.
The conference dealt mainly with the basic characteristics of a healthy church, according to coordinator Salvador Barragan.
WCG leaders attended from Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and El Salvador. Speakers were Mr. Barragan from Mexico; Hector Barrero from Colombia; and Mike Medina from Uruguay.
Juan Laguer, supervisor of the congregations in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, also made a presentation.
After the closing ceremony, the ministers and wives participated in the Lord's Supper, which was ministered by David Agreda, a member of the El Salvador church. Patricia H. de Arg¦ ello.
PASADENA--Arline Connelly, 52, lifted 85 pounds to earn a gold medal in weight lifting at the seventh annual Crown Valley Senior Olympics, May 30.
Her husband, Robin, won a silver medal.
Mrs. Connelly said that the biggest reward was the self-esteem boost for her and her family, including their daughter, Sarah, 24, who is blind and has other health problems.
HIGHWOOD, Montana--Vicki Ann Ferda has been recognized for academic achievement as a United States National Honor Roll award winner.
Vicki, who attends Highwood Schools, will appear in the United States Achievement Academy yearbook.
Vicki is the daughter of Phillip and Laureen Ferda. She attends the Great Falls, Montana, congregation, and is a member of the Highwood Youth Group and Girl Scouts.
HOUSTON, Texas--The Houston South congregation honored three high school graduates May 29.
They are Rosalinda Gonzalez, Kyle McChesney and Ruth Van Acker.
Rosalinda plans to attend the University of Houston and major in business administration. Kyle will pursue a chemical engineering degree at San Jacinto College and complete courses at the University of Houston. Ruth plans to attend Dickinson College and major in foreign languages.
HOUSTON, Texas--The Houston South congregation had a recognition day for women May 22.
This service was organized by the Women's Ministry under the direction of pastor Mark Mounts and Margaret Ryan.
Women participated in many areas of the service including ushering, worship leading, special music, prayers, announcements and devotional readings.
Messages presented were Women's Ministry, by Cathy Hedrick; Women in the Spirit, by Laura Francis; Women of the Bible, by Weada Gordon; and Experiencing God, by Margaret Ryan.
The messages focused on developing a relationship with Christ and others. Cathy Hedrick.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Missouri--Ministers, deacons, lay leaders and spouses in the Kansas City district met for a three-day conference May 14 to 16 at the Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center in Excelsior Springs.
Topics included why various personalities fit in with various styles of worship and discipling current and future leaders. Each day began with praise and worship.
Guest speakers were Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers; Ron Kelly, church controller; and district superintendents Carn Catherwood, Big Sandy; and Gerald Schnarrenberger, Salt Lake City. Dick Mann.
ADOPT A HIGHWAY LITTER CONTROL--
Some members of the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,
congregation along a stretch of highway they help clean
three or four times a year. [Photo by Howard Blakeney]
BIVOCATIONAL PASTORS CONFERENCE--Al Dueck
of Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, speaks on marriage counseling
at a conference for bivocational pastors July 26 to 30 in Pasadena.
[Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999