GRANDVILLE, Michigan—Sunday, Nov. 24, the New Life in Christ congregations in Muskegon and Grandville, Michigan, pastored by Sam Butler, each conducted cultivating events where they invited friends and family to come for a Thanksgiving worship service and meal.

"At the 2002 regional conferences, we’ve been asking all our congregations to conduct ‘cultivating’ events as congregations or as small groups within congregations," said Ted Johnston, district superintendent.

"In planning for these events they followed the strategy we’ve been teaching that emanates from the Sonlife disciplemaking model," Mr. Johnston said. "They considered the target audience they hoped to reach, established their work goals accordingly and then sought God’s direction and intervention in accordance with their faith goals for the event. Their plan was to reach the spiritually disenfranchised former WCG members and other disconnected, but religiously inclined, people."

The results were dramatic. Attendance in Muskegon swelled from about 17 to 52, and in Grandville from about 50 to 150. They plan to follow up with those not attached to a church, inviting them to a similar Christmas themed "cultivating" event.

"I am deeply grateful for the leadership that Sam and his leaders provide and for the enthusiasm and willing participation of the members," Mr. Johnston said. "Particularly gratifying is their abiding trust in God, their passion for Jesus and his gospel, and their willingness to step out with intentionality in making disciples that make disciples: seeking the lost, building believers, equipping workers and multiplying and sending leaders. They are off and running!"

FORT WORTH PASTOR—Tom Pickett at
Billy Graham mission. [Dallas Morning News
photo by Richard Michael Pruitt]

IRVING, Texas—The Billy Graham Mission, Oct. 17 to 20, reached out to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with the simple, but powerful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first organizational meeting took place Jan. 24 at Texas Stadium. Fort Worth and Dallas WCG members were present (see December WN). The vision of the Mission was cast to the hundreds of pastors, ministers and staff personnel who were there representing the Christian church throughout the Metroplex. Nine months later that vision became a reality.

Popular music artists headlined the event: CeCe Winans, Caedmon’s Call, Jaci Velasquez, Randy Travis, Kirk Franklin, dc Talk, Michael W. Smith and the Bill Gaither Vocal Band.

Then Billy Graham came on stage to do what he has done for 54 years. He sincerely and powerfully expressed the love of God through the gospel message.

Fort Worth and Dallas members participated in many training seminars, which included the Life and Witnessing Course. WCG members served as counselors to those who responded to Dr. Graham’s call to the gospel, sang in the 5,000 member choir, ushered or responded to office related tasks after each meeting.

On Saturday morning, Oct. 19, a Kidz Gig was directed to the preteens, and on Saturday night attention was directed to the teens and young adults with a Concert for the NeXt Generation.

The vision that was cast in January also included the Body of Jesus Christ coming together as his church to present the gospel in unity and love. That happened with more than 1,120 churches, representing 38 denominations, coming together to advance the kingdom of heaven. Tom Pickett.

The church announced the following ministerial ordinations.

Jean and Bessie Leprohon, Montreal, Quebec, English.

Steve and Nicole Posiak, Montreal, Quebec, English, and Plattsburgh, New York.

Johan van Greunen, Krugersdorp and Klerksdorp, South Africa.

Elmar and Oddette Roberg, Krugersdorp and Klerksdorp, South Africa.

DOUGLASVILLE, Georgia—Christ’s Ambassadors Community Church, the WCG congregation in Douglasville, which meets each Sunday in a community park conference room, found itself in a dilemma a few months ago when the city government raised rent nearly 50 percent for use of park facilities.

"We knew that at this higher rate it would not be the best use of funds for us to continue to meet at this location," said Pastor Donald Madlena.

"After much prayer and consideration, we decided to go to a worship schedule of every other Sunday to save on expenses," Mr. Madlena said. When we went to the park office to reserve the conference room for the next few months, we found that the only dates available and not already reserved by someone else were the exact days we needed to go to the every-other-week schedule."

However, this left the congregation with the decision of where they would worship on the other Sundays. Staying at home was not an option.

"We considered visiting other denominations, but what we really wanted was to worship and fellowship within our WCG family," Mr. Madlena said. "After all, one of the identifying marks of our church through the years has been our love one for another."

This was the answer. As Jesus’ disciples, the members knew they would feel at home with other WCG congregations. After consulting with Allan Barr, district superintendent, they were given the locations of several other small WCG congregations within a reasonable distance of Douglasville.

As they continued to pray and plan for their new worship schedule, they began to see a new vision emerge for their local congregation—a vision to reach out to each other in love and fellowship.

"We have met some wonderful people who share with us the same love for Christ and the new covenant," Mr. Madlena said. Faye Bates.

PORTLAND, Oregon—The Portland West congregation combined with members of their host church (Sunset Covenant) to remember the events of Sept. 11. Pastor Jason Knudeson of Sunset Covenant welcomed the gathering of more than 100 attendees. The area fire station and police force sent representatives to present the flag and to address the assembly. Bruce Starr, an Oregon state representative, also spoke.

Musicians of both congregations performed patriotic music, and the congregation joined in singing "God Bless America." Pastor Dan Fricke gave the reassuring promise that no matter what the future holds, Jesus Christ is our hope.

Speakers emphasized patriotism, camaraderie and devotion to duty. The fireman’s comments took on emphatic meaning when the firemen were called to leave in the midst of the service to answer a fire alarm.

Remembering the events of Sept. 11, 2001 gave us serious pause, but a strong sense of family was the gratifying result. Morgan Tovey.

GHANA—Christianity is evident.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa— I was in Ghana on a business trip July 22 to 26. Though the country has considerable poverty, the countryside is beautiful, lush and tropical. Even more beautiful are the people, who are gentle and friendly toward foreigners, going out of their way to assist where possible. The crime rate is low.

I traveled for about a week through the main city, Accra, and many other small towns. I had a driver so I enjoyed just looking out of the car window at the scenery and the countryside.

What struck me most about Ghana were the names of many of the little shops and businesses. Almost half of them had names such as Jesus Is Lord Electrical Supplies or God Is King Fashion Boutique. Christianity is evident, and even in businesses, people are not ashamed to advertise or express their beliefs.

Too often we in the Western world separate business and religion. We want God to bless us in our everyday endeavors, yet we don’t really want to advertise or highlight the fact that we are Christians to our business colleagues, and definitely not to our customers. Maybe what this world needs is a few more "God Is Good Enterprises." Hannie Maree.

MOOROOLBARK, Victoria, Australia—Member Bob Drane received a high commendation for Best Reporting of an Issue in Australian Sport and won the Best Journalism on Australian Sports Commission-related Programs award.

When presenting the awards in September, Rod Kemp, Australian Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport, said: "In light of the number and standard of entries received, your dual success is extraordinary. I congratulate you."

The awards were for Mr. Drane’s article, "Black Man’s Burden," about initiatives in sport to bridge cultural divides between mainstream society and Aboriginal people in remote communities. The article appeared in Inside Sport magazine, for which Mr. Drane is Victorian editor.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Because of a reduced workload, Noreen Thompson offered to step down from her full-time employment with the church office in New Zealand and will instead work on a part-time hourly basis as required.

"Noreen has worked faithfully in the church office since 1980," said Rex Morgan, New Zealand office manager and Auckland pastor. "I’d like to publicly express my great personal appreciation for her sterling service during those years, and I know the membership throughout the country would express similar appreciation. She is a friendly and helpful receptionist, and has also worked diligently to keep the church’s accounts up to date. Although the workload doesn’t now warrant her working full-time, it’s good to know she is close at hand and willing to continue to help as often as necessary."

Mrs. Thompson and her husband, Robert, are continuing their pastoral role in the Auckland and Hamilton churches.

Church started at Santa Teresita, Philippines

SANTA TERESITA, Philippines—A new church was inaugurated Nov. 17 in Santa Teresita, Iriga. This new WCG congregation is called Christ the King of Glory Church. On the same occasion, Bonifacio Gonzales was commissioned as pastor of the church by Pastor Abe Balisnomo.

                                                                                                                                 Abe Balisnom

The church has 26 baptized members from an Aeta tribe. Some 80 people were present for the inaugural worship service, including several members from Naga, Iriga and Legaspi. Three Bicol University students conducting research on Aetas joined the celebration. Two members of the barangay council were also present.

After lunch, church and community leaders discussed how the Aeta members, especially their children, can avail themselves of basic literacy programs and education. Arlan Aquino.

HONORED EMPLOYEE—
Bert Colona receives plaque.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines— Bert Colona, bivocational pastor of the Ipil, Philippines, church, was one of seven honored as outstanding postal workers Nov. 8. Mr. Colona was awarded a plaque that reads: "For exemplary and unselfish dedication to the Postal Service in the administrative area of the region."

Mr. Colona has worked for the postal service for 17 years, starting as a letter carrier.

"This was an inspiration to my family, knowing that we could do good in our secular work while serving the ministry."

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wisconsin—Roger Galstad, pastor of the Eau Claire, Wisconsin, church, was presented a certificate in recognition of his volunteering the most individual hours during 2002 at Jackson Correctional Institution in Black River Falls.

Roger & June Galstad

The presentation took place Nov. 9 at the prison with about 80 volunteers and staff members in attendance. The presentation was made by Chaplain Alan Minshall, who has become a friend and spiritual confidant of Roger over the years.

In the past five and a half years Roger has conducted Protestant Bible studies twice a month. In addition, on those days he also spends up to four hours in individual counseling sessions with a number of inmates. The inmates usually have questions about Christianity and personal spiritual needs.

These personal contacts have produced much spiritual fruit. To date, 24 inmates have been led by the Spirit to accept Jesus as their personal Savior, which has resulted in their baptism and reception of the Holy Spirit.

Several of these inmates expressed interest in the WCG and have become members.

Roger said that the men who attend these Bible studies and occasional Protestant worship services that he conducts have become spiritual soulmates of his and essentially constitute a second congregation of his ministry.

Attendance at Bible studies ranges from 30 to 35. Interest in prison ministry propelled him to continue his theological education in pursuit of a master’s degree in theology from Trinity Theological Seminary of Newburgh, Indiana. In the past year he also received certification as a chaplain, through Master’s Divinity School of Chaplaincy, in order to better serve in the law enforcement and correctional institution setting.

The Eau Claire congregation has been encouraging and prayerfully supportive in this outreach ministry since its inception in 1997. June Galstad.

PASADENA—Ronald Urwiller, WCG archivist, attended the weeklong Society of American Archivists Annual Meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, Aug. 19 to 25.

More than 1,100 archivists from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean attended this year’s meeting. They represented the great diversity of archival holdings found with state and federal governments, universities, for profit corporations and faith-based groups.

The meeting in Birmingham gave attendees an opportunity to further understand the history of the American Civil Rights movement. An evening reception took place at the Civil Rights Institute.

Among the keynote speakers was Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, who spoke on the importance of the documentary record in "keeping the dream alive."

Another theme was the importance of safeguarding our historical material in the light of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Particularly moving was the session with slides of the World Trade Center attack and recovery.

Mr. Urwiller commented: "It was encouraging to meet archivists representing various denominations and other faith-based groups. Even though our theologies may differ, there is consensus on applying the best archival practices to preserve the story of those who strive to bring light to a dark and threatened world."

SAYRE, Oklahoma—When Sam O’Dell, pastor of the Amarillo, Texas, church, and his wife, Julia, said they would bring Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart Music Ministry, to the Circle of Love Fellowship for a service, Sunday, Sept. 8, everyone was overjoyed.

Only one problem: Circle of Love didn’t have a piano. A hall could be rented, but the congregation wanted Dr. Jutsum in its building, so they prayed for a piano. A few weeks before the scheduled visit, a piano was donated. Also, the only piano tuner in western Oklahoma happened to be in Sayre that week tuning a piano for another church. He tuned the donated piano and did some minor repairs. God is not only awesome, he is thorough!

Dr. Jutsum gave an inspiring and encouraging service to 30 people. Afterward, they enjoyed food and an opportunity to visit with Dr. Jutsum and Mr. and Mrs. O’Dell. Ben and Shirley West.

SAYRE, Oklahoma—Wee Work for Jesus children’s class of the Circle of Love Fellowship collected and distributed teddy bears Nov. 23 to nursing homes to honor the teddy bear’s 100th birthday.

Kristina Hughes and Joe and Chance Comer handed out 70 teddy bears to residents at Hensley Nursing Home in Sayre and the Erick Nursing Center. The residents enjoyed the children and the cuddly bears.

"It makes me happy to see them smile," Kristina said.

The children were helped by their teacher, Carolyn Comer, and her helpers, Carolyn Abla and Shirley West.

SAYRE, Oklahoma—On a picture perfect Thanksgiving day, the Circle of Love Fellowship was host for a community Thanksgiving dinner for those who lived alone or didn’t have family nearby.

They served 42 people with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and an abundance of pumpkin, pecan, mince and buttermilk pies.

Pastor Ben West welcomed the guests, and Leonard Criswell, a member of the Sayre Assembly of God Church, gave a thanksgiving prayer for all our blessings. After the meal, Carolyn Abla read scriptures about being thankful.

While preparing the dinner, the women prayed that there would be enough food, since they didn’t know how many people to expect. Enough food was left over to take 40 meals to the jail across the street, much to the delight of the inmates.

"We couldn’t help but think of the loaves and fishes," Shella Sarter said. Ben and Shirley West.

 
FAIRFAX—Brandon Downs (left) helps with wrapped
boxes with other church members. [Photos by Sherry Bellamy]

FAIRFAX, Virginia—Living Hope Christian Fellowship, the WCG congregation serving the western Washington, D.C., area, gathered Nov. 17 to prepare 51 gift shoe-boxes for Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child project.

Members fellowshipped and worked together to assemble, organize and decorate gift boxes. The boxes were then delivered to Samaritan’s Purse for distribution to suffering children in countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan and Kosovo. The boxes contained items such as school materials, personal hygiene supplies and toys.

Brenda Hart coordinated this effort with help from the entire congregation either through financial donations, organizing gifts, wrapping boxes or loading boxes for delivery. Living Hope Christian Fellowship, pastored by Aaron Root, has participated in Operation Christmas Child for the past three years and plans to continue supporting Samaritan’s Purse and their efforts to share the good news of Jesus Christ with other countries. Sherry Bellamy.

CUMBERLAND, Maryland—A Christian couple from New Mexico named Dave and Lisa stopped for the night in Cumberland Sept. 28 after visiting their daughter in Baltimore, Maryland.

They parked their camper and went out for some food and sightseeing. When they returned to their lodging, they found it had been broken into and everything in it was stolen, clothes and all. Then while they were eating, someone backed into their vehicle and broke a sidelight out of it and took off.

Sunday, Sept. 29, they drove past the building where the Cumberland congregation meets. Dave noticed the sign: Welcome—Come Worship With Us"—New Beginning in Jesus Christ—Sunday 10:30, so they stopped in.

They told several members what had happened and that they would have to stay over in Cumberland to go to an agency for help. The congregation took up a collection to help them out. At the close of the service, they were asked to come forward so we could pray over them for God’s protection and for God to multiply the money that was collected for them (around $200 or so). As we started to pray for them, they both started to cry. This is the second family that had stopped by in the past month for services because of this sign. Keith Brittain.

SANTA ROSA, Philippines—Twenty-two new members were baptized Sunday, Dec. 1, in the Santa Rosa, Laguna, church. The baptisms were done by Arji Cruz and Henson Fen Santos, assisted by Tony Santillan, Juliet Cruz and Cerma Fen Santos.

After the baptismal ceremony, the new believers were welcomed by the Santa Rosa congregation during the worship service. The new believers come from Barangay STI (Sa Tabing Ilong), Sta. Rosa, Laguna. This is a collaborative effort of the All for Christ Ministry and the Gintong Lingap Foundation, a community service arm created by the school where the church meets, to reach out to the community.

They entered the community through teaching the barangay residents livelihood projects and then shared the gospel with them. Henson Fen Santos.

DALLAS, Texas—The 2002 new pastors training class was conducted Nov. 17 through 20 in Dallas. Twenty-two participants from churches around the country attended. Many of them brought their wives. Dallas was chosen because of its central location.

The class was a time of training and fellowship for all who attended. Instructors included Pastor General Joseph Tkach; Michael Feazell, director of Denominational Publications; Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers; and others of the Church Administration staff.

This was an intensive training course of 15 classes of one and a half hours each. This is just over one half of the newly developed 24 lesson training course. The remainder of their training will be conducted locally by their district superintendents.

Church Administration has announced that future new pastor training classes will be opened to ministry leaders and interested members as well as new pastors. With their pastor’s recommendation, up to 10 members will be accepted to audit the class.

Although new pastors will have their costs covered by the church, those auditing the class will have to pay their own transportation, housing and food costs. The church will provide handouts and books for the attendees. Gerald Schnarrenberger.

CARIBBEAN—One hundred eighty- two people in Sainte Luce, Martinique, and 56 people in Deshaies, Guadeloupe, gathered to celebrate Christ, our Renewal, during school holidays Oct. 25 to Nov. 2.

The emphasis was on our responsibilities as Christians to be close to God, be renewed through his presence and be useful for the Lord’s mission to bring the lost to Christ.

In Martinique, an interdenominational spiritual concert took place Oct. 26 with eight different groups. We were all brothers and sisters through the same blood, the blood of Christ, singing and worshiping together.

In Guadeloupe, our main social activity was remembering the life of the island in the past. It was a special day titled Antan Lontan (traditional way of living in Guadeloupe) and is celebrated through plays, old toys, historic dresses, food, testimonies and stories. Jack Brunet.

ACAPULCO, Mexico—Sixty-seven Christians from Canada, the United States, Costa Rica and Mexico strengthened their relationships with our Lord as they praised and worshiped him through daily prayer and worship sessions. Sara Zacharias.

PIURA, Peru—Members in Peru met amidst economic difficulties their country is suffering under. They celebrated salvation in Christ by sharing a spiritual banquet and physical food with joy. Each day was consecrated to different facets of salvation. Jose Rodriguez.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002