vol. 10, no 8 september/october 2004 news ... · resume dec. 1 following the august 2004 issue,the...

NewsAt a Glance

Council Completes Media Philosophy and Much More

35 ABC Students Graduate Aug. 8

The Ambassador Bible Center class of 2004 graduatedAug. 8. After a welcome and invocation by ABC coordi-nator Gary Antion, the student representative, ThomasCampbell, asked, “Why are we here?” Why does theChurch invest in ABC, and why do students give up somuch to attend? He noted that this year’s class was alwaysasking questions, giving them deeper understanding ofpriceless biblical knowledge. He encouraged his class-

mates to keep asking questions and to remember where theanswers are—in the Bible.

Academic officer Ralph Levy’s address encouraged thestudents to continue to serve. The Council of Elders Ser-vice Award was presented by Les McCullough to FredaTaggart, Cheryl Tootle and Terry Hayes. The AmbassadorAward of Excellence was presented by Roy Holladay toMary Ann Miller and Daniel Peabody. UN

Award winners Cheryl Tootle, Freda Taggart, Mary Ann Miller, Terry Hayes, Daniel Peabody (photos by James Capo)

Vol. 10, No 8 www.ucg.org September/October 2004

Compass CheckPopular on the Web

The weekly home office CompassCheck meetings, which include anencouraging message on keeping our“spiritual compass” focused on God’sway of life,have become a popular addi-tion to the ucg.org Web site.

On May 10, the first Compass Checkwas posted in video format for bothbroadband and dial-up Internet connec-tion users. The first one contributed over580 views to the total 1,200 video viewsfor May. Over the next few months videoviews increased to 1,800 views for Juneand 2,200 views for July.

The majority of the video views, 75percent, come from visitors who arerequesting to view the “ondemand”streaming video at broadband Internetconnection speeds. It is interesting to seethe trend toward higher-speed Internetaccess, as experts had predicted.

Each Compass Check video is postedon the Web site for four weeks.

Aaron Booth

Media Center FundGrowing

“It’s been encouraging and exciting tosee the fund for our proposed MediaCenter start from having just a few dol-lars back in July, to the current total of$83,371!” said Peter Eddington, Mediaand Communications Services opera-tion manager. This special, restrictedfund was approved by the Council onJuly 7. At the end of July, the fund totaled$3,224 and then by the end of Augustgrew to $81,530.

The Media Center will be akin to atelevision studio, where weekly pro-gramming will be recorded for stream-ing video onto the Internet and broad-

13 Couples Attend Third Leadership Workshop

This article is excerpted from dailyreports by the Council reporter, whichare available on the Web atwww.ucg.org/about/council/updates.htm.

by Don Henson

The Council of Elders began its latestset of quarterly meetings Aug. 25 at thehome office in Milford, Ohio.

President’s ReportRoy Holladay began his report to the

Council by summarizing his trips toGhana (see “Ghana Welcomes 10 Visi-

tors,” page 3); Camp Hye Sierra in Cal-ifornia; Montana for Pentecost; andColorado Springs, Colorado, to givemarriage seminars.

He reported on ABC 2004 and men-tioned that so far 23 students have beenaccepted for next year’s ABC programand five other applications are beingprocessed. There is normally an influxof applications after the Feast of Taber-nacles, so ABC is on pace for 35 to 40students for 2005.

The 10th summer of United YouthCamps has just been completed, withapproximately 600 campers and 300

staff participating—a slight decline from2003 because there was no Challengercamp in the Tetons this summer.

The Church’s Good Works Programwas started this year. Completed pro-jects include raising funds to provide aroof for a church building in Ghana andthe purchase of a van. Current projectsinclude the purchase of food reservesand water purification systems formembers in Kenya and the construc-tion of two church buildings inCameroon.

The first education conference washeld in March of this year, with 23 par-

ticipants. Based on topics discussed inthe meetings, Mr. Holladay intends todevelop a five- to 10-year plan that willbe evaluated and adjusted each year.

Mr. Holladay concluded his presen-tation by discussing some of the chal-lenges and opportunities the Churchfaces today.

One of our greatest opportunities isthe continuing development of our teensand young adults. Trends indicate thatthe Church is retaining a higher per-centage of our young people now than in

The third annual Leadership Work-shop took place over the Labor Dayweekend from Sept. 2 to 6. This year 13couples were invited, bringing the totalfor the three years to 54.

Fred Crow, from the San Jose, Cali-fornia, congregation, summed up thefirst day of classes with one word:“Wow!”

Clyde Kilough, chairman of theCouncil of Elders and one of the pre-senters, said this year’s smaller groupseemed very responsive.

The topics of the five days of class-es and the names of 12 of the coupleswere listed in the article “12 CouplesInvited to Third Leadership Workshop,”page 16 of the August United News.The13th couple is Dennis and Paula Horlickfrom Toronto, Ontario.

Richard Pinelli, Ministerial Services

operation manager, told the Council ofElders Aug. 25 that there have beengood fruits from the workshops. Seven

of those who participated in previousyears have been hired into the ministryand two were ordained elders. UN

Media StatisticsHighlightGrowth■ Millionth address addedto U.S. address file; 3 mil-lionth booklet printed.

Friday, July 30, the mail processingstaff added the millionth person to theU.S. address file. In the last 12 months176,894 were added, and half a millionhave been added since September 2001.It took more than six years to reach halfa million, but less than three years todouble that.

Here are some 2003-2004 fiscal yearstatistics Peter Eddington presented tothe Council of Elders Aug. 25.

• Total incoming mail: 466,148, up27 percent.

• Pieces of literature mailed fromhome office: 449,553, up 45 percent.

• Booklets printed:440,000,bringingthe total to more than 3 million.

• Bible Study Course lessons printed:160,000, for a total of 1.02 million.

• Print promotions mailed: 7.5 mil-lion, up 30 percent.

• Internet requests: 122,827, a 133percent increase.

• Good News readers signed up formonthly e-letter: 10,264, up from 582just 15 weeks ago.

• Internet personal correspondence:1,131 answers sent, up 21 percent.

• U.S. members or associated withUCG:16,728,up 12 percent since 2000.

• World News and Prophecy: 26,273subscribers, up 24 percent. UN

See “Council,” page 2

See “News at a Glance,” page 2

Inside:3 News From Around the World5 United Youth Camps7 Audited Financial Statements9 High School Graduates 200417 From the Word21 Local Church Updates22 Announcements

United Statistics

Media CenterRestricted Fund(to contribute, note on your checkthat it is for the “Media Center” or“Video Studio”)

$150,000 Goal

$100,000

$50,000

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Aug. 31$81,530

Gary Antion speaks with Paula and Dennis Horlick;the workshop attendees in class Sept. 2 (photos by Michelle de Campos)

2 UnitedNews September/October 2004 United Church of God, an International Association

NewsAt a Glance

casting on cable television. You can readmore about the project in the AugustUnited News.The chart on page 1 showsprogress toward the goal of $150,000.

Feast WebcastsWebcasting of services at the Feast of

Tabernacles can be accessed through theWeb site www.ucg-fot.org/2004.

Bible Readings toResume Dec. 1

Following the August 2004 issue, theBible Reading Program will be replac-ing regular Scripture readings with sup-plementary literature until Dec. 1, atwhich time regular readings will resume.

This is due to a persistent productionschedule problem that has been difficultto resolve. We hope that the publicationof the supplementary material for thenext three months will give us the timeneeded to catch up on regular commen-taries and eliminate the need for all butthe planned festival breaks in the year.

Please bear in mind that keeping onschedule requires writing about onecommentary each weekday. As you canimagine, this is a rather tall order, so yourprayers for God’s direction and empow-erment are needed and appreciated.

The fall program change will also giveus time to evaluate survey input and useit to refine the program where warrant-ed. Thank you to all 1,216 people whofilled out the survey.

Tom Robinson

E-mail Updates ShowSignificant Growth

We are seeing significant growth innew people signing up to receive ourweekly UCG Web Site updates andUCG Member updates. We currentlyhave 9,135 subscribers to ourwww.ucg.org Web site updates,a 50 per-cent increase over the past six months.This service provides our users with thelatest new items on our site. About 120new people are signing up each week!

In addition, there are 8,005 peoplereceiving UCG Member updates,whichgives members updates of Church newsand other important developments. Youcan sign up for either service by simplygoing to our Web site at www.ucg.org orvisiting our updates page atwww.ucg.org/contact/updates.htm.

The Vertical Thought e-mail updatealerts teens and young adults to newmaterial posted at verticalthought.org.This service has 1,018 subscribers.

A very exciting development is thenumber of Good News readers who arenow signed up to receive our monthly

See “News at a Glance,” page 24

Continued from page 1

Address changes: POSTMASTER—Send addresschanges to United News, P.O. Box 541027,Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027

International addresses:

AFRICA (except as listed below): United Church of God, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected]

AUSTRALIA: United Church of God—Australia, GPO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld. 4001, Australia.Phone: 0755 202-111 Fax: 0755 202-122

BAHAMAS: United Church of God, P.O. Box N8873, Nassau,Bahamas. Phone: (242) 324-3169 Fax: (242) 364-5566

BRITISH ISLES: United Church of God—British Isles, P.O.Box 705, Watford, Herts. WD19 6FZ England. Phone: 020-8386-8467 Fax: 01257-453978

CANADA: United Church of God–Canada, P.O. Box 144, StationD, Etobicoke, ON M9A 4X1, Canada. Phone: (905) 876-9966,(800) 338-7779 Fax: (905) 876-0569 E-mail: [email protected]

FIJI: United Church of God, P.O. Box 11081, Laucala BeachEstate, Suva, Fiji.

FRENCH-SPEAKING AREAS: Église de Dieu Unie—France,127 rue Amelot, 75011 Paris, France.

GERMANY: Vereinte Kirche Gottes, Postfach 30 15 09, D-53195 Bonn, Germany. Phone: 0228-9454636 Fax:0228-9454637 E-mail: [email protected]

ITALY: La Buona Notizia, Chiesa di Dio Unita, Casella Postale187, 24121 Bergamo Centro, Italy. Phone/Fax: (+39) 0354523573. E-mail: [email protected]

KENYA: United Church of God, Kenya, P.O. Box 75261,Nairobi 00200 Kenya. E-mail: [email protected]

MALAWI: United Church of God, P.O. Box 23076, Kitwe,Zambia. E-mail: [email protected]

MAURITIUS: P.O. Box 53, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius.E-mail: [email protected]

The NETHERLANDS: United Church of God Holland, P.O.Box 93, 2800 AB Gouda, The Netherlands.

NEW ZEALAND: United Church of God, P.O. Box 22,Auckland, 1015, New Zealand. Phone: 0508-463-763

NIGERIA: United Church of God–West Africa, P.O. Box 1715,Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. Phone: 234-1-791 8009. E-mail:[email protected]

PHILIPPINES: United Church of God, P.O. Box 81840, DCCPO,8000 Davao City, Philippines. Phone: (+63) 82 241-0150Cell/Text: (+63) 0918-904-4444

SCANDINAVIA: Guds Enade Kyrka, P.O. Box 705, Watford,Herts. WD19 6FZ England. E-mail: [email protected].

SOUTH AFRICA (and Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho andSwaziland only): United Church of God, SouthernAfrica, P.O. Box 2209, Beacon Bay, East London 5205,South Africa. Phone/Fax: 043 748-1694. E-mail:[email protected]

SPANISH-SPEAKING AREAS: Iglesia de Dios Unida, P.O.Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, U.S.A.Phone: (513) 576-9796

TONGA: United Church of God–Tonga, P.O. Box 127,Nuku’alofa, Tonga.ZAMBIA: United Church of God, P.O. Box 23076, Kitwe,Zambia. E-mail: [email protected]: United Church of God, Zimbabwe, P.O. Box 928,Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe. Phone: 011716273E-mail: [email protected]

Internet access on your computer:The United Church of God, an International Association,has a home page on the Internet’s World Wide Web. Theaddress http://www.ucg.org gives you access togeneral information and news about the Church, issues ofThe Good News and United News, as well as our booklets.The address http://www.ucg.ca accesses the Church’sCanadian Web site, http://www.ucg.org.au theAustralian Web site, http://www.labuonanotizia.orgthe Italian Web site, http://www.goodnews.org.uk theBritish Isles Web site, http://www.ucg.org.ph thePhilippines Web site and http://www.ucgrsa.org theSouthern Africa Web site.

September/October 2004Vol. 10, No. 8

United News (ISSN 1088-8020) is published monthly except April and October by the United Churchof God, an International Association, 555 Technecenter Drive, Milford, OH 45150. © 2004 UnitedChurch of God, an International Association. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproductionin any form without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals Postage paid at Milford, Ohio 45150,and at additional mailing offices. Canada Post publications mail agreement number 1487167.

Editor: Peter W. Eddington Managing editor: Mike Bennett Copy editor: Becky Bennett

UCGIA Council of Elders: Aaron Dean, Robert Dick, Jim Franks, Doug Horchak, Clyde Kilough

(chairman), Victor Kubik, Les McCullough, Joel Meeker, Mario Seiglie, Richard Thompson, LeonWalker, Anthony Wasilkoff

President: Roy Holladay

Scriptural references are from the New King James Version (© 1988 Thomas Nelson, Inc.,Publishers) unless otherwise noted.

Subscriptions: United News is sent automatically to members of the United Church of God and isfree to all who request it. Your subscription is provided by the generous, voluntary contributions ofmembers of the United Church of God, an International Association, and their coworkers. Donationsare gratefully accepted and are tax-deductible. To request a subscription, write to United News,United Church of God, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, or to one of the internationaladdresses below.

the past, and many are anxious to beinvolved with and participate in theChurch.

There are many growth opportunitiesin international areas, where the great-est limitation is manpower and theamount of budget available to supportthe growth.

The Church has faced challenges overthe last few months, as well. The homeoffice administrative staff has been dis-cussing how to deal with these situationson two levels. The first is how to makeinformation available. Personnel issuescan be delicate and any public discus-sion of them must take into account bib-lical, moral and legal standards. Recentcommunication on the subjects of thewinter family tournament and the evan-gelism conference are examples of amore proactive approach that is beingtaken. Consideration is also being givento developing teams that are trained inconflict resolution that could be sent tohelp mediate situations that arise.

Treasurer’s ReportTom Kirkpatrick presented the Coun-

cil with a detailed final report on the bud-get and the auditor’s report for the fiscalyear ending June 30, 2004. Auditorsonce again gave the Church an unquali-fied (“clean”) financial report (see detailsof the financial reports on pages 7 and8).

The 2003-2004 fiscal year ended withincome at just less than half of one per-cent (0.4 percent) above the budgetedamount and expenses at 98 percent ofthe budget. This enabled the Church toadd about $500,000 to its cash reserves.By this coming fall, it appears that theChurch will be able to reach the goal(established by Council resolution) ofestablishing a cash reserve equal to 10weeks of expenses.

Dr. Kirkpatrick reported that two bud-get categories finished the year over bud-get—health care and insurance, andinternational subsidies.

The budget for the current fiscal yearcalls for a 2.25 percent increase in totalincome over last year’s total. Compared

to the first eight weeks of last year, theincome for this year-to-date has beenstable, with a slight upward trend.Income showed a 1.12 percent increase(through Aug. 26). He explained that weare early enough in the fiscal year thatthese percentages can change quite a bitfrom day to day,but the overall trend hasbeen encouraging.

Ministerial ServicesRichard Pinelli reported that there are

currently 93 U.S. field pastors, serving223 congregations—an average of about2.5 congregations per pastor. AverageHoly Day attendance is approximately12,500 and average Sabbath attendanceis 10,200 to 10,400. There is about a 2percent growth in attendance over theprevious year.

Ministerial Services finished the fiscalyear $258,000 under budget due to few-er transfers than last year and becausequalified candidates have not been avail-able to fill all open positions. There weretwo new hires last year. Mr. Pinelli saidhe is hoping to fill a Ministerial Servicesposition at the home office. He wouldlike to hire someone with field pastorexperience,but that will be difficult sincethe Church is already short on pastors toserve the congregations.

The summary of educational projectsincluded video Bible studies that arebeing prepared on the topics of marriage,biblical textual development, theintertestamental period and thecovenants. The next ABC class tapesthat will be sent to the congregations arethe General Epistles and the class onDaniel and Revelation.

Media ReportPeter Eddington, Media and Com-

munications Services operation manag-er, also reported on a number of statisticson the growth in preaching the gospelusing various media and the Internet.See “Media Statistics HighlightGrowth,” page 1.

Amendment ProcessRecommendations

Robert Dick introduced Roc Corbett,who recently resigned from the Amend-

ment Committee after serving as chair-man for six years. Mr. Dick emphasizedthat Mr. Corbett has handled withintegrity and dedication one of the mostdifficult responsibilities in the commit-tee system.

The Council of Elders invited Mr.Corbett to the meeting to afford him anopportunity to share his experiences,observations and suggestions regardingthe amendment process.

As he started his presentation, Mr.Corbett provided each Council membera copy of Bylaw Article 12, whichdescribes the amendment process. Hethen led the Council through a detailedreview of the bylaw, pointing outinstances in which the Council had notcarefully followed the procedures it out-lines and offering personal observationson how the Council could work moreeffectively with the Amendment Com-mittee.

Mr. Corbett’s observations and sug-gestions to the Council were made in avery positive and respectful manner. Heemphasized throughout his presentationthat his purpose in highlighting the dif-ficulties that had arisen during his termas chairman was to help the AmendmentCommittee and the Council worktogether more effectively. The Councilwas very receptive to his comments andbegan discussing the proposals later inthe meetings.

On Aug. 29 the Council selected twoelders to fill vacancies on the Amend-ment Committee: John Miller and MarkRorem, with Gerhard Marx as an alter-nate. On Sept. 1 Clyde Kiloughannounced that the Amendment Com-mittee had chosen Rick Avent to be itsnew chairman.

Doctrine CommitteeAug. 26’s meeting focused primarily

on doctrinal issues. During the morningJim Franks and Tony Wasilkoff led theCouncil through a Doctrine Committeeupdate and the discussion of four doc-trinal study projects.

Mr. Franks, chairman of the DoctrineCommittee,opened with a review of thecommittee’s projects:

• Personal Correspondence Depart-

ment project. The Doctrine Committeewas asked to review and approve some300 letters written by PCD so they canbe provided to elders as resource mate-rial. The letters were given to the Advi-sory Committee for Doctrine, whichmade a few necessary edits andapproved most of the letters. Sixteen let-ters were returned to the Doctrine Com-mittee for further review. That reviewhas been completed and recommenda-tions have been made.

• Paper on interracial marriage. Thispaper was written by the Race RelationsCommittee, which was formed as partof the Focused Education Program. Thepaper has been reviewed by the Adviso-ry Committee for Doctrine. The Doc-trine Committee has also completed apreliminary review and will provide theauthors with recommendations. A copyof the paper was distributed to the Coun-cil and a discussion of the paper will bescheduled for the December meetings.

• Paper on the meaning of the Greekterm porneia. This paper was producedby the Family Life Studies Committeeand was reviewed by the Doctrine Com-mittee at the end of last year. Due toquestions raised by one of the reviewers,the Doctrine Committee will review thepaper again to resolve any lingeringquestions.

• Sacred names. There have beenrequests for more material on this sub-ject. Several articles have appeared in theMinisterial Quarterly. A rough draft ofa study paper has been written but is notready yet to be presented to the DoctrineCommittee.

• The calendar, new moons, etc. TheDoctrine Committee currently has fourpapers/articles on this subject. A roughdraft of one more article on the subjectof postponements has been written but isnot yet ready to be presented to the Doc-trine Committee.

A United News article will be writtenbefore next spring on the count for Pen-tecost. In 2005 Passover is on the week-ly Sabbath (observed Friday evening)and the First Day of Unleavened Breadis on Sunday, a pattern that occurs occa-

“Council,” continued from page 1

See “Council,” page 20

United Church of God, an International Association UnitedNews September/October 2004 3

The South African ministry of theUnited Church of God held its first con-ference since UCG started in 1995. Theconference was held at Qwantani, abeautiful facility located in the FreeState, from Aug. 6 to 9.

André van Belkum gave a lecture on“Encouragement” to the ministry. BillJahns spoke about sermon preparationand researching on the Internet for ser-mons.

Several videos were sent from Cincin-nati covering various aspects of the min-istry. Gary Antion’s lecture on “MakingConnections in Counseling”was shown.Jim Franks’presentation on “Exposito-

ry Preaching” was especially helpful.Clyde Kilough’s interactive lecture on“Godly Leadership” gave the SouthAfrican ministry insight into the char-acteristics of a godly leader.

Several local brethren joined theministry for Sabbath services.

The ministry was very appreciativeof the opportunity to get together andcover material that has previously beenpresented to the ministry in the UnitedStates and other areas. All reacted withpositive comments about this informa-tive conference and another conferenceis planned for next year.

Bill Jahns

First Regional Conference Held in South Africa

In mid-August, the United Church ofGod in Ghana welcomed 10 visitorsfrom the United States: Roy Holladay,president of UCGIA; Jim Servidio, whowill be helping coordinate the Feast ofTabernacles in Ghana this year; MelvinRhodes, senior pastor for Ghana; andseven United Youth Corps volunteerswho helped with the summer camp.

The volunteers were: HeatherLaFave,Flint,Michigan; Andy Lausted,Minneapolis, Minnesota; Dan Lausted,St. Paul, Minnesota; Erika Pedersen,Minneapolis; Jeremiah and Josh Rea-gan,Houston,Texas; and Jonathan Roy-bal, Los Angeles, California. Below areexcerpts from a report by Jonathan Roy-bal. Plans are to post his full report onverticalthought.org in October.

Youth Corps Ghana Trip, or“Mr. Rhodes’ Wild Ride”

We arrived in Accra, Ghana, on Tues-day night, Aug. 10, after many hours oftravel. The next day we visited Elmina,a town built around an old coastalfortress originally constructed by thePortuguese, and the following morning

we went to a small preserved rain forestpark, where a Canadian team of engi-neers had built a walkway in the rain for-est canopy, 150 feet up. After a snack of

Ghana Welcomes 10 Visitors

From Aug. 3 to 8,17 children and nineadults from Germany, the Netherlandsand Switzerland attended summer campat the hostel Naturfreundehaus just eastof Bielefeld, Germany.

Following a brief orientation meetingon the afternoon of their arrival day,campers participated in various teamgames and then enjoyed their firstmeal together. After dinner staffmember Wim Dekker from theNetherlands took the group into theforest for an evening discovery hike.The campers had to look for clueshidden along their route and thenanswer Bible questions in order toproceed to the next hidden clue site.After finding the last clue, campershad fun building a small dam on a forestcreek in a ravine.

On Wednesday,Aug.4, the first full day ofcamp, the local forest

ranger led the group on a morning hikethrough the woods. Among other things,

he explained the importance of the for-est as a source of drinking water, encour-aging the campers to be conscious of theenvironment and to take care of it. Aftera hearty lunch the boys enjoyed a gameof football (soccer) on the playing fieldnear the hostel,while the girls were chal-lenged to use their imagination in creat-ing various crafts.

Thursday,Aug. 5,was a day of swim-ming and picnicking. On a sunny day,the campers enjoyed an outdoor swim-ming pool and several indoor ones,including a 100-foot long water slide anda current chute where swimmers couldtest their strength by attempting to swimupstream against the current. Campersenjoyed table tennis,badminton and var-

UCG–Germany Sponsors First Summer Camp

First Swahili BookletBeing Distributed

In Kenya, Antonio Ndung’u andSimon N’gan’ga have completed theprinting and have begun distributing theChurch’s first bookletin Swahili, ImaniMsingi Za Kanisa LaMungu La UunganoUshirkikiano WaMataifa—a translationof our FundamentalBeliefs booklet.

“It is a real blessing tobe able to distributethese doctrines to newpeople in their nativelanguage,” said seniorpastor John Elliott.

German GN AddsPages

Two of the six issues annually of theGute Nachrichten magazine will nowbe published with 24 pages instead ofthe regular 16-page issue. The changeis made possible by discontinuing thesemiannual letter, which previouslyhad been mailed to all subscribers whohad renewed their subscription to GuteNachrichten. The cost of mailing 2,000semiannual letters is greater than print-ing an extra eight pages for 4,000 sub-scribers. Instead of being mailed, thesemiannual letter will be published inGute Nachrichten twice a year in the24-page issue.

The first issue to have 24 pages willbe the September-October 2004 issue.

UCG–CanadaMails Over 12,000SemiannualLetters

In August the Canadian office staffwas involved in the large project ofmailing its latest subscriber develop-ment letter. The letter is actually a com-bination of three letters to sub-scribers—a subscription renewal forThe Good News magazine, an offer toreceive two booklets (Is the Bible True?and How to Understand the Bible) andan explanation of UCG–Canada’s pri-vacy policy. All in all, over 12,000 let-ters will be sent to all the subscriberson the Canadian mailing list.

By staggering the mailing of the let-ter, the staff hopes to also stagger theresponses so they don’t receive themall at one time.

One of the benefits of sending this

letter out in the summer was that sev-eral youth from the Toronto congrega-tion were in the office in August to helpout with this massive project. “Theirhelp is greatly appreciated and a largedent was made in this mailing,” saidEdwin van Pelt, office manager.

In other news, about 25 percent ofthe “mail” received this year in theCanadian office is from the Internet.This is up from about 18 percent lastyear.

Collingwood FeastSite Adds Capacity

After the cancellation of the QuebecFeast site left a shortage of Festivalseating room in Canada, the manage-ment of the Cranberry Resort inCollingwood, Ontario, has made avail-able a beautiful tent (heated if neces-sary ) that will comfortably seat 230people.

The tent, coupled with the 260 seatsin the main hall and the possibility ofusing an additional 80 seats in an adja-cent room, should give us plenty ofroom to accommodate anyone whodesires to keep the Feast with us inOntario. We look forward to seeing youthere!

Garry Lucas and Dennis Horlick

Good WorksCookbookResponseOverwhelming

The Cincinnati East, Ohio, congrega-tion’s cookbook fund-raiser for the GoodWorks program has received over-whelming response. As orders werebeing processed just after the Sept. 1deadline, the number of cookbooksordered was approaching 3,000.

“We really appreciate the enthusiasticresponse,” said Tom Kirkpatrick, whocoordinates the Good Works program.“This will allow us to fund additionalGood Works projects as they come online. We plan to ship the cookbooks assoon as they are printed.”

Belinda McCloud of the CincinnatiEast congregation, who coordinated theproject, thanked all the members whosent in over 1,800 recipes. Unfortunate-ly, only 1,050 recipes could be printed.

While the majority were from theUnited States, recipes came from aroundthe world, from Australia to Zimbabwe.

NewsAt a Glance

International

Campers listen toforest ranger andlearn to grind wheat

South African ministerial conferenceattendees: Bill Jahns, André van Belkum,Neville Smith, Stan Botha, Neil Becker,Jorge de Campos, Kathy de Campos,Cheryl Jahns, Elise van Belkum, BarbaraBotha and Erlene Becker

The firstSwahili booklethas a colorcover like theEnglish

Above, Roy Holladay addresses thepastors in Ghana. Above right, thegroup visits an orphanage in Ghana.Right, Jim Servidio, Mr. Holladay andMelvin Rhodes stand in a churchbuilding in Agona that is awaiting aroof by Feast time thanks to a GoodWorks project

Tent will add seating capacity for theFeast in Collingwood, Ontario

See “German Camp,” page 6

See “Ghana,” page 6


■ During a recent visit toNigeria on behalf of theUnited Church of God, FredKellers, Doug Horchak andJim Franks witnessedamazing growth in Churchmembership. Severalministers, including MarkMickelson, Bruce Gore,Todd Carey and DaleSchurter, working inconjunction with a strongcore of local leaders havecontributed to thedevelopment of a viablework in the country ofNigeria. Here is a report onthe recent trip toAfrica’s mostpopulous country.by Jim Franks

Most of the news arti-cles and reports aboutNigeria emphasize vio-lence and danger. Thereis indeed danger whenone travels to this part of WestAfrica, but there is a very differentworld in Nigeria, which is as amazingas it is unlikely. This is the world of theUnited Church of God, Nigeria, pas-tored by Fred Kellers. When Paulinstructs us to come out of the world,nowhere is there a greater contrast thanyou will find in Nigeria. The UnitedChurch of God has several wonderfulcongregations of happy and excitedbrethren spread across this large coun-try. And they are growing at a rapidrate!

Nigeria has a population of approx-imately 150,500,000, which makes itthe most populous African country.This population is crammed into anarea that is approximately twice the sizeof California. This makes for largeurban areas such as Lagos. This formercapital is one of the largest cities in theworld with a population estimated to bebetween 12 and 15 million people. Yetwhen traveling through this city youwill be hard pressed to spot a singleelectronic traffic signal! It’s the same inmost of the major cities.

This explains how difficult and dan-gerous it is to travel around the country.The only word that accuratelydescribes road travel in Nigeria ischaotic! But amazingly we saw fewaccidents and were rarely late to ourdestination because of the intense traf-fic.

Sabbath Church of GodSince 1999 the United Church of

God in Nigeria has been growingsteadily. Most of the growth has comefrom personal contact. There are manyenergetic people such as Dr. OladeleAkin-Ogundeji (a deacon in Lagos)who have given of their time to distrib-ute The Good News magazine through-

out the country. From the efforts of anumber of brethren in Lagos, BeninCity and Owerri, the Church has seendramatic growth in the past couple ofyears.

In 1999 there were 15 members ofthe United Church of God scatteredthroughout the country. To that number16 new people were added by the Feastof Tabernacles 1999. These were peo-ple who had no previous Church ofGod background. The attendance at theFeast in 1999 was 31. This past year120 people kept the Feast with United.But this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Early in 2003, a group of individualswho called themselves the SabbathChurch of God obtained a Good Newsmagazine and from there made contactwith Fred Kellers. This group has noordained elders, but there are recog-nized leaders among them. In early

2003 there were 400 total membersattending the SabbathChurch of God in fivecongregations aroundthe city of Owerri.

Owerri is the largestcity in Imo state (for-merly known asBiafra). One of thebloodiest civil wars inliving memory was theNigerian Civil War ofthe late 1960s. It is esti-

mated that over 400,000 childrenstarved to death during this terribleperiod of time.

On May 26, 1967, the Nigerian gov-ernment declared a state of emergencyas an answer to the gathering storm inthe eastern part of the nation. It was onMay 30, 1967 that the independentnation of Biafra was proclaimed. InDecember of 1969, Biafra was cut intwo by government troops. WhenOwerri fell Jan. 6, 1970, Biafran resis-tance collapsed and an unconditionalcease-fire was declared on Jan. 12.

Estimates of the number of deadfrom hostilities, disease and starvationduring the 30-month civil war arethought to be between 1 and 3 million.The end of the fighting found morethan 3 million refugees crowded intoa 2,500-square kilometer enclave.The economy of the region was shat-tered. Cities were in ruins; schools,hospitals, utilities and transportationfacilities were destroyed or inopera-tive (U.S. Library of Congress;countrystudies.us/nigeria/23.htm.)

It is in this area of Nigeria that thegroup formerly known as the Sabbathof Church of God can be found. Aftermaking contact with the United Churchof God and being visited by FredKellers, several attended the Feast ofTabernacles in the fall of 2003.

From these individuals five groupsconsidering themselves part of theUnited Church of God began holdingregular meetings on the Sabbath underthe direction of leaders from the near-est congregation of United in BeninCity. Peter Aluyi, a deacon, and JamesAghimien and Israel Igdaliah, longtimeChurch of God members from BeninCity, have been helping with the ser-vices since early this year. Passover

services and the Days of UnleavenedBread were conducted this past spring.

With this burgeoning group of mem-bers who desperately want to learn moreabout God’s Word and the teachings ofthe United Church of God, Fred Kellersasked Doug Horchak and Jim Franks totravel with him to Nigeria to conduct aseries of seminars for selected individu-als from among the leaders of the for-mer Sabbath Church of God group.

Our plans were to attend all five con-gregations and meet the membership,conduct three days of seminars in thecity of Owerri, visit in the homes of thevarious leaders, and finally return toLagos for a Sabbath service and a Biblestudy. During our 10 days in Nigeriawe were able to visit and attend ser-vices with every congregation exceptfor the group in Benin City.

Our first night in Owerri we wereawakened around midnight to gunshotsbeing fired in front of our hotel. Thenext morning we were told that thesegunshots were from the vigilantegroups that patrolled the streets in someneighborhoods after dark. The gun-shots were a signal that all was well.But it was hard to convince us that hear-ing gunshots in the middle of the nightwas a good thing!

The total attendance of the five con-gregations around Owerri was 180.These are all new people who have nowexpressed their sincere desire tobecome part of the United Church ofGod. The five congregations and theirattendance on the Sabbath are: Owerriwith an attendance of 25; Obiangwu,18; Atta, 25; Nguru, 29; and Umuek-wunne, 83.

These are themembers fromthe former Sab-bath Church ofGod who haveaccepted theHoly Days andthe teachingsof the UnitedChurch of God.They alreadyhave bannersmade up de-claring them-selves to becongregationsof the UnitedChurch of Godwith Mr. Kellersas their pastor.It remains to beseen exactly how many will ultimatelybe in the United Church of God, butbased on the response to our recent vis-it, the majority seem desirous of joiningwith us in fellowship on the Sabbath andduring the festivals.

Because of the increased numberswe will be holding two Feast sites inNigeria this year, with a possible atten-dance of over 200. Mark and MichelleMickelson along with their two chil-dren from Spokane, Washington, willbe in attendance this year at both sites.Many of the new people have onlyrecently become aware of second titheand only began saving it this spring.How many of them will actually be able

to attend the Feast this yearremains to be seen. But thefuture looks very bright for theUnited Church of God in Nige-ria.

SeminarsOn Sunday morning, July 18, we

began our seminar classes for the lead-ers of the new group and the leaders ofUnited in Nigeria. For three days FredKellers, Doug Horchak and Jim Frankstaught classes for 18 men. Each daythere were five one and one-half hourlong classes, with plenty of time forquestions in each session. Titles of theclasses were as follows: Your Callingas a Christian/Your Calling as a Leader,Overview of the Holy Days and Plan ofSalvation, Head Coverings and Expla-nation of Tongues, Baptismal Counsel-ing, Structure of United/Documentsand History of United, Tithing in theChurch Today, Clean and UncleanMeats, Church Ceremonies, Structureof a Local Congregation/Role of Eldersand Deacons, Use of Alcohol and aconcluding question-and-answer ses-sion.

The group bonded during the threedays. It was a humbling experience toteach such a dedicated and knowledge-able group of men. The questions wereinsightful and delivered in a respectfulmanner. At the conclusion of the ses-sions the group explained their desireto continue teaching what they hadbeen taught in the seminars to the groupthat has agreed to meet as congrega-tions of United. It wasexciting to see their devo-tion to God’s Word.

Visiting in the Homes ofthe Members

One of the most enjoyable aspects ofour trip was visiting in the homes of themembers over a three-day span(Wednesday to Friday, July 21-23). Inspite of their poor surroundings we weretreated as honored guests wherever wevisited. It is customary among the Igbopeople to present honored guests withthe kola nut. In every home we receivedthe traditional kola nut to show that wewere indeed honored guests.

It was also humbling to see the love ofthe members for us as visitors and forthe other members of the congregations.This is not the picture of Nigeria that

most people see in the newspapers ormagazines in the United States. Thelove, humility and willingness to serveothers spoke volumes about the charac-ter of the members in Nigeria.

We did have one tragedy during ourvisit to the members. On Saturday night,after Sabbath services in Atta, a youngmember lost her baby. The young boydied after developing a high fever thatvery day. He was 18 months of age. Thegrieving mother was staying in the homeof Geoffrey Iwuji. We were able to visitwith her and console her after such atragic death. Before leaving the Iwujihome we prayed that God would com-fort her heavy heart.

Prospective MemberMeeting in Ibadan

In addition to visiting with the mem-bers in the Owerri area, on Sunday, July25 (the day of our departure), DougHorchak accompanied the deacon fromLagos, Dr. Akin-Ogundeji, to the cityof Ibaden to meet with interested GoodNews readers wishing to learn moreabout God’s truth.

Six prospective members and threemembers met with them in a smallroom at the Palace Hotel in Ibadan. Inaddition to many doctrinal questions,the entire subject of salvation was dis-cussed for three hours. At the end of theBible study, all of the participants made

it known to Dr. Akin-Ogundeji thatthey wantedto meet againto learn moreabout God’splan and litera-ture they werestudying.

Our final meeting with the memberswas a Bible study in Lagos on Sundayafternoon. The members there are wellgrounded, friendly and an exciting groupto be around. Each one has a story to tell,and we enjoyed getting to know them.

Many of the members in Lagos areyoung adults who have a strong com-mitment to God’s truth. Their pastor,Mr. Kellers, accurately describes themas the “salt of the earth” and the “lightof the world.” They truly stand out in anation filled with so much adversity.We left Nigeria on Sunday night, July25, with many vivid memories and alump in our throats. The love of thebrethren in this part of the world is sim-ply overwhelming. UN

Church Grows in Nigeria

Clockwise from above: Doug Horchak atservices; Jim Franks, Fred Kellers, CasmirOkoro and Mr. Horchak boarding a plane forOwerri; Mr. Kellers teaching a seminar(photos by Oludare Akinbo and Jim Franks)

UnitedNews September/October 2004 5

Character Counts at Camp CarterThe theme for next year’s camp

video will be “Character Counts atCamp,” so that was this year’s theme atCamp Carter. After services in FortWorth, Texas, on July 17, the 39 staffmembers headed over to camp to begintheir “on site” training in anticipationof the arrival of 113 campers on Sundayafternoon.

This year was the largest camp we’vehad at Camp Carter. Our first year was2000. That year we had 39 staff mem-bers and 112 campers, 16 of whomcame from international areas. So wehad one more person this year than ourinaugural year. This year 78 of thecampers were from Texas, but we alsohad 14 other states represented.

At camper orientation we reviewedthe opportunities campers would havefor fun in the coming week, whilefocusing on Christian principles. Inconjunction with the “CharacterCounts at Camp” theme, we noted thatlearning how to make wise decisionswas an important manifestation of god-ly character. Each day’s CompassCheck would build on this concept.

Monday morning’s Compass Checkwas given by Britton Taylor, head of thesoftball activity and lakefront coordi-nator. He focused on Deuteronomy30:11-20 and Proverbs 20:11 explain-ing that all of us must make many

choices each day—regardless of ourage—and reminded everyone thatchoices always bring consequences.Some consequences are good; othersare bad. So we should think about thechoices we make.

On Tuesday morning, David Trey-big, transportation head, golf instructorand head boys counselor, covered thetopic of “One Taste Can’t Be ThatBad,” recounting the story of Adam andEve in Genesis 3. Their wrong choicebased on human reasoning apart fromGod had devastating consequences.

Larry Greider, overall coordinatorfor United Youth Camps, arrived onTuesday for a short visit and gave theCompass Check Wednesday morning:“It’s Just a Little Lie.” The basis of hispresentation was the story of Ananiasand Sapphira in Acts 5. God’s commu-nity (whether the Church or our camp“family” for the week) requires honestyto retain viability, so we need to main-tain truth in both word and deed.

Thursday’s Compass Check, “400Angry Men and One Good Woman,”was given by Gary Petty, football andChristian Living coordinator. He usedthe story of David, Nabal and Abigail topoint out that choices made entirely onemotions are usually bad ones.

Program director Frank McCradygave the final Compass Check on Fri-

day: “Faith Is a Choice.” He used thestory of the fiery furnacein Daniel 3 to pointout that sometimesobedience to Godbrings bad conse-quences from others,but we must havefaith that God willcause it to turn outgood for us in the end.

The life skills class, taughtby Mr. Petty, tied in with thetheme of character and mak-ing wise decisions by cover-ing the topic of making wisedecisions about managingmoney. Poor decisions in thisarea of life can have lifelongimplications on one’s family.

Activities re-mained basicallythe same as thelast several years,including basket-ball, crafts, dance,football, golf (forthe oldest boysdorm and oldestgirls dorm only),horseback rid-ing, lakefrontactivity, life skills, newsletter, rap-pelling (for the oldest boys dorm and

oldest girls dorm only), ropes, soft-ball, skeet or archery,strength training, swim-ming and volleyball.

Evenings included open activities(three nights) and a line dance (Tues-day night) as well as the regular snacksand fellowship time before ChristianLiving. We had some very good dis-cussions during the Q&A portion ofChristian Living each night, as we havehad the last several years.

Once again we were blessed withgood weather as well as the wonder-ful spirit of cooperation and encour-agement as campers and staff enjoyed“the Zone” at Camp Carter.

Ken Treybig

From Aug. 8 to 15, 115 campers and60 staff members attended Camp David-son on Suttle Lake in a beautiful moun-tain setting in central Oregon. A fantas-tic staff team set a challenging and highstandard. Campers responded well andwere motivated not only to have fun,butto excel.

Every day began with a 45-minuteChristian Living class. This year’s themewas “Where Is God Leading Me?” TheNorthwest ministry had prepared an out-line,which was sent to everyone prior tocamp. Classes focused on God’s calling,being convinced of the truth, convictionin living God’s way and becoming aconverted person. On Friday, Rex Sex-ton (pastor in Washington and waterski-ing director) moderated a panel of olderteens and young adults who describedtheir successes and challenges inresponding to God’s calling, and livingas converted people in this world.

Campers enjoyed a wide range ofactivities, including two new events thisyear: a rock wall and ballroom dance.The program also featured a 10-elementlow ropes course, a seven-element highropes course, waterskiing, mountainbiking, kayaking and a beautiful half-day hike in the Cascade wilderness. Inaddition, a 60-foot-high zip-line was apopular activity. Basketball, flag foot-ball, arts and crafts, archery, swimming,

camp improvement,volleyball, ultimateFrisbee and “Excellence in Living”rounded out the schedule.

The evenings offered additionalopportunities for fellowship and partic-ipation in the activities. Each evening atcamp concluded with a lively campfire,followed by a “bedside chat” for eachdorm with its dormparents.

On the Sabbath,the campers en-joyed some extrarest, Bible discus-sions, Sabbath ser-vices and a specialbanquet. Saturdayevening ended witha final dance.Campers were ableto take home theirown copy of Camp Davidson Days, thecamp newspaper. In addition—for thefirst time—campers and staff will beable to obtain photo CDs featuring hun-dreds of photographs of this year’scamp. Please also refer to the CampDavidson Web site at www.ucg-sps.org/uycdavidson

Staff and campers again “let their lightshine.” The camp managers were veryimpressed with the respect and courtesyof campers and the caring dedication ofthe staff. One of the senior members of

the site staff said: “We have a lot ofchurch groups use our camp. It is reallynice to have a group like yours whichactually lives like Christians.”

This year was the final year forMatthew andLisa Fenchel,who have direct-

ed the Northwest camp for eight years.Campers and staff gave them a warm,yet sad, send-off with a card signed byeveryone, shirts and a gift certificate.They also welcomed Andy Burnett,

who, along with hiswife, Lisa, willdirect Camp David-son next year. Mr.Burnett visitedcamp for three daysthis year, and every-one is looking for-ward to workingwith him and hisfamily in the yearsto come.

WildernessSession

For the fourth year,an extended WildernessSession was offered tothe older campers andyoung adults. Theschedule for this yearchanged to include amoderate 12-mile hike,a full day of white-waterrafting on the UpperMcKenzie River, finish-ing the third day with adifficult hike up SouthSister, a 10,358-foot

mountain. A total of 32 people partici-pated.

While the conditions were moreprimitive than regular camp (no elec-tricity or running water), the tents werecomfortable and the cooking of BerkWeis was five-star! Everyone was divid-ed up into teams to take care of cookingand camp maintenance. Kayaks werebrought for free-time enjoyment.

On Monday, we hiked a scenic 12-mile route around Broken Top, CayuseCrater and Green Lakes. A typicalNorthwest rain shower ensured that thegroup did not get too warm or too dry!

On Tuesday, everyone enjoyed a full-day rafting trip down the Upper McKen-zie River, one of the most active andenjoyable rivers in the region. The tripprovided views of wildlife like deer,ospreys, bald eagles and herons. Therewere numerous good-natured water bat-tles between the four rafts, and mosteveryone had a chance to take an “invol-untary” swim in the glacier water.

On Wednesday, the camp divided upinto two activities. One group enjoyedhorseback riding and kayaking. The oth-er group climbed South Sister—with a5,000 foot elevation gain within about 5miles. However, the view from the topwas awe-inspiring, and everyone madeit in good condition.

Matthew Fenchel

Camp Davidson: Adventure and Following God’s Calling

Campers at Camp Carter enjoy a Waverunner on the lake, golfing, softballand the ropes course (photos by Ken Treybig and Katherine Turner)

Wakeboarding, music and basketball are just a fewof the many activities enjoyed at Camp Davidson


Summer UYC Program Wraps Up at Camp Heritage

ious table games in the evening.The Oerlinghausen open-air history

museum was on the agenda for Friday,Aug. 6. Campers and staff walked to thesite after breakfast to learn more abouthow different cultures from earlier timeslived in the region. The museum featuresreconstructed dwellings based onarchaeological discoveries at severalsites in northern Germany and offers vis-

itors a hands-on opportunity to see howearlier generations prepared their food.Campers made lunch the old way by cut-ting vegetables for a soup and grindingwheat by hand on stones to make pitabread. Lunch was prepared over a camp-fire. After lunch the group made claypearls that were baked in the campfireand then strung on a leather strap.

On the Sabbath, 17 visitors from thelocal Bielefeld congregation joined thegroup for Sabbath services. Followingservices each camper received a certifi-

cate of participation that emphasized hisor her contribution to the camp. In theevening campers, staff and visitorsenjoyed a barbecue dinner.

For the daily interactive Bible study,campers were divided into two groupsbased on age. Younger camperslearned about the seven days of creationusing puzzles and other handout mate-rials. The older group discussed theBible account of creation and the theo-ry of evolution and considered which ofthe two accounts is more believable

based on clear scientific principles.The director of the Naturfreundehaus

Bielefeld, the venue for the camp, has40 years experience in hosteling. Initial-ly he was a bit hesitant to rent his facili-ty for the summer camp. However, onthe last day of camp he commented thatthe group was so responsible it wouldnot even be necessary for him to be pre-sent during next year’s camp. “I can giveyou the keys and leave. You are very niceguests,” he said with a smile.

Jesmina Allaoua from Germany,who

organized the summer camp, describedthe desired result of camp: “With ourlocal congregations being so small, it isimportant for our children to havefriends in the Church. Summer campgives them the opportunity to makefriends, and in just a few weeks they willsee each other again at the Feast ofTabernacles. I hope that this year’s campwill be the first entry in a long book withlots of positive chapters.”

This article is excerpted from the Website www.ucog.org.

“German Camp,” continuedfrom page 3

The 2004 season of United YouthCamps (UYC) summer camps came toa close Sunday, Aug. 22, at Camp Her-itage, near Farmington, Pennsylvania.

This year marked the ninth year theprogram has been held on the HeritageReservation,a 2,000-acre property oper-ated by the Greater Pittsburgh Council ofthe Boy Scouts of America. Twenty U.S.states and two Canadian provinces wererepresented by the 161 campers accept-ed this year, including our first Heritagecamper from the province of New-foundland. A staff of 71 brought the totalto 232, the highest for this camp since1997.

Camp director Darris McNeelyissued a challenge to the campers at ori-entation on Sunday night, Aug. 15, ascamp began. He asked them to “step itup a notch” in catching the vision ofwhat United Youth Camps are all about,in helping the youth of the Church tocome to a deeper understanding ofGod’s way of life. “It’s not about you”came to be a frequently expressed wayof pointing out service to, and concernfor, the needs of others.

Assistant director Doug Johnsonaddressed the older girl campers (ages15 to 18) Monday evening on the topicof true femininity as opposed to what the

world too often substitutes for it—flaunted sexuality. Mr. McNeely fol-lowed up with a talk to the older boysTuesday night on real masculinity, chal-lenging them to begin displaying thatquality in caring for and looking out forothers in the next day’s white-water raft-ing activity.

Campers and staff began each daywith a Christian Living session, taughtby ministers and senior staff members.Regularly scheduled activities includ-ed basketball, swing dance, flag foot-

ball, riflery, tennis, softball, volleyball,campus improvement, wilderness skillsand waterfront (water polo and kayak-ing). Archery was available during theopen activities period on three evenings.

The younger

(ages 12 to 14) campers did somespelunking in the Laurel Caverns (andreturned to camp extremely dirty!), andthe older (ages 15 to 18) campers expe-rienced the thrills (and chills!) of an all-day white-water rafting trip on the near-

by Lower Youghiogheny River.This year was the wettest of our

nine years at Camp Heritage, withfour inches of rain falling between11 p.m. Wednesday night and 10a.m. Sabbath morning. But no regu-lar activities had to be canceled due tothe timing of the storms, an answer tothe prayers of many.

Two evening traditions had to be

adjusted—the Thursday night camper-staff softball game turned into noveltyOlympics in the dining hall, and Fridaynight campfire discussions becameindoor fellowshipping and Sabbath-notewriting (also in the dining hall). Staff andcamper photos were taken indoors onSabbath morning (another departurefrom tradition). But otherwise the rainsserved only to dampen sleeping bagsand other gear in the campers’tents, notthe spirits of those at Heritage 2004.

Following Sabbath services on Aug.21, seven of the staff members dedicat-ed the song “This Day” to Darris andDebbie McNeely for their nine years ofservice directing the camp. On behalf ofthe entire staff, Doug and Janel Johnsonthen presented the McNeelys with anengraved serving platter and an albumof Camp Heritage photos and memories.Mr. McNeely had opted some time agoto step aside as camp director in order todevote more time to several of the other“hats” he wears in the ministry, includ-ing his work as an Ambassador BibleCenter guest instructor and managingeditor of World News and Prophecy.

Doug JohnsonDoug Johnson has been appointed as

the next camp director for Camp Her-itage, succeeding Mr. McNeely.

From Aug. 4 to 11, UCG–Canadasponsored a summer camp for theyouth. There were 19 participants—four men and 15 campers. The youngestcamper was 7, but he was with hisfather. There were four Americans onthis campout, and it became an “allmale” camp since no girls had applied.

The objectives were to hike into com-plete wilderness for 12 miles (18 kilo-meters), set up a base camp, climb RubyMountain, explore the surroundingalpine valleys, fish in Ruby Lake andhave time for Christian fellowship.Activities at the camp included chop-ping wood for the fires, cooking foryourself, staying dry and warm, facing

challenges at the dartboard and Christ-ian Living talks that were held daily. Allof our goals were achieved in spite ofthe lack of cooperation by the weather.

We hiked a total of 40-plus miles (65kilometers) and climbed Ruby Moun-tain besides that. Of the 16 campers whostarted for the mountain, 13 completedthe climb. The 13 included our youngest“Mighty Max” who was only 7.

Our hikes took us through beautifulpristine forests and taught us an appre-ciation for the power of nature. Weendured severe lighting and thunder thatwas accompanied with rain and hail. Wehad so much low cloud at times that wecould not see the mountains that were

towering above us. Streams werecrossed dozens of times. The camperslearned the value of dry clothing, warmsleeping bags and reliance on others.

Fishing was a priority for some.There were brown trout, cutthroat troutand bull trout in the lake and streams.Not many were caught, but those thatwere whet the appetites of anyone whocould hold a rod. The water was so clearthat the fish could be seen teasing thefishermen. Two boys were washingtheir dishes in the stream and a large 24-inch bull trout came swimming right upto them—that caused a flurry of activi-ty!

This camp was not for the faintheart-

ed. The complaints that werevoiced the first day subsided intoacceptance and then enjoyment. Itwas gratifying to hear the camperssay they were coming back nextyear and this time they wouldknow how to pack light.

The campers grew strongerand more positive-minded as thedays went by. There is somethingthat happens when people com-plete a strenuous task together asa team. Our motto was “all forone and one for all.” Campersensured the safety of one anothersince our success depended on every-one being fit and ready. Next year we

will put in an order for more blue skies.Robert Berendt

Scenes from Camp Heritage (photos by Jerry Rehor)

Canadian Campers Conquer Challenges and Ruby Mountain

Canadian campers tackle Ruby Mountain

fresh coconut, we went to visit oneof the pastors in Ghana and the half-finished church building that was beingbuilt in Agona with help from severalcongregations through the Good WorksProgram. The pastor was very friendlyand humble—characteristics that I

would find to be exemplary of Ghana-ians in general. Then we continued onto Kumasi, where the camp was held.

Camp began the following day. Thetheme of the camp was serving andbeing a servant. If I have ever seen peo-ple who are willing and ready to happi-ly serve, even despite hardships, it wasthe Ghanaians.

Interestingly, the way AzariahMaxwell Coffie got the group’s atten-tion to start orientation was by singing asong that would soon become irrevoca-bly stuck in our heads because of its fre-quent use: “I love you with the love ofthe Lord.” I sometimes wished I had myown song to help with chess, which Iwas introducing to the campers!

I didn’t mind only having one or twoTV channels, and I could do without theInternet and even without electricity atall,but I really missed hot showers. I washumbled by the example the peoplethere set, dealing with worse thingsevery day as a fact of life. Not only werethey not complaining, they were gratefuland happy for what they had and ready

to serve you, their brethren. The WestAfricans’ grateful and serving attitudereally came out during Christian Liv-ing classes and especially church ser-vices. There was a certain indescribablededication that was present in the eyesand hearts of the members there.

And the talent show was truly amazing!Jonathan Roybal

“Ghana,” continued from page 3


UCG’s Audited Financial Statements Reflect Stability■ After the end ofevery fiscal year theUnited Church ofGod has an indepen-dent auditing firmexamine the books.Here are the audit-ed financialreports.by TomKirkpatrick

On this page andthe next appear theaudited financialstatements of theUnited Church ofGod, an Interna-tional Associa-tion, for the fiscalperiod endingJune 30, 2004.

The indepen-dent auditingfirm of Clark,S c h a e f e r ,Hackett &Co., based inCincinnati,Ohio, per-formed the audit.Their audit report also appears onthese pages.

It is gratifying to note God’sblessings reflected in these state-ments. Compared to the precedingfiscal year there was modest growthin the total income, the total assetsand the unrestricted net assets of theChurch.

Further, our managers andemployees continued this past yearto cooperate in controlling expendi-tures, to stay within budgetedamounts and still perform the workbefore us.

The Church continues to beblessed by God in many ways. It isto Him that we look for the provi-sion of all the resources that we needto carry out the work of the Church,headed by Jesus Christ.

We very much appreciate thefinancial faithfulness of the mem-bers and others who support thework of the United Church of God.

As always, we urge that manyprayers ascend to God for wisdomin using what He gives us to prop-erly carry out the mission of theChurch.

Fiscal Year 2003-4 Fiscal Year 2002-3Cash and cash equivalents $5,469,964 $4,945,132

Total assets 9,629,534 9,250,552

Total liabilities 2,376,809 2,369,240

Unrestricted net assets 7,252,725 6,881,312

Total income 19,096,637 18,458,933

Change in net assets 371,413 800,500Financial statements continue on next page

UCG-British Isles’ Summer Campfor teenagers and young adults com-menced on the evening of Friday, July30, and concluded successfully on Sun-day,Aug. 8.

Because of the small size of theChurch in Britain, camps in recent yearshave been open to both teenagers andyoung adults and have been held invenues that offer us self-contained facil-ities for communal living and groupactivities. This year’s camp was held atan activity center in Edale in the PeakDistrict National Park, a scenic area inthe northern part of England.

Twenty-three teenagers and youngadults attended, with another five pre-sent for part of the final weekend. Elevenother adults, including elders PeterHawkins and David Fenney and theirwives, completed the community.

The weather was generally fine, withlong warm spells. An evening thunder-storm had minimal effect as it coincidedwith a trip to the nearby city of Sheffieldwhere the group shopped,played 10-pinbowling and visited to the cinema.

Forums involving the whole groupwere held most days. Topics discussedincluded baptism and prayer and a ses-sion devoted to listening skills. A recur-ring theme was the importance to eachindividual of his or her relationship withGod. One discussion on the subject ofrelationships was preceded with a view-ing of a presentation by Pam Stenzel onthe subject Sex Has a Price Tag. JohnRoss Schroeder, an elder and seniorwriter forThe Good News, visited campduring the week and contributed to a dis-cussion on the subject of reading in gen-eral and Church publications in particu-lar.

The overall consensus was that camphad been a success, with the bondsbetween the young people themselvesand between the youngsters and the old-er adults having been greatly strength-ened. The youngest camper said, “Thisis my first time at camp, and I reallyenjoyed it. I have got on well with every-one and have made new friends.”

Jako, from Belgium, commented,

“Camp to me means community,action,exchange and friendship. Also, it cansometimes be disappointing, a battlewith misunderstandings. But that’s OKtoo and it’s definitely life. And becauselife is like that, we all have to learn howto get on with each other. I think this isthe life, and the biggest thing in camp isto learn how to live together as friends

and Christians.”Another first-time camper added,

“For me—despite the mostly goodweather, the beautiful countryside show-ing God’s creative genius, the plentifuland fun activities,good accommodationand interesting meals—the best thingsabout camp were the people who werethere.” The young people are now look-ing forward to getting together duringthe Feast of Tabernacles and of courseat camp next year.

The following record of camp life wascontributed by Debi Crook, a youngadult who attended camp with her sis-ter, Jayne. Debi, Jayne and their parentsare part of the Bricket Wood congrega-tion.

David Fenney

British Isles’ Camp DiaryThe activity center was equipped with

numerous bedrooms, bathrooms andtwo kitchens providing continuous hotwater, much to the delight of the tealovers amongst us. Other luxuriesincluded computer facilities with Inter-net connection, a sports hall with discolights and a climbing wall. The facilitiesand size of the center emphasizes how

far we have come in the six years sincewe began this style of summer camp.

Saturday, the first full day of camp,began with an interactive forum fol-lowed by the Sabbath service. The rest ofthe day was spent socializing, getting toknow both one another and the equip-ment at the center. Playing with the dis-co lights proved a popular option, and

while the dancers strutted, thesports minded enjoyed a game offootball in strobe lighting. Theevening culminated in musicalchairs and various other groupgames.

When you wake up to the soundof “Stebbs,” the piccolo master,

playing popular tunes,you know that thefirst day of activities has begun. After aforum led by Barbara Fenney on listen-ing skills, David Stebbins tested our ini-tiative by presenting us with a multitudeof dilemmas such as “name as manyways as you can to misuse a paper clip.”Well over 100 ways could be found bythe more inventive. To relax after all thisbrainwork, Sonja Hawkins led a paint-ing class teaching us the basics of mix-ing colors before we moved on to ourindividual works of art.

Monday morning was fired off with

an archery class,while the afternoon sawus orienteering around the peaks of Der-byshire with maps and compasses inhand. When we returned to the center,Peter Hawkins led a forum on the sub-ject of baptism. In the evening weenjoyed a sing-along around a campfire.Our efforts continued until it was toodark to read the song lyrics and the mos-quitoes were biting too much.

On Tuesday the group took a tripunderground intothe Blue JohnCavern where therare Blue Johnstone is mined.Afterwards we

enjoyeda picnic lunch at the Ladybower Reser-voir. The evening’s main activity was aquiz testing lateral thinking, musicrecognition, physical agility and speedon the beat-the-buzzer round and, con-sequently, bringing out a healthy doseof competitiveness among young andold.

Wednesday morning was a perfecttime to clown around in our circus skillsclass, which had us all juggling, spin-ning plates and walking on stilts till ourhearts were content. It culminated in ashow that included performances from

Tim and Matt the amazing plate spin-ners, Sam and René the diabolo men, Joand Sue the stilt sisters and was con-cluded with a surprise finale fromRaphael the clown. In the evening weenjoyed a barbecue. The day was round-ed off by a partner-swinging countrydance led by Tanya Ellams.

On Thursday we took a trip toSheffield, where the main activity wasshopping, followed by bowling and the

cinema. On Friday morning weall had the chance to climb thewalls of the sports hall and inthe afternoon most of the groupwent swimming.

Friday evening and Saturdaymorning saw the arrival of moreguests for the final day’s activi-ties and the Sabbath service.Our final evening meal tookplace outside on the grass sur-rounded by the beautiful Der-byshire peaks. The theme forthe evening was “WorkingTogether in Friendship.” Alltables were artistically deco-rated and each person was rep-resented by an attractive ver-sion of themselves made froma balloon.

After the meal, as hasbecome tradition, everyonewas involved in a light-heart-ed skit or performance.These included: the adultsdepicting the summer campof 2035 run by the young

people of today’s camp, the youth bring-ing us breaking camp news and the Bel-gian and French campers showing offtheir judo skills and daring leaps overbrave volunteers.

And so concluded another summercamp: a larger, older and more interna-tional group than usual. It was a weekpacked with interesting activities in abeautiful location but of course the rea-son we keep returning and the reasonothers choose to come is the wonderfulatmosphere and friendships that weshare.

Debi Crook

UCG–British Isles’ Campers Enjoyed “Working Together in Friendship”

Campers enjoyed Sabbath servicesand a Sabbath meal, as well asactivities such as wall climbing andarchery (photos by Sonja Hawkins)



Stephanie Suzanne AlexanderParent: Sherry R. AlexanderCongregation: Asheville, North CarolinaHigh School Accomplishments: Beta Club,

FFA secretary, Greenville County JuniorYouth Orchestra.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Stephanie has loved going to CampWoodmen. This past year was her fifth year

there as a camper. She plans on applying forassistant counselor or activity staff nextyear. Stephanie enjoys music and has asmall collection of miniature horses. Shealso enjoys reading Jane Austen novels andany other British literature.

Plans After Graduation: Plans to attendWinthrop University in Rock Hill, SouthCarolina, to major in business managementwith a minor in computer information sys-tems.

Favorite Scriptures: Revelation 21:1-7;Matthew 6:33.

Jonathon Steven Nelson ArnoldParents: Mr. and Mrs. Michael ArnoldCongregation: Bloomington, IllinoisHigh School Accomplishments: Graduated a

semester early. Worked on the school year-

book. Presented with an achievement awardby the State Board of Education that recog-nized excellent academic performance insocial science. Participated in the Tutor forYoung Kids program.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Jonathon has attended United Youth Campsat Pinecrest, Heritage and Woodmen. He

has been a staff member at Camp Buckeyepreteen camp. He enjoys swimming, play-ing football and baseball and fishing.

Plans After Graduation: Presently attendingParkland College in Champaign, Illinois,pursuing an associate’s degree in computernetworking.

Favorite Scripture: Revelation 21:4: “And Godwill wipe away every tear from their eyes;there shall be no more death, nor sorrow,nor crying. There shall be no more pain, forthe former things have passed away.”

Diana AvilaParents: Isidro and Amalia AvilaCongregation: Chicago, IllinoisHigh School Accomplishments: Honor roll all

four years, Prairie State Scholar, IllinoisState Scholar, IHSA Conference title fortennis and water polo, scholarships.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Dianaenjoys playing sports, going to the WinterFamily Tournament and spending time withfamily and friends.

Plans After Graduation: Attend DePaulUniversity and major in computer animation.

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 13:6: “The Lordis my helper; I will not be afraid. What canman do to me?”

Andrea Elsa BerendtParents: Rick and Heather Berendt

Congregation: Edmonton, AlbertaHigh School Accomplishments: International

baccalaureate certificates in history, biology,math and French; honors with distinction;

played in the symphonic band and “A”stage band, going on tours to BritishColumbia, Washington and California; wonHarry Ainlay’s Fred A. Merrett Award formusical achievement.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Andrea plays saxophone (classical and jazz)and is learning to play the piano and ball-room dance. She enjoys books, movies, his-tory, travel, music, dance and theater.

Plans After Graduation: Extended music mas-ter class in Poitiers, France, in August; willstart a bachelor of music program at theUniversity of Alberta in September; wouldlike to be a university professor of music.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:8: “Finally,brethren, whatever things are true, whateverthings are noble, whatever things are just,whatever things are pure, whatever things arelovely, whatever things are of good report, ifthere is any virtue and if there is anythingpraiseworthy, meditate on these things.”

Tim BodenParents: Tom and Darla BodenCongregation: Minneapolis, MinnesotaChurch Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Tim

enjoys riding Motocross and restoring clas-sic vehicles.

Plans After Graduation: Attend UniversalTechnical Institute in Glendale Heights,Illinois, to become a Ford mechanic.

Shea BradleyParents: Jim Bradley and Sheba GraftonCongregation: Atlanta, Georgia

High School Accomplishments: Member ofNational Honor Society, Thespian Society,ranked in top 10 in her class, won gold medalfor beginning children’s reading program.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Shealoves to travel and tries to find a new placeto go every summer. She loves swimmingand swing dance, and she helps put theAtlanta Prom together each year.

Plans After Graduation: Shea plans to attendthe University of Georgia to study tobecome a research pharmacist.

Favorite Quote: “When in doubt, have some-thing caffeinated, or at least chocolate”—Lauren Estes.

Jerod Leon BrunickParents: Ed and Claudia BrunickCongregation: Watertown, South DakotaHigh School Accomplishments: Eagle Scout,

All-State Orchestra, varsity football, varsity

track, Regional Honors Orchestra, 4-H,LACHA science club, 4-H Rhonke award.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Jerodenjoys camp, cars, motorcycles, music andweight lifting.

Plans After Graduation: Jerod plans to join theworkforce until he has earned his physicaltraining certification.

Favorite Scripture: “Let no one despise youryouth, but be an example to the believers inword, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Mae CaldarelliParents: Annie and Aurelio CaldarelliCongregation: Toronto, OntarioHigh School Accomplishments: Choir president,

vocal quartet leader, clarinet section leader,cocaptain of the cheerleading team, tutor formusic and math, member of the prom com-mittee and Girls’Athletic Association, on thehonor roll for all four years. Participated inschool spirit days/fund-raisers and otherschool related events. Ran for student bodypresident 2003/2004.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Singing is a huge passion for Mae, inschool and out, including singing in thechurch choir. Mae tried out for CanadianIdol. She has her lifeguarding certificate andspent her summer as a lifeguard.

Plans After Graduation: Planning on attending

Congratulations, High School

Graduates2004

Stephanie Suzanne Alexander

Andrea Elsa Berendt

Jonathon Steven Nelson Arnold

Jerod Leon BrunickDiana Avila

Tim Boden

Graduates2004

Shea Bradley


the University of Western Ontario inLondon, Ontario, to study media informa-tion and techno culture. Would like to even-tually go into advertising.

Favorite Quote: “Without suffering there is nocompassion.”

Carrie ChambersParents: Pam and John ChambersCongregation: Sherman, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: Diploma, Art

Club. Carrie did illustrations for a children’sbook published this summer.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Carrieenjoys painting and photography and hasdone art sketches for children’s Bible classes.

Plans After Graduation: Carrie plans to takebasic classes at Grayson CommunityCollege and earn an undergraduate degreefrom Parson’s School of Design.

Sydney Eden ClarkParents: Kurtis and Krista ClarkCongregation: Garden Grove, CaliforniaHigh School Accomplishments: CSF Gold Seal

Bearer at graduation, marching band, steeldrum band, J’s and V’s Service Club, GirlScout Gold Award.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Sydney has attended Church summer camp

many times. She enjoys travel, camping,dirt biking, mountain biking and boating.She has traveled to over 25 states and fourforeign countries.

Plans After Graduation: Sydney plans toattend California State University, Chico, asan exercise physiology major.

Jeff ClowdusParents: Rick and Beverly ClowdusCongregation: Cleveland, TennesseeHigh School Accomplishments: Finished high

school studies a year early and receivedhigh marks for Georgia GED tests.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Jeffenjoys church summer camps, social activi-ties, online talks with friends, guitar and

soccer. He helps with the local church PAsystem and recording.

Plans After Graduation: Jeff plans on doingon-the-job training toward the goal ofbecoming a certified master automotivetechnician.

Danielle ColumbiaParents: Jim and Lynne ColumbiaCongregation: Phoenix East, ArizonaHigh School Accomplishments: Danielle played

alto saxophone in the regular and the jazzband in high school. She excelled in photog-raphy and her pictures won five awards.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Danielle graduated from the church ACT(Active Christian Teens) group this year andsings in the choir. She attended the TetonChallenger Camp in Wyoming last summerand counts it as one of the highlights of herteen experiences. She enjoys outdoor sports,including all water sports. She loves writ-ing, photography, playing the piano and thesaxophone.

Plans After Graduation: Danielle will beattending Scottsdale Community College.She plans to major in journalism. Shewould like to work in the news media. Shealso hopes to write a novel, and is interestedin writing children’s books.

Motto: “You can accomplish anything, if youbelieve and follow your dreams.”

Lisa Renee CookParents: David and Marjorie CookCongregation: Watertown, South DakotaHigh School Accomplishments: Lettered in

varsity hockey cheerleading, Student of theQuarter at East Central Multi-District,active in choir, band and community band.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Lisaplays the flute for special music and hasbeen in the Feast orchestra at WisconsinDells for several years. She enjoys beingwith friends and family, and her most mem-orable Feast was last year in Italy.

Plans After Graduation: Currently attending LakeArea Technical Institute for cosmetology.

Favorite Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:10. Advice:

Take one day at a time. There is only somuch you can do until it’s out of your con-

trol, and you need to put the situation inGod’s hands.

April CountsParents: Leigh and Mark CountsCongregation: Birmingham, AlabamaHigh School Accomplishments: National

Honor Society, AB Honor RollChurch Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: April

helps with the church tape library and lovestaking pictures and being with friends.

Plans After Graduation: April plans to attend

Gadsden State Community College for adegree in real-time reporting (broadcastcaptioning)

Favorite Quote: “Reach for the moon becauseif you fall, you’ll still be among the stars.”

Favorite Scripture: “No temptation has over-taken you except such as is common toman; but God is faithful, who will not allowyou to be tempted beyond what you areable, but with the temptation will also makethe way of escape, that you may be able tobear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Jonathan CrawfordParents: Scott Crawford and Beth CrawfordCongregation: Red Bluff, CaliforniaHigh School Accomplishments: 3.8 GPA, 1440

on SAT, academic excellence in Spanish,honor roll, principal’s list, National Honor

Roll, Who’s Who Among High SchoolStudents, orchestra/symphonic band.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Com-puters, skateboards, soccer, playing music(mostly French horn, some mandolin).

Plans After Graduation: Plans to attendUniversity of the Pacific in Stockton,California, to get a BS in computer engi-neering.

Amanda DamourParents: Tom and Lisa DamourCongregation: Lubbock, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: Graduated

with honors DAEP, member of NationalHonor Society, National Honor Roll, Who’sWho Among American High SchoolSeniors, National Young Leaders Counciland National Association of High SchoolScholars. Toured Austria with choir; select-ed sophomore class president; member ofStudent Council freshman year; and was amember of the varsity softball team.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Amanda was a member of her high schooland church choirs, a mentor and enjoys soft-ball.

Plans After Graduation: Amanda is attendingthe University of Texas at Arlington whereshe received the Outstanding FreshmanScholarship Award and an IMPACT scholar-ship. She is planning to major in marketing.

Favorite Scripture: “Love suffers long and is

kind; love does not envy; love does notparade itself, is not puffed up; does notbehave rudely, does not seek its own, is notprovoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice ininiquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears allthings, believes all things, hopes all things,endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Aaron Keith (AJ) Dean Jr.Parents: Aaron and Michelle DeanCongregation: East Texas, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: AJ scored

exceptionally high on the GED exam andwas asked to be salutatorian at the gradua-tion ceremony. At Gladewater ISD he waschosen as the Most Outstanding MiddleSchool Student.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Homeschooling allowed AJ to travel withhis family and change his schedule to meethis interest. He has traveled in 13 differentcountries on three continents. He is anaccomplished athlete. AJ began water-ski-ing at age 4, and enjoys all water sports aswell as basketball and other team and recre-ational sports. He is an excellent gymnast,having performed in rest homes and talentshows several times a year. This led to hiscurrent job, teaching gymnastics in Tyler atMid Air Tumbling. AJ enjoys music,singing and dance. He studied violin fortwo years under the guidance of the Duo

Lisa Renee Cook

Jonathan Crawford

Amanda Damour

April Counts

Jeff Clowdus

Danielle Columbia

Mae Caldarelli

Sydney Eden Clark

Graduates2004


Renard in the government-sponsored cultur-al program. He played saxophone in middleschool and has taken up the guitar.

Plans After Graduation: Because of his highacademic standing, AJ chose to skip hisfinal year of high school and instead begincollege at Tyler Junior College while hemakes his future career plans.

Anya Rochelle DrownGuardians: Charlie and Alma Drown (paternal

grandparents)Congregation: Sacramento, CaliforniaHigh School Accomplishments: Anya main-

tained a 4.0 GPA her senior year.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: For

two years Anya was in the InternationalFolk Dance Club at her school learning thewaltz, tango and other less known dancessuch as the Greek national dance. The clubperformed at nursing homes, dance concertsand the fair. She likes to crochet, makelatch-hook rugs and is learning to knit. Sheloves reading, all genres, and writing, espe-cially poetry, and studying the Bible.

Plans After Graduation: She’s engaged to bemarried in October and wants to work in aclerical or bookkeeping position. Eventually

she wants to become a CPA and raise fourGod-fearing children.

Favorite Quote: ‘This above all: to thine ownself be true . . . Thou canst not then be false toany man” (Shakespeare, Hamlet 1.3.78-80).

Laren David DubkowskiParents: Barry and Carol DubkowskiCongregation: Boise, IdahoHigh School Accomplishments: Honor Society,

graduated cum laude, gained experience byworking after school for four years as acomputer tech for the schools in the district.Junior and senior years he earned 15 col-lege credits through Northwest NazareneUniversity and Boise State University.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Larenhelps out with the sound system set up. Heenjoys guitar, tennis, music, athletics,socializing, work and cooking.

Plans After Graduation: Laren plans to attend

Boise State University, major in businessadministration and work part-time tutoringat the university.

Quote: “It’s been real, it’s been fun, but it has-n’t been real fun.”

Motto: Smarter, not harder.Advice: Don’t take the short end of the stick.

Darrell DukeParents: Ted and Joan DukeCongregation: East Texas, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: Taking a home

study course has allowed Darrell more time

to focus on his music. He has been playingdrums since age 5. He is a member of a localband that performs at many social events.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Darrellworks with his local church sound. He isoften asked to run the sound at weddingsand other social events. In his free time heinstalls car audio and surround sound forhome theater.

Plans After Graduation: Darrell will attendcollege this fall with his primary focus ondesign drafting and engineering classes.

Additional Comment: “Don’t worry, be happy!”

Andrew GiddensParents: Ralph and Sherrie GiddensCongregation: St. Louis, MissouriHigh School Accomplishments: Swimmer of the

Year (’99-’00), Ozzie Engelbart MemorialAward (Pinecrest 2004), 3.9 GPA and ascholarship to Southwest Missouri StateUniversity that covers tuition/student fees.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Andrew has been on the volunteer staff at theCentral Region preteen camp for the pastthree years and a camper at Pinecrest for thepast four years. His hobbies include tradingcard games, reading, computers/Internet,video games and writing.

Plans After Graduation: Andrew plans to go toSouthwest Missouri State University to studycomputer science (with a required minor inmathematics). He will also continue to pur-sue his hobby of writing fictional stories.

Favorite Quote: “We cannot tell the precisemoment when friendship is formed. As in

filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at lasta drop which makes it run over; so in aseries of kindnesses there is at last onewhich makes the heart run over”(Fahrenheit 451).

Favorite Scripture: “Finally, brethren, whatev-er things are true, whatever things are noble,whatever things are just, whatever thingsare pure, whatever things are lovely, what-ever things are of good report, if there isany virtue and if there is anything praise-

worthy—meditate on these things”(Philippians 4:8).

Brian David GoodrichParents: David and Kandy GoodrichCongregation: Eureka, CaliforniaHigh School Accomplishments: Through the

Humbouldt Regional OccupationalProgram, was the only student to completeall the certificates for Microsoft Office andAdobe Page Maker.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Hesets up, runs and takes down the sound sys-tem in his local congregation.

Plans After Graduation: Brian plans to go toCollins College in Arizona for 21⁄2 years fora BA in game design.

Favorite Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8) TrueLove—if everyone just followed thesescriptures, there would be no divorce andthe couple could live in true love.

Teri HaneyParents: Larry and Frances HaneyCongregation: Columbus, OhioHigh School Accomplishments: Valedictorian, a

delegate for Ohio Buckeye Girls State ’03.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: At

church Teri enjoys playing hymns, singingspecial music and playing the French hornin the brass ensemble. She has attendedcamp at Woodmen, Heritage, the Tetonsand was on the staff for two years at thepreteen camp, Buckeye. She loves to traveland her favorite city so far is Paris becauseyou can easily walk everywhere andobserve the culture.

Plans After Graduation: Teri plans to attend

Kent State University to study graphicdesign and would like to study abroad for asemester or two.

Favorite Scripture: “Be strong and of goodcourage, do not fear nor be afraid of them;for the LORD your God, He is the One whogoes with you. He will not leave you norforsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Brett HaniskoParents: Michael and Zelda HaniskoCongregation: Milwaukee, WisconsinHigh School Accomplishments: Fifth in class,

Wisconsin academic excellence scholarship,multiple time student achiever and studentof the month, AP scholar—5 AP classes,varsity math team, National MeritScholarship winner, community service,

National Honor Society member, graduatedsumma cum laude.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Brettserved as teen club president, sings, playscello/piano, and was a member of a swingchoir and the Milwaukee Youth SymphonyOrchestra. Other interests include photogra-phy, computers, classical/opera music, mathand science—especially chemistry.

Plans After Graduation: Brett will attendUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison, wherehe plans to major in biochemistry.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:8.

Amy Sue HargartenParents: Jim and Amy Hargarten

Laren David Dubkowski

Darrell Duke

Teri Haney

Andrew Giddens

Brian David Goodrich

Brett Hanisko

Aaron Keith (AJ) Dean Jr.

Anya Rochelle Drown

Amy Sue Hargarten

Graduates2004


Congregation: Minneapolis, MinnesotaHigh School Accomplishments: Amy took col-

lege classes in her senior year.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Amy

loves sewing, cooking and music. She per-forms for church on piano and with herfamily singing group as well as with thewomen’s chorus.

Plans After Graduation: Amy plans to developa sewing business and work at David’sBridal as an alterations specialist.

Joel HargartenParents: Jim and Amy HargartenCongregation: Minneapolis, MinnesotaHigh School Accomplishments: Joel went to col-

lege in his junior and senior years and fin-ished an associate’s in computer science.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Joelloves sports and music. He is on the churchsound crew and performs for special musicon piano and with his family singing group.

Plans After Graduation: Joel plans to develophis own computer business with his brotherJeff.

Ryan M. HaydenParents: Cecil and Deborah HaydenCongregation: Williamsburg, VirginiaChurch Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Ryan

enjoys skateboarding and cars.

Plans After Graduation: Ryan plans to contin-ue his education to become an LPN.

Motto: Work hard, play hard, give your all ineverything you do.

Mark HelsethParents: David and Rosetta HelsethCongregation: Sioux Falls, South DakotaHigh School Accomplishments: President’s

Academic Award, Geography Bee Award,Excellence Rating–Band, Certificate ofInvitation to National Student LeadershipConference, Gifted Education Award, invi-tation to People to People StudentAmbassador Program, A Honor Rollthroughout high school.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Mark’s hobbies are reading, basketball andrepairing things. He is interested in archae-

ology and history and learning about manythings. He also likes to be out in nature.

Plans After Graduation: The last week in JulyMark was scheduled to attend a biblicalarchaeology seminar at St. Olaf College inNorthfield, Minnesota. In the fall he will beapplying for scholarships, maybe taking acourse in finances and continuing to savefor college. In the fall of 2005 he plans onattending the University of South Dakota inVermillion, focusing on archaeology.

Favorite Quote: “Make order out of chaos.”Favorite Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever

your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”

David HendersonParents: Kathy and Jerry TilleryCongregation: Houston North, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: American

Volunteer scholarship; certificate of recog-nition for 320 hours of community service;internship in computer repair.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Davidenjoys spending time with family andfriends and reading books.

Plans After Graduation: David plans to go toKingwood College and major in computers.

Favorite Quotes: “We make a living by whatwe get. We make a life by what we give”—Sir Winston Churchill. “Fall seven times.Stand up eight”—Japanese proverb.

David HirstParents: Allen and Sandi Hirst

Congregation: Post Falls/Spokane, WashingtonHigh School Accomplishments: Lettered in

cross-country and soccer.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: David

is a member of the ski patrol at SilverMountain, and enjoys soccer.

Plans After Graduation: David’s plans includebeing an electrician apprentice and develop-ing a real estate investment company.

Additional Comment: “Be happy.”

Natasha HolterParents: Randy Holter and Kelly PruchaCongregation: Portland, OregonHigh School Accomplishments: National Honor

Society, honor roll, scholar athlete, four-yearvarsity cheerleading, three-year varsity track.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Church dance team and church youth camp.

Plans After Graduation: Natasha plans toattend Washington State University andreceive a master’s in English. She plans onbecoming a high school English teacher.

Favorite Scripture: “To everything there is aseason, a time for every purpose underheaven . . . A time to weep, and a time tolaugh; a time to mourn, and a time todance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4).

Alyse HowieParents: Steve and Helen HowieCongregation: St. Paul, MinnesotaHigh School Accomplishments: State champi-

on synchronized swimming trio two yearsin a row; all-conference in synchro. Threeyears in a row all-conference orchestra; all-state orchestra.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Alysehas been a synchronized swimmer and an

orchestra member for six years. She lovesall genres of music and is very athletic. Shealso did gymnastics, swimming (racing),basketball, volleyball and soccer.

Plans After Graduation: Alyse plans to attendAugsburg College in Minneapolis,Minnesota, to major in music therapy andminor in architecture.

Heather Amanda KernParents: Tammy Sheerin and Tim KernCongregation: Dayton, OhioHigh School Accomplishments: Fair Valley

summer swim team; school swim team;Coaches’ Award; Coaches’ AttendanceAward; women’s team won GreaterWestern Ohio Conference title; school-

wide All Sports Award, four years; ballet.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:

Heather enjoys crocheting, ballet, swim-ming, bicycling and camping.

Plans After Graduation: She plans to attendSinclair Community College in Dayton tostart a career in teaching (kindergarten).

Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:28: “And weknow that all things work together for goodto those who love God, to those who are thecalled according to His purpose.”

Favorite Hymn: “Seek Ye First.”

Josh KinneyParents: Ken and Ruth KinneyCongregation: Beloit, Wisconsin

High School Accomplishments: Drama Club forfour years, serving as historian, sergeant atarms and tech representative (two years).Josh achieved second place in a regionalcomputer-aided drafting (CAD) competition.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Joshenjoys going to all of the church activitiesthat he can, hanging out with all of the localteens and going to church camps. He enjoysworking in theater, and he became stagemanager and backstage chief.

Plans After Graduation: He plans to attend alocal college for two years and then transferto the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to study architecture.

Favorite Saying: “Continue on your path andnever give up.”

Ashley KuhnsParents: Dennis and Beth KuhnsCongregation: Youngstown, OhioHigh School Accomplishments: National Honor

Society, vice president of Spanish Club, var-sity letter in tennis, received incentive schol-David Hirst

Alyse Howie

Natasha Holter

David Henderson

Josh Kinney

Heather Amanda Kern

Mark Helseth

Joel Hargarten

Ryan M. Hayden

Graduates2004


arship award four years in a row and award-ed a gold key for scholastic achievement,member of Pep Club, band, Tri-Hi-Y, stu-dent council, graduated with honors andreceived the EPHS Alumni Scholarship.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Ashley was vice president of the churchTeen Speech Club and has attended CampHeritage and Camp Woodmen. She hasserved on the staff at Camp Buckeye, andloves to work with younger children. Sheloves to play tennis, write, scrapbook andtake pictures.

Plans After Graduation: She will be attendingBaldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio,majoring in early childhood education. Shewas awarded the Presidential Scholarship.

Favorite Saying: “Knowing what you stand forlimits what you fall for.”

Lynette Adrienne LobienParents: Cliff and Wanda LobienCongregation: Watertown, South DakotaHigh School Accomplishments: Mabel Salmon

Scholarship, BFEA Scholarship, OscarHowe Summer Art Institute ArtScholarship, National Honor Society.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Lynette’s interests are art, writing, reading,watching cartoons, greyhounds, pet catfishand frogs.

Plans After Graduation: Lynette plans to getthrough college first, then become a profes-sional artist and get a pet greyhound.

Additional Comments: “My favorite Bible herois Job because he never gave up on God.”

Melanie LoganParents: Ben and Joan LoganCongregation: Delmar, DelawareHigh School Accomplishments: National Honor

Society, National Vo-Tech Honor Society,Spanish Honor Society, senior/junior classofficer, MVP girls’ varsity soccer, first teamall-conference girls’ soccer, honor roll,Health-Knowledge Bowl champion team.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Melanie has done puppet show/drama min-istry, Nicaragua mission team and played

guitar and sang with a pop/punk Christianband. She enjoys paintball, snowboarding,surfing, body boarding and going to concerts.

Plans After Graduation: She plans to attendBiola University in La Mirada, California,taking biblical studies and focusing on

youth ministry. She plans to become certi-fied as a personal trainer.

Favorite Saying: “Why try to fit in when youwere born to stand out?”

Michael Anthony LottsParents: Karen and Craig LottsCongregation: Cleveland, Ohio

Plans After Graduation: Michael plans to beeither a successful nurse/doctor or IT spe-cialist.

Louise MillerParents: Marie and David MillerCongregation: St. Paul, MinnesotaChurch Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:

Louise enjoys singing, dancing and beingwith her friends.

Plans After Graduation: Louise plans tobecome an ALC teacher, marry and havechildren.

Favorite Quote: “To err is human, to forgivedivine.”

Mary MillerParents: Dan and Martha MillerCongregation: Cambridge, OhioHigh School Accomplishments: January 2004

Student of the Month; participated in Ohio’sPost Secondary Early Enrollment Program

in her junior and senior years; Dean’s Listof Kent State Universtiy TuscarawasCampus; GPA in top 10 of class; NationalHonor Society member; John GlennScholarship from Muskingum College.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc. Maryenjoys singing, reading, e-mailing friends,going to great church activities, going tocamp and lots of other things.

Plans After Graduation: Mary is attendingMuskingum College with a major in middlechildhood education. She would like toattend ABC in 2006.

Favorite Scriptures and Quote: 1 Corinthians13:4-8; Isaiah 11:6-9. “Smile, you’ll bright-en at least one person’s day!”

James “Jimmy” Henry MillsParents: Clay and Renee MillsCongregation: Austin, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: 2001 Texas

State Marching Championship; MostDedicated Band Member 2002-2004.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Jimmy’s church activities and responsibili-ties include songleading, running audio andvideo systems, playing with the local instru-mental ensemble, playing on the Austin/SanAntonio basketball team and regular CampCarter (UYC) attendance.

Plans After Graduation: Attend college as amusic major.

Ashley MoenParents: Chris and Angela MoenCongregation: Jacksonville, FloridaHigh School Accomplishments: Graduated

with a 3.8 GPA.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:

Ashley has been attending camp for eightyears, and this year served on staff. Sheloves drawing and interior design.

Plans After Graduation: Ashley will attendFlagler College in St. Augustine, Florida,majoring in fine arts.

Comment and Scripture: “I just want to thankmy family and friends for helping me reachmy goals thus far. I have been greatly

blessed with many opportunities in life, andeach time I’ve been able to grow andmature.” “I thank my God upon everyremembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).

Jennifer MusgroveParents: Greg and Robin MusgroveCongregation: Laurel, MississippiHigh School Accomplishments: Three years

Spanish Club.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Jennifer

has attended summer camp at Woodmen andCarter and enjoys activities with the youth inthe New Orleans and Covington, Louisiana,

congregations (sister congregations). Shelikes to fish and ride four-wheelers.

Plans after Graduation: She plans to attendtwo years at the local community collegeand transfer to a four-year college.

Darris Nash NaidooParents: Colin and Meena NaidooCongregation: Durban, South AfricaHigh School Accomplishments: Prefect in

2003/2004, Outstanding Achievement inComputer Studies 2003, Certificate of Meritfor Technical Drawing and Industrial Arts.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Heenjoys sports, especially soccer.

Plans After Graduation: He plans to attend theUniversity of Kwa-Zulu Natal to receive abachelor of science in computer engineering.

Favorite Scripture: John 3:16: “For God so

Ashley Moen

James “Jimmy” Henry Mills

Louise Miller

Mary Miller

Michael Anthony Lotts

Lynette Lobien

Ashley Kuhns

Melanie Logan

Jennifer Musgrove

Darris Nash Naidoo

Graduates2004


loved the world that He gave His onlybegotten Son, that whoever believes in Himshould not perish but have everlasting life.”

Carissa Lynn NelsonParents: Bruce Jr. and Shirley NelsonCongregation: Fargo, North Dakota

High School Accomplishments: FFA officer;National Honor Society; fast-pitch softball.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Carissahas attended church camps and played bassclarinet in orchestras at various Feast sites.

Plans After Graduation: She plans to attendMinnesota State Community and TechnicalCollege for chef training.

Danielle F. NovakParents: David and Frances NovakCongregation: Denver, ColoradoHigh School Accomplishments: Volleyball.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Danielle’s activities include playing piano(since the second grade), hiking, snow-boarding and power boating.

Plans After Graduation: Danielle plans toattend ABC, become an EMT and then pur-sue nursing.

Advice: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder—so make sure you know what true beauty is.

Gavin PendergastParents: Mick and Brenda Pendergast

Congregation: Spokane/Post Falls (Idaho)High School Accomplishments: Graduated

with a 3.6 GPA.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Gavin

has been skiing for over 10 years, and is acertified ski instructor at Silver Mountain.He also loves many other sports. He hasbeen in the Church since 1996.

Plans After Graduation: Gavin plans to take ayear off from school to save for college. Heplans to go into the accounting field.

Favorite Saying: The future belongs to those whoare steadfast in achieving their goals in life.

Grant Donovan PenningtonParents: David and Rita PenningtonCongregation: Louisville, Kentucky

High School Accomplishments: Track, golf,basketball and tennis team, Gene SamsTennis Award, Who’s Who AmongAmerican High School Students, AcademicHonors Diploma, President’s EducationAward, Mr. Renaissance of HarrisonCounty and nominated for HomecomingCourt.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Grantenjoys playing music, body building, play-ing sports and volunteering at Churchcamps (Pinecrest, Hye Sierra, Woodmenand Heritage).

Plans After Graduation: Grant plans to attendABC in 2005, then study finance/manage-ment or health at IUS, possibly working inhealth services or becoming an accountant(CPA).

Jessica RiceParents: Kreg Rice and Lisa ManningCongregation: Houston South, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: President of

HOSA (Health Occupation Students ofAmerica); completed CNA (CertifiedNursing Assistant) course; Most

Outstanding Senior Award in photographyand health science technology; member ofGerman Club; independent study with Dr.Virginia Nisbet; swim team and water polo.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:

Jessica enjoys working out and cross-stitch-ing. She loves the medical field and plans tobecome a doctor of obstetrics/gynecology.

Plans After Graduation: Jessica is going to theUniversity of Texas at San Antonio andmajoring in biology and will work part-timeas a CNA.

Advice/Favorite Scripture: Have fun! Hebrews13:2: “Do not forget to entertain strangers,for by so doing some have unwittinglyentertained angels.”

Corbin RoseParents: Michael and Amy RoseCongregation: Flint, Michigan

High School Accomplishments: Top Ten,National Honor Society, student senate,newspaper/yearbook staff, Big Brothers BigSisters member, Drama Club, Tech Club,Tech Team, university scholarship.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Corbin sings in the choir, plays for hymnsand has been in speech club for teens andyoung adults. He enjoys fellowshippingwith the kids and adults.

Plans After Graduation: Corbin plans to startat a local university, take a break for ABC,then finish college to become either agraphic designer or teacher.

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 5:16: “Let yourlight so shine . . .”

Melody SchmidtParents: Randy and Darlene SchmidtCongregation: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

High School Accomplishments: NationalHonor Society, Outstanding GermanStudent, Most Valuable Orchestra Member,highest score of 5 on Advanced Placementpsychology and biology exams, high scoreof 4 on Advanced Placement English exam.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Melody plays violin in the church ensembleand sings in the choir, as well as beinginvolved in the church youth activity/serviceclub. She also enjoys musical theater,drama, music, camping, white-water raftingand reading.

Plans After Graduation: Melody will attendthe University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee,with a major in biology and a minor inGerman.

Favorite Scripture: “Trust in the LORD with allyour heart, and lean not on your own under-standing; in all your ways acknowledgeHim, and He shall direct your paths”(Proverbs 3:5-6).

Ephraim Andrew SheerinParents: Paul and Tammy SheerinCongregation: Dayton, Ohio

High School Accomplishments: Fair Valleysummer swim team; school swim team;schoolwide All Sports Award, three years;Coaches’Award; tennis team; cross-countryteam; band; Spanish Club; National HonorSociety; graduated with an HonorsDiploma. Scholarships: University ofCincinnati Cincinnatus and E3 scholarships,Award of Merit, Vandalia-Butler BoostersAssociation Scholarship, Greater WesternOhio Conference Scholar-Athlete Award.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Ephraim has been the local congregationteen representative. He enjoys bicycling,swimming, tennis and running.

Plans After Graduation: He has been accepted tothe University of Cincinnati and plans tomajor in chemical or aeronautical engineering.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:8: “Finally,brethren, whatever things are true, whateverthings are noble, whatever things are just,whatever things are pure, whatever things arelovely, whatever things are of good report, ifthere is any virtue and if there is anythingpraiseworthy, meditate on these things.”

Paul Ezekiel SheerinParents: Paul and Tammy SheerinCongregation: Dayton, OhioHigh School Accomplishments: Fair Valley sum-

mer swim team; school swim team; school-wide All Sports Award, three years; band;Miami Valley Career Technology Center, avi-ation program—power plant and air frame.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Paul en-joys building models, flying, cars and trucks.

Paul Ezekiel Sheerin

Ephraim Andrew Sheerin

Corbin Rose

Grant Donovan Pennington

Jessica Rice

Danielle F. Novak

Gavin Pendergast

Melody Schmidt

Carissa Lynn Nelson

Graduates2004


Plans After Graduation: He plans to attendSinclair Community College to become acommercial airline pilot.

Rebecca SorbyParents: Bill and Susan SorbyCongregation: Sedro Woolley, WashingtonHigh School Accomplishments: National Honor

Society all four years, graduated in top 50 outof approximately 230, received band scholar-ship, third place in art show for ceramics.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Rebecca likes to draw and do artsy stuff. Shehas played the flute for six years. She lovesoutdoors activities, especially camping andboating. She assists with Sabbath school.

Plans After Graduation: Rebecca will be attend-ing the University of Puget Sound inTacoma, Washington. She wants to major inbusiness and possibly minor in art.

Dathan SpiekerParents: David and Dawn SpiekerCongregation: Watertown, South DakotaHigh School Accomplishments: Academic All-

State for football, basketball and track;named to Who’s Who Among AmericanHigh School Students; President’s Awardfor Educational Excellence; national nomi-nee for Wendy’s High School Heisman; 4.0Honor Roll; National Honor Society presi-dent; inducted into the National Honor Roll;100% Math Club.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Dathan enjoys all kinds of sports. He alsoenjoys playing video games with his littlebrother and spending time with his family.

Plans After Graduation: Dathan will attendNorthern State University in Aberdeen,South Dakota, to major in accounting.

Additional Comment: “I have found that youshould always respect those around you,because you never know when you mightneed their help.”

Jim SpringerParents: Jim and Lorinda SpringerCongregation: Sacramento, California

High School Accomplishments: Winner ofseven scholarships, officer positions inFrench Club and California ScholarshipFederation, Community Service Awardpins, member of yearbook staff, variousacademic honors, 4.1 GPA.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Jimmaintains the local congregation Web siteand helps with the church sound system. Heenjoys basketball, hiking, fishing, cars andphotography.

Plans After Graduation: Jim will attend SierraCollege in Rocklin, California, and major incivil engineering.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 1:20: “For since thecreation of the world His invisible attributesare clearly seen, being understood by thethings that are made, even His eternal powerand Godhead, so they are without excuse.”

Jason Richard StewartParents: Daniel and Jacqueline StewartCongregation: Youngstown, OhioHigh School Accomplishments: Jason did a

mentorship program and took advanceplacement courses.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Heserved as sergeant at arms for the NortheastOhio Teen Speech Club. He has also servedas an usher and on the sound crew at church.

Plans After Graduation: Jason plans to go toABC first, then to Youngstown StateUniversity, followed by Logan College ofChiropractic to become a chiropractor.

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 6:33: “But seek firstthe kingdom of God and His righteousness,and all these things shall be added to you.”

Quote: “Cheer up. It gets worse.”Advice: Don’t hold back. Do everything you

can while following God’s law.

Roy Quentin SutherlandParents: Dennis and Helen SutherlandCongregation: Louisville, KentuckyHigh School Accomplishments: Indiana

Academic Honors Diploma, Cub HonorsDiploma (science and math).

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Royserves on the church sound crew, and hasattended Camp Heritage and Woodmen. Heenjoys playing video games and reading(favorite author, Orson Scott Card).

Plans After Graduation: He will attend PurdueUniversity in West Lafayette, Indiana,studying electrical engineering technology.

Adrian Marie ThomasParents: John and Kathy ThomasCongregation: Lansing, MichiganHigh School Accomplishments: Graduated

with honors.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:

Adrian enjoys dance, track and field andspending time with friends and family,especially her 10-month-old nephew.

Plans After Graduation: Adrian will be attend-ing Central Michigan University.

Kathleen ThomasParents: Greg and B.J. ThomasCongregation: Cleveland, OhioHigh School Accomplishments: Kathleen

received 32 college credits during her senioryear and was on the honor roll. She per-formed many hours of community serviceworking with special needs children as partof Project CARE.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Shewas part of the Northeast Ohio Teen SpeechClub for four years and worked on the staffof the area preteen camp all through herteen years. She enjoys fellowshipping,working out and amusement parks.

Plans After Graduation: Kathleen plans to fin-ish her associate’s degree at Lorain CountyCommunity College, attend ABC in 2006and then continue her bachelor’s and mas-ter’s degrees in physical therapy at BowlingGreen State University in Ohio.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:38-39: “For I ampersuaded that neither death, not life, norangels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor

things present, nor things to come, nor height,nor depth, nor any other created thing, shallbe able to separate us from the love of Godwhich is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Advice: It’s always the right time to do theright thing.

Jeremiah Kenneth M. TiuParents: Roberto and Anita M. TiuCongregation: Bacolod City, PhilippinesHigh School Accomplishments: Honors: ’00-

’01 fifth honor, ’01-’02 fifth honor, ’02-’03third honor; ’03-’04 first honorable men-tion; Math Trainer’s Guild passer (’01-’02);Philippine Math Olympiad participant (’00-’01); 5K Fun Walk third place (’00-’01);Pantomime Contest third place (’01-’02);Oration Contest third place (’02-’03);General Info Contest third place (’02-’03);Clarion feature writer (school paper ’02-’03); sub-associate editor/entertainment(’03-’04); Filipino Costume third place(’03-’04); Student Council Organization

vice peace and order chairman (’03-’04);Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Essay Writing Contestfinalist (fourth year ’03-’04); Double TenCelebration Chinese Vocal Solo Contestsecond place (’03-’04).

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:

Kenneth loves singing and is a member ofthe church choir. He loves participating inchurch activities.

Plans After Graduation: Kenneth would like tocontinue his studies in college at theUniversity of St. La Salle pursuing a bache-lor of science in commerce with a major inagribusiness. He is grateful that God hadgiven him the opportunity to continue hisstudies, despite hardships and trials.

Favorite Scripture: “Train up a child in theway he should go, and when he is old hewill not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, ingratitude to his parents).

Laura Lynn TraverParents: Marianne and Richard TraverCongregation: Grand Junction, ColoradoHigh School Accomplishments: Played junior

varsity tennis three years, French Club,National Honor Society, honor roll all fouryears with 3.5+ GPA, graduated with hon-ors and performed 92 hours of communityservice. Took media technology classthrough Mesa State College, learning thebasics of camera operation, video produc-tion, computer animation (LightWave) andlinear and nonlinear editing.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Lauraplays tennis with her parents, brother and

friends, has snowboarded for about sixyears. She loves street motorcycles, writingfiction stories, drawing and doodling, videogames and comic books.

Plans After Graduation: Laura has beenaccepted to the Academy of Art Universityin San Francisco, California, and will pur-sue a degree in computer arts so she can dovisual effects for movies/TV.

Additional Comment: “I have always believed indoing my best in whatever I’m doing, becauseI feel that nothing in life deserves less!”

Adrian Marie Thomas

Jeremiah Kenneth M. Tiu

Kathleen Thomas

Rebecca Sorby

Jim Springer

Dathan Spieker

Laura Lynn Traver

Graduates2004


Messina TruttmanParents: Randy and Cindy TruttmanCongregation: Collinsville, IllinoisHigh School Accomplishments: High honors,

member of newspaper staff, St. Vincent dePaul, Science Club and Rotary InteractClub.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:Messina enjoys writing and poetry, jet ski-ing, tennis, swimming, kickboxing andmodeling.

Plans After Graduation: Messina plans toattend Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville to study dental medicine.

Motto or Advice: Dance like nobody’s watch-ing, sing like nobody’s listening and livelike there’s no tomorrow!

Kevan UmberfieldParents: Clay and Jeanne UmberfieldCongregation: Saginaw, Michigan High School Accomplishments: Valedictorian,

honor roll, National Honor Society presi-dent, varsity basketball captain, basketballall-area honorable mention, DAR GoodCitizen, Student Council treasurer, Studentof the Year, Top Citizenship Award,National Merit Finalist, director of sixschool plays, Science Fair Best of Show.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Kevanis a songleader and has performed special

music solo and with his father. He enjoysthe theater and has appeared in many playsin school and at the local Arts Center,including The Wizard of Oz; Hello, Dolly!;Tom Sawyer and Ducktails and Bobbysox.He has been able to direct and work back-stage in several school plays. He enjoysreading, basketball, singing, piano, comput-ers, amateur radio and being with familyand friends.

Plans After Graduation: Kevan is tentativelyplanning on pursuing a degree in civil engi-neering. He hopes to study abroad inEurope for a semester.

Amber Christine WarrenParents: Tresa Schoolem and Samuel WarrenCongregation: Sedro Woolley, Washington

High School Accomplishments: NationalHonor Society, faculty award in history.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Amberenjoys attending camp and doing variousyouth group activities such as themed dinnerparties, dances and outdoor activities.

Plans After Graduation: She will be attending

the University of Washington.Favorite Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.Motto: Love never fails.

Janette WilloughbyParents: Jack and Vicki WilloughbyCongregation: Bentonville, ArkansasHigh School Accomplishments: Eta Sigma

Alpha National Honor Society.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:

Janette loved being a camper and now astaff member at United Youth Camps. Pianois a big aspect of her life, and she hasplayed for about 12 years. She also enjoysdancing (tap, jazz and pointe).

Plans After Graduation: Janette plans to attenda local community college then transfer tothe University of Arkansas.

Favorite Scripture: “Trust in the LORD with allyour heart, and lean not on your own under-standing; in all your ways acknowledgeHim, and He shall direct your paths”(Proverbs 3:5-6).

Vincent Rogers WinnerParents: Mark and Colleen WinnerCongregation: Louisville, KentuckyHigh School Accomplishments: Graduated third

in his class with JHS Honors and IndianaAcademic Honors. Member of NationalHonor Society, Math Team, AcademicSuper Bowl (science and math), receivedBest Delegation twice in Model UN.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Hehas attended several camps: Sequasin (’95),Heritage (’96-’97), Woodmen (’98-’04). Heenjoys playing bass guitar (four years), life-guarding, playing basketball and sand vol-leyball, strategy games and speaking in var-ious accents.

Plans After Graduation: His plans include

attending Vanderbilt University inNashville, Tennessee, and attending ABCafter college.

Favorite Quote: “The difference between asuccessful person and others is not a lack ofstrength, not a lack of knowledge, but rathera lack of will” (Vincent T. Lombardi).

Brittany N. WittParents: John J. Witt and Cynthia Y. WittCongregation: Laredo, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: Graduated sixth

of approximately 500, varsity tennis, JV vol-

leyball, class secretary, Legendary Longhorn.Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.:

Brittany loves the Bible and the Sabbath.Plans After Graduation: Brittany plans to

attend Texas A&M International Universityto get a master’s in nursing.

Advice: Keep your priorities straight andeverything will work out for the best!

Mark WorthenParents: Perry and Nancy Worthen

Congregation: East Texas, TexasHigh School Accomplishments: All As, home-

schooled, started college classes aftersophomore year.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Markparticipates on his congregation’s basketballand volleyball teams. He works with hisgrandfather as a brick hand and in hisfather’s health food business.

Plans After Graduation: His plans include get-ting an ABA at Tyler Junior College and aBBA at, perhaps, the University of Texas atTyler, and to continue working in hisfather’s health food business.

Favorite Quote: “A penny saved is a pennyearned” (Benjamin Franklin).

Zachary ZimmermanParents: Wayne and Jan Zimmerman

Congregation: Louisville, KentuckyHigh School Accomplishments: Homeschooled

through high school.Plans After Graduation: He will attend Berea

College.

What ABC Can Mean for You!ABC can represent the first letters of the alpha-

bet or a television network. But to the United Churchof God it means Ambassador Bible Center.

ABC means a biblical education among thoseof like beliefs. For the first time in your educa-tional experience, you may attend an institutionthat is geared to your spiritual needs and thatplaces a priority on the morals that you embrace.It means that you may participate in all of the activities because they are scheduled at times you

may attend. It means forming close bonds and friendships with fellow ABC studentsyou’ll be with seven hours a day, five days a week for seven months. ABC means ser-vice opportunities in the home office and surrounding church areas.

ABC means an opportunity to enhance your life by being taught living principlesfrom God’s Word. At ABC,we are accepting applications! Write for yoursat: P.O. Box 54992, Cincinnati, OH 45254-0992 or download an applica-tion at our UCG Web site at www.ucg.org/abc.Or you may call (513) 576-9796 and ask to speak to Registrar Ralph Levy or Admissions Officer Gary

Antion about any questions you may have.

ABC may mean the beginning of a new experience that will have an eternal effecton your life!

Brittany N. Witt

Zachary ZimmermanJanette Willoughby

Kevan Umberfield

Amber Christine Warren

Messina TruttmanVincent Rogers Winner

Mark Worthen

Graduates2004


by Anthony Wasilkoff

Recently a fellow believer shared anexperience from her school days whenshe wrote a tribute to a local citizen. Thedistinguished individual was describedas being a “God-fearing person.” How-ever, a religious classmate greatlydecried this description, claiming thatGod should only be loved and certainlynot feared. This religious friend is notthe only one who labors under thisunfortunate misunderstanding.

Jesus Christ Himself clearly taughtappropriate fear is absolutely necessaryfor His followers to inculcate. InMatthew 10:28 we are told, “And do notfear those who kill the body but cannotkill the soul. But rather fear Him who isable to destroy both soul and body inhell.”

Furthermore, as described inHebrews 5: 7, our Savior is He “who, inthe days of His flesh, when He hadoffered up prayers and supplications,with vehement cries and tears to Himwho was able to save Him from death,and was heard because of His godlyfear.”

It won’t be long before all of us willbe observing the Feast of Tabernacles.

Some of us will be attending the nearestFestival site, others will be transferringto a site of our choice and yet others willbe keeping the Feast at home out ofnecessity. In all circumstances the scrip-tural objective for observing the Feast ofTabernacles remains twofold. Each of uswill be keeping the same Feast in differ-ent locations,but we’ll be doing it for thesame two vital reasons prescribed by theWord of God.

Learning to Fear GodThe first objective for the Feast of

Tabernacles is identified for us inDeuteronomy 14:23:“And you shall eatbefore the LORD your God, in the placewhere He chooses to make His nameabide, the tithe of your grain and yournew wine and your oil,of the firstborn ofyour herds and your flocks, that you maylearn to fear the LORD your God always.”

Fearing God doesn’t come naturally.It has to be acquired. According to thescripture above, it has to be carefully andfaithfully “learned.” Furthermore, thisvital and healthy fear must be reacquiredor reviewed each year so as to be certainthat it lasts a lifetime, that is, “always.”

What does it mean to “fear God”?One of the best definitions I have heard

is “to take God seriously.” How manypeople take God all that seriously in ourday and age? In 2 Timothy 3:5 Pauldescribes the end time as a time whenthere would be a proclivity for “havinga form of godliness but denying its pow-er. And from such people turn away!”On the other hand, Psalm 111:10admonishes,“The fear of the LORD is thebeginning of wisdom.” We observe theFeast of Tabernacles each year to bereminded of these essential lessons.

Commanded to Rejoice!The second fundamental objective of

the Feast is found in Deuteronomy 12:7:“And there you shall eat before the LORD

your God, and you shall rejoice in all towhich you have put your hand, you andyour households, in which the LORD

your God has blessed you.”What a marvelous objective! What a

wonderful command!Just in case there was any misunder-

standing, our Creator added additionalemphasis in Deuteronomy 16:15: “Sev-en days you shall keep a sacred feast tothe LORD your God in the place whichthe LORD chooses, because the LORD

your God will bless you in all your pro-duce and in all the work of your hands,

so that you surelyrejoice.”

How remarkable it is tobe commanded to be hap-py for an entire week andto express and share thathappiness with others!

Some may think thatthese two Feast objectivesare incompatible, thatthey clash, that they real-ly don’t meld that welltogether. How can a per-son fear on one hand andthen rejoice on the other?Aren’t these two actions and emotionscontradictory? Not at all! The fear ofGod directs us to the attitudes and behav-iors that produce genuine happiness andthus allow us to experience genuine joythat has no hidden or delayed headachesand repercussions.

The book of Philippians gives repeat-ed instructions to the Christian to main-tain a positive mind-set of rejoicing.When you have a moment, take a con-cordance and proceed through this shortepistle and look up every passage thatuses the word “rejoice” or “rejoiced.”Aremarkable theme emerges. Rememberthat these admonitions, although

inspired by God, were being issued byan incarcerated man with limited free-doms to his fellow believers who are “onthe outside”!

Wherever you observe the Feast ofTabernacles this year,be sure you under-go a life-altering experience with a firmgrasp of the Feast’s twofold objective:“learn to fear the LORD your Godalways” and “you shall rejoice in all towhich you have put your hand.” Formore than a week we will be blessed toconcentrate on God’s plan,His truth andHis way of life with minimal distractionsfrom the world so that we come awayrenewed and refreshed. UN

A Time for Two Vital Lessons

■ Todd Beamer became ahero Sept. 11, and his lastwords became a rallying cryfor a nation. God’s elect arehearing a similar cry to helpsave the world. Are weready?by Lynn Marshall

It was a lovely September morning—not a cloud to be seen across the brilliantblue sky. United flight 93 took off fromNewark bound for San Francisco. Itshould have been a straightforward,easy, six-hour flight. But instead theplane made a hairpin left turn aboveCleveland, veering sharply off courseand turning south at first, then east . . .straight toward Washington, D.C.

It became a story with a challengingmessage. The words “let’s roll” have todo with taking on a task realizing thereis a sacrifice involved. It was the story ofthe civilians of flight 93 at the time ofthe Twin Towers attack when they tookon the hijackers rather than let the planefly on to Washington.

Later “Let’s Roll” would become aU.S. rallying cry against terrorism. Itwas the only terrorist attack that day inwhich no lives were lost on the groundas a result of the crash. Tragic as it was,the plane fortunately didn’t crash into theCapitol nor the White House, Camp

David or any other national landmarks.Instead, it crashed at 10:30 a.m. on Sept.11, 2001, in an open meadow with onlya stone cabin more than a quarter of amile away. There were many heroes onthe flight that day. One of them was ayoung man named Todd Beamer.

Todd had made a phone call from theflight. He called on the passenger seatAirphone and the call went to Lisa Jef-ferson, the operator in the Chicago area.Lisa took the call, which covered some15 minutes in duration. Lisa was the lasthuman link with Todd.

Afterward she provided a firsthandaccount of what Todd had said and done.Todd kept Lisa informed as to what washappening on the flight. At one time herecited Psalm 23 with her. At anothertime he said he was going to have to goout in faith.

He also told her a little about his fam-ily and made Lisa Jefferson promise tocall them and tell them how much heloved them.

Then Todd said to brave fellow pas-sengers, “Are you ready? Let’s roll.” Heleft the phone hanging still connected.He never came back on. Lisa heardscreaming in the background. Shortlyafter that the plane went down, blastinga hole in the earth 50-feet deep.

HeroesTodd Beamer died when he led the

charge aboard flight 93 to try to recoverthe cockpit from the hijackers. His

courageous actions didn’t save the livesof his fellow passengers, but he and oth-ers helped prevent the aircraft fromreaching its target—perhaps the U.S.Capitol building. Todd Beamer, age 32,left behind two little boys aged 3 and 19months and Lisa his pregnant wife.

After 9/11, a Vietnam veteran sentLisa Beamer his Purple Heart earned inbattle. A World War II veteran did thesame. The U.S. Congress gave her a pro-longed standing ovation. And of ToddBeamer’s heroic act? According to aneditorial in the Dallas Morning News,he became one of the three mostadmired individuals in America. Toddand Lisa Beamer became symbols ofnational and personal strength in the faceof crisis, Todd for the brave actions thatcost his life, and Lisa for her graciousand courageous response.

Lisa Beamer has written of thetragedy and its effect on her life in Let’sRoll. She explains that Todd was raisedwith strong biblical values, whichemphasized family loyalty, faith in Godand personal integrity. Each morningbefore school, Todd’s mother wouldread to her children a chapter from thebook of Proverbs.

“Let’s roll” was a phrase Todd oftenused with the family. When the boysheard “Let’s roll!” they would head forthe door. They knew what it meant, sortof “Let’s get ready for the next thingwe’re going to do.” And they wereTodd’s last recorded words.

“Let’s roll” is theirstory—a message ofcharacter, courage andfaith in the face of hor-rifying tragedy. “Let’sroll” gave courage to anation at a critical timeand then became the ral-lying cry against terror-ism.

A Rallying Cry forthe Elect

But what about the first-fruits? It is also our story.How do we view chal-lenge? Todd’s one quickheroic act probably savedmany lives and he became ahero. But saints “die daily”and do this year after year.And it often seems unno-ticed. A promise goes alongwith this daily sacrifice—that the worldwill not be destroyed because of theelect’s sake (1 Corinthians 15:31 andMatthew 24:22). In this sense we too areinvolved in saving many lives.

There are many biblical heroes wecan turn to who also faced great chal-lenges and saved lives. Esther was aheroine who rose to the challenge of sav-ing her people. Her attitude of “If I die,I die” is one the firstfruits identify withcompletely. The saints have an overrid-ing purpose in life of spreading thegospel so many can know God’s real

truth and be saved. Todd Beamer will live again in a

world free from terrorism. The firstfruitswill have a part in preparing that worldfree of the ultimate terrorist of this world,the one who holds the world captive,Satan.

This should keep our faith strong. Andwith Esther’s words, “If I perish, I per-ish,” we realize that death is just a com-ma, not a full stop. There is encourage-ment in remembering the words “let’sroll”—for even in death we still make it.What a marvelous plan. What a won-derful God! UN

‘Let’s Roll’


■ God had strong words forthose using fasting thewrong way. What should webe learning by fasting on theDay of Atonement and othertimes?by Kurt Hoyer

“They seek Me daily.” “They delightto know My ways.” “They take delightin approaching God.” Surely Christianswould like God to say these things aboutthem.

God did say those very things onceabout a group of people. He sent a spe-cial messenger to say those things, andfrom the context of the message, it couldbe one of the oldest Day of Atonementsermons on record. He also told Hismessenger the following:

“Tell My people their transgression,and the house of Jacob their sins.” In aseries of succinct, biting sentences Hedresses down these same people He hadjust seemingly praised. Why? What is itabout the Day of Atonement that weshould learn so we can avoid findingourselves in the same situation?

As you have no doubt guessed thepeople was Israel, the messenger, Isaiahand the message, Isaiah 58. A deeperlook at these passages will give us afuller appreciation of the Day of Atone-ment, and what it is supposed to do forus and to us.

After the initial attention-getting sal-vo, God addresses directly the concernsand attitude of the people using a com-mon teaching device, a hypotheticalQ&A between Him and the people. Inverse 3 He outlines their complaint.“Why have we fasted and you have notseen it? Why have we humbled our-selves and you have not noticed?”(NIV).

God answers the people’s question inverses 3 and 4. “Yet on the day of yourfasting,you do as you please and exploitall your workers. Your fasting ends inquarreling and strife” (NIV). They werefasting, but it was not working a changein their lives, not even on the very day ofthe fast! God told them in essence, “Youare not doing it right.”

In verse 5 God responds with a ques-tion of His own. It is a leading questionthat seems almost sarcastic in tone. Inessence He says, “Is this the kind of fastI want? Do I want you to afflict yoursouls and humble yourselves?” Thequestion is almost sarcastic because theobvious answer is “Yes!”

Leviticus 23:27 speaks of fasting onthe Day of Atonement: “You shall afflictyour souls.” In verse 29 it says those whodid not were to be killed! So the obviousanswer to God’s question is “Yes!”—butit is not the answer He is looking for.God’s question is designed to promptanother question, “Why?”Why fasting,why afflict our souls? If it is not an endin itself, what should we be learning?

The rest of the passage reveals thatanswer in a very clear way. It underlinesa lesson that God has repeated andrepeated to Israel from the day Hebrought them out of Egypt until the day

that you and I were baptized into spiri-tual Israel. It is a lesson our physicalforebears failed to learn and one we darenot fail to apprehend. It is a lesson ofdeveloping a godly attitude—the mindof God that motivates the actions Hedescribes here.

In Isaiah 58:6 God mentions fourthings fasting should work in us. Theseare not separate things, more like fourvariations on a theme. Let’s examinethem and we will see that they shouldnot have been foreign to Israel. Theyshould have known what fasting was allabout.

Things Fasting Should DoA fast is supposed to “loose the

bonds of wickedness.” Israel’s historyas a nation began with such an event. “Iam the LORD your God who brought youout of . . . the house of bondage” (Exo-

dus 20:2). God loosed their bonds ofwickedness in a dramatic way—Hebroke the bonds that tied them to Egypt.In Leviticus 16 God gave them a cere-mony for the Day of Atonement thathighlights this breaking of the bonds ofwickedness. Their sins were symboli-cally lifted from them and placed on thegoat to be led away into the wilderness.

No less so with us. We were broughtout of sin, spiritual Egypt, by the dra-matic sacrifice of God’s Firstborn. Thebonds of wickedness that held us havebeen broken. Paul tells us in Romans6:14 that sin no longer has dominionover us. Fasting helps to loose thosebonds that may try to reattach them-selves through our weakness. Paul con-tinues in Romans 6:16, “Whom you pre-sent yourselves slaves to obey, you arethat one’s slaves.” Each time we sinanother bond of wickedness grabs us. Soif we have yielded to sin, this Day ofAtonement helps loose us again.

Fasting also reminds us that if we areholding somebody else’s bonds, weneed to let them go. In Luke 13:10-17Jesus heals a woman. The scribes andPharisees accosted Him for healing onthe Sabbath when it was not a matter oflife or death. But Jesus defended Him-self with an interesting reference.

According to Jewish custom of theday, it was a sin to feed your ox on theSabbath. That was too much work.However if your ox was tied in his stall,you could let him loose to fend for him-self. Jesus’ justification for healing thiswoman is based on this principle. He

was just loosing her from her bonds.The second thing fasting does is to

“undo the heavy burdens.” In Leviti-cus 23:28, the children of Israel werecommanded not to work at all on theDay of Atonement. They were not to beburdened.

God reminds us that sin is a heavyburden (Psalm 38:4). Sin, or a guiltyconscience, is a heavy thing to carryaround. These heavy burdens can beundone through fasting because the fastmakes us aware of our weakness andprompts us to call out for help.

What about the burdens we place onothers? Matthew 6:12 is part of a famil-iar passage commonly known as “TheLord’s Prayer.”“Forgive us our debts, aswe forgive our debtors.” Does someoneowe you something? Maybe an apolo-gy? A second chance? A better deal?What would happen if you were to undo

that burden of debt? These are the typesof burdens fasting is supposed to undo.

Fasting makes us humble, at leasttemporarily. Without the burden of ourpride, maybe we can go to our brotherand ask forgiveness for something wedid.

Thirdly God says fasting is to “let theoppressed go free.”Again Israel shouldhave known this. After being cruellyoppressed for several generations Godheard their cries. In Exodus 10:3 Godtells Pharaoh, “Let My people go.” Thecivil laws God gave to His people rein-forced the importance of letting theoppressed go free. The law also tied thisidea directly to the Day of Atonement.

Leviticus 25:9-10 speaks of theJubilee year. This was a special year outof every 50. It began with a proclamationof liberty on the Day of Atonement.Verse 17 reminds the people to notoppress. Verse 28 tells them to return theancestral land to the original families towhom it was given.

The Jubilee was a time of forgivingdebts and freeing slaves or bondservants.Yet what was the history of Israel?Oppressing the poor, oppressing wid-ows, not returning the land, not grantingliberty. Isaiah tells them as much inchapter 58. Zechariah also mentions thisin chapter 7:9-12. They failed to learnthe Atonement lesson of letting theoppressed go free.

Fasting frees us from oppression. Italso reminds us to free others. Who arewe oppressing? Do we oppress others inour congregations with our disapproval

and scorn? Do we treat some as the Jewsof Jesus day treated the Samaritans? Arewe oppressive in our jobs or families?This Day of Atonement why don’t welet our oppressed go free?

The fourth thing fasting does for us isto “break every yoke”—not some,every. Again Israel should have knownthis since in Leviticus 26:13 God speaksof having broken the bands of their yoke.Lamentations 1:14 tells us that Godbreaks the yoke of our transgressions.

A yoke is a device attached to theshoulders of oxen that is then attachedto a plow. Its purpose is to enable thefarmer to control the strength of the oxenfor his own purposes. Part of that controlis established by the weight and strengthof the yoke. Our sins act as a yoke. Theyweigh upon us and they allow Satan tocontrol our actions. They push our headsdown so we cannot see the light aboveus.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:30: “Myyoke is easy, and My burden is light.”Fasting humbles us, and that humilityprompts us to ask for God’s assistance tobreak the yoke of sin. With that yokebroken, we are free to walk as Jesuswalked, not as the adversary woulddirect us.

This is why God wants us to fast. Thisis what fasting does for us. This is thecore of the Day of Atonement. Or is it?

Fruits of a FastIsaiah’s message does not end with

verse 6. God actually mentions severalother things in a particular tone. Allowme to paraphrase:

“Here’s the fast I’m talking about,”says God. “It looses the bands ofwickedness, releases the heavy burdens,frees the oppressed, and breaks everyyoke. Because of that—because of whatit does for you—there are some things Iwant you to do. In fact, if the fast is prop-er, you will do them. If you do not, thefast was wasted.”

As in many cases, it is our responseGod is interested in. So what should ourreaction to a fast, such as the Day ofAtonement, be? What is the fruit of aproper fast?

1. Feed the hungry. Feeling hungryshould give us empathy for those whoare hungry all the time and shouldprompt us to do something about it when

we have the chance. Mark 6:38-44shows that feeding the hungry was partof Christ’s work. Has it changed now?Do you know you have brethren whoseprimary diet consists of a tasteless corndough, collard greens and tea? Wouldyou want to eat that every day of yourlife? Some of our congregations runfood banks. There are people scattered inall congregations who donate time,effort and money to food programs orwho drop food off on the doorsteps ofthe less fortunate.

Of course this applies spiritually aswell. Matthew 5:6 speaks of those whohunger and thirst after righteousness.What about us? Our conversations atchurch should be nourishing spiritually.That does not just mean talking aboutScripture. It can include the sharing ofexperiences, the small miracles that hap-pen in our daily lives. How about ourhomes? Can the hungry find spiritualfood there?

2. Shelter the homeless. Fastingshould prompt in us a desire to provideshelter. How is your hospitality?

Churches of God have participated inshelter projects such as Habitat forHumanity. Other congregations havedeveloped teams of people who helprefurbish housing for elderly or infirmmembers. Of course this has a spiritualdimension as well.

Is your congregation a shelter spiritu-ally? Can the spiritually homeless, thosewho are seeking the truth, find shelterthere? Do they feel safe talking abouttheir calling or are they only receivedinto what Paul calls “doubtful disputa-tions” (Romans 14:1, KJV)?

3. Clothe the naked. What do we dowith our cast-off clothes? Some congre-gations run used clothing programs—have you donated recently? Why onlycast-offs? How many coats do you have?How many do you wear?

The principle of leaving the gleaningsfor the poor to collect should teach usthat we are not supposed to wring outevery last bit of profit. We are to leavesome for the less fortunate.

Revelation 19:8 equates clothing withrighteousness. Are we helping to clothethe naked spiritually? What do we talkabout? Do we spend our time revealing

The Fast That God Has Chosen

The Story of JosephJoseph Kihara was a longtime member. He

lived with his parents on a farm plot in the high-lands of central Kenya. For several years hewas the only Church member for miles around.He talked with his neighbors, he lent them hisliterature, he gave them his literature. He wasknown as “that godly man” or “that goodman.”

I only knew Joseph for the last few monthsof his life. I visited with him and his family afew times in the small hut he built himself. Onmore than one occasion during his fight withthe cancer that claimed his life, somebody many miles away would give some-body else some money for x-rays or medicine for “that good man,” and the mon-ey would pass through several hands before it finally reached him.

We now have two growing groups meeting in that general area. I think Josephgot the lesson of Atonement. He did not hide himself from his own flesh.

Our sins act as a yoke. They weigh upon us and they allow Satanto control our actions. They push our heads down so we cannot see

the light above us.

See “Fast,” page 23


Helping theUnemployed

While employment goes on a roller-coasterride with the economy, most available jobs are inthe lower paying “service” areas. Older andskilled workers are finding it hard to keep theirjobs and even harder to find employment.

The Employment Assistance Network (EAN)was founded in 1995 and has been an effectiveresource in helping those who find themselvessuddenly unemployed and in search of newemployment. What can be done?

While many still view their career as onejob—one company, “till death do us part,” thejob market has drastically changed in the pastcouple of decades. In his book, The Quick JobHunt Guide, author Robert Siedle explains howthe corporate giants sought to cutoverhead by elimi-nating employeeswith long tenure;thus lowering currentsalaries and expen-sive retirement plans.

Recent CaliforniaEmployment Devel-opment Department(EDD) statistics showthat those in the upperwage brackets, $50,000per year and above, canexpect to change jobsevery three to fiveyears—voluntarily ornot. And it is not muchbetter for those making less. So it behooves all ofthose employed to become aware of the job mar-ket and to gain or sharpen job search skills.

The EAN has established a Web site to pro-vide resources to the job seeker, www.ean-ucg.org. EAN also has a number of helpful arti-cles and brochures, the masters of which, in

Microsoft Word or PDF format, are available toall congregations.

The Web site is available and friendly to non-Church members as well, and provides a serviceto the community at large as well. In OrangeCounty, California, other groups, such as “TacoTuesday,” a local networking group, and theCareer Coaching and Counseling Ministry ofSaddleback Valley Community Church make useof our service.

In every area there are those whohave gone through the “layoff/jobsearch/new job” process, and hopefullyone will also have a desire to help oth-ers along this road. EAN can supportthat person in helping others. If you arethat person, contact us by e-mail [email protected] for infor-mation on starting a chapter in your con-gregation.

Knute JosifekLos Angeles, California, congrega-

tion; founder and coordinator of EAN

About My Father’sBusiness

Back in the early ’50s, in my formative yearsof learning, I inadvertently made a decision thatseemed to alter the course of my life. The Kore-an war was looming on the horizon, and Amer-ican tanks and troops were pulling out of post-war Europe. On my way to school I wouldwatch the long lines of tanks rolling along thecobblestone street toward the railroad depot.

What I was learning in school seemed tohave nothing to do with what was happening inreal life. In this strange world that didn’t makea lot of sense to me, I desperately neededsomeone caring to whom I could relate.

At home, Oma (my grandma) would lookafter us kids, provide care, concern and

chores. However both of my parents were run-ning a business away from home. We really did-n’t get to see much of them, since they usuallyrose and were long gone before we ever got upand didn’t come home till late in the evening.

So one day I struck out after school for myfather’s business. I’m sure my grandma got wor-ried about me that day. However, that afternoon

at work with my dad and mom turned out so wellthat I decided from that day on to go there afterschool. For the next three years, if anybody askedme where I was off to in such a hurry, the answerwas: “I must be about my father’s business.”

It didn’t take but a few weeks and the three ofus—Papa, Mutti (mother) and I—became aclose-knit team and family that we hadn’t beenbefore. Little did I realize that I wasn’t just learn-ing the business, but more importantly, I was

learning about my fatherand mother. Now I wouldgo all over town, deliver-ing orders of soap, brush-es, paint or canvas, in myfather’s name. Peoplewould actually call me Mr.and usually give me sometoken of appreciation formy services.

Life had become muchmore fulfilling for me.Going to school wasn’t sohard anymore, now that Ihad a real purpose. Papacould also explain some

of my questions about what was going on in thischaotic world. It was great to be about myfather’s business!

Many years later, I look back on the turn inthe road back then that got me involved in myfather’s business. Then it reminds me of the timewhen I was called by God, some 10 years later.And to this day, when somebody asks where I’moff to in such a hurry, the answer is: “I must beabout my Father’s business!”

Manfred FraundLos Angeles, California, congregation

The $20 LessonShe looked surprised when I asked her to

crumple a crisp $20 bill, and even more surprisedwhen I asked her to drop it and grind it into thefloor!

It was during a presentation at the PittsburghWoman’s Retreat, and after my volunteer wasdone stomping on it, I held up the dirty, crumpled$20 bill and asked the audience, “How much isthis $20 bill worth now?” Of course the answerwas still $20. When I straightened it out, I couldgo to any store and still spend it. Just because the$20 bill was crumpled up and ground into thefloor did not cause it to lose its value.

So what does that have to do with you and me?The stresses of life, the trials that come roar-

ing in unexpectedly, can beat us down. We canbegin to feel worthless to our families, on ourjobs, in our community, at church and, mostimportantly, to God. Unmet deadlines, over-commitments, lack of rest and time for ourselves,all have a way of dragging us down and killingour self-worth. But are those feelings based onfacts or are they just feelings?

It is at times like these that we must be remind-ed how much God values us. Christ said,“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all num-bered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more thanmany sparrows” (Luke 12:7, New InternationalVersion throughout).

We must be of great value—God gave His Sonfor us! There is no way He will give up on you.

But we do feel crushed and worthless at times,so what should we do?

Ask God to encourage you. “The LORD isclose to the brokenhearted and saves those whoare crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Our veryloving God can lift us up, uncrumple us andencourage us.

So when things start pressing you down andmaking you feel worthless, remember the $20bill lesson. Even though we may be crumpled upand ground into the dirt, we have not lost our val-ue to God, for He paid a high price for you andme, that of His Son! He will not give up on Hisinvestment—you! He has the power to uncrum-ple you!

Janet TreadwayCincinnati East, Ohio, congregation

Share Your Treasures!Do you have any short items of biblical wis-

dom, humor or practical information that youwould like to share in this section? Or if you haveany suggestions, please contact United News,P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027or [email protected].

Be Ready to Give an Answer:Why Do You Believe Christ Will Return to the Earth?

The return of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords is a truth frequently reaffirmed in theBible, in both the Old and New Testaments (Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; 19:16; Isaiah40:10; Daniel 2:44; Micah 1:3).

We believe the Bible teaches the personal, visible, premillennial (before the 1,000-year reign ofChrist) return of Jesus Christ. His return will not be done in secret (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7).“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and withthe trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). He will stand on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4).He will make war with the kings of the earth, and overcome them (Revelation 17:14) to bring peace.

He will sit on the throne of His father (ancestor) David (Luke 1:32; Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 23:5) andestablish the Kingdom of God on earth forever (Revelation 11:15). During the first 1,000 years of thisreign, Christ will inaugurate a refreshing time, a time of restoration of all things (Acts 3:19, 21). Hewill be assisted by the saints resurrected as He returns. They will become immortal children of God (1Corinthians 15:50-53), rise to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17) and join Him as conquerorof earth’s rebellious nations and in establishing the Kingdom of God (Revelation 5:10; 20:6), the won-derful world tomorrow (Amos 9:13-14; Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-5).

Jesus Christ came once to bear the sins of many and,as promised,will appear a second time (Hebrews9:28; Acts 15:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:23). The kingdoms of this world will become “the kingdoms ofour Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever” (Revelations 11:15), and the saintswill serve with Him (Daniel 7:18).

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according tohis work” (Revelation 22:12). As John said, we also pray, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (verse 20).

For More Information, see the booklets, Fundamental Beliefs and The Gospel of the Kingdom.

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Turning the HeartsReducing the Risk in Selecting a Mate

“I now pronounce you husband and wife” are the words heard at the conclu-sion of the marriage ceremony by the excited couple. And so they begin a newfamily unit. The couple has pledged to take one another until death parts them.

A lasting,happy marriage is essential if there is to be stability in the family. Chil-dren who grow up in a divorced home or blended family have a more difficulttime succeeding in life. While the children of broken marriages are not “doomed”to failure, they have to make adjustments to compensate.

How may we take some of the risk out of mate selection? While marriage will have unexpected turns,we may have a better opportunity of success if we follow some basic guidelines before marrying.

Take plenty of time to make a decision. Let time be on your side. If marriage is rushed, the cou-ple does not have adequate time to learn enough about each other to make a reliable decision. Mar-riage is a lifetime commitment to share one’s life, hopes and dreams with another person. While somehave had quick romances and married and are seemingly doing well, that is the exception, not the rule.Take time to see any potential mate under sufficient circumstances to know him or her.

Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom. God will not make the decision for you, but you may prayfor His wisdom and insight. It is a fact that when you are in love, you see an idealized view of the oneloved. The “rose-colored glasses”have to come off in order to see the other person clearly, so seek God’shelp to have objectivity in making a wise decision.

Seek wise counsel. Parents are well-suited to know their children and can give excellent feedback.They know their children’s likes, dislikes and needs since they have known them since birth. Friendswho know you well are another excellent resource, if you sincerely seek their input and do not mere-ly want them to “rubber stamp” your choice. Since a church wedding gives a couple a greater chanceof remaining together for life, the counsel of a minister is invaluable, especially if he has additionaltraining in premarital counseling. Next time we will look at an additional vital biblical key.

Gary E. Antion


sionally during a 19-year cycle. In 1974,when the Church moved to Sundayobservance of Pentecost, it was deter-mined that the wave sheaf must occurduring the Feast of Unleavened Bread,not outside the Feast. Thus next year thecount for Pentecost will begin on theSunday that is also the First Day ofUnleavened Bread. The article will cov-er calendar material relevant to this issue.

• Miscellaneous articles and paperssubmitted to the Doctrine Committeefor review. Each quarter the committeereceives about a dozen articles andpapers that it is asked to review.

After reviewing the ongoing projects,Mr. Wasilkoff conducted a final discus-sion of a doctrinal statement titled “TheBeginning of the Sabbath in ExtremeNorthern and Southern Regions.” TheCouncil suggested a few edits to thestatement and unanimously passed aresolution approving the edited state-ment, which will now be prepared forrelease.

Mr. Franks then reviewed a numberof questions on the subject of the natureof Christ. The entire Council reviewedthe questions and the answers that weregiven by the Doctrine Committee,whilemaintaining the confidentiality of thosewho posed the questions. The questionshad to do with whether or not Jesusexisted before His human birth. Mr.Franks expressed the Doctrine Com-mittee’s appreciation of the manner andapproach of those who asked the ques-tions.

The questions focused on theChurch’s explanations of John 1:1 andPsalm 110 as well as the monotheisticJewish belief, whether elohim is a plur-al word and whether Jesus Christ wasworshipped as God. Mr. Franks readportions of a lengthy letter that was writ-ten to answer their questions. The Doc-trine Committee was unanimous inagreement that the Church’s teaching iscorrect. The Council was given copiesof the questions and the response andasked to review the material within twoweeks. Mr. Franks further requested theCouncil members to e-mail him if theyhave any questions or see a need to pur-sue any of the questions any further.

Mr. Franks then led the Councilthrough a final doctrinal review of thestudy paper, “The Nature of God andChrist.”He provided each member witha listing of the 35 headings in the paperand asked them to consider whether thesubject was covered thoroughlyenough. He pointed out that at the meet-ing in May 2004 the Council reviewedthe first 21 pages of the paper. He thenled the Council through an overview ofthe balance of the paper.

After doing so, Mr. Franks asked ifthere were any doctrinal issues. Sincethere were none, he asked the Councilto review the entire paper once againand e-mail him any doctrinal questionsor issues. When all the questions andissues are resolved, he will turn thepaper over to an editor who will prepareit for final Council approval at theDecember meetings.

The final doctrinal consideration forthe morning dealt with a study papersubmitted on the subject of the Hebrewcalendar. The question was discussed in

open session, but the name of the indi-vidual posing the questions remainedconfidential. The paper suggests that thecalendar should be established byobservation rather than by calculationand that certain adjustments need to beapplied. Mr. Franks quoted from theresponse that is being prepared to besent to the author. He gave copies of thepaper that was submitted along with thedraft of his response and asked theCouncil to review both. Mr. Franks saidhe would e-mail the Council membersafter the meetings to establish a time-line for completing their review.

Review of “Evangelism inthe Scripture”

The afternoon portion of the meetingstarted with Doug Horchak conductingthe Council’s first review of the studypaper produced by the Evangelism TaskForce, “Evangelism in the Scripture.”Members of the task force are BruceDean, Peter Hawkins, Ken Graham,Tom Robinson, Jim Servidio and DougHorchak (chairman).

Mr. Horchak reviewed the majorheadings and provided an overview ofeach section of the paper:

• What Is Evangelism?• Evangelism in the Old Testament?• Evangelism in the NT: What the

Greek Words Euangelizo and KerussoReveal.

• What Is an Evangelist?:A Look atthe Word Euangelistes in the New Tes-tament.

• Local Evangelism: What Does theBible Say?

• “General Membership Involve-ment.”

• Plus seven appendices.On Aug. 29 Mr. Horchak worked out

a schedule for further review of thepaper, asking for Council input by twoweeks after the Feast, followed by taskforce review and then Doctrine Com-mittee review. Final Council review andapproval are scheduled for December.

2005 Feast Video andBookstore Distribution ofLiterature

The open session concluded with abrief discussion conducted by PeterEddington on the topics of suggestionsfor the 2005 Feast of Tabernacles videoand consideration of bookstore distrib-ution of UCG literature.

The Council tentatively agreed tofocus on Southern Africa, includingMalawi, Zimbabwe and other nearbycountries, for the 2005 video, reservingthe final decision until after the Feast.

Mr. Eddington then introduced dis-cussion of the concept of repackagingsome of our literature (for example,Jesus Christ: The Real Story) and mak-ing it available for purchase as either apaperback or hardback book. He statedthat he wanted to get Council approvalbefore pursuing this opportunity.

He pointed out that everything wepublish would still be available free toanyone who requests it, and that thebookstore market would expose theChurch to a different audience. Therewould be no expense involved, sincemoney generated by sales would coverthe publishing costs.

Discussion focused on the success ofprevious similar efforts and whether it

was philosophically acceptable to sellour literature.

After the discussion Mr. Eddingtontook a straw poll, which indicated thatthe majority of the Council memberswere not in favor of pursuing the idea.

Aug. 27 the Council approved mod-ifications to two employee policies andinitial plans for the 2005 General Con-ference of Elders. The Council con-cluded business in executive session.

Edit to PoliciesEdits to two policies were unani-

mously adopted by the Council. TheEarly Transfer for Ministerial Assign-ments policy was revised to clarify thelanguage so that it fulfills the originalintent of the policy, which is to defraysome of the additional expense incurredin the sale of a home in the event a pas-tor is transferred before completing fouryears at an assignment.

The termination of employment pol-icy was revised to delegate to the presi-dent authority to terminate an employ-ee, subject to the Council as part of theHuman Resources employee grievancereview process.

Sabbath Service Format toRemain Unchanged

Richard Pinelli reported the results ofan experiment in eight congregations inwhich the opening prayer was givenbefore the first hymns. In seven of theeight congregations members indicatedthat they preferred the traditional orderof services.

Mr. Pinelli concluded that the Churchwill maintain the traditional order andmake an effort to remind members to beprepared for the start of the service (asseveral Council members suggested).

Evangelism at the FeastMr. Pinelli asked for the Council’s

feelings on the subject of evangelism atthe Feast of Tabernacles sites, which theFestival coordinators discussed in arecent meeting. The policy has been tolet each Festival coordinator determine

what seems most appropriate for hisFeast site.

After hearing comments from manyCouncil members, Mr. Pinelli thankedthem and concluded that it would bevaluable to develop a written policy inthe future and that for now each Festi-val coordinator would continue to havethe responsibility for making a deter-mination on this matter for his site.

Plans for GCE 2005Dave Register, chairman of the GCE

2005 Task Force, joined the Councilmeeting via teleconference to reviewthe preliminary plans for the 2005 annu-al meeting.

After some discussion of the specif-ic wording of the themes submitted, theCouncil modified one slightly to: “Seizethe Vision: The Next Decade andBeyond,” which they, by resolution,unanimously adopted. The Council alsoagreed that for the Sabbath service at thebeginning of the conference the chair-man and president will give split ser-mons.

In a brief executive session, the Coun-cil selected Frank Fish to serve on thetask force, replacing Joe Horchak, whohad asked to be relieved of this duty.

Policy on Accrual andDispersal of Property andAssets

Mr. Kilough brought to the Council’sattention the need to determine whetherformal organizational guidelines shouldbe developed on how to disperseChurch property in the event of a con-gregation separating from United andhow to deal with the accrual of proper-ty in the event of a group or congrega-tion joining the Church.

Mr. Horchak and Mr. Dean bothcommented that it seems reasonable tohave such a policy. Mr. Kilough notedthat the policy would need to beapproved by the General Conference asan amendment. He directed Mr. Dard-en to draft a statement, which would bereviewed by the Strategic Planning and

Finance and the Ethics,Roles and Rulescommittees.

Communicating With theChurch Membership

On Aug. 29, Aaron Dean, chairmanof the Strategic Planning and FinanceCommittee, conducted a discussion onthe issue of communicating importantinformation to the Church membership.

Roy Holladay pointed out that insome situations the Church walks a thinline legally concerning public disclo-sure and comment, in particular with sit-uations that involve personnel matters.The overall approach has been to take alow profile and make few if any publicstatements, which has resulted in a cer-tain amount of misunderstanding andcriticism of the Church.

In discussing the matter with theMinisterial Services team, it has beendecided that the Church should take amore proactive stance in providinginformation. Information (and oftenmisinformation) spreads very quicklyover the Internet, and whoever states hiscase first usually seems to be right. Itmakes the Church seem defensive tocome out later with an explanation.

Clyde Kilough commented that spec-ulation always fills the void caused by alack of information. He pointed out thatwhatever the Church publishes in-house(even if it’s labeled “confidential”) findsits way into various publications andWeb sites that are not necessarily favor-able toward United. Mr. Kilough statedthat United needs to provide more infor-mation more quickly within the Churchthrough letters to members, letters to theministry, United News articles, etc., toequip our members with helpful infor-mation. If we do that more effectivelyinternally, it will also be picked up byexternal sources.

Mr. McCullough summarized thatthe Council agrees that something needsto be done to improve our communica-tions efforts. Mr. Holladay pointed outthat the need is urgent. He suggestedseeking a professional consultant fornow and discussing a longer range solu-tion during the December meetings.

Mr. Kilough requested the Media andCommunications Committee and thehome office administration to worktogether on a formal suggestion to theCouncil.

Media PhilosophyJuly 18 to 20, the Media and Com-

munications Committee met in Cincin-nati to develop a draft of a media phi-losophy based on 18 historicalmarketing principles developed in ear-lier meetings. The Council carefullyreviewed the statement, suggested finaledits, then unanimously approved it (see“Media Philosophy of the UnitedChurch of God,” this page). Specificpolicies and strategies will be built onthis philosophy in future meetings.

You can find more extensive reportson these Council meetings on the Web atwww.ucg.org/about/council/updates.htm.

The next set of Council meetings willrun Dec. 8 to 14, with committee meet-ings Dec. 6 and 7. The following meet-ings will be Feb. 25 to March 2 or 3,2005 (the ending date will depend on theagenda). Committee meetings will beFeb. 23 and 24. UN

“Council,” continued from page 2

Media Philosophy of the United Church of GodPreaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God is a divine commission given to

the Church. The gospel message, which includes God’s offer of the gift of sal-vation, shows His love for humanity. We must reflect that same love in the waywe deliver His gospel to the world. We seek to provide the world with hope forsalvation, to help those who believe and repent, and to warn of the consequencesof sin.

Jesus Christ and the apostles set clear examples of how to deliver the gospelmost effectively. The principles illustrated by their examples still apply. We mustspeak and write in a way that challenges our audience’s wrong beliefs in a man-ner that is simple to understand, engaging, convincing and compelling. We musttailor the message to fit different cultural, national, religious and linguisticgroups.

In a spiritually blind world, the deep truths of God are most effectively pre-sented in a manner that leads from “milk” to “meat.” For that reason, we mustpresent the truth of God in a way that does not overwhelm people in either con-tent or quantity.

The message is more important than those who deliver it. Consequently, webelieve in focusing attention on the message of truth rather than on those whosponsor it. Furthermore, we believe in delivering the gospel primarily in thepublic arena rather than inviting people into the Church to receive it.

We believe we are required to freely give the truth to the world. Therefore,we offer our materials without charge or obligation.

We understand this is not the only day of salvation and that God alone can callsomeone, which means we are not responsible for converting the world. Nev-ertheless, we are still compelled by our mission to preach the gospel to all theworld and care for those whom God calls.

We are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. As ambassadors, our messagemust remain above the ideologies, politics and religions of this world.


Charlotte GoesCamping

The Charlotte, North Carolina, con-gregation wanted to get a head start onthe camping experience this past May21 and 22. About 28 “hearty” campersbraved the beautiful blue skies, whitesandy beaches and balmy weather ofHuntington State Park in South Caroli-na for a weekend of fun, food and fel-lowship.

Friday evening the campers arrivedand set up camp.

We dined on hotdogs and hamburgersand enjoyed a campfire under the stars.Sabbath morning we had a brunch withomelets, fruit, coffee and juice and a veryrelaxing walk on the beach.

The young people had a Bible studyaround noon and Sabbath services wereheld at 2 p.m. in a very picturesque set-ting. The wind sighed through the pinetrees as we sat, very comfortably in ourbeach chairs, and listened to a sermonon “Planning to Have a Good Attitude”given by our local elder, Larry Lambert.

Dinner that night had a Mexicantheme, with tacos, quesadillas, refriedbeans, rice and drinks. Again, the crack-ling campfire lent subtle light to ourwarm fellowship and a few marshmal-lows were toasted for good measure.

It was difficult to think about leavingthe next day, but the smell of pancakes,maple syrup and hot coffee assisted withthe wake-up call. We hope our youngpeople enjoyed this camping trip asmuch as the “old-timers” did. It seemsthey just might have, if their smilingfaces are any indication.

Wilma Lambert

Columbus HonorsSenior Citizens

On the Sabbath of June 5, the Colum-bus, Ohio, congregation enjoyed a love-ly dinner honoring the group’s senior cit-izens. The meal had a comfort foodstheme—just like Mom used to make.

Afterward the assembly viewedchildhood photos of the seniors dis-played on a large screen. As each photowas shown, a child from the congrega-tion read clues as to the person’s identi-ty and members tried to guess whichsenior it was. Prizes were awarded to themembers with the most correct guessesas well as special gifts for the eldestmembers in the group.

Beth Stewart

Redlands FindsPennies Do Count

The Redlands, California, congrega-tion has conducted a penny drive for thepast two years. The pennies are collect-ed in a large jar and saved to helpbrethren in other countries attend theFeast of Tabernacles. This projectinvolves the congregation at all age lev-els. The little kids save their pennies,and the widows are diligent too.

We are not a large congregation,butwe will probably have $600 or more bythe Feast this year. This year the mon-ey will be helping families in Peru. Welearned that the Peruvian brethren workhard and earn very little. They diligent-ly save their tithes. Many have justenough to pay for a bus that takes themto the Feast site. Once there they do nothave funds for their lodging.

The American dollar goes a longway in Peru, so our penny drive will helptwo or three families and also permit thechildren to have a special treat during theFeast. Any congregation can start a pen-ny drive. You can help children go tocamp or help brethren in other countries.

Dianne Clark

Member EarnsMaster’s

Wendy Styer Kovalchick received hermaster’s in education (with a major inspecial education) at Vanderbilt Univer-sity in Nashville, Tennessee, May 14,2004. She graduated with a 3.9 grade

point average. Wendy attends theNashville congregation with her husband,John,and sons David (10) and Daniel (7).

Pine Car Derby Heldat Columbus Picnic

The annual Columbus, Ohio, churchpicnic held on July 18, 2004, in Picker-

ington,Ohio, featured a Pine Car Derby.The day was full of joy, laughter and funfor the nearly 100 in attendance. Therewas volleyball, horseshoes, games ofcatch, football, water balloons, greatfood and lively conversation on the per-fect 76-degree summer day,but the mainevent was the Pine Car Derby.

The racecourse was a long, slopedfive-lane track where nearly 40 hand-made balsa wood cars competed innumerous heats. The approximately 7-inch by 2-inch by 11⁄2-inch cars sportedbiblical themes that demanded creativi-ty and originality from the makers. Theraces were very exciting, because it wasdifficult to predict which car would win.

In the 17-years-of-age-and-undergroup, in the “lightweight car”category,the winner was 6-year-old Clayton Mar-tin. In the “heavyweight car” categoryfor this age group, the winner was 6-year-old Alan Waterhouse.

In the 18-years-of-age-and-oldergroup, in the “lightweight car”category,the winner was Bev Galli’s “Apples of

Gold” car. In the same age group, the“heavyweight car” winner was noneother than our beloved pastor, Joe Hor-chak, with his “Pastor Dude” car. In thefinal race to determine the overall fastestcar, the winner was Alan Waterhouse,narrowly defeating the “Pastor Dude.”

Prizes were awarded to the winners incategories of creativity as well as speed.

The “best theme” of an adult car was“Jonah’s Folly” by Connie Seifert. The“best kid’s theme” car was ElizabethWhite’s car, “The Widow’s Mite.” The“most humorous theme” was “Bal-aam’s.” The “most colorful” car wasEmily Gunn’s “Noah’s Ark.” Mr. Hor-chak received a Bible as a special awardfor the “not-so-biblical” theme.

Bev Galli

Wal-Mart HelpsMake Dells Fund-Raiser Successful

The Wisconsin Dells,Wisconsin,con-gregation held a fund-raiser for the GoodWorks program July 11 at the Lake Del-ton Wal-Mart. Brethren from the Dellsand Beloit congregations donated cloth-ing, furniture and other items for the sale.

Wal-Mart has a policy that allows

local nonprofit groups, such as church-es, to conduct sales on their property.The manager even allowed us to set upour tables next to the front entrance ofthe store. Many customers visited ourtables before going inside Wal-Mart.

In addition,Wal-Mart matches dollarfor dollar the amount sold at the fund-raiser up to a limit of $500. In our case,the brethren sold almost $1,000 worthof clothes and other items and Wal-Martdonated a check for $500 to United.Their only stipulation is that the $500they donated is to be used locally for

needy families or charities. So we havea choice of giving it to deserving localUnited members or to charities in thearea. It’s definitely a win-win situationfor everyone. The Dells congregationsent a check to the home office for$1,000 to be used for the United GoodWorks program, and Wal-Mart donated$500 to the local congregation for localuse. The brethren appreciated the oppor-tunity to serve at one fund-raiser thatbenefited two very worthwhile causes.

Why not contact your local Wal-Martand organize a Good Works programfund-raiser in your area?

Steve Nutzman

Chicago 50-PlusGroup Is Active

June 13, 2004, was the first outing ofthe new Chicago 50-Plus group, whichmet at the senior living housing inSomonauk, Illinois,where Dorothy (84)and Harvey (92) Mall live. The Malls,longtime Church members, have notbeen able to attend for many years.

Fifteen 50-Plus members joined theMalls in the small conference room inthe complex to enjoy a great potluckmeal. Helen and Ben Kerr,who live theclosest to them, helped coordinate theactivity. They deliver sermon tapes tothe Malls every week. The Malls weredelighted to welcome the guests as theylive some distance from other members.

Sunday, Aug. 8, 23 members of the50-Plus group had their second outing,at the Bicentennial Park theater in Joli-et, Illinois. There we were entertainedby a three-hour production of Fiddler onthe Roof. Mary Bauer, a Joliet resident,obtained discounted tickets for thegroup. Afterward Berna and Jack Longhosted a potluck dinner at their home inElwood, Illinois, a few miles south.

Betty L. Gregory

45 Years ofFaithfulness

On the Sabbath of July 10, 2004, theCanton, Illinois, congregation surprisedLewis Kepler,82,with a special Sabbathservice in honor of the anniversary of hisbaptism on July 9, 1959. The brethreninvited those close to Mr. Kepler fromother areas to help honor him on thatSabbath. One couple drove over sevenhours to be a part of the special day.

Sabbath services were moved to a hallwithin a block of the nursing homewhere Mr. Kepler resides. When he wasbrought in the door, he was surprised tosee many dear friends. A biography ofhis life and calling was typed and placedon a display board, along with picturesfrom his life. The sermon,given by localpastor Ken Graham, was geared towarda subject dear to Mr. Kepler’s heart—prophecy,and the hymns that were sungwere some of his favorites.

After services, the brethren served awonderful potluck meal, with as manyof Mr. Kepler’s favorite foods as wecould come up with. We had a beautifulcake with “Forty-Five Years of Faithful-ness” on the top, but his favorite dessertof the day was the gooseberry pie, pro-vided especially for him. Every familythat attended was able to spend time vis-iting with Mr. Kepler.

Terri Cortelyou

300 Attend SouthernCalifornia Reunionand Beach Party

Once again the Southern CaliforniaChurches of God enjoyed a wonderful,relaxing and fun-filled regional barbe-cue and beach party July 18, 2004, atDoheny State Beach.

For the past few years the GardenGrove congregation has sponsored this

annual hamburger and fish barbecuewith all the trimmings. Joining GardenGrove were the United Church of Godcongregations of Los Angeles,Redlandsand San Diego and others from variousfellowships of the Churches of God inthe area who were specifically invited tojoin us and renew our friendships.

Under the direction of pastor MarioSeiglie, and with the able assistance in

Top, happy campers at Charlottecampout; below, Sabbath services inthe shade (photos by Larry Lambert)

Graduate Wendy Styer with, fromleft, David, John and Daniel

Freda Hill helps judge the ColumbusPine Car Derby (photo by Amy Gunn)

Joe and Lee Familietti hold amatching check from Wal-Mart for$500 (photo by Ruth Familietti)

Dave Wallauch, Robert andAaron Bates provide music(photos by Nancy Dailey)

See “Local Updates,” page 23


BirthsSam and Shannon Sweat of Dallas,

Texas, are very excited to announce the

birth of their second daughter, JaimeShannon. Jaime was born on May 7,2004, and weighed 6 pounds 13 ouncesand was 20 inches long. Her big sister,Jordan, simply adores her!

Luis A. and Carrie Chavez of theSpringfield/Nixa, Missouri, congrega-tion are happy to announce the birth oftheir first child,Marcus Eugene Chavez.He was born Jan. 30, 2004, weighing 7pounds 11 ounces and measured 22inches long. The proud grandparents are

Gene and Gayle Hogland also of theSpringfield/Nixa congregation.

Richard and Rachel (Velting) Averett,of the Dallas, Texas, congregation, arethrilled to announce the birth of CalebRichard Averett. Caleb was born on May17, 2004, his great-grandmother’s 80thbirthday, weighing in at 8 pounds and

measuring 19 inches long. He is the firstof the Averett boys to be born with hair!

Big brothers Ethan James and MicahAllen are thrilled to have a baby broth-

er! They can’t wait until he gets bigenough to wrestle with them. Big sister,Hallie Elizabeth, left this world fivemonths before Caleb was born. Weknow that Caleb looks forward to theday when he can meet his sister face toface. We can’t wait for all of our familyto be reunited in God’s Kingdom! Whata joyous day it will be!

Caleb’s very proud and blessedgrandparents are Richard and NancyVelting of Dallas and Jim and JannetteAverett of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Paul and Coreen Wasilkoff of Cincin-nati, Ohio, are pleased to announce thebirth of their second child, Anthony

David Royce Wasilkoff. Anthony wasborn on July 16 weighing 8 pounds 12ounces and measuring 211⁄2 inches long.

Kriphase Ongori and his wife, Nao-mi, of the Ogembo, Kenya, congrega-tion are pleased to announce the birth

of their new baby boy, John ElliottOngori. He was born on May 30, 2004,weighing 3.5 kilograms and was 21inches in length. The grandparents areFrancis and Tabitha Ongori.

Daniel and Tammy (Champagne)

Cunningham of the New Orleans,Louisiana, congregation are pleased toannounce the birth of their daughterAlayna Michelle. She was born onMay 16, 2004 and weighed 8 pounds 4ounces. She was welcomed by siblingsDesireé, Joshua and Michelle. Mater-nal grandparents are Wilton and Lor-raine Champagne of Ama, Louisiana.Paternal grandparents are the lateAlbert and Edith Cunningham ofHouma, Louisiana.

David and Deborah (Graham)Rand of the Worcester, Massachu-setts, congregation are thrilled toannounce the birth of their first child,Sophia Marie Rand! Sophia was born

on Jan. 13, 2004. She weighed 7pounds 8 ounces and was 191⁄2 incheslong.

Dan and Renea (Hancock) Apartianof Pasadena, California, are pleased toannounce the birth of their first child,

Andrew Robert Apartian. Drew wasborn on Sept. 23, 2003. He weighed 9pounds 2 ounces. The proud grandpar-ents are Robert and Barbara Hancockof the Fort Wayne, Indiana, congrega-tion and Dibar and Shirley Apartian ofCharlotte, North Carolina.

Bryan and Rhonda (Yost) Waddleare delighted to announce the birth oftheir twin sons, Harrison Drake andJackson Sinclair. They were born April14, 2004. Even though they were fiveweeks early, Harrison weighed 5pounds 2 ounces and Jackson weighed4 pounds 13 ounces.

Grandparents are Ron and RoxannaYost of Joplin, Missouri, and Charlesand Roberta Waddle of Somerset, Ken-

tucky. The family attends the HoustonSouth, Texas, congregation.

WeddingsBill and Jenny Bradford of Bris-

bane,Australia, are happy to announcethe marriage of their daughter, Jenny,to Bradley Huthnance, son of Trevorand Lesby Huthnance of Melbourne.The ceremony was performed April18, 2004, by the father of the bride.Jenny was attended by her sisters,Leanne Holladay and Jenean Rivers,and flower girl Courtney Holladay ofSeattle,Washington. The best man was

brother-in-law to the groom, Wray DeBoo and groomsman, Jason Danger-field. Jenny and Brad have made theirhome in Brisbane.

AnniversariesJohn and Donna Sacoulas celebrat-

ed their 50th wedding anniversary onJan. 9, 2004. They live in DelrayBeach, Florida, and the West PalmBeach congregation planned a sur-

prise celebration for them on the Sab-bath of Jan. 10.

John and Donna also reside in

Georgetown, Pennsylvania, andattend the Youngstown, Ohio, con-gregation. They were given anothersurprise reception by the Youngstowncongregation on the Sabbath of July3. They have been members of God’sChurch since 1970. They have 10grandchildren and two great-grand-children, all residing in Florida.

On Sabbath, June 19, 2004, the Bis-marck,North Dakota, congregation cel-ebrated the 50th wedding anniversaryfor Leven and Gladys Rieger. The cou-ple was married in South Dakota on June27, 1954. They have lived in Eureka,

South Dakota, all of their married lives.However, their courtship took place inLodi,California,when Leven was in theMarines. On weekends Leven woulddrive hundreds of miles to spend a fewhours with his sweetheart!

Leven was baptized in 1977 andGladys in 1982.

Church members all signed a cardcongratulating them on 50 years of wed-ded bliss. There was also a cake andappetizers for all as well as the Riegers’original wedding picture. There was asmall presentation during which theywere given a boutonniere and corsageand local deacon Ralph Redline made abrief speech.

ObituariesEdward C. Dickinson, 66, of Big

Sandy, Texas, died July 16, 2004, fromcomplications of pulmonary fibrosis. Hebecame interested in the Church as ateenager while listening to Herbert Arm-strong’s radio broadcasts and became amember in the early 1960s and remainedfaithfully so until his death. He wasamong those early dedicated membersin the Big Sandy area who worked longhours on the Ambassador campus prop-erty. His quiet nature and kindness willbe sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife,Edwina in 1998. Mr. Dickinson is sur-vived by daughters,Dianna Payne,Rox-anna West,Charlene McCoy and Rolan-da Fuller; a son, Charles; six grandsons;six granddaughters; and three great-grandchildren.

Herschel Dunham, 72, died July 30,2004, at his home. One of the Church“patriarchs” in northeastern Ohio, he

Announcements

Anthony David Royce Wasilkoff

Sophia Marie Rand

Caleb Richard Averett

Jaime Shannon Sweat

Marcus Eugene Chavez

John and Donna Sacoulas

John Elliott Ongori

Andrew Robert Apartian

Harrison Drake and JacksonSinclair Waddle

Jenny and Bradley Huthnance

Gladys and Leven Rieger

Alayna Michelle Cunningham


was baptized in 1959 and was one of theoriginal members of the Akron congre-gation when it was started that sameyear. He later became one of the originalmembers of the Canton congregation atits inception in 1979. Still later, he wasone of the pioneers of the UCG congre-gation in Canton, beginning in the sum-mer of 1995.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years,Jean; three brothers; one sister; three

sons; and five grandchildren. Funeralservices were conducted jointly on Aug.3 by Doug Johnson, pastor of the Can-ton and Mansfield congregations; andMilan Chovan, Canton elder and long-time friend of the Dunhams.

Margaret VanderSloot, 88 years 8months and 8 days old,of Cocolalla, Ida-ho, died Aug. 2, 2004, after falling andbreaking her leg a few days earlier. Mar-garet was a longtime member of God’sChurch, being baptized in the early1960s. She was able to attend churchservices quite regularly until the pastcouple of months. She attended theSpokane, Washington/Coeur d’Alene,Idaho, congregation.

She is survived by four children, 26

grandchildren, and many great-grand-children. Funeral services were heldAug. 6, 2004, with pastor Mark Mickel-son officiating.

Lorene Barrow Dreaden, 77, diedJuly 13, 2004. She was born Feb. 21,1927, in Crestview, Florida, where shelived all her life except for 12 years inBig Sandy, Texas. Mrs. Dreaden waspreceded in death in 1995 by her hus-band of 49 years, chiropractor Dr.Everett Dreaden. She is survived by hersons,Larry and his wife,Pat; and Art and

his wife, Sandra Spieker Dreaden, all ofCrestview; and daughter Cindy Murphyand her husband, Danny, of Newberry,South Carolina. She is also survived byeight grandchildren: Jonathan Dreadenand his wife, Sheila; Lindsey Dreaden;Zac,Tyler, Jesse and Cody Dreaden; andTaylor and Michael Murphy. She is alsosurvived by five great-grandsons.

A true Proverbs 31 wife, mention ofwhich embarrassed her, Maxine Lovettwas born in Checotah, Oklahoma, onOct. 23,1925. She died peacefully in hersleep on Aug. 10, 2004.

She worked for 13 years in El Paso,Texas, for a contractor that built a sledtrack that was used to propel Air ForceColonel Jack Stapp faster than the speedof sound—a first for man!

In 1955 she met 6-foot-4 Bill, adivorced fellow,while square dancing ata USO club on Biggs Air Force Base inEl Paso. Bill, who worked for the Corpsof Engineers, had a pass to come onbase. At 5-foot-11, she said she onlywanted to date him once to see how itfelt to look up to somebody. Three orfour months later they were married.

In 1963 they were both called into theChurch of God, and that togethernessended because the understanding of theBible at that time was that one was per-mitted only one mate for life, if bothwere in the faith. The promise of theKingdom of God took precedence overthis life. That was followed by a separa-tion of over 11 years. She raised twodaughters, Sylvia and Kathleen, whohad come on the scene—both were stillin diapers at the time.

The separation was rectified in 1974,after the Church came to further under-stand the biblical principles.

In 1974, she learned needlepoint andcreated some truly beautiful works,which she was still doing until her death.

In 1979, they were able to go to Sau-di Arabia for about three years, and inthe interim, she was able to visitEurope, Scandinavia, Bangkok, HongKong, New Zealand, Jerusalem and

Petra. She dipped her hands in twooceans and five seas and went aroundthe world in the process. She also vis-ited most of the lower 48 states andCanada.

For 40 years, she served the brethrenin many capacities in Midland-Odessa,Texas; Tucson,Arizona; Garden Grove,California; and Phoenix East, Arizona;as well as various Feast sites. One thingshe loved was making beautiful flowerarrangements.

She loved to play card games, whichshe usually won,did her crossword puz-zles in ink and was a wonderful cook,homemaker, commonsense person andhelp meet. She was never sick until thecancer took hold four years ago, andeven then, had no sickness or pain fromit. God did not choose to heal her,but Hewas merciful to her.

Maxine is remembered and honoredas a beloved wife of 49 years to Bill and

loving mother of Sylvia Kennedy (ofPhoenix) and Kathleen Roberts (ofYucaipa, California). Phoenix East pas-tor and friend, John Elliott, officiated amoving memorial service on Sunday,Aug. 13.

Ricardo Moreno Calderón, a 30-yearmember of the San Salvador, El Sal-vador, congregation, died of congestiveheart failure on Aug. 19,2004,at the ageof 67. He died in peace, sitting in a chairin his home after being hospitalizedtwice over the prior four months for car-diac problems.

He was baptized in Lake Ilopango in1974 as one of the first members of theChurch in Central America, andremained an active and faithful memberthroughout his life. During his years inthe Church, he served his country andfellow Salvadorans well, serving as viceminister of Housing and Development,as well as president of three governmentinstitutions: the Institute of Urban Hous-ing, the Social Fund for Housing and theNational Pension Institute. Among hisother accomplishments,he served a termas mayor of the capital of El Salvador,San Salvador, and he was considered tobe one of the greatest architects in thecountry.

He was buried on Aug. 20 in thecemetery “The Resurrection,” a fittingname for his final resting place. He issurvived by his wife, Margarita, and hisfour children, Ricardo José, Gerardo,Lourdes and Mónica, as well as fourgrandchildren, none of whom are mem-bers of the Church. He will be sadlymissed by his congregation.

Clara M. Schweihofer, 65, died May3,2004, in a hospice in Bradenton,Flori-da, of cancer. She is survived by her sis-ter Winifred Yoder, and other familymembers.

Maxine Lovett

others’ filthy rags or do we practice thelove that covers a multitude of sins? Arewe helping others overcome? Do wepray for others’problems? Christ’s lastwords concerning those who crucifiedhim were, “Father, forgive them forthey know not what they do” (Luke23:34, KJV). He chose to cover thenakedness of those sins.

4. Hide not yourself from yourown flesh. The final thing God speaksabout as the fruit of a proper fast is ashort summary of all the others, but italso acts as a catch-all for specific

items that were not mentioned above.As soon as you give humans a list ofthings to do, many will interpret it lit-erally and sit back, relax and say tothemselves, “I have done everythingon the list, I am righteous.”We find thePharisees did that frequently. So Godgives a catch-all final fruit.

Do we remain willfully ignorant ofthe needs of others? Have we avoidedtalking to someone on the Sabbathbecause the person is lookingdepressed and we say to ourselves, “Ihave had a tough week and Sally looksdepressed. If I go talk to her, she willunload her problems on me and I real-

ly can’t take that right now.” This mayall be true, and we do not expect to beperfect all the time, but the point is toexamine ourselves and find where wecan seek God’s help to improve.

Do we hide from the needs of thepeople of God?

We have brethren in places in theworld where the following are true.Forty years of Western aid have onlyallowed their own corrupt leaders toremain wealthy and served to rob theinitiative from people. Half of the chil-dren die before they are 5. By the timea baby is 2, it has already been bittenover 200 times by malaria-infested

mosquitoes. The only reason he or sheis not dead is that the babies have acondition that in other societies iscalled a disease, but that just happensto give protection against malaria.

The average annual income in someparts of Africa is $350. What kind ofFeast of Tabernacles could you haveon $35?

Of course the world is full of wantand if everyone who reads this were togive everything, it would not solve theproblems. The widow’s mite didn’tsolve any problems either, but the Lordpraised her for giving anyway.

There are many in the Church who

help out, who have taken the time tofind out the needs of brethren aroundthe world and around the corner andwho do something about those needs.(See “The Story of Joseph,” page 18.)Fasting is supposed to make us exposeourselves to those needs. What are yougoing to do about it before you breakyour next fast?

Fasting is supposed to work some-thing in us. We are to love in word andin deed. We have this world’s goods.More importantly, we have the nextworld’s good—God’s way of life. Weshould be sharing them. That’s the fastthat God is talking about. UN

“Fast,” continued from page 18

Lorene Barrow Dreaden

Margaret VanderSloot

Herschel Dunham

Emerald Noggle (above) from LittleRock, Arkansas, and Andrew Kenadyfrom Bowling Green, Kentucky, wereawarded the Spirit of CampTomahawk (see page 7, last issue).

organization of Dave Marcum, MarcusBrown and crew, the picnic was a hugesuccess with an attendance of over 300.

Doheny State Beach is an outstand-ing location for such an event. The beachis right there for all the beach lovers, anda short walk away is a wonderful privatearea we rented for the day, with a beau-tiful landscaped park area complete withtrees, shade structures, picnic tables andcooking facilities.

Live music was provided by Robertand Aaron Bates, Dave Wallauch and

other various pickers and singers, whileothers played board games and enjoyedpeaceful conversations.

Food is always a big hit of the day.Once again, the legendary barbecuemaster, Preiss Movius, supervised theexpert preparation of mouth-wateringcheeseburgers, chicken and hotdogs.Heroic deep-sea fisherman Bob Carlisleof the Redlands congregation again pro-vided his delicious barbecued tuna fil-lets. Kevin and Sonali Fisk provided ashave-ice machine and flavors (nice ona hot summer afternoon) and encour-aged the teens to be shave-ice servers.

The support staff also included Greg

Hilgen (setup), Rosalie Foat (food ser-vice) and Marcus Brown (cleanup). Itwas really wonderful to see so manybrethren pitching in to help serve duringthis event. Many thanks to everyone whohelped make this event a success.

David Marcum and Jean Updegraff

Member Noted forExemplary Service

Tony Dominguez, a member ofthe Denver, Colorado, congregation,received the Hertz Corporation’s

highest award June 30, 2004.“In recognition of your continued out-

standing performance, as well as themany years you have served our com-pany so well, it is my extreme pleasureto present you with our newest and high-est award—the Exemplary ServiceAward,” said a letter from Joseph R.Nothwang, executive vice president.

“Tony is one of our main song leadersat services, and his positive personalityalways contributes greatly to the atmos-phere and mood,” said Larry Neff, Den-ver pastor. “He and his wife, Sharon,have been very supportive and involved,as well as quite hospitable.”

“Local Updates,” continuedfrom page 21

GN Reader e-Letter from President RoyHolladay. In just 15 weeks we went from582 subscribers to 10,264!

Samples of what our Good News read-ers have been getting can be seen atwww.gnmagazine.org/gnupdate.

Michelle de Campos

WNP Seminar to BeHeld in Beloit

A World News and Prophecy Seminarwill be held on Oct. 30, 2004, in Beloit,Wisconsin. The sermons and seminarthat day will be given by the managingeditor of WNP, Darris McNeely, andsenior editors Melvin Rhodes and RobinWebber. Specific subjects have not yetbeen selected, but the overall theme willfocus on current world events and theirprophetic implications.

More details can be found atwww.ucg-beloit.org. Or call the Beloitpastor,Steve Nutzman,at (608) 758-9228or e-mail him at [email protected].

Kansas City to HostYoung AdultsWeekend

The Kansas City, Missouri, UnitedChurch of God is hosting its first youngadults event. They invite young adults,married couples and singles ages 17 to40 to join them in the beautiful “City ofFountains” for an inspiring and fun-filledevent over the 2005 Memorial Dayweekend, May 27 to 30.

The theme will be “ExtremeMakeover–Christian Edition: Raisingthe Standards for the Next Generation ofthe Church of God.” Young adults andsingles will hear seminars encouragingmaximum Christian growth and devel-opment with an emphasis on sharpeningtheir social skills and behavior with theopposite sex. Women’s and men’s only

NewsAt a Glance

On www.ucg.org■ Compass CheckSee video of home office weekly meeting.www.ucg.org/about/homeoffice/compasscheck.htm

■ UCG Commentary on This Week’s NewsWeekly commentaries by UCG written onworld news and trends, from a biblicalperspective. Read these and more:“Why Is America So Politically Divided?”“Our Race Continues—Going for Gold”“Could Anti-Semitism Lead Europe toAnother Tragic Defeat?”“‘Pink’ Politicians Are ‘In’”www.ucg.org/commentary/

■ Current World News & TrendsBrowse up-to-date world news events bysubject categories!www.ucg.org/worldnews/

■ E-mail Updates and UCG eNewsReceive e-mail updates relevant to UCGmembers and weekly HTML newsletterswith ucg.org updates. Sign up today!www.ucg.org/contact/updates.htm

On vcmagazine.org■ The September/October Virtual ChristianMagazine includes “Everyone Will Have aFair Chance,” “Breaking Bad Habits,” more.vcmagazine.org

On verticalthought.org■ “Help! I’ve Been Brainwashed,” “Making theJump to Spirit Speed” and more were addedSept. 1. Next issue: “Is the Spirit World Real?”verticalthought.org

Featured Links of the Month■ Good News Web site.www.gnmagazine.org■ Anchor: A messageof hope for thosestruggling with homosexuality.www.anchorhelp.comIf you have any questions or comments, pleasecontact: [email protected]


Continued from page 2

seminars will be given during the break-out session. Guests will have the oppor-tunity to fill out survey questions beforethe event to provide invaluable researchdata for the speakers.

Other activities include an evening atKansas City’s breathtaking and historicUnion Station. “BBQ Picnic at the Sta-tion” will highlight Saturday evening as

we will dine and dance in a spacious out-door facility. Sunday activities willinclude an optional day trip to “Worldsof Fun” amusement park. The eveningwill end with a bang and class as theKansas City Symphony will dazzle thepublic with an outdoor patriotic concertclimaxing with a fireworks display infront of the Liberty Memorial Tower.

The weekend will conclude Mondaywith a hearty brunch at the CheesecakeFactory at the world-famous CountryClub Plaza. An afternoon activity willalso be planned. The event will have afew surprising twists that will make it

even more memorable and exciting!The registration fee is $80, due on

March 1, 2005. After that date the feewill be $95. The fee covers the Satur-day breakfast, Saturday dinner anddance and the Sunday brunch.

Please visit http://kcya2005.com/for more photos and details about thisevent. You may also request a freebrochure by writing to United Churchof God–Kansas City, P.O. Box 11223,Kansas City, Missouri 64119 or [email protected].

Ruben Gusman

Challenger II RockClimbing CampApplications NowAvailable

Applications for the Challenger IIrock climbing program for youngadults are now available on the Web atucgyouth.org. The program is designedto be a spiritually and physically chal-lenging leadership camp experience,and will be held Dec. 22 to 29 on thecliffs of Mt. Lemmon, just outside Tuc-son, Arizona. Check the Web site fordetails about the program or contactJames Capo, program director, [email protected].

The application deadline is Oct. 22,2004, but we recommend getting yourapplication in as soon as possible as theprogram is expected to fill early.

James Capo

ABC Mini-SamplersSet for Toronto andNorth Carolina

Two Ambassador Bible Center mini-samplers are scheduled for this fall.These mini-samplers give the brethrena taste of what ABC is like by present-ing material from the classes.

Melvin Rhodes and Gary Antionwill be in Toronto, Ontario, Canada,to present their 10-hour mini-samplerOct. 23 and 24). Please contactAnthony Wasilkoff at the CanadianNational Office at e-mail [email protected] or phone(905) 876-9966 for further details.

David Mills and his congregations inNorth Carolina will be hosting a mini-sampler on Nov. 13 and 14. Don Wardand Gary Antion will bring the presenta-tions. Please contact David Mills for fur-ther details about this event. His e-mailaddress is:[email protected] and hisphone number is (336) 873-8988.

Gary E. Antion

Post-Feast Sabbath If there is sufficient interest, we will

hold Sabbath services at SteamboatSprings,Colorado,and Bend/Redmond,Oregon, on the Sabbath right after theFeast, Oct. 9. For Steamboat Springs, ifinterested, please e-mail Larry Neff [email protected] or call (303) 470-3112. For Bend/Redmond,please e-mailLarry Walker at [email protected] call (541) 536-5227.

Delta Flyers: Helpthe Church EarnFree Tickets

Are you flying Delta Airlines for theFeast? If so you can help the Churchearn free tickets and not affect your per-sonal frequent flyer miles. The processis simple. Locate your ticket number. Itwill begin with 006 and then a string of10 or 11 other digits. Send that numberto [email protected]. This can bedone even before the Feast.

In the last year, the United Church ofGod has received four free tickets dueto members providing these numbers.

Charles Melear

Periodicals Postage Paid at Milford, Ohio, and atadditional mailing officesIt’s not too early to begin thinking about

Winter Camp 2004! The 10th annual WinterCamp will be held from Wednesday, Dec. 22to Sunday, Dec. 26. Campers will learn aboutGod’s way of life in a positive and enjoyableenvironment. Possible activities include bas-ketball, Christian Living Q&A, cross-coun-try skiing, dance class, floor hockey, teamchallenge and tobogganing. There will beplenty of enjoyable group activities in theevenings as well.

Camper and staff application deadlinesare Nov. 1.Youth ages 12 to 18 are welcomeas campers. Camper tuition is $185 and highschool staff is $95.

Free transportation will be provided fromthe Milwaukee,Wisconsin,airport on Dec. 21

and back to the airport on Dec. 26, arriving atthe airport at noon. Please plan arrivals anddepartures accordingly. There is an extracharge for room and meals for early arrivals.Please contact Director Steve Nutzman forany transportation needs at (608) 758-9228 ore-mail him at [email protected].

Camper and staff applications are found atwww.ucg.org/youthcamps. Camper applica-tions are also found in the United YouthCamps 2004 Magazine. For the latest WinterCamp news, visit www.wintercamp.org.

Camper check-in is Wednesday morning,Dec. 22 and checkout is Sunday morning,Dec. 26. Staff orientation begins late after-noon on Dec. 21.

Steve Nutzman

Winter Camp 2004 Applications Being Accepted

Kansas City’s Union Station, site ofyoung adults dinner and dance