PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

C H U R C H O F G O D

P R O G R E S S J O U R N A L

Volume 48, Number 1 January-March 2021

… when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and

the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ~Acts 8:12

What lies ahead? Well, we actually don’t know, but we continue trusting in the goodness of God, and we have confidence in the future return of His son, Je-sus Christ. In the meantime, we plan, serve, teach, and promote truth. Here are some things we are looking forward to and planning for with the full real-ization that it’s all tentative to some degree. Christian Workers Seminar We currently have the dates of May 2-7, 2021 re-served at Mainstay Suites Conference Center, 410 Pine Mountain Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. We are in the process of putting together a program as if the event will take place. The coming months will in-evitably bring us many changes, and we will attempt to keep you as up to date as possible. We anticipate making a final “go” or “no go” decision somewhere around Feb. 1, even though we are currently making plans. We’ll let you know as soon as we know. FUEL FUEL is scheduled for July 18-23 at Manchester Uni-versity in North Manchester, IN. Plans are moving forward, but as with everything else, things may change. Students really missed being able to meet in person last summer, even though a great amount of planning and effort went into creating a virtual event. As good as it was, remote is never the same as in person. Summer General Conference: 100th Anniversary Yes, last year was the 100th meeting of the General Conference, but this summer (2021) will be the 100th

Anniversary of the General Conference (1921). We are planning to meet at Lawrence-ville Church of God in Spring-field, OH on Aug. 11-13, with the Heritage Conference hap-pening in conjunction on Aug. 10-11. We are sincerely hoping to be gathered together to cel-ebrate God’s gracious faithful-ness to our movement over the years and to look excitedly forward to the opportunities before us. The theologi-cal world is cracking under the weight of orthodoxy, and hundreds of people are coming to know truth in ways they never have in the past. It is our honor to provide churches where these truth-seeking people can connect with others who share precious doc-trines within the context of a church body where fel-lowship and discipleship can be experienced in a re-warding way. Ministry Outreach League Last year our General Conference churches voted to create a program to fund ministry efforts in local churches. If your church sees ways you can expand ministry opportunities, but you lack the funding to do it, consider applying for assistance through the Ministry Outreach League. Please email us for more info at info@atlantabiblecollege.com. What Lies Ahead We may not know everything, but we do know some things that lie ahead. One thing for sure is that… “…we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess 4:15-18, NIV).

Message from Seth Ross, President and Executive Director

Lawrenceville Church, site of 2021 summer conference

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

Building on Our Past—Part Two by David Krogh

(This is a continuation of Part One published in the Vol. 47, Number 4 issue. The previous article cov-ered efforts going back to the mid-1800s to organ-ize a conference to advance the work of the Church of God. The article concluded with the se-lection of a committee of 10 who met at Mar-shalltown, IA, April 26-28, 1921 to discuss how to structure a conference that would serve the needs of our churches.) They (the committee of 10) suggested the estab-lishment of a General Assembly made up of indi-vidual members, state and district conferences, and the National Berean Society. It is assumed that ministers were also represented in the General As-sembly because a national Ministerial Association had been organized in 1911. Ministers had been prominent participants in all the previous efforts to organize a conference. This assembly would be charged with selecting five of its number who would constitute its Execu-tive Board, which would be aided by an advisory board to include the presidents of the state confer-ences and who would be the legal trustees for the assembly. A suggested constitution was drafted. And upon an invitation from the Executive Board of the Iowa State Conference, it was determined that the first conference be held at Waterloo, Iowa on the state conference grounds, August 28 to Sep-tember 3, 1921. The committee arranged for re-duced train fare for those who would travel to the conference. The Iowa Conference provided free use of their grounds, their large dining hall, their large auditorium tent, and their many family tents. They agreed to offer meals at 10 cents each (on Sunday, dinner and supper 20 cents each). The tents included full beds with springs, mattress, blankets and comforts supplied for $1.50 for the entire conference or for less than four nights at the rate of 25 cents per night. Rooms also could be se-

cured in private residences near the grounds at 50 cents per night. Rooms also were available at the Willard Hall for 25 cents per day per person. Each room was furnished with two double beds.

Historian Paul Hatch gave a description of the ar-ea: “The Iowa campgrounds covered an area ap-proximately the size of one and one-half city blocks. On the north side was a building used for the kitchen and dining areas. To the south was a wooded area where family tents were pitched, and enough trees had been removed to form a clearing where a large tent was set up for conference meet-ings. It was an old tent which had been used for evangelistic work in Iowa during the 1890’s. The ends of the tent had been replaced with new can-vas before this time, but the center portion was getting quite old and the leaks became more and more apparent during the many sudden thunder-storms which occurred during that historical week.” Grace Marsh (one of the committee of 10), has written of this first conference: “Into those seven days were crowded the consideration of God’s cho-sen way of conducting His business, the aspira-tions and dreams of those who wished His work to move forward to the unchurched, and, finally, the consideration of organization and working rules. Present during these eventful days were members from seventeen states, one province, one church, and the National Berean Society which had orga-nized several years previously. Ten conferences and one church sent special representatives. While not all agreed in thought and principle, there was a feeling of spiritual unity present and an atmos-phere of Christian love that helped to bridge the chasm of self versus the Father’s way.” Those elected to serve on the Executive Board were:

(Continued on page 3)

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

PROGRESS JOURNAL VOLUME 48 NUMBER 1—Jan. to Mar. 2021 Proofreader: Robert Jones

Address editorial correspondence to: David Krogh 2020 Avalon Parkway, Suite 400, McDonough, GA 30253

(Information gleaned from Historical Waymarks of the Church of God by Clyde Randall and the Biographical En-cyclopedia by Jan Stilson.) (to be continued in next issue) ************** Dear Church Builders League,

Summer quickly turned into fall and once again I can marvel at God’s beautiful crea-tion. The bright colors and the cool, crisp eve-nings remind me of His greatness and creation and His love of His followers.

I want to take a minute to thank you all for the generous gift to the Pennellwood Church (Wyoming, MI) this year. With it, we were able to completely replace the very worn parking lot. This will provide us with many more years of service at this facility, and we are so grateful. Thank you again.

In Christ, Diane Berry on behalf of the Pennellwood Church of God

(Continued from page 2)

James Patrick President

L. E. Conner First Vice-President

J. S. Lyon Second Vice-President

F. L. Austin Secretary

G. P. Allard Treasurer

Church Classifieds

Wenatchee, WA—Pastor

The Wenatchee church is seeking a part-time pas-tor. For additional information, please contact el-der Jay Brossard at 509-470-6603.

McGintytown, AR—Pastor

The McGintytown Church is seeking a pastor. Pastor Tom New retired effective August 1, 2020. Our prayer is that God will send the right individual that is excited to build relationships and help the church grow. The church is located a few miles outside of Greenbrier, AR. The public school system is highly rated in the state with opportuni-ty in high school for college credit. The nearby town of Conway is known as the City of Colleges as it is home to three colleges. Conway is expand-ing and has a good job market for other family members if needed. Inquiries should be directed to David Cardin at 501-428-4219 or email mcog-soundbooth@gmail.com.

Missions Conference

The 3rd Annual KOG Missions Conference went online this year. There were viewers from all over the world watching live. The opening message Friday night was on “Why Missions” and was de-livered by Anthony Buzzard. He discussed the importance of the missions message. There were three sessions on Saturday: 1) Sarah (ex-Muslim) “Reaching Muslims,” Steve An “Reaching Korea,” Lori Jane (ex-JW) “Reaching Jehovah’s Witnesses,” 2) Alane Rozelle “Reaching Catholics,” Sarah Jimenez “Reaching Trinitarians, Questions to Ask,” William Gilmore “Reaching an Understanding of Christ — the Question of Pre-Existence,” 3) Joe & Rebekah Martin “Reaching Africa,” and Carlos Xavier “Reaching the Nations.” The recordings can be found on KOG YouTube playlist 2020 KOG Missions Conference: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7vMsrLzPKZD9pZ_DtHpY3u7ER6B4SiN9 Individual videos of each speaker will be posted there as they are edited, but the LIVE presenta-tions are all up. Speaker notes and PowerPoints (if they used it) can be found on the following webpage, along with the link to the play-list: https://kogmissions.com/online2020—Tracy Zhykhovich.

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

I woke up recently with the title of the 19th century hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee” stuck in my mind. It is believed to be the last song the band on the RMS Ti-tanic played before the ship sank. This hymn is not in our hymnals, nor is it en-tirely in line with

Church of God doctrine. Despite that, the title per-fectly expresses a sentiment many of us feel more each day. As I write this, our country has just voted in an election that has become another example of how much division, animosity, and even hatred ex-ists in our society. We are also experiencing a year like no other due to the changes brought about by the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic. I think this is why my mind went involuntarily to the desire to be nearer to our loving and almighty God. It was also a reminder of the glorious future God has planned for us when His Son returns and estab-lishes His kingdom. That will be when the senti-ment becomes a reality, and we will be forever “Nearer My God, to Thee.”

Until that time, God had blessed us with many ways to serve Him. Like many of you reading this, the COG and its people have always been at the center of my life, giving it meaning and purpose that has sustained me. I appreciate the opportuni-ty to give back by having the privilege to serve on the board of directors.

It is the responsibility of the board of directors to provide long-term and strategic plans, financial oversight, and administer the business of the con-ference and college. Below are some of the items we are currently working on.

In 2018 the board began working on the concept of a Ministry Outreach League (MOL). The purpose of this program is to assist our conference church-es with financial support for ministry. This finan-cial support could be used for paying pastors, min-istry leaders (for youth, evangelism, outreach), in-ternship programs, and new church startup ex-penses. The focus is on items related to getting the word out and spreading the gospel message in our communities. The MOL was unanimously ap-proved by the delegates at General Conference in August of 2019. In 2020, the MOL began providing needed support for two of our churches. The MOL is intended as a sister program to the Church Builders League (CBL). The purpose of CBL is to provide financial support for church building ex-

penses: buying land, new construction, additions and remodeling. This allows the COG General Con-ference to partner with our churches on two im-portant playing fields. The conference is now able to assist with both building and ministry needs by utilizing the resources of the total COG population.

The board is also currently working with Seth Ross, the Executive Director, to continue improve-ments to the COGGC website. The COGGC website (coggc.org) is an important resource for reaching people. It gives us the opportunity to explain who we are and what we have to offer. Our goal is not just to inform those who are already connected, but also present the COGGC in a way that con-nects with people who are searching. We want a website that engages searchers with the value the COG has to offer. This would include: videos and articles that present what we believe and stand for, introduce Atlanta Bible College – a biblical uni-tarian college to train pastors, ministry leaders, and all who desire greater biblical knowledge, and identify existing people, churches, and groups to join in worship. In short, a website where people can quickly and easily understand who we are, what we believe and offer, and facilitates an easy connection choice.

The board is also in the process of reviewing the COGGC mission, vision, and values statements. These statements are important in identifying what we do, what we aspire to be, and the behav-iors we demonstrate in the process. Our goal is to make these short, descriptive, and easy to commit to memory. Our decisions and actions should be consistent with the mission, vision, and values these statements present. I look forward to shar-ing more about this in a future issue of the Pro-gress Journal. Special recognition is deserved for our Atlanta Bi-ble College Korean Extension. While faced with restrictions brought about by the Coronavirus, they began using virtual classes as opposed to in-person instruction to accommodate students both locally and those with international travel re-strictions. The Extension was still able to achieve an impressive performance as there were 53 stu-dents enrolled in the fall 2020 semester, 90% of which were full-time. They were also active in planting a church in Australia. Congratulations to Steve An and his staff! May God continue to bless the work you do.

Thanks to all who continue to support the work of the conference and college. Your prayers and do-nations make everything we do possible. We pray that God will guide us and make us good stewards of all He has blessed us with.

Chairman’s Message—Dennis Sharp

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

Making a Difference in

Africa Paul planted, Apollos watered, and God made it grow. That’s what happened in the

New Testament times, and it is still happening today. Paul and Apollos aren’t around anymore, but there are many in Africa and in the United States that are planting and watering, and God is making it grow. The recent Church Builder’s Appeal was to build church-es in Africa. That appeal raised over $39,000, which I am told is the most that has ever been given to an appeal. Thank you for your generosity and desire to make a dif-ference in Africa! Church buildings in the United States cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but in Africa a church can be built for $2,000 to $3,000. We can give many congregations a church building to meet in now. Buildings aren’t as important as people, but churches are a significant way to give our congregations an identity in the community and create a place to meet that encour-ages people to come together in God’s name.

Much progress has already been made with the funds LHI received:

Uganda Land bought and churches built in Budakah and Katodha

Malawi Three churches built in

Mulanje area – Pastor Maxwell Nsanje area – Pastor Ishmael Ndau (there are five

new churches established here, but we only built one building here at this time)

Thyolo – Pastor Liwande (“Pastor Liwande cried and danced when I gave him the church building money”—Linda); land bought in Thyolo – Pastor Mijeri

There are also new church groups (we did not send mon-ey to these) one church up north in Nkhata Bay, two churches in Mwanza, one church in Mangochi, three churches in Thyolo

Mozambique Three churches built under Pastors Aneva, Bango, Tchakka The Mozambique headquarters church was also com-pleted

Kenya Churches built in Musembe, Chwele, Kehancha One plot of land and two churches built in Kakuma Repairs and improvements: Nandika church roof; Kehan-cha covering, Kiminini church windows, doors, and floor;

Maturu headquarters building—paint for doors and win- dows, stop windows leaking, staircase railing, office, fence, and steel gate

There are over 500 churches in Africa that share the same beliefs we have about God, His son Jesus, and the coming kingdom on earth. God has really been making this ministry grow! It has been a very challenging year for our brothers and sisters in Africa with Covid lockdowns making a bad situation worse. Thanks to you, we have been able to help them in many ways:

$10,000 for fertilizer in Malawi $12,000 for seed in Mozambique Much food relief for Uganda and Kenya $4,000 for plastic to cover churches and houses

from the torrential monsoons Much medical help given to people in Uganda and

Kenya Many Bibles ($10 each) for Mozambique, Malawi,

Uganda, and Kenya Masks, thermo guns, hand sanitizer, and hand wash-

ing stations for Kenya and Uganda so church services could be held

Linda, one of our main partners in Africa, wrote this about a church in the Thyolo district… “"Our church in Thyolo has a great reputation, especially at Nankhande church, pastor Livayis. The chief uses our church for the community meetings too, and we are respected and rec-ognized as a centre for women's prayer meetings. As I'm talking, last week pastor Livayi and Mijeri were asked to go and ordain a pastor of Church of Christ on behalf of their church. I thought that was funny, but it shows that they have trust in our pastors. We are praying and hope they'll convert and be-come one of us soon. They attend our month-ly pastors teaching meetings already. Our orphan school there was rated as one of the best run in Thyolo. Thanks to you for feed-ing these children."

I hope you are as excit-ed as we are about what God is doing in Africa. I also hope you feel blessed that God is allowing us to be a part of this ministry. Thank you for your commitment to spreading the gospel around the world to give more people an opportunity to be in the kingdom.

Kitodha, Uganda

Group at Budakah, Uganda Church

Budakah church under construction

By Rick McClain

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

“Developing your leadership and ministry”

Bring the strength of Atlanta Bible College directly to the

people of your church. Take advantage of Atlanta Bible College's online instruction to help train and develop your local church members for ministry that will serve your congregation. Atlanta Bible College is looking to invest in churches across the country by providing invaluable resources to those who desire to be further equipped.

Each semester we offer selected courses to church-es for a flat fee of $100. That fee covers as many people to participate as your church desires. We are inviting your church to benefit from observing Atlan-ta Bible College courses as they are taught, but with-out the necessity to turn in assignments. To enroll your church please send an email to mcisler @atlantabiblecollege.com. If someone in your church desires to earn credit for the class, they can register through the Bible college.

Here are the courses offered to churches for the up-coming Winter/Spring 2021 semester (Jan – May 2021).

New Testament Survey II ($100/church) Dr. Joe Martin will be teaching New Testament Sur-vey II most Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:15pm Eastern. This course will use the Zoom video confer-encing app for live instruction. This course is a sur-vey of the books of Romans to Revelation against their backgrounds with attention to the theme, out-line, and major doctrines of each book. If someone desires to take the course for credit, the cost to them would be $597 plus application and book fees (3 credit course).

I and II Corinthians ($100/church) Sean Finnegan will be teaching I and II Corinthians as a block course April 5-9, 2021. The class will be recorded for our remote students and churches would have access to these recordings, and all re-sources, from April 12 until July 31. This course is a detailed study of a troubled church exhibiting con-cerns common to many modern churches. Paul ad-monished this church, but helped them discover God’s grace, which moved them along in their spir-itual approach to their problems. If someone desires to take the course for credit, the cost to them would be $398 plus application and book fees (2 credit course).

Please pass along the following information to stu-dents who may benefit from these opportunities:

ONE-WEEK BLOCK CLASS - Atlanta Bible College is offering a Principles of Evangelism course April 5-9, 2021. This two-credit class will meet from 9am to 1pm that week with Seth Ross, Bob Jones, David Krogh, and Michael Cisler instructing. There will be some reading and work to do prior to your arrival on campus, as well as some after you leave. The cost is $398 for tuition, but if you have quizzed at FUEL, you could take the class for free (application and books extra). If you are interested, you can complete an application at www.atlantabiblecollege.com. For more details or questions email mcisler @atlantabiblecollege.com. ONE EVENING PER WEEK - We are offering New Tes-tament Survey II via Zoom on Thursday nights from 6:30-9:15pm Eastern time. Dr. Joe Martin is teaching this survey of the New Testament books from Ro-mans to Revelation. The cost is only $597 for tuition, but if you have quizzed at FUEL, you could take the class for free (application and books extra). If you are interested, you can complete an application at www.atlantabiblecollege.com. For more details or questions email mcisler@atlantabiblecollege.com. Korean Extension Greetings from South Korea! It has been the greatest blessing in my life from God being guided to At-lanta Bible Collge/Korean Extension as a student in 2007. As I learned the Abrahamic Faith, I gradually realized and was shocked that my family and I had been in ridiculous man-made Christianity such a long time, and felt that a bright light started to shine upon my spirit. It re-minded me of Paul’s conversion. I have still been search-ing for a good word for thanking God and the COGGC for conveying to me soul-saving Bible truth. My continuous prayer is the COGGC of the Abrahamic Faith be sustained until the kingdom, and I believe the COGGC deserves the reward from the Lord Jesus Christ as a faithful servant. Since returning home to South Korea after graduation, I have been passionately testifying of my spiritual experi-ence and spreading the Abrahamic Faith to my family, friends, neighbors and other self-claiming Christians at the Yah-top Church of God which was planted in 2014. Yeongbeom Kim and Saehyun Lee had the same spiritual experiences as I, graduated from the ABCKE, and have been serving as pastors in different cities in Korea. Pastor Yoonsoo Lee, formerly a member of Full Gospel Church, was also inspired by the Abrahamic Faith at the Korea Campus class and planted a Church of God church in Perth, Australia in 2017.

(Continued on page 7)

Atlanta Bible College Atlanta Bible College Korean Extension

Pastor Younghee An

By Michael Cisler

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

Church News

Our current prayer is for God to open the door to North Korea for us to preach the Abrahamic Faith to the lost sheep who are being deceived by false doctrine. Since ABCKE classes are administered by remote for-mat due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been teach-ing current students through the Zoom Meeting interac-tive system and sharing my spiritual experience and presenting the kingdom message through the Kingdom of God as Gospel class. Thank you so much and may the blessings of God be upon the COGGC forever! In Christ, Younghee An from South Korea (translated by Steve An)

Baptisms Arkansas McGintytown—Chloe New, (11/22/20), by Pastor Tom New (his granddaughter).

Illinois Ashley Hetrick (March) by Pastor Robert Laning.

Ohio Troy—Jayna Gregory and Carter Hurley (8/2/20) and Han-nah Steggemann (12/6/20) by Pastor Dan Cain.

Deaths California Pomona—Frances Boyle, 110, (10/3/2020), life-long mem-ber and faithful supporter of our work.

Illinois Oregon—Chuck Currier, 85, (11/20/2020), current mem-ber/former elder at East Oregon Chapel and pastor of Con-ger St. Church , Waterloo, IA 1996-2007.

Indiana Hedrick—Brayden William Chrisman, 18, (10/21/2020), by Pastor David Cheatwood.

Iowa Gladbrook—Roland Dahms, 89, (1/16/2019), Joyce Dahms, 88, (8/3/2020), both were long-time members of Park Hill Church of God.

Minnesota Litchfield—Martin Wegner, Jr., 65, (10/18/2020), long-time member.

Ohio Springfield—Betty Young, 95, (10/7/2020), mother of former pastor Richard Young, former member of the Day-ton Church of God by Pastor Alan Cain.

South Carolina Pelzer—Kenny Davis, 65, (10/10/2020), member of Bethel Church by Pastor Wally Winner; Wallace Kay, 59, (6/22/20), member of Bethel Church by Pastor Wally Win-ner; Jeanne Smith, 97, (11/1/2020), wife of deceased pas-tor E. Richard Smith and life-long member (member at Bethel for past 44 years) by Pastor Wally Winner. Weddings Illinois Ripley—Tony and Courtney Johnson (May); and David and Kimberlee Boyd (10/3/20) by Pastor Robert Laning.

Indiana Timberland—Alex Wolfe and Gina Massaro, (9/25/2020), by Pastor Jake Ballard.

Continued from page 6)

States where baptisms, deaths, and weddings took place

Front left Pastor Younghee An

Pastor Yeongbeom Kim standing on left

Pastor Saehyun Lee at pulpit

Back row, third from left Pastor Yoonsoo Lee Perth, Australia

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

ReFUEL South Update In the beginning of November we were able to host our annual ReFUEL South retreat. There were a few hurdles and precautions that needed to be dealt with, but it was a great gathering during a time that many desperately needed the fellowship and group worship.

This year we had to move the event to Arkansas. Big thanks to the New family and the McGintytown Church for hosting the weekend. Also the event could not have taken place without our Atlanta Bible College students. Thank you - Blessings, Beth and Ryan - Seth too! We had nine sessions that were all led by different indi-viduals—two pastors and students. The theme was Double Vision. We spent the weekend comparing the way that God has called us to live and the way the world pushes. Trying to live under both in-fluences will cause double vision. We encouraged the participants to look to the word of God and positive in-fluences to live the life worthy of our calling. Arrangements are being made for ReFUEL 21. We are planning on having the event January 15-17. SAVE THIS DATE! The theme this year is Z-Ray. Why you ask? Well because it’s two better than X. We are going to focus on the depth of Christianity to go beyond the surface of what it means to be a Christian. 7th grade and up are encouraged to join us at Camp Mack in Milford, IN. (Unfortunately, we must keep in mind this is all subject to the government's demands for group sizes and re-strictions that they place upon Camp Mack. However, we will do our best to ensure proper safety measures are taken while still providing a positive reFUEL experi-ence, in spite of the uncertainty of the time.) Note from the Fuel Directors 2020… Weirdest. Year. Ever! This has been a “different” year. Too bad we have already used that as a FUEL theme. We all are disappointed that we were not able to meet this year at Manchester. Although there is still uncer-tainty, we press forward planning for our next year’s

FUEL. The theme is: Hupernikao - More than conquer-ors! Lessons and messages are being prepared, the logo is being designed, gathering staff will start soon, and stu-dent registration will be here before you know it. Save the date - July 18-23 - and plan to join us at Man-chester University. Our goal is that that we will get to gather together next summer. Join us now in prayer so we can join together later. Until then - stay safe and Merry Christmas! The TPYM/Fuel Directors, Stephanie, Bethany, Andrew and John

TURNING POINT YOUTH MINISTRY

Church History Project

The History Committee of the General Confer-ence invites all local churches of our confer-ence to submit church histories for inclusion in a published book. This project is an important part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of our General Conference which was formed in 1921. We hope to have the book completed by the summer General Conference in August. We are planning an e-book which can be loaded on-to our website, or published as a paperback book available through Amazon. Thanks to all the churches that have submitted a copy of its history. If your church has not worked on this project yet, please appoint one or more persons to gather information and up-date your history. Please include photos as well as information on the founding of the church and significant things that have happened through the years.

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

Joseph Marsh Archives Digital Publishing Ministry of the

Church of God General Conference by Bobby Lee Partain

Someone has said that one has to be either naïve, or have a calling from God, to take on a huge ministry project like this. I have come to believe that a person has to have the faith of a child AND a calling from God to embrace a min-istry that they know little about, but feel absolutely certain that God has put that calling in their heart. The book of Hebrews instructs us that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.” Over the last 12 months, I have come to see a God-planted idea take root, and start to bear amazing fruit, providing the Assurance and Evidence that He is directing and blessing this ministry. CURRENT STATUS AND IMPACT: • Preachers/teachers are using the digitized resources

in Bible studies and Sunday School classes as study material and quotes.

• Researchers/historians use the periodicals to glean

material about their church/conferences for the eBook Jan Stilson will be compiling for the 101st sum-mer conference.

• Authors of two new books are using the resources

devoted to doctrinal topics and compiled material from several COG ministers.

• Shut-in’s and elderly have the reading and study mate-

rial downloaded to their I-Pads for easy access and continued spiritual growth.

• Reprinted articles are featured in the Restitution

Herald entitled “They Still Speak” to give a voice to those on whom the recent CGGC was established, and to provide resources to those seeking a deeper relationship with God, His son Jesus, and those who want to experience real growth and purpose in their spiritual life.

• CGGC website upgrade is in process by Sharon Gill

and Leslie Jones. They have created links for current and future digitized material. If you have not yet ex-

plored the website and archive material, please use the following link to access the resources and begin to read and download this wonderful inspiring material. https://coggc.org/publications/archives/.

CAUTION: DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIR-CUMSTANCES, ACCESS THESE RE-SOURCES UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO GET ADDICTED TO THE WEALTH OF INFORMATION GOD WILL USE TO MATURE YOUR SPIRITUAL WALK! NEXT STEPS FOR 2021 (LORD willing): Two additional scanners, and hard discs, have been pur-chased. One will be used in the archives at CGGC by stu-dents to fulfill their ministry requirements, and the other to scan other collections in Iowa, Ohio, Illinois My dad and I plan to visit the GGGC archives monthly to scan and post an additional 150 resources and to create a quarterly historical electronic bulletin insert to focus on an author and their work. To develop an identification system for students to know which resources are for beginner, intermediate, and ad-vanced studies. A data base for research and the creation of a Search APP, is also being researched. Additional collections by pastors, churches and confer-ences will be scanned and linked (by permission). Your support through prayers, providing access to addi-tional material, volunteering to support, and financially con-tributing to this ministry is much appreciated. “I sent you to reap that whereon you bestowed no labor; other men labored, and you are entered into their la-bors” (John 4:38).

ZERO TO ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE IN 12 MONTHS!

To date, we have digitally scanned 80,000 pages, posted 30 books, 53 volumes of The Restitution Herald (1911-1970), and 40 early adventist movement/one God

publications to the Church of God General Conference website.

Leslie Jones and her grandmother

Sharon Gill

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

Hymnals Available A number of copies of Psalms, Hymns, and Spir-itual Songs were donated to the General Confer-ence to make available to churches that may need additional copies. Many of the books are in fair condition, but they can be rebound for about $8 each. Please contact David Krogh if you would like to secure copies, or if your church has books that need to be rebound.

Good News from COG-Land

From the Oregon Church of God in Oregon, IL – Pastor Michael Hoffman and the congregation are eager to welcome intern Nathan Massie. Nathan is finishing his course work at ABC, and he will begin his internship in January. Thanks go out to Marsha Behrens for sharing her talents by decorating the bulletin board in the foyer. There will be a Christmas Craft and Chat Day at the church on December 12 beginning at 8 AM. Crafting time in the morning will precede lunch at noon and a Christmas ornament or decoration exchange game in the afternoon. [Sounds like fun. – GNP] From the Lawrenceville Church of God in Springfield, OH – Pastor Alan Cain and the congregation have a lot of thanks to express at this Thanksgiving time of the year. First of all, thanks to Pastor John and Elizabeth Raymond for visiting and sharing the word of God on October 18. Next up is a big thank-you to Janie Fields for organizing the Trunk or Treat night. It was a huge success with a massive turnout (one guess was 500!). Thanks also to the UEC Theaters for their donation of popped popcorn for the October 28 evening event. Pastor Cain thanks the church for the wonderful potluck dinner on October 11 for Pastor Appreciation. Finally, on behalf of the board and the entire church, a plaque and gift card were delivered to Alberta Stevens for her 34 years of faithful service as the church secretary. Roy and Alberta have served the church in many ways (elder, trustee, deacon, deaconess) for about 57 years. And it all started with an act of kindness when the church threw them a shower to get them back on their feet after their house burned down in 1963. Thank you so much for your selfless service to our Lord and His people. From the Bethel Church of God in Pelzer, SC – Pastor Wally Winner and the congregation congratulate Logan Impson and Madelyn Jackson on their engagement. On Sunday October 25 the church honored breast cancer survivors on Pink Sunday. Those celebrated were Sonja Smith, Judy Turner, Revonda Lippert, and Martha Vinson. After the service, a special beverage (what else but pink lemonade) was provided for all. Veterans were recognized on November 8. Veterans honored were Michael Gentile, David Sloan, Ansel Guthrie, Jim Turner, and Steve Riddle. From the Oregon Church of God in Oregon, IL –On Sunday October 18 the church hosted a fun evening of getting to know one another via

hobbies, crafts, and collec-tions. The list of partici-pants and their displayed items is as follows: Ken Welty (pistols, cap guns, knives, and carvings); Melody Welty (“mother” pins, tea strainers, quilts); Janice Smyk (hand-made jewelry); Sarah Bliss (books, garden harvest, photography); Carter Froehlich (flying magazines, pop rivet gun used in aircraft assembly); Steve Hammer (garden produce baskets); Kurt Laurent (butterfly and insect collections, spiders, paintings, carvings); Linda Hoffman (milk bottles, stoneware, soap boxes); and Michael Hoffman (honor coins). [Fascinating stuff, huh? As “they” say, everyone collects something, and everything is collected by somebody. - GNP] From the Birthday and Anniversary Department – Gaynell Hicks (Bethel COG) celebrated her 81st birthday on October 18 and Irene Sorenson (Lakeshore Bible Church in Tempe, AZ) turned 97 on November 21. Happy Birthday, and we all hope your day was special and enjoyable. From the GNP desk – Remember to send in the names of your milestone anniversary or birthday people. We want to celebrate the milestones along with them, and we want everyone in COG-Land to know about it. [PLEASE help us out! – GNP] Hey, there COGLand! GNP wants to hear what YOUR good news is! We know there’s good news everywhere, so send us e-mails, bulletins, phone calls, etc. to tell us your good news. PLEASE SEND YOUR GOOD NEWS to (rjones@atlanta biblecollege.com), and we’ll put you in print! Robert L. Jones

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

Prayer and Praise Items

January

1 Pray that God will direct every area of your life. 2 Pray for Atlanta Bible College students as they engage in their spring semester studies. 3 Pray for Pastor Rufus and Jerri Meyers and the Simple Teachings Bible Church in McDonough, GA. 4 Pray for outreach work in Lima, Peru. 5 Pray for Pastor Chris and Jennifer Seiders and their ministry at Fort Valley, VA. 6 Praise God that we can be a part of the family of God. 7 Pray for the outreach ministries of your church. 8 Pray for retired Pastor Warren and Irene Sorenson. 9 Pray for ABC instructors as they teach during the spring semester. 10 Praise God for a recent answer to a prayer. 11 Pray for Seth Ross, Executive Director of Church of God General Conference and President of ABC. 12 Pray for current ABC interns Nathan Massie (Oregon, IL), Levi Salyers (South Bend, IN), and Isaac Cain

(Lakeshore, AZ). 13 Pray for our youth in our churches. 14 Praise God for Korean Churches of God in California. 15 Praise God for financial and prayer supporters of the college/conference. 16 Pray for someone you know who needs to accept Jesus as Savior. 17 Pray for teachers in your local church. 18 Pray for Pastor Jeff and Jeannie Ransom and the Pennellwood Church in Wyoming, MI. 19 Praise God for the freedom to worship Him. 20 Pray for the American and Korean congregations in the greater Nashville, TN area. 21 Pray for your pastor and family. 22 Praise God for the work of those preparing Christian education materials. 23 Praise God for those who give of their time and talents in serving on conference advisory committees. 24 Pray for your nation’s leaders. 25 Pray for God’s blessings on ABC Korean Extension students and staff. 26 Pray for an opportunity to share Christ with someone this week. 27 Pray for opportunities to start new churches. 28 Pray for retired Pastor Larry and Karen Mayberry. 29 Pray for the church in Magazine, AR. 30 Praise God for the many students who are preparing for ministry at ABC. 31 Pray for “shut-in” members who cannot meet regularly with other believers.

February 1 Pray for churches that are seeking pastors. 2 Pray for the students at ABC and ABC Korean Extension to know God’s leading in their lives and ministries. 3 Pray for someone you know who needs to accept Christ. 4 Praise God for your family and friends. 5 Pray for Anthony and Barbara Buzzard and the Restoration Church of God in Fayetteville, GA. 6 Pray for the members of your church family. 7 Praise God for the direction He provides for your life. 8 Pray for Pastor Alan and Susan Cain and the Lawrenceville, OH church. 9 Pray for the brethren in the Philippines. 10 Pray for God to show you how and where to serve. 11 Pray for a special need in your life. 12 Praise God for the opportunities He has provided for outreach in numerous foreign countries. 13 Praise God for the board of directors and its leadership. 14 Pray for the ministries of your local church. 15 Pray for youth and youth ministries in the Church of God. 16 Pray for the Restoration Church in Oklahoma City, OK. 17 Pray that God will raise up donors for ABC’s financial needs. 18 Pray for the Ministers Association members (licensed ministers of the Church of God). 19 Pray for our Ministerial Association Leadership Team. 20 Pray for retired Pastor Richard K. Smith and his wife Dorothy Jean. 21 Pray for Pastor Jack and Paige Kmiecik and their ministry at Cornerstone Bible Church in McDonough, GA. 22 Pray for someone you know who is in need of healing (physical, emotional, or spiritual). 23 Pray for the staff at the college/conference. 24 Pray for the students who attend scheduled retreats. 25 Pray that Jesus will return to earth soon. 26 Praise God for the ministry taking place in the African Churches of God connected to the General Conference. 27 Pray for Pastor Dick and Carol Eldred and the Rock Solid Bible Church in Howard City, MI. 28 Pray for our pastors in Africa. (continued on next page)

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PROGRESS JOURNAL January-March 2021

Atlanta Bible College Church of God General Conference 2020 Avalon Parkway, Suite 400 McDonough, GA 30253 Address Service Requested

The Progress Journal is owned and published by Church of God General Conference, 2020 Avalon Parkway, Suite 400, McDonough, GA 30253.

Published quarterly. David Krogh, Editor, Robert Jones, Proofreader. Telephone 678-833-1839 ; FAX 678-833-1853. Website: www.coggc.org

Prayer and Praise Items Continued

March 1 Pray for a spirit of unity in the bond of peace. 2 Pray for retired Pastor Tom and Debbie New. 3 Praise God for the blessings people receive from the annual Prophecy Conference held in Arkansas each

spring. 4 Pray that God will raise up missionary candidates. 5 Pray for the advance planning and preparation for Christian Workers Seminar May 2-7, 2021. 6 Pray for Denise Cramer, Operations Manager. 7 Pray for those considering attending Atlanta Bible College in the future. 8 Pray for strength to overcome temptation and for power in the battle against sin in the world. 9 Pray for Seth Ross, Executive Director/President. 10 Praise God for a new day. 11 Pray for Pastor Daniel and Sarah Calcagno and the Glad Tidings Church, Fonthill, Ontario, Canada. 12 Praise God for those who have provided spiritual instruction for you. 13 Pray for Pastor Wally and Peggy Winner and the work at Joy Fellowship and Bethel Church in South Carolina. 14 Praise God for all who have dedicated their lives to ministry. 15 Pray that God would give vision to those serving on the board of directors as they guide the General Confer-

ence. 16 Pray for God’s blessing on ABC students and staff. 17 Pray for the contacts with churches and Bible colleges in South Korea. 18 Pray for an opportunity to share God’s love with someone. 19 Pray for Pastor Robin Todd and the Western Washington congregation. 20 Pray for students and staff of ABCKE (Atlanta Bible College Korean Extension). 21 Pray for those who are searching God’s Word for answers to life’s problems. 22 Pray for God’s blessing on your family. 23 Pray for the leaders of your government. 24 Praise God for your pastor’s commitment to ministry. 25 Praise God for those who provide prayer and financial support for the college/conference ministries. 26 Pray for the church work in Malawi and Mozambique. 27 Pray for the ministry of your church elders. 28 Praise God for Robin Taylor who is financial services coordinator for the college/conference. 29 Pray for McGintytown, AR Church. 30 Praise God for new attendees at your local congregation. 31 Pray for the ministry of Lupe Badillo in Mexico.