.............................•......•.............

VOl. XXII, NO. 11MAY 31, 1994

End of Richard Nixon's trial-filledbut successful life

Religious classes help youths seeimportance of Jesus Christ

Where is the Church headed?

........•..............................•..........

SHARING FAITH-Bev and Victor Kubik (fourth and sixth from left) picnic withSabbatarian leaders and families on the banks of the Tisza River outside Khust.

After attending the European Con­ference in Megeve, France (see page5), we flew to Budapest, Hungary.We wanted to experience what itwould be like crossing into Ukraineby train so we could let our studentsknow what to expect.

We encountered scheduling diffi­culties. The three times I have trav­eled from Budapest to Ukraine, Ihave yet to be given correct informa­tion about train schedules.

In absolute darkness the traincrosses the Tisza River from Za­honey, Hungary, into Chop, Ukraine,

See Ukraine, page 5

By Victor Kubik

Rwanda update: Some members flee homesKIGALI, Rwanda-This report is from a prospective member in Rwanda. For

their safety, we are not mentioning the names of the brethren, according to Ran­dal Dick, assistant director of Church Administration for international areas.

War is still raging here. It appears a number of our members have left Kigalito seek refuge in the countryside. However, the slaughter has also been takingplace in the remote areas. Everyone is affected by hunger and risks being killedeither by the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF), bandits or political extremists.

Last Friday, May 6, I visited the deacon and his family, who live in a villagenear Kigali, and brought them a 100-pound bag of rice. They are surviving asbest as they can by eating a few beans and rice. Several neighbors and home­less people have taken refuge in their home.

Groups of armed men roam around, seeking to kill Tutsis. Several of thesegroups came to the deacon's home, accusing his wife of being of Tutsi descentand accusing him of providing shelter for Tutsis. Somehow, by giving them a lit­tle bit of money, the deacon has so far been able to appease them.

I went to see one of the mayors who exercises authority over these groupswho seek to kill Tutsis and requested that our deacon and his family be leftalone. So far, this seems to have worked.

Another of our members, a teacher, left his home in one of the Kigali suburbs.He could be seeking refuge in the countryside. Two members from Zaire, who arealso teachers, have most likely gone back to their country. It appears that buseswere made available to expatriates so that they could be driven to the border.

Later today, May 12, I hope to visit the Kigali suburbs where our members live.Mr. Dick said that because Rwanda is in a state of paralysis, the Church cannot

offer any assistance to our members there other than to fervently remember themin our prayers.

UKRAINE-May 4 and 5 my wife,Bev, and I made final arrangementsfor the eight Ambassador studentsand a high school graduate with fiveyears of Russian to travel this sum­mer to Western Ukraine. They willteach English and assist our Sab­batarian friends with computers,communications and agriculture.

Ukraine: students willlearn as well as teach

I

Victor Kubik is assistant director ofChurch Administration.

Preaching the gospelWe used to report that Europe was uniting and that Christ would

return within "x" number of years. We focused too much attention onpredicting the time of the end of the age. Our predictions madeexciting articles and preaching.

But our predictions were often wrong, and we sometimes did ourwarning and predicting in a self-righteous way. We have come to seethe need for a more Christlike approach.

Christ preached that he would return, but he did not preach whenhe would return. He preached about the kingdom of God, but he didnot get involved in speculation about setting dates and providing thedetails of what that kingdom would be like. Instead, he taught peoplehow they might be part of God's kingdom-through repentance, faithand forgiveness, rather than self-righteousness and legalism.

That is the gospel he commissioned his apostles to preach. That ithe gospel we see being preached in the book of Acts and in the lettersof Paul. The message is about salvation by grace through active faithin Jesus Christ.

See Personal, page 6

Vision for the futureJesus Christ has led the Church through some dramatic

changes-a little more dramatic than some of us may have wanted. Itwould be simpler to take the path of least resistance and not makewaves, but we are obligated to follow Christ as he leads us. Our faithis tested, our commitment to him is tested, our willingness to live byevery word of God is tested as we come to understand the Bible moreaccurately.

Some have asked where we will go next. While Christ does notalways reveal in advance where he will lead us, I do have theresponsibility to plan according to what Christ has already revealed.So I want to use this opportunity to share with you my vision for thefuture of the work. 111 give some general goals and then some morespecific goals. I have written and spoken about these points before,but I know that repetition is the best form of emphasis.

In general terms, my vision for the future is that the WorldwideChurch of God will fully live up to its name-the Church of God. Thatis, that each and every member of the Church will be a sincere,serving, humble, loving, Christ-led person whose individual lightshines and brings glory to Christ and to the Church.

When I emphasize this point, I often quote Matthew 5:13-16. Jesusused plain, down-to-earth language in the Sermon on the Mount. AChristian should be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, doinggood deeds that others can see, good deeds that can motivate others topraise and thank God. We should be good examples-assets to ourfamilies, our employers, our neighborhoods and our communities.This is an important part of what Christ's Church should be.

A true Christian is not just someone who follows Jesus Christ-atrue Christian is also being transformed by Christ! We are born again,born from above-a new creation in Christ-led by the Holy Spiritinto new thoughts and new emotions. We are being transformed bythe renewing of our minds, so that we might be conformed to theimage of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:2; 8:29).

A Christian is a Christlike person. So my vision for the Church isthat we will more fully exemplify the qualities and love of Christ. Thisis my primary directive for members of the Church. I want us to liveup to our calling.

Our lives need to reflect Christ. My vision for the future is that welive up to our calling as children of God, and I want the Church torealize how important that is to God. Christians are to be Christlikepeople. We are called the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ.

Our goal is to become more and more like our older Brother, theHead of the Church. In our faith and in our way of life, we are tobring glory to God, our Father. That is what Christ did, and that iswhat he leads his people to do, also.

2 The Worldwide News Tuesday, May 31,1994-_._--------~--~~._-~~--~._~-------,-~-~--

Nixon: trial-filled life reaches successful endJust after Richard Nixon's death, I

toured the ixon Library and hisbirthplace in Yorba Linda, California.As I paused in respect before the graveof the 37th President of the UnitedStates, who died April 22 at age 81, Ireflected on the tribute paid to him athis funeral by Henry Kissinger.

"He came into office when theforces of history were moving Americafrom a position of dominance to oneof leadership," said Dr. Kissinger, oneof Mr. Nixon's closest advisers. "Domi­nance reflects strength; leadershipmust be earned. And Richard ixonearned that leadership role for hiscountry with courage, dedication andskill.

"When he considered our nation'sinterest at stake," Dr. Kissinger contin­ued, "he dared confrontations [even]in the midst of the worst crisis of hislife," referring to the Watergate deba­cle that cost him the presidency in1974. "He achieved greatly, and he suf­fered deeply, but he never gave up."

In office, Mr. Nixon engineered adiplomatic breakthrough to China andpursued what he called a policy of"hardheaded detente" with the formerSoviet Union. He had foreseen theemergence of a new world order, withthe United States, Western Europe,Japan, the Soviet Union and Chinadestined to become, he said, the "prin­cipal axis of history."

The former President's impact on

Cirrola1ion 76,500

The Worldwide News IS published biweekly, exceptduring the Church's annual faU and spnng festive s. bythe WorldWIde Church of God. A.R.B.N 010019986Copyright 0 1994 Worldwide Church of God. A I nghtsreselVed.

FOUNDER:Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986)

PUBUSHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF:Joseph W TkachASSISTANT TO THE PU8USHER:J Michael Feazell

MEDIA OPERATlONS DIRECTOR:Bernard W SchnippertEDITORIAl.. DIRECTOR:Ronald KeltyPUBUSHING SERVICES DIRECTOR:Barry Gridley

Editor: Thomas C Hanson senior editor: SheilaGraham. managing editor: Jeff Zhorne; news editor:Paul Monteith; assistant editor: Peter Moore,Announcements: Becky Sweat; editorial assistant:Maya Wehbe; Ambassador College correspondentReg nald Kilhngley.

Columns: Gene Hogberg ·Worldwatch.· John RossSchroeder, "European Diary: Dexter H. Faulkner. 'JustOne More Thlllg'

Regional correspondents: Gerrie Belo. NleuwegeNetherianos Charles F eming. CarIbbean; EleazarROfes. Manda Phil pplnes. Marsha Hale. French anditalian; BnI Hal~ Vancouver. B.C.; Bryan Mathie andPeter HawklflS. Southern AfrICa; Rex Morgan. AucklandNew Zealand; DaVId Walker. Spanlsh Department; AubWarren. Australl8 and Asta; Frankie Weinberger. Bonn.Germany; Irene Wilson. United Kingdom.

Art director: Ronald Grove. illustraIor: Ken Tuna .

Photography: Barry Stahl; G.A. Belluehe Jr; Char esFeldbush; Hal Finch: Margie Dunn. photo librarian:Susan Sanchez.

Print production manager: Skip Dunn; printingCOOI"_ Stephen Gent and Catherine Snyder

NotIce: The Worldwide News cannot be responsible lorthe relurn 01 unsolicrted articles and photographs.s..tleaiplioilL Subscriptions are sent automa!JcaJly to themembers of the Worldwide Church of God. Address aUconmurncalions to the The Worldwide News. Box 111.Pasadena Gaitf 91129 See The PlaIn Truth for add tionaJmailing offices. Entered as second-class mail at theMantla. Phiiippines. Central Post Office. Feb. 10, 1984Address changes: U.S. changes of address arehandled automatically with Plain Truth changes 01address. Postmaster' Please send FOfffi 3579 to TheWorldWldeNews. Box 111. Pasadena. Cald" 91123.

Unless noted oIherwise scnptures are quoted from theHoly BIble. New Intemabonal VefSKltl. Copyright 0 1973.1978. 1984 InternatIonal Bible Society. Used bypen'l'lission of ZonderVan Bible Publishers.

the Middle East is with us still. Arabarmies launched their surprise YomKippur offensive Oct. 12, 1973. Israelrecovered, but Moscow began sendingweapons to Egypt and Syria. IsraeliPrime Minister Golda Meir urgentlyappealed to the White House for anairlift of arms.

Mr. ixon rejected advice that, forpolitic~l reasons, the United Statesshould send only three C-SA plane­loads. "We will not let Israel go downthe tubes," he told congressional lead­ers. He ordered the Pentagon to "sendeverything that can fly." Thirty C-SAsflew 550 missions in an operation farbigger than the 1948 Berlin airlift.

Soviet President Leonid Brezhnevnext threatened to send troops into theregion. Warning Moscow he would notpermit the Mideast to become a super­power battlefield, Mr. Nixon placedU.S. conventional and nuclear forceson alert. Mr. Brezhnev backed down.

The President then reached out tothe Arab states. Soon, Egyptian Presi-

Letters for this section should beaddressed to "Letters to the Editor." Theeditor reserves the right to use letters soaddressed in whole or in part, and to includeyour name and edit the letter for clarity orspace. We welcome your comments.

In confidenceIt is so exciting to read of how God is

working around the world, especially in Mex­ico and the continent of Africa. We are pray­ing and are confident that God will providethe finances necessary to accomplish what hehas inspired.

Thank you for keeping us informed regard­ing the many changes taking place. We know

Your involvement in the Work producesfruit. In this column subscribers to theWork's publications and viewers of the WorldTomorrow telecast express their views andopinions.

To happier familiesI would like to say a million thank. for

being so faithful in sending my free PlainTruth. It does help me grow spiritually,especially the family column. I'm lookingforward to having a more intimate andhappier relationship with my husbandthrough the free literature that I amrequesting.

May God continue to bless you in yourministry.

Kahului, Hawaii

God within combats the war withoutI am grateful to you for the magazine. I

am an advanced level student at 5t.Patrick's College. I have benefited a lot byreading your Plain Truth. ow I am livingin the war situation and suffering frommany difficulties and hardship in my life.

Many students go to school without hav­ing proper meals and clothes. At the sametime people are being killed. At this verymoment The Plain Truth has been helpful

dent Anwar Sadat broke ties withMoscow, setting the stage for Egypt'sreconciliation with Israel and thepeace process under way today.

I saw Mr. ixon twice, the last timewhen he spoke at a luncheon in LosAngeles in 1986. He gave a compelling,hourlong discourse on world affairs.

At that time he was well into hisfinal career as respected elder states­man. Sharing insights from privatetalks with world leaders on his manyforeign trips, he briefed presidents,foreign policy leaders and editorialboards of the nation's major newsorganizations.

Writing occupied much of Mr.Nixon's time after leaving the WhiteHouse. He authored nine books (an ear­lier book appeared in 1962), in additionto newspaper and magazine articles.

Their overall theme is that Americamust not abandon global leadership,but adjust it to a changing world.

While the late President's passionwas foreign affairs, he was increasingly

any decision you make is preceded by muchprayer and counsel. You have our supportand prayers daily.

Ira McIntoshParis, Tennessee

Big things, little by littleI've been a member of the Worldwide

Church of God for three years now. Eversince I came into the Church, I've witnessedmany changes.

The latest changes about the new under­standing of God's attributes are just wonder­ful, to say the least. It's so exciting because itmakes God unlimited and really powerful.Indeed, when we put limitations on God-like

"•••

to me. When I start reading this magazine,it helps me to think. about God's presencewithin me.

God has been my help and my protectionbecause he has saved me from difficultiesthrough these years. I really feel God'spresence within me. Without him nothingcan move or live. This magazine hasencouraged me to be a follower of JesusChrist.

Sri Lanka

A youth shall lead themI am 12 years old, and what a joy to have

been blessed to be led to two special "sis_ters" of the Worldwide Church of God inCollingwood. Through their mind andactions, they have truly exemplified theirlove for God through Jesus Christ. It iswith great anticipation that I look forwardto having a visit in my home.

Receiving The Plain Truth and WorldTomorrow has added to keeping my faith inChristianity as a supplement to daily scrip­ture reading and prayer. It has been myfaith in church people that had been falter­ing until I was led to the WorldwideChurch of God. What a blessing! Thank. youand may God continue to bless your work.

Mount Uniake, Nova Scotia

concerned about moral issues at home.He urged Americans to repair theircrumbling family structures and recov­er a sense of personal responsibility.

In his final book, Beyond Peace,completed just before his death, hesays the challenge now is "to demon­strate that we have the will to leadbeyond peace, where our enemy is notsome nation abroad but is essentiallywithin ourselves."

In my favorite book of his, In TheArena, published in 1990, Mr. Nixonreflected on a host of topics, includingfamily, religion, education, work andwealth, and how to think, read, write,speak and make decisions.

His most important topic deals withovercoming adversity. After his shat­tering defeat in 1974, Mr. Nixon wres­tled with what to do with the rest ofhis life. The key, he found, "was to livefor something more important thanyour life." He dedicated his remainingyears to causes he passionately be­lieved in-peace, freedom and astrong America.

"Put the past behind you," headvised. "Analyze and understand thereasons for your defeat, but do notbecome obsessed with what was lost.Think instead about what is left to do."

He summarized this approachwith: "Remember Lot's wife. Neverlook back." Wise words we can taketo heart on our own, often difficult,Christian journeys.

giving him form-we can say that God is easi­er to understand. However, God's attributesare not supposed to be understood in a twin­kling of an eye. Otherwise, we're supposingwe already know everything about him.

God is so much bigger than we are. Hewants to reveal himself to us, but in a little­by-little manner so we won't be ovelWhelmedwith so many questions and confusions. Ihope others understand things that way sowe all can be united and strengthened andnot fall away.

As of now, I still have questions about ournew understanding of God's nature, and Ipray to God that he will help me understand,because sometimes understanding God'snature is hard to comprehend. I pray alsothat others would hold on to their faith andbe patient as these new truths will beexpounded.

Vina MacaseroPhilippines

When Dad's hugs start againI would like to infonn all of you that my

dad just died of pancreatic cancer. He was59. Your two brochures Parents Are PeopleToo and When a Loved One Dies that you

, sent us have really helped my family andme.

Thank you for your dedicated service tous in sharing your message of hope. I trulybelieve that my daddy was spiritually fedwhen he died because of the magazines youhad provided him. I believe in life afterdeath at Christ's coming.

When that time comes and we see eachother again, I'll say once more these words:"I love you, Daddy. Thank you very muchfor all the wonderful things and love wehave shared during our first life on earth."

I hope I can kiss and hug him once moreagain.

Kalookan, Philippines

Youth lights her pathOnce again, your magazine has shone the

light in order to lead a blind and lost youngadult to the right path.

I like reading your magazine, and thankGod that you are doing such a ministry. Ilend your magazines to my friends, espe­cially to my best friend. She enjoys yourmagazine as well, and looks forward toreading it as much as I.

Once again, thank you, and I pray thatGod will continue to bless you and to blessthose who make your ministry possible.

Kingston, Jamaica

Tuesday, May 31, 1994 The Worldwide News 3

Trip OverviewPastor General Joseph W. Tkach spoke to

486 brethren May 7 from Redding, Eureka andChico, California; and Klamath Falls andMedford, Oregon.

Hosts for the visit were Jim and BarbaraChapman, Redding and Chico; Richard andMichelle Baumgartner, Medford and KlamathFalls; and Wayne Dunlap, Eureka. (Photos byRena Conway and Cleone Anderson]

Church aids furniture giveaway to Hathaway Children's Services

CHILDREN BENEFIT-Steve Ellison (left), Facilities purchasing and contractsmanager, and Reese Edmondson (right) of Public Affairs with Gail Guglielminoand Louanne Shahandeh from Hathaway. [Photo by G.A. Belluche Jr.]

Donations also aidwidow, expectant motherand many elderly in needof beds and wardrobes

"Thank you and the AmbassadorFoundation for the wonderful gift offurniture to be used at the residen­tial campus of Hathaway Children'sServices," wrote Dennis Laurents,Hathaway president, to Pastor Gen­eral Jo eph W. Tkach, April 26.

"We simply could not accomplishwhat we do \\Tithout the partnershipof individuals and organizations likeyou.", Hathaway. which provides resi­dential care and treatment for emo­tionallv disturbed, abused and ne­glected' children, received more thano piece of furniture, main! ' de ks,

\ ardrobes, beds, table and chairs.The furniture came from the Vet­

eran Administration medical facili­ty in Los Angeles. Paul Sniffen, anemployee of the VA facility and adeacon in the Pasadena We t P.M.congregation, notified Church head­quarters that furniture was availablefree if someone would collect it, said

Steve Ellison, Facilities purchasingand contracts manager.

After contacting several organiza­tions to ee if they needed furniture,Reese Edmondson from Public Affairsgot together 12 Church employees, aChurch truck and four rented trucksto move the furniture to headquartersproperty.

"The furniture had been stored ina VA building the size of three foot­ball fields," said Mr. Ellison. "Overtwo days we moved about 80 percentof the furniture and we hope tomake arrangements to pick up therest."

Besides Hathaway, other organiza­tions that benefited from the furni­ture were the Hill ides Home forChildren in Pa adena; Dorcas Out­reach in South Central Los Angeles;and a Seventh-day Adventi t Churchin Lo Angele .

Maria C. Jack, communitv ervicedirector of the Smyrna Se;'enth-daAdventi t Church, thanked Mr.Tkach in a letter for haring the fur­niture.

According to Ms. Jack, the Adven­tists gave furniture to a widow livingin a rat- and roach-infested apart­ment, a young expectant mother of

three and many elderly people inneed of beds and wardrobes, and toThe Home For Sober Living. "Al­ready the requests for additionalitems have been pouring into ourdepartment from needy individuals,"she commented.

Church employees from fourdepartments participated in this proj­ect. Among them were Joe Contreras,John Cooper, Reese Edmondson.Steve Ellison, Jeff Eisen, ell Kubon,Tim Morgan, Steve Perez, Ray Tuckerand Ron Vance.

4 The Worldwide News Tuesday, May 31,1994

~en.c...Q)

~...0..

Christ did not give his Church a com­mission to predict the time of hisreturn, nor to identify the nations tocomprise the final beast power ofRevelation. Rather, Christ commis­sioned his people to preach the goodnews of his identity and that there isno other name by which salvation isavailable.

Let's not forget what Paul empha­sized when he preached. "We preachChrist crucified: a stumbling block toJews and foolishness to Gentiles" (lCorinthians 1:23).

Preaching the gospel is the powerof God working in us to will and dohis good pleasure. Preaching thegospel and making disciples requireus to explain the current relevance ofthe gospel as well as the future hopeit promises. Making disciples meanswe must teach people to worshipGod.

And let's never forget that wecovenanted our relationship withGod when we were baptized into thename of the Father, the Son, and theHoly Spirit (Matthew 28: 19).

Whether one comprehends thesupradimensional nature of God ornot, we were all baptized into thename of one God, who is Father,Son, and Holy Spirit.

Weare to grow in the grace andthe knowledge of our Lord JesusChrist. We don't suddenly have allunderstanding of doctrine at bap­tism. As we mature spiritually, Godgrants us growth in understanding.Most of us can relate to the experi­ence of our late teens or early 20s,when we thought we knew just abouteverything. As we grew older, we sawthat we didn't know it all.

If we are honest, we are humbledby how much we really don't know.While the idealistic optimism of ouryouth serves its purpose, the humili­ty that comes with age is just asimportant to our physical growth.Could it be any less important to ourspiritual growth?

So, where is the Church headed?In the same direction that we havealways been headed-toward confor­mity to the image of Christ, towardfulfillment of the work Christ gavehis Church and toward the fullness

I of the kingdom of God.

us from all unrighteousness.... If weclaim we have not sinned, we makehim out to be a liar and his word hasno place in our lives." Let's not forgetthat we cannot achieve righteousnesson our own.

Unhappiness with the emphasis onthe gospel of Christ. It seems thatsome fall into the category of peopledescribed in John 6:55-60. WhenChrist told them that they must eathis flesh and drink his blood, a groupof people claimed this was too diffi­cult a saying. "Aware that his disci­ples were grumbling about this,Jesus said to them, 'Does this offendyou?'" (verse 61).

Some would reject the emphasison Christ and label it as protestant.They would rather emphasize thelaw instead of the lawgiver. Theyhave a relationship with the law andmistake that for a relationship withChrist. They misinterpret this state-­ment as deemphasizing the law ordoing away with the law. Such amindset is a tragedy.

Mistaking prophecy for the gospel.

H we are honest, we arehumbled by how muchwe really don't know.

Thinking that we are better thaneverybody else. It is not our job todetermine the authenticity of God'scalling of everyone who claims to beChristian. We must remember thatGod is sovereign, and he decideswhose prayers he will answer. Godworks in whomever he wishes. Weknow God works with us. If he alsoworks with others, let's be thankful,not angry.

Unwillingness to acknowledge errorin how we interpreted certain verses ofScripture. It seems harder for somethan others to admit that the Churchmade mistakes.

Nevertheless, 1 John 1:8-10 remindsus of our imperfection: '1£ we claim tobe without sin, we deceive ourselvesand the truth is not in us. If we con­fess our sins, he is faithful and justand will forgive us our sins and purify

Where is the Church headed?By Joseph Tkach Jr.

he question, Where is theChurch headed? is not anunreasonable one. Theexplanation is that theChurch continues in thesame direction it alwayshas-fulfilling its commis­sion and toward the full­

ness of God's kingdom.In 1993, 12,238 Church visit

requests came into the Personal Cor­respondence Department. They wererequests for the address of where wemeet. What kind of environment dopeople find when they visit congrega­tions for the first time?

The congregational environmentshould be a place of love, acceptance,forgiveness and discipleship. I praythat everyone is energized by thereality that the Church is to preachthe gospel.

We are not commissioned merelyto prophesy. Rather, we are to"therefore go and make disciples ofall nations, baptizing them in thename of the Father and of the Sonand of the Holy Spirit, and teachingthem to obey everything I have com­manded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).

The Church is to go for the expresspurpose of making disciples. Thegreat commission gives us direction.Disciples continue to grow in graceand in knowledge. God works inthem to do his will and pleasure(Philippians 2:13).

We are mandated to go, baptizeand teach with the goal of discipling,or making and strengthening disci­ples. We hope that we're all stilleager to fulfill God's commission tohis Church. We hope no one has lostsight of the truth that this is the waywe have always been headed.

Some experience a spiritual identi­ty crisis whenever an error in ourinterpretation of Scripture is correct­ed. Such feelings prevent people fromunderstanding our responsibility toGod to be consistent and accurate indoctrine. I offer the following criteriato help us diagnose our condition.

Evangelist Joseph Tkach Jr. is directorofChurch Administration.

this commitment became prohibi­tive, but we registered several par­ents as qualified religious instructionleaders in primary schools.

David's program is now being usedin nine primary schools to teach chil­dren 5 to 12 and by several parents athome. Over the years parents havehelped improve the program and for­mulate lessons and programs for spe­cific needs. Now parents are moreconscious of children's religious edu­cation.

Having a formal lesson in schoolhas helped children to see religion isimportant, and they have developeda personal relationship with the min­ister because of the classes.

The program, which had suchhumble beginnings, is being recog­nized by parents as fulfilling a gen­uine need in their children's religiousupbringing, and more are requestingtheir children be included.

Although much work has alreadybeen done, there is obviously muchroom for growth in the area of teach­ing Church youths and non-Churchyouths about the Bible.

have a program for use in schools.We also preferred not to send our

children to other denominations'religious education programs at theschool, because we didn't want ourchildren taught things that we astheir parents mayor may not hold tobe true. I said we wanted their reli­gious upbringing to be consistent,and well thought out.

The principal insisted we start aprogram so that Worldwide Churchof God children attending his schoolcould be instructed in their faith.

David prepared lessons based onthe Ten Commandments and practi­cal Christian living. The interactiveformat was five or 10 minutes dis­cussing what was learned the previ­ous week, 15 minutes covering -newmaterial and five minutes outlininghomework.

Within a few months other parentsin our congregation inquired howthey could do the same for their chil­dren.

David met with principals of otherschools about teaching Church mem­bers' children. The time required for

This year's program is centered onthe life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Response from the children andparents has been positive. What hassurprised us is that the reputation ofthe Church is such that parents arenow choosing David's program overtheir own denominations' programs.

David's religious education pro­gram began after a talk with theschool principal in 1989. I did volun­teer work in the school's library, andDavid was known to the principalbecause we regularly rented theirbuildings for services.

The principal, a religious man,asked me why our children did notattend a religious education class atthe school. By law in the state ofQueensland, all children, regardlessof religious faith, have the right to ahalf hour a week of instruction intheir chosen religion during schoolhours.

I told him we believed it is the par­ents' responsibility, not just ourChurch's, to instruct our childrenabout God; and that while we didhave a Church program, we did not

By Karen Austin

Australian pastor teaches community's children about Jesus ChristReligious classes havehelped children to see theimportance of religion

BUNDABERG, Australia-My hus­band, David, was surprised to see 16students in his religious instructionclass in February, when he arrived atthe start of the new school year atNorville Primary.

Last year six Church youths attend­ed the school, including our children,Steve and Richard. But because ofmoves and graduations, only Richardnow attends Norville.

Once assured that the children­unaffiliated with the WorldwideChurch of God-were in his classthrough their parents' choice, hebegan teaching them about the Bible.

Karen Austin is the wife of DavidAustin, who pastors the Bundaberg,Australia, congregation.

I

Tuesday, May 31, 1994 The Worldwide News 5

Singing and speakingevangelism

Besides working with edu­cation and agriculture in theUkraine, our students aregoing to do some evangelisticwork in the evenings. Theywill put on a program ofsinging and speaking abouttheir personal relationshipwith God and life in the Unit­ed States, along with exhorta­tive messages.

The Sabbatarians expect usto do something along this line,and I think it will be good forthe students to do so. Our stu­dents have already translatedsome of our hymns from En­glish to Ukrainian to sing in theSabbatarian churches and inpublic.

One group our students willbe interacting with are atChildren of Chemobyl campsscattered throughout the

Carpathians. The government bringschildren who were in the vicinity ofthe Chernobyl nuclear radiationaccident in 1986 to camps lastingfour to six weeks. The Sabbatariansfeel our students will be effective inputting on their evangelistic pro­gram at the camps.

On the Sabbath we went to Roko­sovo, home to Michael Palchey. Wehad a Friday night meeting and twoservices. I spoke about peace-howit begins with Christ as our peaceand then expands out to nationsfinally being at peace with God andone another.

Saturday at midnight we caughtthe train from Mukachevo back toBudapest and returned to the UnitedStates Monday, May 9.

planted sweet corn, beans and pota­toes there. They have a test plot,called the American plot, where theycan see how our seed is doing. About700 seed packets were donated by

Davenport, Iowa, brethren forplanting in new plots the gov­ernment is giving these people.

done much to build up this school inthe face of shortages. It is consid­ered one of the top five high schoolsin Ukraine.

The school's teachers have a for­ward-looking spirit and pride inmaking do with the little they have.

I was particularly impressed by thelanguage labs, workshop and home­making department for younger stu­dents. This school was already rec­ommended to us and permissiongranted by Mayor Kaschuk and thehead of the rayon (similar to a coun­ty).

We also took soil samples of theground the Ukrainians use for theirgardens and where some seed fromDale Schurter, pastor of the TippCity, Ohio, church, is planted.

As Bev has gardened for years(except for our time in Pasadena), she

ESTABLISHED ROOTS-Bev Kubik studies soil withVietor Pavliy. [Photo by Vietor Kubik]

Forging deeper bondsOn this trip we deepened the

relationship with our Sab­batarian friends. They feel ex­tremely comfortable with usand sense our relationship isfor real.

They had expressed a fearwe might abandon our linkwith them. They don't want tolimit our relationship to workingtogether economically, but stress spir­itual cooperation.

We looked at the home that theSabbatarians found for our Ambas­sador students to stay in. We werefavorably impressed. It has enoughrooms for all nine and is owned byJews who have emigrated to Israelbut want to maintain ownership ofthe house.

A Sabbatarian couple lives in itjust so someone occupies it. Sincethe husband is going to be workingin Germany or Czechoslovakia forthe summer, the wife will move toher mother's so the house can berented to our group.

Then we finalized the locationwhere the students will be teachingEnglish. We were given the facilitiesof the best middle and high school in

Ukraine: spiritual communication that workSI line was becoming available. A con- the area. Mychaylo Onofrey, the I

sortium that includes AT&T and a school director, was most congenialGerman and Dutch firm is installing and gave us a comprehensive tour.adequate telephone service into Through his innovation andUkraine. resourcefulness, Mr. Onofrey had

Unfortunately, Khust doesnot have this service, but anengineer in Uzhgorod told ushe would try to install a con­nector line to the residencewhere the Ambassador stu­dents in Khust would live forthe summer.

Victor Pavliy, who waswith me all this time, said heenjoyed doing business withme around. He just men­tioned the word Amerikansky,and people became morecivil in how they treated him.

On this phone line wecould call Kiev on a clear lineat two cents a minute in localcurrency.

Communication glitchesOne of the first things we accom­

plished on this trip was setting upreliable computer and voice commu­nications with the world outsideTranscarpathia. Telephone service isextremely poor, and you can waste alot of time trying to get connected.

The quality of telephone lines isatrocious. When you pick up thephone, you hear music and severalother conversations and finally, inthe muddle, the person you're sup­posed to be talking to.

After failed attempts to connect amodem,' I met the head telephoneengineer, who said a new business

Continued from page 1

where they change the train's wheelsto a different gauge. Passengers stayin their "sleeper" cars while a cranepicks up each train car to make thechange. The loud banging goes onfor two hours-between 4 and 6 a.m.

We finally arrived in Transcar­pathia and decided that we wouldnot subject our students to the trainexperience. Instead, we would sendthem on a flight that leaves Buda­pest for Uzhgorod, Ukraine, twice aweek.

Ivan Urishko and Victor Pavliy,head of Mission azareth (the orga­nization we're working with), pickedus up at Mukachevo. It was so goodseeing them again!

The culture of the Carpathiansallows one to see the entire 20th cen­tury unfold. Automobiles are along­side gypsies and horse-drawn carts.Some gypsies have become believersand keep the Sabbath.

We stayed with Svetlana Mondich,wife of the Sabbatarian leader, VasylMondich, who was away in Germany(see box, lower right). From Pasade­na we brought over a pair of bifocalglasses for one of the pastors nearKhust. In Transcarpathia one can geta prescription but not the glasses.

The pastor, Vasyl Tatsuin, wasgreatly appreciative of the Church'sgesture to get him these glasses, con­tributed by a doctor in Pasadena.

Wellspring of acommon spirit

Henry Sturcke, pastor of the con­gregations in Stuttgart, Germany,and Basel and Zurich, Switzerland,invited Vasyl Mondich, pastor ofthe Khust, Ukraine, congregation ofSabbatarians, to speak at servicesApril 30 in Stuttgart.

In a split sermon Mr. Mondichspoke on Isaac's wells, pointing outthat Isaac's success hinged onrecovering the wells of his fatherand also digging a new well. Hedrew a parallel to Christianity­recovering the wells of the fathers(Old Testament law) and going tothe new well of living water (JesusChrist).

Mr. Sturcke spoke about a paral­lel between Elijah and the 7,000with our Church today coming intocontact with the Ukrainian Chris­tians.

After services Mr. Mondich visit­ed for two hours with Stuttgartbrethren through an interpreter.They described him as beingenergetic, dedicated and highlyprincipled. At a luncheon, discus­sions continued for several morehours.

The group agreed that our linkwith the Ukrainian believers is one ofa common spirit.

African conferenceThe African conference took place

at Kwa-Maritane ("Place of theRock"), a hotel near the PilansbergGame Park, north of Pretoria, May 8to 12, for 58 ministers and wives fromZambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Ron Stoddart, pastor of the CapeTown North church, said Dr. Stav­rinides "made me appreciate muchmore the awesome greatness of theGod we serve," and that "Mr. Al­brecht also made a valuable andneeded contribution in regard tobeing less shallow in Bible study."

Sydney Hull commented: "Dr.Stavrinides was just what was need­ed at the conference. My understand­ing increased as the presentationprogressed. Mr. Dick's presentationon the great commission filled mewith a keen desire to get going in car­rying out Mr. Tkach's direction in ful­filling Matthew 28: 19-20. This willgive God's Church a new vision, anew and much needed impetus."

At the end of the conference Mr.Tkach Jr. ordained David Silcox andDavid Bedford as pastors andEmanuel Sogbo as a local elder.

British conferenceThe Witney Lodge Hotel in Oxford­

shire was host to the British confer­ence May 1 to 5. About 84 attended,including ministers and wives fromthe United Kingdom, Ghana, Kenya,Nigeria and Malawi.

Also in attendance were Cory andColene Erickson, who direct theAmbassador Foundation projects inAmman, Jordan.

Catherwood and his wife, Joyce, andLeon Walker and his wife, Reba, vis­ited from the United States. Othervisitors also attended.

Olivier Carion, who pastors theGeneva and Neuchatel, Switzerland,and Lyon, France, churches, was or­dained a pastor, and Carmel Gatt ofMalta was ordained an elder. Watch­es for 25 years of service went toBernard and Colette Audoin andAlfred and Margarethe Hellemann.

After the last session the ministersand wives said good-bye to five cou­ples who are transferring to NorthAmerica: John and Kristina Karlson,Wade and Kay Fransson, Tony andMalika Gallagher, Joel and MarjolaineMeeker, and Cliff and Connie Veal.

European conferenceThe fourth annual European

regional conference took place April25 to 28 at les Fermes de Marie inMegeve, in the French Alps.

The 70 participants included allbut two of the full-time ministersserving in continental Europe andtheir wives. Regional directors Cam

Doctrinal presentations inspire international conferences

I

IBy Henry Sturcke, Julie Wilson andPeter Hawkins

Regional ministerial conferencestook place in April and May inEurope, Britain and South Africa."The venues for these conferenceswere as beautiful as the attitudes ofthe ministers and wives who attend­ed," said evangelist Joseph Tkach Jr.,director of Church Administration,who attended the conferences withhis wife, Tammy.

At each conference, in addition tosessions on the nature of God con­ducted by evangelist K.J. Stavrinides,participants heard lectures by Mr.Tkach Jr. and Randal Dick, as well asvideo presentations by MichaelFeazell and Greg Albrecht.

6 The Worldwide News Tuesday, May 31, 1994

Personal: training for greater times to comeContinued from page 1

But some folks just don't get excit­ed about proclaiming salvation inJesus Christ. They think it's boringand bland. Well, to God it's the mostimportant thing in the universe-andit ought to be for his people, too! Somy second major vision and directivefor the Church is that we preach thegospel of Jesus Christ.

This is the commission Christ hasgiven us. We find it stated in Mark16:15-16, Luke 24:46-47 and Acts26:16-18, but we usually read it inMatthew 28:18-20. We might para­phrase a little to see how this com­mission ties in with our responsibilityto be Christlike persons: "All authori­ty has been given to me," Jesus said,"so I am appointing you to go andpreach and make disciples."

Because Jesus has all authority, weare told to encourage others to followhim, to be disciples of him. Just ashe went and made disciples withinIsrael, the apostles were to go andmake disciples of all ethnic groups,following his example. The apostles,and the Church, were to be Christlikein their work as well as their way oflife. They were to carry on the workhe had begun.

After the new disciples were bap­tized, the apostles were to teach them,just as Christ had taught the apostlesThey were to continue the Christlikepattern. And Christ promised to be'with us until the end. He is leading us,guiding us. It is his work. He is in us,motivating us to do as he did in mak­ing disciples and teaching them.

The Church's part in this commis­sion is to feed the flock by teachingright doctrine. Each member's part isto learn and obey Christ's com­mands. And one o(his most empha­sized commands, and not just a sug­gestion, is that we should love oneanother (John 13:34). I've mentionedour need to do this many times, andit is implied in my frequent slogan:We are family. And we are not justany family, we are God's family.brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

As God's family of Christlike disci­ples, we should love one another.One practical application of this isthat we should pray for one another.That is part of helping each other aswe are able. That's love in action­Christianity in action-doing good,especially in the household of faith.

We are to follow Christ's examplein praying, because prayer is a vitalmeans of spiritual growth. We are tostudy Christ's teaching and exampleso that we might live by every wordof God.

The Bible reveals what Christwants us to be. We are to learn aboutJesus' love and compassion, hishumility and forgiving nature, hiszeal, his courage, his willingness toserve others. We are to be trans­formed by the renewing of ourminds, growing until we become ableto teach others, also. The Biblereveals how God is transforming usby the Holy Spirit living within us.

The first part of Christ's commis­sion is an outward focus on evange­lism. The second part is a more inter­nal focus on instruction of members.Both are needed as we are led byJesus Christ to do his work, think histhoughts, do as he would do if hewere here. This is our calling as chil­dren of God, to be Christlike persons.

Using media wiselyNow let me get to some specifics. As

part of the example we are to set col­lectively, I envision a church that liveswithin its means. I do not want to con-

tinually hound members and co-work­ers for money. I have spent countlesshours trimming expenses so the pre­cious tithes and offerings of God'speople are put to the most efficientuse. Well never be perfect stewards,but we have to keep trying to improve.

Therefore, I envision a church thatuses media wisely, for the best realadvantage, to change people's lives,to point them to Christ. We won't usemedia just to create high numbers.That's why I have made many of therecent media decisions.

As I mentioned several weeks ago,television is a very expensive medi­um. Most of the other religious TVshows don't have hundreds ofchurches to support like we do. Theyspend a lot of air time asking theirviewers for money to support the TVprogram. They are collecting money,but they aren't raising up newchurches around the world. Theyhave maybe one church and theirprogram:and that's it.

When it comes to being "experts"on religious evangelism, we virtuallyare the experts. We've had a broad­cast longer than almost anyone else.We have seen how television can beused, how it can be misused, howmuch it costs and what results it has.

Television creates the appearanceof many people repenting and com­ing to Christ, but it's a misleadingimpression. When we are on hun­dreds of stations and in a millionhomes, some people are going torepent and come to Christ. But atwhat cost? And could that sameamount of money have reached evenmore people in a'different medium?

Television is mostly an advertisingand entertainment medium. Howev­er, the gospel is serious business, notentertainment. It doesn't matter howmany millions watch the TV pro­gram. RIess they get on the PlainTruth list, they are not attached tous, and we can't really nurture themalong to\ 'ard conversion. So for themost part, we used television as anadvertising medium-to put peopleon the Plain Truth list, after whichwe could teach them much more.

The World Tomorrow is a wonder­ful program. The TV department hasdone a fantastic job of puttingtogether excellent programs. But thecost of preaching in this way is justmore than we can justify. Considerthis: Depending on the program,costs range from $30 to more than

60 to put someone on the PT listfrom the telecast, and that is just thecost of air time. It doesn't include thecost of producing the program.

Next, consider that only about oneout of every one or two thousand peo­ple on the PT list goes on to become amember. Do some simple math andyou will see that it costs many thou­sands of dollars for the TV program tobring one person into the Church. Ifthat really is the best way to do it,then we are willing to pay the price.But there is a better way. In fact,there are many less expensive ways!

Remember, we are still using tele­vision-but we \-\Jill use it for what "itdoes best: advertising. For example,to add one person to the PT list byusing our 60-second TV advertise­ments costs only about 5-one­eighth the cost of the telecast.

Moreover, to further increase effi­ciency, we will air the new TV adver­tisements primarily in areas wherewe already have churches-so thePlain Truth mailing list will beincreased where it will do the mostgood. When people become interest­ed in the Church, they can best benurtured if they are already near acongregation and near a minister.

For the same reason, well also tryto focus our print ads in areas thatalready have churches. Print ads(and direct mail) are also a muchcheaper way of reaching people. Andpersonal evangelism adds peoplealmost for free.

Some people have ridiculed theconcept of "personal evangelism."Some have called it a dangerous newdirection in the way the Church oper­ates. Others have said it's just a newterm for something we've always beendoing. The latter is closer to the truth,but I want to focus our attention onthe term "personal evangelism."

It describes the need for personalinvolvement in the Church's work,which is evangelism. It is preachingby example, not with megaphones. Itis willingness and readiness to give ananswer-not confronting strangers\Nith prying questions.

I am grateful that some haveunderstood personal evangelism andhave been practicing it for many

The potential for ourlocal congregations isexciting! We have onlynow begun to unlockthe possibilities. Thesethings are a tall order,but with God's help­and your help-I knowwe can succeed!

years. Many friends and relatives ofmembers have come into the Church.But I can confidently state that manyof us do not fully understand it. So Icaution you not to criticize it prema­turely. Don't answer the matterbefore you've heard it out and clari­fied what it is and seen how it works.

I expect that Christ will help usgrow in this area in the next few years.We have a long way to go in under­standing the importance and effect ofindividual Christians, especially asthey are united in a positive effort inlocal churches. Christ uses his peopleto do his work, and he does it by trans­forming them.

Through Christlike people, thegospel will be preached-certainly byexample, and sometimes in words,too, as we give sincere answers tothose who ask about our faith inChrist. We are the light of the world,and we should not hide ourselves. Aswe live Christlike lives, people will see,praise God and be encouraged to fol­low the same example.

Personal evangelism is the leastexpensive way to preach the gospel,but the price tag is not the primaryreason we wish to promote it. Themain reason is that personal evange­lism is simply the product of thegospel-it is the result of a Christlikelife-the result of a Christian whohas been transformed by the gospelof Jesus Christ-the fruit of a Christ­ian who has been taught to obeyeverything Jesus commanded hisown disciples.

Therefore, I envision local congre­gations that are actively involved inpreaching the gospel, and not justsocial clubs that make us feel goodabout ourselves. This is why I haveinstituted open houses and other pro­grams geared toward more effectivepersonal and local church evangelism.

This is also why I hope \""e will beable to build or buy some of our ownchurch buildings.

Local church buildings will be agreat benefit to our own members,providing a center of operations andoffering a place for frequent activi­ties and meetings. But they will alsobe helpful in local evangelism,whether for open-house services,Bible studies, marriage seminars orother functions that may be of inter­est to new people. If a church isgoing to reach out to the community,it needs a base of operations.

Unlocking the possibilitiesBrethren, the potential for our local

congregations is exciting! We haveonly now begun to unlock the possi­

. bilities, and I expect Christ to lead usinto more understanding in this area.

ot long ago I approved the develop­ment of several training programs forour brethren. Some will be aboutdoctrine, some in Christian living, ormarriage and family responsibilities,or how to be lights in their communi­ty, or ho\\ to serve young eople andolder people.

It will take several more months ofwork before these programs can evenbegin, but I have high hopes forthem, and I ask you to pray for theirsuccessful development and imple­mentation.

We should not forsake the assem­bling of ourselves together, the bookof Hebrews reminds us. lembersgather each Sabbath to worship ourCreator and Savior-but that's notthe only reason we meet together. Weare also to "encourage one another"and "spur one another on toward loveand good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24-25).I would like to see more of this posi­tive influence on one another.

I \\;ould like to see more Biblestudies. We need to stud::- and dis­cuss and come to a continually betterunderstanding of what God is teach­ing u through his Word.

We need congregational Biblestudies, smaller group studies andindividual studies. I hope that£l:ploril1g the Word of God will helpstimulate more study and under­standing and faith.

Many more things could be saidabout what I envision for the Church.I look fon.vard to accreditation of thecollege. It has been in existence foralmost 50 years, but has not yet metthis goal. We hope to hear the goodnews in late June-after much hardwork by our college personnel, andafter many prayers of our people.

I also look fon.vard to special evan­gelism projects we are now begin­ning in various places, like the proj­ect in French-speaking Africa I wroteabout recently. I could go on, but letme summarize what I envision forthe Church. I envision:

• a Church filled with Christlikemembers-zealous, converted, lovingpeople who live the gospel, who lovetheir neighbors and demonstrate it,who obey the commands of Jesus

• a Church filled with memberswho are enthusiastic about thegospel of Jesus Christ, \.,..ho supportthe Church's efforts to make disci­ples in all nations

• a Church that has active congre­gations excitedly involved in localevangelism and setting good exam­ples in their communities

• a Church that uses media wiselyto change people's lives-a Churchthat lives within its means withoutbegging for money.

These things are a tall order, butwith God's help-and your help-Iknow we can succeed! Christ is withus, leading us. And if Christ is for us,who can stand against us? Thankyou, brethren, for your prayers andencouragement.

Tuesday, May 31, 1994 The Worldwide News 7

RUTH VANDERMOlEN

VANDERMOlEN, Ruth, 68, of Hicko­ry Hi ,lIhnois, died April 15 of ovar­ian cancer. She is survived by herhusband of 44 years, Van; fIVe chil­dren, Tom. Sue Jenny, Amy andPaul; three sons-,n-Iaw, Mike, Markand Stan; and eight grandchildren.Leeah, Mike, Eric. Ken, Mark Car­lee, Jessica and Brittney.

MARGARET MATHESON

MATHESON, Margaret. 69 of Hid­denite, North Carolina, died March16 after a 30-year battle withrheumatoid arthritis. She is survivedby her husband 01 42 years. Millard"Matt: one sister, LOIS Sharpe, andone brother, Ralph Sharpe

RICHARD GILBERT

GILBERT, Richard, 47, of RedondoBeach. California died March 11 ofcancer. He is survived by his WIfe,Tanya; two sons, Jonathan andDavid, two daughters, Jennifer andMarybeth; his parents, Mr. and Mrs.Ivan Gilbert, one sister. Faithann:and one brother, Chris His brother,Kerry, preceded him in death.

WALKER. VICtoria S, 59, of NorflJl(,Virginia, died March 24. She is sur­vived by her mother, two daughters,four sons, four sisters, four brothers,nine grandchildren and two great­grandchildren,

AnniversariesMade of Gold

RON & NORMA HOSIER

Ron and Norma Hosier of Columbus,Ohio, celebrated their 50th weddinganniversary June 19. They have onedaughter, Rhonda Napier, one son,Lance: and one son-in-law, MiChaelNapier Mr and Mrs. Hosier serve asdeacon and deaconess in theColumbus East church.

HERBERT & MAVIS WILLIAMS

Herbert and Mavis Williams of StAnn, Jamaica, celebrated their 50thwedding anniversary April 27. Theyhave two sons, Othniel and Robert;six daughters, Lillian, Beverlyn, Mar­lene, Naomi, Annie and Doreen; twosons-in-law. Johnathan and Edward,and 10 grandchildren.

Alberta, celebrated their 30th wed­ding anniversary May 20. They havefour children, David, Robert, Michaeland Cherie; and one daughter-in­law, Roxanna

CECIL & ETHEL SWEET

Cecil and Ethel Sweet of Notting­ham, England, celebrated their 50thwedding anniversary Feb. 14. Theyhave three children and three grand­children.

ROGER & ANTHEA UPPROSS

Roger and Anthea Uppross of Arca­dia California, celebrated their 30thwedding anniversary March 28.They have five children, Sarah,Geoffrey, Stephen, Charles andEsther Mr Uppross is the assistantoperatoon director of the CIS andFlight Operations department, andMrs. Uppross is an employee of theTravel Office-------

,BilL & JEAN HARKINS

Bill and Jean Harkins of Lakeland,Florida. celebrated their 35th wed­ding annoversary May 5. They havesix children, Faith, Hope, Nina,Mary, Sue and Jonathan; four sons­m-Iaw, Randy Kaiser, Ken Mohler,David Nolan and Jim Brown; andnine grandchildren.

Keith and Marion Hartrick of Hud­dersfield, England, celebrated the,r25th wedding anniversary April 19They have three children, Adam,Paul and David. Mr Harlrick is alocal church elder in the BradfordEngland, church and a trustee of theChurch in England.

pastor Sharon VanEtten was maid01 honor, and the groom's father wasbest man The couple live in Austin,Texas.

celebrating your anniversary?The Worldwide News prints anniversary

announcements for those married 25, 30, 35, 40or 45 years, and "Gold" announcements for 50years or any year after that. Anniversaryannouncements should be no mare than sixmonths old when printed, so please send us yourannouncement no later than four months after theanniversary has taken place.

Mr, and Mrs. Charles Eavenson ofEllsville, Mississippi, are pleased toannounce the marriage of their onlydaughter, Sharon, to Daniel J Jen­nings. son of Mr. and Mrs. TerrenceJenn'ngs of San Antonio, Texas Theceremony was perlormed Jan 1 byL DaVid Stone, Roanoke Virginta,

Sandra Knighten of Costa Mesa,California, and George T Faris ofBridgeport, West Virginia were unit­ed in marriage May 1. The ceremonywas performed by Warren Waian,pastor of the san Bernardino, Cali­fornia, church. Betty Nielson andJean Marini attended the bride. andBob Nielson and lincoln Mariniattended the groom.

ALBERT & RENATE MILLER

Renate Schirge of South Africa andAlbert Miller of Ravensburg, Ger­many, were united in marnage Feb.6 The ceremony was performed byGordon Green, Durban, Pietermar­i1zburg and Empangenl SouthAfrica, pastor Brigitta Kaeding wasmatron of honor, and Ench Koeberlewas best man. The couple live InRavensburg.

Rebecca Lynn Kresse. daughter ofIrven and Charlene Kresse of Stout­land, M,ssoun, and Ronald DarrenWebb, son of Ron and CarolynWebb of Marion, IlIOOs, were unitedin marriage Sept. 4 The ceremonywas performed by Larry Greider,Mount Vernon and Bellevi Ie, I ,nois.pastor. Cheryl Whynaucht, sister ofthe bride, was matron of honor, andChad Webb, brother of the groom,was best man. The couple live in St.Charles Missouri.

GARY & LINDA OWEN

Linda Waldnp and Gary Owen wereunited in marriage Jan 9. The cere­mony was performed by Earl Cun­ningham a minister in the Dallas,Texas, North church. Heather Gipe.daughter of the bride, was maid ofhonor, and Micah Gipe, son of thebride, was be51 man. The couple livein Lubbock. Texas.

Mr. and Mrs. Pat Jones of Austell,Georgia, are happy to aronot.nce themarriage 01 their daughtS( Sheri Ange­Ilne to Jeffry Todd Cool, The ceremonywas performed March 13 by TomHeap, Atlanta, Georgia, West asso­ciate pastor Rebecca Taylor wasmaid 01 honor, and Bryon Cool, broth­er of the groom, was best man. Thecouple iva '" McEwen. Tennessee

Mrs. Pierre Etienne and SebertBerry, and Pierre Suffrin. son ofMariette Suffrin. were united in mar­riage March 13. Anne-Marie Suftrinwas maid of honor, and ~aymond

Johnson was best man. The cere­mony was performed by RaulRamos, Miami Florida. associatepastor. The couple live in Miami.

PIERRE & SHARON SUFFRIN

Sharon Berry daughter of Mr and

LEONARD & ELIZABETHFURLOTTE

Elizabeth Rose MeJv1 Ie daughter ofRobert and Leone Melville of Cal­gary, Alberta, and Leonard JosephFurlotte. son of Norman and Eliza­beth Furlotte of Dieppe, NewBrunswick. were united in marriageAug 1 The ceremony was per­formed by Anthony Wasilkoff, Cal­gary North pastor Jaquie VanWaardHuizen, Coreen Groom, RachaelHarty and Bronwyn MeJv111e attendedthe bride. and Amadeo Cateno, DanWolfe, Brian Di'Angelo and PerryKundart attended the groom. Thecouple live in Calgary.

JOSEPH & BRENDA HAAN

Mr and Mrs. Brian Finnigan ofBlackfoot, Idaho, are happy toannounce the marriage of theirdaughter Brenda Kathleen toJoseph Theodore Haan, son ofJames and LuAnn Haan of Chat­tanooga, Tennessee. The ceremonywas performed Sept. 5 by thebride's father, a minister in theBlackfoot church. Laurie Shafer. sis­ter of the bride, was matron ofhonor. and David Haan, brother ofthe groom, was best man The c0u­ple live in Pasadena

Teresa Marie Conti. daughter ofRose Conti of Lakewood, New Jer­sey, and L. Lawrence WooldndgeJr., son of Julia Wooldridge of BuenaVista, Georgia, were united in mar­riage Oct. 24. The ceremony wasperformed by John Adams, Brick,New Jersey, pastor. Sharon Hunterwas maid of honor, Cheryl Catalloand Nancy Capo were matrons ofhonor, and Lester Wooldridge III,son of the groom, was best man.

Weddings

RALPH & JENNIFER LUCIA

Jennifer Beth VanDyke, daughter ofDr and Mrs. Douglas W VanDyke ofBath, New York, and Ralph JayLucia, son of Marion D~nt of Port St.Lucie, Florida. and Bruce Lucia ofSaco, Maine, were united in mar­(age The ceremony was performedJan. 16 by evangelist R.chard Ames.Sarah Dowdell, sister of the bride.was matron of honor and MarkLucia, brother of the groom. wasbest man The couple live inPasadena.

Diane Genevieve Wilson. daughterof Bernard and Effie Wilson 01 Atas­cadero, California, and Russell S.Edwards, son of Hugh and Rose­mary Edwards of Lincoln. Arkansas,were united in marriage Aug 1. Theceremony was performed by thebride's brother, Warren Wilson, Tole­do and Fnlay, OhiO, assoc,ate pas­tor Lorraine Wilson, sister-in-law ofthe bride, was matron of honor, andTim O'Connor was best man. Thecouple live in Pasadena

SIMULAMBO, Jani and Victoria(lembo) of Mhlume, Swaziland, g rl,Hannah Nontobeko, April 10, 8.15p.m., 26 kilograms. now 3 boys, 3girls.

VAZOUEZ, J. Carlos and Ernmy ofsan Juan Capistrano, California, girl,Rachel e Elizabeth, April 20, 1 p.m.,7 pounds, first child

WONG, DaVid and Marilyn (lay) ofAUCkland, New Zealand, boy,Bradley Michael, Jan, 30, 1245a.m., 6 pounds 8 ounces, now 3boys, 2 girls.

WORTHING, Don and Kate(Damour) of Wodonga, Australia,girl, Shelby Marie, Feb 5, 7 pounds15 ounces, now 3 girls.

STAINTHORP, Bradley and Elva(Alvarez) of San Jose, Californiaboy, Evan, April 16, 5:51 a.m., 7pounds 13 ounces, first child

RUPPERT, David and Charlotte(Maybury) of Lansing, Michigan,boy, Logan Alexander, May 6, 4.47pm., 10 pounds 2 ounces, now 1boy, 1 girl

Vivian Skinner of Montague. Mch,­gan, 's pleased to announce theengagement of her daughter RoseMarie to Clarence Lewis Purdy ofNewark, Ohio A June 5 weddingnear Rothbury, Michigan isplanned

Wayne and Jill Splitt of Hermosa.Sou h Da ota are happy toannounce the engagement oftheir daughter Jos.e to ToryWesters, son of Norman andVonda Westers of Buffalo, SouthDakota. An Aug. 21 wedding inRapid City South Dakota, isplanned

Engagements

WHYTE, Michael and Patty (Humble)of Calgary, Alberta, girl. BrittanyPatricia Feb. 5, 11 12 am, 7pounds 5 ounces. now 1 boy, 3girls.

REKEMEYER, Ralph and Anita(Thompson) of Davenport. Iowa. girl,Alison Laura-May, April 23, 12:30a.m., 8 pounds 13

'/. ounces, first

child.

SARGENT, Ron and Julia (Woodhall)of Birmingham, England girl,Philomena Rose. Jan 9, 10 pounds4 ounces. now 2 girls.

MILLER, Jeff and Annette (McMil­lan) of Grand Junction, Colorado,girl, Leanna Renee, April 23, 6'10p.m., 10 pounds 2 ounces, firstchild.

MACHIN Martin and Johana(Friedrichs) of Spring, Texas,girl, Kiley Lorryn, April 5, 1:49a.m., 8 pounds 2 ounces, now 2girls.

NICKELSEN James Jr and Tamara(Stout) of Pasadena, boy, JamesBernard III, April 30, 621 am., 6pounds. first child.

MonEE, Jim and Helen (Welstead)of Sydney, Australia, girl. Georgia,Feb. 10, 7'40 am., 6 pounds 5ounces, first child.

ROUSSELL, Anthony and Rebecca(Guidry) of Raceland. Louisiana,boy, Andrew Paul. April 27, 7:28a.m., 9 pounds 6 ounces, firstchild.

KINSELLA Carl and Kathy (Henion)of Albany, Oregon, boy. CalebDerek, April 19, 1241 am 7pounds 12 ounces, now 2 boys

LARKIN MIChael and Diana (Brown)of Reno Nevada, girl. RebeccaLynn, OCt 12, 10:09 am. 9 pounds15'/2 ounces, now 1 boy, 3 girls.

LARSEN, Chuck and Leigh(BaUknight) of Tallahassee Floridag rl, Ivy Eleanor, Jan 26. 9 P rP, 7pounds 4 ounces, now 2 girls.

KINGSTON Mike and Lisa(lryggestad) of Reddlllg, California,girl, Caitfyn Renee, March 23, 925p.m, 6 pounds 13 ounces firstchild

p.m., 8 pounds, first child,

GRAHAM, Steve and Robyn (Gul­rud) of Waukesha, Wisconsin,girl, Danielle Elaine, Dec, 9, 7'51p.m., 7 pounds 12.6 ounces. firstchild.

HENDRICKSON Tim and Carla(Ca-Ison) of Bothell, Washington,girl. Jessica Lynne, Feb. 22, 829p.m" 8 pounds 3 ounces, firstchild.

LEDUC, Georges and Elaine (Wal­son) of Ottawa, Ontario, g,rl.Miranda Meagan Feb. 12, 7:29p.m., 6 pounds 15 ounces, firstchild.

HAWKINS, Randall and Jenifer (Jor­dan) of San Antonio, Texas. boyTheodore Jacque "Jack: Jan. 38:26 a.m, 5 pounds 15 ounces. now2 boys.

HAIGHT, Alan and Sheryl (Mil er) ofOrlando, FlOrida, boy, Chad Alan,April 21, 214 pm, 8 pounds 2ounces, first child

C/)wa:«::>-ן

mooz«C/)wa:«C/)EJ:W>Zz«enC)zCiow~

Tony and Barbaraof Columbus, Ohio.

an Andrew. April 8 8nces, no 1 boy 1

ELFLEIN,(Priest")boy Npoungirl

DAVIS, Chris and Patricia (Swartz) 01Big sandy. girl, Robyn oen, Nov, 117:58 am., 9 pounds 4 ounces. now2 girls

DYE. Michael and Tracey (Andrews)of San Antonio, Texas, girl, Macken­ZIe Rayane Jan 26, 8 pounds, firstchild

Births

CONN, Mark and Tracy (Ravens­croft) of Washongton, Pennsylvania.boy, Dalton Mark, Apnl 9, 330a,m., 7 pounds 93/. ounces. now 2boys,

FERRARA Andrew and Ruth (Hofer)of Calgary, Alberta girl BreannaAntonia Nov 17 9.47 a.m. 6pounds 6 Ol>nces now 1 boy 29'rls

CROUCH, Norman and Sally (Tan­ner) of Brisbane, Australia, boy,Andrew Norman, April 9, 7:58 p.m,6 pounds 81k ounces. now 1 boy, 1girl,

GILKES, Robert and Beverly(Cargill) of Norlhampton, Englandgirl, Chloe Ruth, March 27, 402

CROCKETT, David and Margie(Burns) of Austin Texas, girl, Aman­da Ruth, Feb 7, 2:50 p,m .. 7pounds 3 ounces. now 1 boy, 2girls,

AMY, Dallas and Rebecca(Bethke) of Rochester, Minnesota,girl, Kayla Elizabeth, Jan. 16, 6:20p.m., 7 pounds 10.4 ounces, now2 girls.

ABUGOH, Michael and Edith (Okoli)of Lagos, Nigeria g.rl, SharonEjiroghene Obianuju, April 4, 11 :50am, 3 7 kilograms, fir51 child

BANSGROVE, Lindsay and Judith(Redman) of Penrith, Australia, girl,Jessica Emily, April 13. 612 am, 7pounds 15 ounces, now 1 boy 1girl.

BROWNING, Mark and Cynthia(Slocum) of Sa em, Oregon, boy,Chad Alan, March 27,12:38 am., 7pounds 15 ounces, now 1 boy, 3girls

CHARLESWORTH, Stephen andSamantha (Moss) of Vancouver,British Columbia, girl, Nicola Rae.April 9 8 pounds 9 ounces, firstchild.

8 The Worldwide News Tuesday, May 31, 1994

oN

II) ...o lDI I

II) II)"lit II)o (9

~o (9o

(')011).... Z"lit ....30

0'10I..JZ

CD<I..JOZ ~OO.... WOD ....I

now pastors the Toronto,Ontario, Central church,gave the sermon.

A slide show featured thecongregation's early days.Members then enjoyed ameal and a variety show.

Two friends ofAmbassador die

MANILA, Philippines­Two friends of Ambassador:Lauro S. Esteban, 93, for­mer trial court judge andfounder of Araullo Universi­ty, died March 29, and Glo­ria D. Lacson, 74, presidentof Wesleyan University, diedAprill.

The two university presi­dents were hosts for thenregional director ColinAdair's lectures to studentson dating and marriage inthe tnid-1970s.

Judge Esteban's son, Ro­lan, had invited Mr. Adair tospeak on keys to teachingmoral values before their fac­ulty and paved the way forMr. Adair to speak to theCabanatuan Rotary Club andKnights of Columbus. Vir­gilio V. Alvaran.

100% recycled paper

Senior citizens groupasks minister to speak

ROCHESTER, Minneso­ta-Paul Shumway, pastorof the Rochester and Man­kato, Minnesota, churches,spoke to the Senior CitizensClub about prayer on theNational Day of Prayer May5.

The organization has hadpredominantly Catholic andProtestant speakers in thepast, and the chairperson saidit would be nice to have arabbi or a nondenominationalminister give the address thisyear. Vivien Malcomson, amember of the organizationand a deaconess, suggestedMr. Shumway.

A rabbi was to give themain address, and Mr.Shumway was to give theinvocation. However, therabbi was unable to speak,and the organizer asked Mr.Shumway to step in.

Mississippi turning

Montreal Englishchurch celebratesquarter century

MONTREAL, Quebec­The Montreal English con­gregation celebrated its 25thanniversary April 16. Four­teen original members werehonored for 25 years offai thful service to theChurch.

During services congratu­latory messages were readfrom Montreal's former pas­tors. Richard Wilding, Mon­tr:eal's original pastor, who

Norman L. Shoaf, editorof the Church's booklets anda contributing writer for ThePlain Truth, traveled tosouth 'est Mississippi March30 through April 6 to doresearch for articles on racerelations.

"Last April, a group ofwhite teenagers burned twoblack churches in a racistattack," Mr. Shoaf ex­plained. "Outraged membersof the community, bothwhite and black, launchedan effort to reconstruct bothchurches, using donatedlabor and building materi­als. Volunteers came fromseveral different denomina­tions. ow, a year later, thefirst church building is near­ly complete."

Mr. Shoaf talked to mem­bers of the churches thatwere burned, volunteers inthe rebuilding effort andcommunity officials. He wasinterviewed bv the Enter­prise-Journal newspaper inMcComb, Mississippi, for anarticle that appeared April 8.He also appeared on WAKK:radio's Community Focusprogram April 4.

"Mississippi has suffered agreat deal in the past fromracial violence and civilrights abuses," said Mr.Shoaf. "I was thankful to seethat progressive leaders arecontinuing the struggle toestablish a community basedon outgoing concern forneighbors of all races andbackgrounds. I was also ableto tell those who were inter­ested more about the World­wide Church of God and ourteachings, including our con­cerns about positive racerelations.

"Everyone I spoke withwas complimentary aboutthe Church and The PlainTruth, and welcomed ourinvolvement in communityimprovement."

mer pastor here, will be theguest speaker. Other minis­ters who have selVed in thearea will also be present.

Activities will include anafternoon selVice, followedby a- dinner dance thatevening. A historical slide I

show and video presentationwill also be featured.

If you would like to attend,please call Sharon Registerbefore July 10 at 1-407-331­3767 for information onhousing, schedule of activi­ties and cost of the dinnerdance. All activities will bewithin a few miles of Disney­worldlEpcot Center. Roy G.Demarest.

Naga, Philippines, and Barba­dos sites are full and are nolonger accepting applications.

ORLA DO, Florida-TheOrlando church \ ,ill cele­brate its 25th anniversarvAug. 13. Randal Dick, fo;-

Orlando to mark 25th

Dove Awards givesinsight into Christianmusic

NASHVILLE, Tennessee­Dan Taylor, research direc­tor for The Plain Truth, co '­ered Gosp~l Music Week1994, the Gospel Music Asso­ciation's annual convention,and the 25th annual DoveAwards (Christian music'sequivalent to the Grammy)April 24 to 28, for an articlescheduled for the OctoberPlain Truth.

"This article," said Mr.Taylor, "introduces our audi­ence to one facet of Gospelmusic: Contemporary Chris­tian Music (CCM)."

Though Amy Grant, Ste­ven Curtis Chapman andSandi Patti are the topnames in Gospel music,many other singers andartists offer a \....ide variety ofstyles of music. CCM haseverything from pop-rock toheavy metal, rap and reggae.

Said Mr. Taylor: "I think itwill be a good introductionfor those who might want toknow what CCM is about,where it's going, some criti­cisms of the industry andwhat different artists thinkabout various aspects of theirinvolvement in the Christianmusic industry."

the Indiana Roof Ballroom.Tickets must be purchased

in advance and are limited tothose 14 years old and older.The cost per ticket is $25.Please send all ticket requestsno later than June 28, alongwith a self-addressed stampedenvelope to July Social, Box441711, Indianapolis, Indi­ana, 46244. Make all checkspayable to LCAF-IndySouth.

For housing and informa­tion call Albert or MarilynTalison at 1-317-351-0809(day) or 1-317-546-1916(evening). Information aboutSabbath services will be pro­vided with ticket requests.

Festival musicThe phone number for E11a­

Marie Schatz, Festival choirdirector in Palm Springs,California, is 1-818-240-6656.

The director of the RapidCity, South Dakota, children'schoir is Kristi St. Pierre. Heraddress is 2916 S. 137th St.,Omaha, ebraska,68144.

The new instrumental en­semble director at Pensacola,Florida, is orman Myers,5811 88th Ave., Kenosha,Wisconsin, 53144. His phonenumber is 1-414-653-0597.

several meals, admission feesfor the tour attractions aswell as transfer from Bonn­dorf or Goslar to Munich. Ifyou join the tour from anoth­er Feast site, the price \'Iill bereduced by about $25.

If you'd like to apply,please contact the Bonn Of­fice Festival Department atAmbassador College, FestivalDepartment, Postfach 1129D-53001 Bonn, Germany. Orphone 011 (49-228) 98 50 80orfax 011 (49-228) 9850819.You will receive a tour bro­chure and further details.

Congregation offersseminar on family

PRETORIA, South Africa­Sabbath morning, May 21,the Pretoria Spokesman andGraduate Clubs conducted aseminar on "The Family asthe Basis for a Stable Soci­ety."

The conference was theidea of Johan Retief, clubpresident, who is also regis­trar of Vista University.

Two newspaper ads wereplaced in Friday's edition ofthe Pretoria News and onewas aired on Radio Jacaran­da. Around 70 people attend­ed the three-hour series, 10of whom were from the gen­eral public.

The conference was divid­ed into three sections, eachgiving Spokesmen, Gradu­ates and YOU members anopportunity to speak aboutaspects of the family from aChristian point of view.John White, Pretoria pastor,used Psalms 127 and 128 inhis keynote address titled"The Family in Three Phas­es: Marriage, Children andthe Empty Nest."

Lien van Niekerk, aChristian lecturer from theUniversity of South Africa,gave an insightful and hu­morous lecture titled "Howto Understand Your ParentsWithout Losing Your Mind."

Africa, orphanages can feedchildren on as little as pen­nies a day. Nevertheless,they are always short onfunds. Your contributionwill be distributed amongappropriate charities in EastAfrica. Two thousand dollarswill go a long way." SusanStewart.

Sites closedThe Baguio, Davao and

Indy to be host forMidwest gala

I DIA APOLIS, Indi­ana-The congregationshere invite you to their bien­nial Midwest regional socialJuly 2 and 3. Evangelist StanBass will be the guest speak­er. Special Sabbath musicwill be performed by a com­bined choir and soloist.

A dinner and dance willtake place Sunday, July 3, at

Message on Africagains charitable gift

John Halford, a PlainTruth senior editor, spoke atthe annual dinner of theSociety for Urology andEngineering May 14. Thesociety's president, GeorgeR. Nagamatsu, a Plain Truthreader, invited Mr. Halfordto speak after he read Mr.Halford's March Plain Trutharticle "Virtual Reality: Cre­ating Your Own Values." Mr.Nagamatsu was also interest­ed in Mr. Halford's obselVa­tions on AIDS in Africa.

Mr. Halford, who re­turned in April from a 4Y2week visit to Africa, spokeon the spiritual, ethical andmoral responsibilities ofthose making advance­ments in science and tech­nology.

He said, 'We have incredi­ble machines and powerfulnew technology, but wehaven't solved the most basicproblems of the human race."

Mr. Halford waived alltravel expenses and the hon­orarium for his speakingengagement, telling Mr.Nagamatsu that he woulddonate any contributions toAfrican charities.

Expecting at the most only$250, Mr. Halford was grati­fied when he received acheck for $2,000.

Mr. Halford said: "In

Post-Feast German tourBoth sites in Germany

(Bonndorf and Goslar) arestill open and can accept fur­ther transfers.

The German Office offers apost-Feast tour of southernBavaria with a tour of thelargest baroque palace in Ger­many; a tour of Munich; and avisit to the Oktoberfest. Otherstops include the Koenigsee(King's lake) for a boat cruise,Salzburg, Austria, and a visitto some of the most beautifulcastles in the area.

The cost per person isabout $750 (DM 1270) andincludes accommodationsfor seven nights, breakfast,