News From Around the World

• Leadership Training Held in Francophone Africa
• Mindanao Pastor Speaks to College Students
• Canadian National Conference Holds Annual Meeting

Leadership Training Held in Francophone Africa

From Feb. 2 to 5, 11 men participated in a conference on leadership and service in the United Church of God, presented by French regional coordinator Joel Meeker. The meetings were held in Cotonou, Benin, on the west coast of Africa.

Jean-Marie Mundeli and Jean-Baptiste Sibobugingo came from Rwanda. Kossi Fiaboé and Pierre Kloutsé came from Togo. Paul and Félix Tia came from Côte d'Ivoire. Moïse Mabout, Emmanuel Andang and Jean-Philippe Bikoé came from Cameroon. Michel and Bonaventure Ogoudélé from Benin rounded out the group.

Mr. Meeker gave Bible studies and presentations on the importance of the work of God, how to work together at a distance, differences between the United Church of God and other churches and the fundamental doctrines of the Church. Participants had many occasions to ask questions and did so, leading to instructive and enjoyable discussion.

On the Sabbath each participant at the conference introduced himself and gave an update to the congregation of the work of the Church in his area. Mr. Meeker gave a sermon about the leadership qualities of Nehemiah. A delightful Sabbath lunch was then served by the ladies of the congregation, organized by Mrs. Ogoudélé.

All the men present said they deeply appreciated this training opportunity and expressed their hope that more such conferences can be organized in the future.

For more about the pastoral trip, see page 4.

—Joel Meeker

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Mindanao Pastor Speaks to College Students

by Daniel Roy Macaraeg

Through a series of seemingly coincidental events, God recently opened a door by which His truth can reach a potentially large young audience in Mati, Davao Oriental in the Philippines. Edmond D. Macaraeg, pastor of the UCG Mindanao congregations, was recently invited by the president of Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST) to deliver a series of lectures to help and guide the students.

Jonathan Bayogan, the college president, is personally acquainted with Mr. Macaraeg as he was a member of our former association attending Mr. Macaraeg's congregation in the early 1980s.

It was recommended by the Office of Student Affairs together with the Guidance and Counseling staff that the first lecture would be held on Feb. 14 on the topic of love, due to the many challenges and problems faced by the students on this issue.

The lecture began at 10:30 a.m. in the college audiovisual room. Mrs. Macaraeg and some Church members from Davao and Mati were present as well. Close to 100 students and faculty attended this first lecture.

Rose Visaya, the college guidance counselor, coordinated the event and also gave the formal introduction. Dr. Bayogan, who was scheduled to have a meeting that morning, went out of his way to also personally introduce Mr. Macaraeg before his PowerPoint presentation titled “Let's Talk About Love.”

Mr. Macaraeg began by comparing love to wind, water, fire and electricity. He asserted that love (as well as sex) is a power that needs to be respected and controlled. Like all the forces of nature, love is governed by laws in the same way as physical things are governed by physical and inexorable laws such as the law of gravity. He then gave some biblical laws and principles governing the power of love and sex.

After answering some questions, Mr. Macaraeg offered the students and faculty a free subscription to Vertical Thought magazine, with each attendee receiving a free sample copy as well.

This first lecture in Mati was a success, and we hope and pray that, God willing, this will just be the beginning of more lectures to come. UN

This article previously appeared in the January/February 2007 issue of United News Asia (www.ucg.org.ph/una).

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Canadian National Conference Holds Annual Meeting

Fifteen members of the Canadian National Conference, along with the secretary, treasurer and legal adviser for the Church, participated in a teleconference on March 4.

In his address, the director of operations, Anthony Wasilkoff, focused on the value of a sense of urgency. He referred to the mountain climbers stranded on Mt. Hood and a young woman lost at sea. He showed from 1 Corinthians 9 how Paul felt urgent about preaching the gospel. When Christ healed the blind man, He said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). We are involved in a matter of spiritual life and death. We have a window of opportunity open to us now. We have excellent publications by which we can cast a spiritual lifeline to others. We must toil with a keen sense of urgency.

In the stead of David Palmer, Dennis Horlick gave an update on behalf of the Media Team. He gave statistics relating to recent Internet ads and an update on the Beyond Today television program.

Robert Berendt, on behalf of the Ministerial Services Team, reported that leadership development continues across Canada. Currently, two elders (Dennis Horlick and David Palmer) are participating in a six-week training program for newly hired ministers. In February, Canadian Feast coordinators attended Festival planning meetings in Dallas, Texas.

Treasurer Edwin van Pelt discussed finances past, present and future. We have once again received a clean bill of financial health via the annual audit. For the first time ever, UCG–Canada is not applying for a subsidy from UCGIA. Our work is a work of faith, and we do have much to be thankful for.

During his address, the chairman, Rainer Salomaa, discussed the various stages of boards. In stage 1, the administration is barely selected and the board handles many administrative matters. In stage 2, the board works with a small staff. During that stage, the board is pretty controlling and has to struggle at not micromanaging. Now in stage 3, the board has many crucial policies created. The staff is now capable and experienced. The board can focus more on governing, policy development and strategic planning. The chairman closed by reading sections of 2 Corinthians 4.

The secretary reported the ballot results. The 2006 Minutes, Auditor's Report, Strategic Plan, Operation Plan and budget for 2007-2008 were all approved. All four proposed amendments were ratified and are now part of the bylaws. Three individuals were selected to begin a three-year term on the Canadian National Council. They are: Ian Simons, Rainer Salomaa and Joseph Sheperd. Dr. Simons replaces David Campbell whose term is expiring.

Following the National Conference, the National Council met via teleconference in executive session. Rainer Salomaa was chosen to remain as chairman for another three years.

—Rainer Salomaa (chairman) and Linda Wasilkoff (secretary)

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