Local Church Updates

• Flint Celebrates 40th: How Good and How Pleasant
• Zimbabwe Members Tour Kariba Dam and Power Station
• Upstate New York Congregations Visit CMOG
• Houston Hosts Preteen Camp
• Northwest Preteens Learn to "Bear All Things"
• Sherman Youth Present Pentecost Play
• North Carolina Bids Farewell to the Haeffeles, Welcomes the Kelleys
• "Making the Right Choices for God Today" Women's Seminar Held in Oregon
• Five Generations Attend Dayton
• Congratulations, Graduate!
• Volunteer Firefighter Talks to Sabbath School Class
• Artist Discovers Late-Blooming Passion
• Fort Worth and Coleman Teens Take Trip
• Bismarck Helps With Third Annual LifeNets Triathlon
• Inland Northwest Ladies Have 10th Retreat
• Cobie Visser: 90 Years "Young"
• Sabbath School Classes in St. Louis Area Enter "the Zone"

Flint Celebrates 40th: How Good and How Pleasant

The Flint, Michigan, congregation celebrated its 40th anniversary July 21. Members from the Saginaw and Lansing, Michigan, congregations joined in on the celebration, and 135 attended in all, with some brethren coming from as far away as Arizona.

The Sabbath day began with worship and songs of praise. Gary McCon­naughey, pastor of the Grand Rapids and Cadillac, Michigan, congregations, gave the opening message on Hebrews 2:1-3, explaining that "we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For…how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…?"

Melvin Rhodes, pastor of the Lansing congregation, who was the pastor of Flint in the early '90s, gave a very informative sermon on "Children Are a Blessing." Everyone delighted in the abundant portions of spiritual food that were given.

We were also blessed with an elegantly catered meal that followed afterwards. During the meal a slide show was provided by Corbin Rose and music by Kyle Davis. The Flint choir concluded this 40th anniversary celebration by singing a series of special hymns.

The collaborated effort to make this a very special occasion brought to mind Psalm 133:1: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

— Lynne Burton

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Zimbabwe Members Tour Kariba Dam and Power Station

On June 3, 2007, seven members living in the tourist town of Kariba, Zimbabwe, had the significant privilege of touring the Kariba hydroelectric power station.

While visiting the dam wall itself is a fairly easy matter, only requiring routine clearance at the border post, touring the power station is somewhat of a privilege as the facility is a high-security area. Prospective tourists have to make advance application and must be thoroughly vetted before being granted permission—a process that may take up to two months.

The Kariba Dam was designed by French engineer Andre Coyne and was constructed by an Italian consortium, Imprest, between July 1956 and December 1959. The dam and power station were officially opened on May 17, 1960, by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Kariba Dam, which is jointly owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, formed what was for many years the largest man-made lake in the world. It now ranks fourth after the Hoover Dam in the United States, another in Russia and the Aswan High Dam in Egypt. The lake is 280 kilometers (175 miles) long and averages 18 kilometers (11 miles) wide.

More than a million cubic meters of concrete was used in the dam. It stands 128 meters (416 feet) high, and its crest length stretches 617 meters (2,000 feet) across the Zambezi River.

The power station on the south bank in Zimbabwe has six generators that can produce 125 megawatts each. The four generators on the north bank in Zambia can produce 150 megawatts each. The generators are housed in two machine halls carved out of rock 152 meters (nearly 500 feet) below ground level.

Constructed nearly 50 years ago, Kariba Dam still remains a testimony to mankind's creative ingenuity. It is a notable civil engineering wonder.

— Dennis Sawona and Mike Mukarati

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Upstate New York Congregations Visit CMOG

On Sunday, July 22, the upstate New York congregations gathered at the Corning Museum of Glass for a day of fun and exploration.

The day started at 10 a.m. at the museum, where 24 people from all over upstate New York were able to go through the glass museum and see wonders and hot glass shows. They were able to see an exhibit of botanical wonders in the Harvard glass flowers from the mid-1800s to 1900s.

After the museum, everyone traveled to Lanrik and Carrie Kester's home for a picnic that included almost 50 people. The picnic included a scavenger hunt, where teams of all ages followed clues around the property and ended with a candy prize. The winning team was Georgianna Borgna and her son, Brandon. The men enjoyed some skeet shooting and others played volleyball, badminton and bocce.

— Scott Lord

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Houston Hosts Preteen Camp

For more than 20 years, Houston, Texas, has been the host for a preteen camp, which was held this summer from June 3 to 6. The combination of a nice facility, beautiful weather with low humidity (which is rare for Houston in June), an excellent staff and very enthusiastic campers set the stage for an exciting four days. The energy and excitement of the adult and teen staff was perfectly matched to the more than 50 campers.

Participation in the vast array of activities gave every camper the opportunity to be a part of this positive environment. A favorite activity this year was swimming, with the highlight being "swimming pool basketball," which always included the staff teamed up with campers to make for some very exciting games. Canoeing was added this year and the campers, along with the staff, did a great job of keeping the canoes upright!

Aside from the welcome break from the heat, campers were very excited about arts and crafts and music. We had a great variety of crafts, plus the music activity always kept the campers enthusiastic as they prepared for the annual talent show. It is always a delight to see the creativity of each dorm!

Christian education fulfills its role of keeping the campers aware of God in their surroundings. Many of the lessons learned are used in recreation when campers are mixing together and learning to rely on each other as a team in outdoor activities.

Field Day was held on the last day of camp. The campers found out how far they could throw a softball, how many free throws they could make, just how wet a water balloon really is, how fast they could run in the 50-yard dash, who could hula hoop and jump rope the longest and just how low they could go in the limbo. This was an exciting morning for all of the campers, as brother and sister dorms competed against each other.

— Elisa Hees

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Northwest Preteens Learn to "Bear All Things"

Nestled in the foothills of majestic Mt. Hood in Welches, Oregon, Camp Arrah Wanna hosted the Northwest preteen summer camp in August 2007. Towering green trees kept the summer temperatures comfortable as 67 preteens and 34 staff gathered for the greatest summer camp experience ever!

Preteens and staff came from as far away as California, Colorado, Nevada, Ohio, Utah and New York to experience our unique camp. Camp director John Cafourek and his wife, Sandy, scrambled to organize activities for young campers as this was our first year in a new location.

Preteen campers enthusiastically applied the camp theme for 2007 from 1 Corinthians 13, "Love…Bears All Things." Bears showed up everywhere at camp, from the camp banners to the orientation meeting, in sports classes and at campfire where a very large bear showed up one evening. Themes from other years have been "God Is There, and God Is There for You"; "Challenge Yourself"; "Bee All You Can Bee"; and "F.R.O.G.—Fully Rely on God."

Girls and boys enjoyed the brand-new swimming pool, honed archery skills, slogged through the mud pit, hiked, created arts and crafts projects, played miniature golf, participated in sports and dance classes and floated down the cold Salmon River. Enthusiastic Audry Bauer from Ohio led young campers in lively activities and songs at campfire each evening.

Lodging was at a premium this year. Since there were more girls than boys, G-3 girls and counselors actually camped out in tents to ease the dorm situation. There may have been a few chilly nights, but no complaints were heard.

Kathy Foster from Oregon taught a Christian living class showing campers how important it is to learn about God and His promises to us so they will be able to trust Him in difficult circumstances.

Bill Grinnell from California helped the campers understand the meaning of bearing each other's burdens. The campers were the Amalakites and the Israelites, on each end of a tug-of-war rope. When "Moses'" (Andy Gann's) arms began to lose strength and lower, the Israelites began to lose the war. When Aaron (Bradlee Rosenberry) and Joshua (Jonathan Little) helped Moses keep his arms up, the Israelites prevailed.

Archery instructor Carl Kinsella taught the campers about the compass of life. If you do certain kinds of things, the compass swings to the wrong way of life. If you do good things, the compass swings to the right way of life.

Donna Foster from Washington state taught a lesson defining love as taken from 1 Corinthians 13.

Staff and campers worked together, played together and bonded together. We encouraged one another to follow God's way of life and build strong relationships with those of like mind. Staff from the teen camp (which occurred at the same time) praised the preteen camp. They said the results of preteen camp experiences and training were apparent at teen camp as younger teens were already "in the Zone."

Staffing preteen camp requires a mature and dedicated group of volunteers. Working with younger children is labor intensive—but the results are well worth it. Summer camp is a place where positive teaching and positive peer pressure can help children make right choices. Working together to turn the hearts of our children toward God while they are still in their formative years is a great goal.

The Northwest preteen camp in 2008 will be at Camp Arrah Wanna near Welches, Oregon, Aug. 3-6, 2008. Parents and teens are welcome to apply as staff. If you would like to send a preteen to camp, send your requests to camp director John Cafourek, P.O. Box 5965, Salem, OR 97304, or e-mail him at cafourek@comcast.net.

— Kathy Foster and Sandy Cafourek

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Sherman Youth Present Pentecost Play

All the symbols and history of the day of Pentecost were well represented May 27 for the Sherman, Texas, congregation and all their guests. The youth presented a play for us in the morning service called "Covenant at Mt. Sinai." The setting consisted of three palm trees and a small brown tent, huge rocks and boulders, then a tall Mt. Sinai.

With programs, the audience followed the two acts of the play, including joining in with the children of Israel when they sang "Praise God's Name." The first act was Exodus 15, when Moses and Israel thanked the Lord for deliverance from Egypt after crossing the Red Sea. Miriam, played by Jessie Brock, led all the women in a beautiful circle dance while everyone sang. The other women were portrayed by Makenna Brock, Mara Efimov, Rhianna Cartwright, Kate Ledbetter and Kaela Pierce. Zachary Cartwright did an excellent job in his part as Moses.

Act two was Exodus 19 and 20 when Israel was camped in the wilderness of Sinai. Aaron (D.J. Cartwright) reminded his sons Nadab, Eleazar and Abihu (Cooper Pierce, Braydon Brock and Wiley Brock) of the lessons God was teaching His people.

Joshua (Justin Brock) told everyone to "remember" these important Holy Days. Aaron spoke of obedience to God's voice and keeping His covenant.

Moses prepared the people, and they stood at the foot of Mt. Sinai, hearing sounds of loud thunder and all heard the Lord's voice (read by Bill Cooksey) from Exodus 20:2-17 and 19:5. After this, Moses returned from the mountain carrying the Ten Commandments on tables of stone. Then the Israelites shouted together, "All the words the LORD has spoken, we will do!"

Many displays were placed around the meeting room, including two wheat loaves, pictures, maps, scripture handouts, harvests and festivals charts, fruit baskets with fruits-of-the-Spirit posters and various bright blue flower arrangements.

For the younger children, there was a display of Pentecost pictures to color, Moses books to look at and small stuffed animals to select from. Several puzzles, covenant and commandment lists were available for the older children to choose from.

For special music, 10-year-old Ginny Morris from Dallas played a wonderful piece, "Whirling Leaves," on the piano. Our attendance for the day was a record-breaking 108, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the children's play, the fine sermons and messages, the happy fellowship and confirming the promises together from our wonderful Father and His plan for us!

— Pam Chambers

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North Carolina Bids Farewell to the Haeffeles, Welcomes the Kelleys

At the end of August and into the first of September, three congregations in North Carolina have had to bid farewell to longtime pastoral team Mr. and Mrs. Jim Haeffele, and they have then welcomed to their first pastorate, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kelley.

The Haeffeles first came to North Carolina when they were transferred to the Greensboro congregation in 1989. Following the formation of the United Church of God in 1995, Mr. Haeffele started congregations in Greensboro and Hickory, North Carolina, and Roanoke, Virginia. The circuit was eventually changed to include the three congregations in the western half of North Carolina: Asheville, Hickory and Greensboro.

Each of the three congregations in North Carolina bid a special and heartfelt farewell to Jim and Lois Haeffele, thanking them for their love, service, instruction, encouragement and friendship. Following the final Sabbath of Aug. 25, the Haeffeles moved on to southern Florida where Mr. Haeffele will serve as the regional pastor for Florida, as well as pastor of the Miami and Fort Myers congregations.

Following right on the heels of the Haeffeles' departure was the warm welcoming of Ron and Nancy Kelley. Each congregation carried out potluck socials to allow everyone a chance to meet and become acquainted. The Kelleys, from Ohio, brought their exuberance and kindness, and Mr. Kelley got to work right away by playing piano accompaniment for the song service and by encouraging everyone to use their strengths and talents to build on the foundation previously established.

— Lee Dolby

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"Making the Right Choices for God Today" Women's Seminar Held in Oregon

Ladies of all ages and backgrounds came together on March 15 to 18 to attend the 2007 Women's Retreat outside of Canby, Oregon. The group filled the rooms of the Riverfront Lodge at Canby Grove Christian Camp and Conference Center, a hall that was conducive to much laughter and fellowship and gave the weekend a Feastlike atmosphere.

Friday night began with a satisfying dinner and good conversation at the nearby dining hall where friendly staff were attentive to every need. Afterwards, the group assembled for evening seminars examining the lives and lessons of Eve and Mary, and the contrasting effect of their choices, which were led by Dyanne Dick and LeeAnn Luker respectively. Throughout the weekend, the messages focused on lessons we can learn from Old Testament women and the choices they made.

The Sabbath weather was beautiful—filled with abundant sunshine. At a morning church service, Dennis Luker gave the first split sermon on lessons from Proverbs 31 and Robert Dick gave the following message about choices. An ensemble of ladies sang an uplifting piece for special music.

Breaks in between meals and messages gave ample time for visiting, perusing the table of favorite photos each woman was asked to bring, resting and/or exploring the grounds. Becky Hornor led an afternoon seminar relating the story of Hannah and how each of us can deal with depression in our own lives or in the lives of our loved ones. An afternoon table discussion inspired interaction and critical thinking about how each of us can make the right choices for God in our present society.

The evening panel presentation, which included some moving personal stories shared by Nicole Graham, Lila Lumpkin, Sharon Browning and Patty Sexton, was a highlight for all. Each woman described a pivotal point from her past that changed her life and perspective forever. Crafting, card making and lots of chatting filled the rest of the evening and extended well into the night.

Sunday began with a continental breakfast and a video presentation from the home office.

The rest of the morning was filled with a children's blanket project for the nonprofit organization known as Project Linus. Under the direction of Terri Werner, groups of women collaborated to cut, tie and organize the creation of 145 blankets for charity.

After all that hard work, everyone sat down to a delicious brunch and the last round of shared stories and conversations before the cleanup and the good-byes began. Although it was a whirlwind weekend, it was also a refreshing one as bonds of friendship were built and strengthened.

— Debbie Werner

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Five Generations Attend Dayton

Betty Wagle's story began in 1953 when her late husband, Victor Wagle Sr., started listening to Hebert W. Armstrong on WCKY. Mr. Wagle put a piece of tape on the big clock in the living room. He wanted their children to know exactly when it was 8 p.m., the time for everyone to gather each night to hear Mr. Armstrong's radio broadcast.

The family started attending church in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1963, and Mr. and Mrs. Wagle were baptized in March 1964. Their son, Victor Wagle Jr., went on to raise his own family in the Church. Their granddaughter, Suzie Grady, also raised her son, Ben, and daughter, Amanda, in the Dayton, Ohio, congregation.

Amanda has been performing vocal solos for special music since she was a little girl. And now she has given Mrs. Wagle another reason to rejoice. The new bundle of joy, great-great-granddaughter Adriana Sue Hutchison, arrived Nov. 29, 2006. She weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and measured 20½ inches long. So begins the fifth generation!

— Carolyn Pacleb

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Congratulations, Graduate!

Caity Kovatch

Parent: Christy Kovatch

Congregation: Canton, Ohio

High School Accomplishments: Caity was on the Honor Roll and participated in Key Club for two years, International Club for two years and choir for four years.

Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc: Caity enjoys attending summer camps every year (Camp Heritage and preteen Camp Buckeye). She likes sports—especially tennis, softball, swimming and soccer—summertime, working out, running, music, guitar and piano.

Plans After Graduation: Caity's plans are to attend college this fall, majoring in business and/or marketing, and to attend ABC in 2008.

Favorite Scripture: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21, New International Version).

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Volunteer Firefighter Talks to Sabbath School Class

On Aug. 11, Oconee County, Georgia, volunteer firefighter Neil Boss gave the Jefferson, Georgia, Sabbath school class a demonstration in fire safety. He explained to the children what to do in case of a fire and asked interactive questions.

Since small children might be afraid, he helped local teen James Mann dress up in his fire suit to show them what a real firefighter looks and sounds like. He then gave out stickers and coloring books.

Neil Boss, who attends with his parents and siblings, has been an outstanding example both in his community and his local congregation.

— Judi Mann

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Artist Discovers Late-Blooming Passion

Peggy Montano, a member of the Huntsville, Alabama, congregation, was featured in an article in The Huntsville Times on March 28 by Gregg L. Parker. The article began:

"While many artists first became interested in art during childhood, Peggy Montano discovered art as her passion when she was left with an empty nest.

"After her children left home, Montano took lessons from talented instructors, studied books and videos, and visited museums and galleries to learn ‘how these creative people made their inspiring art.'"

The article mentioned that she was the featured artist for April at the Clay House Museum.

"The Huntsville Art League, Huntsville Museum of Art, Leeds Art Center, Wind River Artists' Guild of Dubois [Wyoming], and the Red River Watercolor Society juried show in Fargo [North Dakota], have displayed her work. ‘Huntsville Sketch Book,' sponsored by Huntsville Botanical Garden, includes a painting by Montano.

"Recently, she had a painting accepted in the Energen…Art Competition." Though she was not one of the top five winners, her oil painting titled "Paint Rock Valley" was purchased by one of the company's vice presidents to be displayed at Energen Plaza, the company's headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama.

"To view her artwork, visit www.artistcolony.net/peggymontano."

Peggy Montano and her husband, Joseph, a deacon in United, have been married 57 years.

— Joyce Dunscombe

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Fort Worth and Coleman Teens Take Trip

The Fort Worth and Coleman, Texas, teens recently took a four-day trip to San Antonio, Texas. They, along with their chaperones (Dave and Lori West and Brian and Laura Anderson) arrived at the Alamo KOA Campground Sunday afternoon and set up camp. After dinner we got off to a great start with a series of get-to-know-you games.

The next morning started off bright and early with breakfast, prepared by the teens, which was followed by a Compass Check presented by Dave West titled "Expanding Your Circle of Friends." After the Compass Check, it was a short drive to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which is both an amusement park and a water park. It was a full day of fun for all and was capped off that evening by a laser light and fireworks show.

The next day the Compass Check was presented by Brian Anderson on the subject of "Spending Your Time Wisely." Then we set off for a second full day of activities at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Thanks to a 30-minute downpour, which cooled things off and caused a large number of people to leave the park, we enjoyed our remaining time and left exhausted and ready for a good night's sleep.

The final day of our trip the Compass Check was presented by Dave West on the importance of not judging others before getting to know them. After packing up our belongings, we drove to Austin, Texas, to visit the state capital. We ate lunch at the oldest German restaurant in Austin and then walked to the capitol building for a tour.

After the guided tour of the capitol building, we were encouraged to stop by the visitor galleries of the Senate and House of Representatives chambers. We were taken by surprise when we stepped into the House of Representatives just in time to witness the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, giving an introductory message as Phil Wilson, the new secretary of state for Texas, was about to take his oath of office.

As soon as the ceremony concluded, we finished our exciting four days of activities by driving safely home. In addition to having a wonderful time, the teens in the group made some new friends, strengthened existing friendships and came back with lots of exciting stories to tell.

— Laura Anderson and Dave West

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Bismarck Helps With Third Annual LifeNets Triathlon

The North Dakota Chapter of LifeNets sponsored the third annual LifeNets Triathlon, held at the Mandan Community Center on Aug. 26, 2007.

The night before the event the Bismarck, North Dakota, United Church of God held a dinner at the Pizza Ranch Restaurant, where LifeNets president Victor Kubik showed his thanks for their efforts in the planning of the event and for the volunteers who would be at the triathlon the following day. The congregation is 29 strong, but with prayers and hard work, all helped in some way to make the event a success.

Church members Tracey Freije, Barb and Vern Hoover, Gladys and Levin Rieger, Dave Fisher and Lee Aljets helped to man the concessions and grill hamburgers and hot dogs. With over 80 participants there that day, as well as family members, the concessions stand was busy throughout the day. Members from the congregation also made baked goods to sell at the concessions stand. Lyla Van Orman provided her voice for singing the national anthem to begin the race.

Member Rod Freije helped in traffic control at one intersection for the bike route to ensure the safety of the participants. Along the running path were members Ralph and Pam Redline and Mark Halverson. Pam also handled participant registrations with the help of Barb Schulz, as well as riding the bike path with the younger children who took part in the event.

Younger members Marie Freije and Britton Redline helped to patrol the transition area as well as run the results to the command center of the race so that the times could be compiled.

Mr. Kubik and Bismarck pastor Herb Teitgen teamed up with a lady serving on the triathlon committee to participate in the Olympic distance triathlon team event.

It was a busy day, but a very gratifying day as well. This year's event grossed $3,900, with the net proceeds going to LifeNets projects locally and internationally.

Next year's triathlon will take place Aug. 17, 2008.

— Tracey Freije

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Inland Northwest Ladies Have 10th Retreat

A record number of ladies gathered together, once again at Camp Gifford on beautiful Deer Lake, Washington, for the Inland Northwest Ladies Education Seminar. There were at least 70 who attended on the Sabbath, May 19, and slightly less for the rest of the weekend. This was our 10th retreat! The caretakers, who serve us at the camp, presented us with a cake in honor of the occasion.

This year's theme was "Fruitful Branches," and we had a number of good presentations by the ladies. On Friday evening we were given a list of various interests of each of the attendees, with the goal of figuring out who went with what interest. It was a great way to get around and meet everyone.

Saturday, Dennis Luker gave the sermon on the Proverbs 31 woman, bringing in the spiritual perspective on the subject.

In the afternoon, Joyce Iiams presented an interesting speech on our spiritual growth and spoke on the spiritual potential we all have and how it develops in different ways throughout our lives. She used a comparison of the care and nurture of grape vines to show these concepts.

Val Deininger presented a warm talk about going to our sister when we have a personal problem with her and the best ways to deal with the situation.

Bev Pronishan discussed the path to spiritual growth and how we need to take time out to think about these things and meditate on just where we are spiritually.

Once again we had a tea party and tea cup exchange for our Saturday evening meal, followed by a fun game designed to help us all get to know each other better.

Sunday morning we heard from Nancy Corbett, Kristina Crane and Nancy Czech on the things that have happened in each of their lives to help them develop spiritually. Our final speaker was LeeAnn Luker, who used the story of Cinderella to show us how to prepare to be brides of Christ.

Many ladies brought their homemade items to display, and we had a good showing of different talents. Even though the weather was cool, it was a pleasant and warm gathering for all who participated and, as always, we look forward to next year.

— Nancy Czech

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Cobie Visser: 90 Years "Young"

Jacoba Kamminga, known to family and friends as Cobie, was born Nov. 14, 1917, in the province of Friesland, Holland.

In 1938, on June 7, she married Martin Visser and they had four children, Anneke, Janneka, Berend and Jimike, who were all born in Holland.

The Visser family emigrated to South Africa in 1953 where Martin Visser was employed as a fitter for SASOL. The family relocated to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1959 where Martin worked for a large cement factory on the outskirts of Bulawayo. He managed a "small-holding" where the family lived, grew vegetables and kept a few cows.

Martin then purchased a dairy farm in the Queens district northeast of Bulawayo and in 1964 their son Berend answered an advertisement in the Personality magazine for The Plain Truth. He received the magazine regularly and passed it on to his parents, who also became subscribers.

In 1967, daughter Anneke and her husband, Oliver Bean, attended Ambassador College in Bricket Wood, England, where they were also able to expand their musical talents.

Then in 1968 Martin and Cobie attended the Feast of Tabernacles for the first time at Scottburgh, on the south coast of Natal, South Africa. Two years later they were baptized in their farm reservoir.

The farm was sold in 1980 and they managed the farm of a Church member, Keith Keogh, at Nymadlovu, northwest of Bulawayo.

Cobie has faced many trials during her life, and she remembers in particular being attacked on two occasions in the farm store. Although the store came under fire and was riddled with bullet holes, she escaped unharmed.

Once she was confronted by a highly venomous Mozambican spitting cobra that spat venom into her eyes. This was an extremely painful experience, but after being anointed, she recovered with no damage to her eyes.

In 1993 Martin and Cobie returned to South Africa to have access to better medical facilities.

Cobie has been widowed for some years now and lives with her daughter Anneke, also a widow, at Ramsgate on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Their home is close to the Uvongo Feast sites, so she is still able to celebrate the Feast each year.

Cobie is still in good health and is proud of her 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

— Jubi Jones and Reg Brink

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Sabbath School Classes in St. Louis Area Enter "the Zone"

On Sept. 8, children in the Sabbath school classes in the St. Louis, Missouri, area entered "the Zone." Invitations were sent out to each child and the kids were invited to find "the Zone" at church services on Sept. 8, the first day of the new Sabbath school year. Church services are held each Sabbath in Shrewsbury, Missouri, and Fairview Heights, Illinois, pastored by Vince Szymkowiak. Letters were sent out to the parents prior to the start of classes explaining that the theme for Sabbath school this year is "Entering the Zone."

The concept of "the Zone" has been used at UCG camps for our teens for a number of years. In the letter Mr. Szymkowiak sent out to the parents, he stated, "Briefly, the Zone is the opposite of the temptations and negativity that our young people face in today's world. The Zone is ‘what we perceive the World Tomorrow under Christ's leadership would entail.'"

As the first classes came together, Mr. Szymkowiak asked God's blessings on the classes and Mrs. Carol Szymkowiak explained to the children what the Zone is, adding that the Zone is to also be "a safe place for friendships in the Church to develop."

Each time classes are held, all levels come together for prayer and then each class goes to its classroom. The children were all given an "I'm in the Zone" button and a Zone membership card, plus a tote bag and notebook to use for their classes.

The children are very excited about entering the Zone, and it looks like a very promising year for the Sabbath school classes this year here in the St. Louis area. We expect that the Zone will be a great place for our kids to learn about God and His Son, Jesus. Maybe our children will carry the Zone with them and it will expand and expand and expand!

— Shelby Faith

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