Robert Berendt was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in a small coal-mining town on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Sports and the outdoors are a large part of his background. The town closed down in 1953, and he left for the city at age 16. He got a job and met a lovely girl who also worked in the office. In time they were married, and soon they had two sons and two daughters. His lack of training was a frustration for Mr. Berendt, so he attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a degree in science and education. In 1962 his mother began listening to Herbert W. Armstrong on the radio. She wrote in for the literature and soon Mr. Berendt also began reading the booklets. He had a summer job that allowed a lot of time for studying the Bible. By 1964 they began attending the first church service in Edmonton. He taught high school science for four years before attending Ambassador College, where he received a BA. Mr. Berendt was hired into the Canadian ministry in 1970. His wife Joan died in 1983 of breast cancer. He has pastored a number of churches in eastern and western Canada and then, upon marrying Valerie in 1987, they were asked to serve in Germany for five years. He was the Feast coordinator at three different sites and has conducted many youth campouts, hiking trips and hockey tournaments. He is still active in sports. Currently Mr. Berendt serves on the Canadian National Council and pastors four churches. He serves on several committees and helps coordinate Ministerial Services in Canada. He writes articles that are placed on UCG Edmonton's very active Web site and appear in other Church publications as well. Mr. Berendt sees being on the Council of Elders (starting in July) as a huge responsibility. He said, "'God so loved the world,' and our mandate is along those lines. UCG is to reflect the love from God and Christ to all the world and in our service within the Body of Christ." He said he is determined to strive to work together on the Council to serve the Church. "It is important that we stand up for the truth at all times and that we never forget the 'weightier matters of the law,' justice, mercy and faith." He said he hopes the love of God will flow out of all Council actions. Mr. Berendt has 14 grandchildren. His two sons are both ordained ministers in UCG and there are three medical doctors to look out for him (Rick, Dan and Heather). His daughter Cathy is also a member, and his wife, Valerie, is a strong supporter who travels with him. UN