From the President . . .

Greetings brethren around the world.

It’s early Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati, and we have just completed a busy but very rewarding several days that have seen 252 elders and wives convene here for the annual meeting of the General Conference of Elders (GCE). This was immediately followed by the Council of Elders (COE) meetings which concluded earlier this morning.

The GCE “weekend” began last Sabbath, May 4, with a Bible study that morning, followed by Sabbath services that were attended by almost 600 in person, with more than 1,900 webcast connections from around the world. It was truly an international conference, with ministers and their wives from Australia, South Africa, Colombia, Germany, Netherlands, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Canada, St. Lucia and Trinidad in attendance—including elders and wives from the United States.

On Sunday the conference received presentations from the treasurer, Barry Korthuis; the chairman of the Council of Elders, Len Martin; the MMS operation manager, Steve Myers; the Media operation manager, Peter Eddington; and the president. Using an interactive Internet tool, participants from anywhere around the world could ask questions of the presenters.

On Monday international presentations given on God’s work in Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Nigeria and Ghana, Angola and Brazil, and Canada were interesting and inspiring. We plan to make those presentations available for everyone to view in the near future.

As the meetings concluded, members appointed to the Council of Elders were announced. Those selected by the GCE were Scott Ashley, John Elliott, Len Martin and Paul Wasilkoff.

Following the GCE, the COE met from Tuesday through Thursday of this week. A variety of issues were discussed, which will be outlined in the written Council report to be distributed shortly.

Since Chairman Len Martin’s term expired this week, a new Council chairman for the next two years was selected by the COE. Tim Pebworth was selected as the new chairman, to be assisted by Rex Sexton, deputy chairman.

In other news, coming up this Sunday is the Ambassador Bible College (ABC) graduation. There are 22 students who will receive their diplomas. By all accounts, it was another successful year for ABC. It is just hard to believe that another school year has passed.

Take care, brethren. Have a wonderful rest of the week and Sabbath.

In Christian love,

Rick Shabi

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UYC Southwest Camp Volunteers Needed

Camp registration is in full swing, and we need your help! Southwest Camp is in need of staff in the following areas:

• Counselors and Assistant Counselors (male and female)

• Lifeguard-certified staff for kayaking

• Kitchen

• Staff with experience in archery or dance

Please contact Brent Fogelson at brent_fogelson@ucg.org with questions. Apply online at uyc.ucg.org.