United Church of God

Update from the President: Nov. 15, 2018

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Update from the President

Nov. 15, 2018

It's been a tough week for many. There was another shooting. This time 12 young adults murdered at a country-western bar in Thousand Oaks, California. Four of the five biggest mass shootings in five decades have happened in 2018.

Then, fires—terrible swift destructive fires in California have claimed more than 50 lives (as of this writing) with upwards of 200 missing. Our ministers in California have filed the following reports.

First, Los Angeles pastor Robin Webber:

"All church members affected last week are physically safe and none lost property. The fire is only 15% contained. Hundreds of homes are gone. Wildlife, deer and mountain lions took a hit. Inspectors are just now getting into the footprint of the blaze to inspect the fire damage—possible loss of more life? The blaze was incredibly fast moving, a blow-out like a science fiction movie. Malibu, Zuma—so much loss! All levels of Southern California society banded together in tragedy and are helping one another—from movie stars to movie-goers, from millionaires to people struggling. One! So many heroes and heroines. We will never know all their names. Firefighters have been incredible. One positive item has been how everyone has risen above their differences! And this is all after the shootout tragedy in Thousand Oaks.

"Our larger congregations are collectively donating to the Salvation Army which has been the best agency with first responders.

"As devastating as this 90,000-acre blaze is, it's hard to wrap your mind around the immensity of the Campfire up north. Armageddon, 'Paradise Lost'—recovery and finding who is alive is just beginning up there. So many people there are not accounted for at this point."

Then Joe Horchak, pastor of Sacramento, writes:

"I am pleased to announce that all three of our members from Paradise have found safe haven in a shelter in Chico, California, on Thursday night! There are other fires in Southern California that are also very challenging and destructive. This is a sobering and unnerving time for the state and many people's lives. Please keep all involved in these tragic circumstances in your prayers.

"I went up to Chico yesterday, which is where many of the dislocated are staying. The fire has grown to 117,000 acres—which is 30% contained—making it the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history. The air quality for most of the surrounding area is terrible, and most people are wearing special masks. I was able to visit our 95-year-old widow Virginia Roby who is in a care facility in Chico. I also visited the shelter where Mary Corey is and the others who were rescued by their grandson, the Shermans. You may enjoy this article about the Shermans and their escape from the fire in Paradise: https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/11/12/camp-fire-search-missing-people-families-chico-butte-paradise-california/1971100002. Three of us are going back up this morning to help sort through the tons of donations made by people, and deliver many personal hygiene items we have collected from our local congregations. Please pray for the 57,000+ people who have been evacuated in Paradise and other surrounding towns. This is a tragedy beyond belief!"

But, in this gloomy and groaning world, there is light and good tidings as we do God's Work in the midst of darkness. I would like to highlight some of the wonderful forward-moving events in the United Church of God this past week.

Haiti Visit by Pastor Chuck and Mary Smith

At our Monday weekly home office staff meeting, pastor Chuck Smith gave a report to us by video conference about his recent visit to Haiti.

Here is the summary of what he said:

"Mary and I recently returned from a trip to Haiti. This was my second trip, Mary's first. On Friday, Nov. 2, we arrived and deacon Joseph Jean picked us up and took us to our hotel. The Church van is currently out of commission, so Joseph used his pickup truck. On Friday evening, he picked us up again to take us to the Bible study at his home. He then drove all around Mirebalais, picking up brethren, until both the cab and the back of the pickup were full of people. Most everyone who attends the Bible studies and Sabbath services either walk or are picked up by Mr. Jean.

"About 50 attended the Bible study on Friday night, then around 65 attended the next day for Sabbath services. These numbers have been consistent over the past few weeks. There are many children—I counted at least 20 young children, not including teenagers.

"After services, Mrs. Jean and her sisters served the meal they had prepared for everyone. Most of the brethren lingered well into late afternoon, singing hymns or fellowshipping with one another.

"On Sunday, Mr. Jean and I met with three men in the congregation (an electrician and two carpenters) to discuss the meeting hall we are about to build. The congregation is rapidly outgrowing Mr. Jean's living room, so it is crucial to get this hall constructed soon. It will be used not only for Bible studies and Sabbath services, but also as a training center for teaching English and computer skills. Mastery of these skills will greatly improve the chances for members to successfully compete for the few jobs available.

"This trip marked a HUGE step in our goals to help the Haitian congregation, both spiritually and physically. Our short-term goals are:

  1. Complete the church meeting hall/training center before the Spring Holy Days.
  2. This summer, we hope to send teachers to conduct English and computer skills classes.
  3. Acquire a piece of property where a park and a community garden can be developed, the goal being to provide food for the brethren to eat and to sell/barter. We plan to provide soccer balls so the youth can have an outlet for good, clean fun, as well as learn teamwork. You don't see anything like this in Mirebalais—no soccer balls, cricket or children's toys of any type. People do not have funds for those things.

"I am pleased to inform you that the first goal is underway! With the completion of the meeting hall, we will be able to hold services for 200-250 brethren. Construction should be completed by the end of January. Donations from our churches in the Caribbean and from brethren in the U.S have allowed us to build a debt-free meeting hall and learning center. How thankful we can be that our Father and the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, have made it possible to bring spiritual and physical nourishment to a country in dire need of hope. Mary and I are blessed to be a part of this great work. Updates and photos can be found on our Haiti blog at maryandchucks.blogspot.com. We will post another update after my next trip in early December."

Beyond Today Studio News

Yesterday I walked through our new studio where an intricate LED light set was installed in preparation for the first recording session. A live studio audience of up to 50 people will be present for the recording of the first program. The recording date and time will be Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Monday, Nov. 26, we will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony with about 100 expected to attend.

We have already been using some of the studio facilities for sermon recordings and podcasts.

UCG Radio

Some time back we talked about UCG radio from Australia (https://www.ucg.org.au/radio) and I'd like to mention it again. It streams 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Listen to booklet and magazine readings, Bible readings, Bible Q&As, Sermons, Bible class lectures, podcasts, the BT Daily series and more!

You can take UCG Radio with you as you travel, and listen via your mobile device. Simply search at your app store for "UCG Radio" to install the free app. I have it and use it on my phone. Here are some FAQs.

Q. How can a person hear the radio station?
A. The audio is streamed over the Internet. It can be heard via the embedded player on our website and also via mobile devices (Android and Apple) with the free app installed. The station may also be listed on indexes for streaming radio.

Q. How do you get and use the mobile apps?
A. The mobile apps are freely available from the app stores. Google Android devices running Android software v5.0+ will find the app available at the Google PlayStore by searching for "UCG Radio." The icon will appear. Click to Install, then Open the app and enjoy. Apple iPhone will find the app available at the iTunes AppStore by searching for "UCG Radio." The icon will appear. Click to install, then Open the app and enjoy.

Northwest Young Adults Enrichment Weekend

Pastor Ben Light of Salem, Oregon, reports on a fantastic Northwest Young Adults Enrichment weekend with 51 in attendance for the seminars.

The theme was "In the World, Not of It." All of the presentations, Bible studies and Sabbath services connected and circled back to that overall theme to help reinforce the importance of our lack of compromise on the truth of God.

It was held at the Aldersgate Camps and Retreats facility in Turner, Oregon, Nov. 9-12. Five came from other fellowships. Attendees came from the Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane, Washington congregations. A number of attendees came from the Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend and Medford, Oregon, congregations, as well as attendees from Arizona, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.

The seminar topics were all by request, and were: 

  • Managing Depression and Anxiety as a Christian
  • Making God's Standards OUR Standards
  • When the World Creeps In... (Overcoming Addiction)
  • Building a Solid Foundation for Marriage and Family
  • Where We Are Now in Bible Prophecy
  • Biblical Apologetics and a workshop on Defending the Faith

Bob Dick presented the Bible study on Sabbath morning. Roberto Parada and Ben Light provided split sermons on the Sabbath, Steve Myers gave the keynote address Saturday evening. Sunday seminars were conducted by Dr. Tiffany Beattie, Ken Loucks, Ben Light, Bruce and Linda Hansen and Rob and Tina Slocum on the marriage and family panel/Q&A, Rex Sexton, and Steve Myers.

There was wonderful conversation, good food, lots of laughter and smiles all around as the weekend went on. The organizers were thankful for the turnout and the wonderful attitudes of our young people as they figured out this first annual YA weekend in the Northwest.

Ben Light stated: "Personally, I felt very encouraged by the weekend. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to spend the time with our young adults discussing God's standards and His way of life. We had a handful of young married couples attending, the majority of whom had small children of their own. It's beautiful to see the truth of God being passed from generation to generation. I'm excited for the future of the Church of God as these young people continue to strengthen their faith and begin to shift into increased responsibilities in the Church."

Finally...

Please pray for the safety of our people in these times of random violence that can happen anytime, anywhere in our midst. As Jesus instructed, pray that we be protected from danger and wickedness: "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13).

Pray also for all who are troubled with sore trials and ask for God's help and deliverance. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.