Home Office Weekly Update

From Ministerial and Member Services...

Following the Sri Lanka Leadership Conference, my wife Kathe and I had the privilege of visiting the United Church of God congregation in Agra—a bustling city of 2.5 million people, rich in history and culture.

In the midst of this vast urban landscape, we gathered with a dedicated group of 14 in the humble home of one of our dear brethren. We accompanied senior pastor David Schreiber and his wife Jolinda, where I had the opportunity to lead a Bible study. It was deeply encouraging to witness the faith, attentiveness, warmth and dedication of the members. Their questions, insights and spiritual hunger reflected a genuine desire to grow in God’s truth.

Though small in number, the Agra congregation is a powerful reminder that God is actively working in people’s lives everywhere. We are truly united around the world by our shared calling, purpose and hope.

Kathe and I were both uplifted by the hours of fellowship and gracious hospitality. The time we shared together was a meaningful reminder that God is doing wonderful things in South Asia—and that even in a city of millions, under very difficult circumstances, a small group faithfully walking with God can shine brightly.

The Schreibers will continue their journey with additional visits in India and will also travel to Bangladesh to meet with brethren there—further strengthening the bonds of unity and encouragement across the region. At the same time, Martin and Jennifer Kusz are currently visiting our brethren in Pakistan, providing support and fellowship to the growing congregation there.

We appreciate your continued prayers for God’s people across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and around the world.

—Steve Myers, Operation Manager, Ministerial and Member Services

Report: Preteen Camp Ironwood

Almost 190 of us gathered July 13–16 and completed our 25th year at the beautiful country setting of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in Southern Minnesota.

101 preteens (plus more than 20 mini-dorm campers ages 5 and under, 20 teens and 69 adults) enjoyed four days of living, playing and working together “God’s way.” God blessed the camp with His protection as well as beautiful weather.

Camp Ironwood was blessed with campers, teens and staff from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, North and South Dakota, Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Wisconsin and, of course, Minnesota!

One of our camp goals was to enrich the children’s lives by giving them opportunities to build relationships with other children who share common beliefs, deepen their relationship with God as well as experience a variety of challenging activities. Each morning the entire camp was in Christian living and music classes or adult staff Bible study. Classes emphasized our camp theme “Building Your Foundation of Jesus.” Campers learned about Jesus Christ being the “Word” (John 1:1) who was in the Beginning, was with God, and created all things (Genesis 1:1).

The goal of our staff was to teach the children who Jesus Christ was—that He was the voice from the burning bush, and that He led the children through the Red Sea and wilderness for 40 years. He was there in the beginning—and then came, lived a perfect life, set us an example of how to live, and died for our sins. He will return and His Kingdom will come. He is the one they are to build their life on—the one who God the Father appointed to build His Church—and His love for them is everlasting.

The theme was also emphasized throughout the day in activities and in their evening wrap-up dorm time. Campers also enjoyed the new Jelly video and soon started trying to memorize all the words to Mark Graham’s new song: “He is…”. I encourage each of you to listen to the song, as it is truly meaningful.

During the day, campers experienced a variety of daily activities including zip line, horseback riding, slip-n-slide, team challenge, creek walk, field games, archery and slingshot, climbing wall, petting zoo, swimming, arts and crafts as well as evening fun including: campfire sing along, novelty Olympics, treasure hunt, carnival and dancing with Jelly.

Jamie Schreiber who filmed many of the camp activities, made a short video which can be viewed at: youtu.be/hXIxTYF6Tgo

We are very thankful for the assistance from the UCG home office and blessed by the service of an amazing group of camp staff, as well the many contributions and prayers from local brethren. We praise God and give thanks to Him for another successful year at Camp Ironwood!

—David Schreiber, director, Camp Ironwood

Report: Southwest Camp

This year’s Southwest Camp brought together 56 campers, 53 staff and one junior camper in the beautiful setting of Prescott, Arizona the week of July 6–13. Centered on the theme “Building on the Foundation,” the camp provided a spiritually rich environment where teens deepened their walk with Jesus Christ—laying a foundation that will guide them long after camp ends.

Christian Living activities included daily themed sessions, daily memory scriptures, Bible journaling, Bible class, Bible Q & A, and thoughtful integration of the theme into every aspect of camp life. Campers also enjoyed a wide variety of activities such as archery, arts and crafts, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, volleyball, field sports and dance. Evenings brought the entire camp together for group activities and meaningful campfire time.

Sabbath services were a highlight of the week, enriched by the involvement of both campers and staff, including several outstanding special music presentations. The weekend concluded with a celebratory banquet and dance, bringing joyful closure to a week filled with faith, fellowship and fun.

We are especially grateful to our volunteer kitchen staff for the delicious meals that fueled our days—and to all our staff, who went above and beyond by modeling what it means to live with Jesus Christ as our cornerstone. Their example helped bring the camp’s theme to life in a powerful and lasting way. We thank all our members for their support, including prayers for the safety and success of our United Youth Camps!

—Brent Fogelson, director, Southwest Camp

Knoxville 60th Anniversary — Aug. 9

Space is still available for all who would like to come and enjoy a nice Sabbath, delicious meal, fellowship and dancing to some favorite big band tunes. Details are in previous Weekly Updates or at this Facebook page. If you are interested in attending, please contact Matthew Shaffer at cog.knox60th@outlook.com. We need to provide the caterer with our meal count. The cost for the evening is only $18 per person.

—Len Martin, pastor