The disciples followed Christ’s commands explicitly, waiting for the Promise of the Father. They were all exactly where God told them to be on Pentecost 31 AD. The Spirit came upon them in a way they did not expect, and God gave them power and the gifts they needed to do what He wanted done. He created the opportunity. He gave them the words. He provided the direction. Their lives would never be the same, and they would learn to follow God, letting Him lead. There’s a message in that for us, as we enter the time of the end. God will accomplish and finish His work, in His way and provide everything we need.

Rick Shabi

President, United Church of God

Rick Shabi was ordained an elder in 2000, and relocated to northern Florida in 2004. He attended Ambassador College and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Business, with a major in Accounting. After enjoying a rewarding career in corporate and local hospital finance and administration, he became a pastor in January 2011. Since then, he and his wife Deborah have served in the Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida, churches. Rick served as the Treasurer for the United Church of God from 2013–2022, and was named President in May 2022.