1972 – 2026

With profound sadness, yet with unwavering hope in the promises of God, we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and servant of God, Manuel Salazar. He was born July 17, 1972, the youngest child of Arnulfo and Petra Solis Salazar, and passed away July 8, 2026.

Manuel was a man after God’s own heart whose greatest desire was to love, serve, and honor the Lord in every area of his life. His faith was not just something he professed — it was evident in the way he lived, served others, and faithfully proclaimed the truth of God’s Word. He never wavered from the teachings of Scripture and boldly preached the gospel with conviction, humility, and love.

Manuel faithfully attended the Church of God (Seventh Day) on Ceralvo Street in San Antonio , where he served with dedication as a member of the local church board, Sabbath school director, and Sabbath school teacher. His passion for teaching God’s Word touched countless lives, and many will remember his thoughtful Bible studies, encouraging spirit, and unwavering commitment to the truth.

In October 2009, Manuel answered God’s call to serve as Area 5 director of the Southwest District, faithfully shepherding and encouraging pastors and the churches throughout the area and district. He also served on the General Conference board of directors (2015-2019), where he continued to work alongside fellow servants to strengthen the Church and advance God’s work. Those who worked with him knew him as a humble leader, a man of integrity, and someone who always sought God’s wisdom before making decisions.

Outside of ministry, Manuel faithfully served his community as a radiologic technologist for more than 30 years. His compassion, professionalism, and genuine care for others earned him the respect and friendship of countless co-workers, patients, and friends throughout his career.

Above all else, Manuel cherished his family. He was the devoted and loving husband of Jessica, with whom he shared 29 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a Christ-centered home and were blessed with two children, Judith Marie and Jacob Manuel, whom he loved beyond measure. He was incredibly proud of the godly young adults they have become and found great joy in watching them grow in their faith and serve the Lord.

Manuel also had a deep love for worship. One of his greatest joys was listening to Christian and gospel music that lifted his heart to the Lord. He loved to sing praises to God, especially alongside his beloved wife and children. God blessed Manuel with a beautiful voice, and together as a family they shared the special gift of singing in three-part harmony.

Those moments of worship were among his greatest treasures and reflected his heartfelt desire to glorify God in both song and life.

Manuel was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Arnulfo and Petra.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Jessica; his children, Judith Marie and Jacob Manuel; his brothers, Joel (Christina), Minister Abel (Eva), Samuel (Sandra), and Daniel; his sisters Naomi Tuller (Dwayne) and Loida Vergara (Eddie); and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. As the youngest of his siblings, Manuel shared a special bond with each of them, and they all faithfully worshipped together in the same church family.

Manuel’s life was a testimony of faith, humility, service, and unwavering devotion to God. His influence will continue to be felt in the churches he served, in the lives he discipled, and in the countless people he encouraged through his example of Christlike love. Though his passing was sudden and leaves an immeasurable void, those who knew him rejoice in the blessed hope found in Jesus Christ.

Today, Manuel rests peacefully in the Lord, awaiting the glorious return of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the faithful. Until that wonderful day, his legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:14, NKJV).

More than rhetoric and slogan, a Christ-centered church is a defining aim and passionate pursuit of our fellowship (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:10, 11). For nearly three decades, a Christ-centered church has served as the foundation of our ten-point vision. It has marked our unity, shaped our present (Ephesians 2:20), and guided our future (Revelation 1:7).

But how do we, individually and as the Church of God, ensure and continue in this holy pursuit? Focus on Jesus and follow His plan? Yes, and amen! Specifically, consider how Jesus taught us to pray. When we pray, our norm should be to pray to the Father in Jesus’ name. While no prayer addressed to Jesus is a bad prayer and is wholly appropriate at times (Acts 7:59), the normative pattern Jesus gave us reveals this order: “When you pray, say: our Father . . .” (Luke 11:2, NKJV).

This call to pray to the Father in Jesus’ name is not a move toward legalism. Rather, emphasizing the agency of Christ in prayer reveals and reminds us of something glorious, and, in turn, releases a renewed passion for both the Christ-centered life and the church.

Remember, we pray in Jesus’ name to the Father because, apart from Christ, we have no right, no access, and no ability to come before God (John 14:6). But as we pray this way, receiving Christ as our great High Priest and only Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), we glorify Jesus and the Father.

Far from deemphasizing Christ, prayer in His name to the Father does the opposite. As the church prays this way, an incredible effect unfolds: 1) Passion for our great High Priest is ignited as we, by faith, understand that we have access to the One who is holy through Christ alone. 2) Unity comes clearly into focus as we understand that each of us enters the presence of God the same way — in Christ alone. 3) As we continually come into communion with the One who is eternal — by Christ alone — our present and future become inextricably linked to Jesus.

Yes, Church, we are wise to remember this glorious order in prayer wholly relates to our pursuit of being a Christ-centered church.

In His Name,

Greg Lincoln

GC President

For many years, a good number of our congregations have selected a Sabbath and let their sisters lead for the day. In March we had participation in our Women’s Emphasis Sabbath from Saginaw, MI; Fort Wayne, IN (Bowser Avenue); Lanham, MD (pictured); Lake Peekskill, NY; and Bridgeport, CT. Some congregations will participate later due to scheduling but will still use the theme “Be a Diamond,” based on Ephesians 5:8.

On April 11, the House of Prayer church in Lake Peekskill, NY, hosted a Super Sabbath. Other congregations from New York (Selden, Yonkers, Lynbrook, and Oxford); Passaic, NJ; Bridgeport, CT; and Lynn, MA, enjoyed great praise and worship. Superintendent Rex Miller shared two messages based on forgiveness. After a great meal provided by the sisters, Elder Miller met with local pastors and leaders, and Esther Winchell met with Women’s Ministry directors from the attending churches. The youth group sold fruit slushies to raise funds for their upcoming retreat. Let’s do it again real soon! 

On March 21, the district welcomed our newest church located in Louisville, KY. The members of Louisville were joined by members of the Lexington church, and sermons were delivered by Pastor Walter Apen (incoming superintendent) and Steve Krome (outgoing superintendent). Join us in welcoming our newest church, Louisville Iglesia de Dios (Septimo Dia)!

We were blessed to fellowship with the mission in Worthington, MN, on April 3-5. During our visit, we anointed Elder Elias Gomez, who recently received his certificate as a local pastor. On Sabbath, we formally transitioned the mission to a church in the Central District. We were accompanied by the Sioux Falls church, led by Minister Oscar Mata and his wife, Nancy. The Worthington church made us feel at home.

Women from Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma gathered March 27-29 in Dover, OK, for a meaningful time of fellowship and spiritual renewal. We were reminded that we are daughters of the King — worthy, chosen, and deeply loved. We are grateful for the speakers, praise team, and all those who served behind the scenes. From the inspiring messages and uplifting worship, to the thoughtfully prepared meals, banquet, and evening activities, every detail contributed to a truly memorable retreat.

On April 10-11, the CoG7 Central and CoG7 Socorro congregations in El Paso hosted the Area 6 Super Sabbath under the powerful theme “If Your Presence Will Not Go With Me.” The weekend was a meaningful time of worship, reflection, and spiritual renewal. On Friday evening Co-Pastor Santiago Trejo preached, followed the next day by inspiring sermons from Pastor Lorenzo Rodriguez, Area Representative Eduardo Villalba, and Superintendent Chip Hinds. A strong spirit of unity and renewal was evident among all who attended. The weekend concluded Saturday evening with a leadership meeting, where local leaders received valuable guidance and updates.

Area 7 had its Super Sabbath in Pharr, TX, on March 7 with the theme “Our Close Relationship with God.” More than 200 people gathered to hear God’s message from GC President Greg Lincoln and Steve Kyner, chairman of the License and Credentials Committee. Worship, fellowship, and prayer were essential parts of this event. On Sunday, leaders from the area heard different speakers and presentations motivating and instructing them to unite around the GC vision.

Areas 2 and 4 gathered in fellowship for their Super Sabbath on April 18. We were honored by the presence of Greg Lincoln, GC president, and Daniel Flores, GC executive director and president of the North American Ministerial Council, along with their wives. Approximately 300 brothers and sisters attended, rejoicing in the Lord and united in spirit.

At the conclusion of the evening church service on March 14, a special activity titled Noche Mexicana took place, sponsored by the youth department at the El Paso Central church. It featured delicious Mexican food, games, and friendly contests, all in support of their ministry. We enjoyed flavorful tacos and a variety of traditional dishes while sharing meaningful fellowship with one another. Let us continue to pray for our young people, that they may remain steadfast in the ways of the Lord and that this event would be a blessing to their ministry. — Maria Beard

The annual Pacific NW Super Sabbath was held March 7 in Eugene, Oregon. About 350 friends from churches in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho enjoyed this day of worship together, centered around the theme of Unity (Ephesians 4). Pastor Brian Larson from Spokane was our guest speaker, encouraging us to live out the unity of the Spirit among and through us.

With a great children’s program led by the Portland church, inspiring worship songs led by the Marion church, encouraging reports provided by Harold Ogren (Sis-Q Meadows Camp) and Greg Haffner (West Coast District update), and the help of many others, our day together was blessed. Youth pastor Tim Hinds (Marion) and other leaders rounded out the day with a gym night and program for the teens, while the young adults enjoyed a game night led by Nakia Keim (Eugene).

Our services were live streamed and can be found on the Marion CoG7 YouTube page. Of course, the written details of the day never do justice to the camaraderie and love shared among the body of Christ. Let’s plan for next year and do it again!

— Kurt Lang

A group of us from Marion CoG7 recently traveled to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to serve alongside a local pastor and congregation in Bambu. We partnered with TIME missions and Crosshill Christian School.

One of our primary projects was helping build a chapel for the growing church community. It was a joy to see the structure come together, knowing it will be a place where people gather to worship, learn, and experience God’s presence for years to come.

Our team also hosted a three-day Vacation Bible School program for area children. We gathered with mothers who brought their children to VBS, spending time in group Bible study, sharing together, and lifting one another up in prayer.

In addition, we organized a sports ministry, which created opportunities to build relationships and open doors for sharing personal testimonies of faith and God’s work in our lives.

A special part of the trip was our women’s ministry outreach. We delivered meals and visited widows, offering encouragement through God’s Word and prayer. These moments reminded us of the importance of presence, compassion, and lifting one another up in faith. We also visited homes and distributed study Bibles to pastors’ wives and community leaders.

Throughout the trip, we witnessed God at work — in the lives of those we served and within our own hearts. We returned home grateful and encouraged, reminded that even small acts of service can have an eternal impact when done in Jesus’ name.

— Jennifer Stucker

WCD Women’s Ministries Director

On March 21, churches in Southern California met for a quarterly reunion in the San Fernando Valley, hosted by the church in Bell, CA. With the theme “Under His Grace” (John 1:15-18), Minister Oscar Mata reflected on the teachings of God’s Word. The day was filled with many blessings, demonstrated through heartfelt worship and meaningful fellowship among the churches, families, and guests.
(Photo: Miguel Orbe)

The Marriage Ministry of Las Vegas, with the local CoG7 church (United in Christ), hosted Minister David Lozano on April 10-11 in Las Vegas, NV. Through his sessions on mental health, we were reminded of the importance of caring for our mental and emotional well-being and how it directly impacts our families, children, and marriages. The event proved to be a powerful and uplifting experience. The recordings of the workshop can be found on the WCD Media Ministry YouTube page.

On March 7, the Parkland CoG7 youth led the congregation in a time of worship. From hymns and choruses of praise to testimonies and special readings, the congregation was blessed by this entourage of youth. The services were capped off by Isaiah Camero and Sergio Martinez encouraging the brethren to give their all to the Lord and follow Christ.

The Calgary congregation hosted their annual Ladies Sabbath. Under the theme “Women of Worship,”  they led in a theme-driven series of blessings, including Sabbath school and praise and worship. A special ladies choir presentation stirred visitors and congregants alike into worship. The keynote speaker, Paula Moore, encouraged the audience to use their God-given abilities and uniqueness in expressions of worship.

The 2026 Annual General Conference Leadership Meetings were held April 26-29 in Denver, Colorado, led by President Greg Lincoln and Executive Director Daniel Flores. These meetings provided an important opportunity for GC leadership to gather for prayer, collaboration, evaluation, and planning.

All seven district superintendents attended. They included incoming Superintendent Walter Apen, who will officially begin his tenure on July 1 in the Southeast District, following the retirement of longtime servant Steve Krome on June 30. Also attending were the directors of Artios, Publications, and Missions and representatives from the NAMC, along with department leaders from Communications and Information Technology. GC board chairman Dennis O’Banion contributed valuable insight into organizational mission.

The meetings began Sunday evening with a special meal to express appreciation for the faithful service of the GC leadership team. A special service centered on building trust and strengthening relationships through worship, prayer, and encouragement. Daniel Flores shared a message on connection with Christ, reminding everyone of their continual need for His touch and presence in life and ministry.

Monday began with a devotional message by Superintendent Rex Miller, followed by sharing and discussion on strengthening collaboration across Ministries and departments. Each Ministry and department presentation concluded with prayer, seeking God’s blessing, wisdom, and direction. Discussions also focused on clarifying and strengthening the General Conference’s mission, vision, and organizational identity, with emphasis on building and maintaining trust at every level of leadership. Greg Lincoln opened this session by sharing reflections on the mission of the General Conference, along with personal highs and lows that provided transparency and encouragement.

Ministry updates were shared by Artios, Publications, Missions, Communications, and Information Technology. A recurring theme was the need for stronger disciple-making efforts and greater engagement with younger generations for the continued health and vitality of the Church.

Tuesday and Wednesday were devoted to meetings between the district superintendents and the executive team. Steve Krome was given special recognition for his years of faithful service, with the leaders praying God’s blessing upon him in this new season.

The time together was marked by honest discussion, spiritual unity, and a renewed sense of purpose. As leaders departed, there was a shared commitment to move forward with greater clarity, collaboration, and focus on Christ. Please pray for all General Conference leaders as they labor together to advance Christ’s kingdom and strengthen His church.