Go! This is the preeminent mission given to the church by her Head, Christ Jesus (Mark 16:15). Timeless and commanded regardless of context, the calling before us is clear: Go and tell the world the good news!

The early church understood this directive well. Peter and John, under severe threat and forbidden by the religious authorities to preach Jesus, responded, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). And while scattered, other early disciples — with
Stephen’s martyrdom in their immediate past and a great persecution underway — “went everywhere preaching the word” (v. 4).

As the body of Christ we must, with renewed focus, engage in the
mission before us.

Standing at the forefront of our collective efforts is GC Missions, led by interim Director Daniel Flores, Assistant Director Moises Capetillo, and Grant Manager Priscilla Weekes. We are grateful for these servant-leaders who hold great passion for proclamation and go-ing! Under their leadership, widows and orphans are cared for, while churches, pastors, and missionaries around the world are supported in advancing the gospel.

The vision of GC Missions is expressed through four primary areas: 1) Global Missions (supporting foreign missions and sister churches outside the United States and Canada (US and C); 2) Church Planting (assisting districts and local churches in planting, developing, and strengthening congregations within the US and C; 3) Evangelism and Discipleship (advancing evangelism, discipleship, church cooperation, and spiritual renewal); and 4) Compassion Ministries (disaster relief, helping the poor, and special projects).

The mission before us is clear and unambiguous. As with the early church, we must be moved with determination, purpose, passion, and action for this holy and high calling. And by God’s grace, may we boldly proclaim the love of God and the gospel of Christ, no matter the context or consequence.

Greg Lincoln

GC President

On June 5-7, Brother Juan Arzet, his wife, Norma, and Brother Arno Galvez visited the Dodge City congregation in Kansas. Three sisters of that congregation were baptized by Brother Arzet. The day included a church picnic and a presentation by Sister Arzet with the women’s group. Brother Arzet also preached in the afternoon.

April 11 was a blessed, full day in Lake Peekskill, NY, at the Casa de Oracion Iglesia de Dios (Septimo Dia) House of Prayer congregation. Area churches from Selden, Oxford, Younkers, Lynnbrook, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Owosso, and Boston (Spanish) were among those that attended. Pastor Rex Miller delivered Local Pastor Certificates to William Benoni Aba Guzman. Various churches led us in worship with services in the morning and afternoon, following a delicious meal served by the hosting church.

On May 16, approximately 80 women met in Dallas for a beautiful evening of worship, fellowship, and encouragement centered on the theme “A Faith That Watches, A Heart That Waits” (Matthew 25:1-13). Through inspiring worship by the Piedra Angular Women’s Ministry, meaningful fellowship, and a message from SWD Women’s Director Jessica Salazar, attendees were encouraged to remain prayerful, faithful, and spiritually prepared for Christ’s return. Each woman received a lamp and vial of oil as a special reminder to stay filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to serve God.

Couples gathered on May 30 at the Messengers of Christ Church in San Elizario, TX, for the New Wine marriage workshop, led by Esau and Mayra Hernandez. Through biblical teaching, practical encouragement, and meaningful fellowship, attendees were reminded of God’s design for marriage and the importance of continually renewing their relationship with one another and with Christ. The workshop provided couples with tools to strengthen their marriages and grow together in faith.

On May 23, the El Paso youth and SWORD gathered at Fuente de Vida Church in El Paso, TX, for an inspiring evening of worship, fellowship, and spiritual encouragement centered on the theme “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young” (1 Timothy 4:12, NIV). Attendees were blessed by messages from Caleb Lopez and Gabriel Castaño, who encouraged youth to boldly live out their faith and allow God to use them to lead and serve others.

On May 1-2, more than 250 young adults from across the SWD, along with brethren from Mexico, gathered for the Immersion young adults event at the Adonai church (Friday night) and Truevine church (Saturday) in Austin. The weekend was dedicated to worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Through messages from Ruben Alonso, Neftalí Hernández, and Daniel Flores, attendees studied the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 18. They focused on childlike forgiveness, biblical conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the joy of restoration.

Families from across the Southwest District and beyond gathered June 14-21 for the Dover Family Camp, centered on the theme “Walk On, No Matter Where the Road Leads” (2 Corinthians 5:7). With a record attendance of more than 200 campers, the week was filled with inspiring biblical messages, uplifting worship, children’s and youth programs, fellowship, and activities for all ages. Throughout the week, attendees were encouraged to continue walking by faith and trusting God through every season of life. The camp was a wonderful time of spiritual renewal, strengthening family bonds, and building lasting friendships in Christ.

Isaiah 6:8 was the theme of the February 28 sermon by Kurt Lang, pastor of the Eugene, OR church. He encouraged all of us to listen for the Lord’s voice and answer His call as Isaiah did. At the end of his sermon, we had opportunity to “send out” Jacob Keim from our congregation to assume the position of youth pastor at the Harrisburg CoG7. Jacob has been our worship team leader for about six years. That same Sabbath, we “set in” our new worship team leader, Kadian Keim. We are delighted and blessed to have her take on this ministry! — Melva Smith

What is worship? How should we worship? Why should we worship? And what does it mean to live a life of worship? We tackled all of these questions and more at the Reign Revival youth rally, hosted in Eugene March 27-29. The theme was “If the Rocks Cry Out,” with Luke 19:40 as the key verse. Korban Lang spoke Sabbath morning, and Kadian Keim, Keziah Keim, and Madde McKibben shared devotions. Throughout our classes and sermon, we learned that we were made to worship, and discussed how to live a life of worship. As a service project, we assembled food bags and wrote encouraging messages that were distributed to those in need. We hope to see you next year! — Jordan Lang

The WCD Women’s Ministries recently hosted a Beauty for Ashes Women’s Retreat in Oakhurst, California. Beauty for Ashes is a ministry movement that invites women into the freedom, healing, and restoration that God desires for them. Throughout the weekend, women gathered in a safe, grace-filled environment to share their stories without shame and experience the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ.

Through powerful personal testimonies woven together with biblical narratives, participants explored God’s redemptive work in the lives of ordinary people. As Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15, NIV), attendees were challenged to reflect on and answer that same life-changing question “How do you currently see Jesus in this season of your life?”

During the session, A Healed Heart, women reflected on the story of the woman at the well. Through her encounter with Jesus, she was no longer defined by shame, isolation, or rejection. Jesus met her in the midst of her daily routine and pursued her with compassion and grace. He restored her dignity, elevated her above the cultural norms of her day, and reconnected her to her community. Her story painted a beautiful picture of kingdom community and reminded participants that Jesus continues to pursue each of us with the same desire to heal and restore.

Attendees also explored the stories of the women in the lineage of Jesus (Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba, Ruth, and Mary), discovering how God transforms brokenness into beauty and purpose. Sessions focusing on Joseph and Peter highlighted the power of forgiveness: forgiving others as Joseph did and receiving God’s forgiveness for us as Peter experienced after he denied Christ. Women were encouraged to release past hurts and embrace the freedom Christ offers.

In the session Where Was Jesus? participants studied scriptures that reveal God’s constant presence throughout every season of life. They were reminded that God has been with them from the moment they were formed in their mother’s womb and throughout every experience they have faced. As painful memories surfaced, women were encouraged to invite Jesus into those places of hurt and allow Him to bring healing, hope, and restoration.

Throughout the retreat, women selected personal “power verses” to remind them of their identity in Christ. They also created a keepsake craft featuring their chosen Scripture verse as a tangible reminder of God’s promises and their worth in Him.

The Sabbath concluded with a special spa night filled with fellowship, beauty product giveaways, and a fun photo booth where women captured memories together. Several attendees shared that this was their very first women’s retreat, making the experience especially meaningful as they encountered Christian community and spiritual encouragement in a new way.

The gospel message was shared throughout the weekend, and an invitation was extended for women to respond to God’s call in their lives. A special prayer service was reserved for those seeking personal prayer, creating sacred moments for healing, encouragement, and spiritual renewal.

To support continued spiritual growth beyond the retreat, each participant received a follow-up Bible study designed to be completed at home and within their local church communities. The study encourages women to continue reflecting on God’s healing work, their identity in Christ, and the freedom found through His grace.

The Beauty for Ashes retreat was a powerful weekend of connection, healing, renewal, and spiritual growth. Women left encouraged, equipped, and empowered to extend God’s forgiveness, grace, and love to others while walking confidently in their identity in Christ. As they returned home, they carried with them the assurance that God is still transforming ashes into beauty and restoring hearts through His unfailing love.

— Jennifer Stucker

The Eugene church participated in our fourth annual Family Camp May 22-25 at Sis-Q Meadows. Our theme was “Created by God: Made for a Purpose,” with devotions led by Jerry Ogren. Pastor Kurt Lang also led us in creating family crests, symbolizing what is most important to our families. We were blessed to help the camp facility gear up for summer camps by doing various projects. Thank you to Sis-Q Meadows and their new caretakers, Zach and Angie Boettner, for hosting us. — Kurt Lang

Our sister church in Shoreline, WA, hosted the West Coast Super Sabbath on May 23. The theme, “Imitators of Christ,” challenged everyone to continue following Christ on their journey, stand firm in His Word, and impact the next generation with their testimony. Two hundred attendees gathered to celebrate the Sabbath and enjoy fellowship among brethren from the area. On Friday, GC President Greg Lincoln and Executive Director Daniel Flores provided messages and shared the GC vision and mission . 

Photos: Jamin Teran

The “Epic Friends” Men’s Retreat was held May 22–24 at the Evergreen Conference Center in Oakhurst, CA, near Yosemite National Park. Minister Abelardo Alarcón from Mexico presented five workshops for the attendees — a total of 140 men from various congregations within the district. These were days of fellowship, spiritual instruction, and strengthening of faith. Each participant shared moments of unity, reflection, and spiritual growth with brothers united by a common purpose. God willing, we will see each other again in 2027!

The BAP’s long anticipated archiving project is underway! Thanks to the investment of the board of directors, meaningful first steps have been taken toward preserving the historic publications of the General Conference for the benefit of future generations.

Special thanks to Isaac Overman (pictured), who spent four weeks (May 18 – June 12) at the GC offices to launch the project. The scope of Isaac’s work included scanning fragile historical publications, organizing files, and creating preservation-quality and access-oriented digital copies. In total, Isaac scanned over 30,000 pages spanning the first seventy years of The Hope of Israel/Bible Advocate from 1863 to 1932.

The project has just begun, but we are pleased with this excellent start.

You are invited to join us for the Biennial Convention of the Church of God (Seventh Day) June 28 – July 3, 2027, in Greensboro, North Carolina! Our Convention theme is “In His Presence.”

From Sabbath gatherings to daily life in this world, we all sense our great need for deeper revelation and increased awareness of God’s presence in our lives. Please plan now to attend this life-changing week of fellowship, learning, and worship as we explore what it means to gather, live, experience, be transformed, minister, and serve in the very presence of God.

 Preparing the heart and house for worship, abiding daily in Christ, beholding His glory, hearing His voice, and being sent on mission with Him: By the grace of God, this convention will stir fresh hunger for God’s manifest presence. Come expecting to experience the restoring, revealing, and transforming work of the Holy Spirit as we are brought into the presence of the King!

Yes, come ready to meet with God.

Join us for “In His Presence.”

Please pray with us as we prepare for this event. May all experience His grace, His joy, His Spirit through His glorious presence among us as we gather in His name!

In His presence

. . . everything changes.

(Find convention updates at cog7.org/convention.)

Due to be published before the end of 2026, Seasoned with Grace is a unique women’s devotional designed to encourage, inspire, and strengthen faith through every season of life.

This beautifully crafted resource features 52 uplifting devotions drawn from the lives of women in the Bible, offering timeless lessons that help us grow in grace, wisdom, and devotion to God. To make the experience even more enjoyable, the book also includes 25 delicious recipes that complement its message of nourishment for both body and soul.

Whether for personal growth, Bible study, or as a thoughtful gift, Seasoned with Grace is a meaningful resource for women of all ages. Watch for its release, and share the blessing with someone who could use encouragement, hope, and inspiration on their faith journey.

The devotional will also be available in Spanish.

Save the dates December 22-27, 2026, for Mission Immersion Training (MIT) in McAllen, Texas.

We are excited for what God is preparing, and we invite everyone to begin praying, preparing, and staying connected for more information. Additional details regarding applications, cost, travel, and schedule will be released soon.

For now, please help us spread the word and encourage those who may be interested to pray about being part of MIT 2026.