On April 30, 131 people from the Chicago-area churches met at the Addison church to learn how to share Jesus Christ with “pre-Christians.” Elders Mike Vlad and Larry Zaragoza led this day-long seminar on personal evangelism as part of the General Conference’s “Come and See” evangelism initiative.

The Chicago-area women’s group held its revival meeting at the Calumet City church on May 8. Guest speaker Jochebeth Martinez is the Women’s Ministry leader for the General Conference in Mexico. With the theme based on Luke 10:38-42, the day was filled with many activities, plays, sermons, and special prayers. This event was prefaced by a Zoom call on the same topic earlier in the week and during an all-day Sabbath service, allowing many women to benefit from Sister Jochebeth’s visit. 

On June 25, the Church of God in Petersburg, MI, hosted an all-day seminar, presented by Elder Whaid Rose. The Fort Wayne, IN; Holland, MI; Moundsville, WV; and Saginaw, MI churches were represented. Elder Rose said that the world is hungry for smaller churches that offer a small, loving community. We are to share the hope of Jesus in this broken world. Thank you, Elder Rose and Petersburg CoG7!

The “Grateful to God” service was held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the Lafayette Street church on June 17-18. Guests arrived from the Bowser Avenue church, along with visitors from Ohio and Michigan. The entire service was filled with gratitude to God, who has allowed the Lafayette Street congregation to pay off their mortgage. They are now the proud owners of their own church building and property! 

A short history, shared through testimonies and videos, began on Friday evening and continued throughout Sabbath day. We enjoyed hearing what God has done, even through the many rentals, struggles, obstacles, and uncertainties. To God be the glory for all He has done! Many praises in song and prayers were dedicated to the Lord. 

A Lord’s Prayer wall hanging was presented to this congregation from the Northeast District in recognition for all they have done and as a reminder that God will continue to prevail.

God is good. And this service truly showed evidence of “all the time”! 

— Esther Winchell

The Lafayette Street church hosted Minister Rex Miller on April 23 to preach during the morning service. In the afternoon, Bowser Avenue joined the gathering and led praise and worship. Brother Rex spoke a powerful message about God’s Word and His empowerment to do His will.

Congratulations to our new church in Lake Worth, FL! Formerly in West Palm Beach, it moved several months ago when a building was purchased. Co-pastored by Brothers Margarito and Jose Perez, the church has approximately 150 members and visitors who attend weekly. All of us in the Southeast District wish them continued success and growth!

The doors of the Eperanza Viva church in Houston opened to 85 youth and young adults on April 30 for a worship night. The message encouraged them to remember the special place God has given each one of them. During the night, all of the youth and young adults praised, learned, and fellowshipped together. 

On May 14, our sister church, New Hope United, celebrated ten years of God’s grace in their midst. The congregation enjoyed a blessed service and message, as well as a time of fellowship. We praise the Lord for His faithfulness!

More than 100 young adults gathered at the CoG7 Truevine in Austin, TX, on May 21. During the day, the young adults learned about the joy they can find in such areas as evangelism, finances, fellowship, relationships, and worship. The day was full of activities, games, and most important, God’s presence.

On May 22, the Area 1 pastors and leaders gathered in at the CoG7 Piedra Angular. Pastors and leaders were introduced to the GC Initiatives. Virtually and in person, different speakers went over their needs, requirements, and resources. Superintendent Chip Hinds encouraged the pastors to be intentional in their calling and edify the Church. After the meeting, the congregation provided lunch to the participants.

The SWD Senior Ministry held its first meeting on May 29 at the CoG7 Ceralvo in San Antonio. More than 40 seniors gathered to praise the Lord, enjoy fellowship, and delight in God’s Word. Pastor Thomas Childers encourage them to continue bearing fruit in this stage of their lives. Sister Merari Teran talked about the importance of good health, touching on social, physical, and mental areas. Afterward, seniors could paint, do crafts, or just socialize and play games. It was a great opportunity for them to feel loved and encouraged by the Church. 

At Area 1 ‘s first Super Sabbath of the year, held June 17-18, 470 brethren gathered in Dallas to worship our Lord. Using the theme “The Great Commission,” Pedro and Moises Capetillo and Daniel Flores encouraged the brethren to be a friendly church that shares the gospel. Superintendent Chip Hinds attended, as well as Brian Baker, director of the Orphans and Widows ministry. Brethren were also honored with the presence of Brother Robert Coulter, founder of the International Ministerial Congress. In each service, churches in this area ushered us into the presence of God. We are thankful to Him for allowing us to have this Super Sabbath for His honor and glory.

On June 19, 52 pastors and leaders of Area 1 gathered for a leadership meeting at the North Dallas church. During the training, Elder Daniel Flores and Pastor Ramon Ruiz preached the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of family groups. Superintendent Chip Hinds also encouraged attendees to continue moving forward.

Two hundred brethren from all over our district, and outside it, gathered June 12-19 in Dover, Oklahoma, to enjoy a week of worship, fellowship, and friendships. The theme of this year’s camp was “Walking Free.” 

During the week, brethren heard eleven speakers. Among them was Superintendent Chip Hinds, whose messages revolved around the camp theme, as well as our GC initiatives in evangelism. “Come and See” workshops were led by Daniel Flores, Moises Capetillo, and Pete Capetillo.

The children visited Science Museum of Oklahoma, and youth had a great time at the Frontier City Amusement Park. On Sabbath, Pastor Barry Mauldin recited and preached on the Sermon on the Mount. The celebration continued with several specials, the children’s program, consecration of programs, and most important, memories and friendships. 

We thank God for everyone who made this year’s camp possible under the leadership of brother Jerad Ullrich and his wife, Heather. 

Area 3 held personal evangelism training June 17-18 at the Galena Park church. West Coast District Superintendent Larry Zaragoza and Elder Mike Vlad provided this two-day training on how to present the gospel in an easy way. More than 50 brethren reviewed the whole course and had a clear expectation of how to implement the techniques in any environment. They engaged in a question-and-answer session, developed their personal testimony, and practiced sharing it. 

On June 25, Superintendent Larry Zaragoza visited our congregation in Lyndon, WA, and formally recognized and blessed them as the district’s newest mission. Welcome, Lyndon, WA Church of God (Seventh Day)!

For years, Harold and Vona Ogren have been involved in many areas of service and ministry on the local, district, and national levels. But recently the brothers and sisters at the Eugene CoG7 gave back to Harold and Vona in a tangible way.

In April, the Ogrens’ daughter, Lacey, unexpectedly went to sleep in the Lord. So we did for the Ogrens what they would normally do for others. Harold and Vona own a few acres that they have made into a beautiful events venue. Because of the changes to their lives, they couldn’t prepare their property for wedding season. So on May 15, more than forty people came to clean, weed, spread bark, and anything else that needed to be done. The morning work ended with lunch, a lot of smiles, and hearts that were full. It was a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus to this couple!

June 21-26, thirty-eight youth and adults from the Eugene, Harrisburg, Marion, Toppenish, Spokane, and Meridian churches shared the gospel and displayed Jesus’ love to the people of the Yakima Indian Nation in Washington. A Vacation Bible School-style outreach was presented in the neighborhood called Apas Goudy in Wapato on Wednesday and Thursday. Attendance ranged between twenty and thirty.

A small work crew did simple yard work and clean-up in one of the neighborhoods and volunteered at the Toppenish food bank. The entire group volunteered Friday at the Union Gospel Mission in Yakima. On Sabbath, the team played support roles as the Toppenish church led a “Church Service in the Park” in the Apas Goudy neighborhood. The entire congregation enjoyed an outdoor worship service with the neighbors and provided a potluck lunch after church. The mission team helped with games and activities that afternoon.

Over the years, many young people who have gone on one of the mission trips to the Yakima Indian Nation have been so moved that they have gone on other mission trips to Mexico, Guatemala, Haiti, Cambodia, and other countries. We are so proud of all these young people and adults and their commitment to go on this mission trip.