South African Pastoral/Leadership Conference

Greetings from South Africa,

Earlier today, the South African pastoral/leadership conference concluded. What a wonderful and invigorating week we have all had as 50 elders and wives from seven different nations came together to discuss specifics in the shepherding of, care of and “making ready” of the people of God, and to hear presentations from each nation on the state of the Church in their areas.

Ministers from Angola, Brazil, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the United States learned about the work in each area—including the challenges faced, how the gospel is preached, location and care of the members, and other matters.

We from the home office who were in attendance learned much about this area of the world and the vast differences between their and our ways of life; the limited communication vehicles available to the members and for preaching the gospel; and the number of different languages spoken by various groups in each nation. Smart phones and the Internet are not available to the great majority of members and citizens here, and there are widely spoken languages that we have not even heard of before—much less ever translated literature into. We continue to learn more of the work that needs to be done to fulfill the commission Christ gave us.

Despite these challenges and limitations, pastors and members have been creative and diligent in developing ways of preaching the gospel in their areas. Radio programs do very well, and some have created short, leaflet type study aids in languages spoken by the people. As each area made their presentation, we were all so impressed with their dedication and commitment. It would be nice for everyone to have the opportunity to be able to get to know our brethren from all areas of the world. It is, as we have found with each international visit, inspiring to see God at work through them, and to see the energy and zeal they have for doing God’s will.

As children in God’s family . . .

We are continually reminded that God is building His family around the world. We might not speak the same language or have the same standard of living, but we are all bound together as “one” by God, His Spirit and His truth. We are family, all “members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

As God’s children and family, under His direction and led by His Spirit, let us more fully direct our focus, efforts and commitment to living the way of His Kingdom daily. Let us be diligent to leave the world behind and any trust in it, and fully embrace and apply the principles and culture of God’s Kingdom in our families now. Then He will know that our hearts are with Him and that we earnestly pray, “Thy Kingdom come.”

Have a wonderful upcoming Sabbath day, brethren. “Don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves together” as it says in Hebrews 10:25. If you are able, be at services where you can enjoy and be renewed and energized in the presence of God and in the company of His people.

We will be in Kempton Park, South Africa, this coming Sabbath, and Darris and Debbie McNeely will be in Cape Town, South Africa. We are looking forward to being with the brethren there, and our hearts are with all of you.

In Christ’s service,
Rick Shabi

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From Ministerial and Member Services . . .

Death of Sue Whitlark

Sue Whitlark, wife of elder Fred Whitlark of the Lexington, Kentucky congregation, died on Sunday, July 7. Surrounded by members of her family, she peacefully finished her race after battling breast cancer for 22 years. She now awaits the first resurrection. We all look forward to the time when we will see her again in an incorruptible body as God will wipe away every tear.

Sue started attending the Church of God with her parents when she was a teenager, and attended Ambassador College in Pasadena, California. After graduation in 1971, she worked as the student housing director for the college, and then served as an Assistant Dean of Students.

Other than God Himself, Sue’s top priority was her grandkids. Her interests included landscaping, designing and creating cakes, sewing and cooking. Sue was very committed to God and His ways. She served the Church by singing in the choir, maintaining the membership directory and performing closed caption typing for the hard of hearing.

In addition, she played the role of an elder’s wife very well. Her husband, Fred Whitlark says, “Her efforts, her counsel, her encouragement enabled me to become a better elder, and to therefore more effectively serve the brethren.”

The Lexington congregation will hold a Celebration of Life after Sabbath services in the coming weeks. A specific date and further details are still to be determined.

The entire Whitlark family truly appreciates all of the cards received on Sue’s behalf, and they want to sincerely thank you all for your prayers for her and their family during this trial.

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Report From Camp Pinecrest

Camp Pinecrest wrapped up its 28^th year in southeast Missouri on July 7, and God’s blessing and fingerprints were evident to all who attended camp this year.

A total of 115 campers (62 ladies and 53 gentlemen) and 66 staff enjoyed a week filled with beautiful weather, Christian fellowship and fun activities. Southeast Missouri, in the first week of July, typically brings 90-degree weather with high humidity. But most of the days were in the 80s with low humidity. For Thursday, threatening weather with thunderstorms was predicted just 12 hours earlier. This bad weather posed a serious threat to allowing the fourth and final day of our river float trip activity to take place. But we witnessed God move the severe weather just to our north, which provided a beautiful day for the camp and allowed the last two dorms to experience the river float trip.

This year’s theme, “Stand Strong,” resonated deeply with the campers as they delved into the importance of putting on God’s armor and standing strong in His might against our enemy who wants nothing more than for us to be weakened and destroyed. The campers were deeply impacted, renewing their understanding of the great God they serve and the strength that He provides to withstand our enemy. The theme was not just a phrase, but a guiding principle that shaped our entire week.

The closeness between campers, staff and our heavenly Father was felt all week long. From the initial camper orientation on Sunday to the final dance on Saturday night, the staff was woven together by the collective experience of serving together with one purpose at this beautiful camp location. New campers and staff were welcomed into the Pinecrest family and enjoyed their first-time experiences and new opportunities to serve. Camp does not happen without all the great volunteers who want to serve the teens at God’s camp, and I again share my thanks to them for their countless hours of service to make everything run smoothly at Pinecrest!

For those who prayed along with us for a successful and blessed camp, we extend our heartfelt thanks! Your prayers were a vital part of our journey, and we continue to praise God for all His blessings, which were clearly seen as He oversaw His camp.

—Mike Phelps, director, Camp Pinecrest