The morning services at Wheatland started with a traditional Sunday School opening before everyone went to their respective classes. We stayed in the sanctuary for the Bible class led by Thurl Pankey. The worship service began at eleven o’clock with singing and special music. Michael Burns, who serves as the associate pastor with his father, brought the morning message from Jeremiah. He encouraged the congregation to remain true to their profession and remember that God is always found faithful. His love and his plans are unchanging even when he disciplines his people. After the services John and Anita, along with Thurl, took us out to lunch at the local Chinese buffet. It was tough to say goodbye not knowing when or even if we will return. |
From Wheatland we hit the freeways to try and make a special 3:30 p.m. service at our Oakland church. Sometime back I promised we’d visit them when we came to CA. Readers may recall that Victor and Carliethia Glover from Raleigh, NC invited their ministry associates Clinton and Yassa Bobray to join the CGGC family back in 2013. The Bobrays and their congregation, New Beginnings International Ministry, linked up with the California Eldership and through them several other connections also developed in CA and in Bristol, PA. Well, given the stop and go traffic around Sacramento and congestion in the bay area, we didn’t arrive at our destination until 4 o’clock, but things were actually just getting started. |
Tim (TJ) Welsh, CGGC pastor at Manteca, emceed the evening program which was dedicated to raising awareness and support for the Ebola crisis in West Africa and particularly in Liberia. Clinton and Yassa as well as many members of their congregation have friends and family directly affected. Several other churches joined in the meeting with their pastors participating in the service. The hall was packed, but as is the custom Linda and I were escorted right up front when we arrived. The first half hour was devoted to congregational praise and worship after which Pat Welsh, TJ’s father and associate in ministry, offered the opening prayer. After this various leaders gave remarks and others shared special music. I especially enjoyed the Welsh family acappella quartet. |
As it happened, that Sunday was Clinton’s birthday and at the end of the service the church surprised him with singing and a cake. The ladies also set out a buffet line in the courtyard behind the building for all to partake. Of course the food proffered possessed an ethnic West African flavor. It was very good! After a good hour of fellowship we said our farewells and drove back to Sacramento for the night. The next day we needed to arise at 4 to make our 6 a.m. flight back to Detroit. Monday was a long day, but full of memories of our California visit. |
As Jesus followers let’s be known for our love.
ONe Mission together, Ed Soli Deo Gloria! |
Rob Warren to Hold Seminar on
Reaching the Post Christian Generation
Saturday, November 22, 2014
9:00 am (registration begins at 8:30) – 3:00 pm
Christian Ministries Center, 700 East Melrose Ave
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Cost -- $10 if registered by November 10
$15 for registrations after that date
Cost includes lunch and handouts
To register, contact the Great Lakes Conference office
[email protected], 419-423-7694
Download a PDF copy of the flyer here.
Pastor Earl E. Mills
Director, Great Lakes Conference