This is my imperative for the Churches of God, General Conference (CGGC) as I write this final eNews. Across American Protestantism today, I see professed disciples of Christ abandoning his precepts and example. I for one think it is essential that the Church be committed to biblical authority, individual and societal redemption, and a deep spiritual life. I pray the CGGC may ever be so committed and continue to teach, preach and heal in Jesus’ name worldwide (Matthew 9:35). |
In my term as Executive Director, I’ve had the privilege and joy to visit CGGC ministries in the states and abroad. I praise God for the great work I’ve seen. One need only review the stories told in the Church Advocate and the Missionary Signal to confirm the fact that the CGGC is ONe Mission with Jesus. And believe me when I say that the stories told are just the beginning. Many, many more could be shared. Frankly, it’s difficult even for me to comprehend all the CGGC is doing worldwide in Jesus’ name, despite my travels. In the past eight years, we’ve added new world mission fields in Kenya, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Sweden, and expanded pre-existing works in Bangladesh, Brazil, Haiti, India, and Southwest-USA. This mere listing of fields hardly conveys the number of lives impacted by CGGC educational, ecclesial, and medical work. Did you know that Bogra Christian Hospital and Khanjanpur Clinic treat over 100,000 patients annually, or that our schools in Haiti provide learning for 4,000 plus children every year? For a complete report from Cross-Cultural Ministries check out the March/April issue of the Missionary Signal. |
In the same time frame, 29 viable churches have been started or adopted in the CGGC. Sadly almost that many have been closed since 2007, but after years of prayer and intentional efforts the rate of adding new congregations exceeds the attrition of the old. PTL! One of the big developments in this time period has been the reception of pre-existing churches into the CGGC. Interestingly a good number of these have been African-American or Hispanic and urban in location. |
When I accepted the call to serve as CGGC Executive Director, I soon realized that our USA churches and leaders were by and large ignorant of the scope of CGGC ministries and our “glocal” impact, including me. We hardly knew each other beyond regional bounds, but even within regional conferences many felt disconnected and isolated. We needed a renewed sense of mission and partnership. Obviously this is an ongoing challenge, but I’d like to think we’re making headway through the Missional Leadership Initiative, the “new and free” Church Advocate and Missionary Signal, a better website, the weekly eNews, and putting CGGC staff on the road. My own travel miles in the past eight years equal about a dozen trips around the world. Believe me when I say I know and love the CGGC like never before. Ours is a great family! If anyone thinks otherwise, let them reread the eNews archive! |
In closing I want to remind everyone that we are engaged in a great eternal work together, and though much has been and is being accomplished, still more needs to be done to impact lives in Jesus’ name worldwide. This requires each Christ follower to be actively engaged in our Lord’s mission. As Linda and I leave CGGC world headquarters, our desire is to continue building up the Churches of God. We hope to work with churches and individuals to create a multiplying network of new churches across the CGGC. So, if anyone out there wants to join with us, do be in touch. We love you all in Christ! ONe Mission together in his name! Ed Soli Deo Gloria! |