Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3b).
THE GLOBAL ADVOCATE (ISSN 0009-630X) is published quarterly by the Churches of God, General Conference.
Vol. 190, No. 4
Established June 5, 1835 as THE GOSPEL PUBLISHER, re-established on May 1, 1846 as THE CHURCH ADVOCATE, and re-established on October 1, 2019 as THE GLOBAL ADVOCATE.
Rachel Foreman, Managing Editor
The Global Advocate, official publication of the Churches of God, General Conference, exists to encourage members of the CGGC to maximize their collective potential for Kingdom impact.
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From the top of this issue, we’d like to thank everyone who made our Bicentennial Celebration and Triennial Conference possible in July. We can’t write down every name here in this issue, or there wouldn’t be room for anything else, but we are exceedingly grateful to our delegates who showed up and actively participated in the business of the church and the ordinances. Thank you to our volunteers like Swatara Church of God and their team for supporting our missionaries and international field leaders. Thank you to the Best Western staff for their exceptional hospitality and flexibility, meeting all of our requests and providing a beautiful place to have our conference.
We’re grateful to our sponsors for their generosity, who made the event possible, and helped provide the meals, and the Bicentennial Film.
Last but not least, we’re grateful to our staff and the General Conference Planning Committee who took on a lot of extra work beyond their normal duties or daytime jobs to ensure this conference was a success. Thank you to each and every, one and all!
On the cover: Images from the Brownsville Church of God (see story on p. 4) This page: Newly installed CGGC President Don Snyder gives the closing message at the CGGC Triennial Conference.
Thank You, Swatara!
We
couldn’t have had such a successful Triennial Conference without the help of many, many people. Swatara Church of God, and Pastor Nancy Boyer’s willingness to open their church, provide space, accommodations, and even childcare during Triennial week was utterly crucial to the whole week. As our office continues to extend our gratitude to all those who made our Triennial Conference possible, we wanted to give Pastor Nancy the opportunity to share about the experience.
_________________________
When I heard that Triennial Conference was to meet in Harrisburg this year, I felt compelled to offer our facility to be used however it might be needed. We have a wonderful facility in a great location. Many servants work in our Community Closet to give away clothing, household goods, and food. We open our doors to partner with two other congregations who use our sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen, and classrooms to worship, study, and have fellowship.
I have served on the CGGC Global Reach Commission for six years. As we pray and support our missionaries and field directors, I have grown to appreciate the work they do in sometimes dangerous situations.
The Crabtree family, our missionaries in Thailand, were in need of childcare. We have some ladies who absolutely love to care for children.
There was a need for space for the Missionary Meet & Greet. We have the space.
There was a need for a place for the missionaries and field directors to enjoy time to share with one another at their retreat. We have all the accommodations.
We are so glad that God has allowed us to open our doors to share what He has given us. I pray that all our guests felt the love we have for them.
The leadership at Swatara Church of God had been praying diligently about the purpose and direction God was calling us to. After much discussion and seeking the Lord’s guidance, we selected the phrase, “Serving Jesus Together.” This fits the spiritual gifts God has blessed us with (Serving), the focus of our faith and deeds (Jesus), and how we do all this (Together). Our direction now is to continue to pray that God allows us to open our doors for new ways to serve Him.
We don’t have everything we would like to have, but what God has placed in our hands, we are determined to use for His Glory.
Pastor Nancy Boyer
A Spiritual Journey: Building A Healthy Multiethnic Church
By Nicole M. Hewitt, PhD, Robert L. Hewitt, PhD, Pastor Victor T. Johnson.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS…
In August 1878 the church known today as “Brownsville Church of God,” (BCOG) was planted in the community of Brownsville, PA, east of Chambersburg. The name recorded on the church deed was “Church of God Greene.” The land for the original building was given by Jacob Reichard and his wife. The community was known as “Little Africa” because the families were descendants of slaves. The church was an active participant in the harboring and relocation of slaves through the Underground Railroad from 1837 to the 1860s.
When founded, BCOG was part of the Church of God Conference. In 1951 Brownsville severed its tie with the conference for a period because the conference wanted BCOG to merge with Grandpoint Church (formerly 1st Church of God) due to its small size (five members at one point). BCOG officially
rejoined the conference in 2006. In 1970, a second church building was built and dedicated to the Lord (pictured below). The old church was approximately 1200 square feet and sat 40 people comfortably. The story is often told that when visitors came to the church on celebratory Sundays, the church
membership would stand in the back so visitors could sit! In 2012 BCOG broke ground to construct its current building (pictured at right). It seats just under 300 people and has six classrooms and a café area. Since dedicating the building in 2013, the membership has grown to just under 200 and continues to grow due to the Lord’s faithfulness!
TRANSITIONS…
Victor Johnson answered the call to pastor BCOG in 1976 and serves in that capacity today, along with Pastor Charles Jenkins. When established, and well into its first hundred years of existence, Brownsville was a predominantly African American congregation. A defining characteristic of its DNA as a body was always immense love, warmth, and caring among its people. People who came to BCOG for the first time often made the statement that they had never experienced something like it before at a church. It was, and continues to be referred to, as the “Brownsville Experience.” Beginning in the mid 1990s, BCOG slowly began to see a marked and visible shift in demographics. In reflecting on how that shift occurred, if leaders were to pinpoint one thing that God used in a powerful way for His glory, it would be love. God used the love that people experienced when coming to BCOG, regardless of race and ethnicity, to draw more diverse people to BCOG.
It was in the early years after moving into the current building that the leadership of BCOG sensed God’s direct hand in what was happening. Leaders recognized that the changes occurring at BCOG walked against the grain of how approximately 86% of churches in the United States were growing. Furthermore, it was becoming apparent that growing a “healthy” multiethnic church would mean more
than people simply worshiping with others who “look” different than them on Sunday mornings. God was doing something far more complex and missional. In the Gospel of John, Christ commanded His disciples to be one as He and the Father were one, that the world would come to know Him (17:11). Jesus said people will know Him and will be drawn to Him by their unity and how they love each other (17:26). It was becoming clear that building BCOG into a “healthy multiethnic church” for the sake of the Gospel would involve growing a body of believers that truly strives to love one another despite typical lines of division. This would only be possible through dependence on God and the Holy Spirit. The Lord wanted to use the defining characteristic of love to be a catalyst for His deeper level of work. Love, as defined in scripture, would be the only thing powerful enough to hold things together when things are going wrong inside and outside the walls of BCOG. At BCOG this needed to include the resolve to not break fellowship over differences of understanding, approach, beliefs, conflicts and hurts. It also needed to include spiritually grounded mechanisms by which people could build relationships, listen, learn, serve and be part of tangible solutions. All of this would be for one purpose: to elevate the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Through prayer and discernment, the choice was made to take formal steps to grow as a healthy multiethnic church, believing it to be the biblical vision Christ has for His church. While evolving over time, defining and putting into action the vision for building a “healthy multiethnic church” was always directly connected to the BCOG mission: worshiping God, loving all people and making disciples for Jesus Christ. Consistent with His character, God continued to strategically provide the resources and laborers to accomplish His will.
Pastor Victor Johnson
Having experience and expertise in working with church bodies seeking to develop in this way, in 2017 BCOG pastors asked Drs. Robert & Nicole Hewitt (members of BCOG, pictured at right) to provide a series of interactive leadership sessions on the principles and practices of how to build a healthy multiethnic church. The series was designed for pastors, elders, deacons, and ministry leaders and drew upon seminal work of Christian researchers, pastors and practitioners such as Mark DeMaz, Onya Fennell Okuwobi, John Perkins and Michael Emerson. Over the course of five months, approximately 60 leaders built deeper level relationships, engaged in selfexamination and explored tangible tools, principles and strategies for developing BCOG into the church God was calling it to become.
INTENTIONAL STEPS ON THE JOURNEY…
Many visible outgrowths occurred from that initial leadership series that were pivotal in propelling BCOG forward in its journey. One important outgrowth that developed over time was a more robust definition of BCOG’s vision for building a “healthy multiethnic church” to fulfill its mission. This vision has been pivotal in ensuring that the work remains mission grounded. BCOG seeks to be a diverse body who: 1) walks, works, and worships God together as one; 2) works hard at relationship-building (interpersonally & collectively); 3) establishes equitable systems of church authority, leadership, and accountability; 4) advocates and advances justice, mercy, and visible work in the community; and 4) embraces strong theology & relevant application for Gospel impact.
Another major outgrowth from the leadership series was introducing the “Multiethnic Conversations Small Group Study” (MEC), (Deymaz & Okuwobi), a nine-week journey that targets pastoral and ministry leaders as well as new and long-standing members. Occurring in small-group cohorts, the purpose of MEC is to help diverse believers process three important elements: 1) God’s Word; 2) the
world’s reality; and 3) their responsibility to be Christ’s agents of healing and transformation in a broken and hurting world. Co-facilitated by diverse teams of leaders, participants gain understanding about the biblical basis for the multiethnic church and its mission to meet the great commission. A safe, accepting environment for open and honest discussion is created, where conversations across racial, ethnic, economic and educational lines occur. Self-reflection about personal prejudices and beliefs, historical injustices, present-day problems and systemic issues is a major component, occurring through daily reading and writing that is shared during sessions. Participants build meaningful relationships with people of different backgrounds, both through weekly sessions as well as fellowship opportunities that purposefully encourage deeper level relationships to form. The culmination of MEC is the opportunity to develop “SMART Goal Plans” (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely). Each participant develops both personal and church-based goals. The purpose is to encourage everyone to resolve to be part of creating positive change while depending on Christ for the means and outcome!
MOBILIZING FOR FURTHER IMPACT…
Since 2018, 11 cohorts have completed MEC. In 2022, a “Multiethnic Church Building Forum” was held, involving church leadership and past MEC participants. The purpose was to reflect on what BCOG had accomplished on the journey of becoming a “healthy multiethnic church” and to map out a direction and plans for work moving forward. Church leaders recognized the need to develop “action arms” that could assist in implementing church-based SMART goals. After a period of prayer and fasting by church elders and forum participants, four workgroups were created, each with a unique charge and focus. Introduced at the original leadership training in 2017, seven core principles of building a healthy multiethnic church (Deymaz, 2007) were used to ground the work of each group and help BCOG evaluate progress over time.
The Prayer and Fasting Workgroup (Core Principle #1: Dependence on God) was established with a core goal of keeping the church before the Lord in building BCOG as a healthy multiethnic church. Numerous strategies for involving the church in prayer and fasting efforts have been used, including prayer walking and corporate prayer efforts. The Church Gathering Workgroup was created (Core
The current demographic makeup of BCOG is 50% Black, 40% White, 9% Latino, and 1% other. BCOG is experiencing a growing population of English as a second language members. Understanding how to be a multilingual congregation while fostering unity and building vibrant community is a challenge being tackled in a variety of ways including music diversification, language translation efforts, and expansion of multilingual small group experiences. Efforts to develop opportunities to serve at deeper levels with one another in the context of differences for
Citations:
Principle #2 Develop Cross Cultural Relationships, #3 Pursue Cultural Humility and Cultural Competence, and #7 Mobilize for Impact) with a core goal of using innovative methods to bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn, build relationships and create kingdom change within and beyond the walls of BCOG. This workgroup has facilitated numerous movie discussion events, panel discussions, Juneteenth events, game nights and other educational experiences aimed at learning and growing together with God’s Word and principles grounding all work. The Visitor Follow Up and Connection Workgroup (Core Principle #4 Promote a Spirit of Inclusion) was created with the core goal of developing creative ways to connect with visitors that will lead them to church membership. The goal is to help persons on the “fringes” be willing to take steps to be more tightly connected in. The Forum Work group (Core Principle #6 Take Intentional Steps & #7 Mobilize for Impact) was created to serve as a steering group, with a core goal of providing a structure to help ensure the growth and development of BCOG as a healthy multiethnic church. Its efforts have been geared towards supporting and expanding existing workgroup efforts and identifying new workgroups that are needed.
the purpose of exposing Christ to the outside world are also a major focus. This involves intentionally building diverse ministry teams throughout BCOG and further diversifying leadership at all levels. Finally, the development of more robust mechanisms to support ministry impact in the community remains a top priority as needs increase exponentially. The Lord continues to use the defining characteristic of love to sustain the work. BCOG remains vigilant in remaining dependant on the Lord for His wisdom and leadership in the steps forward!
DeYmaz, Mark (2007). Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation
DeYmaz, M. & Okuwobi, O. (2016) Multiethnic Conversations: An Eight-week journey Toward Unity in Your Church
STAYING THE COURSE WITH GOD LEADING…
More Than a Side Job:
Embracing Co-Vocational Ministry as a Calling, Not a Compromise
by Pastor Jeff Yates
Ihave been wired as an entrepreneur since childhood. On snow days I was out clearing driveways; in the summers I mowed lawns, sold lemonade, and walked door to door selling wrapping paper for school fundraisers. I came of age during a pivotal time in computing, when access to computers was rare and keeping them running was a mystery to most. My current business partner and I both started our first company at twelve years old. We even rode the city bus downtown in our Easter suits to register the name — “Internet Ingenuity.” Not long after, we received cease-and-desist letters from both Monsanto and GTE. It was an early taste of business lessons learned the hard way.
While my entrepreneurial spirit was flourishing, in high school I also received a call to ministry. I wrestled with that call because I already had marketplace skills and a career path underway. Like many who sense God’s call later in life, I laid down a salary in exchange for tuition payments and devoted myself to ministry training. I don’t regret those years. I loved seminary life, met my wife, and started a family before graduation.
But twenty years later, I carry one regret: my attitude toward bivocational ministry. At the time, anything less than full-time vocational ministry seemed lukewarm. So, after a few years in youth ministry, I jumped in headfirst to serve as the senior pastor of a small struggling church of about thirty people. By God’s grace, in those years we celebrated more than sixty baptisms and saw peak attendance above 250. Yet the tension was always there.
The church had an expensive building and could not truly afford a fulltime pastor. The salary was sacrificial for the church, but also poverty-level for my family. God was faithful to provide, but after five years — and in the throes of a recession — the congregation was forced to choose between keeping their pastor or keeping a building no one else wanted to buy.
Looking back, I realize the church didn’t actually need a full-time pastor, even during its season of growth. Worse, I had unintentionally taught them poor habits: expecting me to carry the ministry while neglecting their own responsibility as disciple-makers.
Discovering Co-Vocational Ministry
In the church, entrepreneurs often carry an apostolic gifting. Shepherds and teachers can thrive in smaller congregations, loving and nurturing the flock. Evangelists can flourish on the sidelines of football games or in coffee shops. But apostles and prophets — those driven to break new ground, challenge assumptions, and build fresh works — often crash into the weight of history and tradition.
Today, I serve as both the owner of a growing IT business and the pastor of a small church. Instead of resisting my marketplace work, I now embrace the identity of a co-vocational pastor. Co-vocational simply means working in both the marketplace and the church — not as a backup plan, but as a calling.
This shift has opened surprising doors. My IT trade has allowed me to pray with people, support families in crisis, and share the gospel with individuals who would never have come to see me in a church office. Where I once worried about how I would juggle pastoral responsibilities with less time, I’ve discovered that scarcity creates focus. I am forced to give my best energy to what matters most: making disciples who make disciples.
Building a New Kind of Team
As my business grew, I took a risk: I hired other pastors who had transitioned out of full-time ministry and needed time to heal before their next assignment. Every IT worker requires training, but I quickly discovered something: the right kind of pastor could be trained in technology, while their people skills — patience, empathy, listening — were invaluable from day one.
Technology changes fast. Every IT professional must be a lifelong learner. But what sets our company apart isn’t just fixing problems; it’s caring for the person sitting anxiously in front of a broken computer. That kind of love can’t be faked — and it happens to be what pastors excel at.
Soon, hiring pastors wasn’t just a risk. It became our strategy. In IT terms, this was not a bug — it was a feature. God had softened my heart to co-vocational ministry, and now He was providing a model to fund it.
This approach offers churches a sustainable alternative. Instead of stretching a congregation to provide a salary and benefits package it cannot afford (and a pastor cannot live on), co-vocational leaders can work 25–30 hours in the marketplace, serving and loving their community in tangible ways. The relationships pastors build in the marketplace are priceless. And when an IT salary is combined with a church’s pastoral housing allowance, the result is a pastor free from financial desperation — able to serve for the long haul. We know longevity is one of the greatest predictors of pastoral impact, and co-vocational models give churches and pastors alike the gift of time.
A Side Benefit: Serving the Church Itself
Staffing our IT company with ministry leaders has also given us a unique window into the needs of churches themselves. In every city or town, large or small, there are congregations struggling with technology: networks, Wi-Fi, computers, livestreams, sound systems. One of the most effective ways to fund church planting has always been cooperation — multiple churches praying, giving, and sending leaders together. But what if planters could also give back — providing professional IT support as part of a mutually beneficial partnership?
We are working to build systems that make this possible: remote support, billing, project management, and marketing infrastructure that back up pastors who step into co-vocational work. Everyone has hard days in ministry and business alike, and strong support is crucial for longevity. For this vision to take root, churches also need to give leaders permission to pursue co-vocational callings. The transition can be scary for both sides, full of “what ifs” and questions about identity. But the truth is, ministry is always challenging — whether full-time or co-vocational. The challenges are simply different.
Looking Ahead: Beyond IT
This model is not just for technology. I see a future where Christians in the trades — electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians — embody the same vision. Labor statistics show that demand in these fields already outpaces supply and will continue to grow. Imagine pastors and planters serving their communities with these skills: fixing what is broken physically, and in the process earning the right to speak about the hope within them.
To reach that future, we also need new ministry preparation pipelines. Our Christian universities and seminaries are wonderful institutions, but they do not train people in trades — and they often saddle graduates with crippling debt. By contrast, community colleges and trade schools teach marketable skills at a fraction of the cost. What if we came alongside those students to provide the theological training, Christian community, and spiritual formation they also need?
The result would be a new generation of pastors who are also marketplace leaders — debt-free, thriving, and deeply rooted in their communities.
An Invitation
This is where people often ask me: How can I help?
First, pray. Pray for pastors who are considering this path, for churches learning to release leaders into the marketplace, and for the communities they will serve.
Second, give permission. Churches, bless your pastors to explore co-vocational ministry. Encourage them to see their marketplace work not as distraction, but as mission.
Third, identify opportunities. Do you know a church that needs IT or other professional support? Do you know young people headed into trades who also feel called to ministry? These are seeds of the future.
The church will always need full-time pastors, and I pray we continue to nurture churches that can sustain them. But increasingly, I believe we will also need covocational leaders and fresh expressions of ministry that meet our culture in new ways.
I see a future where pastors and planters are no longer forced to choose between faithfulness and financial survival — where they can serve both the church and the marketplace with freedom. I see leaders who thrive in both callings, debt-free, supported, and multiplying disciples. And I believe the ember of this vision can grow into a fire that spreads across communities, cities, and nations.
A Very Special Peace Church Service
Ifyou missed the festivities of the Triennial, then you really missed something special! Pastor Edward Rosenberry and Pastor David Welker helped lead a song service that “reflect[ed] the broader context of American Protestant Christianity over the past two centuries.” Organist and Keyboard player H. Timothy Koch, and Pastor David Welker lead an hour-long song service that was simply beautiful. The service took place at Peace Church in Camphill, PA, during a thunderstorm, which was a perfect mood setter.
Taking songs many years past, the service walked through the music that would have foreshadowed the CGGC’s founding, and music that evolved along with the denomination. The service was as spiritual as it was educational. Songs like Come thou Fount of Every Blessing were familiar favorites, while songs like The Church of God Believes It Right, and Hearken, Christian, Hear the Groaning were songs that surprised and awed with lyrics that spoke to a wide chasm between modern worship expectations and those long past. Watch and listen to the whole event here: cggc.org/triennial-conference-sessions or scan the QR code.
Telling the CGGC Story through Film
About the Film and Where to Watch
Our Bicentennial film was released at Triennial Conference in July, and you can watch the entire video for FREE here: https://www.film.cggc. org or by scanning this QR code.
We hope you share this film with your church, your friends, and anyone interested in general history about the church in the United States. The Planning Committee sees this film as a gift, and that part of its utility will be for history and polity classes, church membership classes, small groups, “book” studies, etc. In the same way that Dr. Richard Kern’s books on Winebrenner and the University of Findlay have become quintessential reading for the history of the CGGC, we hope that this film will serve a similar purpose for all who are interested in learning more about the denomination, whether they be seminary students, church members, elders, or lay people.
About the Team
Homeplace Creative is the team that produced our bicentennial film: New Measures Now: CGGC Bicentennial Celebration. They are an Ohio-based team consisting of husband and wife, Kyle and Meg Adams, along with Dave De Rurange. You can read all about them on their website: homeplacecreativeco.com, but we thought we’d share some highlights.
Dave De Rurange Storytelling Consultant
Meg Adams Chief Executive Officer
Kyle Adams Chief Operating Officer
Kyle and Meg Adams both have years of experience in news media. Kyle was a meteorologist and a reporter in Lima, Ohio and Meg was also a news reporter who transitioned into academia, getting her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing from Bowling Green State University. In combination with her work at Homeplace, Meg continues to teach at the University of Findlay as a professor of communication.
Homeplace Creative started from both Kyle and Meg’s love of telling compelling stories. Homeplace sits in the middle ground of marketing and storytelling as they try to capture the human quality inherent in every story. If for instance, they are delivering a commercial for a local restaurant about cheese curds, the team makes sure to capture what the staff think about the product, why it's important on the menu, all with a cheeky wink to the fact that cheese curds are a silly food. On the other hand, if they are producing a promo for a non-profit organization that helps tutor kids, they’ll interview the founder, capture the emotional story about what provoked the founder to start the organization, while showing the good work the organization is
doing in the present. The team believes that “every story has a face” (a human person) at the center and their documentary style focuses on people, which we felt was quite fitting for our denomination.
Meg said, “We market our business and the way that we tell stories for our clients as always based around a person or a narrative of a person.”
In their past work as reporters, the power of personal human stories inspired them. Now they want to tell stories in a way that helps people and that isn’t guided by the constraints of the non-stop news cycle. From this desire, Homeplace Creative was born.
It was this quintessential human spark that drew us to Homeplace Creative, and it’s what’s behind their name. Meg described Homeplace as a term that came up during her Ph.D. work. “It’s a term you’ll see frequently in Appalachian literature,” Meg said. “Which is not necessarily a geographical place, but it’s a place where people can come back in their heart to home, to who they are. And we believe stories help you do that.”
Merrill congratulates the Churches of God on their 200 Year Anniversary.
Merrill congratulates the Churches of God on their 200 Year Anniversary.
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https://advisor.ml.com/sites/oh/findlay-oh/bme Merrill congratulates the Churches of God on their 200 Year Anniversary.
Dominican Republic ACTS Team Recap
with Victor Montalvo
Pastor Victor Montalvo is the pastor of Palabra de Vida (San Diego Church of God), and is also our Latino Ministries Director, meaning he oversees churches and helps our field directors in Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. He recently returned from an ACTS Team trip to the Dominican Republic this summer, and was willing to answer some questions about what the DR is like for those who might be interested in a future ACTS Team trip.
What is the spiritual state of the country, and can you compare the DR to another field?
The churches are very good. We have a good spiritual rhythm right now with the pastors. They are working together. That helps a lot. Not only the local churches from each town, but also overall. [Our churches] get together every other month. So that’s helping a lot. Spiritually they are doing good.
Now they have their struggles. There is a lot of voodoo, and they share the same island as Haiti where there is a lot of voodoo and other beliefs, but I think those towns where we have churches, they are doing good.
How are our pastors and churches doing in the DR in general?
There are other groups working around the area, I see Pentecostal church, Baptist, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Of course, about once a year, the Christian churches get together and do outreach together. They do that once a year.
The pastors of that area get together and talk about different issues and how they can help. They put aside their beliefs as Pentecostal, evangelical, Baptist, and just address the issues.
What are the strengths of our Dominican churches?
For outreach, we have good strength, they work differently within the six churches. Two churches work a lot with kids. Like Pastor Fremio’s church, when they have Bible studies in the summer, they have lots of kids coming in, and throughout the year kids are visiting the churches. Parents don’t often show up, but they do allow their kids to come. That’s in Mango Limpio, and in Hato Mayor, and Pastor Rosie works with a lot of kids, and after they reach out to the kids, they reach out to the mom and Dad (mostly the mom).
We have another church that does street preaching. They have speakers on a trailer, and they go out once a month where they have a place, like a corner where people gather. They go on a Saturday, they put on music, and they preach for 30-45 minute and try to teach that way too.
What kind of service projects can future ACTS Teams expect?
I know there are always lots of opportunities to teach kids because they just come. If [kids] see something going on, they want to be there. They don’t have much to do in the summer. They are just walking the street, collecting dust on their feet. We tell them we are doing games and having fun, and they show up. There is always opportunity to share the gospel with the kids. That is a good thing the ACTS Team can always do.
Of course, there is always physical work to do. Painting, cleaning, art with Bible verses and the cross. Most of the time they do painting, they have fun, get paint all over them, and enjoy the day.
You’ve been on a number of these trips. How have you seen the church or area grow and change? (or, what kind of lasting impacts are you seeing from the trips?)
One thing I see is that there is lots of potential. They have a lot of kids around, and if you reach out and one of those kids becomes a true believer, you have a minister there. So, we concentrate on those kids, so we can win them to the Lord.
It’s not easy, the growth is slow, and sometime after Covid, the church took a big impact, and a lot of people didn’t come back. Everywhere in the world the church is struggling. But… I’m pushing the leaders to get prepared with these Bible classes and teaching to prepare ministers so they can be ready to teach these new converts and new kids becoming believers.
If we stay the course, it will be a good thing for the preaching of the gospel. One of the things I always have in mind, the numbers sometimes can be tricky. We can do outreach, stay busy, and bring lots of people. But that doesn’t mean they are all saved.
You [can] have very stunning growth, but you might have lukewarm people.
Anytime we make a connection, whether within the CGGC, or some other people in the ministry fields, it’s a growth, we become more efficient when we are together. The connections with the ACTS Team does help a lot.
As a mission field, what is special about the DR, and why do you continue to lead teams?
I think it’s a safe country. The government is easy going to do our thing. The people are very receptive. They are happy to have you there. Everyone loves it when people come to visit them. And, of course, the brothers there love to always have us there.
4 Petition to God on behalf of Dave & Kenda Kapaku as they minister to the Kahana Door of Faith Church and the community.
3 Trust the Lord to provide direction for Rod & Mila Ayers and for God’s glory to be seen through all aspects of their lives.
11 Pray for God’s blessings on the teachers and administrators of your local school district.
10 Trust the Lord to provide wisdom and guidance for Travis Helm as he works as Director of Global Reach.
18 Remember to pray for stamina and humility in all Latino Ministries pastors .
17 Be in prayer for Dr. John Costa as he is faithful in sharing the Gospel amid much resistance.
25 Pray for Pastor Dave Odegard , Director of the Great Lakes Conference.
24 Seek the Lord’s will for your church’s involvement with global missions. Talk with your pastor about how to keep missions a priority.
October 2025
Global Advocate Prayer Calendar
2 Thank God for the direction and encouragement Kenya field leader Pastor Joseph Mwaura gives local church pastors.
1 Remember in prayer Samir Singha as he leads in India, and for Madhumita as she finishes nursing school.
9 Lift up John & Toni Thumma and their ministry at Hooghan Nizhoni Church in NM. Pray for their health.
8 Uplift in prayer the children of India & Bangladesh that are enrolled in Mission child development centers.
7 Remember Jacob & Haley Day in prayer as they build relationships within the Gamerco Church and community.
6 Intercede for divine wisdom and discernment for the Global Reach Commission as they have a meeting today.
5 Intercede for Pastor Victor Montalvo as he leads Latino Ministries and pastors the Palabra de Vida church in San Diego.
16 Pray for the leaders of the Southeast Regional Conference to be bold and engaged locally and globally.
15 Pray for the team visiting the India Mission to help encourage them and provide some teaching sessions for the leaders.
14 Happy Anniversary, Bryan & Katie Crabtree ! Pray for them and their family as they work in Thailand.
13 Pray for Dominican Republic Field Leaders Fremio & Evelin Jimenez as they work with new church plants.
12 Pray for Chaplain Matthew Shenton as he and his family serve in Ft. Bragg, NC.
31 Pray against the forces of evil in the world and in our own lives. Seek God’s protection for all His Church!
23 Intercede on behalf of the churches and leaders across the world who are under personal and spiritual attack.
22 Lift up in prayer Nicaragua and trust the Lord to continue to bless the good works that are happening there.
21 Pastor Maria Grigioni serves as Field Leader for Argentina. Pray for her wisdom as she makes new connections.
20 Pray that God would move the hearts of donors to give generously to the CGGC Global Reach Mission fields.
19 Ask the Lord to direct the ministry of the churches in Mexico. There are significant challenges from those who resist the gospel.
30 Pray for University of Findlay Campus Ministries, and Pastor Giorgio Ferrario to engage students.
29 Challenge your friends to participate on an ACTS Team in 2026!
28 Pray the Lord’s Prayer with an emphasis on God’s Kingdom coming in specific ministries and missionaries.
27 Pray that GR can meet all of its funding goals for the Share the Blessing needs we have advertised.
26 Ask God to raise up leaders for His mission in the U.S. and across the world.
1 Happy Birthday, Jenn Schlumbohm ! Jenn serves the CGGC in the Global Reach Department.
8 Intercede for countries impacted by food insecurity and ask the Lord to provide the nourishment they need.
7 Pray for Dave & Kenda Kapaku as they help minister to the needs of their community.
November 2025
Global Advocate Prayer Calendar
30 Praise God for the beginning of Advent and the season of repentance and preparation. May Christ be born anew in our hearts! “Prepare the way of the Lord.”
15 Trust the Lord to provide opportunities for Dave & Kenda Kapaku to serve and share Christ with the people of Hawaii.
14 Many CGGC congregations participate in Operation Christmas Child . Pray for givers and receivers to be equally blessed!
6 Encourage Pastor John & Toni Thumma through prayers. Pray especially for their health and the provision for Hooghan Nizhoni Church.
5 Lift up in prayer Jacob & Haley Day as they serve at Gamerco and the surrounding community.
4 Pray for the U.S. general elections , for the peace and stability of our republic.
3 Pray for GR Director Travis Helm as he visits the Bangladesh Mission to encourage them and help them through some difficult legal issues.
2 Ask God to raise up leaders for His mission in the U.S. and across the world. (Daylight Saving Time Ends)
22 Ask God to continue to provide stamina and creativity for school children, teachers and staff throughout this 20252026 school year.
21 Pray for donors’ hearts to be moved to give generously this holiday season to help complete the Great Commission.
13 Pray for Winebrenner Theological Seminary student enrollment to continue to increase!
12 Thank God for our retired missionaries who continue to bless others: Gordon & Annie Avey, and Mike & Dawn VanDervort .
11 As the USA observes Veterans’ Day , give thanks for all who have served in the armed forces. Take time to thank individuals for their service.
10 Seek the Lord in prayer for the nation of Haiti ! Pray for safety, sufficient food and national unity.
9 Join together in prayer for Rod & Mila Ayers for their oversight of the Sister Church and School ministry in Haiti.
29 Unite in prayer for Fremio & Evelin Jimenez as they serve as field directors in the Dominican Republic.
28 Black Friday is famous for shopping frenzies. “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15).
20 Ask God to help us follow the lead of brothers and sisters in Venezuela who regularly join hands to pray for their cities.
19 Continue to ask God’s blessings on Samir Singha as he provides many educational opportunities to children through numerous child development centers in India.
18 Pray for God’s provision and work through our Share the Blessing campaign. More info at cggc.org .
17 Praise God for German & Silvia Baquedano as they serve as field directors in Nicaragua.
16 Intercede for the churches in Mexico . Petition for unity and spiritual protection for those bringing God’s Word.
27 Happy Thanksgiving! “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good! His love endures forever” (Ps. 107:1). Praise God today for who He is and what He has done.
26 Thank God for Victor and Alma Montalvo as they continue working and building relationships.
25 Praise God for the renewed connections being made in Bangladesh as Dr. John Costa visits remote villages through medical camps.
24 Pray for Bryan and Katie Crabtree and their children during Christmas break as they have opportunity to evangelize what Christmas is really about.
23 Remember Denis Droicin , Haiti Liaison, and the hospital in Haiti. Pray for God’s intervention to bring peace to Haiti.
28 Pray for all international staff to find rest and peace as 2025 comes to an end and we approach a new year.
29 Happy Birthday, Winebrenner President Dr. Brent Sleasman ! Ask the Lord’s blessings on Brent and his family as he continues to lead WTS into the future.
30 Happy Birthday (tomorrow), Mila Ayers ! Lift Mila as she seeks wisdom and direction from the Lord as she and Rod serve Haiti.
31 At the end of 2025 give thanks for what God has done. Spend time praying about His plans for you and the CGGC in 2026 !
21 Pray that team visits will be possible to our India and Bangladesh Missions as traveling there has become more difficult.
22 Ask the Lord to empower the pastors in Bahia, Brazil , so that they will continue working together to establish new works in the Brazil Conference.
23 Thank God for Pastors Liarxis & Mara who serve in Venezuela. Petition for the Lord’s protection.
24 As churches gather to worship on Christmas Eve , pray that all the CGGC will embrace our mission to be the salt and light for Jesus in the world.
25 Merry Christmas! “For to us a child is born, a son is given” (Isa. 9:6a). Be sure to share the Good News in word and deed that God sent His Son to save the world!
26 Pray for the developing Mexico Conference of churches, that they can be legally recognized.
27 Intercede for Samir Singha and his daughter Madhumita as they serve in different areas of India.
14 Rely on God’s power to serve as Jesus’ witnesses locally, regionally, and to the ends of the earth. Resist the temptation to limit your witness.
15 Unite in prayer for the people of many countries who face the strain of persecution and poverty.
16 Happy Birthday, Travis Helm , Global Reach Director. Pray God’s blessings for another year!
17 Call upon the Lord for spiritual growth for new believers in west India .
18 Please Pray for Blue Christmas Services that provide a healing ministry to those who have lost loved ones this year.
19 Happy Birthday to Katie Crabtree ! Praise the Lord for her serving in Thailand and ask the Lord’s continued blessings on her life!
20 Pray for the leaders of 2026 ACTS Teams that they would have grace from the Lord to prepare their teams.
7 Intercede on behalf of Pastors Fremio & Evelin in the Dominican Republic, for opportunities to witness.
8 Join together in prayer for CGGC President Don Snyder & Executive Director Lance Finley . Pray for wisdom as they work together for God’s glory in the CGGC!
9 Remember in prayer the students and staff of Winebrenner Theological Seminary . Ask God for encouragement and understanding.
10 Happy Birthday to Jacob Day ! Delight in the blessings the Lord has provided for Jacob and pray for continued blessings.
11 Thank God for the faithfulness of Pastor Dave & Kenda Kapaku in Maui, Hawaii. Ask the Lord to continue adding to His church those who are being saved.
12 Keep John & Toni Thumma in your prayers as they are serving in New Mexico. Pray that they will continue to develop relationships within the community.
13 Pray for the pastors of VOGM Kenya as they study and attend theology classes to earn their credentials.
1 “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” Psalm 89:1.
2 GIVING TUESDAY Pray for God’s provision over the needs GR has put forth for “Share the Blessing.” Visit CGGC.org for more information.
3 Intercede for Pastor Joseph Mwaura , Director of Voice of the Gospel in Kenya (our partner there). Pray for God to bless the pastors with solid teaching and vision for Kingdom impact.
4 Trust the Lord to provide new momentum with the church planting efforts across our fields.
5 Ask God to richly bless Pastor Maria Grigioni , Argentina Field Leader, with wisdom and provision.
6 Pray that the peoples of India see the love of Christ in our brothers and sisters. Ask for courage for Samir Singha and Assistant Director Philip Das .
How Will We Afford It? Could We Afford Not To?
Inthe Summer of 2023, having never been out of the United States before, I boarded a plane to Kenya with two of my children and six other members of the Kenya ACTS Team—with no idea what to expect. I had a lot of questions, fewer answers, some trepidation of the unknown, but also an underlying surety that this was God’s will—and it was going to be good.
One of the biggest unknowns was financial provision. HOW would we afford it? My two kids needed to raise a combined $6,000 for the Kenya trip. We had NO IDEA how that would happen. We made the decision to GO anyway, trusting that He would provide. Since that Kenya trip in 2023, I have taken two others: to Mexico in 2024 and to the Dominican Republic in 2025, (the latter two trips both with my youngest son). Every time, God provided what was needed.
In all three countries I have visited as part of an ACTS Team, I was humbled by the local people in profound ways. First, they were all so deeply encouraged and blessed solely by our presence! The fact that we had traveled from afar to visit them was incredibly meaningful to them. In addition, THEY wanted a chance to serve US! ACTS Teams are a unique chance not only to serve our brothers and sisters in other cultures, but to serve alongside them, and to be served BY them as well.
On all three trips, my kids built friendships with local kids, finding ways to genuinely connect across the language barriers through play, laughter, (and sometimes Google translate). They learned that they can find common ground with others—even in vastly different settings. I can’t accurately put into words what a blessing that is to witness!
My youngest son recalls a stark contrast in the call to prayer at the conclusion of Sunday service in Mexico. Instead of a handful of people—the ENTIRE congregation went forward! WHOLE FAMILIES went up together—kids and all. They simply would not miss an opportunity for the intercession of the Father! Unencumbered by all the distractions and comforts customary to Americans, they are much more keenly aware of their reliance on God.
There’s just something extraordinary about standing on foreign soil and worshipping Jesus in another culture! Getting myself and three of my four kids out of our comfort zones to experience the global family of God was invaluable and I truly believe the ripple effects of those trips on our lives are endless!
You will never regret making this investment in your kids’ lives, or your own, and once you’ve tasted it, you will thirst for more!
by Jenn Schlumbohm
Southwest ACTS Team Recap
with Western Region Director Kendall Hughes
What service projects did the team tackle this year?
• Prayer Day – Probably the most important and valuable project. We pray at the Navajo Shopping Center, Window Rock, AZ (Navajo nation’s capital) Hooghan Nizhoni Church, the elementary school that Pastor Haley teaches at, an overlook that looks out over Gallup, NM, The Water Store (water is so important in the culture), the county courthouse (prayed with workers and met one of the judges), Walmart, and the Gamerco Church. Just praying for the people and God to move in all aspects of their and our lives.
• Built a ramp on the sidewalk at Hooghan Nizhoni for wheelchair and stroller access to the building. Also, painted the curbing on the parking lot.
• Arts and Crafts Festival with Bible teachings and worship at Gamerco First Church of God.
• Painting projects on the buildings at Gamerco FCOG.
• Replaced light bulbs.
• Participated in a baptismal service.
• July 4th celebration in the park.
• Passing out the mini Jesus figurines.
You’ve been on a number of these trips. What kind of lasting impacts are you seeing from the trips?)
• We are really starting to see spiritual growth and depth. People are asking deeper questions and growing in their knowledge of Christ.
• They are taking ownership of their church.
• We see congregational members wanting to be more involved in the CGGC.
• The lasting impacts are the relationships that have developed and increased commitment of team members as they return to their congregations. We have seen team members enter ministry.
As a mission field, what is special about the USA Southwest, and why do you continue to lead teams?
This is a tough question. Obviously, Donna and I have a special friendship with Pastor Jacob, Pastor Haley, and Pastor John and Toni. Even though the land can seem barren, there is life and beauty. The people have just poured out their love to Donna and me. They have allowed us to be a part of their lives and their walk with Christ. It is a place where I can really feel God moving in my life.
Working with teams is such a blessing. We have met some incredible people over the years and developed some very special bonds. Just seeing how God uses each one and their talents and gifts. Watching Him develop them for the future. Just so awesome. It is a life-changing experience for us all. Each trip has its own life and experiences.
We have another Southwest ACTS Team Trip on the books for next year. Why should someone go, and how have you seen service trips like this transform people?
I feel like everyone should go on at least one short-term mission trip. Getting outside of our daily routine and sometimes our comfort zone can really help us grow. I feel like it makes it possible to better focus on being a better disciple once we return home when we have seen God at work in a bigger picture. It helps us understand what it means to go into all the world.
The Southwest is probably the easiest mission trip to go on and possibly the least costly. Living quarters and amenities are very nice. It is a great Global Reach experience.
As we have said, we have seen people make a commitment to answer the call to different forms of ministry. We have seen people come out of their shells and really start to share who they are in Christ, wanting to use their gifts and talents in ways they have always shied away from.
We see people sharing their faith and the love of God to others maybe for the first time. I love it when they come to me and ask if they can go over and pray for someone on the street or can we provide a meal. What a blessing!
A (Brief) Message from New CGGC President Don Snyder
TJesus.
he challenge I want to give you as we look to these next 200 years is real simple. There's one main thing we need to keep in mind. And if we lose sight of this main thing, it doesn't matter how many churches we plant. It doesn't matter what we call a church. We will not accomplish what God has us set forth to accomplish. We cannot. And guess what that main thing is?
Will we live like Jesus? So focused on a relationship with our heavenly Father that we make it a practice to pray regularly seeking His direction, His guidance, His strength, His power, His will for our lives. And will we love like Christ? Because He told us how to demonstrate to others, didn't He? “They will know you are my followers by your love for one another.” And the way that love is demonstrated often the most is when we have those disagreements. Do we come at it in flesh or we come at it in spirit, where we are one body? Yes. All connected through the love we have for Jesus Christ.
The commitment I'm willing to make to you for the next three years is I will be a person who tries to do that on a regular basis. To walk like Jesus, talk like Jesus, live like Jesus, love like Jesus. And I'm here to challenge you to do the same thing. Because if we do that, whatever fresh expressions, whatever new measures, whatever we're led to as far as a community to kind of invest in, and to see if the Holy Spirit can accomplish more than we could ever imagine in our own strength and will. Who will join me on that journey? Will we keep the main thing the main thing? Because if we do that, if we try to keep our focus where our focus needs to be, the next 200 years will be 200 years from now where they can celebrate.
Read/watch the full inaugural address here or scan the QR code at right with your mobile device: https://cggc.org/cggc-enews/introducing-our-new-president-pastor-don-snyders-inauguration-speech/
Introducing the New CGGC Administrative Council Officers
New President Elect: John DeVincent
I’ve pastored Markleysburg Union Church in Southwest PA for 10 years, coming to pastoral ministry later in life. I knew God was calling me into more formal ministry when I began to be convicted that I was giving my first and best efforts to things that didn’t have eternal significance. My heart is for the church to be all that Jesus intends us to be: disciples making disciples, and a full representation of Him to the world. Through the Doctor of Ministry program at Winebrenner, God is connecting the dots that He has placed in my heart, clarifying the picture of a healthy church as one that focuses on discipleship and holistically engages the world around it for the sake of the Gospel. Echoing Jesus as He healed the paralyzed man in Mark 2, “To help you receive eternal life, we’re going to work to radically transform your natural lives.”
New Secretary: Dean Hay
Pastor Dean Hay is the current Administrative and Communication Assistant for the Allegheny Region Conference and has been for the last two years. Pastor Dean has also been the Associate Pastor - Kingwood Church of God, Senior/Solo Pastor - United Community Church of God, ARC - vice president / president, various commissions & agencies, Camp Sonrise Mountain Dean.
New CGGC Administrative Council Members
Jeremy Blair
Jeremy has been the Senior Pastor at Newburg First Church of God for 17 Months. He has been preaching the Gospel since 2008 and serving in official pastoral ministry since 2009. His ministry experience spans both independent churches and secular vocational environments, where he has had the privilege of proclaiming the Gospel and gaining significant leadership experience. These diverse settings have shaped his pastoral heart and strengthened his ability to lead with both spiritual conviction and practical wisdom.
Mike Bobula
Mike Bobula is the current Pastor of Latrobe First Church of God (15 years), and is the current President of ARC, and has served as the ARC Director of Leadership Development, ARC Pastoral Ministry Commission, Camp Sonrise Mountain Board member and Associate Pastor Mt Pleasant Church of God.
Nancy Boyer
Nancy has been the Pastor at Swatara Church of God for 1.5 years. She has been the Intentional Interim at Progress, Hepler's, Real Life, Mt. Joy, Shiremanstown, as well as the Associate Pastor at Mechanicsburg. She has also served as a Global Reach Commission Member.
John Burns
John Burns is the Senior Pastor at Wheatland Community Fellowship Church of God (37+ Years.) He is the former President of California Eldership for 20+ years and has served on CGGC Ad Council for 10+ Years. Board of education and standing committee.
Heather Boss
Heather is the Associate Pastor at The Remnant Church of God (Formerly Firehouse Community Outreach) in Moore, OK. 2013-Present. She is also a leader in children’s ministry, family discipleship, and homeschool integration. She is active in prison ministry leadership with Fathers on the Move – Oklahoma since 2024.
WRC Ad-Council: Youth and Family/Womens Ministry. 2015-Present. WRC Ad-Council President 2025-2027.
CGWM Director of Equipping 2017-Present. Oklahoma Worship at the Capitol 2024-Present.
Pastor Michael Martin is the full-time pastor of Casey White Oak Church of God in Casey, IL (5 years). He has also been an Administrator for the General Conference Office, Findlay, OH (12 years), and Director of Communications: General Conference Office, OH (4 years). He is the current Midwest Region Ad Council Secretary. He has served on the Midwest Region Nominating Committee and Midwest Region Pastoral Renewal Committee.
Rich Thornton
Pastor Rich Thornton was licensed for ministry in 1975 and ordained 1978. He has been a Pastor at Lancaster, Yocumtown, Celebration Community Church, and the Worship Pastor at Friendship Community Church. He has also served as the ERC Field Director 2013, and currently serves as a Southeast Regional Director.
Michael L. Martin
GR 2724
India Campus Medical & English Medium School Project
Each year, our
Share the Blessing
Campaign helps connect generous Christians to life changing, soul winning needs from across the globe. This year is no different. We’ve selected 4 projects where you can be a blessing. If your heart is invested in medical support, childhood education, water scarcity, educating pastors to share the gospel, or church building— you can “Share the Blessing” that God has given to you in this season.
Thank you for your generosity, and may the Lord richly bless you as you bless others in His Name.
#1 Initial Goal-$120,000
These funds are needed to expand land use and include new medical and English Medium school ministries at the Uluberia Mission. This involves demolition of condemned buildings and construction of a school, medical facility, and staff housing dorms. This project is necessary in order to keep our Mission registration and continue ministry in India. The government of India requires our Mission to utilize all parcels of land with vital programs for the local communities. This will be a long-term project which may require additional funds over our initial goal.
#1
#2
Clean Water Wells for International Fields GR 2930
#2 Initial Goal-$32,000
These funds will be used to dig clean water wells, and purchase hardware and water filtration devices to construct wells in our International Fields. Water scarcity is a constant threat in many of our international fields, where droughts are common, and public infrastructure cannot reach small villages. We’ve built water wells in countries like India, Bangladesh, Haiti, and more, and we want to be prepared to build additional wells as needed.
Support for Latino Ministries
#3 Initial Goal-$24,000
These funds will help provide biblical leadership teaching/training for our Field Leaders in Argentina, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Kenya. These funds will also provide travel expenses for them to visit and mentor church leaders within the fields they oversee.
#3
2832
Land purchase for new church building in Kenya
#4
#4 Initial Goal-$6,000
We are raising $6,000 to purchase land near Kagio, Kenya, where a new church will be built to serve the local community and support pastoral training. The funds to build the church are currently being raised by our pastors in Kenya through Voice of the Gospel Ministry (VOGM). This land will be jointly owned by Voice of the Gospel Ministry (VOGM) and the Churches of God, General Conference (CGGC), reflecting our strong partnership in ministry and leadership development.
The current Kagio church is in critical condition; small and structurally unsound. Despite these challenges, our pastors continue to serve faithfully. The new church will not only replace the current building but also become a regional hub for workshops, training, and spiritual growth.
Our goal is to secure the land and have the new building built by early 2027, in time for the Winebrenner Theological Seminary graduation ceremony, which we hope to host in the new facility.
Your gift will help secure the foundation, literally and spiritually, for a thriving ministry in Kenya.
Global Reach Updates
Thank you for partnering with our friends and fields in Global Reach. There is much happening in the GR fields, and your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. The following are a few updates from some of our Global Reach fields. Please continue to pray for our leaders and believers as they serve God and share the Good News with seekers.
Venezuela
This is their 15th anniversary of existence in the Churches of God, General Conference in Venezuela. In the City of San Juan De Los Morros and surrounding areas, Pastor Liarxis and his wife, Mara, continue to do a great job serving the Lord, even when they face the challenges of poverty, sickness, and more. They have learned to trust and depend on God. Thanks to all who pray and support this ministry in Venezuela.
Mexico
Latino Ministries Director Victor Montalvo writes that Vera-cruz is the number one state for witchcraft in the entire Mexican country. Darkness is all around streets, parks, people’s homes, and schools. The good news is that the light of Jesus came to this part of the town to show the light to souls so they can overcome darkness. Brother Juan Santos (pictured at right), who also joined us for Triennial conference, has been a great pioneer along with Pastor Fausto working hard in Vera-cruz where the Lord is destroying the works of evil. Please continue your prayers for Vera-cruz that the Lord will deliver all these people from the chains of evil.
Haiti
Stanley and Marie are thrilled to share the birth announcement of their 4th daughter (pictured below left) Chloie Faith. Stanley has also shared that PHH successfully distributed food in Ti Rivieres, where the people expressed joy and gratitude for your donations. Additionally, we reached the Island of La Gonâve, touching the lives of over 145 families. During the food distribution, one of our pastors shared the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we are overjoyed to report that 15 families accepted Christ in these communities! Many in these remote areas have never been reached by any Christians and often questioned the existence of God. Thank you for your gifts and prayers.
USA Southwest
Sunday, August 31st was a big day for Jacob and Haley Day and their son Samuel. Both Jacob and Haley’s extended families along with John Thumma, Kendall and Donna Hughes, and Travis Helm joined them in this memorable day. Kendall held the pastoral ordinance service for both Jacob and Haley and also baby Samuel’s dedication service. A huge surprise turned out to be when Jacob and Haley announced they were also renewing their marriage vows after 10 years of marriage. This church at Gamerco was packed full and we all celebrated with a meal after these services. Pictures below show some of the celebrations.
India
Our West India Mission added another pastor (October 2024) named Devilal from the village of Bhasan Kurd, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He is married to Syama and they have a daughter Rosni (12) and a son Ronak (10). Devilal and his family are pictured below left. The people there are incredibly welcoming and hospitable, showing kindness and warmth. The community that fellowships together to pray and encourage one another in faith is also pictured.
Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Mission expresses their thankfulness for donors who recently provided for a new church structure for a growing fellowship and to rebuild and repair a Mission school. The students also wanted to express their gratitude as shown in the pictures below.
Dominican Republic
Jenn Schlumbohm shared the following about the 2025 DR ACTS trip. In late June/early July an ACTS team of eight people visited the DR field. We were able to visit all five of the churches during our time there. We led children’s outreach times at three of the churches, in addition to painting the inside and outside of a church. We also worshiped with Pastor Fremio’s church for a Sunday morning service. At Pastor Fremio’s church, a number of the children memorized and recited a welcome message in English just for us. They then sang us a song in Spanish. It was a real blessing! We enjoyed fellowship with the local pastors and congregations during our time there and we also had a bit of tourism on the last day.
Triennial Conference & GR Missionary Retreat
In July of 2025, many of Global Reach international and domestic leaders were able to meet with many Churches of God friends. They were able to share at various venues including churches, meet and greet events, the GR retreat, and the CGGC triennial conference. We want to thank you for helping provide the travel funds needed to allow them this opportunity to be part of these gatherings. Below are just a few pictures of some of our Global Reach missionaries and field leaders during visit in July. Although the Thummas and the Days were not able to be present during conference, included is a recent picture of John Thumma with Haley Day from the Day’s ordination service at Gamerco (lower left).
I can’t emphasize enough how important partnerships are in reaching the lost in various parts of the world. Please contact travis@cggc.org if you want to discuss how your small group, church or family can partner to help make an eternal impact on the Kingdom. There are also opportunities for short term field visits, internships, and vision tours to help encourage and support the field work. Thank you for your prayers and gifts to support the Global Reach fields and workers as they share the Gospel.
