The Global Advocate - September/October 2021

September/October 2021

Vol. 186, No. 5

ADVOCATE The

G L O B A L

a publication of the Churches of God, General Conference

Global Mobilization: The World at our Door

I N

T H I S

I S S U E

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The World that is Coming to Us by Lance Finley

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Opening Ethnic Doors with Tracey Utermahlen

9 Great Lakes Latino Dreams with Earl Mills 12

Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3b).

THE GLOBAL ADVOCATE (ISSN 0009-630X) is published bi-monthly by the Churches of God, General Conference.

Vol. 186, No. 5 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.

W orld C oming Us: A Christian Response The

that is

to

by Lance Finley, CGGC Executive Director

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.

Correspondence: Address correspondence to The Editor, The Global Advocate, Churches of God Publications, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839, or email to RachelF@cggc.org.

Periodical rate paid at Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Postmaster: Send address changes to THE GLOBAL ADVOCATE, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839. © 2021, Churches of God, General Conference 2 September/October 2021

What comes to mind when you hear the word

“immigration”? Images of Ellis Island? Gangs of intruders at the border? Foreign born individuals taking their oath to become citizens of the United States? Whatever image comes to mind probably helps shape your feelings and thoughts about the issue of immigration. How do you respond to the calls to “build a wall” at the U.S. border? How should our government handle the crisis at the border? Should there be mass deportations or should amnesty be granted to those who live here without documentation? Does immigration strengthen or weaken our country? There are few issues that are as contentious as the matter of immigration in the United States.

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ccording to Pew Research (based off the U.S. census data), there were nearly 46 million foreign born individuals living in the United States as of 2017. Most of these immigrants were residing in the U.S. by legal means: 77% or 35.2 million were either naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents or lawful temporary residents. Typically, the greater concern and debate focuses upon the 10.5 million people living in the U.S. without legal authorization or documentation.

Over one million immigrants enter the United States each year. According to Pew Research, in 2018 the leading countries of origin were as follows: China (149,000), India (129,000), Mexico (120,000) and the Philippines (46,000). The foreign-born population of the U.S. is projected to reach 78 million by the year 2065. This much is clear, the U.S. will continue to be a multicultural and multiethnic melting pot because the world is coming to us.

While there is much drama, vitriol and political heat around the issue of immigration, particularly the issue of undocumented individuals in our country, the greater question remains for those of us who follow Jesus: what is a Christian response to the issue of immigration in the United States?

There are countless opinions and approaches and a host of ideologies and philosophies behind each of them, but those shouldn’t be our foundation as followers of Jesus.

What Does the Bible Say about Immigration?

The Bible does have some light to shed on the question of how we’re to treat immigrants.

The story of Israel begins with Abram’s call to immigrate from his homeland in Genesis 12:1: “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” Abram was called to

leave his home country in search of the promise to be made into a great nation. Later in the story of Israel, we find Joseph leaving his home, not by choice, but as one sold into slavery. Sadly, many immigrants can relate to Joseph’s experience of involuntary migration as the horror of human trafficking still plagues our world today.

Experience with immigration continues in the book of Exodus as Moses leads the people of Israel out of the country of Egypt as refugees in search of “a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey…” (Exodus 3:8).

Once again, today there are many refugees who leave places to escape persecution and other dire circumstances with an estimate of 65 million displaced people in the world, half of whom are children under the age of 18.

The immigration narrative continues in the story of God through the life of Ruth. She was from the land of Moab and married a foreigner in her homeland. When her husband died, she followed her mother-in-law, Naomi, to the foreign land of Judah. Similarly, today there are many who choose to migrate to foreign lands for the sake of family.

It’s not just an Old Testament phenomenon!

We watch God utilize immigration in the New Testament as well to accomplish His purposes and will. Most notably, Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus are directed by God to seek refuge in Egypt due to Herod’s plans to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15).

As the early Church was expanding in Jerusalem, persecution would cause the believers to leave their homes (Acts 8) and the Lord used this scattering to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus. We see similar movements in our time and even across some of our own CGGC mission fields.

More directly, Scripture is incredibly clear about the Lord’s heart for foreigners, strangers or those who might be considered different from us. God’s Word gives clear guidance about The Global Advocate 3

our posture when it comes to interacting with immigrants! In Leviticus 19:33-34, we find the following instruction: “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.

The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” The people of Israel had been mistreated as foreigners in Egypt. They knew all too well the pain of abuse, neglect, and oppression and they were to treat others differently than they had been treated. God also loves the foreigner.

Deuteronomy 10:17-19 makes this very clear: “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”

It’s a theme you’ll find throughout the Bible: God cares for the foreigner and wants his people to treat foreigners with kindness and compassion.

Deuteronomy 24:17-22 makes this clear once again.

“Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this. When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it.

Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.

When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt.

That is why I command you to do this.”

According to Scripture, what is our posture to be towards those who were not born in the U.S.? Treat 4 September/October 2021

them like they were born here. Don’t mistreat them or take advantage of them or act unfairly towards them. Love them and be generous to them. Is this your natural posture towards foreign-born persons?

This is what the Lord expects from us.

Every foreign-born person living in the United States, whether here by legal means or not, is a person who is made in the image of God. Our heavenly Father knows the number of hairs on their heads and loves them and calls us to love them as well. While this doesn’t resolve every issue with immigration law, illegal immigration or concerns about national security, it does lay a strong foundation for our posture as Jesus followers and gives a strong place to start: love, compassion and genuine concern.

Make the Effort to Get Educated I remember vividly the experience of sitting in a Sunday school class while visiting a CGGC congregation several years ago and listening to the discussion that concluded with “these foreigners are just coming here to steal our jobs.” I’ve been in other settings where comments were made such as, “I’m fine with having immigrants come into our country as long as they come here legally like mine did.” Do you know what it took for your family of origin to immigrate to the U.S.? For some of us who have long histories in the U.S., it’s not a fair comparison.

If your family of origin came here in the early years of our country, particularly before the early 1800s, there wasn’t much in the way of immigration law.

Your family just came here without a lot of red tape or legal concerns. That is vastly different from the situation today. Today’s immigration policies were largely shaped by the Kennedy and Johnson administrations of the 1960s (with some revisions over the years) and are vastly different from the eras when many of our families chose to come to the U.S. Do you know what the pathways are to legal immigration in the U.S.? Do you know what it takes for someone to enter our country legally and seek a path to citizenship? Do you know why so many persons are here illegally or what prevents them from seeking legal residency?

I would venture to say that many of us just don’t know what we don’t know. In preparing for this article, I took some time to become more educated on many of the key issues or problems when it comes to immigration in the U.S. I discovered that I have a lot to learn. The issues are complex and good answers and solutions aren’t easily identified. We are fortunate to live in a time where we have access to good resources that can help educate and inform us in helpful ways as we seek to approach this issue with love, compassion and genuine concern.

I’d direct you to two resources to get started. The first is the book, Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate

by Matthew Sorens and Jenny Hwang. This book is a great starting place for those wanting to better understand the immigration debate from a Christian point of view. The second is the website https://evangelicalimmigrationtable. com. The Evangelical Immigration Table exists to encourage distinctly biblical thinking about issues of immigration, providing discipleship resources focused on immigration from a biblical and missional perspective as well as advocating for public policies consistent with biblical values. You will find a wealth of resources to help you.

What’s Going on in Your Own Backyard There’s a lot of energy poured into the debate on what should or should not be happening on our southern border. While it’s an important issue, I’m not always certain that it’s the best focus of our energies. I think a better focus might be to look a little closer to home and ask, “What’s going on in my own backyard?”

Who are the immigrants who are near to me right now and how am I acting with love, compassion and genuine concern toward them? In most of our communities and the areas in which we live, we have the opportunity to live, work, and play with folks

who weren’t born in the U.S. Who speaks Spanish, Burmese, Hindi, or Arabic in your community?

Do you know their names? Have you introduced yourself? Have you demonstrated kindness or hospitality? Do you know what some of their needs or struggles might be as new residents of our society? Are you willing to take the time to find out, learn, and act to respond to what you discover?

Could your congregation share your facilities with an immigrant congregation? Is there a need for English classes for speakers of other languages in your area and is anyone helping to meet that need?

The world is coming to us and will continue to come to us. How are we recognizing these opportunities to love our new neighbors and live as ambassadors of the kingdom of God? I’m reminded of Pastor Fred Adams who faithfully served the Fallbrook Church of God located in Fallbrook, CA. He pastored Fallbrook throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s and into the 90s. As pastor Adams noted the changing community with the influx of Latino immigrants, he didn’t ignore their presence, but rather embraced them. Over the years he worked to raise up Latino leaders and eventually turned over the leadership of the congregation to Pastor Tomas Rodas. Today, the Fallbrook Church of God is a thriving Latino congregation thanks to Pastor Fred Adams and his foresight to see the opportunity for ministry in his own backyard.

You may not be able to resolve the crisis at the border or propose a fair and just way to address the various concerns surrounding immigration today.

You may not be able provide a just and equitable way to address how to handle the millions of folks who are here without proper documentation.

Most of us feel helpless to address such enormous issues, but we have opportunities to become better informed about these important issues and put our faith into action by welcoming the stranger among us with love, compassion and genuine care.

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WHO Your Neighbors? are

by Ben Tobias Global Reach Director

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ccording to StatisticalAtlas.com (a website that provides demographic information for every state, county, and even TOWNSHIP in the USA), Hancock County, Ohio is 89.9% white, 5.1% Hispanic, 1.4% Black, 1.7% Asian, 1.8% “mixed,” and 0.2% “other.” This is just a sample, so please check out the data for your own community.

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Digging a bit deeper, the city of Findlay in Hancock County is 85.3% white, 7.3% Hispanic, 2.2% Black, 2.6% Asian, 2.4% “mixed,” and 0.2% “other.” Furthermore, the second chart also indicates median household income according to race. (If you look closely, you’ll notice the comparison with Ohio, which is represented by the narrow line above each bar.)

Do you know the ethnic makeup of YOUR township, county, and state? If you do, how might that influence your ministry decisions?

Demographic information can provide important insights about income, education, and age distribution, thus helping a church understand what the needs and gaps are in its community.

An ethnic group might need extra help with tutoring for their children, or English-as-a-second language classes. However, the most important way to understand a community is to interact with people you meet in the grocery store or at the park. Pray that God sends a “person of peace” (Matthew 10:11-12) who will connect with you, and look for the opportunities He sends your way.

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Opening Ethnic Doors

by Ben Tobias with Pastor Tracey Utermahlen

A growing number of CGGC

congregations have been reaching out to multiethnic groups in their communities, primarily by opening their doors to share facilities. GR Director Ben Tobias interviewed Tracey Utermahlen, pastor of the West Poplar Street Church of God (ERC), to find out what God is doing in their community.

How is your church reaching out to your multiethnic neighbors?

In the beginning of 2019, our congregation met for a Dream Retreat and set goals to accomplish becoming more open and loving to the neighborhood.

But what we quickly found out is, this congregation of Pastor Tracey Utermahlen mostly elderly people just didn’t have the stamina or ability to learn the language and culture. Annual block parties, and giving away freeze pops on hot Summer afternoons was not the total answer. This neighborhood of beautiful people need Godly relationships.

Just like the rest of us. People need people.

God provided the best answer of all! He placed a passion within the hearts of the leadership here at West Poplar Street and at Latino Ministries for the city of York. Right here, in our front yard.

We welcomed Esperanza De Gloria Church of God to share the West Poplar Street Church building to further impact the multicultural neighborhood we are part of.

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What led to this decision?

It is a combination of many things that led to this decision.

First – The ministry of West Poplar Street Church of God was no longer effective in the community due to the changes of the climate of the area. When the church was started in 1899, the cultural climate was industrial white/blue collar families. Today, the shift of the 1980s and 1990s have left the community in a much lower income status, different ethnicities, along with drugs, sex, and alcohol addictions. The ministry of West Poplar Street Church of God was no longer relational to the surrounding community.

Second – COVID forced the church body of WPS to stay home. The church building was mostly vacant, except on Sundays when the pastor would broadcast by ZOOM to the few Zoom attenders. The church building was certainly not being used as good stewards should use it.

Third – Latino Ministries needed a space for worship, and WPS is in a position to be able to supply that need. Plus, WPS desired to work with Latino Ministries to revitalize and reach the community. An answer to many prayers.

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered?

What are some of the blessings?

Since combining ministries at the WPS church building, a few challenges did come up. There was some concern about the elevated costs of utilities, and some supplies. But they were addressed and now there is a great deal of unity and acceptance among all the members and leadership of both groups.

The blessings that have come about in a mutual appreciation for the ministries of WPS and Esperanza De Gloria. While WPS is in position to help Latino Ministries, Latino Ministries help to keep the life of WPS going. WPS members are older and low energy but still desire to contribute to the community. EDG members have more stamina, vigor and can break down the barriers of communication with our neighbors.

How has this relationship expanded your view of God’s kingdom?

Pastors Italo & Eva Lezama with their children

As the WPS membership dwindled over the last few years, it became heartbreaking to watch the ministry disappear. But, with this new relationship, we see God’s Kingdom growing in so many other ways now. We’ve realized that the 13 or so WPS members who continue to meet each week are actually becoming richer with the blessings we receive.

Today, I am excited to share we not only have this growing Latino relationship with our community, but we have begun a ministry of free food and clothing for our neighborhood. All cultures are visiting us on the fourth Saturday of each month. The York Housing Authority contributes food (perishable and non-perishable) to our small food bank. And recently, we received a grant from the ERC Multiplication Commission to help with stock, advertising, and reaching more.

Esperanza De Gloria Church of God meets each Wednesday and Friday at 6:30pm and on Sundays at 12:30 for church school and worship. West Poplar Street Church of God meets each Sunday at 9:30am for Sunday school and at 10:45am for worship.

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reat akes G L Latino Dreams

by Ben Tobias with Earl Mills

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ecently Global Reach Director Ben Tobias sat down with Dr. Earl Mills (pictured at right), Director of the Great Lakes Conference, to ask him about the growing partnership with Latino Ministries.

1. What’s happening in the relationship between the Great Lakes Conference and Latino Ministries?

There’s been a long-term goal (at least since Earl became Director) of developing Latino outreach, but until now not much has happened. Now is the time. The Great Lakes Conference has quite a few areas where Latinos have settled, either permanently or in semi-permanent migrant camps, and the Lord has commanded us to love our neighbors. Latinos are under-reached. There are many ways churches can reach out, either in solo efforts, in partnership with others, or by welcoming a Latino congregation to share a building. Facilities are usually available at different times of the day. Quarterly joint worship services are a delight.

The Acostas (pictured at left) were introduced to the Conference at the Annual Conference in June, and they shared their story of how they’ve come to connect with the CGGC, and what God has done through their ministry in the USA and in various Spanish-speaking countries. The Acostas use their unique knowledge of Latino/Hispanic culture in order to provide expert guidance for churches in starting Latino outreach. Since Annual Conference, some churches are already expressing interest in hearing more.

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In terms of timeline, the Acostas will be involved in four separate Synergy Huddles throughout the next year.

(These gatherings have been taking place throughout the GLC for over five years, and each one features evaluation and goal setting for local churches.) After this year, Earl hopes that at least four churches or groups will have concrete plans to reach out to the Latino community in their area.

So far the Vanlue and Wharton churches are partnering to launch a Latino outreach and have interviewed potential pastors. Sean Martin, husband of Pastor Melanie Martin from Vanlue, is fluent in Spanish and has done a lot of translation work in Hancock County, Ohio. In Michigan, the Seville and Pine River churches are discussing a possible partnership and will be talking with the Acostas about launching a Latino outreach.

2. What are some of the challenges you expect to encounter?

What are some of the blessings?

Earl acknowledges that it’s a lot of work and assessment to organize any ministry from scratch. And even then it might not work Pastor David Odegard of Wharton First Church of God out. Sometimes a church might be interested, but local resistance (from migrant camps, for example) can become a barrier. So trust-building between the church and the Latino population is absolutely critical.

But the goal is worth it. It would be a wonderful blessing for our churches to reach the unreached, and we would fulfill Jesus’ commands in Matthew 25 to care for the hungry, naked, and imprisoned. In loving our neighbor, we will love Jesus.

Sean Martin of Vanlue Community Church

Seville Community Church of God

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Coming in 2022 Sponsored by

Churches of God Women’s Ministries

Flourish Conference March 4-6, 2022 The University of Findlay – Findlay, OH

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER—Dr. Karen McGibbon Dr. Karen McGibbon is an Assistant Professor in the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at the Winebrenner Theological Seminary. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Life Coach, practicing for over 10 years in a wide variety of settings. She has served in various ministry leadership positions for over 20 years.

Flourish is an annual weekend that is set aside for women to gather together and explore the identity of God our Father and what that means for us as his followers.

Come away with us and rest awhile. Be replenished by His truths and promises found in the Scriptures. Discover the power of God Almighty and the Holy Spirit’s never-ending pursuit of us.

Meet new friends and treasure old relationships. You are welcome here!

For more information go to: Website: www.theflourishconference.org Facebook: theflourishconference-CGWM Website for Women’s Ministries: CGGCwomen.org

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Global Reach Updates T

ravel to countries where we have ministries and travel within those countries has been very limited and difficult the past 18 months due to COVID restrictions. Our updates are also more limited because of restricted travel and activities worldwide. This has been stressful for our staff across the globe serving in Global Reach fields. They miss us and we miss fellowship with them. Because of this pandemic, outreach has been limited but continues. Please pray for our brothers and sisters serving in our GR fields to be safe and encouraged.

Kenya

In May, Lisa Wilt and Nancy Boyer, from ERC, traveled to Kenya to help facilitate a Winebrenner Theological Seminary class on Old Testament. Seven Kenyan students were able to complete this class. Dr. Brent Sleasman facilitated discussions on the video recorded lectures. This was the first of what we hope will be several classes conducted this way for Kenyan students and pastors. Please be in prayer for the students to continue their studies of the Scriptures and to enroll in future classes.

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Brazil

In May, Ben Tobias and Mike Poe (ERC) traveled to Brazil to visit the churches in Bahia State, especially the newest one in Dom Macedo. Ernesto Nunes (President of the Brazil Conference) traveled with them once they arrived in Brazil. Mike Poe, former missionary to Brazil, served as translator. The Bahia churches are thriving, and God is blessing with growth. Like other countries, the Brazil churches (at least the Bahian ones) are handling the pandemic with resilience and hope. They’re living up to their name, “Good News Bible Churches.” This was Ben’s first international trip since before the pandemic – a year-and-a-half pause – and so he felt a bit apprehensive about the additional requirements of COVID testing before departure and return. Everything went well, and there were no significant hiccups.

Venezuela

In July, Caleb Acosta visited Venezuela after a two year wait to return (pictured on right with Pastor Liarxi Alcala). He shared the following observations. The Venezuelan Conference is united. Each local church has their struggles, but they are growing, people are receiving Jesus, and being baptized. They continue to help with medical operatives in their surrounding communities.

Caleb also learned that the country has become dollarized.

Most transactions are done in US dollars. Food is available but at an elevated cost. Fuel is scarce right now and there are long lines to fill tanks when fuel becomes available. Many times, they are without fuel. Pastors Liarxi and Mara are mentoring leaders for the local churches and Conference work that is needed. They are joining hands with the Red Cross in Venezuela in serving. Pray for continued encouragement and wisdom for the leaders and churches in Venezuela.

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India & Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh continue to experience severe levels of COVID-19 cases and deaths.

As of the writing of this update, lockdowns have been extended in Bangladesh and in country travel is extremely restricted. India has very similar restrictions.

Our Mission workers continue to minister in any way they possibly can including distributing relief resources like food, masks, and other hygiene items.

This has brought some encouragement to these people in a time when they need it most. One of the most difficult situations during the past 18 months is the inability of the children to meet together for school. This continues to be very difficult for them emotionally, socially and physically. Isolation, depression, and hopelessness are becoming common among the families in the communities our Mission staff ministers to. Please pray that God will make a way for the schools to reopen by 2022 so the children can meet again and that our staff can bring hope, love, and basic needs to the people of India and Bangladesh.

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Haiti

The situation in Haiti is about as unstable as it has ever been. Gangs are wreaking havoc in the city areas and taking advantage of the current chaos and recent assassination of Haiti’s president. As of the writing of this update, Mike and Dawn VanDervort plan to attempt to return to Haiti in mid-August. Lord willing, they are there and safe. Please pray for Rod and Mila Ayers as they need discernment as to when they can return to Haiti, especially within the Borel area. Mike and Dawn will be retiring this November and transitioning back to the US. Pray for a smooth transition and adjustment back into the US. (Pastors Watson Joseph, Milus Tilus, and Mike VanDervort pictured in January 2021, left to right.)

Thailand

At the time of publication, Bryan and Katie Crabtree arrived safely in Thailand and were required to quarantine for 14 days. After quarantine, they took a 10-hour taxi ride to Udon Thani, Thailand where they will be living and serving. Because of recent spikes in COVID cases, the school Katie is teaching at may start the school year as a virtual school. Please be in prayer for them as they adjust to a new culture for them and their one-year-old daughter Elli.

They are also expecting their second child in November. Pray for the whole birthing process.

They appreciate your prayers and support.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support in reaching the lost across the globe. It is making a difference for eternity.

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Periodical Rate Postage Paid at Aberdeen, SD Permit No. 110260 700 E. Melrose Ave., P.O. Box 926 Findlay, OH 45839 Phone (419) 424-1961 Fax (419) 424-3433 www.cggc.org

URBANA STUDENT MISSIONS CONFERENCE Coming Dec. 28-31, 2022 to Indianapolis … URBANA MISSIONS CONFERENCE!!

We’re excited to announce a life-changing experience for college-aged (18-22) adults. Global Reach is offering scholarships (around $450 in value) to young adults nominated by pastors or regional leaders in the CGGC. We want to challenge churches and regions to help finance the travel and lodging expenses so that funds won’t be a barrier.

Check it out! Visit Urbana.org for more information and highlights from the ’18 Conference. Contact Global Reach Director Ben Tobias (BTobias@cggc.org) for more information!

From Urbana.org: “God uses Urbana to reveal his glory and call generations to surrender to Christ’s lordship.

Urbana is a sacred space where students find calling and joining the Lord’s global mission whether across campus, zip codes, or the world. During this four-day conference, participants engage in a kaleidoscope of experiences including 16,000-person worship sessions, Bible exposition, messages and seminars, manuscript Bible studies, testimonies from the global church, and prayer ministry.”