The GLOBAL ADVOCATE
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. 190, No. 3
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.
Discipleship,
Discipleship,
Discipleship.
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 Findlay, Ohio.
Postmaster: Send address changes to THE GLOBAL ADVOCATE, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839.
© 2025, Churches of God, General Conference
It was the word of Jesus as He left His disciples. It’s the word I hear at every conference I’ve attended for the last two years. It’s the word undergirding new missional movements in the States. As we peel back the layers of what ails the modern church, it is the prescription. As we consider how the church can multiply, discipleship is always the answer. And as the CGGC steps into its 3rd Century, discipleship is the word that has once again coalesced.
When we think about our mission statement: Maximize our collective potential for kingdom impact, we acknowledge that “kingdom impact” looks like discipleship. Helping people follow Jesus. In this issue, you’ll find a practical step-by-step process for discipleship from our keynote speaker at Triennial Conference, Pastor Matt Lake from First Church Williamsport, in PA. You’ll also find articles that challenge you to keep kingdom impact (discipleship) as the focus of your ministry, wherever God has called you. You’ll also find ways that you can get involved, start new ministries, support our history in this Bicentennial year, and stay up to date on our international fields.
On the cover: Pastors Arnie Kaufman and Dave Carpenter explore the Muranga Gorges in Kenya This page: Columbia City, IN (MRC) Bible Quizzing Team Members
ABottom Up
Exploring A Four-Step Discipleship Journey for Your Church Through The Tensions of the Jesus Way Approach
by Pastor Matt Lake
InCrossing the Discipleship Chasm, Pastor Matt Lake clearly diagnoses the wide chasm between Jesus’s command to make disciples and our many ineffective ways of putting that command into action. Thankfully, Pastor Matt also prescribes a practical guide to crossing that perilous chasm. As lead pastor of First Church Williamsport, Matt is experiencing firsthand the challenges and joys of crossing today’s discipleship chasm. Matt is not only a compelling author and practitioner, but the keynote speaker for our Triennial Conference on July 15–17, 2025.
The following are selected excerpts from Crossing the Discipleship Chasm. You can find physical and digital versions of the book at major book retailers like Barnes & Noble, on Amazon, and on the publisher’s website: inviteministries.org
Discipleship is lived out of the deep love we have with Christ Himself. It is deeply personal. It is intimate. At the same time, it is formative. And generative. It impacts individuals. It impacts communities of believers. And therefore it impacts the world. Healthy churches simply cannot exist, much less thrive, without a healthy culture of discipleship.
I have always loved how author Neil Cole proclaims this reality in such a blunt manner when he shares: “Ultimately each church will be evaluated by only one thing. Its disciples. Your church is only as good as its disciples. It does not matter how good your praise, preaching, programs, or property are. If your disciples are passive, needy, consumerist, and not moving in the direction of radical obedience, your church is not good.”1
Those are some strong words! But they carry truth.
Thus, because Jesus mandates discipleship, and because discipleship is essential to the individual and corporate health of Jesus followers, we discover a most compelling “why” to discipleship.
1 Neil Cole, Ordinary Hero: Becoming a Disciple Who Makes a Difference (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2008), 185.
Local churches that get the issue of discipleship right—or even partly right—are going to experience higher levels of vitality than those that do not focus on discipleship in healthy ways. The higher the level of commitment to and intentionality about healthy discipleship—through the tension of presenting formal content and experiential practices—the higher the level of local church health that occurs.
It is that simple. Thus the starting point toward healthy discipleship for any church is to commit with intentionality toward discipleship. To be clear, commitment to discipleship means more than a few individuals taking their discipleship journeys more seriously. Commitment to discipleship means a congregation-wide intentionality and alignment. So if there are not formal means by which the truth and doctrines and history of the church are shared in a local congregation, such means must be developed and instituted. Perhaps this means forming congregational alignment around discipleship, setting up times for learning more about the faith, engaging in spiritual inventories, or more Bible study time.
At the same time, these formal opportunities must be accompanied by more informal means by which the faith is shared and fostered through authentic discipleship practices in a more personal, step-by-step manner— for however long it might take. Perhaps this means fostering more mentoring opportunities, one-on-one conversations, personal invitations, organic exploration of discipleship over time, activation of each person’s unique gifts, a commitment to empowering people in new directions, and fostering individuals’ calls rather than filling corporate volunteer slots.
What might such interventions look like at a practical level?
[The] following is a general overview of what these steps of discipleship intervention have looked like in our local church (First Church Williamsport, PA) setting. You do not need to directly replicate this model, although you may. But look for the elements, ideas, and clues that are transferrable to your context.
Disciple’s Journey Step 1
The first two steps of this Disciple’s Journey may outwardly look similar to steps that many churches take (although the orientation in steps 1 and 2 of Disciple’s Journey is different). Our step 1 is focused on connection. People connect with God and our church through the completion of five informational sessions. This step involves a lot of content being shared about the DNA and vision of the church, a connection with some of our staff, opportunities to get involved, and a chance for dialogue where questions can be answered. At the end of this step focused on connection, people can join in the life of the church through formal discipleship if they so wish. We do not make it overly difficult to join in the life of the church. Our goal is to help people to connect and then help them grow deeper in discipleship and faith.
Disciple’s Journey Step 2
The second step of this Disciple’s Journey involves six informational sessions focused on people discovering their gifts and passions through strengths assessments, spiritual gift inventories, and surveys. Many churches also have a step somewhat similar to this. In this case, however, individuals are not raised up with the goal of becoming church volunteers. They are specifically introduced to the concept of exploring discipleship tensions and how those tensions will form their life of discipleship.
Disciple’s Journey Step 3
In step 3, through eight generative sessions (although the number of sessions does fluctuate depending on how many people are participating), a shift occurs from a “content-first” approach to a “practice-first” approach in which individuals put into practice what they have been learning. Practices such as the sharing of one’s faith, prayer, offering testimony, committing to new areas of service and leadership, and navigating discipleship tensions are all employed. This is the stage that many churches do not offer with any intentionality—but it’s a place where we have seen great growth and new life emerge. We have seen, repeatedly, the embracing of discipleship tensions lead to new life through practices previously not employed.
Discipleship Journey Step 4
Finally, in step 4, we invite people into various informal, ongoing relationships. In this step individuals are encouraged to enter into apprenticeship with a mentor in the area of ministry they have felt called to, participate in a resourcing experience, or share in some combination of the two. These individuals are now understood as key leaders and influencers. The focus here is creating a multiplying effect as ultimately new people are introduced into faith through the discipleship of those in this fourth step. Here we seek to ignite and unleash individuals into their formative and generative callings in the most practical of ways.
In similar fashion, the discipleship process being described here is one that occurs on a continual, repeated, annual basis. Knowing that people have busy lives, that the Spirit moves at different times, and that circumstances change, this journey is offered in such a way as to allow people to engage when and as they are most ready. Some people may take steps 1 and 2 almost immediately and then take years to get to step 3. Others may take step 1, then wait a few years until step 2, and never get to step 3. Still others may go through all four steps as quickly as possible. With each rotation of the discipleship journey in a local church setting, the culture shifts a little more to allow for dynamic discipleship to flourish in the church culture as a whole.
To read more go to the website or scan the QR code below: https://tinyurl.com/LakeBook
Pastor Matt Lake
Jonah Reveals the Heart of God
by Pastor Shaen Marks, Columbia City
Ifyou grew up in church, you definitely know the story of Jonah. In fact, if you didn’t grow up in church, you probably still know the story of Jonah and the whale (or great fish, depending on which church you grew up in). It’s as memorable as Noah and the flood, David and Goliath and Jesus on the cross.
But here’s the interesting thing about Jonah. In the end, the book of Jonah isn’t about Jonah at all. In the end, it’s all about God. It’s all about God and how He works in unbelievable ways. It’s all about God and Him doing what He wants to do. It’s all about God and Him showing mercy to whom He wants to show mercy. In the end, it’s not about Jonah at all. It’s all about God.
In case you don’t know the story, God tells His prophet, Jonah, to go to an unreached people group in the city of Nineveh and call them to repent from their evil ways and turn to God. Sounds like a pretty standard task for an Old Testament prophet. Old Testament prophets were used to going to groups of people and calling them to repent and turn to God. But Jonah doesn’t obey. Instead, Jonah gets on a boat heading to Tarshish which is the opposite direction of Nineveh.
Now, this makes me stop and ask, “Why?” Why would a prophet, whose sole and only job is to speak for and obey God, not obey God? Well, Jonah 4:2 tells us why he didn’t want to go. Here is Jonah in his own words: “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”
Jonah bared his soul and showed his cards. He didn’t want to go to Nineveh because he knew God was loving and merciful and that he would spare Nineveh and not destroy them. Wow! Again, this makes me stop and ask why. Why would a prophet whose only job is to speak for God to people and call them to repent not want people to listen to his words and repent? To find the answer, let’s look a little closer at Jonah. Because while the book of Jonah is ultimately about God, as an American Christian I think I see myself in Jonah far too often. And maybe you will too.
So we know from Jonah 4:2 that he didn’t want to go to Nineveh because he didn’t want the Ninevites to be spared. He didn’t want God to be gracious to them. He wanted them killed. But why? Outside the book of Jonah, he is only mentioned one other time. But this one other time is pretty crucial to understanding Jonah’s heart. Remember, Jonah didn’t want the other nations to be spared by God. And in 2 Kings 14:25, Jonah pops up.
What’s interesting about Jonah in 2 Kings 14, is that Jonah helps the king restore the borders of Israel because they were being afflicted by foreigners. The same Jonah who didn’t want other nations to be spared from the wrath of God in the book of Jonah is the same Jonah who helps the king restore and strengthen the borders of Israel because foreigners had overrun the borders and were causing trouble in the nation of Israel. You’re probably starting to make current connections. But don’t jump ahead. Stay with me.
The book of Jonah also gives us another glimpse into his mindset and his heart. Remember when God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and he didn’t obey and ran the opposite direction? The wording is interesting in what the book tells us Jonah did. Just read it for yourself in Jonah 1:3. Right after God tells Jonah to go, this is what it says: “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So, he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” (italics added for emphasis)
Certainly, Jonah was not biblically illiterate. Certainly, Jonah didn’t think he could actually run from the presence of the Lord. He certainly knew the scriptures that said in Psalm 139:7, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” Certainly, Jonah wasn’t that inept to actually think he could leave his country and flee from the presence of the Lord? Or was he?
Let’s connect the dots to see his heart clearly:
• Jonah 1:3 tells us that he thinks his nation has cornered the market on God’s presence and favor. Israel’s founding fathers were special and called by God and Israel had a special presence and favor of God.
• Jonah 4:2 tells us that he didn’t want the Ninevites spared by God’s mercy. He didn’t want them to repent and turn to God.
• The only other time we ever hear about Jonah in the entire Bible (2 Kings 14:25), he is helping the king of Israel restore and rebuild the border of Israel that was being overrun by foreigners and outsiders.
Now . . . let’s make current connections. Do you believe the good news of the gospel is for all people or just white, middle-class Americans? If you’re a Christian I’m certain you would agree that the gospel is for all people. We know what Revelation 7:9-10 says. That one day every tribe, tongue and nation will be around the throne of
God saying, “Salvation belongs to our God.” But what we do so often is allow our national or political allegiances to overtake our primary allegiance that should be to God.
Look, I voted Republican in the last election. I believe we should have strong borders and a fair immigration system. But I’m a Christian before I’m an American. The church I pastor is in northern Indiana, about as white an area as they come. But if the church I pastor happened to be in El Paso, Texas, or southern California, or south Florida, you better believe we’d have a pastor on staff who spoke Spanish so that we could reach those who are in our country from Spanish speaking countries. How amazing that the nations are coming to us!
We live in such a divided country that tells us we have to be on one side or the other. That somehow if I don’t support deporting illegal immigrants that I must not support strong border security and immigration either. Why can’t I support both border security and ministering to the ones who have come into our country illegally? Why can’t it be both?
If I’m a Christian first, then my heartbeat should first be for my neighbors and nations to come to know Christ. And if the nations are now my neighbors because of weak borders, praise God, I can reach them here!
In the end, the book of Jonah is about God. God’s heart is for the nations, not just Israel, to come to know Him. God’s heart is to show mercy on whom He wants to show mercy. The question is, does my heart beat first as an American? Or does my heart beat first as a Christian to see my neighbors and nations turn to God? And if the nations are now my neighbors, maybe the fire of the gospel should be turned up even brighter.
Finals and a New Season of Growth
Discipling the Next Generation: Bible Quizzing
The 2025 Final Bible Quizzing Tournament will be held at Camp Sonrise Mountain in Markleysburg, PA (ARC), on July 23-26. Last year as many as 75 students competed in 16 different teams. Jr. High and Sr. High teams will test their Bible knowledge and memory metal to see who comes out on top. For some high school seniors, it will be the last major event of their schooling career, and win or lose, it will be a bittersweet event.
But that bittersweetness won’t last long, because a new season of Bible Quizzing kicks off in September. And now is the perfect time to register as a new team. Next season students will be studying 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, so they’ll be digging into and learning some of the toughest and deepest material scripture has to offer.
Whether you’re a youth group of 2, 20, or 200, Bible Quizzing is an excellent fit. Teams as small as 2 can compete in the competitions. Right now, CGGC Bible Quizzing has teams in PA, OH, IN, and IL, but the truth is, the vast majority of our churches aren’t involved in Bible Quizzing at all, and that’s a shame, because Bible Quizzing, while not the only way, is an excellent way to begin discipling kids.
To get started, reach out to the Bible Quizzing Head Honcho, Rachel Neely-Pletcher at: neelychic@gmail.com or visit www.CGGC.org/resources/bible-quizzing where you can find videos, registration forms, quick start guides, and more!
Join us for our next Triennial Conference and the 200th Celebration for the Churches of God, General Conference will be held July 14-17, 2025.
SCHEDULE
Monday, July 14th: Travel/Arrival Day
12:00 PM Optional Group Historical Tour (ends at 4 PM)
4:00 PM Historical Song Service at Peace Church
7:00 PM Global Reach Missionary Event at Swatara
Tuesday, July 15th: Conference Day 1
11:00 AM Registration Begins
1:00 PM Conference Kicks Off, Worship, Keynote Speaker—Pastor Matt Lake
2:30 PM Break
2:45 PM Welcome, Ordinances, Global Reach Report
5:00 PM Dinner
6:30 PM 200th Celebration Service, Film Presentation, Cake and Ice Cream
Wednesday, July 16th: Conference Day 2
8:45 AM Worship Begins
9:15 AM Keynote Speaker—Pastor Matt Lake
10:30 AM Break
11:00 AM Reports Begin
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Worship, Keynote Speaker—Pastor Matt Lake
2:25 PM Break
2:45 PM Election Results
2:50 PM Reports
4:00 PM Breakouts
5:00 PM Dinner
6:30 PM Worship & Looking Forward Service
Thursday, July 17th: Conference Day 3
9:00 AM Worship
9:30 AM Report of General Conference
10:30 AM Break
10:45 AM Installation Service, Closing Address
11:25 AM End of Conference
12:00 PM First Meeting for Newly Formed Ad Council
WHERE
Best Western Harrisburg Premier, The Central Hotel and Conference Center, 800 E Park Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17111
We’ll have rooms reserved at the Best Western, but Harrisburg will have plenty of additional options for guests to stay at and will be drivable for many of our churches in the Eastern Region.
WHO
Conference delegates along with national and regional staff are required to attend Conference Sessions. All are invited to register as guests and join the celebration at Triennial Conference.
WITH
Keynote speaker, Pastor Matt Lake, from First Church Williamsport in Williamsport, PA. Matt Lake is well positioned to speak to us about maintaining our history while pushing boundaries on new ways to reach our communities for Christ.
For registration information go to https://cggc.org/triennial-conference-sessions/ or scan the QR code.
It's not all business at the Triennial Sessions. Join us for these other special events.
Historical Song Service at Peace Church
Monday
July 14 4:00 PM
Immerse yourself back in time. Sit in the very seats where others heard John Winebrenner preach and experience the atmosphere of a 2nd Great Awakening church service! Come ready and spiritually hungry!
200th Celebration and the Premiere of the CGGC Documentary
Tuesday, July 15th at 6:30 p.m.
Stick around for cake and ice cream!
PUTTING HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS
The Archives Museum, and part-time Curator Jim Markle are supported by generous donations from supporters, and members of the Historical Society.
The Archives Museum’s mission is to collect, store, preserve, and catalog materials that relate to the life, ministry and history of the Churches of God, General Conference. Materials such as artifacts, memorabilia, books, pamphlets, publications, programs, minutes, and personal papers are then made available for research and display.
We’re excited to announce that the Archives Museum is becoming more accessible than ever. The Museum has begun the process of digitizing and making certain books available online at no cost. While physical documents and items are nice, we recognize that most people won’t be able to visit the Archives in Findlay.
You can currently find a large collection of digital publications on our website, easy to read, download, and keep for your own records and research.
Will you help us in our mission? Become a member today for as low as $15 a year! Scan the QR codes below to get started.
Online Membership:
Physical Membership Form:
5 Pray the prayer from Luke 10:2 “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
4 Thank the Lord for the freedom we have in the United States to proclaim freedom in Christ!
July 2025
Global Advocate Prayer Calendar
3 Pray that the ministry in Mexico would be edified and strengthened.
2 Pray for safe travel as the DR ACTS Team returns home today.
1 Lift up the Southwest ACTS Team as they travel and serve July 1-10.
12 Intercede for the India Field Leader as he oversees the expanding ministry in India .
11 Join together in prayer for your local church and community. Ask God to move our hearts to obedience.
10 Jesus said “ My house will be called a house of prayer for the nations ” (Mark 11:17). Trust for a revival of prayer in the Church.
9 Celebrate Argentina’s Independence Day with our newest Global Reach field!
8 Pray for Bryan & Katie Crabtree as they spend time in the USA visiting family and attending Triennial Sessions and the GR missionary retreat.
7 Happy Birthday to CGGC Director of Communication Jacob Clagg!
6 Lift up students at Winebrenner Theological Seminary as they follow God’s path for their lives.
19 Pray for the families of all our Chaplains who encourage and support their vital ministries.
18 Remember CGGC Global Reach affiliate missionaries as they serve in ministries where God has called them.
17 Lift up in prayer the Global Reach Missionary Retreat which begins today.
16 Remember in prayer members of law enforcement who protect this nation. Pray for their safety.
15 Pray for Triennial General Conference, which kicks off today!
14 Pray that the people of India see the love of Christ in our brothers and sisters.
13 Be in prayer for GR Director Travis Helm for clarity and focus as he makes decisions for Global Reach and its missionaries.
26 Lift up in prayer the Pastors at the churches in the Dominican Republic.
25 Call upon the Lord to bless Victor Montalvo as he serves as Director of Latino Ministries.
24 Intercede for healthcare professionals worldwide that the Holy Spirit works through their lives.
23 Seek the will of the Lord for Rod & Mila Ayers and for their hearts to submit to the Holy Spirit’s direction.
22 Give thanks for Jacob & Haley Day and pray for their leadership at Gamerco Church of God.
21 Ask God to move others in the CGGC to serve in Global Reach as Mission Advancement Volunteers.
20 Happy Birthday to Darlene Mattox , Pensions Administrative Assistant at the CGGC office! Thank God for her work.
31 Ask the Lord to bring encouragement and spiritual growth to the Kenya church plants and their pastors.
30 Thank God for the faithfulness of Pastor Dave & Kenda Kapaku in Maui, Hawaii.
29 Lift up in prayer all the regional directors and ask for encouragement as they seek to honor God.
28 Be in prayer for Brazil and Field Leader Ernesto Nunes . Ask God for a revival in all areas!
27 Trust the Lord to provide for Pastor German and his family as they continue to serve in Nicaragua.
2 Ask the Lord to bless UF Campus Ministries staff with wisdom to help students seek a relationship with God.
1 Keep John & Toni Thumma in your prayers as they serve in New Mexico.
August 2025
Global Advocate Prayer Calendar
9 Happy Birthday to Rachel Foreman , Managing Editor at the CGGC office! Ask for God’s continued blessings on her life.
8 Rejoice with Jacob & Haley Day as they celebrate their anniversary today! Pray for their growing ministry at Gamerco Church of God.
7 Ask for wisdom for Joseph Mwaura as he directs Voice of the Gospel Ministries in Kenya. Pray for unity among leaders and pastors as they work together.
6 Pray for children around the world that they would come to know the love of their heavenly Father.
5 Continue to ask God’s blessings on the India Field Leader and the India Mission as they provide educational opportunities to children in India.
4 Intercede for the people of Venezuela in these uncertain times. Pray for the Lord’s healing for His people!
16 Pray for the recruiting and development of future leaders at Winebrenner Theological Seminary .
15 Call upon the Lord as students, teachers and staff return to school this fall. Pray for growth, health, safety, and a successful school year!
14 Resolve to grow in obedience to God’s will to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). Consider how you (and your friends) will reach globally!
13 Thank God for PHH Missionary Intern Hunter Myers as he raises support to serve God in Haiti.
12 Happy Anniversary to retired missionaries Gordon and Annie Avey! Praise God for their years of service in Brazil!
11 Thank God for PHH Missionaries Stanley and Marie Lambert as they raise support to serve God in Haiti.
23 Keep praying for Victor Montalvo as he oversees ministry in the USA, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Argentina.
22 Pray for global mobilization to take root among all ministry fields of the CGGC, both in the USA and internationally!
21 “ Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thess. 5:16-18.
20 Happy Birthday John Thumma! Praise God for his work and faithfulness. Pray for continued knowledge of the Word of God.
19 Pray for Bryan & Katie Crabtree as they begin a new school year in Thailand and continue to build friendships with neighbors.
18 “ Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say: rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) Pray for the Spirit of joy to fill all churches!
30 Lift up Pastor Maria Grigioni , Field Leader of Argentina, as she reaches out to new communities.
29 Intercede for Dr. John Costa as he reached out to villages near Khanjanpur, Bangladesh to provide medical treatment.
28 Lift up your pastor and church leadership in prayer. Ask for God’s wisdom as they seek to live a life that pleases Him.
27 Go to God in prayer for the people of Nicaragua. Pray for peace and comfort and an understanding of the love Christ has for them
26 Uplift in prayer GR Director Travis Helm for wisdom and clarity as he works and communicates with Global Reach missionaries.
25 Pray for peace and encouragement in all Global Reach international fields as they often face hostile resistance to their ministry.
31 Happy Anniversary Dave & Kenda Kapaku ! Pray for boldness in preaching the Gospel at Kahana Door of Faith church in Hawaii.
3 Uphold Rod & Mila Ayers as they oversee Haiti’s Sister Church and School ministry.
10 Pray for Dominican Republic Directors, Fremio & Evelin Jimenez , that they would have wisdom to serve well.
17 Remember to pray for your neighbors who don’t know the Lord and ask God to provide opportunities to share Jesus’ love.
24 Join together in prayer for the pastors who serve our work in Mexico. Pray for spiritual growth and encouragement for the churches.
28 Unite in prayer for Brazil and ask God to provide peace and healing among a hurting nation.
29 Give thanks for Field Leader Denis Droicin in Haiti! Pray for their wisdom and financial support.
Dave & Kenda Kapaku and ask for the Lord’s wisdom in how to expand God’s Kingdom.
30 Lift up in prayer
21 Be in prayer for the people of Mexico , that they would see the living God through Jesus Christ!
22 Pray for Victor and Alma Montalvo as they serve in various capacities.
23 Thank God for the leadership of Pastor Maria Grigioni in Argentina.
24 The Brazil Conference is led by Pastor Ernesto Nunes. Implore the Lord to revitalize struggling churches there.
25 Join together in prayer for the desire for God’s Word to increase in the Hooghan Nizhoni and Gamerco Churches as well as in the community.
26 Pray for the Lord to send missionminded pastors to churches in pastoral transition.
27 Join together in prayer for Haiti and ask God to restore peace and end the turmoil among the people.
14 Appeal to the Lord that he would raise up strong leaders within Voice of the Gospel Ministries in Kenya.
15 Pray for the Lord to help CGGC churches around the world to boldly shine His light in their communities.
16 As the CGGC Administrative Council meets today and tomorrow, ask the Lord to guide our leaders with wisdom and clarity
17 Praise the Lord for Affiliate Missionaries ! The CGGC family is represented in over 40 countries!
18 Pray for protection and encouragement for all CGGC pastors, leaders and staff .
19 Support CGGC Executive Director Lance Finley in prayer as he leads the CGGC ministries.
20 Praise God for the good work being done in the Dominican Republic . Trust Him to provide continued blessings.
7 Happy Anniversary to John & Toni Thumma ! May the Lord continue to bless their marriage!
8 Remember Chaplain Byron Denman , his wife Christy , and their children as Byron serves in South Carolina.
9 Be in prayer for the people of India & Bangladesh as the countries deal with ongoing COVID issues.
10 Lift up in prayer Victor Montalvo and his family and ask that God provide wisdom and encouragement.
11 Pray for wisdom and safety as Project Help Liaison Denis Droicin faithfully serves.
12 Intercede on behalf of Dr. John Costa and ask the Lord to provide safety as he ministers to the people of Bangladesh.
13 Lift up in prayer the General Conference Staff as they seek to serve the CGGC in all its various ministries throughout the world.
1 Labor DayThank God for the privilege of earning a living and pray for all workers to do everything for God’s glory.
2 Happy Birthday to retired missionary Annie Avey ! Blessings to her and her family next year!
3 Pray for seeds planted in hearts during our summer camp ministries to grow and flourish.
4 Be in prayer for the Stanley Lambert family as his wife Marie is due to have their fourth child soon.
5 Pray for the safety of church planters and evangelists who travel to unreached people around the world.
6 Ask the Lord for encouragement and favor with students for the new Director of Campus Ministries at the University of Findlay.
1. Set an alarm for 10:02 a.m. to pray for more disciples and churches. 2. Invite others to join you in prayer.
3. Visit 1002.CGGC.org to stay connected to the campaign!
by Jacob Clagg
Inthe middle of February 2025, I boarded a flight, along with two other Ohio pastors on our way to Kenya. In the depth of winter, the ground was hard, layered with ice and packed on top with snow. Our plane departed the Detroit airport, patches of ice along the runway, and not so quickly we arrived at the airport outside of Paris, France. The temperature there was just above freezing, but only just. After a couple hour layover, letting a soda (pop) bottle explode on me, and another not so quick flight, we landed in Nairobi, Kenya, and I took off my sweatshirt, ready to embrace warm outdoor air for the first time in months.
The first night we stayed in the bustling capital and awoke to immediately embark upon a sightseeing safari in the Nairobi National Park. The park is only about 5 miles south of the city’s edge and at 45 square miles in area, Nairobi’s skyscrapers were often the backdrop of the pictures I took there. I have shots of Giraffes, Rhinos, Zebra, and more with apartments, hotels, and office buildings in the background. Even the lions didn’t fail to notice.
As we departed the National Park, we made our way to Sagana, in the heart of our ministries. Traveling north out of Nairobi, the prevalence of nature, and the overwhelming greenery bombarded the senses of a northerner like me, who had come from a place where green was in hibernation, and had given way to brown, gray, and off white.
It seemed to me that on the doorstep of every Kenyan home was fertile ground, springing up with life. All along the sides of the road, even the highways, people are selling fruits and vegetables that they grow in their own backyards, whether they have a multi-acre farm, or a small patch of land. With three growing seasons, even a small garden in Kenya can produce many mangos, papaya, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and bananas.
On Sunday, February 23rd, I was asked to give a message at our church in Kagio. In attendance were around 40 people who had travelled from a few different churches to worship together. Under a sheet metal roof, on a dirt floor, and with walls that were made of more sheet metal, wooden slats, and in some places just curtains, the people sang, the children danced, and I was humbled by their joy for the Lord amidst obvious material hardship.
They dressed in their finest suits and dresses, gave testimonies, and sang solo songs as personal devotions to the Lord. It was a powerful morning and I was deeply moved by the disparity between their lack of church amenities and their abundance of authentic worship. They love the Lord and they love His church.
me and taught me that despite what I had seen in Kenya, “The ground is hard.”
The pastors described how church people come and go like the wind, captured by fancier ministries with more investment from larger denominations. They told stories about how they had struggled mightily to plant churches in unreached places, only for a larger church to catch wind and build a nicer, bigger building and “steal” all their congregants.
Despite the sincere worship that I experienced, the daily struggle of ministry in Kenya is real. Our pastors are not wealthy. Not by American standards, and not by Kenyan standards. Many of them are bivocational, working a farm, or, like Pastor Lydia, a small clothing store during the week, and pastoring
Our pastors have small churches, where 10-30 people regularly attend. When it rains, the metal roofs resound so loudly that you can’t hear the preacher, even if they have audio equipment and speakers, which are sometimes useless given the frequent power outages. But none of that stops the faithful from gathering to praise God.
While giving some instruction to our Kenya pastors about technology in the church, they interrupted
her flock along the way. And it’s immeasurably disappointing for our pastors to see churches preaching a prosperity gospel explode with growth.
Doubly hard is how the Kenyan culture now responds to pastors with more and more suspicion. People wounded by inauthentic pastors and churches are hand waving away small ministries trying to do the Lord’s work. The very reason we went as a pastoral team was to help them finish their seminary training so the government recognizes our Kenya pastors as legitimate.
On one of our free days, we went just a little ways south to the Muranga Gorges. Surrounded by farms, forests, and fertile red earth on all sides, the gorges are a veritable desert in the middle of an oasis. Created by water erosion, the gorges are a 20-foot-deep winding pathway through soft sandstone pillars and walls. It’s an amazing spectacle.
But the sand itself doesn’t just disappear because of the erosion. If you go into the gorges, you’ll see evidence of where all the sand went. Broken down
gorges. There is an ingenuity here that is admirable. On the other hand, these people are literally selling their inheritance. The people who live around the gorges have been selling the ground beneath their own homes. That’s not a particularly sustainable business model.
To my eyes, Kenya seemed like a fertile place, for growing plants, and for preaching Jesus. But for people living in Kenya, there are patches of hard ground and hard hearts, where very little takes root.
And that’s not terribly different from the ice hard ground back home in the States, where apathy and lethargy have taken root in Christ’s people.
Especially in the northern hemisphere, but in many countries in Africa and South America too, Christ is a known quantity. Or at least, His name and His people are. In Kenya as in the USA, the question is “who hasn’t heard?” With approximately 85% of people professing to be Christian in the country as of a 2019 Census, Kenya is more Christian than the United States or Europe. A 2021 study put Europe at
As I was writing this, a Christian from India told me that “In India, we see the US as a powerful Christian people. We look up to you. I wish you could see yourselves like that.”
One of the greatest blessings I have in this role is to hear comments like that which have a perspective altering quality. God has given each of us a calling and a context in which to do ministry. Depending on the perspective we bring, the ground can look hard, or fertile. In truth, it’s always both, and our mission stays the same regardless. Because, as Jesus tells us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”
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 is 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.
Dominican Republic
Latino Ministries Director, Victor Montalvo, led a team in the DR from College First Church of God during the spring. The team helped with some projects at the churches in Vicentillo and El Mango Limpio. They were able to finish some painting as well as create some murals with verses. The team also had times of ministry and fellowship with the church communities during their time visiting. During this same trip, Victor also brought a Bible teacher who taught some classes on discipleship. Teaching materials were distributed for all of the pastors and leaders so they can teach that same discipleship materials throughout the year in their churches. The pastors and church leaders were very excited with these classes. They plan to meet with their church attendees every other week and teach these classes.
Thailand
Bryan and Katie shared the following. “Songkran, or Thai new year, is the biggest holiday of the year in Thailand. Our church had an outreach event where we could share the love of God as we joined in with their traditional water play. We handed out free bottled waters while inviting people to church. We held worship outside of the church along the sidewalk as well. In addition to our church’s event, we attended six other Songkran events over the three-day holiday where we were able to be a part of local life and culture.”
Southwest
Jacob and Haley Day shared the following. “2025 has been an incredible year so far. Our baby boy, Samuel James, was born on February 23. Although we had some complications, both mom and baby did very well. At the time of writing, Sam is 10 weeks old and thriving. It has been such a blessing to watch him grow and learn. He loves music and bath time. He has lots of aunties, uncles, grandmas, and grandpas here in Gallup. They all love on him even when our families are far away. This summer, with the help of teams, we will be hosting activities in the park, community meals, and VBS at both Gamerco and Hooghan Nizhoni. We will be serving in the community at Broken Arrow Bible Ranch and Manuelito Children’s Home. We pray that all of these activities and outreaches will be opportunities to share Christ’s love with our neighbors as well as an opportunity to meet physical needs. Pictured at right are Jacob and Haley with Sam and Grandma and Grandpa Day.
India & Bangladesh
The CGGC triennial conference (200th anniversary) and GR missionary retreat are quickly approaching in mid-July. This celebration will be held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Several of our international Country Directors and Field leaders will be visiting during this time and staying through most of July. This is one of the few opportunities to meet with them in person and hear them share some of the ministry and areas you have been praying for and supporting. Below is a schedule of venues with dates and times that Dr. John Costa (Bangladesh) and Samir Singha (India) will be sharing. I encourage you to make the effort to come and meet them while they bring witness of what God is doing in these harvest fields.
July 13 – Sunday morning worship/Sunday school 8:15 a.m. Newburg COG, Newburg, PA
July 13 - Sunday evening 6 p.m. High View COG, Ronks, PA
July 14 - Monday evening 7 p.m. Swatara COG, Harrisburg, PA
July 15-17 - CGGC Triennial conference, Best Western Premier, Harrisburg, PA
July 19-20 - Saturday & Sunday, Grand Point Church, Chambersburg, PA (times TBD)
July 21 - Monday evening 6:30 p.m. Bare Memorial COG, Roaring Spring, PA
July 23 - Wednesday evening 7 p.m. Indian Head COG, Indian Head, PA
July 27 - Sunday morning worship 10 a.m. Mt Carmel COG, Celina, OH
July 27 - Sunday evening 7 p.m. Trier Ridge Community COG, Fort Wayne, IN
July 30 - Wednesday evening 7 p.m. Greenvillage COG, Chambersburg, PA
Argentina
Latino Ministries Director
Victor Montalvo and Global Reach Director Travis Helm recently visited our Argentina GR field and Pastor Maria Grigioni. Pictured at top left is Pastor Maria in front of her current church meeting place and the new church being built on a larger piece of ground which will allow for expansion as they grow. The new church building is in the beginning stages of being built. Victor and Travis were blessed to be able to worship and fellowship with many attendees of the church during their visit. Pastor Maria is hopeful that a team from the USA will be able to visit Argentina soon to build some relationships with CGGC believers in the USA.
Mexico
The first week of May, Latino Ministries Director, Victor Montalvo visited a church in Oaxaca Mexico for the official opening of the building that has been in construction for the last year. It was wonderful to see a lot of people are coming to witness the place where our brothers and sisters are going to be gathering to worship God. This place is called La Union and it’s in the mountains of Oaxaca about two hours from Huatulco Oaxaca. It was wonderful to see all this fruit that they brought to the church and after the celebration, we had a wonderful time with the locals and other churches that were invited to the event. God is moving on top of the mountains.
Below are speaking engagements of Latino Ministries Director Victor Montalvo and Brazil Field leader Ernesto Nunes during their visit in July during the triennial conference. If you are able, please take the opportunity to hear them share about what God is doing in the fields they are leading.
Victor Montalvo:
July 14 - Monday evening 7 p.m. Swatara COG, Harrisburg, PA
July 15-17 - CGGC Triennial Conference at Best Western Premier, Harrisburg, PA
July 20 - Sunday morning at Newberrytown COG, York Haven, PA
Ernesto Nunes:
July 6 - Sunday morning at Shippensburg COG, Shippensburg, PA
July 13 - Sunday morning at Duncannon COG, Duncannon, PA
July 14 - Monday evening 7 p.m. Swatara COG, Harrisburg, PA
July 15-17 - CGGC Triennial Conference at Best Western Premier, at Harrisburg, PA
July 20 - Sunday morning at Carlisle COG, Carlisle, PA
July 27 - Sunday morning at Greenvillage COG, Chambersburg, PA
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.
Blessings, Travis Helm
CGGC Global Reach Director
700 E. Melrose Ave., P.O. Box 926
Findlay, OH 45839
Phone (419) 424-1961
Fax (419) 424-3433
www.cggc.org
