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From the COUNCIL NEWS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, AN INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION • P.O.Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027 (513) 576-9796 Vol. 18, No. 7 HTTP://MEMBERS.UCG.ORG AUGUST 2012 U.S. Summer Camps Complete Splendid 18th Year by Steve Nutzman We just completed our 18th summer of teen camps in the United Church of God. We’re thankful for God’s bless- ing upon all the campers and staff at all five camp locations. Approximately 440 campers and 270 staff enjoyed the spe- cial camp environment. This summer our main Christian living theme was “Call- ing, Honor and Faith.” Both campers and staff focused on their calling by God the Father to be a part of His true Church today and to be in training for service in the coming Kingdom of God. We owe a big thank you to the dedicated staff for their excellent examples and service to the campers. See pages 4-7 for camp reports and photos. Stay tuned in upcoming issues for more updates about camps in the United States and across the globe. Up next is Winter Camp in Wiscon- sin, which will be held December 24-30. Online applications are being accepted Dorm 1G at the sand volleyball court at Camp Pinecrest. now. UN From The COUNCIL AT A GLANCE Young Adults Travel It’s Up to You… Opportunity— ■ As the end time approaches and taught about a direct, personal rela- of the prime examples of that is the life Fellowship, Biblical and God’s people divide more tionship with Him as our Eternal Father of King David and the hard lessons that History and Great and Elder Brother. And yet, during the he learned about walking with God. Not and more, what suffers? Who’s Landmarks of the to blame? And what must we lifetime of God’s chosen apostles, seeds even two generations passed before so Fromof The destruction, weaknessCOUNCIL and folly were much was lost. David lost sight of God do to overcome this problem? already growing. Paul and Peter both for a while, and it almost cost him every- ATWorld A GLANCE strongly wrote to encourage the brethren thing he had. His son, Solomon, started From Dec. 25-Jan. 1, plan to take by Robert Berendt to hold fast to God’s ideals. Paul wept strongly but fell so far. And the attitude advantage of a special opportunity for God’s Church is a wonder in this world. over some who had become “enemies of his grandson, Rehoboam, guaranteed young adults from the Church of God This small group of dedicated believers of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:17- the end of Israel. One of the sad obser- community. Spending time together professes the highest ideals and dedica- 18). Paul and Peter saw the seeds of self- vations we can make is that destruction while traveling and visiting historical tion to God’s way of life. The conditions destruction in every church, it seems (2 came from within. It was self-destruction sites creates friendships that last a life- seem ideal for a continuation of a close Peter 2:1-3). that tore Israel from God. time. London provides a great intro- relationship with God. Paul passionately It seems we humans are not good at God revealed a little of what would duction to travel and provides a rich wrote about wondrous miracles, a Savior, passing on the hard lessons of life to the befall His people—the saints—to Daniel. palette for a broad discussion of histo- protection from Satan, promises of eter- next generation. Generation after genera- Daniel was told that it was not for him to ry, while offering a chance to explore nal life and an inheritance beyond our tion has to learn all over again the great understand, but he did see enough to know extra-biblical artifacts with friends. comprehension (Romans 8, 1 Corinthi- lessons of life and the values that promote Although at first the idea of travel UNITED STATISTICS Please see page 2 ans 15). God dwelt with men in the flesh happiness, contentment and peace. One Please see page 10 INSIDE UNITED NEWS Camp Reports Announcements ………………………… 7 BY THE NUMBERS Colombia ……………………………… 4 University Class of 2012 ………………… 8 Pinecrest ……………………………… 4 Local Church Updates …………………… 9 Forward! How to Make the Church’s Work Woodmen ……………………………… 4 4.8 million More Effective ………………………… 2 Cameroon ……………………………… 7 What’s New in Media? …………………… 12 Total visits to UCG.org for the month of July Profile: Roger Foster …………………… 3 Camp Photos ……………………………5-6 Calendar of Events ……………………… 12 (see page 12 for additional statistics) United Church of God, an International Association UNITED NEWS August 2012 1 UNITED STATISTICS INSIDE UNITED NEWS It’s Up to You… Continued from page 1 strongly, and power certainly is lost. Is that part of the shattering/scattering that that just before the end time, the power of is foreseen? But God did promise Daniel God’s people would be completely shat- that some would be purified and that the tered—and then all these things shall be wise would understand (Daniel 12:10). finished (Daniel 12:7-10). The attacks My membership in God’s Church of Satan will intensify before and during began about 50 years ago when I began the Great Tribulation, including the final attending the Worldwide Church of God attack against the two witnesses. The (then the Radio Church of God). Dur- “power” spoken of can include the ability ing the first 25 years, up until 1987, that of the Church to preach and be organized. church had problems, but was mostly Could it be possible that the shattering unified, very dynamic in preaching of the power of the holy people is caused the gospel, spreading the word of truth from within? Are the divisions we’ve around the world and existing in a posi- seen in the last decades fragmenting the tive frame of mind. There were about Body of Christ? Each fragment is weaker 170,000 people actually attending ser- than the whole. Could it be that following vices and the circulation of its publica- in the footsteps of so many before us, we tions numbered in the millions, with are our own greatest enemies? an income of over $500 million a year There was a great American statesman (adjusted for today’s dollars). The seeds who once proclaimed that the United of self-destruction existed but were not States was safe from foreign invasion, watered often. and if defeat was to be her destiny, it In the last 25 years, I have observed would have to come from with her own the Church change to the point that the borders. former association no longer exists and That seems to be what we are witness- the fragments left over that still strive to ing as the divisions result in more and preserve the truth have a combined atten- more fragments of the Church. Each dance of no more than 40,000 people. In group seems to be working at odds with almost every case, the splits, divisions the others. Each little fragment that leaves and troubles came from within. Many become less able to preach the gospel ministers and members alike seem to Could it be possible that the shattering of the power of the holy people is caused from within? have lost the powerful desire to be united shatter the power of the Church—it has and at peace. Paul’s words that there is to come from Satan or from within our- one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, selves. Converted people are expected to one faith, one baptism, one God and a examine themselves often to be sure they measure of grace are words that do not are pleasing to God. They are to know fit what we see today (Ephesians 4:4-6). they are “children of God” (1 John 3:1). There are more than 300 splinter groups Their destiny is to be like Him (1 John that believe they make up part or all of the 3:2). They are to realize that not loving Body of Christ. There is no logical way your brother in Christ is an attitude that that we can reason that all of them are originates with Satan (1 John 3:10, 16). the Body of Christ when one group con- They are to struggle for one another and siders the others enemies or antagonists. love one another (1 John 3:23). When we One can only imagine where we would are surrounded by people we love and be today if the ministry and members whom we love in return, and when we who are entrusted with the truth could have a great God-given purpose for liv- have remained together in one organiza- ing, there ought to be no room for seeds tion. How many saints would there be? of self-destruction. If we are witnessing What impact would the Church have on the shattering of the power of the Church the population of the world? as Daniel wrote—let it come from with- God’s direction and will is for the out and not from within. UN Church to be strengthened. God will not How to Make the Church’s Work spiritual unity, not a human treaty or FORWARD! social contract, and not just because of More Effective mutual monetary or political interest. As the apostle Paul explained, God PETER You’ve no doubt heard about our new are very thankful for the progress being has predetermined that His people would EDDINGTON airtime opportunities for Beyond Today made in our media department to more become one in Christ.
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