September 2011 In this issue District Camp Meeting Alive District Camp Meeting Alive in Contemporary Culture, 1 in Contemporary Culture Connect with Missions By Carl Stagner through Living Link, 2 eggies, chicken, soy, rice!” The Robert Brown, co-coordinator of youth Three New Efforts Extend Church of God Curriculum, 3 race to pack five thousand meals to activities for the camp meeting, said, “They combat hunger was on. Their chant end up seeing that twenty-seven cents can An Eternal Investment, 4 Vkept everybody focused on the goal as they do so much…that they can do something to Celebrating a Legacy, 5 poured their heart and energy into the mis- help others.” Brown recognizes the emphasis 2012 Faith Promise sions project. This was no ordinary church this service project had on the Great Com- Resources Available, 6 gathering. It was more than an opportunity mandments. “Our neighbor is everybody,” he Matters for Ministers and for personal and corporate revival. The 92nd continued. “They don’t choose to be born in Churches, 7 Southwest District Church of God Camp Nicaragua, but they’re there. We need to love Changes, Changes, and More Meeting in Mountain Grove, Missouri, was them as our neighbor too.” Changes, 8 about reaching out and carrying out the Great A service project was on the camp meet- PandaMania Goes Beyond the Local Church, 9 Commission. ing schedule because of the recognized need For campers gathered in Mountain Grove, to practice what is preached. “We need to For Leaven’s Sake, 11 the family of God coming together must be involved in something bigger than us.” be more than a reunion. Campers not only Brown explained. “We need to see that we celebrated the love of Christ, but they also have so much in America and that we have Subscribe demonstrated that love. Thus, a service the responsibility to share with others.” To subscribe to this project was a component of the weeklong Even the youth were amazed by the experi- e-newsletter, please go to meeting. ence. “Honestly, I thought it wouldn’t be as www.chog.org/chognews. much fun, but it was!” Sarah Rupert explained. Your news “And I was happy to help those in need.” To submit news items Mason Brown packed the meals into boxes regarding your church, at the end of the assembly line during the proj- district, state/regional ect. He said, “We’re helping people, and we’re assembly, or organization for not looking for any reward from it, but they’re possible use in CHOGnews, send an e-mail still receiving the blessing. Jesus wasn’t look- to [email protected] ing for recognition, and neither are we.” along with a short The project was slated to conclude as the summary, including contact youth surpassed their goal—5,400 meals information. packed. But the spirit of service was con- tagious, and the adults were compelled to For the most participate. Following the lunch break that up-to-date news, day, the adults gathered together for an go to www.chog.org unscheduled service project and upped the number of meals packed to a total of 10,308!

Ty Brooks preparing meals for missions continued on page 10

CHOGnews 1 September 2011 Connect with Missions through Living Link: One Congregation’s Perspective By Thomas Dougherty

Don and Caroline Armstrong

Kelli and Ben Shular with their children ur church counts it a privilege the Living Link program lets us know and honor to support those of the needs in the Church of God and who have followed the call- how we can help meet those needs. It Oing of God to the mission field. The also gives us the capacity to not just sup- Living Link program has been a valu- port our missionaries monetarily but to able resource to us and so many other be involved in their lives and ministries. churches. The program gives us an Don and Caroline Armstrong were opportunity to add daily to the kingdom involved in Tanzania for sixteen years, Abby Smith of heaven through the lives that our developing a terrific mission that was tinue to support them in this endeavor. missionaries have touched for Christ. changing lives and developing lead- We now also support Ben and Kelli In Samuel’s farewell address in 1 ers in the Church of God in Tanzania. Shular in Tanzania. They have visited Samuel 12:24, he says, “Be sure to fear They came to our church on furloughs us, and our church has built a relation- the Lord and serve him faithfully with and shared with our congregation. ship with them. Recently, we took on all your heart” (niv). As a church, we The excitement was so high about Abby Smith in Colombia, and she flew have the opportunity to serve beyond what God was doing that we went on all the way to Boise to spend time with the walls of our church and our com- a mission trip to Tanzania. Those who us. Our people love her, and they are munity, to go into the world, by being went understood the concept of being excited about her work in Colombia. involved in our missionaries’ lives. The transformed by serving. When the Arm- Our church not only has been trans- more we as a church have reached out, strongs felt called to leave Tanzania and formed by serving but also transformed the more we have been blessed. We spend some time in the States, we were by giving. I found out a long time ago currently sponsor more than twenty fortunate to bring them on staff at our that you cannot outgive God. He pours missionaries and projects—nationally, church because of our connection with his blessings out through those who locally, and wherever God leads us. them. They committed two years to have faith and believe that our giving I believe God wants us to be trans- the church, but blessed us with five, and is not in vain but is a powerful way to formed to serve. Churches serve in then followed God’s call to Asia. They support the cause of Christ worldwide. many different kinds of capacities, but are now living in Thailand, and we con- continued on page 3 CHOGnews 2 September 2011 Three New Efforts Extend Church of God Curriculum

hurch of God Ministries (CGM) month. This allows churches to establish The standing-order program is cur- launches three initiatives this a curriculum order that’s filled automati- rently available to any congregation in month to make its Bridges cally each quarter. Such standing orders the United States. For details about the CSunday school curriculum more widely ship first to assure timely delivery, and standing-order program, call a Warner available. any church with a standing order that Press sales representative at 800-741-7721. For the first time, adult Third, CGM has Bridges material is available licensed publication in large-print format as well rights for Bridges to as the traditional digest size. the Church of God in This makes it accessible to Jamaica. This allows the people with vision impair- Jamaican church office ments and special reading to reproduce all Bridges needs. To order the new components for resale to large-print curriculum, visit congregations through- the Warner Press website at out the island nation. www.warnerpress.org. Bridges Dr. David Gosse, Jamai- “The adult student’s Curriculum ca’s national Christian book is the most widely education director, nego- circulated publication of the church, totals $50 or more receives free shipping tiated the agreement to reduce shipping with more than twenty thousand copies within the United States. expenses and avoid the unfavorable distributed each quarter,” says Rev. Joe “Many customers asked us for a currency exchange. Allison, CGM coordinator of publishing. standing-order program,” Allison said. Allison believes the agreement could “We believe the large-print format will “Thanks go to Warner Press president become a model for Church of God increase its outreach even further.” Eric King and his sales team, who tested congregations elsewhere. If so, it would Second, Church of God publishing and launched it along with several other further expand the distribution of house Warner Press, Inc., begins a cur- improvements in our distribution system Bridges outside the United States. riculum standing-order program this this year.” Living Link continued from 2 We all have choices to make in our lives and in our churches, but the great- est choice that one can make is choosing to make a difference in as many lives as possible. The Living Link program gives us that opportunity and opens the flood gates of heaven for us to invest our prayers, our income, and our time into the lives of so many people. I pray God will motivate all of us to serve in the greatest way that we can.

Thomas Dougherty is the senior pastor of the Cloverdale Church of God, Boise, Idaho. CHOGnews 3 September 2011 An Eternal Investment: Church of God Ministerial Students By Carl Stagner

ogether our gifts can make a difference for the future of the Church of God. Together our Tgifts can accomplish more.” The sen- timent of Margaret Dunn is clear—in order to accomplish more, we must work together. A minister in Texas, Margaret is living out her faith by her commitment to support future Church of God leaders. Her support—combined with your support—is making a differ- ence and accomplishing more for the kingdom of God. Margaret first heard about the Church of God when she began working with the Anderson University School of Theology as she pursued a doctor- ate in education. God later called her to teach Christian education at Bay Ridge Christian College in Kendleton, Texas. Eventually, she became involved with the Southeast Texas District Assembly Margaret Dunn of the Church of God. In 1996, she was ordained. She served as a member of the for ministerial students at the Church of along to the next generation the same Teachers are Great workshop team, led God endorsed colleges and universities. blessings that she received. by Dr. Joe Cookston and the Board of “My life mission statement is that I “I want my legacy to be that I served Christian Education of the Church of want to help others discover and imple- to equip and empower pastors and lead- God. More recently, she has served on ment their spiritual and leadership ers for the church today and into the the Business and Leadership Resource giftedness to serve God’s church,” Mar- future,” she states. “These leaders were Committee, as well as on planning garet explains. “That is what I believe is equipped spiritually, emotionally, aca- committees for the Wesleyan Holiness at the heart of the four Church of God demically, and relationally to serve the Clergy Women’s conference, Come to schools. I received scholarships when a Church of God as they equip others to the Water. Margaret has poured her student and know how helpful that was serve and lead in the church. I also want heart into the work of the Church of to me. I want to help others become someone to say that my teaching helped God. equipped to serve God’s church and to them to know Jesus or that my teaching So it was no surprise when she devel- continue to help others discover their helped them grow in their knowledge oped her last will and testament that she spiritual and leadership giftedness to of him!” chose to designate a portion of her estate serve God’s church.” To learn how you can make an to the kingdom work of the Church of There is very little more important eternal investment in the Church of God. Through the Church of God Foun- to Margaret than Christian education. God, please contact the Church of God dation, Margaret has provided that 10 She has been an educator all her life so Foundation at 877-549-4438 or info@ percent of her estate be set aside as a that others may teach the truth about chogfoundation.org to discuss the charitable gift to support scholarships God and the church. She desires to pass possibilities.

CHOGnews 4 September 2011 Celebrating a Legacy: Gardner College By Ken Wiedrick campus a hardship, and have called The assignment of the transition team, for extraordinary measures to be on the other hand, is to research lead- put in place. The board of trustees ership development options for the of Gardner College wishes to inform church within the parameters of the you of several significant decisions charter held by Gardner College. For that were made on Monday, June the immediate future, the transition 20, 2011, regarding the future of the team is researching what restrictions college: the provincial government will place on the charter given Gardner’s decision not 1. Gardner College will not open in to open in the fall and whether or not ardner College, freestanding September of this year. the charter must remain with the entity ministry organization in the continued on page 9 Church of God, is undergoing 2. The existing properties of the Ga time of transition. During this period, college—the main campus, Kids’ the Church of God in Western Canada Campus, and Hildebrand Hall—will celebrates the legacy of Gardner College be listed for sale in order to pay down as it looks toward what God has in store debt. for the future. In a letter mailed out to the pastors of 3. A“Transition Team,” consisting of the Church of God in Western Canada Ken Wiedrick, Michael Blackmer, on June 22, Chairperson Mike Berg two members of the present board of writes: trustees of Gardner College, and two other members at large (still to be Gardner College, in its various forms named), has been created to envision over the decades, has striven to fulfill how to best steward the provincial the mission of training and equipping charter granted to Gardner College. Christian lead- The transitional ers, whether team has been asked pastors or to submit a plan to lay-leaders. Its both the board of heritage has trustees of Gardner been filled with the richness God College and the board of directors has provided in the form of Truth, of the Church of God in Western Service, and Christian Fellowship. Canada for their approval. We are thankful for every individu- al, whether staff, faculty, student, or The transition team, now formed, supporter, who has shared his or her is composed of Michael Blackmer, passion, time, prayers, and finances Mike Berg, Rosemary Krushel, Hilda in order to make the college ministry Nauenburg, Ben Chandler, Egbert run. Without you it could not have Lubek and Ken Wiedrick. The team been possible. met at Deer Valley Meadows on July 16 to begin their work. Considerable Circumstances over the years have, time was given to orient members of however, taken their toll on the the transition team to the scope and viability of the college. Declining purpose of the team. It is important to enrollment, fewer funds, economic note that the board of trustees of Gard- downturns, and growing debt have ner College remains active and will contributed to financial crises that continue to make decisions regarding make the running of the Gardner the sale and disposal of the property. CHOGnews 5 September 2011 2012 Faith Promise Missions Resources By Dewayne Repass

e are excited that you, • Two flyers that can be used as bul- be sure your leaders see the 70 70 70 as part of our family of letin inserts or handouts. One has challenge. It gives a purposeful and churches, are a part of a a stewardship emphasis; the other, intentional focus in faith promise and Wunited effort that reaches out for Christ a faith promise emphasis. missions. at home and around the world through • A commitment card You can download an order form our Church of God family. As you pre- on the website to ensure timely deliv- pare faith promise and other missions In addition, if you visit our website, ery of your stewardship materials. You emphasis events, we want to help with www.chog.org, you can download even may also order materials by sending some outstanding resources. more materials, all free: an e-mail to [email protected]. For assis- Our new theme, “Trusting God— tance with your order, feel free to call Touching Lives,” reflects your • An announcement slide that you Roz Hency in the Stewardship Ministry opportunity to make a significant dif- can personalize for your own Group (800-848-2464 or 765-648-2177). ference in lives around the globe with campaign Together we are involved in amazing your mission dollars. Together, we all • Letterhead and envelope works around the world. Our Church of join in a united effort to do more than templates God missionaries count on your partner- we could ever accomplish by ourselves. • Bulletin template ship to continue their work and expand The faith promise missions resources ministry. In addition, many lives our available for ordering this year include: Click “Stewardship” on the top menu being touched by projects and minis- and then on “Faith Promise Materi- tries. We are family; we are united. Join • Trusting God—Touching Lives als.” In the same Faith Promise section, us in this great event! poster CHOGnews 6 September 2011 Matters for Ministers and Churches

our ministry is a critical com- ponent of advancing God’s Kingdom. Thank you for the Ygreat effort that you put forth. In order to serve you through helpful reminders, please take a moment to look over the information below.

Have you registered for 2012? Annual registration with Church of God Ministries provides updated information publishable in the 2012 Yearbook of the Church of God. It is an expression of con- nectivity with the Church of God. The ministerial licenses are granted for a chog.org or calling 800-848-2464, ext. minister’s registration, although often limited period of time, typically one to 2170. completed by a church, is separate from three years. An expiration date should the church registration. The clergy ID appear on the certificate. Registering Need an ecclesiastical endorsement as card is a benefit of registration. Cards with Church of God Ministries does not a chaplain? are typically mailed to registered min- constitute renewal. You should contact David Erb serves as liaison and ecclesias- isters in late December or early January. the credentials chairperson in your area tical endorser for military and Veterans Register online at www.chog.org/AnnualReg for renewal procedures. Affairs chaplains. Send requests with by September 19. detailed contact information to DErb@ Looking for open ministry positions? chog.org. Ryan Chapman serves as Has your church registered for 2012? Church of God Ministries provides liaison and ecclesiastical endorser for To be covered in the group exemption of an interactive website designed spe- institutional chaplains. Send requests Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue cifically to assist ministers seeking with detailed contact information to Service and under the General Assem- vocational ministry opportunities and [email protected]. bly of the Church of God, churches must churches with open positions. To set up register annually with Church of God an account and build a complete profile, The Credentials Services office of Ministries, have an Employer Identifi- visit www.chogministryconnector.com. Church of God Ministries provides cation Number (EIN), and be approved For assistance, contact Joyce Hazen at a variety of services to ministers and annually by their state office and/or [email protected] or call 800-848-2464, churches working in conjunction with assembly. To receive a verification let- ext. 2109. the Church of God office in your area. ter confirming your church’s 501(c)3 nonprofit status, contact Joyce Hazen at Moving? Questions? [email protected] or call 800-848-2464, Your credentials file is retained by the For questions about credentials or the ext. 2109. Register online at www.chog.org/ credentials committee in your area. Ministry Connector website, contact: AnnualReg by September 19. When moving to a location outside your current district/state/region, Credentials Services Have you provided your current please submit a written request to 800-848-2464, ext. 2109 e-mail address? your current credentials chairperson [email protected] Providing a current e-mail address asking for a transfer of your creden- allows us to provide you with timely tials to your new assembly. Contact For questions about registration status information in an efficient manner while information for both is found in the or assistance, contact: being good stewards of our resources. 2011 Yearbook of the Church of God. Please also inform Data Services at Data Services, Customer Service Need to renew your license? Church of God Ministries of your new 800-848-2464, ext. 2170 Commissioning certificates and/or address by writing to dataservices@ [email protected]

CHOGnews 7 September 2011 Changes, Changes, and More Changes By Julie Nance here’s an old saying in Indiana The Social Security tax change can requirement would have created a vir- that if you don’t like the weath- be more confusing for pastors paying tual nightmare for churches (as well as er, wait fifteen minutes and SECA tax because conflicting informa- all businesses) to obtain all the employer Tit will change. It seems that the same tion is being distributed. However, the identification numbers for all entities could be said of Congressional deci- IRS website states: with whom they transacted business. sions and IRS changes. Let’s take a look Congress has been trying to get this at some of the most recent changes. The 2010 Tax Relief Act reduced ruling repealed since its passage. They the self-employment tax by 2% for have tried attaching the repeal to leg- Social Security Tax Reduction self-employment income earned in islation that failed passage. But finally, To help offset the stress of the economy calendar year 2011. The self-employ- in early April 2011, the repeal finally and to put a little more in the taxpayer’s ment tax rate for self-employment made it to President Obama’s desk for pocket, Congress initiated the Making income earned in calendar year 2011 signature. Work Pay Credit for tax years 2009 and is 13.3% (10.4% for Social Security and The repeal does not mean that 2010. This refundable (puts money in 2.9% for Medicare).1 churches are relieved of the respon- your pocket) credit is the lesser of 6.2 sibility to file a Form 1099-MISC for percent of an individual’s earned income Therefore, for 2011, pastors should those independent contractors (musical or $400 if filing as single or $800 if filing pay 13.3 percent SECA tax on their groups, evangelists, interim pastors, married-filing-jointly. ministerial income. Ministerial income janitorial services, lawn care services, During the eleventh-hour tax chang- is defined as ministerial salary, housing etc.) to whom they pay $600 or more es that occurred in December 2010, allowance, and ministerial honorariums throughout the year. The repeal means this credit was not extended for 2011. minus expenses. that the original rules for filing Form Instead, Congress passed a ruling that 1099-MISC remain intact. reduced the taxpayer’s Social Security Form 1099-MISC Reporting withholding tax from 7.65 percent to 5.65 When the Worker, Homeownership, More Changes to Come percent. All withholding tables changed and Business Assistance Act (WHBAA) It appears that 2011 will be filled with on January 1, 2011. However, churches of 2009 was signed into law on Novem- many more changes, so keep an eye out and pastors do not ber 6, 2009, it contained for future articles containing informa- fully understand a passage that stated tion as to how these changes will impact how this change beginning on January the church. affects them. 1, 2012, all businesses For the church, would be required to Dr. Julie A. Nance serves as executive edi- this change means send Form 1099-MISC tor for ABC’s of Church Management. She that they reduce to all those (incorporat- has been providing the church with expert the nonministerial ed and not incorporated) council on issues relating to church admin- staff Social Security with whom they paid istration for more than thirteen years. If you tax withholding to 5.65 percent, but the $600 or more. This would mean church- need assistance with creating an appropri- church’s portion remains 7.65 percent. es would have to send a Form 1099-MISC ate housing/parsonage allowance resolutions The church should make sure that they to businesses such as Office Depot, the or completing of year-end documents, please are using the withholding tables in IRS church’s attorney, the church’s CPA, etc, contact Julie at revdrjules9093@insightbb. 2011 Publication 15. This publication that is, unless they paid for these expens- com or 812-945-3741. can be downloaded at www.irs.gov. es on the church’s credit card (credit It also contains examples for proper card companies are now required to 1.http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/ withholding. report all transactions to the IRS). This article/0,,id=98846,00.html CHOGnews 8 September 2011 Gardner College PandaMania Goes Beyond continued from 5 presently known as Gardner College in the Local Church By Johnny Creasong order to remain active. The transition team is committed to he Pekin First Church of God the finale of PandaMania, the grand giving you regular updates regarding closed its vacation Bible school, announcement was made. The children our progress. You can look for regular PandaMania, with the culmi- of the church, along with their parents, updates in The Gospel Contact. In addi- Tnation of a summer-long project. The grandparents, and others had far sur- tion, the Western Canadian executive children’s ministry of the church has passed the goal of 200. The thermometer office will provide monthly e-mail been promoting a toy drive for the held by a giant panda bear showed a updates to pastors in the Church of God patients of the Children’s Hospital of total of 318 toys for the children of St. in Western Canada. Illinois in Peoria. A goal was set for 200 Jude! By Sunday, August 7, more than Please be praying for the transition toys to be delivered to the hospital fol- 400 toys had found their way into the team as they discern what God has in lowing PandaMania. The concept was Panda box! store for the church going forward. birthed in the heart of Jessica Creasong, When the toys were delivered to the children’s ministry intern, and things Children’s Hospital, a representative did not look too promising for the chil- of St. Jude’s asked if a fire engine was dren as PandaMania was beginning. among the toys. A certain patient had “We had only sixty toys and books at requested one or a visit from a fireman. the beginning of the week!” explained A quick search uncovered a fireman Miss Jessica (as the children called her). uniform, which had been purchased for This tenderhearted college junior from a PandaMania skit and contributed to Mid-America Christian University in the cause. Not only was there an over- Oklahoma City dreamed of impact- whelming display of love and concern ing the children in a big way, and sixty from the children, many giving their toys would not bring smiles to very own gently used toys, but also from the many children. Jessica was touched by parents and workers who served in the the need while visiting Carson LaD- vacation Bible school. age at the Children’s Hospital early in For more information about the the internship. She returned from that children’s ministry of the Pekin visit determined to find a way to help. First Church of God, please contact A simple call to the hospital and the toy Pastor Johnny at Pekin First Church drive was initiated. of God, 309-347-4990, or via e-mail Friday evening, August 5, during at [email protected].

CHOGnews 9 September 2011 District Camp continued from 1

At the Mountain Grove camp meet- ing, young and old harmoniously participated in most activities together, from sports to worship. There were no divisions in spirit based on age, background, culture, or even favorite baseball team! The community took notice. Dur- ing daily softball games, kids from the neighborhood were intrigued by the activity and were invited to put on a glove and participate. Early in the camp meeting, a kid from the community was attracted by the multitude of people sud- denly gathered on the campground and began to inquire as to the reason for the gathering. He began attending worship services, and campers welcomed him to stay on the grounds and participate in the youth activities! Near the end of the camp meeting, he expressed thanks to several individuals who had reached out to him. “I just want to thank you for all you guys have meant to me. I’m coming back, and I’m gonna come to the church here. I mean, being here has changed my life already. Thank you so much.” In a culture that increasingly consid- ers camp meetings as relics of the past, God is still using the Southwest District Church of God Camp Meeting in Mis- souri for glorious life change.

As an expression of God’s love, the had challenged them to grow in Christ CHOG Factoid meals will feed the hungry so that the and carry out the Great Commission, hungry can ultimately be fed by the healed them from a spiritual illness, good news. The theme of this year’s provided new direction for ministry, or camp meeting at Mountain Grove was, called them into ministry. One youth More than “The Church Alive.” Jeannette Flynn, of stood up to report that this camp meet- Florida Church of God Ministries, was ing experience confirmed in his heart 6,500 the speaker. Each morning and eve- that he is called to full-time ministry. students are now ning, God gave Jeannette powerful and Another youth reported how God is stir- relevant messages to deliver that empha- ring in her heart a desire to get involved enrolled sized the Great Commission and yielded in missions. A senior explained how life change among those in attendance. God revealed a new ministry for her at Church of God Though sharing testimonies may to pursue despite her age. Even those seem like a practice of a bygone era, on who listened to the stories were moved endorsed colleges the final night of this camp meeting, by the Spirit of God at work during the and universities. individuals stood up to share how God camp meeting. CHOGnews 10 September 2011 An Invisible

Means of Support ^ By Sam Collins “If it rains any more, we’ll have to rename our church he whirlwinds of life do not you might think it more logical for Jesus the “Floating Bethel.’” seem to have the same effect on to be the one with a white-knuckled grip ©2011 Kevin Spear www.kevinspear.com everyone. How is it that some on a jumbo bottle of Maalox. [email protected] Tpeople can stand in the midst of a maxi- Why was Jesus able to remain so mum-strength emotional hurricane and composed while all those around him barely get their eyebrows ruffled? Oth- were behaving as though a first-century ers are knocked head-over-heels into edition of the Titanic was about to go the next county if a baby bird of a crisis down? They saw the circumstances and sneezes in their direction. panicked; Jesus put his trust in one who STOP Jesus reacted to the tumults of human could not be seen and drew courage. existence in a way that set him apart People today tend to base their secu- WAITING from most individuals around him. rity on seemingly tangible factors: jobs, While others were apt to work them- prestigious titles, talents, possessions, START selves into a gizzard-quivering tizzy, his bank accounts, the favorable opinion of soul remained serene and steady. this or that group. These may all appear ACTING You may recall that the Lord once sufficient so long as there are no bumps went out on a little boat ride with the or ripples. Twelve. While everyone was apply- When life gets rocky or the earth Degree programs ing their sunscreen and sipping cans of beneath our feet begins to roll, however, designed specifically lemon-flavored iced tea, a storm blew up. we often discover that these things offer for adults Note the stark contrast in reactions. about as much comfort and security as a The disciples scrambled about the craft gossamer safety net lined with porcupine looking for floatation cushions and wish- quills. We need to realize that, like Jesus, On Campus or Online ing cell phones had been invented so they what we really need is God—a reliable could call their attorneys and update but invisible means of support. their wills. Jesus took a nap. After the disciples had awakened The views expressed in this column are not him—and he had given the wind and necessarily those of Church of God Ministries waves a verbal sedative—Jesus seemed a or, at points, even the writer, but are written little annoyed that his siesta had been dis- with tongue firmly planted in cheek to hope- turbed. With just a trace of impatience fully provoke a leavening bit of laughter and he demanded, “Where is your faith?” a smidgen of thought. (Luke 8:25). The calm exhibited by the Lord had little to do with his nautical knowledge or weather forecasting abilities. In fact, since some of his followers were experi- adults.macu.edu enced fishermen (guys who had probably survived a squall or two in their time), CHOGnews 11 September 2011