Greetings,
Following the ministerial meeting last Sunday, Cliff Veal “penned” the following report:
“On the 6th of July the Advisory Council of Elders along with a few others and wives gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Arcadia, California for a one day informal conference to discuss topics relevant to the operation and direction of God’s Church. Concerning how to proceed, we were all in agreement that we need to contextualize the thrust of the messages and writings of the Church — the context being God’s restoration of His creation and His desire for a personal relationship with all mankind, which includes, quite importantly, our individual reconciliation with our Father. The importance of realizing “where God is leading us” resonated strongly with all present. The atmosphere was one of cooperation: listening, contributing, learning from one another. There was an openness that has not exactly been a hallmark of recent years. Various ideas were brought up and discussed. It was really quite refreshing!
A wide variety of subjects were covered. In the morning session the main topic was the preaching of the gospel and how we can best accomplish that. Plans were begun for a second web site, which will be a more public oriented medium for our message. This project will take a while to go public, as we must first populate the site with appropriate material. The furtherance and improvement of the existing “Father’s Call” site was also talked about at length. Ways to better leverage the content of articles and sermons already on the site as well as future material were items of discussion.
Other areas dealt with included Feast of Tabernacles’ manpower, including speaking opportunities and scheduling. Festival assistance was reviewed and plans made to insure that all who needed assistance could be helped.
The present care of the flocks and scattered brethren also came to the fore and it was decided that, as need arises and probably on a regular basis, pastors and other elders would travel to some of the scattered pockets of brethren where there is no elder in order to help give them encouragement, reinforce their faith and give them an opportunity to interact with the ministry face to face.
The talks and discussions at this conference in many ways were “beginning thoughts”. A great deal of hard work will need to be added. In the coming months we will maintain the momentum with telephone conferences to review progress and forge forward. Your prayers for God’s continued direction and support are necessary. This is and continues to be a work of faith.”
The underlying feeling that we all have is that we are being led in a definite path. This is God’s work and He is leading us into a strengthened relationship with Him. It has been the right thing not to rush into implementing programs that we might feel are the way forward. God leads us by allowing understanding to form in our Spirit led minds over time. Even though we may be familiar with certain words and concepts, we are seeing that our understanding in the past has fallen short of where God’s mind is. A work of faith requires strength of conviction and patience as the Father reveals His will to each of us. Be assured that a work is being done and we are moving forward. It is as though God is planting mustard seeds at the moment. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds, but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that birds of the air come and nest in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32)
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
