NORTHWEST REGIONAL CONVENTION

Wow, what can I say. We struggled with a good place to have convention this year. The Lord opened the door for us at a local church here in Yakima. The facilities were perfect in size and quality.

Our convention theme--LET THE CHURCH BE THE CHURCH--'EVANGELISING OUR REGION'

Our convention began on Thursday evening at our local church in Yakima with a sort of camp meeting. Bro. Michael Grant preached a power packed message that inspired us to reach out to souls. We were blessed to have some of our Montana people in attendance with us on Thursday night.

On Friday morning, the convention convened at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. It was quite a different atmosphere. But, we soon adjusted to the formal feeling in the sanctuary and made it a Church of God convention. Sister Diana Barker boosted our Sunday School with a dramatization on how to teach to different age groups the same message using the story of Noah and the Ark... very thought provoking. She encouraged us to use our Literature as a guide, but, to research and expand the idea/thought of the lesson.

Sister Brenda Bell preached a wonderful message on Friday morning-'Doing things God's way--He is the Head of the Church.' The Holy Ghost was present with her and blessed the entire convention with words from on high.

We had a wonderful luncheon. The facilities were perfect to promote an atmosphere of fellowship and communion. The church members and friends at Yakima did an outstanding job with the lunches on Fri and Sat.

Sat afternoon we had some camp boost, retreat boost and our WMB program. Over $200 was received for our Assembly mission offering.

The pastors and regional finance committee and the camp committee met during the evening break. Much was accomplished during these meetings. There was a spirit of unity among all that participated in the meetings.

Friday evening was an evangelism program directed by Bro Ron Barker. The Holy Ghost fell among us and shared a message with us that He would teach us to Love one another. Bro. McMahon preached the evening service message and the Lord blessed his with a great anointing.

Saturday was our BTI, VLB, ABM and Camp Boost. We were blessed during one portion of the service with an overdue Church of God march. It has been some time since most of our folks have been in an ole-time march.

We had another time of fellowship for lunch. We are ever thankful for the facilities which made this possible.

Bro McMahon boosted a Regional Evangelism Fund to help get evangelist to come to our region, or even support one of our own regional ministers to be able to go and Evangelize our Region. The Lord blessed us with offerings and pledges of over $2200 to help start this work. We are thankful. Our churches are small in number, but, we are mighty in the power of God. He is helping us in the work.

We had a total attendance of 68. Every church was represented well. We are believing and initiating the 'Go Ye' commission the Lord has given us.