“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)
God is at it again! The CBC Executive Board met via Zoom on August 5 and received ten new congregations into the CBC family. Four of these are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), four are in Venezuela, one is in Spain, and one is in Malawi, which is a new country for CBC. This increases the total number of CBC congregations worldwide to 206, located in 12 countries, including the USA. The Board also approved two new ministers for licensing and appropriated funds for African leaders to visit their continent’s congregations.
Newly elected Board member, Brother Jonathan Prater, opened in prayer. The Secretary’s minutes and Treasurer’s report were received and approved, and the Board conducted a preliminary evaluation of the Annual Meeting and Worship Conference (AMWC). A more thorough assessment will be completed later once all information is finalized.
Brother Grover Duling shared that he would be leaving on August 6 for a mission trip to Guatemala along with a team of others. As you read this, they are ministering there and helping the Miracle Fishing Congregation celebrate its two year anniversary. Brother Grover will preach on Sunday, and he, along with Brother Walter and Sister Susie Palma, will meet with other Guatemalan congregations that want to learn more about CBC. Pray for God’s blessings on the team’s work and on their safe return on August 13.
The Board also heard of Brother Scott Kinnick’s plans to travel to Panama August 14-19 to visit interested congregations and preach in several churches. In addition, he reported that CBC has received official government approval in Burundi, enabling greater ministry and evangelism, but is still waiting in Tanzania. Two congregations in Uganda have started schools in their church buildings for local children. Brother Scott encouraged continued prayer for our African CBC congregations, especially those in the DRC, and for peace in that country.
Brother George Bowers shared that 46 international congregations were adopted through the Sister-to-Sister program at the AMWC, and more US adoptive churches are needed. With the new additions, sixty-one congregations are now awaiting their adoption papers. All US congregations are encouraged to participate in this prayer initiative by contacting Sister Suzanne Clarke at hsuzanneclarke@yahoo.com to adopt one or more sister congregations.
Materials for Pastoral Ethics Training are being distributed to the CBC regions, which will then conduct classes for their pastors. Pastors who were unable to attend this mandatory training at the AMWC should be in touch with their regional Ministry Training Teams to complete it before December 31, 2025.
An introductory discussion was held regarding deepening CBC’s relationship with Samaritan’s Purse. A revised schedule was also distributed with due dates for each Board member to submit their devotionals for weekly publication. The Board is praying that these are meaningful and encouraging to CBC members.
Church visits and other updates were shared, and future meeting dates were established. Recently elected Board member, Brother Jose Acevedo of Puerto Rico, closed in prayer. God’s presence was felt during the meeting, and we all rejoice at what God is doing in and through the Covenant Brethren Church, and we can’t wait to see what He will do next. To Him be all the glory!
Submitted by George Bowers, Executive Board Secretary
