The CBC Executive Board met on September 9 by Zoom and transacted several items of important business. After inviting God’s direction and blessing in the opening prayer, they approved the Secretary’s minutes and Treasurer’s report. Paperwork was finalized to transition the Treasurer’s duties to Brother Carl Brubaker as Brother Fred Shank steps down.
The approval of new congregations and ministers is always the highlight of each meeting and this month three congregations from the Democratic Republic of Congo were welcomed unanimously by the Board. These include Mont Jinai, Bonde la Amani, and Maji ya Uzima. These are all new church plants by our brothers and sisters in that country and brings the total number of CBC Congregations to 150 in less than four years! To God be the glory! We also welcomed one newly ordained minister.
The Board also approved a Property Claims Document and heard updates regarding plans for next July’s Annual Meeting and Worship Conference as well as the status of the CBC Ministry Training Plan.
Brother Scott Kinnick shared an exciting report from his recent trip to Columbia, South America with Samaritan’s Purse. While there, he got to see firsthand how this ministry is helping people not only from Columbia but many from impoverished Venezuela who are coming over the border for assistance. In addition to sharing The Greatest Journey, Samaritans Purse is helping churches with whatever their needs are, running two health clinics, operating five feeding centers, and helping women know how to protect themselves from sex trafficking, health issues, and more. After hearing the report, the Board unanimously approved a $4,000 gift for the Columbia Project of Samaritan’s Purse.
Brother Scott also shared updates on our African CBC congregations. Those in the Democratic Republic of Congo have submitted the required paperwork and are now waiting for government approval to stay open. But Rwanda is a different story. Please pray for favor in that country as the government is requiring many unreasonable changes that most churches cannot afford or accomplish. The Board also approved a gift of $350 to supplement money already raised by the Tanzanian CBC congregations who are planning a Regional Conference. CBC continues to receive inquiries from congregations in Africa and elsewhere. Pray for the Executive Board to have wisdom and discernment in these cases.
Brothers Grover Duling and Scott Kinnick also shared an exciting report on their recent trip to The Dominican Republic. They met with several congregations as well as with Haitians who are working in the DR. They also purchased and distributed Bibles to individuals from both countries and they got to participate in the dedication of a new church building. They were very thankful to recently ordained Brother Gustavo Linde for hosting and for Brother Jose Otero from Puerto Rico for translating.
The Executive Board also approved the distribution at no cost of the newly published CBC Deacon manuals to all congregations that request them. Congregations will be asked to send the number requested to Sister Christy Cosner.
The members of the Board shared about their recent visits to inquiring congregations and any updates they were aware of. Brother Fred Shank closed the meeting in prayer thanking God for his love, mercy, grace and salvation. He lifted up prayers for our African brothers and sisters before concluding the meeting. Thank you for your continued prayers for your Executive Board!
Submitted by George Bowers, Secretary
