Care administrator Donnie Smith prays over conference delegates.
Church of God leaders recently gathered in Toronto, Ontario for the 2010 Canadian Conference on Care.
The Administrative Bishop of Eastern Canada, Dr. Daniel Vassell, welcomed Dr. Donnie Smith, Executive Administrator of the Division of Care, and other representatives from the Care Division. The host church Covenant of Promises Ministries Church of God was filled with pastors and local ministry leaders from throughout eastern Canada.
Dr. Smith led the presentations of the various Care Ministries represented: Operation Compassion, David Lorency; Chaplain’s Commission, Dr. Jake Popejoy; Ministerial Care, Dr. Bill Leonard; Ministerial Care Hispanic Coordinator, Dr. Esdras Betencourt; Church of God Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, Dr. John Sweet; along with leading care ministry partners Rev. Keith Maxwell, Dr. Hugh Nelson, and Administrative Bishop of the Virgin Islands Ishmael Charles.
The special guest of the conference was Assistant General Overseer Dr. David Griffis. Dr. Griffis set the foundation for the conference through his message, “Benevolent Care As Revealed in the Old Testament Context.” Dr. Griffis revealed the heart our God who is intricately involved in Care Ministry and challenges those who will follow him to Care throughout the Bible. “Why do we feed and clothe the hungry and poor, because the Bible says so. Why do we comfort the grieving and hurting, because the Bible says so. Why do we relieve the suffering, because the Bible says so. Why do we care for the widow and orphan in their affliction, because the Bible says so. “ Dr. Griffis set forth a solid scriptural base for the remaining conference speakers.
Each presenter shared ways to be involved in benevolent ministry in their local church, community, nation and internationally. Highlighting the place of Care Ministry in the Missional Mandate. The final service included a challenge from Dr. Smith and Dr. Vassel and a commissioning prayer.
Dr. Vassell, Steering Committee Chairman, Christian Sandru, and other conference staff are to be commended for the vision and hard work that has gone into making this conference a reality.