New Sheriff Appointed

This morning at 7:00a.m. we had our Africa Breakfast in the Hard Rock Cafe. Dr. Roland Vaughan, our out-going General Director of World Missions made the announcement to all of our group that Peter and Deborah Thomas are the new Field Directors for West, Central, and Eastern Africa. At that time I presented a very dressy looking ten gallon hat to Peter and also pinned a gold colored "tin star" on his coat which had his name on it. This was intended to show all the leaders in our area that the power has transferred. He is NOW officially carrying the load, so I don't have to wait until high noon on Saturday. In fact I have already begun to send those with questions about the work in Africa to him for their answers. Of course I will miss the interaction and the opportunity to give my input to the work there - but we could have no one more familiar with the COG in Africa than Peter. Jurgen Rudolph, who has been serving as E.A. Regional Supt has moved into the Continental CE Director's slot to follow up on the Educational programs which Peter has initiated in our 33 countries.

West Africa Superintendent David Le Page also is retiring at this Assembly will be succeeded by Ephraim Shawa, who has just completed his Master's Degree at the COG Seminary in Cleveland. Eastern Africa's new Superintendent is to be Bishop Joseph Kagarama, who has been serving til now as the Overseer of Uganda. He is a very loyal and kind person who has always treated me exceptionally well whenever I've visited in his country. Please pray urgently for Bishop Jack Nkandu, the person appointed to serve as Central Africa Regional Superintendent.

Bishop Nkandu, who has been serving as the Central Region's C.E. Director, was on his way to the General Assembly and had stopped to visit a friend in Germany when he started vomiting and spitting up blood in the middle of the night. Had a doctor not been his host it is un-likely he would be alive now. The doctor did a tracheotomy that night to help him breathe. When he was taken to hospital next day for complete tests it was discovered that he has a huge cancerous tumor growing behind his nasal passages and invading the area of his brain and down into his throat. Doctors have induced a coma and also inserted a feeding tube into his stomach so that he can survive while a decision is made as to whether even radical surgery can save him. While doctors do their best, I am asking all of you who may read this to pray fervently for Brother Jack and also pray for his wife, whose name is Peace, to have the strength needed during this ordeal. GOD STILL DOES MIRACLES. We NEED one!