Arriving in Cincinnati, Ohio the day before, my wife and I attended the first day of meetings scheduled May 13 for elders serving in the international areas. It was inspiring to see the scope of God’s Work, and the number of nations and nationalities represented.

May 14 was a special Sabbath in the Cincinnati area. Services that day was also put on cybercast, and neighboring congregations came together to attend, joined in by hundreds of UCG elders and wives who already arrived to attend the GCE. The sermon update concerning the Work of God for the past decade was delivered by out-going UCG President, Mr. Roy Holladay. And the challenging sermon on “Zeal” by newly elected UCG President Clyde Kilough was moving. My wife and I had the chance to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Kilough after services, and appreciated the clear trumpet call to all of us.

The first half of the morning session the following day (May 15) was devoted to administrative matters, together with balloting. Included as well was the keynote address by Mr. Kilough. The second half of that morning’s session featured international reports from Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Ghana, Caribbean, and the Far East (which included the Philippines)—the last of which was presented by Mr. David Baker. Following the presentations was a 30-minute Tribute to the Elders and Wives who died during the past year.

The first half of the afternoon session that Sunday (May 15) was devoted to Reports from: Mr. Roy Holladay, as outgoing President; Dr. Tom Kirkpatrick, as Treasurer; Mr. Richard Pinelli, as Ministerial Services Manager; Mr. Peter Eddington, as Media & Communications Services Manager; and finally Mr. Clyde Kilough, in his capacity as Council Chairman. The second half of the afternoon session was devoted to announcing the ballot results, and this was followed by a Q&A with the Council of Elders.

The morning and afternoon sessions that Monday were devoted to eight Workshops: Each elder and wife had the opportunity to attend two in the morning and two in the afternoon for a total of four sessions. The topics were: “Stirring Up Love and Good Works through Friendship” (basically oriented for elders’ wives); “Working With Young Adults”; “Vision for the Generations”; “Communications—a Vital Ingredient for Happy and Successful Marriage”; “Culture Warfare and the Church”; “Extreme Makeover: Computer Edition”; “Parenting Nuts and Bolts”; and “Planning for Retirement.”

While the US Regional Pastors and members of the Council of Elders had more meetings the following day (Tuesday, May 17), we, together with the Siopans headed home to be on time for the start of the United Youth Camp in the Philippines.

The privilege and opportunity of attending the GCE was truly a great blessing from a loving God, and for that we are very thankful. May the challenges and responsibilities expected of us be likewise met and faced with the help of God.