World Missions Presents ‘Circle of Global Impact;’ Recognizes Local Representatives
In a July 28 pre-General Assembly gathering of nearly 1,000 missionaries and supporters, Church of God World Missions leaders announced a new award called the Circle of Global Impact and named veteran missionary Margaret Gaines as the first recipient.
By Bill George
The new award was a highlight of the evening that also featured presentations by World Missions Director Tim Hill and Assistant Director John Childers to the Local Church Missions Representative (LMR) of the Year and to state and local church leaders who strongly support missions efforts.
Margaret Gaines accepts the 'Circle of Global Impact' Award during the recent World Missions gathering at the General Asembly in Orlando, Fla. (click on photo to enlarge)
Gaines, who spent her life until retirement as a missionary, began service in Tunisia, worked a short time in France and the Saar region of Germany, and finally moved to Israel, where she invested many years serving the town of Aboud on the West Bank. She became fluent in the Arabic language. The school and church she established there continues a vibrant ministry today.
The Circle of Global Impact honors an individual whose contribution to the Kingdom transcends the area where he or she works and affects a whole generation and the church broadly. In his tribute, Tim Hill described how Margaret Gaines, through the power of her influence, her speaking, and her writing has had that kind of impact.
The Local Church Missions Representative of the Year Award was presented to Cathy King, LMR for the Azalea Garden Church in Virginia. King received the recognition for working with her pastor, Rodney Vickers, to continue a strong missions program at the local church. The LMR ministry continues to grow, with hundreds of pastors naming staff or laity assistants who become the pastor’s right hand in promoting Great Commission ministry.
Sixteen state administrative bishops, including winners and runners-up in eight categories, were accorded honors. The state winners received prints of a painting by famed artist Mitchell Tolle, commissioned by World Missions for the event. The painting shows an African orphan holding a Fire Bible, one of thousands distributed through the Marcelly’s Dream initiative. More than 40 pastors received awards for excelling in missions donations. The church that gave most was Charlotte Central, led by Pastor Loran Livingston. Garnering the award for the largest amount per capita was Praise Cathedral in Greer, South Carolina, whose pastor is Jerry Madden.
“The Applause That Matters” was the theme of the meeting. Popular gospel artists, the Talleys, and the Voices of Lee, led by Danny Murray, provided music.
