December 2000 News Archive

Burbank, Calif. Paul Baird, pastor of Victory Celebration Center in Burbank, Calif., was rappelling on some cliffs outside the city when he lost control of the brake rope. He plummeted 85-100 feet. People watching said he bounced three times when he hit the rocks below.

Fortunately, he landed on the left side of his back; any other way, and he might have been paralyzed or killed. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he spent four days. He sustained a minor concussion (he doesn’t remember hitting the ground). The attending trauma room surgeon reported that he broke six ribs and had a fractured shoulder blade.

But a week later, new x-rays revealed only two fractured ribs. Not six. What happened?

Paul says, "Now, you can say God healed me quickly--or that I fell 85 feet and only fractured two ribs. Take your pick--either one is a miracle to me."

Clarksburg, W. Va. Living Water Church in Clarksburg held its first public service on Sunday night, October 1. About 50 people attended in the rented school auditorium. This was the first of several monthly "preview" services designed to give people a taste of the church’s style and, according to Pastor Chris Mullet, "Give us a chance to work out the bugs." They plan to begin Sunday morning services in early 2001.

Living Water is one of three new churches underway in Mid-Atlantic Conference. Mullet says, "A group of people from the conference began praying for a new church in Clarksburg about five years ago. In July, we began meeting each Sunday night to study, pray, worship, and fellowship."

Beginning October 18, the congregation began, via satellite, live leadership training broadcasts. John Maxwell, C. Peter Wagner, Lee Strobel, and other top Christian leaders will bring seminars on topics like evangelism, prayer, worship, youth ministry, and leadership every month. Says Mullet, "Our desire is to offer training programs locally that will open up opportunities for pastors who can’t afford the cost and time involved in traveling to high-quality conferences out of our area."

Oakland, Md. Underwood UB of Oakland held a rededication of the church building on October 1, the 125th anniversary of the building’s construction. A circuit-riding preacher named I. M. Underwood founded the church, which was then part of an eleven-church circuit. The original structure, dedicated in 1875, was replaced with the current building in 1937. Pictured (l-r): Superintendent Michael Mudge, Underwood pastor David Kisamore, district leader Mike Dean, and Superintendent Anthony Blair.