Gloria a Dios.”




“Gloria a Dios.”
With those three words, history was made at the 79th International General Assembly.
Precisely translated, that is Spanish for “Glory to God!” In actuality, it was Dr. David E. Ramirez’s first response to making history as only the second foreign national and Latino elected to serve as Assistant Director of Church of God World Missions.
“This wonderful church that we belong to has given me every opportunity in my life to do any kind of ministry I felt God was calling me to do,” Dr. Ramirez said. “I feel so humbled because there is no limitation, no matter where you are from or what language you speak, to the doors that God can open for you.”
The World Missions vote came about when sitting Assistant Director Dr. John D. Childers resigned his position to accept an offer from newly nominated General Overseer Gary Lewis to become the new Executive Director of Global Communications for the Church of God.
This came shortly after Brian Yaun was nominated to serve as the next International Youth and Discipleship Director, moving up from the Assistant position after just over three years. Yaun will lead the department after spending most of his ministry life working with youth from South Carolina to Arizona.
“I am here because of the legacy of others,” Yaun said, crediting so many men and women of God who impacted his journey to the top of the Church of God youth department.
History was also made earlier when Bishop Max Reyes was the first Latino nominated to serve as Assistant Director of the International Youth and Discipleship Department, a position that was open when Yaun was voted up to the Director’s position.
The General Council was able to elect 10 of 18 members to the Council of 18: Kevin McGlamery, Angel Marcial E., Scott Sheppard, Bill Lee, Anthony Pelt, Joe Dobbins, Kip Box, Kenneth Hill, R.C. Hugh Nelson and Rick Whitter.
The remaining eight will be voted when the General Council resumes Wednesday morning.

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