Our annual International Foursquare Convention is always a great chance to catch the heart of our movement and hear what God is speaking and doing in the larger Foursquare family. Of course there is the corporate business, and there is always the special nature of catching up with friends not seen since the previous year.

Held in Washington, DC from May 29 to June 1, an added bonus to this year's Convention for me personally went beyond what was happening during meetings. Having vacationed there in the early 90's, Colleen and I loved the history of DC so much that we had committed to one another to bring our kids, once we had them and they were old enough to understand some of Washington's glory.

This was that year! Convention provided us the chance to bring Colleen and the boys out at its end to spend a few days touring the nation's capital. I decided while there that it's a place I can't get enough of. The history and the majestic architecture and the power that emanates from that place is really quite amazing.

From the White House to the US Capitol to the Memorials (Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam, World War II, Korea and more) to Mount Vernon (George Washington's home) to Arlington National Cemetery (the Tomb of the Unknowns is powerful!). I could go on and on!

The Foursquare Convention always ends on the somewhat sad note of leaving friends with whom you've spent the week crying over disappointments, celebrating over victories and cheering on dreams of the next year. It's a special opportunity; one that I find myself anticipating throughout the year. I always wish that our whole church could experience it together.

Well, I can't imagine what next year will hold! For the first time in Foursquare history, we will experience the true "International" nature of Convention's various locales. Throughout the almost 80 years of Foursquare's lifetime, our "International" (the term used because Foursquare is much larger outside the US) Foursquare Convention has always been held on US soil.

The 2007 International Foursquare Convention is going to be held in Jerusalem, the capital city if Israel! AND, as an added bonus, we will be taking as many of you with us as can make it a priority and will trust the Lord in faith to provide for!

For the last few months, I have been in discussion with Marty Kruse (Pastor of The River) and Stan Wilson (Pastor of Sonrise), both of the other English-speaking Foursquare Churches here in Simi Valley. We are planning a combined Holy Land Tour for our three churches!!

Sometime in early September, I will have the details on length, dates and cost. For now, what we do know is that the dates of the Foursquare Convention will be July 22-25, 2007. We are working on a 10-11 day tour that would have its concluding days spent in Jerusalem to allow for us all to enjoy Convention as well as the experiences of that historic city. Currently, we believe the cost will come somewhere between $2500-2800 per person, including airfare.

The current state of unrest in the Middle East has everyone asking whether or not we'll really be there this time next year. A recent communique released by our President, Jack Hayford, mentioned that the denomination is in constant contact with the US State Department about our Convention and travel safety.

Until we hear otherwise, the plans are moving forward. With a trip of this cost and magnitude, we have to start planning and coordinating now for maximum benefit. So, keep your ears open!

I am also excited to introduce the newest member of our staff! Jenifer Milbauer has already begun training to replace Angie Popp as our Children's Ministries Director. A part of NewHeart since she was in elementary school, Jenifer is a single mom with two kids, Nathaniel and Hannah.

She is just completing five years with Farmers Insurance. Before this opportunity arose, she was already planning to leave there and go to work part-time in order to go back to school and get a degree. Starting mid-August, Jenifer will be in the office Tuesdays through Thursdays. Be sure to welcome her, and to thank Angie, when you get a chance.

Hope you're enjoying your Summer! ...