After long years of service and leadership, Dr. Samuel R. C. Justin retired from the office of superintendent during the 82nd annual conference held in Gujarat, India.  At the age of 79, he will continue to serve as pastor of the Pardi Church.  Joel S. Justin, oldest son of Dr. Justin, was elected as the new superintendent.  His brother, Linus, will serve as assistant superintendent.

The Wesleyan Academy in San Juan, Puerto Rico, celebrated 50 years of service on May 26-29, 2006.  The academy was founded by Rev. and Mrs. Robert Crosby.  Nearly 900 students are enrolled at the insitution at the present time.  For more information go to http://www.wesleyanacademy.org.

Reports from Mozambique describe conditions of revival with powerful ministries of evangelism and church planting.  Mozambique has three JESUS Film teams fully functioning in The Welseyan Church.  In the month of May 2006 alone, 35,013 viewed the JESUS Film with an amazing 23,245 responding to the Gospel call.  Much of the new ministry is among villages of the remote northern providences where entire communities are turning to Christ.  Rev. Graca Nhatelo, national superintendent and JESUS Film director, reports many stories of lives transformed and powerful churches emerging.

An earthquake struck the city of Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia, on May 27, 2006, causing massive damage to buildings.  The death toll stands at over 6,000 and as many as 650,000 have been displaced.  World Hope International is partnering with the Wesleyan Bible College in mearby Magelang, which sustained only minor damage, providing emergency shelter for victims.  About one million people live in the affected area.  As many as 200,000 people have been left homeless and are in desperate need of help.  Relief funds may be sent through World Hope International offices in the U.S. (http://www.worldhope.org), Canada (http://www.worldhope.ca), or Australia (http://www.worldhope.org.au/) 

One June 18, 2006, Rev. Levi Iengibe, District Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church in Suriname, and Rick West, Global Partners Area Director for Latin America, particpated in the baptism of eight people in French Guiana.  During the morning worship service, the first Wesleyan church in French Guiana was organized with 26 covenant members.  The Wesleyan Church of Suriname, South America, is partnering and pioneering the Church in French Guiana.  Rev. Petrus Pinus serves as the pastor.

A city-wide intense sports campaign was held in Brno, Czech Republic, June 8-18, 2006.  Student athletes, coaches and support staff from four Wesleyan universities held numerous sports events throughout the city.  The leadership team of The Wesleyan Church and Majak Ministry Center in Czech coordinated on-site details.  It is estimated that 600 people were directly impacted by the events.  Many hear about the love of Christ through personal testimonies and two young people accepted Christ as their Savior.  For more photos and stories, check the website at www.sportovnismrst.com/index_us_su.htm.

The Women’s Ministry of The Wesleyan Church of Colombia held their first National Encounter of Pastors’ Wives of The Wesleyan Church in April 2006.  The primary purpose of the three-day event was to build relationships with each other and with God.  Many woemn testified to what God did in their lives during those days and requested a similar event be planned in the near future.  - France Ruth Morillo, reporter