Yesterday evening, Melissa Zetter, who has been a faithful servant of God among the Portland saints for many years, passed on to her reward at the age of ninety-five. Many around the world knew Sister Melissa for her faithful oversight of our annual minister continental breakfasts and luncheons. However, she also served at Portland headquarters in a variety of other key roles over the decades.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. this coming Thursday, January 18, in the Portland sanctuary, and will be webcast live.
Let’s remember the family in prayer, including her four children, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Karen Storey announced her retirement from pastoring on Sunday, September 20, during the morning service at Worth, Illinois. She faithfully pastored in the Murphysboro and Chicago (now Worth), Illinois, churches for the past thirty-one years. We are thankful for the years of service she and her husband, Eddie, have devoted to the work of the Lord. They are now making plans to move to Van Buren, Arkansas, to be closer to her mother.
Olubunmi (Bunmi) Omitoyin has accepted the role of pastor in Worth. He began preaching in 1989 in Zaria, Kaduna, which is in the northern part of Nigeria. He and his wife, Janet, moved from Lagos, Nigeria, to the Chicago area in 1997. He has served faithfully as a minister for three decades.
The official transition is scheduled for Monday, October 5. We pray God’s blessing upon all involved—the Storeys as they prepare to move, Brother Bunmi and Sister Janet as they step into their new roles, and the saints as they adjust to new leadership.
Pastors:
Local governments are beginning to lift the COVID-19 restrictions, and soon some of our congregations will be able to safely gather in person again. Eventually we all will. Below are guidelines for the process of reopening.
Whenever we resume public services, let us be guided by two primary concerns:
With regard to #1:
With regard to #2:
Recommendations for reopening:
Please keep in mind that as this situation continues to develop, these guidelines may need to be revised. We will continue to send updates as needed.
While our sexual harassment and misconduct policy has been covered in Portland Ministers Meetings a number of times over a period of years, failure along these lines is a problem that has required my attention in North America and elsewhere from time to time. Such misconduct is not unique to the United States nor to the Apostolic Faith. However, the zero-tolerance manner in which our church chooses to address such failure may not be as common among churches as it should be. For the sake of reminding Apostolic Faith ministers worldwide of our global policy and unified approach regarding this subject, I have compiled remarks made at various occasions regarding this matter into the following document. Much of the material covered is from our Ministers Manual or on the Ministers Page of our website; other portions are from the Apostolic Faith Safety and Security Manual and our Volunteer Handbook. These documents can be found on the Safety Page of our website. In addition, I expect to address the topic briefly at the Portland Ministers Meeting in March.
Global Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct
We have a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in our churches in the United States, and it is vital we apply those same standards to our work worldwide—it must be a global policy, not merely a headquarters policy. This is not a new policy; it is what I was taught under Brother Loyce Carver when I began preaching. Our conduct must be above reproach as ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must live in such a manner that an allegation of sexual misconduct could never be leveled against us, or believed were we to be falsely accused. By way of illustration, as married men we should never be alone in a private setting with a woman other than our own wife.
I will begin by requesting any worker or minister who has been guilty of sexual misconduct since claiming to be saved to voluntarily and immediately submit his/her resignation. At the same time, I ask that anyone who feels a worker or a minister of this organization has been guilty of sexual misconduct to report that activity to the appropriate person. It is counterproductive for those who feel they have been victimized to fail to properly report it. I will explain how that should be done later in this session.
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Defined
For the purpose of our organizational policy, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature that explicitly or implicitly affects another individual, or creates an intimidating or offensive environment.Sexual misconduct can involve individuals of the same or opposite gender, and may include a range of behaviors that include but are not limited to:
Sexual misconduct includes consensual but immoral sexual activity as well as the behaviors listed above. While I will not specifically address sexual misconduct involving under-age minors in this session, I will note that there are definite legal ramifications for such behavior, and we are required to address matters in this category according to the law of the land.
Complaint Procedure
The Apostolic Faith strongly encourages the reporting of all instances of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation. If a worker believes that he/she has experienced or witnessed such actions, that worker should promptly report the incident to his/her superior in the Gospel. That superior has the duty—a responsibility before God as well as before the leaders of the Apostolic Faith work—to report the matter in turn to his/her superior, even if the matter must ultimately come to my desk in Portland. However, I have complete confidence in our district superintendents, and allegations in any district should be handled first by the individual in charge of the area. These leaders are well equipped and determined to see this standard applied throughout the areas under their jurisdiction.
A report of sexual misconduct should be made in writing, disclosing who committed the action, what was done, and when it was done. We cannot accept secondhand or anonymous complaints, nor will we be a “dumping ground” for whispers and rumors. We ask that those who read this document refuse to be a part of that as well.
If an accused individual denies wrongdoing, addressing the matter becomes more challenging. In dealing with the accused, we would not disclose the name of the accuser without having that person’s permission to do so. At the same time, the accuser should be aware that protecting his/her identity may hinder the investigation. If the accused person denies the allegation and there is no evidence or supporting witnesses, it makes taking direct action difficult. False allegations can occur, and we read in 1 Timothy 5:19, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” Nevertheless, there is value in filing complaints. If another person came forward with a similar accusation against the same individual, it would no longer be a case of “he said, she said.” It would then be a case of “he said, they said,” and thus would carry more weight.
There is no single manner for leaders of the church to resolve complaints regarding sexual harassment or misconduct because the scope of the behavior in question may range from uncomfortable, inappropriate, or misunderstood remarks, all the way to flagrant immoral activities. While the Word of God provides guidelines in Matthew 18:15-17 for resolving conflicts, these verses concern how to approach “brothers” who trespass against us. A sexual predator clearly is not a brother in the Lord, so accusations of this nature may or may not require the accuser to confront the accused.
Retaliation Prohibited
Often people are reluctant to make reports of sexual misconduct for fear they will not be believed or that they will incur retaliation. If victims look up the chain of command and lack confidence that their identity will be protected, or fear they will face retaliation, they may feel free to make the report directly to their district superintendent, who has the liberty to confer with me.
Our policy expressly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports sexual misconduct or assists in an investigation of such conduct. Any form of reprisal is considered a direct violation of our policy, and like the misconduct itself, is subject to disciplinary action.
We are aware that often abuse of power is a factor—situations in which a person in a leadership role takes advantage of a subordinate, using his authority to gain inappropriate companionship or sexual favors or to force a victim into silence in order to cover up sinful behavior. Abuse of power is the use of position to intimidate, dominate, silence, or otherwise control another individual, and this type of behavior also is expressly forbidden.
Instruction in 1 Corinthians
In cases where there is evidence that sexual misconduct has occurred, we will follow the guidance the Apostle Paul gave in 1 Corinthians 5. There, Paul addressed sexual misconduct that was occurring in the church at Corinth.He stated that this misconduct was “reported commonly” to him, suggesting that the matter was well known to the church. The indictment was not only that such sin occurred, but also that the leadership had failed to take action when they were aware of it. Paul cried out against this and told them to purge the church and “put away” the guilty party.
I will state again, if any minister or any worker has been guilty of sexual misconduct, we expect that one to submit his resignation to his superior. When such a resignation is submitted, we expect the superior to accept it. If the guilty individual humbly submits and withdraws from his role in the church, then we would do our best to spare him further shame. Our goal is to see the guilty individual restored to God, even though we would not restore that one to his former position in the church.
Even worldly organizations prohibit sexual misconduct by those in positions of authority. In the American press, we regularly read of church and corporate CEOs who have been forced to resign over immoral behavior. For example, a recent article in USA Today indicated that the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization is being investigated for covering up sexual misconduct. All of us have heard of the issues in the Catholic Church that have incriminated them. We must not fall into the same pattern. However, our primary motivation is not to protect our name. Our primary motivation is to do the right thing in the sight of God—to preserve the holy and pure standard of the Gospel, and to protect those in our congregations for whom we are responsible.
Our Apostolic Faith Ministers Manual states: “Restoration to God is certainly possible through genuine repentance (see Isaiah 55:7). When it occurs, sin is forgiven. However, restoration to God does not undo the fact that there are consequences for moral error. Our approach in addressing issues of immorality should not be viewed as punitive. It would more accurately be described as protective: protective of the individual who failed, and protective of the integrity of the work and the fact that we stand for holy living.”
I have dealt with the problems related to sexual misconduct many times over the twenty years I have been superintendent general. When a minister of the Gospel fails morally, our position must be that such a one can never preach in an Apostolic Faith Church again. He has betrayed trust! If he were to preach again, could he preach on victory? Could he preach on marriage for life? Could he preach on integrity, or holiness? Could he preach on the fact that entire sanctification eradicates the carnal nature? In addition, consider victims of sexual misconduct or those knowledgeable about such behavior. Should they be forced to listen to one they know to be a perpetrator? No, they should not. So, violators can no longer serve in the ministry. Our goal is to restore one who has fallen into sin, but make no mistake, one who does so will never again have the same responsibility in the work of the Lord. One who is guilty of sexual misconduct while in a leadership role will not be allowed to resume that position after being restored to God.
A follow-up question might be, “What if the sexual misconduct happened many years ago?” The passage of time does not absolve the perpetrator. Guilty individuals cannot simply step aside for a time and then go back to their former positions in the church. We cannot subject their victims to further trauma by making them see on an Apostolic Faith Church platform someone who has abused or used them or others.
Forgiveness and Consequences
Churches are known to harbor predators. Hear me—churches are known to harbor predators. Do you know why? Because predators often use a manipulative ploy, saying, “If you will not restore me to my previous position, you have not forgiven me.” However, this is not about forgiveness but about consequences.
Consequences are not about vengeance or even justice. They are about maintaining a standard of decency—and even more importantly, a standard of holiness! It is alarming to see more concern expressed for the perpetrator than for the perpetrator’s victims.
What is the relationship between forgiveness and consequences? To answer that question, we can refer to Genesis 3, where we read how Adam and Eve fell. Sin came into the world as the result of their misconduct, and consequences followed. According to verses 21 and 24, some of those consequences were that God made coats of skins and clothed them, and then drove them from the Garden.
In the coats of skin that God provided, we see a foreshadowing of the Atonement. The blood of an animal was shed to atone for Adam and Eve’s sins and provide them with a covering both physically and spiritually; this implies forgiveness. However, although atonement was provided and forgiveness granted, consequences still followed. God did not say, “Blood was shed and you have been forgiven, so go back to the Garden, and enjoy life there.” No, He drove Adam and Eve from the Garden, and put guards there to prevent them from returning. From that time forward, Adam had to toil for his bread. Eve and her descendants had to endure pain in childbirth. Forgiveness does not negate consequences!
My own brother, Gary, serves to illustrate that consequences remain after forgiveness. Gary was in the U. S. Navy for a number of years before he was saved, and during that time, he got a tattoo that nearly covered his arm. When he prayed through in his late twenties, he got up from the altar with his sins forgiven. However, when he looked down at his arm, the tattoo was still there! That was a consequence of sin.
When a person accepts the consequences of moral failure, he demonstrates that he is accepting responsibility for the failure. As a result, God extends forgiveness. Conversely, if a person objects to the consequences earned by his failure, he demonstrates that he is refusing to accept responsibility. The result is that God withholds forgiveness.
Forgiveness and consequences do not fight against one another; they complement one another. Remember, owning up to our sins is how we received salvation. If we did not confess our guilt and accept responsibility, we would not have been saved.
Upholding the standard of holiness
Paul set out criteria that Timothy and Titus were to use in appointing leaders of the church. Among other qualifications, he established that ministers must be blameless. That criteria is not only applicable when ministers are appointed. As ministers, we must maintain that criteria! One who has a record of inappropriate behavior while serving as a leader is no longer blameless, and thus is not qualified to be a minister. This is a work of holiness! We want our young people to know and appreciate the standard that is upheld here.
Sometime ago, I was asked about a situation in which a married preacher committed adultery. He later was saved again. After many years passed, the question was asked, “Can he preach again in the Apostolic Faith?” I ask you: Would Paul have allowed him to preach? Consider the criteria the Apostle established—that ministers were to be blameless, the husband of one wife, and of good report. Clearly, this man was not blameless. He did not have a good report of those inside or outside the church. So no, he would not be qualified to preach again in this organization.
It will cost us something to hold up such a standard. People will assail us and say, “You can’t do it that way.” We will do it that way! Our purpose is to preserve the same pure Gospel that was handed down to us by those before us, and to hand it on to the next generation.
A Global Policy
Recently, I read an article by John MacArthur, a pastor of a mega-church in Southern California. While I cannot endorse him or all of his writings because he is Calvinistic, on this point I concur with his perspective. Here is what he wrote:
It has always saddened me over the years as I’ve watched church leaders bring reproach upon the Church of Jesus Christ. What’s perhaps most shocking to me is how frequently Christian leaders sin grossly, then step back into leadership almost as soon as the publicity dies away.
Some time ago I received a recording that disturbed me greatly. It was the audio of a recommissioning service for a pastor who had made national news by confessing to an adulterous affair. After little more than a year of “counseling and rehabilitation,” this man was returning to public ministry with his church’s blessing.
It is happening everywhere. Restoration teams—equipped with manuals to instruct the church on how to reinstate its fallen pastor—wait like tow-truck drivers on the side of the highway, anticipating the next leadership “accident.” Grace Community Church, where I pastor, has received inquiries wondering if it has written guidelines or a workbook to help in restoring fallen pastors to leadership. Many no doubt expect that a church the size of ours would have a systematic rehabilitation program for sinning leaders.
Gross sin among Christian leaders is a signal that something is seriously wrong within the contemporary church. But an even greater problem is the lowering of standards to accommodate a leader’s sin. That churches are so eager to bring these men back into leadership—and to do so relatively quickly—is a symptom of rottenness to the core.
Christians must not regard leadership in the church lightly. The foremost requirement of a leader is that he “must be above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2,10; Titus 1:7). This is a difficult prerequisite, and not everyone can meet it.
Some kinds of sin irreparably shatter a man’s reputation and disqualify him from a ministry of leadership forever—because he can no longer be above reproach. . . .
Where did we get the idea that a year’s leave of absence can restore integrity to someone who has squandered his reputation and destroyed people’s trust? Certainly not from the Bible. Trust forfeited is not so easily regained. Once a man sacrifices his purity, the ability to lead by example is lost forever. . . .
What about forgiveness? Shouldn't we be eager to restore our fallen brethren? To fellowship, yes. But not to leadership. It is not an act of love to return a disqualified man to public ministry; it is an act of disobedience to God.
By all means we should be forgiving. But we cannot erase the consequences of sin. . . . The church should do everything possible to minister to those who have sinned and repented. But that does not include restoring the mantle of leadership to a man who has disqualified himself and forfeited his right to lead. Doing so is unbiblical and lowers the standard God has set.1
We will not lower the standard of the Gospel in the Apostolic Faith Church. As leaders, if we fail to do our best to keep a pure work, then we fall into the same position that Paul addressed in 1 Corinthians 5, where he rebuked the leaders of that church for looking the other way and ignoring the sin in their midst. We do not want to be condemned for the same thing.
I appreciate the fact that our district superintendents around the world want to participate in ensuring that this policy be carried forward throughout their areas. This article is to remind all Apostolic Faith ministers worldwide of our global policy. God will honor us as we apply this unified approach. We trust and believe that we are part of a group of a holy people who want a holy Gospel, and may God help each of us as we labor together to hold the Gospel standard high.
1 John MacArthur, “Forgiving Fallen Pastors,” Grace to You Blog, May 4, 2016, gty.org, accessed February 8, 2020.
As was reported earlier, this past Sunday at the Dominican Republic headquarters church in La Romana, an installation service for the newly appointed Dominican Republic Supervisor and new Board members was held. The full English text of the letter read during the installation service is below. After the public reading of the letter in Spanish, the new appointees were formally installed.
February 3, 2018
Dear Dominican Republic Saints of God;
Greetings to each of you from Sister Debbie and me, in Jesus’ name. Brother Tim and Sister Lisa have come to the Dominican Republic to represent Portland headquarters and our Apostolic Faith churches around the world in formally installing Rev. Gledwin Mills as Dominican Republic District Superintendent (who you refer to as national supervisor).
As you already know, on Thursday, October 5, 2017, the Dominican Republic board of Alberto Smith, Gledwin Mills, Luis Payne, Edwin Gilfillary, and Andres Pichardo, met with Tim DeBusk, Director of Caribbean Work, and me. In the meeting, it was determined that Alberto Smith would retire from the role of Dominican Republic national supervisor and board member for health reasons and be succeeded by Gledwin Mills. It was further agreed that this change of leadership would take effect on that date, with a formal installation service to be conducted in the La Romana church as soon as scheduling allowed for either Brother Tim or myself to return to the Dominican Republic. While my schedule prevents me from returning just now, I am happy that Brother Tim and Sister Lisa are able to be with you.
Since our October visit, Brother Alberto has gone on to his eternal reward. While we are sad to miss him, we are thankful that his suffering has ended. As soon as we learned of his passing, we extended our heartfelt personal condolences to Sister Sylvia and the Smith family. We also to extend condolences to all of you. We are confident that the Comforter will extend grace and consolation to Sister Sylvia, and their five children, as well as their grandchildren. While the work of God is greater than any one man, we will all miss his enthusiasm and evangelistic zeal.
To briefly summarize, our October meeting followed the procedure required by the Dominican Republic constitution and the same procedure followed in past appointments of Dominican Republic national supervisors and board members. Official Dominican Republic legal documents from 1952, 1957, 1969, 1994, 2001 show the succession of national supervisor appointments from Leonora Elfrida Richardson to Theodore Dunlop to Angelica Dunlop to Hugo Sams to Alberto Smith, all of which were approved by the Dominican Republic board in place at those times, as well as by world headquarters in Portland. Board members who voted to approve your national supervisor and board member appointments over the years included Joseph Browne, Lucian Bastian, Joseph Gumbs, Emilia Charles, Viviana de Maynard, Clair Mayphen, Celina Coplin, Mezina de Powell, Jacorbo Pena, Alfred Francis, Hugo Sams , Alberto Smith, the father, Gledwin Mills, Flavius Vespasiano Liburd Roper, Luis Payne, Peddro Abrahamson, Pio Wyatt, and William Huggins, as well as Alberto Smith, the son.
Portland missionaries who worked with the Dominican Republic board and the Portland General Overseer (title later changed to Superintendent General) included Forrest Damron, Dick Taylor, Earl Phillips, and Ivon Wilson. Portland General Overseers were Raymond Crawford and Loyce Carver, and Superintendent Generals have been Dwight Baltzell and me.
As established by the veteran Dominican Republic leaders who wrote your church constitution, the Dominican Republic national supervisor represents the Apostolic Faith of Portland, Oregon, and as such is appointed by the Portland General Overseer/Superintendent General who works in concert with him and the Dominican Republic board.
For the past 15 years, Dominican Republic board members have been Alberto Smith, Gledwin Mills, Luis Payne, Edwin Gilfillary, and Andres Pichardo. During that time, board members who passed away included Pedro Abramson, Pio Wyatt, Viviana de Maynard, and William Huggins. Their vacancies were never filled. However, following the retirement of Brother Alberto and the appointment of Brother Gledwin, the Dominican Republic board met by recommendation and approval of Portland headquarters and appointed Hector Julio Guilamo Perez, Heriberto Martinez Batista and Deivys J. Pichardo Cabrera to the Dominican Republic board.
From the beginning of the Dominican Republic work decades ago, Dominican Republic national supervisors and the Dominican Republic board have held themselves accountable to Portland world headquarters, the same as all of our churches throughout the world. This approach has proven to be a safeguard throughout our 110 year history, fostering unity and accountability. Portland appoints directors who are responsible for the oversight of given geographic areas. Tim DeBusk has served as Director of Caribbean Work for a few years, a role once filled by Dick Taylor, and Forrest Damron before him. Directors work closely with District Superintendents (or in your case, national supervisors), often being guided by them and then reporting to the Superintendent General. The Superintendent General is responsible for appointing district superintendents and national supervisors, but does not independently do so. He confers with local boards who recommend appointments. Portland approval is constitutionally required and nearly always granted.
Portland also issues minister and ordained pastor certificates worldwide. Those holding certificates represent the Apostolic Faith of Portland, Oregon and all of our churches throughout the world. The Superintendent General in Portland, who has the responsibility to issue certificates, also has the authority to rescind them and recall appointments.
The motivation behind our legal structure and every decision is to provide a safeguard to insure that generations to come benefit by the same old-time Gospel and sound Bible doctrine that has so blessed each of us.
The appointment of Brother Mills is the result of prayerfully determining that God’s mantle of leadership has fallen on him. We recognize that he is highly regarded by all of you, being the longest serving pastor in the Dominican Republic Apostolic Faith and faithfully pastoring the first Dominican Republic Apostolic Faith location. He has the support of his own family as well as pastors throughout your country and beyond.
It is worth noting that during our October 5, 2017 Board meeting, Brother Alberto was the first to speak when it was suggested that Brother Gledwin succeed him. He wholeheartedly supported the proposal saying, “I think it is a good idea,” and assured Brother Mills of his support, just as Brother Mills loyally supported Brother Alberto for so many years. We rejoiced at Brother Alberto’s approval and endorsement.
We are confident that the stability and growth of this great work will continue with Brother Mills at the helm. Please continue to assure him of your prayerful support.
When Brother Mills and the Dominican Republic board feel it is time to pass the mantle to the next successor, the same procedure will be followed as has been followed over the history of the Dominican Republic work. The Dominican Republic board members will recommend a successor, while asking for Portland world headquarters approval, which is required by the Dominican Republic church constitution. The Dominican Republic church constitution was written by the founders of the great work here in this country. Brother Mills has already expressed a desire to pass the mantle to a successor while he is still young and healthy enough to publicly throw his full support behind the one the Dominican Republic board feel God has chosen to succeed him. Whether that is done a month from now or a decade from now, we express our deep appreciation to Brother Mills for his dedication to the work of God and his loyalty to the Apostolic Faith saints in the Dominican Republic and world headquarters in Portland.
When it comes to publicly installing leaders, we follow the Bible example of laying on of hands. Some have asked if we should also anoint with oil when installing a new leader. In the Old Testament, we see anointing with oil when consecrating a king or a priest. We are installing neither today. We recognize that oil symbolized Holy Spirit anointing. However, from the Day of Pentecost until now, the Holy Spirit Himself provides the anointing, making the symbol unnecessary and even demeaning when we chose the symbol to represent He whose presence is available and whom we pray to anoint us. Anointing with oil was used in the New Testament and still today when praying over the sick. Oil was also used during Bible times to prepare the dead for burial. We are doing none of these things today. Rather, we are praying over and recognizing the appointment of a Dominican Republic national supervisor. We will follow the Bible model in doing so.
Some examples of publicly installing leaders by the laying on of hands include the following.
We ask now that the Dominican Republic board, with Brother Tim, lay hands upon Brother Mills in accordance with these Bible writings and pray for God’s blessing to be upon his ministry and leadership of this work. At the same time, we are praying that God’s blessing will reside upon his loved ones, and all of the Apostolic Faith saints in the Dominican Republic. After doing so, Brother Tim and board members other than the three newest ones will lay hands on the three newest board members to publicly formalize their appointments. We also pray for God’s blessing upon each of them and their loved ones, as well as upon each of you. God bless you all.
In His Service,
Darrel D. Lee
Superintendent General
DDL/ajp
Pastors and ministers;
Following is the English version of two letters which were read in Spanish in our Dominican Republic headquarters church yesterday, announcing the retirement of Rev. Gledwin Mills as the Dominican Republic District Superintendent and the appointment of Rev. Deivys Pichardo to fill that position.
LETTER FROM REV. GLEDWIN MILLS
God bless your people greatly, a warm greeting in the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Then to say hello, I want to inform you of what was agreed in the recent meeting I held with the board of trustees in view of the need for time required by the council, we agreed to make a transition from my duties as National Superintendent in the Dominican Republic to Pastor Deivys J. Pichardo C.
All saints are asked for your collaboration and spiritual support with our new National Superintendent.
In my person with the board of trustees we thank everyone for having helped and supported me during these years of service to God in charge of the work and as an assistant to the former supervisors, may God bless you all.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Gledwin Mills
LETTER FROM REV. DARREL LEE
Dear Dominican Republic Saints;
In accordance with the Dominican Republic Apostolic Faith Church constitution, which was written by veteran Dominican Republic pastors, your current board members met in the City of La Romana at the Dominican Republic headquarters at Santa Rosa Avenue, Number 40, on February 2, 2019, at 3:00 PM, to accept the retirement of your national supervisor, Gledwin Mills, effective as of that date. Board members present and voting were Gledwin Mills, Edwin Gilfillary, Andres Pichardo, Heriberto Martinez Batista, Hector Julio Guilamo Perez, and Deivys J Pichardo Cabrera. Tim DeBusk, Portland headquarters Director of Caribbean Work for the Apostolic Faith was also present. I was present from Portland by phone. The board voted to accept Brother Mills’ retirement as national supervisor and from the board, subject to my approval, which is required by the Dominican Republic church constitution. While Brother Tim was present to approve on my behalf, I approved in real time by phone.
Although Brother Mills is retiring as national supervisor and from the board, he will continue as pastor and evangelist, which he and his wife both feel are what God has called him to do. Furthermore, he will be available to be called upon by the Dominican Republic board and Portland in an advisory role as needed and will serve informally as an honorary board member.
The faithful service of Brother Mills is deeply appreciated. We recognize that he is highly regarded by all of you, being the longest serving pastor in the Dominican Republic Apostolic Faith and faithfully pastoring at the first Apostolic Faith location. He began serving as national supervisor on October 5, 2017 and was formally installed in the Sunday morning La Romana church service of February 4, 2018. During that service it was noted, “Brother Mills has already expressed a desire to pass the mantle to a successor while he is still young and healthy enough to publically throw his full support behind the one the Dominican Republic board feel God has chosen to succeed him. Whether that is done a month from now or a decade from now, we express our deep appreciation to Brother Mills for his dedication to the work of God and his loyalty to the Apostolic Faith saints in the Dominican Republic and world headquarters in Portland.”
In private meetings over a period of many days, the Dominican Republic Board members, Brother Tim, and I have agreed that your next island supervisor must be one who is determined to faithfully continue in the path of previous Dominican Republic supervisors, pastors, and veteran saints. You already know that these last days before Jesus returns are perilous times. May God help us all to be fiercely loyal to the old paths your old-timers have trod before us. We have prayed for God to place the mantle of leadership upon one who has the courage, wisdom, and boldness to lead this work forward with evangelistic determination. No matter who that one is, we know that God will bless each of you as you throw your whole-hearted support behind him. The hallmark of the early church was its unity. We enjoy that unity in Apostolic Faith churches all around the world. May unity prove to be the hallmark and powers of the Dominican Republic work as well.
After prayerful consideration and during the same February 2, 2019 board meeting, it was recommended that Deivys J. Pichardo Cabrera be appointed to succeed Brother Mills as national supervisor, subject to your board and Portland’s approval, as required by the Dominican Republic church constitution. Your board approved. On that basis, Brother Tim and I have also approved. His appointment as national supervisor is effective immediately. He will be publically and formally installed at a time yet to be determined.
During the same February 2, 2019 meeting, the board of trustees also recommended the addition of Sister Noemy King Abrahamson to the Dominican Republic Apostolic Faith Church board of trustees. I approved that appointment.
We are so thankful for the wisdom and foresight of the old-time Dominican Republic ministers who crafted your church constitution. They did so in a manner makes is more likely that future Dominican Republic generations will hear and experience the same sound bible doctrine that has so blessed each of us. Brother Deivys J. Pichardo Cabrera, your new national supervisor, is determined to preach the Gospel and stick to the practices he has learned in the Apostolic Faith since childhood. God has blessed that approach all over the world in the past and continues to do so. Just as you have faithfully supported his predecessors, we can assure him, Sister Leidy D. Ureña Mejía, and their families of your prayerful backing. May the Spirit of God be poured out upon this host of witnesses today and in the days to come as Jesus tarries.
The Lord bless you all.
In His Service,
Darrel D. Lee
Superintendent General
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