A report from the Leadership Development Institute (LDI)Midwest Region, Des
Moines, Iowa, June 20-21 2008
Seventy-seven students originally registered for this
institute but due to problems connected with the recent severe floods in the
region, four had to withdraw and another six who were on their way had trouble
with their van and could not make the trip. Some of these were from Cedar
Rapids, one of the most devastated of the flood areas. However, this was still
a tremendous response for this size region. Our own church facility had some
basement flooding so the Fort Des Moines Open Bible Church on Army Post Road
graciously opened their doors to us. Their facility was ideal for the purpose
including the sound-system and projector equipment. Ultimately, seventy-three
students (37 English-speaking and 36 Spanish-speaking) completed the two classes,
which were offered through the good offices of Steve Madrid, Regional Overseer
and his staff, who graciously hosted us, Larry Duncan, Leadership Development
and Discipleship International Director who provided budget support, and Mark
Menke, North American Center for Biblical Leadership Liaison, who coordinated
the class schedules.
Instructors Jan Couch, Stewardship Director, Church of God
of Prophecy Finance and Publishing Ministries, and Adrian L. Varlack Sr.,
Church Historian and a member of the Center for Biblical Leadership Faculty,
taught on Biblical Principles of Finance
and Church of God of Prophecy History and
Polity respectively. Both classes were rated as effective on the
evaluations received from students. Overseer Steve Madrid, who asked that we
continue to use Des Moines as a leadership training base for the future, wrote,
The instructors were well prepared
and gave pertinent information covering each subject extremely well. They also
received praise from numerous students who stated that they had never had
anything like this before and would like to see more of these take place in our
area. The instructors impressed us so that many wanted this to continue for a
few more days.
Bishop Madrid commented further, As Overseer I received complements
for doing a great job with this program. I did very little. I am well aware of
the fact that the Lord sent His blessings and sanctioned the event with His
presence. The leadership of this area did the work. The Pastors got behind this
program and promoted it to make it a great time of learning. The fact is that
the leadership did a great job which in turn made me look good.
Spanish interpreters Bishop Elias Rodriguez, and Ana Santiago
did a great job assisting the instructors and expertly used the hi-tech
translation equipment provided by the region. The lectures were heard in both
Spanish and English simultaneously greatly facilitating the use of class time.
A nursery, staffed by five young adult sisters, cared for and entertained the
twenty-five young children that came with their parents. This service was a
great blessing to the students as were the catered sandwiches provided on site.
Sister Latonya Madrid, wife of the Overseer, was in charge
of the registration assisted by Maria Treutt, Shawn Osborne, and Mary Hoefling.
Milton Couch, husband of Jan Couch, faithfully drove us to and from the site
and assisted the instructors with handouts, etc. Deacon Dean R. Bauman Sr.
generously supplied several hundred copies of handout materials for the
classes. Taken together, these cooperative efforts enhanced the enjoyable
atmosphere of the institute and contributed greatly to its success. The
instructors capped their visit to the Des Moines area by attending the Sunday school
and Sunday morning service of the City Life Worship Center Church of God of
Prophecy with Brother and Sister Madrid. It was so good to fellowship with and
be blessed by Pastor Tim Shipley and the good folks there. We give God thanks
and praise for a safe and productive weekend in His service.
Adrian L. Varlack Sr., Reporter