In 2023, there were 23 natural disasters costing over a million lives and properties estimated at over half Trillion US dollars. These include-
• Hurricane Idalia in the United States
• Wildfires in Greece
• Flash floods in Italy
• Super Typhoon in China
• 18 severe weather events from Texas to the Ohio Valley
• Two flooding events from California to New York
• One winter storm in the Northwest during February
• One wildfire in Hawaii
• One drought event during Spring into Fall for Texas
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season saw 20 named storms in total, which ranks fourth for the most-named storms in a year since 1950. Seven storms were hurricanes and three intensified to major hurricanes 1. The only U.S. landfalling hurricane in 2023 was Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall as a category-3 hurricane on August 30 near Keaton Beach, Florida, causing storm surge inundation of 7 to 12 feet and widespread rainfall flooding in Florida and throughout the southeast 1.
From the Statistics provided by NOAA, Severe weather globally during 2023 inflicted 253 deaths and $57 billion in damages. Out of this figure, the USA recorded 25 weather disasters costing over $18b loss.
In July 2023, the costliest and deadliest Earthquake in history struck Istanbul, Turkey, claiming over 800,000 lives and $409 billion in damages. A number of major mudslides and deadly floodings were also recorded in Brazil, India, China, and Europe ravaging lives, destroying properties estimated over $400b and re-defining the focus of world Civilization. The Trumpet is getting louder through the mother nature that this is the terminal Church Age, but this is only for those who care to listen and those who care to observe the Signature of God in the sky.
Pastoral Visit: On July 28, 2023, his eminence, the pastor and spiritual head of the Church, Pastor EMF Oshoffa was in USA for his annual Missionary journey. During the visit a number of harvest convocations were blessed, new church Cathedrals were dedicated, and apostolic ministrations were administered. As per Pastoral Order Ref: CCC/WHO/EMF/AD/PO-007/08-23 of August 12, 2023, CCC USA was officially structured into two dioceses by his Eminence – USA Diocese and USA National diocese for peace and stability.
National Convention: The 7th USA Diocese National Convention – tagged” USA RESTORATION 2024 Convention” is scheduled for Thursday May 16 – May 19, 2024, and holding at Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel. 7202 E 21ST Street, Indianapolis IN 46219.
The Convention is a mechanism instituted to address the challenges, both contemporary and otherwise, facing or plaguing the church with a view to engineering appropriate solutions.
Thoroughly researched papers are processed into blueprints and filtered into the Diocese’s Byelaws and Manual of Instruction after the Congress/Convention approval. The Convention is the Congress/Parliament of the Diocese. The Papers for this year are not only crucial, they are of lasting consequence for the church.
The Executive Council of the Diocese met and approved the following levies:
Parishes are required to pay a levy of $600.00, $750.00 or $1000.00. (depending on chosen category) Adults (24 and above) Registration fee: $150.00 Youth (18-23) Registration fee: $100.00 Ages 10 – 18: $50.00.
Ages 0 – 10: Free
National Convention Board Members: $1000.00
EXCO. Members: $250.00
Your registration fee will cover your breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the four days plus T/shirt, professional computer bag and Souvenir. This Convention is a MUST for every true celestian.
USA DIOCESE IMEKO PROPERTY.
The Directorate managing this project is returning back to site to continue the construction after a period of sabbatical caused by the temporary eruption within the diocese. It is to be noted that this is a project conceptualized by the entire CCC in USA. It is a project for the entire CCC in the USA and therefore calls for support from all. We strongly pray and hope that the new year 2024 will witness the building and dedication of this imposing edifice by the grace of the Lord.
Perhaps we should remind ourselves, once again, of EXCO approved levies: Every Parish: $200.00, Every shepherd and Church worker: $100.00 each. Every male and female elder $100.00 and every member/parishioner: $25. Pay into: Account: Bank of America NA Routing #021200339 CCC Property Dev. Account. Account # 3810 5482 5691.
Please note that we are still expecting parishes and members to make good the pledges they made at the Convention. Your Receipt of payment should be communicated to the Committee’s Treasurer – MC Adesola Obe Tel. 443600-6644. We appeal to all members to please pay up as soon as possible.
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND OF ISRAEL:
The 7th Pilgrimage consisting of 30 members took off on 04/ 19 and return on 5/ 1/2023, with a more elaborate itinerary through Cairo and wilderness of Sinai and Horeb to Israel♣ The holy pilgrims visited the ancient pyramids of Egypt, Rode on camels near the Pyramids / Saw the famous statue of the Sphinx ♣ Discovered the fascinating Egyptian Museum of Cairo, visited the house where Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus lived when they fled out of Herod’s slaughter in Israel, Climbed Mount Sinai in the wilderness of Sinai where the ten Commandments were given to Moses by God,
♣ Stood in awe at the incredible carved entrance of the city of Petra ♣ Visited Mt. Nebo/Pisga where Moses died and Madaba, visited Mara where the bitter water was sweetened and drove into Israel through the Red Sea coast of Elaite.
♣ Visited Old Jaffa at night, where Peter stayed at the house of Simon the Tanner ♣ Visited the impressive Caesarea Maritima, built in honor of Augustus Caesar by Herod the Great (Acts 10 & 25) ♣ Visited Mount
Carmel, where Elijah issued his challenge to the False Prophets ♣ Explored Megiddo and the Valley of Armageddon (Revelation 16) ♣ Enjoyed breathtaking panoramic view of Nazareth from the top of Mt. Precipice.
♣ Visited Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed his first miracleturning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:11) ♣ Sailed on the Sea of Galilee with praise worship in a wooden boat as the disciples did 2000 years ago ♣ Visited the Ancient Jesus Boat at Kibbutz Nof Geonsar / Visit Yardenit – the baptismal site on the Jordan River where the pilgrims renewed their baptism ♣
Ascended to Masada by cable car and discovered this ancient fortress built by King Herod ♣ Enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the Dead Sea Resort hotel, where members enjoyed the famous Dead Sea Spa treatments ♣ Visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Garden Tomb, visited the site of multiplication where Jesus fed over 5000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 pieces of fish and Mt of Transfiguration.
Visited the Church of Nativity where Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Visited Capernaum the house of Peter, also Pool of Bethesda where the paralytic for 38 years was raised by Jesus, the Wailing/Western Wall and Calvary- the crucifixion site.
Please call Sister Ijeoma Umoru at (973) 476-4336 or email her at handmaidathisfeet@gmail.com for details of the next trip.
Shepherds and Church workers Retreat – 2024. Owing to the unsettled environment of 2023 only four virtual Trainings and Expositions could be held on line but the year 2024 promises a physical retreat and training at a Venue and date to be announced by the Shepherds council of the diocese. An average of 85 clergies and Church workers participated in each of the virtual sessions.
Perhaps we should reiterate that unless shepherds submit to regular retreat and refresher Courses, they will soon become obsolete tools. Training and refresher courses remain indispensable to cope with contemporary challenges.
The Harvest Convocation of this year was salted by the visit of his eminence, the pastor of the church and flavored by the new structural arrangement. On the balance of expectations, the Harvest Services were successful and were devoid of any rancor, misfortune, or any reported incident. May we have the grace to celebrate many more harvests in the land of the living in love and oneness of spirit and be counted among the chosen at the end-time HARVEST.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the giver of life, the author of Salvation, the only source of enduring joy, and peace. Please be reminded that at Christmas you are required by the Scripture to appear before the Lord with your thanks-offering in appreciation of His awesome grace, love and mercy.
As a true believer, remember to provide friendly gifts that are truly reflective of divine love, peace and hope to someone in your family, in your neighborhood and in your church. Let the less fortunate, the handicapped, the orphans, widows and the laborers in the Vineyard know that you care, and so store up treasures for yourselves in heaven.
How are the mighty fallen!!!: Tell it not in Gath and publish it not in the streets of Askelon lest the unbelievers and the weak in faith ask why. 2023 is a year to be remembered, a year of departure of the great giants of CCC and apostles of Christ into the bosom of Father Abraham. The entire CCC in USA, Canada, Europe, and Nigeria lament the exit of VSE Anthony Olasupo Adeyefa, the regional supervisor of Region E -Washington, VSE Paul Olaniyan, the regional supervisor of region D and AMSE Anthony Iremiren -the grand patron of CCC USA. Also, AVSE Bademosi, VSE Kunle Akindude and other few members within the Country.
We pray that the Souls of them all will continue to rejoice in the glories and beauties of heaven. At the resurrection of the righteous may they all be counted among the chosen. Our prayers also remain with the families left behind for God’s mercy, grace, fortitude, and everlasting blessing. May the good Lord of consolation never deny them His love and kindness.
As usual, we are taking advantage of this Season to express our most profound gratitude for the wonderful support, and cooperation received from all parishioners, officers, and shepherds by the states, regional, diocesan, and pastoral administrations of this great church during the outgoing year. We also appreciate your unflinching faith in CCC as the end-time Vessel of Salvation. May the good God of reciprocity keep you & give you peace.
On behalf of the Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Church, Pastor EMF Oshoffa, the Board of Trustees, and the Diocese of USA, the Council wishes all members a Merry Christmas and a most peaceful, fulfilling, prosperous and joyous 2024.
And unto Him who has made it possible for us to see the year end in good health, peace, joy and freedom, the Almighty God of all Creations, King of immortality, Everlasting Holy Father, His beloved Son, Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit be the glory, honor, majesty, power and dominion now and forevermore. Amen.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DIOCESE OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – DECEMBER 23, 2023.
