Annual Business Meeting–1999
by Fowler Cooper

"I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). The truth of this core statement about who we are that God made through the Apostle Paul was clearly demonstrated during our annual Zerubbabel business meeting of April 23-24, in Boone.

Many people in our fellowship from outside the Boone area were present as we all took part in the sharing, fellow-ship and business decision making that this weekend involves. The sharing began early when one newcomer who didn’t know a lot of people there asked that we each tell something about our-selves. This discussion lasted well into Saturday. As is often the case in such circumstances, comments about one’s spiritual life led to further questions and some lively and insightful discussion. Strong statements of faith were made and some sin was exposed as well. Those of us who had sin exposed illustrated what happens when we do not believe-at least for a moment-the Galations truth stated above.

During this time, the youth had their own program led by our capable youth leaders. They ate, shared, studied, sang and had fun on their own. The older youth discussed the Columbine shootings in Colorado. What would motivate people to commit such a crime? How does God’s Truth speak to such an event? The younger ones studied the Ten Commandments .One of the hightlights of their weekend was attendance at a Hickory Crawdad’s baseball game. They got the chance to see God working through them in fun as well as serious moments.

A financial report was presented. Although the cost of publishing The Intercessor increased in 1998 and we sent a copy of Z-News to the entire readership, contributions more than covered the additional expenditures. In addition, Pat Mace reported that the Alpen Acres motel had a very good year.

Pat and Sanda Cooper’s Zerubbabel Press report included some exciting happenings. Yes, I Am should be republished during the summer of this year and God Unlimited by February/March, 2000. We will be joining forces with another publishing house for the first time. Plans are being finalized to republish The Intercession of Rees Howells by Doris Ruscce, jointly with Lutterworth Press. In additon, we considered approaching local Christian bookstores about offering our books for sale and joining the Christian Booksellers’ Association. Further, a future publication similar to Summit Living was discussed as well as a book by Page Prewitt. We are also planning to create a web page for Zerubbabel Press in order to offer our publications for sale and to make The Intercessor available on-line. Additional new ideas for the magazine included the possibility of a regular column featuring a "Youth Update" and putting a tear out section in the magazine offering the Z-News for the children/grandchildren of Intercessor sub-scribers.

Virginia Brown’s conference report included the setting of our schedule for 1999/2000. Firm dates for virtually all the conferences discussed were set. There are still times available for additional conferences should anyone desire to have one.

Major improvement in our computer capabilities was explained by Becca Glaser in her computer report. We have a new computer and monitor, a new back-up system to protect our records against disk failure and an improved, more user friendly Intercessor mailing list database. She also expressed a desire to consolidate the Zerubbabel mailing lists (The Intercessor, Z-News, donor list and the book and tape ministry ordering information).

Betty Trethewey informed us in her book ministry report that Continuous Revival was our biggest selling pamphlet in 1998. It was also decided to place the book and tape ministry under Zerubbabel Press so that its sales will be considered in the overall revenue of Zembbabel Press.

Jamie Resset in his audio/visual report expressed a desire to have improved taping of summer camp, and asked Tom Anderson to help him with video in this regard. Tom agreed. Speaking of summer camp, Tony Mansoor agreed to again be our Camp Director for 1999 and camp committee assignments were enthusiastically requested and made, with much appreciation for the camp organization and planning that last year’s business meeting accomplished.
 
Thinking back over the weekend, it is obvious that Christ was at work through His people to achieve His "business agenda"–to spread the truth of our union with Christ to a lost world. It continues to be exciting to see Christ operating through us, as we see that we wly do have the mind of Christ. What a privilege!