News from the soon-to-be-released “SDB World” newsletter edited by Janet Thorngate:

Rev. Andrew Samuels, World Federation Vice President for North America and pastor of the Miami, Florida, SDB Church, was elected General Secretary by majority vote of the World Federation member conferences in December 2013. As required by WF bylaws, the vote was by mail/email ballot following recommendation of the full executive committee.

In October the executive committee accepted with regret the resignation of General Secretary Jan Lek who had served in the office since election at the 2008 sessions. His resignation, mainly for health reasons, was effective January 1.

“We have been fortunate,” says President Dale Thorngate, in having Pastor Lek’s service for the past five years because of his long-term relationship with the Federation and his international experience. We are equally fortunate to secure the commitment of Pastor Samuels, who brings Federation experience and valuable cross-cultural skills to our work.”

For more background information on Pastor Andy, USA members can watch their mailbox for the newsletter to be included in the annual World Federation mailing, to come in February.