BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Faith, Satellites and the First Global Communion Clyde McGee: A Historic Moment IN AN AGE DEFINED BY rapid technological advancement, it's easy to overlook the divine inspiration that often sparks such innovation. But in the life of Clyde Thomas McGee, a brilliant satellite engineer and Spirit-fi lled believer from Ackerman, Miss., science and faith weren't separate paths—they were one. His extraordinary journey intertwined mathematical genius with spiritual obedience, ultimately making possible one of the most unifying events in Christian history: Kenneth Copeland Ministries' World Communion Service. The service, conducted via satellite on Aug. 28, 1982, brought together churches in 200 locations in the United States and 11 other countries, including South Korea, for a fi rst-ever worldwide simultaneous Communion. Humble Beginnings, Heavenly Vision Clyde McGee started life modestly, working in his father's grocery store in the small town of Ackerman, Miss. But a high school test revealed his genius-level intellect. That discovery led to a full scholarship to Mississippi State University, followed by military service and a career with Hughes Aircraft's Space Division, where he became a pivotal fi gure in America's satellite program. But McGee was not just a scientifi c pioneer— he was a man of deep faith. His wife, Eufaula, was part of the famed Blackwood family, known for their gospel music legacy. Through her, Clyde was immersed in the Spirit-fi lled, Pentecostal culture of the American South. Prayer, prophecy and the gifts of the Holy Spirit weren't occasional practices; they were daily disciplines. The Slide Rule and the Spirit What set Clyde apart wasn't just his brilliance—it was how he used it. While his peers turned to early computers, Clyde relied on a slide rule—and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. "We never went outside the laws of physics," he once said. "God just showed us how to use them and mathematical genius with spiritual obedience, mathematical genius with spiritual obedience, ultimately making possible one of the ultimately making possible one of the most unifying events in Christian most unifying events in Christian history: Kenneth Copeland history: Kenneth Copeland Ministries' World Communion Service. The service, conducted via satellite on Aug. 28, 1982, brought together churches in 200 locations in the United States and 11 other countries, including South Korea, for a fi rst-ever worldwide simultaneous Communion. Humble Beginnings, Heavenly Vision Clyde McGee started life modestly, working in his father's grocery store in the small town of Ackerman, Miss. But a high school test revealed satellite program. satellite program. But McGee was not just a scientifi c pioneer— But McGee was not just a scientifi c pioneer— he was a man of deep faith. His wife, Eufaula, was part of the famed Blackwood family, known for their gospel music legacy. Through her, Clyde was immersed in the Spirit-fi lled, Pentecostal culture of the American South. Prayer, prophecy and the gifts of the Holy Spirit weren't occasional practices; they were daily disciplines. The Slide Rule and the Spirit What set Clyde apart wasn't just his brilliance—it was how he it. While his peers turned to early computers, Clyde relied on a slide rule—and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. "We never went outside the laws of physics," he once said. "God just showed B V O V : 9

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