April 30, 1997

Vol. 4 Issue 10

EDITORIAL

Once again, Bro. & Sis. D. B. Luzan Jr. will be visiting the United States. They are to arrive the evening of June 11. They plan to attend God's Acres Camp Meeting the following week and then visit congregations and Camp Meetings through the summer returning to the Philippines in early September.

If you desire for them to visit your congregation or Camp Meeting, please let me know as soon as possible. I plan to make an itinerary for them that will make the best use of their time and travel.

Also, if you can help us with the expense of their trip, we would appreciate it very much. My congregation advanced them $2,000.00 to help purchase their tickets; the remaining money came from their project account. The total cost for their tickets was nearly $4,000.00. Send offering for this to: The Church of God of Cumberland Valley, 611 Shippensburg Rd., Shippensburg, PA 17257. Thank you very much.

Your Servant,
S. J. Rexroth

WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)

$169.60 was received this month toward the shipment of printing equipment to Nigeria. We now have $2,409.70 towards the $5,795.00 needed to send the equipment. We still need $3,385.30. We thank those that helped us this month and continue to pray that others will help us with this project. Please pray with us and do what you can to help us ship this equipment soon. Editor

Continue to send offerings for Nigeria to the treasurer:

    World Missionary Fellowship
    c/o Bro. Steve Yoder
    P. O. Box 418
    Sugarcreek, OH  44681

NIGERIA

March 3, 1997 (received April 5, 97)

Dear Brethren,

Holy greetings to you all in Jesus Christ's holy name. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you all in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father.

I know that the last winter was favorable to most of you. We had such rainfall last year. Since this year it has been sunny and dry coupled with harmattan. We appreciated it. Traditionally 1997 has been seen as a prosperous year and a year of much fruit and grain. We are praying and looking unto God.

Our ministry is progressing through trials and temptations. We are undaunted, unshaken and unmoved. Jealously, envy and covetousness over the holy vessels of God is devilish and affects our ministration. Another cankerworm is Greed and bribery. I chose to utilize every dime that is raised externally or internally to the glory of God, the devil fights against my stand, in all I am vindicated, truth established; people and ministers like minded come into the ministry as a result truth, faithfulness, honesty, hard work, accountability has established their authority in every heart.

We are opening a new branch at Amaukwu-Uratta in Aba. The crusade will start on the 19th and end on the 22nd with a combine service on the 23rd on March. Four churches will attend the service which will be held on the same venue. Where there is no vision the people perish. Bro. Joseph Akpanama from Akwa Ibom came to me with his son as I indicated in my last letter. They are intending to work with us. He told me that he is in charge of four local churches. They will hold a convention in April. If the Lord is willing, I will be there as their Guest speaker. I will report back with pictures the Lord willing.

Things are very difficult here. Local government elections are to be held on the 15th of March. Dollar have started to appreciate and it affects the common man. Our farming season is setting up without enough fertilizer. Pray for us as we are praying for you all.

My pastor friend teased me one day by telling me that in order for faith to develop and bear fruit to real salvation, Endurance has to graduate to patience; Patience graduate to long-suffering. I laughed and retorted with Matt. 24:13 He who endures to the end shall be saved. Thank God for my Pastor friend. I remembered Ro. 5:1-5. As we read it I was happy that I am in the battle. No going back no matter what happens. My friend left me with Ro. 8:35-39. If you can patiently draw your programs to favor African ministration, with long-suffering the fruits will be reaped in no distant future.

Thanks.

Yours in His Truth,
Pastor J. N. Agharanya

CHURCH OF GOD SPANISH MISSION - FLORIDA

March 24, 1997

Dear Saints of God,

Well, seems like there is more work to do every day. Not only just to live a normal life, but when you are busy in the Kingdom of God, the days are not long enough to get everything done that you SEE needs to be done.

We got back from Cuba the 9th of March. We came home very tired (as usual), but the trip this time was for 10 days and we traveled over 1400 miles. Also, both Keila and Marisa our daughters were able to travel with us. All in all it was a very fruitful trip. We were able to visit 8 congregations and we traveled from one tip of the island to the other.

As usual, we cannot begin to tell you of the great material needs that are there. We have explained the conditions in other letters and just to add here that things are in a worse condition than before. In the far end of the island that we have never before visited, the material needs are greater than in other places. There many do not have shoes to wear to Church services, nor sufficient food to place on their tables for their families. I was standing in from of a dear Sister when she gave her daughter her lunch .. a hard roll. And there was no breakfast .. I had fixed some instant grits for my husband and the girls and of course, both families had breakfast from it.

But we do want to share in this letter the great victories that we had. The services were absolutely glorious. The altar was lined in every invitation. But the highlight of the trip was the dedication of the new Tabernacle (Church Building) in Los Pinos. This was the building that had collapsed that you have seen pictures of previously. It was only through the faithful support of each of you that this building was built. It was built with American dollars, because the materials could not be bought with the Cuban pesos. I know that you, along with each of us, are thrilled to know that this work has been accomplished. Thank you all and Thanks be to our almighty God for supplying this great need. The Saints in Cuba sent their love and appreciation. God bless each of you is our prayer as you continue to carry this burden of reaching the lost in other lands.

Pastor Alex and Sister Carol Figueroa

EZRA, ILLINOIS

April 3, 1997

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Greetings in Jesus name from Brother and Sister Judy Dryden.

A fellow minister encouraged us to publish through WMF INFO+ the recent success of some of the Ezra Church of God church school students at the School of Tomorrow Illinois/Iowa Regional Convention held March 18 - 21 at Western Illinois University. Four of our church school students participated including our son Matthew.

Matthew, who is 17, did such a good job presenting his illustrated story, "Safe As Poison", which comes from the Jungle Doctor's Fables! Sister Judy had really worked with Matthew and had she been there she would have been crying tears of joy. He did extraordinarily well conveying the principle of Numbers 32:23!

A long and well stuffed snake was used to represent Nzoka. Sister Judy and Matthew found a stuffed hen for Kuku. Matthew dressed in an African costume a Nigerian sister had give me and did well acting our the part of the son of Perembi, the hunter.

I would not have been surprised had he won first place. As it was he placed second to another Ezra Christian School student.

Following is the text of the news release we gave out:

STUDENT CONVENTION A SUCCESS FOR EZRA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Ezra Christian School students Rita Beth Carney, Rusty Carney, Matthew Dryden and Jenee Estel made quite a showing at the Illinois/Iowa School of Tomorrow Student Convention held at Western Illinois University. The four brought home twenty ribbons, including the first place Mixed Trio (Rusty, Rita Beth and Jenee)! Rusty and Matthew placed first and second, respectively, in Illustrated Storytelling! Rusty placed second in Piano Solo and second in Poetry Recitation. Matthew placed second in Bible Memory. Rita Beth placed second in Clown Act. Ezra's Radio Program won third place in the region and first place among Illinois schools. Over 500 students from forty-two schools competed.

These four students are now eligible to compete at The School Of Tomorrow International Convention, to be held at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, May 31 through June 5, 1997.

In Our Lord's Service,
Pastor Glenn Dryden

MINISTER'S MEETING REPORT

April 28, 1997

A group of 27 Spiritual Leaders, Ministers, Spouses and laymen gathered together at Bellville, Ohio from April 22 through 24. The meeting opened on Tuesday afternoon with a prayer meeting for the needs of the Church of God. The evening session centered around two questions posed to the group: 1. How far do we go in reaching our hand in fellowship without violating the principle of God's word? 2. What I cannot or will not fellowship. What is the breaking point that I will leave fellowship?

Wednesday began with prayer meeting led by Bro. Clemons. He pointed out four distinctions of prayer with text from James 5:16. 1. It is our privilege to pray. 2. There is power in prayer. 3. Prayer is a tool not a weapon. 4. Positions of prayer may or may not effect our prayer.

The morning session then followed with the group making a list of "What We Agree On" with much discussion both pro and con. This discussion continued through the afternoon. In the evening the group participated in worship service with the Bellville Church of God congregation under Pastor Darrell Clemons. Bro. S. J. Rexroth preached on "Spiritual Growth" with text from Hebrews 5:1-14. He emphasized our need for a personal devotion on a daily basis with the Lord in order to grow.

Thursday morning started with prayer meeting led by Bro. Tim Wilson. He reminded us that it does not take too many smarts to get along. Even children are able to do it. We should be able to do it.

During the morning session Bro. Kenneth Yoder shared some answers to the questions that had been posed Tue. & Wed. . Bro. and Sis. Gayheart shared some information on Ohio Bible College. Sis. Gail Wood addressed the group with testimony and encouragement to follow the Lord and be true to your mission. Bro. Charlie Craig expressed his appreciation for the group's willingness to come together and tackle touch subjects.

Thursday afternoon was devoted to a session on Computers and their use to the ministry. Information was shared on software available for Bible Study, blocking or screening of portions of the Internet, and research, Internet access & use, e-mail and comparison of equipment and software.

The final service was highlighted with a message from Sis. Gail Wood on "The Battle Is Not Yours" with text from 2 Chr. 20:1-30. She reminded us that when we obey our Lord, He fights our battles for us.

Plans for next year's meeting are to be made by a committee designated by the evaluations turned in. The committee is to meet during the July Westerville Camp Meeting to set up the details. Pray for this effort as we continue to do our best to encourage Unity among those that are called to minister to The Church of God. Editor.

FELLOWSHIP MEETING REPORT

April 28, 1997

We were privileged to attend the fellowship meeting at Pine Flats, Pennsylvania on April 26, 1997. It was a beautiful day to travel over the mountains and gather together with our church family in Pine Flats for a day of Worship, Praise and fellowship.

The morning sermon was by Bro. S. J. Rexroth on "Why Don't You Grow Up?" with text from Hebrews 5:1-14. He reminded us that the Lord is expecting us to grow up, put away childish things, childish behaviors and become teachers.

The afternoon message was by Bro. Lee Green on "Attitude Determines Altitude" with text from Num. 13:1-3, 17-33. He reminded us that God offers us Promises and Blessings, but with Obstacles.

We much enjoyed the day and look forward to next year's meeting on the last Saturday of April. Editor

LEADERSHIP NEEDED

February 1, 1997

Dear Brethren:

The Church of God - Geneva Township - 9788 W. 12th Ave., South Haven , MI is presently seeking support, fellowship and evangelical leadership.

On January 1, 1997 our Pastor, Elder William B. Johnson resigned in order to begin a new work in the Kalamazoo area. With regret, God's blessings and a promise of support and fellowship for the work, we said good-by.

Our small, comfortable church building is located in the country. The congregation is small, with approximately 8 to 10 people attending the meetings. The work consists of Sunday School, Sunday morning worship and Thursday evening Bible class or prayer meeting.

We are looking forward to doing evangelistic work in the area this spring with the person the Lord sends our way. Pray with us that the Lord will send laborers into this vineyard. We believe He will save souls and reclaim backsliders, if we go out into the fields, highways and byways and work. There is a need here that He has promised to supply.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor. 15:56

For more information, call Sis. Lola Wilson, Teacher and present Minister of the Word, at 1-616-637-6144.

by Sis. Lola Wilson

RESIGNATION

Bro. Earl Wilson, Pastor of Rock Chapel Church of God in Granite Falls, NC since September 1, 1960, has announced his intention to resign as Pastor, God willing, December 31, 1998. The congregation is actively engaged in the process of seeking a new Pastor and desires the prayers of God's people in this endeavor.

YOUTH PASTOR'S WANTED

The Church of God in Pauls Valley is in need of someone who has the calling of the Lord upon their life to minister to youth. For further information contact Pastor Glen Edmondson at 405-238-6169 or write to P. O. Box 435, Pauls Valley, OK 73075.

Qualifications: a Christian, a definite Call of the Lord, able to teach and preach.

Robinwood Church of God, Hagerstown, Maryland is seeking the Lord for a Youth Pastor. If you feel the Lord calling you for this part-time position, please contact Pastor Henry Marquiss at 301-714-0789 or reply to his home address at 20823 Jefferson Blvd., Smithburg, MD 21783. God has blessed us with more than fifty youth ages high school and under, and the church feels a need for a dedicated Youth Pastor to lead these precious souls.

REVIVAL REPORT

The Church of God Cumberland Highway, Orrstown, Pennsylvania had a Revival with Evangelist Bro. Timothy Bash from Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania April 3-6, 1997.

We were privileged to attend two nights. On Thursday night Bro. Tim preached on "The Words Spoken At The Foot of The Cross" with text from Mark 15:29-41 & Acts 6:7. He told us that if Jesus returned and performed all the miracles of his first advent, the unbelievers would still not believe.

Friday's message was on "What Field Have We bought? with text from Matt. 27:3-10. He reminded us that many have bought into the world, few have bought into the harvest of the Lord. Editor

CAMP MEETING TAPE RECORDING PERSON NEEDED

The Westerville Camp Meeting, July 7 - 13, 1997 is in need of someone to take care of the tape recording, copying and sending out tapes. If you or someone you know would take a burden to fill this very important position, please contact:

Charlie Craig
26651 Upper Elkton Rd.
Elkmont, AL 35620

Phone: 205-423-6437

(Note: Charlie is on the road a lot and may be hard to reach by phone).

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