August 31, 1997
Vol. 5 Issue 2
EDITORIAL
Thank you for your response to the support for Bro. Luzan in the Philippines. As of this writing, there are 30 pastors, 4 Pastor School instructors and 6 kindergarten teachers that need monthly support. The need is for a total of $2460.00 monthly. $1500.00 monthly is being sent by God's Acres. I called Bro. Decker and verified that the God's Acres offering will continue for the present and can be used for pastor support.
So far I have received pledge letters and phone calls indicating that an additional $890.00 monthly is being sent through WMF. This means that they are receiving enough for their monthly support, but very little toward their land and building needs.
Several have indicated that they will help with support when the God's Acres support is stopped. While I understand this reasoning, I feel that we should all send our support now so that they can proceed with their building projects. Bro. Luzan has listed his priority projects in this month's report and you can see that they need thousands of dollars to build the buildings that are needed now. In addition we anticipate a continuing need as they continue to grow in number and in number of congregations.
Please pray much for the success of the Philippine mission and put yourself in your prayer that you may do your part. If you decide to help with support please let me know by way of a pledge letter or phone call so that I can continue to monitor this need.
Thank you very much. Editor.
WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)
Thank you all for your help with the Nigeria Printing equipment project. We received $900.00 this month toward the shipment. We now have $7,195.50 towards the shipment. That means that we have enough to pay the shipping. Now all that we need is approximately $600.00 to purchase some additional printing supplies and canning supplies to fill the container.
We are in the process of making up a detailed inventory of all the items to be sent. This inventory then must be sent to Bro. Agharanya in Nigeria. He then must take it to an approved Bank for value clarification and then to the shipping authorities for clearance. Then authorization will be forwarded to a company in the U. S. and they will in turn contact me to arrange an inspection as the container is loaded. Once the inventory is approved no additional items can be included in the shipment; items may be deleted if we are not able to get them all in the container. Pray that we will be able to get this shipment off soon.
Thank You! 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
July 21, 1997
Received July 28, 1997 VIA UPS
Dear Brethren,
We glorify God who made it possible for us to continue to enjoy the freedom of movement, worship and trade. We exalt His most Holy name. We magnify Him for He is good to us.
I traveled to Lome, Togo to see my son who is there on a missionary work. The journey was successful and progressive. There is a bright future for the church in Lome and in Togo as a whole. The work in Lome or Gliji needs money. Pray for God's providence. (Note: Bro. Tommy Shelton is planning to visit Togo with King Ayi probably in November. We look forward to his report of this effort. Editor)
Things are moving on well with the pastors and with the church as a whole. I am busy all the time; sometimes I scale things down to relax. We are planning for our men's seminar and day. Also for our matriculation service for our students all coming up on the 10th to 13th of July and on the 26th respectively.
I thank you so much for your effort to get the machines, tiller, pots and canning jars, bicycles and books shipped to us. I am praying and waiting on the Lord to do a miracle. I have used the canner and jars that I brought with me last year. I canned 24 jars of okra, 6 of tomatoes, 3 of green beans and 3 of pepper. We need lots more jars as some brethren are becoming interested in canning also.
The grace of God is abundant towards us.
Pray for us as we pray for you.
Thanks!
Yours in His Truth,
J. N. Agharanya, Pastor
TOGO
June 30, 1997
Received July 28, 1997
Report sent to Bro. & Sister Wood.
Dear Saints,
Holy greetings in Jesus Christ's most precious name. I do believe that you have received my hand written letter which I posted in Lome, Togo. Praise God!
I left Lome on the 18th and got to my house on the 19th in the morning. It was partly smooth and partly rough but God controlled the whole situation which was brought about by the type of drivers on the way, the customs, chatty and fraudulent attitude towards young traders who traffic their wares along the road. On the whole it was wonderful and a horrible experience.
On the 16th of June, we went to Rev. Dayalor as King Ayi directed us to do. The discussions were free and fair and reassuring. We went back on the 17th. The Rev. promised to prepare the residential permit. We paid him. He demanded for the birth certificate; we hadn't it there, we promised to send it to him. I have done it.
I delayed going into Togo due to accommodation and interpreter. We prayed over it and God did it in His own way. The land is fertile for the harvest. I didn't call on King Ayi again because he is very busy man; not only that, it takes many hours before one can reach him through the phone. I redrafted our registered constitution here in Nigeria and gave it to my son to give to them in order to translate it to French. Rev. Dayalor promised to attest to it as their law requires before the registration. What do you say about the constitution of the church? We want to know your opinions toward it as quickly as you receive this letter.
My account which is on this letter is based on the balance from my last journey to Togo last year. No receipts were given to me that I should have included here. What I am listing down is the practical expenses on the ground:
My son's trip & stay .. N#10,000:OOK
House rent – 6 months.. 6,000:OOK
Mosquito net – repairs 6,500:OOK
Transportation - 2,000:OOK
Internal transportation- 1,500:OOK
Application residential 2,000:OOK
Food- 2,600:OOK
Identification card- 1,500:OOK
Postage to U. S. 800:OOK
For John Jr. 3,527:OOK
Left with John Jr. 7,000:OOK
Total money spent 59,927:OOK
N#57,000 balance with the interest in the bank made it possible for me not to owe anything.
All I listed in my hand written letter is our need. If you are pleased with our effort so far and you are willing to see that the church be established with a strong foundation, send money to buy a land and erect a building on it. Also include money for registration of the church, and a mail box. I wait to hear from you soon.
Yours In His Will,
J. N. Agharanya
INDIA
August 27, 1997
Beloved in the Lord,
Loving greetings in the name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God for giving me one more time to meet the children of God and God's servants. Because of my inability to travel long distances I could not meet many brethren as I wanted to see.
I arrived in New York airport on July 31. I lost some small box that I had put underneath my seat and I forgot it. I spent the night in the house of a friend and on August 1 I went to Charlottesville, Virginia. There I was so discouraged as I could not see any one caring for me. I thought it was not the will of God for my coming to the States. I prayed and opened my Bible to Ps. 16:1 "Preserve me, O God: For in thee I put my trust"; that was my prayer. When the things seem dark around me, the Lord gave me a promise form Ex. 33:16 "And He said, my presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest". OH! I thank God for this timely promise and in fulfilling His presence with me in my travelling.
I was able to attend the Camp Meeting at God's Acres in Newark, Ohio. There I met many of God's people. August 8 was my 83rd birthday. I told Bro. Decker and some loving sisters placed a cake before me and sang "Happy Birthday to You Brother Paul". When we meet God's children we rejoice as if we are in small Heaven on earth.
My purpose in coming this time is to have fellowship and also with a burden to raise funds for our Gospel Ministry needs to quicken spreading the Gospel.
I need your prayers and cooperation.
In His Love,
K. H. Paul
PHILIPPINES
August 13, 1997
Dear Church of God Info,
Christian greetings to all the saints throughout the foreign and home missions in our dear Savior's name. We want to praise and thank the Lord so much for our privilege once again to visit several congregations, and attend Camp Meetings since June 11 to August 14, 1997, here in the United States, informing all of our burdens and the great needs in the Philippine mission for His work.
In these two months visitation we thank God so much for being safe in the dangerous highways and by ways. Though we nearly met an accident one night when Bro. Rauch, Pastor of Joy Acres, Lancaster with his two sons and me, went to pray for a newly born baby boy of the Romines family who is in bad shape in Columbus Hospital. A man standing beside the road suddenly threw a piece of rock at the van that destroyed the window at my back. Oh! Thank God for His keeping grace that protected us that night.
My wife and I were very grateful too because God is still moving in the hearts of God's people that in case Bro. Decker cease the offering for the ministry in the Philippine mission, and just help for lands and buildings. We really appreciate the people of God who are ever ready to fill the gap, stand at the back of the ministry. Oh! We have really proven God's promises in His Holy Word that He'll never forsake His children who fully trust Him.
We can't explain in words how we appreciate Bro. Rexroth for loaning the money for our fare in coming here, and also to Bro. Decker for refunding the loaned money so that we have no more problem. May God richly bless them.
During this 1997 visit, we were privileged to attend God's Acres Camp Meeting, Altapass Camp Meeting and Westerville Camp Meeting. Also we had the opportunity to visit several Church of God congregations around the country.
Before closing this report, we want to express our much gratitude to all the individual loving people of God that really cared and encouraged us and also Pastors with their congregations during our visit and short stay with them. Specially to Bro. Rexroth and family for his great sacrifice making our schedules, bringing us to the Camp Meetings and meeting and bringing us in the bus station and the airport.
In closing we want to inform you of our great needs in the Philippine Mission:
First and our priority project is to erect a chapel and pastoral in Davao City at a cost of around $30,000.00.
Second is a chapel in Evangelista at a cost of $10,000.00.
Third a chapel in Mangilala.
Fourth a chapel in Marcelina.
We have already purchased the lots. If anyone is led to help please contact Bro. D. B. Luzan, Jr., The Bible Holiness Church of God, P. O. Box 115, Kabacan 9407, Cotabato, Philippines.
In His Cause,
Bro. & Sis. D. B. Luzan Jr.
PHILIPPINE TRIP
Six of us will be going to the Philippines in December to attend Youth Conventions with Bro. Luzan. We are scheduled to depart on December 18, 1997 and return January 12, 1998. We ask that you pray for our group as we endeavor to be a blessing to the Church in the Philippines.
Our daughter, Beth, is one of the group going. Since she was in college and planning to be married in May, she had not raised funds for her ticket. Since her intended marriage was cancelled, she felt that God would have her go with us. If you can help her financially, she will greatly appreciate it. Beth's Letter:
Beth S. Rexroth
645 Shippensburg Rd.
Shippensburg, PA 17257
Dear Friends and Family,
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I trust that this letter finds everyone doing well.
The Lord has been doing marvelous things in my life. In May, I graduated from Liberty University with my Bachelor of Music degree. My desire is to use the musical talent the Lord has given me to glorify His Kingdom. I have a chance to do this in a great way, which brings me to the reason of this letter.
In Matthew 28:19 it states, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
On December 18, 1997, I will be going to the Philippine Islands for approximately 20 days. I plan to work with the children and young people as well as sing while I am there. I hope to be a blessing as well as be blessed. Having been to the Philippines in 1989-1990, I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new challenges.
Within the next few months, I need to raise $2500.00. This money covers airfare and the cost of my food while I am there. I am asking for you to prayerfully consider helping me financially make this trip. All checks should be written to The Church of God of Cumberland Valley. If you would like a receipt for tax purposes one can be sent to you upon request. If you are unable to help me financially, please keep me in your prayers. I will send out a letter after the trip with details and how the Lord blessed. Thank you for your support! May God richly bless you!
In Christ,
Beth S. Rexroth
Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I'm trusting in His promise that we (the church) will triumph over all the wiles of the enemy of our soul.
I've seen the hand of God move from the day we received the call to visit Memphis. The Saints began to pray that God's will be worked out in our lives, especially in coming here, and we are dedicated to the cause. We are trying to get a building in which we can call home. At the moment we are disassembling and assembling the tabernacle as it were. To consider buying a building from a relocating church is beyond reason for cost. Some day, we will buy land and build a comfortable place to worship. Please remember us and our endeavors as a daily object of prayer.
We covet the Saints prayers continually through the opposition. God delivered Nehemiah victoriously from his opposers as he built the wall and we're convinced that God is no respecter of persons in all generations. The Church of God faith and doctrines you and I believe in are surprisingly few in number here.
May God help us to begin and continue in the center of His divine will. I know that God will bring me to a greater knowledge of how He wants His church built; if being faithful is what it takes, then my heart is set for no other purpose.
Worthy is the Lamb,
Pastor Wiley Cash
WAYNESBORO, VIRGINIA
Waynesboro Church of God, 2026 Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro, VA, had special services on Saturday and Sunday nights (August 2 & 3). Bro. Rube Gayheart of Newark presented lessons and preached on the prophesies from the book of Daniel. These prophesies were presented with wonderful clarity that blessed the Saints, and visitors commented how much they "had enjoyed the services and had never heard anything like this before!" Besides, Bro. & Sis. Gayheart, we also were privileged to have Bro. & Sis. Charlie Craig visit us for the week-end. We thank God for all his care and wonderful blessings. Sis. Mary Boyne
YOUTH CAMP REPORT
During the week of August 18-22, 1997, approximately 50 young people gathered together at the Michiana Christian Service Camp in Niles Michigan for a week filled with fun and fellowship.
Throughout the week they were involved in a variety of activities, workshops and worship services. The Lord really moved in the evening services. Brother Jim Harris brought forth messages challenging the young people to really give their hearts completely to God. He also talked about being faithful and not being afraid of commitment. He presented many things for them to think and pray about. The altars were well used and many tears were shed by the youth for burdens for unsaved youth there.
The young people had a week filled with laughter, tears, new challenges and encouragement. The youth really pulled together and spiritually grew during this week. I was blessed to be able to be there and experience the true joy each one offered to another. A special thank you to everyone who made this youth camp possible. The food was wonderful and the love displayed with it was truly meaningful. Again thank you for all the hard work. I know many souls were blessed. Beth Rexroth
WHATEVER IT TAKES
I AM A BELIEVER COMMITTED TO DOING "Whatever it takes." I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I've stepped over the line. I am out of the comfort zone.
The decision has been made. I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down or back away.
My past is redeemed; my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, positions or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast. My goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up, or burn up – till I have preached up prayed up, paid up, stored up and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till expended, preach till all know, and work till He returns. And when He comes to get His own, He'll have no problem recognizing me, because I have dedicated my life to being a believer committed to doing. Anonymous
Created by: Brian S. Rexroth, Sr.
Maintained by: Dexter Horst
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