January 31, 1997
Vol. 4 Issue 8
WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)
NIGERIA
Dec. 28, 96
Dear Brethren,
It is a great thing to serve Jesus and to walk in His Light. Glory be to God that we are all well and enjoying the fellowship of saints from place to place. The demand to hear the truth as I preach it increases daily, Praise God!
Our camp meeting was good and a blessing to every soul. All hands were on deck to see the best of the meeting. People came from Abia, Imo, Anambra and Enugu States. The Word of God was preached without fear or favour. Souls were saved, bodies were healed and lives were rededicated to Jesus. On the 25th of December, ten persons were baptized. On the 26th, more than one-hundred-fifty brethren received the Holy communion. Some backsliding brethren came back to the faith with their families. On the 27th, the camp meeting ended with joy and gladness that the will of God had been done and we are blessed. Our Daughter in Christ, by name of Sophia, who has been living in the United States visited us on the 26th and stayed till the end of the camp meeting before she left for her home in Mbaise. God supplied all our needs. Praise be to His name!
According to the November report of the Info+, the Togo account was not correct. In Lagos I telephoned Bro. Stanley. It cost me 1260 Ook., Ecowas passport I got for the person that will go with me cost 5500 Ook. The total sum is 6760. 63,000 Ook minus 6750 is 56,240 Ook. Correction should be made in the Info. I wrote it down at the end of my letter which I have its' copy here.
We look forward to a better and prosperous 1997. Pray for my country. Pray for the church in Africa. Pray for open doors for His Church. Pray for our programs in 1997. Pray for our supporters that God will bless abundantly.
Hope to hear from you all.
Yours in His Love,
J. N. Agharanya
Editors note: On January 4, I received a call from Brother Josiah, A close friend of Brother John, who lives in Washington, D. C. He informed me that someone from D. C. will be going to Nigeria the end of January and I could send a letter with them and they will deliver it to Brother John. So I sent the letter and Brother Josiah called me on January 24 to confirm that he has received it and it will be on the way on January 26. This is the first opportunity I have had to get a letter to Brother John since he left for home the 1st of September, 1996. Thank the Lord!
Continue to send offerings for Nigeria to the treasurer:
World Missionary Fellowship
c/o Bro. Steve Yoder
P. O. Box 418
Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Your Servant, Stanley J. Rexroth
PHILIPPINES
Jan. 3, 97
Dear Bro. Rexroth & Saints,
Warmest greetings from the Philippine Mission once again this New Year time in our dear Savior's Name.
Trust this first report this 1997 finds everybody in the family of God all well and victorious in the service of the King. For us under the Banner of Bible Holiness Church of God, we reach the New Year time victorious and happy to continue the responsibilities in our Father's task.
We're so glad to inform the family of God in the home and foreign Missions that the year, 1996, was closed by two victorious Youth Conventions, Luzon District and Mindanao District. Thank God, nineteen Young People received the Ordinance of water baptism as an outward testimony that they received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.
Enclosed are the pictures of both conventions, held in the two memorial chapels of the Wooster, Dover Church of God. First picture is Rizal, Kalinga Apayao where Luzon District Young Peoples gathered. Second picture is Romualdez, Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, where all Mindanao Young People gathered too.
Saints, we are very grateful the past year for all your financial aid, support and prayers that enable us to accomplish something for the prosperity of His Kingdom. Our prayers presently is, that may God touch every member of the family of God specially those who are more privileged in this world for those who are needing a help specially for lots and church buildings in the Kingdom of God.
We are humbly appealing to all the loving saints who have not yet tried to open their hearts financially, that God speak to them and give them the Macedonian experience, that though they are in deep poverty, they are rich in their liberality. The secret in their lives, why they became great in the morning church, as well in the Evening Church of God, Philippine is included, is because their submission to God is real and their love for mission is moving because of reason. WHERE THERE IS NO VISION, THE PEOPLE PERISH. (2 Cor. 8:1-5 & Prov. 29:18).
May the great God of Heaven pour out more abundant blessings upon you all this year 1997.
In His Great Cause,
Bro. & Sis.. D. B. Luzan Jr.
January 10, 1997
Dear Saints,
We are honored to inform you once again about the youths' activities that happened here in the Philippines, particularly here in Mindanao - Zone I (Cotabato - Davao City Churches).
A few months ago, all Pastors & youths in this zone gathered together for this purpose. All of the young people of God happily conversed with each other. Osias congregation became the host church in the said event.
The service started with a lively singing of choruses and after that, Pastor Jesus Fajardo, being the host Pastor presided in the service with an opening prayer followed by a victorious congregational singing and special songs from each local church.
The highlight of the service was the stirring message through His anointed servant, Pastor John O. Nisperos. His main point of view or emphasis was all about the "Youths in the Last Days Dispensation". He emphasized that Church of God youths must be aware with their environment, actions and plans in life, for at the end of time, all of us will be judged according to our deeds on earth. Many Youths knelt before the altar of God for spiritual nourishment and enlightenment.
As a sequel of this fellowship, the lady workers & Pastors headed the Bible games and drills. As a result, Bannawag church won and ranked first.
On the other hand, last November 9, 1996, another one day youth fellowship happened in Bannawag church with the Theme: "Spiritual Growth, A Catalyst for Youths' Stability". More than seventy young people, together with their respective Pastors went in this host church to attain their unified goals of meeting together, singing spiritual songs, hearing the words of God and prepare themselves for the coming Mindanao Youth Convention '96.
As a usual part of the service, the congregation sang choruses joyfully, followed by a worship service that was presided over by Pastor John O. Nisperos. Pastor Edgar Taganos led the opening prayer while Sis. Dolores Batallang led the congregational singing with the songs, "Be Strong & True" & "Stepping In The Light" respectively.
After that was the singing of special songs from each of the congregations. As we observed, all the youths really sang at the top of their voice with victorious expressions and praises.
Pastor Jesus Fajardo of Osias Church of God became the messenger of God. He elaborated a topic jived to the theme, His topic was about "The Christian Should Grow", with his main text that can be found in Eph. 4:14-16 & 2 Pet. 3:18. He asserted that Christian youth must "grow in grace, be dependent on God's grace, be obedient to God's will and must have spiritual wisdom". As a fruit of his message, more than twenty young people humbly followed the intervention of the Holy Spirit in their lives and prayed n the altar for spiritual wisdom, growth and stability in their faith to God.
Moreover, Pastor Diosdado B. Luzan, Jr., the host Pastor and National Overseer expressed his appreciation and thanks for these precious youths who attended the fellowship. He reiterated their desire in attending such kind of Christian gathering was not in vain, instead a gain for once again all of them were agitated through the songs and message from the anointed speaker.
After the worship service, the singing and Bible games contest followed. Sis. Jessie Ruth Fajardo and Sis. Dolores Batallang became the in charge of the separated activities respectively. In the singing contest, Bannawas church ranked first followed by Katidtuan Bliss church. In the Bible games, still Bannawag church ranked first followed by Osias church.
After these activities was the lunch time. All the youths brought out their packed lunch and preparations and happily shared one's preparations. The elders in the host church extended their help also in hall, table, food preparation and even in dish washing.
The third part was an outdoor game. Pastor Arturo Batallang was the in-charge. As a result, Katidtuan Bliss became the winner. Then a merienda and awarding of prizes followed.
This whole day event became momentous and a great advantage for the Mindanao Youth Convention '96. Of course, the youths' preparations for this Zone whether in indoor and outdoor games, were not in vain because Zone I excelled and was proclaimed as the overall champion last December at the Mindanao Youth Convention held in Romauldez Church of God.
Finally, we want to extend our request in praying for us here in the Philippines, especially to our national down to local church youth organizations and officers in order for us to be guided accordingly through His will and guidance, because we believe that His work will still continue to escalate as the years go by. Amen!
Thanking you most sincerely,
John Noel S. Nisperos
Bannawag Church Youth Director
OHIO BIBLE COLLEGE
December 31, 1996
Update on the college after the first semester:
The Ohio Bible College officially began September 5, 1996, at the Licking County Church of God, Newark, Ohio. Four Courses were offered:
Survey of the Bible - Bro. Jennings B. Wood, Instructor; Spanish I - Sis. Gail Wood, Instructor; Media Technology - Bro. James Nipp, Instructor; Ancient History - Bro. Rube Gayheart, Instructor.
Twenty-three part time students enrolled. Twenty-two of these students completed the semester. The classes ranges in size from eleven in Survey of the Bible to five in Spanish I. The students were an enthusiastic group, eager to learn and much was accomplished. The learning atmosphere was also permeated with fellowship and fun.
During the course of the semester, the former Newark Air Force Base donated twelve computers, four printers, and other accessories to the college. This equipment will be utilized by the student body when it is programmed and ready to go. Bro. Steve Knighton, who was in the media technology class, and others have been working on these computers. Other donations included an overhead projector donated by Bro. James Nipp and books for the projected college library donated by Bro. John Collins.
To culminate the media technology class, Bro. Rodger Orr invited the class to the Owens Corning Newark plant to not only see their updated computer system, but to use the computer lab. Then he took the students on a tour of the plant.
At the beginning of the service on Sunday morning, December 15, the college recognized the students for completion of the various courses by awarding them certificates. These certificates were designed by Bro. Harold Lane, who also designed our school logo.
The second semester at Ohio Bible College is scheduled to begin January 20, 1997. Bro. Dave DeVoll is planning to join the faculty this semester. We are thankful he has recovered sufficiently from his illness to undertake this endeavor. He will be the instructor for An Introduction to Systematic Theology. Other courses to be offered this semester are New Testament Survey, Sixteenth Century Reformation History, and either Spanish II or Old Testament Survey.
Any interested in attending Ohio Bible College should contact Vivian Gayheart, 10722 Eden Church Rd.. NE, St. Louisville, OH 43071 (Telephone 614-745-2412)
by Rube & Vivian Gayheart
SPECIAL LADY
The following is a letter to the editor printed in the local newspaper of Bridgeport, Ohio:
Dear Editor,
This letter is being written to honor a very special lady who went home to be with Jesus on December 26, Mrs. Lottie Zoladz.
She was not a prominent leader, diplomat or business owner, but her life touched many people. You didn't see her name in the news or her obituary in large bold print, but she was one of the most wonderful people I ever had the honor of knowing.
You see Lottie was a dedicated Christian. Her love for Christ was appreciated in everything that she did. You could not help but appreciate her love for Jesus.
We talked about our Savior many times in the past nine plus years when she came to visit me a Kmart. She used to come in every Tuesday and she always looked me up and looked forward to her visits. The past few years she was not able to come in very often, but we kept in touch with cards and letters.
I will miss her very much, but I know she is right where she wanted to be with Jesus sharing her love with him.
To Lottie's family, I would like for you to know how much she meant to me. She spread the gospel wherever she went. She was a true witness for Jesus and his wonderful love for all of us.
I know the seeds she planted will forever grow in the hearts of the many people her life touched. May you all have a Happy New Year and may it begin with Christ in your lives.
by Erleen Long, Barnesville
January 20, 1997
Dear Brethren,
Thanks for prayer for us to find a Church Building. We have a closing today on a very nice building with plenty of room to grow. A parsonage in back is included. So now pray God will lay a burden on some Minister's heart for Waynesboro. One who preaches the truth and lives what he preaches. We are a small group but faithful helpers. Not much money but God has promised to supply all our needs, and He has never failed us yet.
He has given us some real Victories lately. To Him be all the praise!
Our building is located on 2026 Lynhurst Rd. in the city limits. Come visit us.
Sister Lillian Crouch
Created by: Brian S. Rexroth, Sr.
Maintained by: Dexter Horst
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