November 30, 1997

Vol. 5 Issue 5

EDITORIAL

Thank our Lord for a new column that starts with this issue. Sister Judy Scroggs, wife of Pastor Chuck Scroggs of Bristow, Oklahoma makes her "Dear Judy" debut today. Sister Judy has felt a burden for some time to help young people connect in the Church of God.

Please share this Info with your young people and help them pray for guidance as they respond. At least they will have opportunity to communicate with other church of God young people through this column. Also they may correspond directly with Sister Judy for advice.

I'm sure that there are other reporters out there that could help us share the news of the church of God by sending us a report from time to time. What is happening in your area? Please take a few minutes to share with us so that we can inform the church at large of God's work. It is encouraging to all to learn of revivals, camp meetings, births, deaths, fellowship meetings and souls saved.

A special thanks to all that have sent in reports this year. We much appreciate your help. Editor.

WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)

Thank you all for your help with the Nigeria Printing equipment project. We are still working on our invoice of the items. Pray for me and my helpers as we attend to this task. Thank you very much for your support.

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

The following reports for July, August, September and October were all received on November 14, 1997 via someone traveling from Nigeria and mailing them to me from Washington D. C..

July, 1997

Dear Brethren,

Holy Greetings in Jesus Name,

The month of July was a wonderful month in the history of the Church of God here in Nigeria. We had our men's camp meeting. It started on the 10th and ran to the 13th. Brethren from all our local churches were in attendance. We had three services every day except Sunday. I lectured in the evening of Thursday and the morning services. Pastor Isaiah Ekpendu, the principal of the school lectured in the evenings. The afternoon services were handled by some Deacons. The altars were filled with people who were convicted by the Word and the holy Ghost. They amended their way, reconciled and were re-consecrated.

On July 26the people assembled in hundreds for our matriculation service. Ministers and sectors of Bible Colleges also came. It was an awe- inspiring day. After the marching in of the matriculates and the matriculation team, the ceremony was the best we have coordinated and conducted. God's presence was felt by all. The four matriculates promise to abide by the precepts of the School and the Word of God. May God be glorified in Jesus name. As for the School, we have enrolled two more students from other churches. As we prepare for our youth camp meeting, pray for us!

Your Bro. In Christ

August, 1997

Dear Brethren,

To God be the glory; great things He hath done. Our National Youth camp started on the 6th of August and ended on the 10th. The joy of the Lord was our strength.

The glory of the Lord overwhelmed every service. On the 9th many souls were spiritually delivered from many water, witchcraft and demonic spirit's possession. 22 were baptized and Sunday the 10th was a day the church can never forget. All these things were done by your help and encouragement and the Holy Spirit's direction.

We are grateful and thankful to God for He inspired the youths who raised N15,000. Ook (about $200.00) to support the ceremony.

We are rejoicing in the Lord as we opened another church in Umiahia in a community known and called Umioka. The landlord repented in one of the services. Glory be to God.

It has not rained much this month and the grace of God abides with us still. Keep on rendering your work of love towards us. God in His absolute mercy will not forsake you nor abandon you all.

Yours In His Truth

September, 1997

Dear Brethren,

We greet you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This month was fruitful and rewarding. We had our children's camp. Children from Imo State, Enugu State and Abia State – members of our churches assembled at 279 Obohia Rd.

They camped for one full week. They are a set of happy, admiring, acceptable and God loving human beings. Their stay imparted love, obedience and dedication into the hearts of the youths and adults. Many of them were healed and delivered from their problems. 15 of them gave their life to Jesus Christ. It was an amazing experience. Halleluya! Amen!

It does not rain frequently as before. Our road that is bad has been taking care of a little bit. The church in Omoba has opened another branch at Umuoko Community. God is still faithful and He is adding to the church daily those that should be saved.

I am busy to the extent that I don't have much time for the office as before. If I happen to get a typist who will by helping me, that will be alright. I am praying to God for that.

Pray for us that God should raise dynamic and dedicated ministers into the harvest. Pray that our expansion continues without much hindrances. We are praying for you people. Thanks.

Yours In Christ

October, 1997

Dear Brethren,

We are happy to receive your letter and to read out the good things in it. (Note: I had sent a letter on August 4 by regular mail and it got through; thank God for this improvement in the mail service to Nigeria. Pray that it continues as it will be of great help in corresponding with Bro. John)

Yours In His Love,
Pastor John N. Agharanya

PHILIPPINES

Received November 12, 1997

Dear Church of God Info,

Wondrous greetings from the Philippine Mission in the glorious Name of Jesus our Redeemer and King of Kings. Trusting this short report for this previous month reach everybody in the victory side.

The month of October was another busy time for us facing every responsibility and appointments in the Lord's work. At home I prepared the programs for our upcoming two district camp meetings. I inform also the ministry in both districts, Mindanao and Luzon about the date and what they need to prepare before the camp meetings come.

Last week in October we went to Manila in response to the information of the Pastor in Pasig City that we need to get the jeep due to some reasons. First reason is they can only bring out the jeep twice a week and the gain is not even enough for the maintenance. According to the Pastor they even use their money for some repairs. Anyway they are also using the jeep during their visitations and outreach every Sunday afternoon.

When I receive the information, if possible I'll not agree because in transferring vehicle from Manila to Davao here in Mindanao is very expensive, working the permit and other legal papers from LTO. Also hired a driver by land. But we prayed much and ask God's intervention and He led us to go and bring the jeep to Davao. Thank God the jeep reach Davao November 1st safe. Praise God!

While we were in Manila we visited Antipolo church and were able to sleep there one night because the climate is cold not like Pasig City that it's too warm. We are praying to the Lord to supply them an air condition in a marvelous and wonderful way. $700.00 dollars is the price of the best one.

In the next place we're privileged to visit the new purchase lot in Umingan, 1000 Sq. meters for the saints to build a seven meter by twelve meter concrete chapel as the Lord provides. We visited also the new pioneer work in Cadiz and to see the presented lot for sale for (P 45,000.00), they just give us for $660.00. We requested the owner of the lot to help us pray that God will provide. This brother is coming to the service and he said he is willing to help when they'll erect a chapel. Our problem now is where to get money for the lot and their chapel.

Saints, before the close of time help us pray to our father in Heaven that we can share the truth to the lost and dying world. Let us continue to work hand in hand while it's still day, the night cometh when we can no longer work.

In His Cause,
Bro. & Sis. D. B. Luzan, Jr.

GUATEMALA

November 13, 1997

Dear Brother Rexroth,

I hope you are enjoying the Blessings of the Good Lord. I would like to give you a report on the work in the Mission in Guatemala. In September we started a Bible school for the Pastors, we have ten people enrolled in the class, they are studying from the Book "What The Bible Teaches" by F. G. Smith, if you have good Spanish literature please send it to us.

We have a lot of progress here, now the cafeteria and the new kitchen is almost ready. We really are thankful to the Lord for all kinds of Blessings He is giving us.

In late October we received a visit of several Brothers and Sisters from the United States. They were: Robert and Mary Kling, Pastor Harold Kelly (from Kentucky Church of God) and of course John Collins from Lakeland, Florida. Last 31 of October and 1 and 2 of November, we had a Convention in Chiquimulilla. Brother Kelly was the preacher and I had the privilege to be his interpreter. It was a wonderful revival. We had many people to the altar. Then on November 7, 8 and 9 we had another Convention in Taxisco, and we had a very nice crowd and many people came to the altar.

We have a 40 ft. container in the customs and we hope to get it out soon. On the container we have a 2,000 gallon tank for our water system and the wood trusses for the roof over the new auditorium, in addition we have many items for the children in the school. We are praying earnestly that the container will be released soon.

In January we start the new school year. We will add fifth grade and our total enrollment will be 210 students. I trust the work of the Lord in Africa is doing well. May God richly Bless you and your family.

In Christian Love,
Pastor Osiel Gonzalez

DEAR JUDY

This burden was born for all Christian youth who have asked the same question from coast to coast, "but how can I find a Christian mate?" As you, Christian single, respond to this column, you will begin to see you are not alone. Many of our young people are growing up in small, family churches, and feel as Elijah when he thought he was the only one serving God. Not so! There are thousands of young people determined to make Heaven their home, and Jesus Lord of their lives.

This column is meant to help you find one another. In this modern world of dating services, the Lord impressed me to present to each of you a more protected environment wherein to seek someone on your common ground. So will you please respond, there are others just like you, looking and praying for a Christian friend. Perhaps nothing will ever come of these meetings, but the encouragement one to another will be eternal!!

My dear husband and I have been married this February, for 29 years, not ever forgetting being a teenager in the Church. We are 5th generation, on each side, in the Church of God. We know how difficult it is when everyone feels like sister and brother, but even then, God has a way of introducing us when the time is right. We didn't really notice one another until our teenage years. God has made all the difference in our relationship.

If you have any questions, I will try, with the Lord's help, to give you Christian direction.

RULE #1: KEEP GOD FIRST

Send: Name – Address – E-mail – age – M/F – Pastor - Interests/Hobbies – School/Major – Work/Career to:

 Dear Judy
 601 E. 2nd Ave.
 Bristow, OK  74010

The following are interested in hearing from other Christian young people:

Joshua A. Craig, w/m, 18, Sr./HS, National Guard, likes reading & Comic books, Pastor: Chuck Scroggs – P. O. Box 183, Shamrock, OK 74068; E-mail: d56wolf@hotmail.com

Jeremy D. Evans, w/m, 16, Jr./HS, Faith Central Christian Academy, Marine Biology, likes magic, Tae Kwon Do, writing, poetry, art, games, reading, computers, writing, Pastor: Chuck Scroggs – Rt. 1, Box 20, Bristow, OK 74010; E-mail: disciple56@yahoo.com

Jason A. Mendenhall, w/m, 21, 3rd yr. Naval Academy, likes flying, racquetball, softball, tennis, science, Pastor: David Hopper; 1913 Duane Rd., Muncie, IN 47304; E-mail: M994320@nadn.navy.mil

Ross C. Miller, w/m, 18, Freshman Purdue University, Likes music including sax, Pastor: Jeff Mendenhall; 1913 Duane Rd., Muncie, IN 47304; E-mail: thilo@purdue.edu

Jon Nollner, w/m, 20, HS Grad, Police Dept., Likes music, law, Leader main focus youth ministries, basketball, outdoors, animals, Pastor: Chuck Scroggs; 120 Cape Dr., Bristow, OK 74010

Amanda K. Paxton, w/f, 15, 9th grade, Biology major, Pastor: Chuck Scroggs; P. O. Box 127, Beggs, OK 74421

MEMPHIS

Hello Brother Rexroth & Family,

We are blessed to be able to greet you in the Name of our precious Chief Corner Stone, Jesus Christ. By His grace and direction we were able to close a five acre land transaction on October 28, 1997. Nearly all of the Church funds were exhausted as one may understand, but it was like a one time in a life time deal that we could not pass up. We have already begun clearing the property for the building process to begin. So we're excited about what God is doing for us here in Memphis.

We promised to send you an offering each month for Mission work and with so many operational needs, I know we had to begin somewhere to have peace at heart. We're not specifying any particular area of distribution, because you know more about the needs of the respective missions and we trust your judgement for now.

May God richly bless you and your many labors, we really enjoy the coordinated service awareness from the Info+. Souls are still being saved here at the Shelby County Church of God. Praise His Holy Name!

Moved With Compassion
Pastor Wiley Cash

WEDDING

Shawna Marie McCartt and Bradley Lee Zoladz were united in Holy Matrimony on November 22, 1997 in front of family and friends in Morgantown, WV. Please keep Bradley and Shawna in your prayers as they begin their new lives together. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Zoladz will reside in Morgantown, WV following their honeymoon. By: Beth Rexroth

FELLOWSHIP MEETING REPORT

We were privileged to attend the morning service of the Fellowship Meeting at North Point Church of God, Baltimore, Maryland on November 22nd. The message was preached by Brother Roger Cummings on "What Is Our Purpose" with text from Matt. 26:6-13. He reminded us that we will carry out that which we purpose in our hearts. Others will not always understand your purpose as the disciples did not understand, but you must do that which God directs you to do.

REVIVAL REPORT

The Church of God of Cumberland Valley, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania had a very good revival November 5 through 9, 1997 with Brother Chuck Scroggs as the Evangelist. Several souls sought help at the altar, praise the Lord!

Bro. Chuck's opening message was on "Lord Is It I?" with text from Matt. 26:17-22. He reminded us that God wants to fill the empty pews. He wants to save our families. Before we can have revival, we must do our part. We must ask, Lord is it I?

Thursday's message was on "The Great Need All Around Us" with text from Matt. 9:36-37. He told us that a church will never grow beyond its capacity to meet others needs. The Gospel is meeting the needs of those around us.

Friday's message was on "Give Me Thy Heart" with text from Prov. 23:26. He reminded us that God wants you to give Him your heart so He can clean it and place His Holy Spirit in it. He wants to put His truth & His love in it also.

Saturday's message was on "The Oil Press" with text from Matt. 26:36-38. We were reminded that the Holy Spirit wants to be the Lord of our lives. Every Christian must have a Gethsemane where he makes the decision to follow God no matter what.

Sunday morning's message was "How Far Is It To Calvary?" with text from Luke 23:33-34. He told us, when you have Jesus within and in control, you can be used of God. Calvary is here, when the world watches you,. do they see Jesus?

Sunday evening's message was "Climb The Mountain To A Committed Life" with text from Matt. 5:1 & 2 Kings 2:1-15. Br. Chuck asked, who will pick up the mantle of the Godly that has gone on home? Why do God's people over and over again commit and go? If you haven't been to the mountain top, you don't know!

BIRTH

Rebecca Nicole Rexroth entered this life November 6, 1997. She is the daughter of Alan & Tracy Rexroth of Pasadena, Maryland. Her parents and two brothers are enjoying having a baby sister in the home. Editor.

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