September 30, 1997
Vol. 5 Issue 3
EDITORIAL
The August issue contained a letter titled: "United We Stand; Divided We Fall," concerning the present state of division among church of God congregations. That letter was sent by the Westerville, Ohio Camp Meeting Committee. Several Brethren offered their names as contact persons for dialogue on what our Lord would have us do to bring about the "Unity" that He prayed for. I have received a number of calls as a result of that letter. It is evident that a number of the saints share our concern for "Unity" and are prepared to do what they can to see our Lord's prayer answered. We thank God for the moving of His Spirit and for the response of God's people to obey Him!
In 1985 God moved upon me to invite church of God ministers to come together in minister's meetings to give the Holy Spirit and God's Word opportunity to enlighten us as individuals as to our true position in "Unity" and to help us to recognize where we are wrong so that we can effectively serve our Lord and be completely obedient to Him. In 1988, we held our first meeting in Columbus, Ohio and what a great time of refreshing it was. Since then several of us have met every year with varying degrees of results. The 97 meeting was held in Bellville, Ohio where 27 Brothers and Sister came together to share how God was moving in their lives.
One result of the 97 meeting was that a committee was nominated to organize the 98 meeting. The members of this committee are: Bro. & Sis. Stanley J. Rexroth, Bro. & Sis. Glenn Dryden, Bro. & Sis. Darrell Clemons and Bro. & Sis. Mark Patterson. Several suggestions were given as to the time, place and order of the next meeting. Soon this committee will be getting together to plan the 98 meeting. If you or any church of God minister that you know of is moved by God to participate and you have some direction that you feel God would have us to take, please contact one of the committee members so that your burden can be included with the others.
We appreciate the burdens and suggestions which have thus far been shared with us. We will do our best to prayerfully consider each one. Pray for us as we seek to follow the mind of God in this endeavor.
Thank you very much. Editor.
WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)
Thank you all for your help with the Nigeria Printing equipment project. We received $215.20 this month toward the shipment. We now have $7,410.70 towards the shipment. That means that we have enough to pay the shipping. Now all that we need is approximately $400.00 to purchase some additional printing supplies and canning supplies to fill the container.
We are still 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
PASTOR JOSEPH AKPANAMAH'S REPORT
Wonderful things are happening at the Church of God in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area in Nigeria. For this reason, we give thanks to God and urge the beloved brethren of the Church of God at Shippensburg, other Churches of God around the Globe to support us financially and prayerfully as well.
Council of Ministers met on April 11, 1997 in preparation for a smooth take-off of the Revival and we discovered the total sum of N5,400.OO, this amount is not enough to host a crowd of about 1000 people for a week. That's the reason it was postponed to April 24, 1997.
Arrival of invited Ministers of Cod commenced 4.00 P.M. to 5.00 P.M. on April 24, 1997. Opening prayer was led by Pastor Joseph Akpanamah and after that, he also took-up the Opening Speech, of which he spoke on "Healing of the Body". He derived his topic from the Book of Gen. 15:26 which read thus" If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in His eyes, and give heed to this commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the disease upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord, your healer". He emphasized the importance of faith in divine healing, that without faith, one cannot achieve divine healing. He quoted references from Matt. 2:21, James 1:6 - 8 and Mark 4:40.
The meeting came to an end by 9.45 P.M. and everybody retired to their lodging rooms. We could not pay for hotel accommodations because of lack of funds, all what we did was to borrow lodge rooms from the surrounding residents for our invited Ministers and brethren of God.
Although not all the invited Ministers were able to turn-up the first day, but we had a considerable number of peoples that day. Those Ministers include Pastor A. Okon of the Church of God (Universal) at Ikot Esia, Evang. Sunday Ukai of the Church of God at Ikot Essen, Elder M. Atia of Ikot Ekpe Congregation, Pastor John Agharanya of the Bible True Church of God, Aba. Others were Evang. Cletus Joseph Akpanamah of Ikot Ebak, Pastor B. Unah and Pastor Joseph Akpanamah were the Officiating Pastors.
On Friday 25, 1997, the whole Church members and Ministers were divided into various groups and assigned different destinations and we all went on house to house Evangelism. The exercise took place from 8.00 A.M. to 3.00 P.M. and so many people responded in the evening and we had a large crowd in the evening gathering. Bro. John Agharanya arrived on Friday in the afternoon and he was given the chance to preach in the evening and he preached on "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" Prov. 16:25.
Elder Atia spoke on God being the Divine Creator and whosoever shall follow Him, should be pure according to 1st Peter 1:15 - 16. He did this in the early hours of Saturday, the 26th of April, 1997. Bro. John spoke again on "Resurrection of the Death" and they will be judged according to their works while on earth. He laid much Emphasis that Christians should not defile themselves so as to merit the Kingdom of Heaven on the resurrection day.
Pastor Joseph spoke again in the evening on the "Need why Christians were given the name at Antioch", according to Act. 11:25. He stressed that, it was a clear understanding of the disciple's way of imitating Christ. He urged that Christians should therefore live a separate way of life. Malachi 3:18.
Bro. John Agharanya came with an Evangelist named Christian, who spoke in the early hours of Sunday Morning about 5.00 A.M. On the topic "Tower in the Word". He said in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him nothing would have been made" John 1:1 - 2.
Sunday School Session Commenced by 9.00 A.M. and led by Pastor C. N. Uko, he taught us about the Temple of God. The memory verse was taken from I Corinthians 3:16 which says "Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? The aim of the teaching was to set forth truth in regard to God's Temple today. Scriptures were taken from 1 Chron. 22:5, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Corinthians 3:16 -17 and Eph. 2:19-22.
Pastor A. Okon titled his Preaching "My Refuge and my Fortress" which he derived from Psalm 91:1 - 2. Pastor Okon said most Christians seek God only when they are in distress such as sickness, and bankruptcy, but when things are normal, they forget the mighty hands of Gods thereby cease to thank God. He went on to say, we should make friends for Ourselves by means of unrighteous mammon. Lk. 16:9. He urged Christians to testify before others, any good thing God has done in their life.
The service ended by 3.00 P.M. and Ministers and brethren departed to their various destinations after the afternoon meal had been served. Three new brothers were baptized and they are currently with us. While many others promised. A week later, we organized a week fasting for the solidarity of the new converts.
Pastor Joseph's wife felt sick soon after the fasting week, the sickness was serious nearly to the point of taking her life, but Cod showed His divine miraculous healing power.- Amen.
Greetings to the brethren at Shippensburg who showed concern toward the hosting of the April Revival and more thanks to God who made it possible for a successful hosting of the Revival in Jesus dear Name - Amen.
SOURCES OF FUNDING WERE AS FOLLOWS:
--------------------------------------------
Congregation at Ikot Ekpe N1,000.00
Congregation at Ikot Ebak 1,000.00
Support from Shippensburg Cong. 2,000.00
Collective amount from individuals 1,400.00
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Total N5,400.00
EXPENDITURES
Feeding N4,500.00
Amplifier and Microphone (hired) 1,000.00
Toilet Sets, such as towel 400.00
Cream 85.00
Toothpaste and Brush 95.00
Transport fare to Aba (2 times) 500.00
Transport for Ministers back home 600.00
Total N7,180.00
Group photograph of the Ministers that attended the Revival is enclosed in this report. Front row, from left to right are Pastor C. N. Uko, Evangelist Christian in the middle and Evangelist Cletus J. Akpanamah. Back row, front left to right, Evangelist Sunday T. Ukai, Pastor B. Unah, Pastor Joseph Akpanamah, Pastor A. Okon, Pastor John Agharanya and Pastor M. Atia. A cross-section photograph picture of the members is also enclosed.
If one can look our total income before the revival, it is clear that we had only Five Thousand four Hundred Naira, while at the end, we spent seven thousand, One hundred and eighty Naira. Some of the equipment used was hired with only part payment of Two hundred Naira (11200.00) and the balance was afforded through the contribution of the members and other attendants at the revival ground. Likewise, transport fares for Pastor John Agharanya and Pastor A. Okon who came from far distance.
For us to be able to conduct Revival smoothly at any given time, we need to have equipment such as Amplifier and Microphone which will help reducing the cost of hosting it.
It is also necessary for the Church to have well erected building and beside the major street which one can identified with ease. That's why Pastor Joseph Akpanamah bought a permanent side for the Church, about 1.8 hectares and he has started constructing the Church building. (Picture attached). I appeals for help, so as to help me actualize my vision. Bro. John Agharanya will tell you more on this issue.
I have received the February, 1997 INF0+ on 24th April, 1997, but I am yet to received the December issue.
We all appreciates your efforts and we beg God to give you more Grace to help others. We know God is blessing you, as you help people to spread the Gospel to all nooks and corners of the world. More Grace and Blessing to you in Jesus dear Name - Amen.
Pastor Joseph Akpanamah
PHILIPPINES
Received September 19, 1997
Dear Bro. Rexroth,
Greetings from the Philippine Mission in Jesus precious name. Trust this letter finds you all well both body and soul. For us it's a joy to inform you that Sis. Luzan and I reached the Philippines, August 15, Friday safe and sound, first met by our loved ones and some workers in Manila airport with gladness and much gratitude to God.
We rest for two days in Manila and have the privilege to visit Antipolo church Saturday afternoon. We have seen the church building partly damaged by the strong wind the previous month. This building needs to be repaired before it will be entirely damaged. Maybe ($1,000.00) will be enough to repair it. If there are loving saints who will be touched for this need, we'll be thankful.
Sunday morning I'm privileged to preach in Santolan Church of God; really God visited and blessed the service that souls came to the altar seeking their needs. God's Holy spirit works so real good that the pastor who stop in his ministerial profession preferring to be a member and set in the pew was wonderfully revived and after the service he decided and came to meet us requesting if we agree we'll station him. So I asked the Pastor in Manila if they can station him in Antipolo church in place of Brother Curilan so that Brother Curilan can consecrate to their other outstation and they were very happy and agreed to his request. Praise God!
We then proceeded Sunday afternoon to our domestic flight to Mindanao and gladly were met again by our loved ones and other co-workers in Davao Airport. August 26, we had special meeting with good fellowship with all the co-workers in Mindanao district. Everybody are very happy to have their neckties, shoes, shirts, etc. We shared them the good result of our coming to the U. S., regarding the pastoral support. Everybody are very thankful to hear the news we bring home. It's also a good news to hear that God's Acres will continue the pastoral support. We believe God will supply, by the help of other church of God congregations.
It's good news also that my boy, Diowesley S. Luzan who is assisting me at Bannawag church of God was challenged and inspired to take my place as a pastor in Bannawag so that I can give my full time in my National Office, as the national Overseer. We were really happy and thank God for answering our prayer for him since his childhood.
Now I'm free anytime to go and visit the congregations who need help. Pray for me that He'll preserve my health for the co-workers in Luzon are requesting our visit to go and hold revivals in October.
Closing now this letter with much love and anticipation that God will continue blessing His work that more souls be added into His fold.
In His Cause,
Bro. & Sis. D. B. Luzan, Jr.
September 8, 1997
Dear Brethren,
Greetings in the wonderful name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We at the Shelby County Church of God would like to express our gratitude and thanksgiving unto the Lord and to all the Saints who prayed for us. We had a week of revival services August 18 – 26 and the Lord blessed in a miraculous way.
Bro. George Wilson was the Evangelist and God's anointing was upon him each service. There were such visitors as unchurched family members, co-workers, walk-ins from the community, ex-church members, and a family from Switzerland. We believe God spoke simply and concisely to all in attendance. Many members went to the altar to receive help and testified how God broke through and set them free. Four people were converted while many made new commitments.
In one of Bro. Wilson's messages, he gave an astonishing parallel between the faithfulness of Jehovah Witnesses and the excuses of the modern-day Christians in regards to evangelism. He said, "Jesus understands that we all have domestic, economic, and social responsibilities, but what excuse can we as Christians give Christ on judgement day for our negligence and complacency if he calls for a Jehovah Witness to come and stand beside us." The following Saturday afternoon, twenty-eight (28) soldiers, young and old, equipped themselves like men and marched forth in the evangelistic outreach ministry. As a result, one middle aged woman accepted Christ as her personal savior. That was a glorious and fruitful experience in sounds of victory for the church.
We covet the earnest prayers of all WMF Info+ recipients, that the fires of revival will continue and that we will always answer God's call with readiness and a good conscience as He builds His Church in Memphis.
Moved With Compassion,
Pastor Wiley Cash
Dear Bro. Stan,
We had a revival last week, Wednesday through Sunday. Brother Dick Dlesk was here from Wheeling, West Virginia to preach for us. We had a good meeting. Brother Darrell Clemons came down from Bellville, Ohio on Saturday night and brought part of their choir. One of their vans broke down before they left Bellville so only half of the choir made it. I saw it as the mercy of God, that it broke down in their hometown.
Brother Dlesk is praying about starting a work in Wheeling and solicited our prayers. He has a burden for the work, but wants to do the Lord's will. We had several visitors during the revival so pray that God would draw them.
We held our second Nursing Home service Tuesday night. The Lord is blessing us in that. We had about a dozen in attendance for each of the two services. We sing and speak in two buildings on alternating weeks. Most of my family has been going with me to help out.
We had our Bible study again tonight. Two young men were faithful once again to the study. We hope over time to win them to the church of God. Their names are Terry and Jay. A couple of brethren from Brother Kenny Yoder's congregation have been with us for several of the studies, Brother Jim Harris and Brother Aaron Booth. They also were able to attend a couple of the revival services. Brother Walt Williams has been coming fairly often as well and was here tonight.
That's about it. May God bless you as you continue to labor for the Lord. We will pray for you in your missionary trip as the Lord brings it to our minds.
Your Brother in Christ,
Steve Bock
DEATH
Brother Cornelius Kroeker, 92 years of age, died August 1, 1997 after being sick only 2 or 3 days. His funeral was held at the Church of God in Canby, Oregon. Bro. David Stegmeier officiated. Bro. Kroeker had attended the church in Canby for 25 years and was a faithful warrior. He was buried in Portland, Oregon.
REVIVAL REPORT
We were privileged to attend one night of revival at Robinwood Church of God, Hagerstown, Maryland on August 22, 1997. Bro. Tim Bash was the evangelist. He brought a message on Workers Together with text from 1 Cor. 12:1-31. He reminded us that every member is important and has his place in the body of Christ. Editor
TRUE RICHES
A rich man named Carl loved to ride his horse through his vast estate to congratulate himself on his wealth. One day on such a ride, he came upon Hans, an old tenant farmer, who had sat down to eat his lunch in the shade of a great oak tree. Hans' head was bowed as he prayed. When he looked up, he said, "Oh, excuse me, sir, I didn't see you. I was giving thanks for my food." "Humph!" snorted Carl, noticing the coarse dark bread and cheese constituting the old man's lunch. "If that were all I had to eat, I don't think I would feel like giving thanks." "Oh," replied Hans, "it is quite sufficient. But it is remarkable that you should come by today, sir, I .. I feel that I should tell you. I had a strange dream just before awakening this morning." "And what did you dream?" Carl asked with an amused smile. "It seemed there was beauty and peace all around, and yet I could hear a voice saying, 'The richest man in the valley will die tonight.' "Dreams!" cried the landowner. "Nonsense!" And he turned and galloped away.
"Lord, have mercy on his soul if he really is to die soon." Hans prayed as he watched horse and rider disappear. Carl could not somehow put the conversation from his mind and that evening he called his doctor. When the doctor arrived, Carl told him the whole story. "Sounds like a lot of nonsense to me," the doctor said, "but for your peace of mind, let's examine you." A little later, his examination complete, the doctor assured Carl that he was strong and healthy. "There's no way you're going to die tonight." Carl thanked his friend and told him how foolish he felt for being upset by an old man's dream.
It was about 9 a.m. the following morning when a messenger arrived at Carl's door. "It's about old Hans," the messenger said. "He died last night in his sleep." Who was the richest man? Jesus said, "What would it profit a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose his soul." (Mark 8:36). Illustration taken from Pulpit Helps published by AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 37422
THE SEARCH FOR LIVING WATER
There is said to be a strange plant in South America which finds a moist place and rests there for a while, sending its roots down and becoming green. When this bit of earth dries up, the plant draws itself together and is blown along by the wind until it finds another moist spot, where it repeats the same story. On and on it rolls, stopping wherever it finds a little water and staying until the water is exhausted. But after all its journeying it is nothing but a bundle of dead roots and leaves. The life of this plant tells the story of those who drink only at this world's springs. They go on from spring to spring, and at the last, at the end of the longest life, they are nothing but bundles of unsatisfied desires and burning thirsts.
In contrast, Jesus tells also of the heavenly water which He gives to those who believe on Him. "Whosoever drinketh of the water which I shall give him shall never thirst" (John 4:14). In Christ all the soul's cravings are met. There is no want or desire in our nature which cannot in Him find perfect satisfaction. One of the Beatitudes reads, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matt. 5:6). Noah's dove flew from the ark and went on weary wing everywhere, but found only a waste of desolate waters, with no place to alight. Then she flew back to the ark and was gently drawn within, where she found warmth, safety and rest. This story of the dove illustrates the history of every soul that, having wandered everywhere in search of rest, at last returns to God and finds satisfaction in Him. By J. R. Miller; Illustration taken from Pulpit Helps published by AMG Publishers, 6815 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37422
HOW IS YOUR INFLUENCE?
Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. He has had 1,026 descendants – 300 were sent to prison for an average term of 13 years; 190 were public prostitutes; 680 were admitted alcoholics. His family, thus far has cost the state in excess of $420,000. They made no contribution to society.
Jonathan Edwards lived in the same state, at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw that his children were in church every Sunday, as he served the Lord to the best of his ability. He has had 929 descendants – of these, 430 were ministers; 86 became university professors; 13 became university presidents; 75 authored good books; 5 were elected to the United States Congress and 2 to the Senate. One was Vice President of his nation. His family never cost the state one cent but has contributed immeasurably to the life of plenty in this land today. Illustration taken from Pulpit Helps published by AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 37422
Created by: Brian S. Rexroth, Sr.
Maintained by: Dexter Horst
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