February 29, 2000

Vol. 7 Issue 8

EDITORIAL

John 17:23 “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

Our Lord’s prayer and also my prayer that we, the people of God, are so filled with Jesus that His glory shine out in all the earth. We surely do need the presence of God in our hearts to perfect us and unite us, as our Lord wants us to be. It is much easier to cause division than it is to cause unity.

Shall we pray for unity as our Lord did? And, shall we put legs on our prayers with action? We can worship together with the people of God. We can pray with the people of God. We are obligated to fellowship every soul that receives Christ into his heart.

There will be a number of Revivals, Fellowship meetings and Camp Meetings around the country this summer. Let us do our best to attend and worship together. Allow the Lord to fill us with His presence in a greater way than ever before. Editor.

WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)

The executive committee met February 5 and took the following actions:

Funds were transferred from the General Fund to the specific accounts as needed.

Report was given on the plans to visit Nigeria this August.

Reports and authorization for the Philippine mission were given.

A policy draft for a summit meeting of the various missions is to be presented at the annual meeting in July.

Brother Stanley Rexroth was appointed as Editor of Info+ for three more years.

Nominations were made for the executive committee to be presented to the annual meeting.

Brother John Rao of India will be invited to use WMF as a vehicle for his support.

The date and time was set for the annual meeting to be held @2:00 PM July 13, 2000 at the Westerville Camp Meeting.

A request will be made to the Camp Meeting committee that the Wednesday evening service will be a mission service similar to last year.

Continue to send offerings identified for specific missions to the Treasurer:
World Missionary Fellowship
C/O Bro. Steve Yoder
P. O. Box 418
Sugarcreek, OH 44681

PRESSING NEEDS:

1. $1,000.00 For Brother John Agharanya’ medical care debt; $500.00 was received this month toward the debt. Thank You!

2. $4,000.00 to 15,000.00 to purchase a van for Nigeria. They have no vehicles and must rely on public transportation for all of their travel. $500.00 was received this month toward this need. Thank You!

3. $5,600.00 For diesel generator for Nigeria as electric power is rarely available for their printing business. $100.00 has been received so far toward this need. Thank you!

PHILIPPINES

January 13, 2000

Dear Brother Rexroth and Saints,

Joyous Love and new years greetings from the Philippine Mission once again in His blessed name. Trusting and praying to our dear God whom we’re faithfully serving grant you all dear supporters more blessings and additional years for his cause.

It’s again our privilege to share you that we’ve closed the year 1999 with 2 victorious district conventions, Acknowledging saints that you’ve a part for the success. So we want to express our thanks and much gratitude for your continuous Love and support for the work to prosper till this two thousand years. Praise His Name.

Glad to share you then saints that our 2 district youth conventions were wonderfully blessed since the first service to the last meeting. Even though the co-workers and youth delegations have to adjust and sacrifice due to lack of lodging in Ma-a, Davao City, this they didn’t hinder the Spirit of God to work in a very special way.

Truly we thank God for every donation and love from our dear supporters in U. S. that we were able to purchase chairs enough for the convention. In addition also we receive donations from Sis. Cabico and Sis. Renalyn Luzan working in Hong Kong that the pastor in Davao City, Bro. Samuel Luzan and Brother Diowesley Luzan Jr. were able to built tent besides the church building and rent a cottage in front of the tabernacle. Due to the sacrifices and love of the pastors all things work together for good to them that love Him. Every need was meet and now we want to convey our much gratitude to all that have contributed that the church building in Ma-a, Davao City was materialize.

Enclosed 2 group pictures of the youth conventions, 1 in Luzon district and 1 here in Mindanao district for you dear supporters to see that all your support, prayers and financial aid are not in vain, but give success for the conventions.

As a result good numbers of young peoples receive the ordinance of water baptism. Our innermost desire this year 2 thousand is to continue remembering us in the mission field.

In His Labor,
Bro. & Sis. D. B. Luzan Sr.
Philippine Mission

February 8, 2000

Dear Bro. Rexroth & Saints,

Once again we’re greetings you all our dear and Loving supporters from the Church of God Holiness, Philippine Mission this 2000 years the new privilege to work again and continue the task our father hath given to us in our area of responsibility.

Truly we can’t express in word our much gratitude that our CEASE offering was already solve and replace by the sacrifices of our concern brother and sister in the family of God, who love the work God hath put into our shoulder, by sending your offerings to the World Missionary Fellowship of the Church of God and some individuals who direct their offering to us. Praise His Name.

We can’t explain in words how God wonderfully solves our problem that we’ve prayed so much. This is the reason why we’re sending this thanksgiving report to the INFO+ of the churches of God in United States, to let you know all our beloved supporters what is inside our hearts. Thank you so much. All our co-workers under the Banner of the holiness Church of God (BHCG) extend their thanksgiving for your love and support to us in the mission field.

It is our earnest desire by God’s help this millennium to do our best to face our individual responsibilities to bring the true message to the backsliden groups of believers in the world of religions. We want to inform you that this days in the Philippine Republic, there are American Missionaries of the one Cup Church of Christ roaming around inviting people to go with them through baptism, using their money assuring the ministry to receive $250.00 monthly. Many were deceive that causes even division’s because of the money. How we need your prayers saints.

However we’re also trying our best to encourage the saints in the Philippine congregations to support their pastor like the man made religion in addition to what the WMF and individual could help. We believe God will never forsake His own.

Before closing, the names of our beloved supporters this millennium who will stand for us is now in our office sent by the concern brethren who really love the mission work. How we love and appreciate you all. We want to assure you that all the ministers in our area of responsibility are praying much for your prosperity and may the abundant blessings of God be always poured out to you hundred times in rebound.

Very Sincerely Yours,
Bro. & Sis. D. B. Luzan Sr.
Holiness Church of God
Philippine Mission

NIGERIA

January 27, 2000

Dear Brethren,

FACT REPORT

Psalm 138:1-3 “I will praise you, o Lord, with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.”

Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Two outstanding scriptures suit my condition now; 1 Cor. 1:31 That according as it is written he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, To them who are the called according to His purpose.

In November, I went back to the hospital, the medical doctor in charge of my case has left for Germany. He recommended that I should go for further tests. Before then I have been told by so many people not to rely on the recommendation of one doctor. The reason being that operation is a big business here; sometimes they make mistakes. So I accepted going in for more blood tests, Urine and feces tests. After thorough diagnosis the doctor told me that it is not a hernia. He said that it is not HIV or AIDS. He said that it is an infection that swells scrotums; the white blood capsules grows more that the red blood capsules.

I inquired to know the source of the infection. He said it may be through the bite of an insect, maybe I kissed somebody who is affected, or through the use of local or general toilets; or the fumes from excreta. This revelation blowed my head. Because of the pains that agonizes me I was admitted, after four days of intensive care, I was released and placed on regular medication. I have so far visited four different hospitals. I settled down to treatment and I am getting well. The infection is Staphylococcus.

After two months and a half of excruciating pain and confusion I glorified God and with faith looked unto Him for succor. I decided to look for a fairly used generator to be used at 32 Park Rd. where we transferred some of the machines. God really answered my prayer and gave us 4.5 Lister engine used for $1,700.00. It has not been installed yet. I thank God for it. We still need a generator for the main studio. Kindly continue to put it on record. It will be of great help to us.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER REPORT

I WILL EXTOL THEE, O Lord; for thou has lifted me up, and have not made my foes to rejoice over me. Psa. 30:1. I thank each and every one of you that contributed towards my hospital bill. May God almighty through His son Jesus Christ bless all of you richly in Jesus Christ’s most precious name. Amen.

On November 23 to 27, we held a crusade with film shows at 22 Umuegwere Road, Aba. Many souls attended. We saw 15 adults’ worship with us who surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.

On Dec. 1 – 4 we held another crusade at 38 Watchtower Road, Aba. Evangelist Joachim Amaji and Christian Ogbuka preached. That place has been restored while Moses Okonkwo is the Pastor.

On Dec. 6 – 12, similar crusade was held at 279 Obohia Road, Aba. It was really amazing and a harvest of souls. The word was really sent forth. On the 23 to 26 we held our annual camp meeting captioned “Greater Love”. It was well attended. Some of the pictures taken at the camp meeting are enclosed in this mail while others that has not been produced already will be sent in the other mail. Sixteen people were baptized. We had our feet washing and communion. The love of Jesus Christ was evident in the camp meeting to the extent that 3 of the youths who were among the ring leaders of trouble heard of the love of God in our midst and came on Sunday when the Church was rejoicing in the presence of their Lord and King Jesus Christ.

We glorify God for all His works towards us. “Sing to the Lord, you saints of His, Praise His holy name, His anger lasts for only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. “ Psa. 30:4,5 Continue to support us as God leads you and directs you. Eph. 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor; for we are members one of another.”

Truth, which has been of ages, cannot be changed. Reversing it brings death. Overlooking it is catastrophic; abandoning it ruins a whole race of generation. Truth, you stand the test of ages, Kings and nations fail, truth stands and cannot fail.

We thank you for your help. Without this help our movements and programs will not go on again. We re praying that you continue to discountenance whatsoever every ill feeling brought about by my letter. Or the letter of my detractors or whatsoever may deter your love for our ministry and stand for the truth.

We are praying that the glorious light of God shine in the hearts of all contributors towards our cooperate existence. May the good Lord bless and protect them in Jesus Christ the only true leader.

Thanks!

Yours in His Truth,
J. N. Agharanya

Campmeeting

Bro. John's First Grandchild

MINISTER’S MEETING REPORT

The meeting started @ 2:00 PM on February 22 at the Gibsonia Church of God in Lakeland, Florida. Since our theme was “Effective Methods of Evangelism” we began with testimonies of how we were led to the Lord.

From the beginning and throughout the meeting God’s presence filled the building and anointed every speaker in a most powerful way. It was the best meeting yet and the best attended. I thank and praise the Lord for His goodness to us.

More than 12 attendees gave their testimonies. Tears flowed, our hearts were touched and we praised God. The testimonies told of how the Lord used love, patience, a Catholic priest, Billy Graham, Family, Revival invitations, radio, Methodist, Baptist and Christian home to lead them to salvation. It was interesting to note that none of us remember the specific message that was preached the day we got saved. We were not trying to impress anyone or get any specific point across; we were simply relating how we came to the Lord. It was a wonderful time.

Brother Glenn Dryden brought the evening message on “Evangelizing the Young”. His text was Psalm 127:1-5. He told us our first responsibility is to win those of our own family. “We must do it God’s way”. He gave us the Ten Commandments of good business. The customer is our most important business. We need to catch the vision and recognize the importance of the children and youth.

On Wednesday morning Brother Lee True talked on “Ministering to Senior Citizens”. He told us that older people need the Lord and that we need to allow the older ones to do what they can do. Brother Harold Hunt told of his Nursing home ministry.

In the afternoon Brother George Wilson brought a message on “God’s Family” with text from Matt. 28:16-20. He told us “We are betraying the Gospel when we have power, what do we do with it? We are salt without its’ savor. We rationalize our lack of fruit while we are really salt that has lost its’ savor. When the church gained power they became proud, haughty, high minded and elevated each other losing sight of the gospel. This is no time for us to point fingers and accuse others”.

Brother Tony Bartlette brought the message Wednesday evening on “overcome” with text from Dan. 1:1-8, 9, 17. He told us “The church needs to survive the world before it can evangelize. The general spirit of the church in our time is lukewarmness. Cooperation without compromise is the Biblical method to live in our culture. Absorption into the culture and extreme resistance are both of the devil”.

Brother Henry Marquiss III brought a lesson Thursday morning on “How to Raise The Bar” with text from Matt. 6:33. He gave a handout, which reminded us that, our primary audience is God. Our ministry must be based on Faith. We need to knock on heaven’s door. We need to repeat the basics of Prayer, Bible reading and Church attendance. Our ministry must be based on love. The student must be interested in the truth to learn. Our ministry must be conducted with personal integrity. We must know what we are teaching. We should be on time and we should get an assistant.

Brother John Lohr read a four-page handout concerning a proposal to use cable access television to broadcast the Church of God message.

Sister Gail Wood brought a lesson Thursday afternoon on working with Ethnic Groups in our communities. She told of her experiences working with different races and cultures over the years and how the Lord gave them great success.

Brother J. B. Wood then led a discussion on Fostering cooperation among congregations with text from Mark 2:1-5. Some of the things expressed that we would like from our brethren were compassion, respect, communication and support with presence in special meetings.

Brother Stanley and Sister Martha Rexroth were reelected to serve four more years on the Minister’s Meeting Committee.

Brother George Wilson preached the final message on Thursday evening on “The Christian Ministry – The Light of the World” with text from Pro. 4:18, Dan. 2:34 & Luke 24:25-26. He told us “The pathway of the just is a day that is dawning”. We need the conviction in our hearts that righteousness will prevail. If you expect nothing to happen then nothing will happen. Is anyone praying for America? There is a negative psychology in the ministry that causes us to expect no hope. We are called for hope not for despair. We have a victorious Jesus, we have a winning overcoming Lord and King! The restoration of the family of God is the greatest revolution in the world. You cannot give light to people by fighting them. You do not go to an enemy for counsel.

Evaluations Received so far:

What I Liked: Lectures, Evening Sermons, Ideas of Evangelizing, The peaceful movement of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the entire services, The sweet fellowship, The messages, Fellowship, Great citrus fruits, weather, Messages preached – particularly Brother George Wilson, Ideas shared, Everything, Interesting Theme, Good Leaders, The wonderful spirit of fellowship, the great hospitality, The Theme, The encouragement and love I receive from the sweet fellowship, Hearing from the Lord and receiving inspiration as we interact and through the preaching services. Nothing compares to preachers under the Lord’s anointing exhorting other ministers of the Gospel, Meeting was very good, Florida weather, Spirit of freedom to share, Personal testimonies, speakers, and preaching services – everything, Of course the beautiful weather was an asset, Hospitality – a big thank you to the host congregation, Friendly atmosphere, Hearing all the different ideas, Meeting and getting to know others, I liked that we discussed effective methods of evangelism, even though we do not always agree, we need the different ideas, Testimonies of how we got saved, The preaching messages, The host congregation – Brother Strain, The theme, Fellowship, Ladyships, Opportunity to share “His Love”, The Organization and Agenda, Overall very good - I especially appreciated Brother George Wilson’s powerful message as well as Brother Tony’s, I feel the theme on witnessing & evangelizing was very timely, I enjoyed hearing Brother George Wilson speak - His position in age, ministry and level of education make him a wonderful person to do this. Bro. & Sis. Wood would be another great choice with their age and experience, The moving of God’s Spirit in the preaching.

What I Disliked: Testimonies too long – not enough time for others to share, The issue that seems to be underlying that there’s not cooperation, that there is strong disagreement. If that was the topic okay, but if not let it drop; Nothing (8); Need more people attending for entire meeting – lack of cohesion; Never enough time; Dragging in to sessions late and leaving early; Straying too far from our agenda with personal agendas; Unlimited time of testimonies; I feel that more input from the group can be helpful, the morning or afternoon sessions would be best suited for this, the evening sessions should be used as they have been with a main speaker; It may be more effective if the agenda would be set with little or no adjustments. I understood that things come up and adjustments have to be made but it does appear disorganized when a lot of changes are made; The lack of our ability to really listen to each other; The distance, the expense; I wish there were many more here to get the blessing of God; The length of the activities before the evening messages.

Format: Good (2); I liked the middle of the week: if location hadn’t been so far away, another day would have been good; I like the meeting format and only would say it is important to stick to the format; Still need to consider preacher retirement plan and medical care – reason because of young ministers; Great; Not enough discussion time, otherwise very good; Don’t change; I feel it is well formatted; Very well planned; I would like the format of two messages and one teaching session a day; Very good topic choice; Excellent.

The Single Most Important Aspect of this Time: To hear the voice of God for your life; The food that was prepared for me to enjoy from God was excellent, different chef; The messages; The moving of God’s Spirit through the preachers; The accepting fellowship of the brothers and sisters who attend; Fellowship; The need of Spiritual renewal for every pastor and layman, How to perfect your area of ministry; Reminders of time, Reports of benefits derived; The presence of God in the meeting; The time to get to know my fellow laborers; Brings a closeness with the ministers; The meeting inspires one to go home and win others to the Lord; Blessing of worshipping with ones whose focus and love is promoting the Kingdom of God; Suggestions of methods to reach people; The acceptance and love of the brethren, the sweet fellowship and encouragement, The opportunity to meet fellow ministers; Acceptance (2); Learning from the wealth of knowledge of our fellow ministers; Enlightenment regarding the word of God.

General Comments: The different ideas and methods and lectures and sermons should be taped, Pastors and laymen wives have some kind of session discussing how to be a help meet in the ministry, etc.; I wish the presenters (committee) had things on the topic available to take home, It would have been good if there were tapes available too, Perhaps samples of good recommended reading materials and sources; Very good; Best meeting I ever attended (2); The expense of bringing Brother George Wilson was nothing in light of how the Lord used him to challenge us, His wisdom and insight are nothing less than profound, a gift of God!; Just getting together with ones of like mind (where love abounds) is uplifting, hearing experiences and ideas refreshes and renews a vision to launch out into the deep, Thank God for His provisions and encouragement; Enjoyed Brother Marquiss' presentation - interaction & worksheet; Keep up the good work, you have our prayers and support; Being present at the conference is the best possible way to get a fresh anointing, motivated, and an expanded vision about the work of God; I did appreciate the fellowship of those that attended, I felt accepted and loved by those here, I thoroughly enjoyed Brother George Wilson’s message and felt it was the highlight at the meeting, I felt his thoughts were very pertinent to the theme of the meeting; I very much enjoyed the meeting, thanks for all the hard work; We need to work on lively testimonies; Since this is a Fellowship time but one evening should be set aside for fellowship so that we can get to know our family.

Suggested Theme or Topic For Future Meeting: I would like to share doctrinal insight that would help us combat doctrinal error of tongues, eternal security, rapture, KJV only, I believe we have several ministers that can help us codify and present the truth; The next Great Awakening and what it will take to achieve it; How to encourage youth participation in main line church services; Discipleship; Helping small congregations (Pastors begging for help); Vision; United effort for TV production nation wide; Cooperation for unity; Sharing this great truth; Leadership, Finding & Training workers, Church management; We just got started – we need to continue with the topic of evangelism or winning others to the Lord Jesus before it is too late, The acceptance of sin in America has escalated, What can we do to counter this?

Suggested Location For Next Meeting: Nashville, Tennessee; Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (11); Hawaii.

Suggested Dates or time of year for next meeting: Same Time, End of February (8); Latter part of March 2001; Late February through April 1.

The committee for next year’s meeting will meet during the July Westerville Camp Meeting. Chairpersons are Brother Rube & Sister Vivian Gayheart, other members are: Brother Glenn & Sister Judy Dryden, Brother John & Sister Barbara Collins and Brother Stanley & Sister Martha Rexroth. If you have any suggestions for the next meeting communicate with any of the committee members.

Editor.

2000 Minister's Meeting

NEW CHURCH BUILDING

The Church of God of Wiles Hill, Jones Ave., Morgantown, West Virginia was destroyed by fire May 27, 1997. The Pastor’s wife, Sister Debbie Green had just set down to read the paper and relax a little on her day off. As she started to read the paper someone began knocking loudly on the door. She was afraid someone was trying to break in, so she carefully went to the door and asked what the wanted.

Neighbors to the church told her the building was on fire and to get out quickly. When she got out and saw the smoke rising out of the roof, she was informed that the fire department was on the way.

Brother Green came home from his work to find the fire department just finishing the job of putting out the fire. One of his daughters came up to him crying and asked why this had to happen. Brother Green replied that, “All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose”.

Harold Martin an elder of the Church of the Brethren, was taking a walk and saw the fire, they came over to Bro. Green and told him how sorry they were, and that the Church of The Brethren, would be more than happy to let the congregation worship in their building. The congregation started worshipping there at one o’clock PM on every Sunday, till they were able to move into their new building.

Bro. And Sis. J. B. Wood donated Hymnals and told us where we might find good church furniture that another congregation wanted to dispose of. Pastor Bob Rauch and The Church of God in Lancaster, Ohio also donated Hymnals for us to use. Pastor Beck and the congregation of The First Church of God in Van Wert, Ohio donated and delivered the church furniture that we are now using.

What seemed to be a tragedy was working out to be a blessing for Bro. & Sis. Green and the church. After the fire Bro. & Sis. Green was able to purchase a nice three-bedroom ranch house in which they now live. The church was able in January 1999 to purchase the property on which to build their new church building.

The church prayed and searched to find a builder who would build a building that would suit their needs. In August God led Bro. Green to call a certain builder who he had talked to while looking for a house. The builder and his partner met Bro. Green at the site in mid August 1999. The Church signed the contract and the builders began preparing the site.

The walls were brought in on a truck and installed August 22nd. And three months latter, the congregation was able to have their first service on November 22. Brother McAnally preached the first service.

The congregation had a celebration service December 12, 1999, in which they invited the public to come and celebrate with them in their new building. The theme of the message was: “Blessed to be a blessing”. There was a nice crowd of almost sixty people that came to the service. There was a dinner after the service in the new fellowship hall, of which all enjoyed.

The congregation has had several visitors and five persons that have made this church their church home.

The congregation knows from whom all their blessings have come, and from the depth of their hearts they say, “to God be the glory for all He has done!” Their earnest desire is that they will be as much of a blessing to God and others as God has been a blessing to them.

The congregation’s new name is: “Grafton Road Church of God”. If you are traveling and are in their area, they hope that you will come and worship with them. They want to thank each one that supported them with prayer and good will. By Pastor Lee Green

DEAR JUDY

This column is a burden to help Christian singles get together for encouragement and friendship. Names, addresses, ages and interests are available through your participation. Should you care to receive a list, please send your name and address along with the information about yourself to: Dear Judy, P. O. Box 364, Bristow, OK 74010; E-mail: agape157@Juno.com (Note new Email address)

Dear Judy,

My name is Barbara B. I’m 54 years old, and have been saved for 25 years. I have attended church regularly for that period of time. I have attended camp meetings in Newark, Westerville, and Alta Pass. I have two grown children, a son and a daughter.

My intent is to stay saved and live for the Master of my life, but I would like to meet someone who’s 1st love is God, and who is working for the Lord.

I would like to meet someone for Christian fellowship.

Barbara

Dear Barbara,

This is EXACTLY what started my burden, many years ago. I will send you some names of folks to whom you can write. God bless and keep you!

Judy

Many of you in God’s family know of single men who would like this same fellowship, however, it seems more difficult for the men to take the time to write. Will you please encourage those you know to do the same? Or ask if they are willing to have their name submitted.

Praying for you all,
Judy

YOUTH/ASSOCIATE PASTOR WANTED

Robinwood Church of God of Hagerstown, Maryland is presently recruiting a Youth/Associate Pastor. Please contact Pastor Henry Marquiss: 301-714-0689 or email hmarquiss@aol.com

Frontpage ›
WMF Info ›
2000 ›
February 29 2000