October 31, 2000

Vol. 8 Issue 4

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EDITORIAL

Deu 15:11 “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.”

Our recent mission trip to Nigeria reminded me of how overwhelming the needs of the poor are in our world. We cannot meet all the needs, but our God can. It seems to me that God designed that there would always be this need so that we could be blessed by sharing our abundance with the poor.

Please pray about helping the brethren in Nigeria. Monthly support for pastors is currently at $525.00; much more is needed and building needs are in the thousands. God will bless you for your faithfulness. Editor

WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)

The priority project for Nigeria is to finish the main building at 279 Obohia Road, Aba. It will take about $13,000.00 to complete the building. As of this date we have $1,652.92 toward the project.

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

NIGERIA

September 13, 2000

Dear Fellow Saints,

Greetings in the name of Jesus our Savior who is Lord of all and worthy of all praise. Honor, Glory, and Majesty is due him. It’s a real joy to give report of the wonderful blessings of God received by us on the Nigerian missionary journey.

From the beginning, we, Wiley & Cynthia, received a phone call from WMF’s Chairman in January ’00 to pray about accompanying Bro. Rexroth as missionaries to Nigeria. God confirmed our prayers in March and arranged a smooth preparation process right up to our time of departure on August 8.

Once we arrived at the airport in Lagos, Nigeria, we found a very busy, aggressive and crowded environment. In that scene, I knew that the grace of God would have to sustain us. Two scriptures came to mind: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” and “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need”. Shortly Pastor John Agharanya and the brethren met with us, prayer was offered lodging was prepared and the next day God directed each decision. We were 7 to 8 hours by land or 1 by air from the mission station in Aba. While rushing through the airport for the departing flight and handing out a bible a box of Girl Scout cookies to two of the security personnel, as we approached the waiting area, someone called my wife’s name twice with excitement. As, she turned there stood an acquaintance, Sis. La Rai Kawgi, whom we worshipped with at Dunn Loring COG, lastly in 1995. She had missed her flight to Abuja and we by a narrow margin decided to take the flight to Aba. In a nation of 116 million people, what was the probability of meeting one person? God himself strategically arranged that moment to refresh us and encourage us for the next four weeks.

We reached the mission station and followed the plans as scheduled, attending two congregations each day, covering approximately 16 locations. The needs of the congregations were principally the same: plots of land for a parsonage, garden, and church building or additional improvements. The pastors need transportation (bicycles or small motorcycles), bibles and study materials. They are committed to their work, zealous in soul winning, and excited that God is answering their prayers through the visit and generous hand of WMF. Our visit to each congregation was very much needed and consisted of a brief time, pictures of the pastors and their families and a prayer. A moment of teary eyes and overwhelming emotions came upon us when Bro. Rexroth asked the question to all the ministers: within 2-5 years would you rather receive $10,000.00 from WMF or another visit by the missionaries The feelings were unanimous, a visit by the missionaries, because money cannot buy personal blessings, nor replace preaching and teaching the truth that went forth in the services, seminars and mini-camp. Our presence also brought new fellowship, present and future with a group known as the Church of God (Universal) brethren. These brethren were impressive and noble like in their spiritual conduct.

If anyone can sense a burden to be used by God in foreign missions, Nigeria is a place literally begging for help (leadership, training, teaching of sound doctrines, etc.). I believe God still has rams in the bushes (young people, single people), ready to meet the needs of a sacrifice, Jesus said “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. “ (Matt. 9:38). He must have had Nigeria in mind. I left more tears behind with the Bible Truth COG and the Church of God (Universal) brethren than any other mission field I visited. The Lord helped me to see the real needs of people (people who are crying out for help in an unusual way- to serve God better) and inspired me to do more to spread the gospel and advance the kingdom of God daily, with material goods and finances, and with prayer and fasting. I must work the works of God while it is still day..

The trip was at times very exciting, other times burdensome and yet other times very emotional, but overall it was very fruitful. The Lord called Faith (Bro. Rexroth), Hope (Bro. Wiley), and Love (Sis. Cynthia) to carry out his plan on this mission trip, only God knows the magnitude of the spiritual impact this visit had on the churches.

Moved With Compassion,
Pastor Wiley & Sis. Cynthia Cash

PHILIPPINES

October 11, 2000

Dear Bro. Rexroth & Saints,

Greetings from the Bible Holiness Church of God, Philippine Mission to all of our concern and loving supporters in the United States of America. Hope that this report from our area of responsibility reaches every body all fine, physically and spiritually doing the will of God in our father’s task.

Have just finish our 2 district special camp meetings, one in Luzon district held in Santolan Church of God, Pasig City and one here in Mindanao district held here at Bannawag, Kabacan, Cotabato. We called this meeting special because we’re privileged of having special evangelist Pastor Tom Wilson and Brother Dan Metheny both from Newark Church of God.

This meeting were very victorious because the people are very receptive of their needs. The altar was always crown with precious souls seeking their spiritual needs. Victorious singing and shout of victory were heard in the camp. Praise His name.

Our visiting Missionaries were privilege to visit 8 congregations or church buildings like, Santolan Church of God, Pasig City, Brookspoint Church of God, Baguio City, Amaronan Church of God, Umingan, Pangasinan, Antipolo Church of God, Ma-a Church of God, Kabacan Cotabato, and Bannawag Church of God, Kabacan Cotabato. Four congregations in Luzon district and four in Mindanao district. They have visited this several churches because of their limited time.

Thank you, saints of your continuos support and remembrance to the work in our area of responsibility. Words can’t explain our much gratitude of your help for the prosperity of the kingdom of God in the Far East. We’re praying much that you can continue helping us in our building project and the monthly needs of the ministry who are working sacrificially in the Vineyard of the Lord.

In Closing, may God richly bless you all is our prayer.

In God’s Labor,
Bro. & Sis. D. B. Luzan Sr.
Philippine Mission

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 PO Box 2053 Ponca City, OK 74602-2053 Email: agape157@Juno.com

Dear Judy,

Christian Greetings! Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are the avid readers of your column “Dear Judy”. We are very much interested to have friends’ abroad especially Christians. We are active members of young people of Holiness Church of God here at Metro Manila, Santolan Pasig City with Pastor Rodolfo Esteban.

(Other information followed)

Seeking for friends

Young People of Church of God (Manila)

Dear Young People of Manila

Praise God there are young people serving and worshipping God in Manila! Your letter was a great encouragement to me, and I know will be to our readers.

A list of names is coming, and may God richly bless you all!

Praying for you,
Judy

FELLOWSHIP WEEKEND REPORT

A Fellowship Weekend was held at Chapel of Hope Church of God, Lenoir, North Carolina October 13-15. As with such meetings and revivals, renewals with Brothers and Sisters not seen in some time were many and the Fellowship Meeting got off to a grand start in the spirit in which it was intended. There were many saints present who had traveled many miles to attend and a number of congregations were represented who came to back up their pastors who were scheduled to speak. The auditorium was packed on Friday night and on both services Saturday. The attendance was down somewhat on Sunday as some ministers had to return to their home congregations, but most of the people were able to stay. I believe Brother Spicer had counted twenty Church of God ministers were present on Friday night and Saturday.

Brother Ron Leasure of AltaPass, NC brought the message on Friday night and spoke on the great need of desiring spiritual gifts and urged young people to train and take up positions of leadership in the Church. He pointed out the great lack of volunteers who are willing to be leaders, especially to the youth. The children of today are going to be the Church of tomorrow. His message was one of exhortation to all Saints to search their own lives and seek to find ways to do greater spiritual works for out Lord.

On Saturday morning we were pleased to see Brother and Sister James DeLuca and Brother & Sister David White from Magnolia, NC had arrived. The writer has known these Saints for a number of years. Bro. DeLuca is a minister of the Church of God and has a magnificent singing voice. Bro. White has served as chairperson and many other positions wherever needed.

Brother Harold Kelly of Clay City, KY was speaker for the Saturday morning service and brought a needful message on true revival. We need to stay in a position where God can examine us and we know that we have been examined and are aware of the results of this testing. We must remember where we were, what we are and what God expects us to be. God expects us to grow spiritually and live consistently before the world who is watching. The Saints of God who are the Church of God, must make the Church attractive to those who are outside the Ark of Safety and we must use the wisdom that God has given us and be led by the Holy Spirit to be effective in winning others to Christ. After the morning service, a hot lunch was served under the picnic shelter on the grounds and a grand time of fellowship was enjoyed by all. Many participated in discussions about current events, church affairs, even politics. But the real action was taking place on the two horseshoe pitching grounds, where spirited competition abounded!

On Saturday evening a note burning ceremony celebrating the completion of the mortgage contract highlighted service. Brother Mike Spicer gave a brief history of the Chapel of Hope Church of God and testified that through the faithful tithes, offerings and gifts how the mortgage had been paid in a mere five years!

Bro. Tony Bartlette of the Licking County Church of God, Newark, OH brought a stirring message on walking in the spirit. He stressed the need to stay tuned to the Holy Spirit’s voice and to heed what He is saying. He taught us on human traits and weaknesses that we must be on guard against, especially in these stressful times in which we are living. He used as an illustration a person who is filled with the Holy Spirit and under the duress of unexpected problems allows that problem to puncture their soul and human expressions pour out that we would not normally allow, thus we have sprung a leak. Leaks must be patched and a repair made in regard to whatever damage has occurred. Apologies and if need be repentance is in order. We must constantly be aware that as long as we live in this human body, the flesh and the spirit rarely agree on the same course of action. We must walk in the Spirit daily to keep the body under control.

Sunday morning speaker was Bro. George Sutherland of Mason, OH who spoke on the great mercies of God. He pointed out many scripture lessons about God’s mercy, His tenderness, His long suffering, His patience with His creation and His sacrifice of His only begotten Son for our Salvation. But His wrath can be aroused by man’s continued rejection of God’s Salvation.

After the service, a hot meal was again served under the picnic shelter and another time of fellowship was enjoyed before the afternoon preaching service.

Bro. Arnold Edmondson, Pastor of Rock Chapel Church of God, Granite Falls, NC spoke on the necessity of being on fire for God. He used the illustration of a steam engine with the boiler full of steam to cause the engine to run properly. If there were no fire to heat the water there would not be any power to operate the machinery. If we are not on fire for God, our witness would be powerless. God wants us to keep our fires burning brightly so that the world may know that He has sent us as His witness.

The Church Choir, led by Sister Norwood brought many beautiful songs for our inspiration as well as congregational singing. Also we want to acknowledge the many special songs that blessed us all.

The Fellowship Weekend was termed a tremendous success by all who experienced this grand event and are looking forward to next year. The Holy Spirit anointed the ministers who spoke with great inspiration and power with such timely and needed messages that many spiritual needs were met. By someone from Chapel of Hope Congregation

FELLOWSHIP DAY REPORT

The Church of God of Cumberland Valley, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, observed annual fellowship day on October 7.

Bro Lee Green brought the morning message on “God’s School” with text from Romans 8:26-29, 36-39. He said that God has a university called “Providence” and all Christians are enrolled as soon as they are saved. All things, the good, the bad, the ugly work for your good. God is sovereign, He is always in control and he is working on us to perfect us. Difficulties are not to discourage you, but to help you become more like Jesus.

Bro. Bobby Coulter brought the afternoon message on “There Is A Throne, Come Up Hither” with text from Rev. 4:1-3 & 10:11. He said that tendencies that try to cause us to be discouraged in life can be overcome because there is a throne in Heaven. There is a throne in heaven with a God who has the power to deliver you. Where other people hinder you, there is a throne you can go to and obtain deliverance. When you hinder you, there is a throne that will deliver you. In time of need, where do you look to?

God blessed us with His presence; much good fellowship was enjoyed and we look forward to another year. Editor

SEEKING SENIOR PASTOR

Robinwood Church of God, an independent non-charismatic, Bible church, located in Hagerstown, Maryland is actively searching for the Pastor whom God has chosen to lead us into the future. Robinwood Church of God is a small, growing congregation that has averaged 95 in Sunday morning attendance this year.

A parsonage is included with the salary package. If you are interested, please contact or send resume to Ray or Connie Kline at email: ConnieK@erols.com; Phone: 301-293-6825

PASTORAL CALL

The Community Church of God, Dunn Loring, Virginia, an independent congregation of the Church of God, located in the Metropolitan Washington, D. C. area is looking for a God-called, Spirit-filled, experienced Pastor. If you feel persuaded this is something God desires that you pursue, or if you know someone to recommend, please send you resume or information to: Community Church of God, c/o 6127 Rivanna Drive, Springfield, VA 22150, ATTN: Pastoral Committee, or email information to anciewebb@aol.com, Phone: 703-971-8268. Your earnest prayers are requested in this very vital matter as we fast and pray for God’s direction.

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