July 31, 2002
Vol. 10 Issue 1
Adobe PDF Version
EDITORIAL
Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
The needs of the mission fields at home and abroad are great. I Pray that God will bless you so that you can consider the poor. More monthly pastor support is needed for Nigeria and the Philippines. I know that we cannot meet all the needs, but we can pray and do our part. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
I also want to thank those that sent in donations for the Info+ costs. The debt has been cancelled and we have funds on hand to continue publication. Thank you very much! Editor
WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)
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
I am available to visit congregations or groups to present needs and discuss WMF, Nigeria or the Philippines. Bro. Stanley J. Rexroth, Chairman.
NIGERIA
REPORTS FOR JUNE 2002
Abam/Abala Nkamiri, Pastor Christian Ogbuka: We thank the Lord Almighty for the spirit of support from WMF for they are a tool in the hand of God in matter of world mission support and investment. This month has been a very busy month. The land has been purchased and work has greatly been in progress at the site. Sunday attendance ranged from 22 to 30. Two souls were added to the church.
Umuahia, Pastor Cyriacus Nwachukwu: Sunday attendance ranged from 58 to 93. One soul was saved this month. Two days of open-air preaching and special praying & fasting for one week was held.
Calabar, Uyo: Pastor Johnnie Austin: Attendance was from 13 to 22 and one soul was saved this month. Evangelistic Activities were 3 days evangelism to prepare people's heart in village for the opening of the church there and I conducted dedication and opening of a new congregation at Eket, Akwa Ibom State. 4 days evangelism was held at Uyo and 6 days at Calabar where 3 souls were won. Conducted 3 days prayer meeting at Ikot Inyang Eti and baptized 7 people.
Ikot Inyang Eti, Pastor Udobong Essien: Sunday attendance was from 39 to 49. 8 souls were saved this month and 7 were baptized (reported above by Bro. Austin). Evangelical activities included house-to-house evangelism and 4 days revival.
Eket Township, Pastor E. David: Sunday attendance was from 8 to 12 and one soul was saved this month. Evangelical activities included house-to-house evangelism and 3 days revival.
Calabar, Pastor Bassey Ekpe: Sunday attendance was from 13 to 22 and one soul was saved. Evangelistic activities included house-to-house evangelism and 3 days prayer and fasting. Meanwhile our rent for the month is due. Kindly consider Calabar in line with Umuahia project fund for the accommodation arrangement.
Akpaa Mbato, Pastor Ronald Iheanacho: According to my previous reports I started a new work and by God's Grace something good must come out of Nazareth. My mother died May 26 and will be buried July 26 - 27. Then intensive work will be done. I am doing house-to-house evangelism and have a plan of open-air crusades from September. But note that for the Church of God to stand and be known in all the branches evangelical equipment must be given so that we shall march forward.
Ikot Edibon, Pastor Okon Jim Ibok: Sunday attendance was from 7 to 11 and one soul was saved this month. We had three days revival.
Report from the Elders of Abam/Abala, A Letter of Thanks and Appreciation: We the elders, Pastor and entire members of the Church of God of Abam/Abala Nkamiri, Obingwa LGA wish to use this precious moment to thank WMF for their encouragement and timely intervention in our distress and the confusion brought in by Bro. John and our Judas Iscariot elder in the church. So far the money for the purchase of the land has gone a long way in helping us. We have finally finished all about the purchase of the land. The survey plan is out, remaining the power of Attorney from the lawyer, which we expect to be out in two weeks time after which we will forward them to WMF for verification and recommendation.
We regret that all our efforts to forward these documents so as to reach Bro. Stanley for presentation in the annual meeting of WMF by July 18 failed, but that we will do in a very short time. The $1,500.00 sent us has been used in the following ways: Purchased three plots of land, uprooting of palm trees and other sticks on the land, Gathering of sand, forty bags of cement, three masons to mold blocks, a big tree bought, felled & cut into logs for roofing, money paid to the sawer, bundles of zinc and nails and the carpenter for temporary roofing. The few members by their own contribution bought benches, table, clock, cane bush lamp and two chairs. So far we thank God.
But we need to say this and at the same time make a plea for urgent support. It is widely observed that today no many people love to worship in a native African mud thatched building and we would lose so many of our members and that will not give us the complete prestige. So after due consultations and consideration both with our members, the ministers and the general council meeting of the Church of God WMF of Nigeria, we were advised to use the little balance from the land purchase to start something that will attract the members and the intending members. That is why we embarked on the project we are having now, so in essence, we want to start at least three rooms for Pastor's parsonage and the church building all in foundation stage when we have more funds to continue.
So dear brethren we make a plea for at least $2,000.00 to help us speed up the work.
Bravo WMF, we appreciate your effort.
We are, Pastor Christian Ogbuka, Elders Kingsley Ogbonna Adiele, Friday Ekeke, Stephan Nna, Sisters Happiness Ajuzie & Angela Ogbuka
PHILIPPINES
Editor's Note: Bro. & Sis. Luzan & son, Wesley were able to come to the US after all. They are currently visiting congregations and Camp Meetings. They are scheduled to return to the Philippines on August 5. Pray for them!
D.B. Luzan, wife & son
INDIA
FELLOWSHIP MEETING REPORT
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Greetings from India in our Savior's precious name. The fellowship meetings of May started on the 22nd and continued till the 26th. About 700 people from all over the state were attended. The house was full and many sat outside and heard the messages. The theme of these meetings is from Eph. 5:15-17 "See then that ye walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." We have seen good results from these fellowship meetings. The Lord was with us, anointing the messages. Many young men & women convicted of the need of the Savior - some of them obeyed in waters of Baptism. The Lord enabled us to provide simple food & shelter to the attendees. We thank you for your prayers on our behalf.
Your Brother in His Grace
K. H. Paul
FROM T. P. GUDUR
To Respected Father & Mother J B Wood, Chairman of WMF. Our precious Father & Mother Wood, Christian warm greetings in the highly exalted name of Jesus our good shepherd.
It is my pleasure to give another report of Church of God camp meetings in T. P. Gudur II. By the grace of God through your valuable prayers the meetings ended with many blessings. All our efforts are not in vain for the camp meetings what we expected at the throne of grace. The Lord made every thing possible. Two days and two nights we had blessed meetings. In the nights people came in big number from many villages. The Lord's ministers proclaimed the wonderful messages, the heathen also enjoyed the word of God but some heathen tried to hinder the meetings. They rose against the Word of God but through the power of the Holy God, and your powerful prayers made the claimant peaceful.
The first message was "The World Should Have The Mind of Jesus" taken from Philippians. The next message was "Father's Love over the prodigal son." There are so many blessed messages that were preached. In aspect we find that the Lord was worked among us. All our associated pastors and saints cooperated with us. We happily say that under the banner of WMF and the fellowship of the church of God, the meetings were held successful.
Where we arranged these meetings the place called den of Catholic, even though the Lord strengthen us and our branch church in the place, the result of the meetings many people agreed and accepted Jesus as their personal savior. And two younger saved brothers decided to serve the Lord and dedicated their lives.
Day by day as the people added to the meetings at the same time we have started to provide all the facilities. We arranged delicious dishes and transportation to the people who came from far villages. What ever it cost we can do all things through Christ, so we praise his wonderful name at the same time our hearts are filled with gratitude towards your kindness.
We are enclosing the pictures of the camp meetings; please continue to pray for our on going meetings. Closing with thankful hearts to helping hands.
Your Servant,
K. B. EMMANUEL
YOUTH CORNER
Hello all, It's that time again to see what's going on in the youth corner. As many of you know, summer is in full swing, and that for most young people means one thing ~ FUN IN THE SUN!
It is a good time to relax, have fun, get a tan, even that fun and exciting Summer job (Can you say, "Do you want fries with that?") All those things are great, but many people focus on the wrong kind of fun. They think they are doing well when really they know, and God knows they are not. I want to encourage you to GET A LIFE AND TAKE A WALK IN THE SON! You want an exciting summer, serve God with all you got this summer. Take advantage of youth group, camp and other special activities that come along to strengthen you spiritually. This way you can prepare for the battle, before you go back to school. You can be a light in your home, school, and church.
Power Verse: 1 John 5:12 "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."
Camp Crossroads update: Many of you that are reading this have just returned from Camp Crossroads youth camp in Burnside Pa. I thank the Lord for each one that was able to go. There were many good reports from many young people that had the opportunity to go. Here are some of the things that you had to say:
"I was so glad I got to come to camp, it was a wake - up call to me."
"Camp saved my life"
"God showed himself to me in such a real way at camp this year."
"I have drawn closer to the Lord, here at camp!"
If you have a story about how camp has changed your life, please let me know we would love to hear it. Also if your youth group or you personally are doing something great for God this summer or going on a cool outing let me know. Also we can include pictures.
UPCOMING EVENTS
See Calendar
Well that about wraps it up for me this time. Take care and keep looking up! Never loose hope, hold on to Jesus and ride out your storm.
Bro. Brian Bridges
123 Lambert Drive
Manassas Park, VA 20111-1829
E-mail: badleg@juno.com
Phone: 703-368-0805
CAMP MEETING REPORT
We were privileged to attend a few days (July 1-4) at Altapass Camp Meeting, North Carolina. Monday evening Bro. Mike Spicer brought the message on "Our Duty to Our Government" from Psalm 33:12 & 9:17. He told us that our country is in trouble and much of it is a result of those with moral character neglecting their part in government. While men slept, the enemy has sown tares. Paul let it be known that he was a Roman citizen. The scripture says that we are to be the salt of the earth.
Tuesday morning Bro. Stanley J. Rexroth brought the message on "Press Into The Kingdom" from Matt. 11:12. He reminded us that there is a Kingdom of righteousness and peace and joy for you to posses. You have an enemy, the devil, and he is working diligently to take your peace away from you. You will have to fight him every day to keep your peace. God has provided the equipment and armor that you need to win the battle but you have to put it on and use it.
Bro. Paul Sorrell brought the message Tuesday afternoon on "Jesus Still Washes Feet" from John 13:1-16. He told us that Jesus still sends his mighty splendor to some on earth to be a servant. As Peter expressed we are not worthy to have the King of Kings wash our feet. In our walk of life we need to have the dirt washed from our feet. Jesus is at the right hand of the father to serve you as your intercessor.
Bro. Clarence Campbell preached the message Tuesday evening on "When Heaven Is Silent" from Rev 8:1-5 & 6:1-12. He told us that there is a restlessness in our world today. More than anything else what we need today is to hear from heaven. If you don't want to hear from God, why should He say anything? You need a personal relationship with God where you hear from Him on a regular basis. If you are not hearing from Heaven, why not? What's the problem?
Bro. D. B. Luzan from the Philippines brought the message Wednesday morning on "Present Your Bodies A Living Sacrifice, Holy, Acceptable to God" from Romans 12:1-2 & 1 Thes 5:9. He reminded us that there is no Church of God without holiness. We need to align with God and God is Holy. We are here today because of the mercy of God extended to us. We have a limited time in this world. You will not escape the judgment of God. Now is the time to present your body to God.
Following the message, Bro. Wesley Luzan, son of D. B. Luzan gave a progress report and update of the Philippine Mission.
The annual business meeting was held Wednesday afternoon. Minutes and treasurer's reports were given. Projects underway were discussed. Bro. Forrest Biddix was reelected to the Board of Trustees.
Bro. Kenneth Yoder brought the evening message on "Why So Few Are Sold Out To God Today" from Phil 2:19-23. He told us "Preachers can be in love with an idea and not in love with the people". Too few people have a genuine interest in the express welfare of the church. Our commitment needs to be up to date. Among us there is not strong motivation to be sold out to God. Too many are satisfied to be average. "Most professed Christians among us are good people but they are not sold out". They won't go out of their way very much. We will do what we can so long as it does not inconvenience us.
Kenneth Yoder
CAMP MEETING REPORT
We were privileged to attend most of the Licking County Camp Meeting, Newark, Ohio (July 15 - 20).
Sis. Sarah Ingram preached the message Monday evening on "Unity & Holiness" from Romans 14:10-12. She told us "can you have holiness without unity and can you have unity without holiness? I tell you the answer is no". Right doctrine is not chosen by a majority vote. Talent & ability has been substituted for the Holy Spirit. Too many are looking for a hero and have substituted Holy Spirit leadership. Many have lost the mission of the church and have become self-serving. It's time for the church to wake up. Are you so detached that you feel no personal responsibility?
Tuesday morning Sis. Tonya Shupe brought the message on "The Flood and The Warning" from Gen 6:5-8, 13-18, 7:16 & 8:1-4. She reminded us that the world of Noah's time was depraved as our world is today. We need to build an ark today for the salvation of our families. As the people rejected the warning of Noah so our people of today are ignoring the warnings of our time. Can we read the signs of our times?
Bro. Richard Bradley brought the evening message on "A Royal Priesthood" from 1 Peter 2:5 & 9. He reminded us that Jesus is a priest of the order of Melchizedek. "The old Jewish priesthood has been superseded by the priesthood of the Gentiles". Righteousness and peace are united throughout the Bible. We are to be clothed in fine lines, clean & white, pure, peculiar & righteous. We are not to be part holy and part earthy.
Bro. George Sutherland brought the message Wednesday morning on "The Gospel is The Power of God" from Romans 1:1-17. He reminded us "the Gospel is the power of God". We are debtors to all people. It is our duty to take the Gospel to all cultures. The Gospel changes you into a new creature. We have no reason to be ashamed of the Gospel. Is your spirit stirred as you see your world given over to idolatry? The Gospel is the power that enables you to live right.
Bro. Harold Kelly brought the evening message on "The Welfare of The Church" from 1 Kings 20:1-4. He reminded us there is nothing more important to God's people than the welfare of the church. "If the world is helped it will be through the church". There needs to be sacrifice and consecration on our part. The people in time past committed all. "Total surrender brings total victory". The blessings of real consecration are far greater than anything you lay aside.
Bro. Wesley Luzan (son of D. B. Luzan) of the Philippines gave a report of The Bible Holiness Church of God mission there Thursday morning.
Following the report Bro. D. B. Luzan brought the message on "Spiritual Prosperity" from John 15:16. He reminded us if we are not growing in our church, maybe there is something wrong with the individuals. He listed and reviewed four marks of spiritual prosperity. 1. Redeem the time. 2. Walk worthy of your calling. 3. When Christ is recognized to be the Lord. 4. When we have a vision.
Bro. Nobles Darby brought the evening message on "Hold The Light" from Matt 5:14-16. He reminded us it is important to us that are Christians that we understand our mission. It is the task of every Christian to be the light. We must live according to the Word of God. If the Lord is ever to be seen He must be visible in your life. Let the world know that Jesus lives and that He has delivered you from sin. What are you doing with your light? Can God depend on you to hold up the light?
Bro. Steve Bock was ordained into the ministry Friday morning.
Bro. Harold Goodpastor preached the Friday morning message on "Jesus Is Building His Church" from Matt 16:13-18. He reminded us "the church isn't finished yet, it is in the process". Who is Jesus? Many regard him as just a man. Who do you say Jesus is? He is Lord! The church is to be a conquering army on the offensive bringing souls into it. Too many are simply on the defensive or hiding out.
Bro. Ed Beck brought the evening message on "What Time Is It?" from Esther 4:3-14. He told us God had a purpose for Esther. She was at the right place at the right time. She was living under a death sentence and you are living under a death sentence. You are on duty all the time. God has deployed you on a specific mission. Are you submitted to your captain? It is a time for the church to be the church. If you claim it, live it. If you are not going to live it, you ought to leave it.
David McDaniel was ordained into the ministry Saturday morning.
Bro. Ron Leasure brought the morning message on "The Family" from Gen 2:18-24. He reminded us there are some things to consider when marriage becomes a possibility. Is the person saved? Do they get along with their parents? Are they bound by habits? Do they have a compatible education? Do you have similar interests? Do you like them as a friend? To resolve conflict communicate feelings, learn God's Word, strive for maturity and seek togetherness. Be careful how you use words. Endeavor to please each other and cleave to each other - become one. God wants your marriage to be honorable. He is your ally. He wants to help you.
The ministers represented met Friday afternoon. The Camp Meeting committee for next year is Bros. Tony Bartlette, Charlie Craig, Harold Kelly 2nd, George Sutherland, John Lohr, Lee Green and Donald Curtis.
Tonya Shupe
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
Chuck Beesler, 75, is a familiar face and voice at the Kings Mills Post Office in Deerfield Township. A reverend, associate pastor and proud American patriot, he has served as the master of ceremonies for numerous special events held at the post office.
Maryan Harrison, Service and Sales Associate at the Kings Mills Post Office, got acquainted with Beesler, who told her that he loved to sing. "My ministry is music," he says with a smile. She asked to hear him sing, and he obliged with an impromptu performance in the post office. She was so impressed she invited him to sing at the unveiling of the new "United We Stand" stamp. Beesler obliged, and did a rousing rendition of patriotic tunes mixed with religious favorites.
"My whole theme is God and country," he says.
An upbeat, positive individual, Beesler spent 20 years in the United States Air Force. His military career took him from California to Texas, Japan and to the Panama Canal during the Korean conflict. Finally he was assigned to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and retired in 1967. He returned to Wright Patterson the following year to work in the Foreign Tech Division printing shop where he stayed for 14 years.
For 11 years he has devoted himself to regularly visiting nursing home residents, where he prays, sings and performs at special events and parties. He preaches and also teaches adult Sunday School.
What is it about the Kings Mills patriotic events that he particularly enjoys? "Its not the money," he jokes. "I love to serve others, it's my calling." Beesler said he owes everything he has to the Lord and had a conversion when he was in his thirties.
"I love my God, my country and when someone asks me for help, I'm ready. If the door is open, I step through it," he said. He and his wife, Betty, have been married 55 years and have five children and 12 grandchildren. "The reason I do what I do is to repay others", he says. "It's all due to God." Copied from Personality Profile
HAITI TRIP PLANNED
To: W.M.F. Info+
Attn: Bro. Stanley J. Rexroth
This summer 17 members of Joy Acres Church of God in Lancaster, Ohio will be going to Haiti for a short term mission trip. The team consists of male and female, with a range in age from 15yrs old to 40-something. We will be leaving August 10, 2002 and be returning August 18, 2002. We will be going under the direction of Bro. Arnold Lemke with Children's International Lifeline, in Buchanan, MI.
The primary purpose of this trip is to help with construction at their facility in the town of LaDigue and to hold VBS for hundreds of children. In addition, Our team will join in worship services with the local church, assist the missionaries with daily ministry programs, help with community children's' ministries and visit with the people of Haiti. We are eagerly anticipating this trip. We believe that we will gain as much if not more from the trip than the people of Haiti we are going to assist.
We would like to ask you to remember us in prayer as we continue in our preparations for this trip. We will be sending the Info+ an update on our trip when we return.
If you are interested in planning a trip yourself you can contact Bro. Arnold Lemke at Children's International Lifeline at (616)695-2300.
Bro. Bryan Fox
740/689-0257
Joy Acres Church of God
Lancaster, Oh 43130
Maintained by: Brian S. Rexroth, Sr.
Copyright © 2006