Vol. 11 Issue 2

EDITORIAL

1 Corinthians 16:1-:2 ¹Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. ²Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

           Consistent regular giving is of great benefit to the Church whether it is for the local congregation or for the mission field.  Thank you for your support! Editor

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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.

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NIGERIA

REPORTS FOR THE MONTH OF July:

            Abam/Abala, Pastor Christian Ogbuka: Attendance = 67 – 77; 1 soul won; We are grateful to God for the month of July being one of the months of constant and heavy rainfall. Most business enterprise and movement always restricted at this time. Nonetheless, the people of God kept on with their constant activities in revival of their souls.  Witnessing to people and visitations when rain gives way.

            We held some days fasting and prayer for the progress of our work here and for the success of the Licking county church of God camp meeting, which has just ended successfully – praise God.

            Still this month on the 20^th, the pastor Christian Ogbuka packed in to the mission house in the parsonage, which God has provided.  Earned “God’s reserved Area”.  The pastor packed in to the two rooms that have been partially put in place.

NEEDS: BULIDING UPDATE

We shall request for support for the completion if the parsonage and the main church building which is yet to receive adequate attention so as to accommodate more of the brethren for the forth coming camp meeting on November.

            We are grateful WMFCOGN Minister/elders. We are deeply grateful for the recent increment in the pastor’s stipend by WMF USA. We owe you brethren nothing but thanks, blessing, prosperity in material pursuit, spiritual pursuit, prosperity in health and long life.  And at the end to receive the blessed hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus. For it is the father’s good will to give you the kingdom. We say to all WMF members to remain blessed in Jesus name Amen.

Pastor Christian,

For and on behalf of the ministry.

            If I am in a dream and was told that my distress, I should not have believed it.

I remember you once asked about my position in the family; I took time to explain out. I am most responsible for the welfare of my family, my other three sisters are helpers, the other two that are married are just trying as much as they can, the other one too.

For six months now, my father has been on bed sick and would have died if not for the prayers of the saints.  And this six months, I have been going home twice a week at most.  Like I have said, the expenses are above my capacity.

For instance, two patent medicine dealers that administered treatment on him at the initial stage N25,000. Drugs at that time 15,000, two medical doctors from different hospitals 25,000 & 17,000 = 42,000.  A special tablet that was prescribed N3,000, each which is to last ten days = N30,000. My personal transport for some time now is above N26,000. Hired taxi to hospital and back N6,500.

When you bring the total, it is up to N144,500 ($1,070.00) this is not to include other expenses that my mother runs at home.  My debt is much on me it can take me too many months from my stipend to clear it.  So I solicit for positive relief through you.

I have put up a lot of sideline efforts to as to see that I alleviate the situation.

Yours, Christian.

August 15, 2003

            Bro. Stanley,

Thanks for your effort helping the ministry here in Nigeria. This is to inform you that my father is now dead. I my sisters, relations, you and the brethren of the Lord have tried so much both prayers and medical care. Then news of his death came to me on Thursday 14^th while I learned he gave up the ghost on Monday 11^th. All should take heart. The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary. Burial here takes much money. Can I get contribution there? I need your positive response.

            I got your mail of Wed 13^th today. The minutes will be coming. I didn’t see Ronald’s report. I suppose he did not submit his. I will find out from him.

            Bro. Christian

August 24, 2003

Bro Stanley,

            I received the information about Umuahia land project. Thanks to you and WMF. I have gotten an information from Henry about some financial help even though I have not received because it has a little problem writing my name. Good for that help and it will go a long way to settle some of my expenses for now even though I need an additional.

Thanks. Yours, Christian

            Umuahia, Pastor Cyriacus Nwachukwu: Attendance = 79 – 101; Special praying and fasting was held which five days 6 – 6 for adult, 6 – 3 youths and 6 – 12 children except the suckling ones.  The aim that God will help WMF to finish the project, which they started with Umuahia brethren in buying land for them, thank God, He has made way through someone who promised, we appreciate your effort in caring for Umuahia brethren.  We, the entire Umuahia brethren glorified God by using our brethren over there.  Brethren I repeat, may good God richly pay you back.  Amen. Bravo! W.M. F.

Note: The remaining $3,300.00 for the land has been sent. Pastor Cyriacus sent the following email of August 25:

Dear Daddy Stanley,

            Your work will be rewarded by Almighty God Amen. Long life Bro. Stanley, long life Sister Martha and entire family Amen. Bro. Remain blessed including Bro. Rube, Henry, Cash and entire WMF; even the donors for the completion of money for Umuahia land project. The land is behind Bro. Nwosu’s house.

            I just returned from Johnnie Austin’s place on revival meeting, next Sunday. I will visit the new congregation in Owerri with Pastor Albert Eme, the photograph of the land with the brethren and other credentials will soon come up to you sir, we are trying every possible means to help Bro. Christian bury his father.

            Remain Blessed,

            Cyriacus

            Omoba Isiala Ngwa, Pastor Ronald Iheanacho: No report sent for unknown reason.

            Ikot Edibon, Pastor Okon Jim Ibok: Attendance = 17 – 24; One soul saved; One day fasting & prayer was held and 3 days revival was conducted. Also, house-to-house evangelism was done.

Ikot Inyang Eti, Pastor Udobong Okon Essien: Attendance: 62-65; 2 souls saved; We had three days fasting and prayer which we prayed for a successful meeting for the members of WMF at USA. We had bible class two times a week also morning and evening prayers except two days, which was disturbed by the rain.  House to house evangelism is still in progress. Our three days Revival, which started on the 25^th July was also attended by some members from different churches who at the end of the meeting on the 27^th July testified about spiritual blessing obtained from prayers and bible teachings.  I hope for more miracles from our Lord Jesus Christ Amen.  Pray for US.

            Ehere, Aba, Pastor James Igbokwe: Attendance = 20 – 39; God had help us much I give thanks to God, the church started two weeks meeting every evening, titled “Revival and Restoration hour” the aim of the meeting is to create attraction of souls into increase members and divine service spirit. We need go out from market square which will cost us N27,000 to relit, please help us if possible thanks to you for your support.

            Calabar, Pastor Bassey Ekpe/Johnnie Austin: Attendance = 59 – 80; 4 souls saved; The church conducted 3 days fasting and prayer which yielded positive resulted by adding 4 souls to the church from Friday 18 – Sunday 20^th July. Our regular monthly Tarry Night was conduced on Friday 25^th July.  During the Tarry night a man and a wife gave their lives to Jesus; while 2 women were touched for healing by the Lord. We are still praying and looking forward to receiving the key of our new church building from the land Lord.

            Eket Urban, Pastor E. David: Attendance = 12 – 26; 5 souls saved; Two days house to house preaching and three days daily prayers with fasting were held.

            Church of God (Universal)

July 30, 2003

Beloved Bro. Rexroth,

            Many, many thanks to the almighty God, to you and to the WMF for the money sent. The same was received and exchanged and distributed accordingly. Ministers prayed that you all may abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor 15:58b. God bless the supporters.

            The revival at Afaha Abia was much bless as the saints were edified and 6 souls saved.

            Your Brother

            Bishop Asibong Okon

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INDIA

August 1, 2003

To The honorable Father and mother Wood ,

Precious and loving greetings in the sweet name of Jesus our good shepherd.

I praised the Lord that he raised me from the sickness. My dear father Mother I am thankful to you for your good care through your earnest prayer. He heard your prayers and touched me and healed me.

As the Lord blessed the ministry we will open a new branch Church in ashore line village. The Lord enabled us only by your prayers and supporting help for this we are praising His highly exalted name, and at the same time we are thankful and grateful to you father and mother. This Sunday 3rd Aug 2003 we are going to start Worship meeting in the village of Pinapuram.

Dear Father and Mother Wood for the sake of God wherever you go our prayers comes with you.

            With hearty thanks

            Your servant

            Bobby.

August 3, 2003

To The honourable Father & Mother J. B. & G Wood,

Precious greetings to you in the sweet name of Jesus. We praise God for your safe returned journey. For also that God anointed with thy Spirit where ever you preached Thy Word. The World needs the true Word, which leads in the way of narrow.

Dear father, the good result of the Camp meetings this Sunday we could able to started a new branch Church in a shoreline village.

Dear father all your efforts, prayers are brought forth these fruits of new souls on 3rd Aug

Sunday morning we are Pastor K. Paul, Solomon, some sisters and brothers with my family Bobby, Jonse, Jennings, keerthana, and my sister in-law Ratna went in a private van to the village of Pinapuram. We arranged P.A system. In front of a school arranged meeting nearly 20 children gathered for Sunday school and 15 sisters and brothers for Worship meeting.

They were enjoyed the presence of God. They said that it is a wonderful experience.

Dear Father and Mother this is done only by your prayers and precious help. For all your kindness we are sending our hearty thanks.

            Your servant

            Bobby.

August 16, 2003

TO The most honorable Father and Mother J. B. and Gail Wood,

Precious greetings in the gracious name of Jesus. We praise God for His wonderful love towards us. "For great is your love, higher than the heavens".

Again and again We submit our hearty thanks and since rest greetings on your generous gesture for the Lord’s service. When We are in our low estate the Lord remembered and opened flood gates of Heaven and poured out wonderful blessings. Already our cup is overflowing with your offerings in constructing Churches. Now as We prayed and expected an answer from God, marvelously He answered with His tender mercies. When the saints prayed and trusted God for the particulars (Four wheeled vehicle) He answered with immeasurable blessings, more than we asked and imagined according His power that is at working within you. Through this love offering the Lord enable us to take His precious seed into far away village. The vehicle is very useful to continue the "Morning Ministry", River Ministry, Every cottage ministry, Open gospel ministry, and all camp meetings.

When there are inevitable disappointments, which bring our frustrations, there are antagonism and hardness which constantly remind us of warfare with the kingdom of Darkness. Yet the attitude of patient expectance and prayerful endurance is always there and the compensation of the Lord’s presence made all worthwhile. The FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH OF GOD founded by the Father and Mother Wood is developed extending based on only your gracious help.

For the amazing love offering we can not express our gratitude hearty thanks in simple words, but from the depths of our hearts we are expressing.

Dear father mother Wood, your kind most generous deeds would not go unrewarded by the believable God. The God never abandon His own. In time of danger and distress, He spreads HIS WINGS OF PROTECTION AND COMFORT OVER us. I would like to repeat the word's of Saint RUTH "Why have we found such favor in your eyes that you notice us". We stated with profound submission to you please visit India again. Let us draw your more favor by visiting us, by your kind consideration I would like to take one more chance to serve you. Your precious presence will be more blessed to us.

I will send all the details and invoice of all kinds of Van.

            With hearty thanks,

            Your servant, Bobby.

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HAITI

            Hello from Haiti. The work here is moving along fine. We are seeing the church experience growth both spiritually and numerically. I would like to tell about one individual in particular. His name is Willy. He was a witch doctor practicing voodoo in our village. He had more than one woman living with him and many children. During a recent work trip from the states some individuals were able to tell him about the salvation of Jesus Christ. He had been told before but had already made a contract with the devil to give him power as a witch doctor. On the Sunday of their visit to Haiti the visitors went to his home and prayed with him to receive Jesus as his Savior. To make that decision he had to give up his entire life literally. Being a witch doctor means a very good income in Haiti. Since accepting Christ he has reduced the number of women living in his home to just one and is preparing to marry her. He has become a faithful member of the congregation here. He has also held bible studies at his home. He has even had prayers with many of his former friends that are still worshiping in voodoo. Willy is often seen telling of his testimony and how God showed him that the road he was on would lead to his destruction. This is a great example of the saving grace of Christ. For this to continue we need prayer. We can always use financial support, but the real need in Haiti is prayer. Please remember the people in Haiti who are trapped in the grasp of voodoo and poverty. Please remember them and us in your prayers.

            God Bless

            Bryan, Kelly, Seth & Ian Fox

            La Digue, Haiti

            If you and your congregation would like to hear and see more about the Lifeline mission in Haiti please contact us: Bro. Lemke at 1-269-695-2300 or Bro. Donald at 1-606-663-3459 or cell at 1-859-707-7946 or email us at donald@childrenslifeline.net. We are making out our fall schedule right now so please call us and set up a presentation date as soon as possible.

            Please feel free to visit our website at www.childrenslifeline.net.

            May God bless you richly,

            Bro. Donald Curtis

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YOUTH CORNER

            Season’s changing, summer is over,  and school is getting ready to get  started.   There is a lot of changing and new experiences around the corner.   On youth corner there is a lot going on as well.  Many youth groups are going through changes as a new school year begins and they lay out what they want  to do for the new school year.  Five words go through my mind through this time of change.  They are found in Genesis Chapter 1:1  “In the beginning God created . . . .”     We must remember that God created us, and He created us to have relationship with Him.  So as school starts and we get a “new” start in school, let us remember what we are created for and keep our relationship with God first place in everything we do. 

 

Power Verse :  Colossians 3:23  “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

 

Locked – In For the Lord

            On August 15th 2003 the Cumberland Valley Church of God  hosted a lock  - in for their young people and other visiting youth groups.  It was a great time that started at 10:00 p.m. Friday evening and went all night long.  There were many games, food, and fellowship.  Also each and everything that was done was to honor and glorify the Lord.   Bro. Josh Cain, a college age youth from the Dunn Loring Community Church of God challenged us in a Bible study to let our light shine, not just a little bit but a lot and all the time.    At 6:00 a.m. on the 16^th, it was time for us to leave this time of fun, many of us were tired, sore and running low on energy, but everyone left encouraged in the Lord, and challenged to live what they believe. 

            That’s about it from here, take care and remember to serve the Lord with all you got!

            Please send any  information about your youth group to:

            Bro. Brian Bridges

            123 Lambert Drive

            Manassas Park, VA 20111

            e-mail:  badleg@juno.com

            Phone: 703-368-0805

Upcoming Events:

See Calendar

            Bro. Brian

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THANK YOU

            The congregation at Chapel of Hope Church of God in Lenoir, NC would like to thank the brothers and sisters that attended the Church of God Camp meeting in Licking County OH for the "Home Mission Offering".  The love gift  will be used to help purchase the drywall for our new Sunday School/Fellowship Building that is presently under construction. We would like to extend an invitation to each one to come and fellowship with us during our annual Fellowship Weekend Sept. 19-21.Thank you again for sharing God's love.

Bro Mike Spicer and Church of God in Lenoir, NC

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BIRTH

Mollie Anne Mathison entered this world August 19, 2003. She is the daughter of Scott & Amy Mathison, Granddaughter of Dale Rexroth, Great-granddaughter of Stanley & Martha Rexroth. Scott & Amy are full time missionaries  with Campus Crusade for Christ and are preparing to return to South Asia in October.

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