December 31, 2003

Vol. 11 Issue 6

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EDITORIAL

Psalm 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Thanks for the offerings being sent in to help with the Nigeria projects. We were able to send one thousand this month to Abam/Abala to help with replacing the termite eaten support beams. This is half of what Pastor Ogbuka said was needed.

Lands & Buildings continue to be the most pressing needs in the Nigeria mission. 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 THE MONTH OF November:

Abam/Abala, Pastor Christian Ogbuka: Attendance = 55 to 135, EVANGELISTIC/ CAMP MEETING REPORT:

There was outdoor Evangelistic work, which heralded the coming camp meeting. It was a month of serious revival work, which put every member to task; God took control of our effort.

On 20 – 21st we attended the funeral service of the Late wife of our Pastor David Edoho at Eket in Akwa Ibom State. Pastor Udobong was the moderator, Pastor Christian preached the message while Johnnie and the rest took part in the interment.

The camp meeting proper commenced on the 27th evening, which was the arrival of all branches. There was poor attendance from some congregations like Calabar, Ikot Edibon, Ikot Inyang Eti only their Pastors came not even an Elder came with them including Omoba which two of the Elders came on Sunday 30th. The excuse of Udobong Okon Jim is no money for transport fare.

Ehere: James came with an Elder and his family

Umuahia: There was great and encouraging response from Umuahia. They chartered a bus, which came twice to bring members. May the Lord bless them more abundantly for their support for the camp both financially and materially. Brother Okechukwu Nwosu and Ebule put in their best to see that the brethren from Umuahia came.

Thursday 27th Evening: The host Pastor opened the camp explaining the theme, which says Salvation, Not a nightmare, But a Reality” John 3: He explained that Salvation is an experience, and that when one is saved he grows to Christian experience. Many turned up that night.

Fri. 28th Nov.: Morning and afternoon had poor attendance due to the fact that many have not arrived. Evening came large turnout, Pastor Udobong preached also on Salvation.

Sat. 29th: This was fasting and prayer till 12 noon. Pastor Cyriacus conducted the prayer. Afternoon was Bible quiz time for the youth. Prizes were given to those who performed well. Same afternoon was meeting comprising Pastors / Elderly women and Youth meeting. Evening the Largest turnout people numbering 400 and more were in attendance. The Chief of that Community and the wife also came by name HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS EZE FRANCIS EZEJI. Pastor David preached that evening. He also delivered a wonderful message.

Altar Calls: The Altar Calls for 27th evening, 28th evening and 29th evening numbered 20, 30, 50 respectively. From these we trust the Lord will add many more souls to His Church in due course.

30th Nov.: This was the closing, Sunday school was by Bassey Ekpe: He taught on praise worship, and thanksgiving message was by host Pastor Christian Ogbuka captioned: Real Salvation demands the following: TEXT: PS27: 1 Stating that when one is saved he entertains no fear from what the outside world will do etc. After the service there were photographs. At about 3pm many departed from the campground.

Umuahia, Pastor Cyriacus Nwachukwu: Attendance = 69 to 81; Our weekly activities was the order of the month. while some member went to market to fend for their living, for this coming up Christmas, nevertheless, God is still with us here in Umuahia, Amen.

Omoba Isiala Ngwa, Pastor Ronald Iheanacho: No report

Ikot Edibon, Pastor Okon Jim Ibok: Attendance = 15 to 20; We conducted 3 day revival, One-day Fasting and prayer, And House to house Evangelism.

Ikot Inyang Eti, Pastor Udobong Okon Essien: Attendance = 69 to 72, 2 souls saved; Evangelical Activities included One week prayer which ended successfully. Street Evangelism, on 11th we had a successful Tarry-night as many souls were converted. From 28th to 30th we had camp meeting Abia State. Praise God.

Ehere, Aba, Pastor James Igbokwe: Attendance = 15 to 35; The Church is moving, despite we are in the market where people are ashamed to fellowship with us I mean responsible people. They need to go out of the market place. I was led to search out for a plot of land or more. I did found, but we are handicapped. The land I saw will cost us N300,000 ($2,142.00) each plot, please Sirs do everything possible, to help us, we are increasing every service more children come. We numbered to 35 persons. We embark more to preaching in the streets every evening.

Calabar 1, Pastor Johnnie Austin: Attendance = 40 to 70; 4 souls saved; during the month, we engaged ourselves every week on Streets Public Preaching. This attracted many listeners. We also distributed free tracts to members of the public. We conducted house-to-house evangelism every Monday and Saturday throughout the month. We carried out our hospital and prison ministry visitation on Tuesday and Thursday each week. We laid hands on the sick, preached and also distributed tracts to them. And it was pleasing to discover that on our second time of visiting the sick on their sick beds, they have been discharged. Praise the Lord. Our demand now is to get a land in Calabar for building of place of worship. May I also use this opportunity to appeal for increment in my stipend to enable me meet up my transport cost to and from Aba for ministers meeting?

Calabar 2, Pastor Bassey Ekpe: Attendance = 5 to 10. 8 souls saved. Evangelistic Activities: We Started in this Calabar 2, location, since last month, there is hope that this place, shall surely improve as it is thickly populated. We thank God for this place, we now need 30 chairs, a Bible Stand, Loud Speaker, the cement work is still going on, we need a Table, a Bell, we still remain grateful to W.M.F. can you now consider increasing my little monthly stipend as I do always spend this money in transporting myself to the meeting at Aba and nothing is always left for me and my total commitment to God.

Eket Urban, Pastor E. David: Attendance = 30 to 36; There was so much activities due to the ill health of my wife and latter her death. Please may I remind my brethren that the former place of worship can’t contain us anymore, hence we need money to hire a bigger place to contain us in a more centralized area. Most members live far away from the Church and they always stay away from the church due to lack of transport fare. I therefore pray my brethren to help us to move forward. We need the sum of Seventy Thousand Naira ($500.00) to do these things. We need to buy chairs, table and rent the place.

Report From WMF Bible College, Lagos, Nigeria

December 16, 2003

We successfully concluded our seminar in November. More than 30 participants attended. Two topics were selected: Problems facing Church of God at this end time and possible remedies, and Application of scientific management principles in the church administration. Three were baptized after the seminar. We are happy to see ministers from denominations coming to hear the truth from The Church of God. Our request: We need your contributions to commence the incorporation with federal government of Nigeria.

Thank You,
Bro. A. O. Edet


 

INDIA

November 16, 2003

Dear Bro. In Christ,

Greetings to you in the Name of our Beloved Lord who is the same yesterday, today & forever.

I am to introduce myself as K. P. Paul, eldest son of Bro. K. H. Paul.

I regret to let you know that my father, K. H. Paul, was promoted to glory on Nov 2. As he desired, we have buried him by taking coffin to a place (Peravali) 7 Kms away from Tanuku. For the past few years, in Peravali & surrounding villages he ministered and constructed a church in Peravali also. This is his last attempt. He was in bed about 20 days. During those days he was praying & praising God. He called all pastors, co-workers, church members and relatives and wished each and every one.

Four months back, daddy told me to get the verse to be write on the coffin as well on the tomb. The verse is: “I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living”, Psalm 116:9. Nearly thousand people attended to this funeral. Many people couldn’t attend; those who are far off and also the other reason is that we couldn’t inform too many people; if not there would be a large crowd. Many pastors, co-workers and church members attended to the memorial ceremony and admired him as well his mission endeavor.

The work so far carried out here by the prayers of the saints and financial support of Church of God members. We are really indebted to one and all to the members and I really thank all for prayers and financial support in the past.

I associated with him for the last several years as you see in the picture, I’m holding the mike while my father preaching the gospel. We are seeking the Lord’s help and guidance to go forward in His service. We covet your prayers as we are praying.

Your Brother in Christ,
K. P. Paul


 

YOUTH CORNER

Once again here we are at the corner. As we look around we see the lights, decorations, and all the things that remind us that it is Christmas time. Ahh, Christmas, do you remember when you were younger on Christmas Eve? You couldn’t sleep, you would toss and turn, wondering and waiting to open those gifts. Then Christmas day would come, you would be up at 4:00 a.m. jumping on your parents bed saying “IT’S MORNING! IT’S CHRISTMAS”

Then you would drag everyone out of bed and wearing your best p.j.’s (the ones with the feet in them?) go and open those gifts. Remember the excitement? During this Christmas season and for the New Year, can you be as excited about the greatest gift you can give? That is Jesus, this holiday season and the new year let’s share this gift and live the life so the world will want the gift.

Power Verse : Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”.

Remember we have a Savior we can trust, and depend on. I know for many of you the holidays and the prospect of a new year is not a scary and unpleasant time. Maybe you have problems with your family, or things financially are not good, well just remember that when you are going through a rough time what it says in Luke 2:1 “And it came to pass . . .”

Those bad times will not be around forever they did not come to stay but to pass. Remember just keep holding onto God and ride out the storm, because it came to pass.

Is your youth group doing something exciting, fun or unique? Is there something going on that you want to let us know about? Also is there something you would like to see in the youth corner or a question you want to ask, please send it to me at:

Bro. Brian Bridges
123 Lambert Drive
Manassas Park, Va 20111-1829
E-mail: badleg@juno.com
Phone: 703-368-0805

Well that it about it for this year, Remember to always Live God Loud!

Bro. Brian Bridges

Upcoming Events:

See Calendar


 

MEETING REPORT

Greetings to the Saints:

Our Thanksgiving Fellowship Meeting was one of the best we have had, thanks to the presence of the Lord, to meet the needs of those who came. The theme of the meeting “Christ is the Answer” proved to be what God wanted as the thought carried over into nearly every message. Our love for him and the realization of his eternal value is the only thing that will cause us to make the choices to forsake all that his Kingdom and the preaching of it will bring peace in our homes, churches, country and the world.

The revival with Sister Anna and Brother Charles Jantz was effective in helping souls to find the peace they needed and her messages showed that Christ is the answer to every soul’s problems.

We want to express our gratitude for all those who came and those who prayed for the meeting. We owe a special thanks to those who helped financially and those who worked in the kitchen both cooking and serving. The church in Monroe not only cooked the Friday evening meal but also paid for the hamburgers. To the Doziers and Duprees, we want to express our thanks for them cooking breakfast each morning. All those who helped in anyway we want you to know your efforts are appreciated.

Those of you who could not be with us really missed a real time of refreshing. We trust that God will make it possible for us all to gather together next year and be strengthened by God’s presence and the fellowship of the Saints.

Sincerely,
Charles E. Powell, Pastor
Zion Hill Church of God
Benton, Arkansas


 

DEATH

Following a prolonged illness, Brother William Webb of Dunn Loring, Virginia passed into the arms of our Lord on December 23, 2003. His faith in God was firm to the end. Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of a saint.


 

PASTOR NEEDED

The West Side Church of God in Lebanon, Missouri is in need of a pastor. Interested persons may contact Bro. Mike Griffin 417-532-4784



Created by: Brian S. Rexroth, Sr.
Maintained by: Dexter Horst
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